Eden Local Issue 184 by Lee Quinn

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ISSN 2516-1431

Your Independent Community Magazine Penrith and areas of the Eden Valley

Eden 107

The Appleby Show Penrith Lions May Day returns 2023 20 Years with Cumbria Oak On Reflection 2019 & 2022 The Water Vole

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Cumbrian Local Publications • Issue 1No. 184• Launched November 2010

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Welcome to Cumbrian Local Publication 184 Dare I say it ‘a warm welcome to you’ as it’s raining outside again, whilst I send this edition off to print!

A Snapshot of what we’re got It’s our first August edition in three years After our initial introduction (P3 & 5) it’s short notice for some, as distribution starts 28th/29th July, but for those reading online from 26th it’s 18 days away. We have the Appleby Show on 11th August and Eden FM will be hoping to attempt a Guinness World Record at the show on that day (P8 -9). We have our regular Penrith Town Council piece with an update on the 2022-23 Council Chair and Vice Chair (P10-11). After discussions with some members of the Penrith Lions, the Eden Local is pleased to share news of the first announcement about the return of the Penrith Lions annual May Fair, but it’s not just a May Fair! (P12). There are a few people reflecting on the Summer of 2019 and the Summer of 2022 (P6, 20 & 21). Centre page is a celebration of Cumbria Oak being established in 2002. For the first time in many years, we have a catch up on national News (P18-19) and we also branch out to Allonby, on the West Coast for an important announcement (P30-31), but before that, we are back in the Garden with Karen Roberts (P24), we have an update on the Lowther Gardens (P26-27) and we are up stream or is it down stream with Water Voles, thanks to Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Eden Rivers Trust and other partners (P28-29). Thank you to all our volunteer writers and contributors

When we started this year the planned print and delivery for the Eden was already in place, set in the previous with a review in March then May as a year of so many uncertainties was ahead. The August Eden Local in your hand now, or online in front of you, its first August magazine since 2019. It wasn’t in the plan in 2022 and it was only in May we decided to produce. ‘On refection’ this means that we are up to 11 Eden Locals scheduled in the year for the first time since coming out of Lockdown. I’ve take that moment to briefly reflect on where we were 36 months ago as the August 2019 Eden Local was over 40 publications ago. In that year we also had a January 2019 edition which was our last. It is not in the 2023 or 2024 plan so it may not return. The idea of going back to producing a January Eden local before the middle of December in any year, is sadly not a priority. Coordinating a delivery at the end of any December for possibly a period of the worse weather in the year with the worst daylight makes me go cold thinking about it. I also know how much the delivery teams appreciate finishing the delivery year on before the second weekend of December. This coupled with knowing the next Eden Local will arrive mid-January, allowing for bad weather that we aim to have usually by 12th February. Why I am telling you this, well it is simple information but with the growing numbers of readers, followers and new businesses, what you are reading is the end product and it’s free. Just like my time in putting it together. With new readers every month it is important to emphasise what we do and why as a small independent business. What you have is an established community magazine so why not share why that is the case. We like to let people know that after a lot of hours in planning, and delivering that despite turbulent times we’ll still do our best to be here. We continue to experience increases in our deliveries every month since coming back from lockdown. Unfortunately 3

we’ve also experienced in 2022 production increases in cost of over 25% and this excludes the cost of fuel which we also have to add in covering an area that is 22 mile north to South and 15 miles East to West with Penrith in the centre. Producing a publication purely supported by the revenue of its advertisers during quite a difficult time.

It’s a year that I know will be hard to forget, sadly I lost a dear follower of my life’s work. On having the duty of emptying their home, I found a complete set of Eden Locals, ‘read once’ only. So for now I would like to dedicate this Eden Local to my Nan, who sadly passed away at the end of June.

The world did certainly change in 2020 when we experienced the motorways that were almost silenced and there were no planes in the sky. Whilst we did skip two months as print for magazines, events guides and programmes stopped when we went in to lockdown, we did finish 2020 with 12 publications. As for returning to 12 Eden Locals a year its one I still cannot answer.

So life goes on as it must and with it comes good news, Emily my eldest daughter graduated from University finally after being delayed by two years, due to Lockdown, COVID restrictions and home learning. I’m now working on the on the September and October editions, so I’ll be back next month. We’ll more updates and new businesses that will be put in front of new readers. We’ll some continuations of the news and stories in these additions and set to take us deep in 2023.

