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All About Eden Community News for Eden District
October 2016 Issue Nine
ALSTON MOOR REMEMBERS 1914 - 1918 EXHIBITION
In this Issue October 2016
Lots more to discover in Alston Moor Welcome to issue 9 of our Community magazine All About Eden. In this magazine, we focus on Alston Moor, which has one of the most vibrant communities in the District. This is a resplendent area rich in history, culture and popular with locals and visitors for its panoramic views of the Eden Valley and the North Pennines.
4 - 5 Restoring Alston’s Townscape Heritage 7
Get into Gymmnastics at Penrith Lesiure Centre
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Better Swimmers Sooner with Penrith Lesiure Centre
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Help to make your business more dementia friendly
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Discovering more about Alston Moor
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EdenSave on Alston Moor - Banking on our community
18 - 19 Can you help identify Alston Moor’s pals? 20
Community Gym back in shape
Alston Moor is already widely recognised as a hotbed of social enterprise and we focus on some of the projects that are making a real difference in one of Eden’s remotest rural communities. We find out more about their successful community gym, how they are protecting and enhancing the town’s historic vista and researching the area’s Great War history. Eden Save Credit Union has been established for three years now and has over 500 members. We speak to its Chairman Adrian Rush, about how the Credit Union’s loans are an alternative to traditional high street banks and perhaps more importantly for those most in need, a much better option than unscrupulous doorstep lenders and payday loan companies. Dementia is a condition we hear more and more about in the media with our ageing population. The Alzheimer’s Society is working with the Eden Health and Wellbeing Forum to help businesses and public services become more dementia friendly, by offering training to their staff so they can gain a better understand of the needs of people with this condition. As the dark winter nights draw in those inspirational achievements of Team GB at this Summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio can seem a distant memory. But if you are looking to beat the ‘Winter Blues’ with a spot of exercise, why not take a look at the different activities Penrith and Appleby Leisure Centres have to offer? They have sports and activities for all ages and abilities. To inspire you, we have interviews in this issue with the Centres’ swimming and gymnastics coaches. I hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Photograph kindly reproduced courtesy of Nurture Eden. Accessibility information and contact details: All About Eden is produced for everyone living and work in Eden and is printed on paper from sustainable sources. If you have any concerns or queries regarding the magazine or require a summary of any articles in an alternative language or format contact: The Council’s Communication Officer: Telephone: 01768 212137 Email: communication@eden.gov.uk Disclaimer: We gratefully acknowledge the support of firms whose advertisements appear throughout this publication. Please note however, that the inclusion of advertisers in All About Eden is not construed as having a Council endorsement or recommendation of the firms featured. ALL RIGHTS-RESERVED – Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of the copyright owner. No responsibility will be accepted for any errors or omissions, or comments made by writers or interviewees. Views expressed are not necessarily those of Eden District Council.
Councillor Kevin Beaty Leader of Eden District Council edenleader@kevinbeaty.co.uk
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hat is the Alston Townscape Heritage Project? The scheme will improve a number of architecturally-important properties on Front Street and market street within Alston’s conservation area. The project includes a programme of community heritage events, alongside more specific skills and training opportunities over the next five years. How is the Scheme being funded? Alston Moor Partnership Ltd has received a £1.3 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). This is the only Townscape Heritage Scheme not being run by a local authority. The total project cost will be in the region of £1.7m with funding also provided by Eden District Council, Alston Moor Parish Council and from property owners’ contributions. How is the funding being used? To improve and regenerate a number of historic town centre properties and shops, with the reinstating of traditional windows and shop-fronts. This will improve the look and user-friendliness of the ‘streetscape’, making it a more attractive environment for residents and visitors. 4 | All About Eden