Reflecting on this July passed, whilst the Skelton was a huge blow, I did mention in my opening last month that I bought my new 18 month diary and my first entry was to put the 1st July 2023 Skelton show in. I have added five more local events in to my diary for 2023 and I am also pleased to announce that the Guinness World Record attempt that Eden FM had planned for the show that was cancelled has now been rescheduled. You will see these details further on in the magazine.

My thanks once again to all those who help make the Eden Local the largest printed publication in Eden and special thanks to the delivery teams who are now posting on social media as the deliveries are completed. Take care out there Lee

Whilst we are in the height of the summer, we’ve had the extreme temperatures and in national news there’s been a lot going on, many of us switch off from this but have done a small news update this month re some of those headlines. Despite so many things going on around us that we have no control over, when this magazine arrives with I know that I would have experience close to 14,000 Eden Locals arriving at my house which I would then sort out into over 40 different routes.

01768 862394

Phone: Email: lee@cumbrianlocal.co.uk www.cumbrianlocal.co.uk Cumbrian Local Publications Ltd, Suite 6, Cumbria House, Gilwilly Road, Penrith CA11 9FF

Front Cover: © Terry Whittaker - 2020 VISION

It’s a route I’ve had for a very long time, sometimes is been slight varied but the outcome is those boxes arrive the teams collect and here we are.

updates

It’s true to say I have a lot of my journey in what I do and experience six that first issue of the Eden Local back in 2010. Since April of this year, from having COVID, to the local elections I’ve had three house removals, related to close family and possible lost 2 weeks of time each month from April through to the end of July due to things that took me away from the two key voluntary functions I have being the running of this small publication and the community radio.

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Eden FM Notice: Eden Local prints various articles, features, and advertisements. Although these appear in Eden FM, any opinions expressed are the opinion of the author, these are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. ©Copyright Eden Local 2022. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part may be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.

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On another note…

GONE FISHING

It was 12 years ago in June 2010 that I started knocking on doors, and I began explaining to potential clients about the idea of a local magazine that would serve Penrith and the areas around it. As a small glossy magazine, it wouldn’t be beaten on price as it was going to be free. In that first Eden Local, released and posted through doors that year, I described the magazine that was introduced to launch Eden FM Radio, that as a combined vision was called an ‘Eden Project’ with a difference. Well, in case you are wondering why Rex di Noci has gone fishing and he’s talking about the Eden Project, to a lot of people it is a huge Eco project in Cornwall that opened in March 2001. However, I did slip in that in June 2022, I finally took the 400-mile trip to the small Cornish fishing town of Looe; my first trip there was over 50 years ago, and our last as a family 19 years ago. Yes, I went fishing and yes for the first time I visited the Eden Project. It was certainly hotter than the recent weather we’ve had!

I took a week’s vacation in Cornwall First I visited Padstow that’s famous For its lifeboat named The Malcolm Arnold Overshadowed by something horrendous The overpricing in the House of Stein Seven fifty for a pea and mint soup Though a gratis bottle of Pollock wine Might lull you into feeling cock a hoop Then I set out on the road to St. Ives But my journey was blocked by seven wives Who invited me to a floral dance If I would pay their bus fares to Penzance Salting mackerel into the barrel Ready to eat when the salad is tossed That was the day that I found Withiel A stannery town that for years was Lost They thought my poetry was oh so cool Till I was expelled from the Newlyn School Full Tribute I paid to a Proper Job The brewery turned me into a slob At Eden would you Adam and Eve it I lost my hat but went to retrieve it ‘Twas melted by the dome’s humidity Back to St. Austell – more liquidity I was told by the locals one and all I should take in the seaside at Mouse Hole I bought a new hat and gave it a go To the town that had named a West End show A crime thriller by the South West scribbler Who wrote as Agatha du Maurier Her heroine killed a past it fiddler Who‘d tortured the Redruth Astoria Truro will not be easy to forget A cathedral with neither heart nor soul The Heavens ensured that day I stayed wet Touring villages that all start with Pol

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Appleby Show Thursday 11th August 2022 www.applebyshow.co.uk Appleby Show has been running since 1841 and is now held on the Hanging Shaw Fields, Long Marton Road, Appleby, CA16 6JL with kind permission of the Winter Family. We haven’t run a show for 2 years due to the pandemic but are excited to bring the show back this year. We will be running livestock, horse, Industrial (with a new garden section), poultry, crop, dog and vintage vehicle classes. We have a variety of attractions in our main ring including Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, Astral Circus, Terrier racing, Concours d’elegance and Eden Valley Young Farmers. We have numerous different trade stands, catering facilities and a craft tent. Appleby Show dance will be held on Friday 12th August in the Industrial marquee. Amy Titterington Appleby Show Secretary Email - secretary.applebyshow@gmail.com phone - 07510044409

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The Eden FM Roadshow and Guinness

Eden World Record attempt ‘TAKE TWO’ 107

Following on from our planned Official World Record attempt at the Skelton show that unfortunately didn’t go ahead because of the bad weather.

Eden107.5 We are once pleased and proud to announce once again a big day for the small Community radio station. We’ll try again and have our first outing with our new mobile studio, which is also to hire as multi-purpose uses for exhibitions and campaigns. On this occasion at the Appleby Show Eden FM will need the help of over 110 people who are attending the show on that day. It could be you! We need people to come forward now and on the day before 11:30am for a sort of induction and as a friend of Eden FM we

want you to take part in an official Guinness World Record attempt. The record we are hoping to break is ‘The Most radio DJs presenting one radio show simultaneously’. The most radio DJs presenting one radio show simultaneously is 108, and was achieved by Radio Hub PSG Tech and PSG Community Radio 107.8 MHZ (both India) in Coimbatore, India, on 10 April 2019. Can you do it? A short piece of your time spent talking on a microphone as one of we hope over 108 presenters on that day. Email Lee, that’s me at: lee@edenfm.co.uk or call 01768 862394 for more details. It’s not about age this one, it’s about the confidence of just reading something or talking about something live on air for a very short time. You will be a part of history and we hope it’s the part that is you becoming one of many getting what could be the first World Record held by a UK radio station in a very long time. PLEASE NOTE On this rare occasion you my get your Eden Local after the 11th August date. The Appleby Show has been previously advertised across a number of media platforms, unfortunately the Eden FM rescheduling of its World Record attempt event could not be announced in the June and July editions.

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PENRITH MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR FOR 2022 On Monday 23 May 2022, Penrith Town Council elected their Council Chair and Vice Chair. Councillor Charlie Shepherd was elected Chair and Councillor Dave Knaggs Vice Chair. In 2015, the Council resolved that the Council Chair would be Town Mayor and the Vice Chair would be Deputy Town Mayor. This will be Councillor Shepherds second year as Mayor and one in which we very much hope normal business will resume: “I am very grateful to my fellow councillors in voting for me to continue as Chair of Penrith Town council and hence the Mayor. It is a great honour to lead the Council in its work to help the people of my hometown. The town Council will continue to work in cooperation with Eden District Council and the Shadow authority on the delivery of arts and culture for the town to support its economic growth and vitality. It is essential that everyone works together to provide the best choice of activities for all the people of Penrith. In parallel with this, the Council will work collectively on providing activities and services for the young people of Penrith, which have suffered due to reduced funding over the years. We are working to recruit a Community support officer to allow us to execute the above, while increasing our activities towards meeting the established goal of Climate Neutral by 2030.

This year we will support the Jubilee Canopy by arranging in cooperation with local voluntary organisations to plant trees and bushes in both the Fairhill field and Thacka Beck field, which we have recently obtained from Cumbria County Council, consulting with those who live close to the respective areas. In Thacka Beck field (between the hospital and Pategill) we have an opportunity to meet some of our objectives for climate change and sustainability and we will look at improving the connectivity from the new housing around the Cross Keys and places such as the health 10

centre and Ullswater Community College to encourage people to walk or cycle. Finally we will work with Eden District Council and the new shadow authority, Westmorland and Furness Council, for key Penrith assets to be transferred to the Town Council so that the local assets are owned, managed and maintained by your local authority, Penrith Town Council rather than decisions being made further afield.” Councillor Dave Knaggs has been elected as Vice Chair and deputy Mayor for the first time: “I am honoured to have been elected as Vice Chair of the Penrith Town Council and privileged to work with such a committed group of Councillors and Officers. I have always seen a key strength of the Council as being the wide range of experience and perspectives of its members who volunteer their time generously with dedication and enthusiasm. I look forward to working with them in making a positive and constructive impact on our town. The coming year is a hugely important period with the emergence of our new Westmorland & Furness Council, which will assume its full powers in May 2023. In the meantime, this change has created a unique opportunity to enable greater powers and responsibilities to be devolved more locally to the town council. As a town on the far edge of a large, sprawling authority, I believe that it is important that we have significant responsibilities in local hands. Over the last year, I have personally been focused on influencing a regeneration strategy for the town centre, which has seen an alarming increase in empty retail premises exacerbated by the shift in shopping habits