Ryder House and the Caine Workshop are some of the first properties undergoing repairs. A full programme of community activities and events is planned including heritage skills fairs, stone festivals, heritage and skills workshops, energy efficiency sessions, building and property tours. Volunteers are more than welcome to get involved. There are also a number of training opportunities for local tradespeople, with over 20 heritage skills training events planned and the opportunity to access recognised skills in areas such as traditional building repairs, cobbling and working with lime. Tells us more about Alston Moor Partnership Ltd? The Partnership draws its membership from the local community. It is managed by a board including representatives of the Parish and District Council. We promote activities that help Alston Moor punch above its weight. This includes attracting grant funding to Alston Moor and launching initiatives that make use of funding with a view to handing these projects over to other local organisations where appropriate. For more information visit www.alstonmoorpartnership.co.uk
Something Brewing with Alston’s Historic TeapoT with Gina Perryman and Rhys Thomas
Ryder House is the first property to benefit from Alston Moor’s Townscape Heritage Scheme. Tell us more about the property? Ryder House was built around 1860 and was owned by Thomas Bramwell, jeweller and silversmith, who was born in Garrigill. He opened a watchmakers and jewellers shop at the property. He became a very popular photographer and in the early 1890s he opened a portrait studio here. He died in 1907 and his son ran the business until 1925 when the premises were taken over by J.H Hodgkinson, ‘The Chemist’. How long have you been running a B&B at Ryder House? We relocated to Alston Moor from Essex two years ago as we are keen walkers. Ryder House was previously a very popular café, but closed five years ago, when the previous owner passed away. We have gradually refurbished the inside of the building since we purchased it in 2014 and now offer three rooms on the upper floors for B&B accommodation, which is proving popular with walkers and cyclists: www.ryderhousealston.co.uk What restoration is being carried out to the historic property? The front and roof of the building had deteriorated over the years, so it’s had a complete overhaul, being repaired and reinstated by local tradespeople who specialise in conservation work. Historic photographs of Ryder House show a decorative ornate carved console bracket topped off with a finial at each end of the shop’s front feature. Sadly these have been lost over time. They are historically important and a specialist wood carver has been commissioned to accurately reinstate these unusual features. Ryder House also has a famous teapot? The iconic ‘Alston Moor Teapot’ is attached to the front of Ryder House, from when it was a café. The original ceramic teapot has become worn over the years so a new one has been commissioned and is being made as part of the restorations. We will be opening The Top Café at Ryder House later this Winter, once the renovations are complete.
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GET INTO GYMNASTICS AT PENRITH LEISURE CENTRE
Ina Wightman tell us more.
What are the benefits of the gymnastics? Gymnastics has many different benefits which include: the development of fundamental skills, increased fitness, strength and flexibility, the development of exceptional teamwork skills, increased levels of confidence and most importantly ENJOYMENT!!
What is your role at Penrith Leisure Centre? I am the Eden Community Gymnastics Coach at the Leisure Centre in Penrith and Head Coach for Penrith Gymnastics Club. Our aim is to provide high quality gymnastics instruction in a safe, progressive and What gymnastic classes does encouraging environment which Penrith Leisure Centre offer? helps each gymnast reach their fullest We deliver gymnastics classes for all potential. ages and abilities in a great facility with the use of competition standard Do you have a gymnastics equipment. We offer recreational background? and competitive opportunities in our Yes, I was a gymnast from the age of gymnastics programme: 5–17 years. I was Junior and Senior overall Latvian Champion, was a The Gymnastics for All programme member of the National Team for offers: Parents and Child gymnastics 5 years in a row, participant at the for 18 month+, Independent Child World Championships and the World class for 3-4 years, Pre-school Youth Games, and a winner in several gymnastics for 4-5 years, Recreational international competitions. I’m gymnastics classes for children passionate about the sport and I have (5-14 years), General and Rhythmic a desire to use my knowledge to help gymnastics classes, Teen Gymnastics others improve. I have been coaching for (13+ years). at Penrith Leisure Centre for three years. I am a UKCC Level 3 General Competitive programme: General Gymnasts Coach, Level 2 Rhythmic Gymnastics Squad – these gymnasts Gymnastics Coach and Pre-school learn advance gymnastics skills on Gymnastics Coach. floor, vault, bars and beam. These
gymnasts take part in competitions. Rhythmic gymnastics squad – these gymnasts compete in regional and invitational competitions. Penrith Gymnastics Club has many dedicated coaches, several of whom were gymnasts themselves and now dedicate their time to help teach. The sessions are lead by our fully qualified coaches. How can I find out more information? Spaces are limited so to book your space please contact Penrith Leisure Centre call 01768 863450.