and accelerated by the pandemic. For me this is a priority issue. We have also seen the town grow rapidly over recent years and I am acutely aware that we need to continue to plan for the appropriate level of amenities, services and infrastructure. I also hope to focus on environmental issues, traffic and parking management, planning, arts and culture, walking and cycling routes and securing a good return on our tourism assets. I know that it is a priority of residents that our town and its surroundings, such as important landmarks like the Beacon, are cherished and protected.” Both Councillors are looking forward to the year ahead and are optimistic for the future of Penrith and its residents.

office@penrithtowncouncil.co.uk 01768 899 773 Write: Penrith Town Council. Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7XR Please get involved in helping to make Penrith a Carbon Neutral Town. It’s crucially important for all of us!! 11

PENRITH LIONS 40th ANNIVERSARY MAY DAY “A note for your diary, 1st May 2023 our May Day Carnival returns for its 40th anniversary year.” The club has started planning for this popular event which takes place in the town centre and will include the activities of previous carnivals: the May Queen, Funfair, Bands and street stalls. In consultation with the District and Town Councils, road closures have already been arranged to make it a safe and enjoyable day but there is still more to do and the club is already working to make this a success for all to enjoy. Closer to the day, the club is hopeful that volunteers might come forward as "friends of Penrith Lions" to assist us to make the day a success - could you help?"

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Help for farmers, by farmers: regenerative agriculture videos By Andi Chapple UK farming is facing a perfect storm. Costs of inputs (for example fertiliser, pesticide and fuel) are soaring, weather patterns (and the climate) are changing and there is a new funding system for farmers to get used to. You may have heard of ‘regenerative’ farming. It teaches us to see food production as integrated with nature and helps to build up local food systems. It can reduce inputs (and bring down costs), increase profitability and future-proof farm businesses. It suits upland livestock as well as market gardening and arable. The Northern Real Farming Conference (NRFC) supports regenerative farming. With support from WWF-UK’s Land, Food and Farming Fund, we have made a series of videos to help farmers research the approach. They show farmers talking about their experiences and offering concentrated

practical advice on the profits and pitfalls of changing land management methods. In ‘Three Regenerative Farming Projects’, Cumbrian farmers talk about how they have changed to ‘rotational grazing’ of sheep and cows - moving stock every day or two and letting the grass regrow - and how they now don’t buy in feed or fertiliser and their farms are in profit. In ‘Local Wool and Textile Production’, you can hear about the stories behind new Lake District tweeds, a British wool database for weavers and knitters and yarn making from sheep local to the shop. The videos are available at www. northernrealfarming.org/video-resources/ and they are really worth a watch even if you don’t farm yourself! Do have a look and join our farmers’ network.

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HR Employment Contracts by Quinn HR

Welcome to the August edition! Last month we talked about the importance of getting and keeping your ‘employment house’ in order, and we clarified the day-one right for employees and workers to receive a written statement of employment particulars – often referred to by many as an employment contract.

When does an employment contract start? It’s really important for all parties to understand that an employment contract starts as soon as someone accepts a job offer (verbally or in writing) with an employer, and an employment contract does not have to be in writing.

I will come back to that point, however, I would firstly like to explain what an employment contract actually is.

If terms of employment such as pay, working days and working hours are discussed as part of a recruitment process and the applicant is later offered a job, the terms discussed verbally will form the start of the employment contract. On that basis, please ensure you are prepared and communicate accurate information to potential employees during any recruitment process!

People often think an employment contract is simply an agreement, in writing setting out the terms of their employment. They aren’t altogether wrong, however, it’s important to understand an employment contract is much more than that.

What’s included in an employment contract?

What is the written statement of employment particulars?

An employment contract tends to include verbal and written agreements, as well as obvious things that perhaps aren’t discussed or written down anywhere! There are various obligations, duties and responsibilities on employers and employees to behave in an appropriate way, to promote good relations and trust and confidence between them. Many terms of the employment relationship tend to be written down (express), and some are unwritten and assumed (implied), however, all of them are important.

Employers must give employees and workers a written document stating the main terms and conditions of employment when they start with them. This is not an employment contract, but forms part of it! The written statement is made up of the principal statement and an additional written statement, although many employers tend to combine them into one document. 14

Employers must provide the principal statement on of before the first day of employment. The additional statement can be provided to the employee within 2 months of the start of their employment.

What should be included in the principal statement?

Information about other paid leave, such as maternity or paternity can be provided in a separate document, such as a company handbook. It should, however, be made available from the first day of employment.

What should be included in the additional statement?

The following should be included for employees and workers:

 Pension and pension scheme information

 The employer’s name and address  Their name and address

 Details of any collective agreements

 Their job title or a description of their work  Their start date

 Details of any other training provided by the employer

 Whether any other periods of previous employment count towards their period of continuous employment  How much and how often they will be paid  Hours and days of work, including any rest breaks  Holiday entitlement and holiday pay, including public holidays  Sick pay  Notice periods  Place of work and whether relocation might be required  Whether there is a requirement to work in different places and if so, where

 Details of the Company’s disciplinary and grievance procedures (may be detailed in a company handbook)

How can I help? If you would like some help with reviewing and updating existing documents, creating new documents, or with any other employment matter, please email

charlotte@quinnhr.co.uk or call 01768 862394

 How long the job is expected to last  The length of any probationary period and what is expected during that period

I would be delighted to help or advise you.

 Any other benefits the employer offers

Until next time, let’s hope this glorious weather continues!

 Mandatory training and whether the cost of this is covered by the employer 15

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Cumbria Oak Established 2002

It was a daunting prospect when we expanded into the huge store at the Pot Place. Its been 20 Years since father and son team Robert and Graham Whiteley opened their first furniture shop together, Cumbria Oak have since grown into one of the biggest suppliers of oak furniture in the county. Together with their experienced team, customers have gotten to know and trust the staff in the shops as well as the team who deliver their new furniture. The growth from small bespoke workshop to one of the biggest suppliers of oak furniture in the county has been a slow and steady one. Originally working from a small premises at Wetheriggs pottery father and son team Robert and Graham moved to the Pot Place Garden Centre 15 years ago and have continued to expand their business by taking larger premises

8 years ago Rugs were introduced, withs hundreds to choose from, sizes range from 67 x 140cm to a massive 300 x 400cm Always looking for new ideas, art has now been introduced and covers a wide spectrum of styles and tastes: hopefully something for everyone! As well as dining tables and chairs, dressers and storage, TV units and coffee tables, and sofas, office furniture, beds, wardrobes, chests of drawers and bedside tables, Cumbria Oak also provides all the finishing touches for a room including rugs, clocks, lighting, mirrors, baskets, Art and soft furnishings. All the collections can be viewed on the website:

www.cumbriaoak.co.uk

Graham says: “We’re in the heart of the Eden Valley and being based at the Pot place Garden Centre provides a unique opportunity to find something very special for the home while enjoying a lovely day out.” Its now been 10 years since the Kendal store opened. "It really was a family affair back then we had both my father, father in law and Aunt working in the store." With a new sales team starting 5 years ago it has continued to grow its reputation and loyalty with customers being able to take items away or order for delivery. If a customer wants to see more, Plumpton is only a short drive away.

Graham working with his father and father in Law at the kendal store 17

What’s been in the News around the World and in the UK? In setting out this magazine the aims have always been to deliver good news. We’ve always hoped to deliver hope, but we can’t avoid reality. After all, in national media bad news used to sell newspapers. In looking at social media, bad news attracts more advertisers around it than good online. Sadly, bad news threads are shared more than good news ones.

weather, here in Eden we’ll still see gas pipes being laid for new homes, not many solar tiles appearing and as that water falls out of the sky, it will become some else’s problem down river. Activists yes, effectiveness, to be debated, did they miss the planning meetings in Eden creating the problems of the future? So many have become so rich, oh to lead the Country for a salary less than many Chief executives in businesses in most large charities and trusts in the UK. All earning more than a Prime Minister who is almost like a volunteer stepping up to do a duty adding to their wealth behind them. What is the answer? There is a threat of interest rates rising, which would add pressure onto already stretched households, with mortgage rates rising, this will have impacts across affordability to buy and build.