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What programmes does the Leisure centre offer to encourage people to learn to swim? There has never been a better time for you or your children to learn to swim or improve existing swimming skills. Our Better Swimmers Sooner programme runs for 46 weeks of the year. For those looking to learn to swim we have a comprehensive lesson programme starting from parent and toddler sessions right through to high standard junior lessons and also adult lessons. Whatever your age or ability we will have the right lesson for you, simply contact us to discuss your requirements.
With Bernadette Kernan Swimming Lesson Co-ordinator at Penrith Leisure Centre. How long have you worked at Penrith Leisure Centre? I’ve been a teacher at Penrith Leisure Centre for 17 years. I’ve been a level 2 Amateur Swimming Association qualified teacher for 20 years and first qualified as a teacher when I worked as a waitress in a swimming school in Devon. I’m also qualified to teach Aquafit, shallow and deep water classes. I take four classes a week. Do you teach people of all age ranges and abilities to swim? Yes, I take adult and infant classes with babies from 3 months old, children’s swimming lessons, schools swimming lessons and adult swimming lessons. These are in groups and on a 1-1 basis.
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Children on swimming lessons receive a free beActive Leisure Card which entitles them to free unlimited swimming during General Swim Sessions, perfect for keeping them active during the summer holidays, halfterm and weekends! If you pay by direct debit also free entry to Jungle Jacks. What swimming facilities does Penrith Leisure Centre offer? In our 25 metre five lane main pool and 13 metre studio pool you can swim for fitness or fun, learn to swim, improve your style or take part in an aqua class. You can even book the swimming pool for a children’s birthday party! Our facilities are also used by local swimming and triathlon clubs who welcome new members. For more information contact Penrith Leisure Centre, telephone: 01768 863450.
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argaret Irving, Local Alzheimer’s Society Representative tell us more. Why is it important to become more dementia friendly? There are currently 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, almost 8,000 in Cumbria and around 900 in Eden. Nationally these numbers will rise to 1 million by 2025 and 2 million by 2051. By creating more dementiafriendly communities and businesses people affected by dementia feel understood and included. How can businesses in Eden become more dementia-friendly? It only takes small changes to really help people affected by dementia. Patience and understanding are what people tell us means the most. So businesses could consider their staff attending a short dementia awareness session and becoming dementia friends, or using the dementia friendly environments checklist in their premises. For free, businesses can join the local Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) and promote dementia awareness in the community.
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What support can businesses offer? Businesses can support people with dementia by going the extra mile to show them they are valued customers. People with dementia may need a little extra time, help counting change, or help finding an item or service. People with dementia tell us they will return to a business if they receive good service, and we want businesses to know how valuable they are in creating a dementia inclusive community. What are Dementia Action Alliances (DAAs)? DAAs are networks of organisations, businesses and people who encourage and support communities to become dementiafriendly, enabling people to live well with dementia in their local area. DAAs vary in size and can consist of people with dementia and carers, local councils, banks, shops, transport companies, libraries, leisure centres, health and social care providers including GPs, Fire, Police and voluntary organisations.
There are currently 13 DAAs being set up in Cumbria. Penrith’s was launched on 21 October 2016. There are also plans to establish one in Upper Eden. What is a Dementia Friend? The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme aims to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It seeks to remove the stigma and lack of understanding that means many people with dementia experience loneliness and social exclusion. Already over 1.6 million people have become dementia friends. People can attend a face-to-face Information Session delivered by a trained Dementia Champion or watch an online video. Dementia Friends is about learning about dementia and the ways you can help. For more information about dementia visit www.alzheimers. org.uk or call the Alzheimer’s Society helpline: 0300 222 1122. Picture Caption: The Lemon Tree Café and Bistro in Penrith is supporting the local Dementia Action Alliance.