A lot of us now turn off the news, as it is a keyway of tracking people and directing advertising to people on social media. How many of the now generation that is the future, will switch it off? Out there in world we have the cost-of-living crisis, the war is continuing in the Ukraine, the premier leadership of the UK is about to be decided, which will probably mean another party, with party poppers and Champagne!

The UK reported at the end of July (at time of print) a new record high of inflation in June 2022, with prices going up by an average of 9.4% year-on-year. In Sri Lanka 5,541 miles away, the inflation is over 50%. A Country of nearly 22 million people it is said to owe more than $51bn (£39bn) to foreign lenders, including $6.5bn to China. One Sri Lankan Rupee equals £0.0023.

Without any doubt I believe there will be an impact on all of us with the leadership change and the war as we have already seen! The national news has of course focused on the July heat wave. The spiking temperatures we all experienced in this July 2022 around the UK for about 7 days. With the predictions for the future being come autumn and winter the same reporters will be standing by a riverbank waiting for it to burst due to heavy rain. So, from the roads melting and train rails buckling, to cracking roads and potholes, leaves on the track and de-icing. This isn’t just about 2022!

Meanwhile the G7 group of countries - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and the US – has committed to support Sri Lanka's attempts to reduce its debt repayments. The World Bank has agreed to lend Sri Lanka $600m, and India has offered at least $1.9bn. The IMF (International Monetary Fund is discussing a possible $3bn (£2.5bn) loan.

Have we really come so far as a human race that we’ve forgotten how to actually solve problems? In 1976 we had over 60 days of continuous sunshine, most days hitting above 26 degrees topping 35 degrees with no rain and people queuing in the streets to collect water in buckets, bowls and kettles. Whilst the Meteorologist will continue to predict the

How do you feel now after reading that, where will the people of Sri Lanka be in 5 or 10 years? Back here in Eden can we really make a difference? Probably not, because to change, the people need

to be reassured and people need to trust the system again before they vote. So many voters were lost in the last 20 years when the Eden District Council took the right away for people to vote by not taking control of a lack of candidates. That’s 20 years of people losing interest and it will take something more direct to get people to vote. Meanwhile, the local leaders in local elections blame the government and but unfortunately local politics can’t change the country of the party leading it. The Eden District local council is counting down to its closure and the people will inherit what is done now and till that day. Yes, we now reap the benefits of decades that have meant people couldn’t vote because seats weren’t contested, and they were just given to people who turn up. No effort has ever been made to improve this; nothing has been done about removing the people’s democratic right to vote. From the top down in Parliament to the Parish, the public have turned away from making a difference because they no longer believe in the system.

Voreda House July 22

We have 8 months to go of less engagement based on what we have witnessed already. Much of this comes down to on what we can visibly see. Let’s hope communication improves from behind closed doors and those that represent the people who voted them in continue to deliver services at the Eden District Council. Even though they will walkway comes April fool’s day.

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On Reflection - the Summer of 2019 and 2022 We have produced over 190 Cumbrian Local publications and 184 are online to read via our old website, which I would love to update. 2019 was a year many would describe as a ‘normal year’ as it set out. Just looking at the events the Eden Local covered, we’ll reflect on the Spring and Summer of 2019.

History is being made today, now in fact. The words I have just written are now in the past. As positive as we can be, I reflect on 2019 as a year that highlights so much how it used to be and the importance of not losing sight of how good it was and how great it can be again.

As we have learnt during these seasons, the weather isn’t something we can take for granted. Back then, your Eden Local was 20% bigger - a B5 size. The April edition cover was the Penrith Lions. Inside we had the details of the Eden District Election candidates. Pam’s regular breakfast show was still loud and clear on 107.5FM and Eden FM broadcasted live from the Penrith Lions May Fair.

Meanwhile, whilst Pam’s voluntary contribution to the Eden Local is now currently Trees, from February 2019 after a year of ‘Nursery Rhyme Corner’ in the 2018 Eden Local it was now ‘Well I never…!’ exploring the background of well-known expressions and phrases. Pam, one of many who had a very wet Penrith May Day carnival that featured on pages 8 – 9 of the May Eden Local. The front cover along with

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years on! Should we blame COVID? Well, this report goes back to a Penrith Parking Study and final report, presented to the Eden District Council Executive in March 2011. May 2019 was also the last year for Eden District Council elections taking place in the history of Eden, but though we should have known then, many of us didn’t know until 2022.