Discover more about Alston Moor With Elizabeth McDonald and Jane Randall from
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lston Local Links based in the Town Hall is a hub of information for residents and visitors. What services do you provide? We provide information about what there is available to do and take part in in the local area for residents and visitors. We also provide internet access, photocopying, library services, information about Council services, stamps, newspapers, transport information including the Community Wheels Service and NowCard passes, saleable items and information on places to stay and to eat on Alston Moor. What activities and events can people take part in at Local Links? We provide or host loads of different activities including basic computer skills classes as and when required. We have a Knit and Natter Group on the first Tuesday of every month from 10.30am- 11.30am. A Reading Group on the first Thursday of each month from 1.30pm-2.30pm. A Sing-a-long every Friday from 11.10am-11.30am. We also do a weekly Storytime with Primary School children. Quarterly crafts with Pat Struthers, including flower arranging, Christmas wreaths and Easter posies etc and Antonia Language Taster Courses – Spanish and Greek taster sessions including tapas and meze.
How is the Local Links Centre run? Alston Local Links is a partnership between Eden District Council and Cumbria County Council. It combines the resources of the Tourist Information Centre, the District Council’s Customer Services and the County Council’s Library into one team to preserve these resources and services for the people of Alston Moor. The combined services are available for 36 hours a week in Winter and 46 hours a week during the Summer. When many tourist information centres only offer a part-time service and many remote towns only have a mobile library service, this is a notable achievement. The Alston Local Links centre team are always keen to respond to the needs of the community and regularly go above and beyond to help the residents and visitors of Alston Moor. What do you both enjoy about working at Local Links? The variety of people we meet and helping with their queries. You never know what you are going to get asked next!! Being able to help people get the most out of their visits to the area. What are the opening hours? Winter opening times from October to March Mon 10am–5pm Tues 10am–3pm Wed 10am–3pm Thurs 10am-3pm Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm Sun Closed Contact Alston Local Links: alstonlocallinks@eden.gov.uk Tel: 01434 382244 Town Hall, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RF All About Eden | 15
Adrian Rush, Chair of EdenSave Credit Union tell us more. What benefits do Credit Unions offer the local community? EdenSave Credit Union is here to benefit the local community. We have 500 members currently and 68 of these are on Alston Moor. We are different from other financial institutions in that people who have accounts with the Credit Union are its members and owners. We don’t pay interest to shareholders like banks. We provide credit at competitive rates and other financial services to our members. We can provide loans of up to £7,500 and we can lend money in circumstances when high street banks may say no, so please come in and talk to us. Is my money safe with a Credit Union? Yes, money saved with EdenSave is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which is the same statutory fund that covers deposits in high street banks. There are 500 credit unions in the UK, and about a million people are members. Loans from EdenSave EdenSave is able to do smaller loans, which most high street banks won’t do. We are a cheaper alternative to unscrupulous doorstep lenders and pay day loan companies, or even high street household goods suppliers who offer excessively high APR rates for credit. Why not get the money from us first for the goods or services you require, then buy locally or online! You don’t have to be a Credit Union member to apply for a loan, but you will need to join the Credit Union if your loan is approved. How can people join Eden Save? Anyone who lives or works in Eden District and is at least 16 years old can become a member. Businesses can also join. Simply fill in an application form which is available online or from our offices. There is a minimum deposit required on joining of £5. There is a one-off membership fee of £2 which is deducted from your initial deposit. When you join we also need two documents that confirm your name and address.
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Where can I find out more information? On Thursdays at Alston in the Alston Moor Partnership Office on Front Street from 10.30am-12.30pm. In Penrith in the Devonshire Arcade, open Monday-Friday 10.30am-1pm. Telephone: 01768 890065 www.edensave.com
By the Alston Moor Remembers 1914-1918 Group Why did the local community put The Alston Moor Remembers 1914-1918 exhibition together? We put the exhibition together to raise money to renew the war memorials at Alston and Nent Hall. A great deal of care has been taken to research the individual histories of men who enlisted to serve in the Great War, many of whom lived or worked on Alston Moor. We have received complimentary feedback about the exhibition and people have contacted us from Canada, New Zealand and Australia to find out more about their families. We are exchanging information with people all the time to update records. People get quite emotional when they visit the exhibition, many tears have been shed when people discover how their relatives fought and died. Why are you seeking the public’s help? We are looking to trace the identities of nine men who enlisted to fight in the Great War at Alston Moor, we believe on the same day (14 September 1914). The men were photographed together at Alston Town Hall. We have identified three of the men. Two of whom are 18 | All About Eden
Henry Abbott (wearing the cap in back row) and Edward Oxley (far left in back row), who were best friends from Yorkshire. They worked in the local area and married sisters from Alston Moor, so were brothers-in-law. The third man we have identified is William Turnbull. As part of the Somme Commemoration events held in conjunction with the Cumbria Museum of Military Life, relatives of the men we have traced so far came to Alston
Mr and Mrs Oxland, who are related to Noel Oxland, Alston Moor’s war poet.
How long do the individual histories of local men who served in the Great War take to research? We have so far researched the individual stories of 25 soldiers from Alston Moor who fought in the Great War and we hope to complete around 90. Information about each solider can be researched online via Brigade/Regimental websites and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Five people are undertaking the research and a soldier’s history can take a couple of weeks to complete. We aim to be as accurate as possible and include maps of where people travelled to once they enlisted at Alston Moor.
Nent Hall War Memorial
What is next for the Alston Moors Remembers Group? We hope to make the exhibition information available online for more people to see and to start to research Alston Moor’s Second World War history.
l r War Memoria
How are donations from people who visit the exhibition benefitting the local community? Through generous donations, £3,600 has been raised to help part fund the renovation of the war memorials at Alston and Nent Hall. The Alston War Memorial needs cleaning and the walls pointing up. The stone flags and steps up to it need putting on a new sub-base and the stonework renewed. For Nent Hall’s Memorial, the ground behind it needs tidying up, the stonework needs repairing and the lettering needs repainting. We hope to organise rededication ceremonies for both War Memorials once the renovation works are complete. We are seeking funding from the War Graves Trust to support the renovation works and are going to
apply to the Eden Community Fund for monies for rededication events.
The Alston Moo
Town Hall to help recreate the photo. If you have any information about the nine men pictured in the photograph please contact Alston Local Links.
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Instructors Gill and Russ Munro tells us more Alston Moor Community Gym is now fighting fit. How has the local community turned the project around? We took over the running of the Gym as a community project with five other part-time staff at the start of January this year. We were given 12 weeks to turn the Gym’s fortunes around. The membership was only 44 people and its bank balance was in the red. Ten months later and we now have over 200 members aged from 15-80 of all abilities and the gym is functioning without any additional funding support for the first time in 12 years. The gym operates as a not for profit community project. This is a real success story for the local community. Where is the Community Gym based? The gym is located at the pavilion at the Tyne Willows sport pitches off Station Road in Alston. We have a good range of fitness equipment from aerobic facilities to rolling walker machines, so we can cater for older people who may just want to be a little bit more active, to people who want a six-pack for that beach holiday, or as young people say to look ‘buff’. Russ and I have been training people for over 30 years in top level body building, so along with the other staff here we have a range of skills and experience to help people achieve their personal goals. For example, we 20 | All About Eden
have a gym user, who has MS and is in a wheelchair, who comes to train to improve their upper body strength. Another person is recovering from a stroke and is gradually improving their mobility with gentle exercise session by session. Often the hardest part of improving your fitness is having the confidence to take that first step through the gym door and find out more information. We are here to help, being fitter is a big positive for everyone. The Community Gym is also looking to enhance its services? We have received such good support from the local community to the improvements at the gym, we are now looking to see what opportunities are available to add value to our services. This could include supporting GP referrals or working as a health hub with local businesses.
Membership is free and it costs £5 per session or £20 per month for unlimited use (payment by standing order). The gym’s opening times are: • Mon – Friday 9am-12pm 4pm-8pm • Weekends 9am-1pm For more information find New Alston Gym on Facebook.
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