pages 2 and 3 featured the Brougham Hall Wartime weekend - this placement funded by Eden Local. Dominating pages 26 – 31 was Eden District Council. Eden Local covered the cost of pages 28 to 31, with the best interests of the people of Eden, sharing the news of the local election details, and we allocated two pages to Eden District Council, highlighting a 62-page Penrith Parking Report about improvement in movement of Traffic and Parking. You can guess the recommendations and the roads in question, because nothing has changed over three

2019 wasn’t short of shows. It was the 125th Skelton Show on 6th July that featured in the June Eden Local, with a report in the July Eden Local. I also presented the report ‘We are Barking about the Parking Still!’ As we headed into July, the Lowther Show took the cover along with pages 2 and 3. We didn’t know it then, but it was to be the last Show, which got hit badly with downpours and didn’t come back as the company behind it ceased trading.

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2019 was quite different, but the support for events to come back in 2022 and 2023 is key. As we sail through this summer, a lot of plans are already under way for the Spring and the summer of 2023. You can be sure that every organisation wants to be where they were in 2019, because not all got to 2022. For those that have made it this far, these organisations need your support as early as you can offer it. Don’t wait to the Winter!

August 2019, possibly a month to remember, the Appleby Show taking the front cover, pages 2, 3 and 4, ‘Another Carnival success at Appleby’ was featured on page 10. Pages 2122, an event I think you’ll agree that you’d want to see again is

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At Ultimate Exterior Protection we have managed to keep busy, making Cumbrian homes look their best despite the unpredictable weather! Pictured here are a few examples of work we have carried out this year. At this time of year, we start to turn our attention away from exterior painting to replacement of UPVC roofline, and gutter cleaning and repairs. We will still be taking bookings for painting, but these will be for next year. It may seem a while away, but with our limited season for exterior painting, it pays to plan as places fill up quickly! So, call Ultimate Exterior Protection for free impartial advice or a quotation.

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Beauty from bulbs Alliums

It’s a perfect time to start thinking ahead about autumn bulb planting. Bulbs are an easy way to add extra colour and interest as well as fill in gaps and naturalise in lawns. Many flower early – great for pollinators. There are lots to choose from but here are my top picks.

Now a firm favourite for many, the late spring and early summer globes of shades of purple add height and you can dry the flower heads to use indoors.

Winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis)

Tulips

Bright yellow flowers at a time when you need it most, flowering in early February.

Snowdrops are early to flower and a sure sign that spring is on the way, good for woodland plantings. These can also be planted ‘in the green’ in spring. Spring snowflakes are taller and flower later.

There are myriad colours to choose from and picking contrasting colours can create quite an impact. These are planted later than other bulbs (November).

Camassia

Tips on planting

Often overlooked the statuesque blue flowers make a statement; plant en masse for effect.

• Generally plant two to three times the depth of the bulb height so a 5cm bulb is planted 10-15 cm deep making sure it is the right way up.

Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) and spring snowflakes (Leucojum)

Daffodils (Narcissi)

• If you are trying to naturalise bulbs into the lawn throw a handful on the area and plant them where they land to give a more natural swathe.

These come in many shapes, sizes and colours more than just bright yellow; choose scented ones for cutting and varieties with different flowering times.

• Plant up pots of bulbs and leave them over winter to pop up in spring for early colour. You can use layers of planting to create a ‘bulb lasagne’.

Crocus These are ideal for naturalising in lawns and bring early carpets of colour in purple, yellow and white; another early flowerer.

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August – Oak

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS…

It’s August and summer is showing signs of starting to fade; leaves have lost their spring freshness, fruits are ripening and the very first hints of autumn are beginning to show.

The great English oak tree (Quercus robur) is one of the most easily identifiable trees of the British countryside with its lobed leaves and its recognisable fruits - the acorn, and as such it holds a special place in our culture and history. The English (or Common) Oak is native to the UK and grows up to 20-40m tall (65-131 ft) in a broad and spreading form. The leaves grow in bunches; are round lobed and begin to burst in mid-May with long yellow flowering male catkins hanging from the base of the clusters and the tiny red female flowers, which are found between the leaves and branches, catching the pollen that is distributed on the wind. The acorns develop over the summer in cupules (the cup-shaped base of the ‘nut’) and grow to around 2cm. Initially green, the acorn ripens and turns brown in the autumn loosening from the cupule and falling to the ground where it sprouts the following spring. The oak can be found in deciduous woodlands across the country and is so common it is considered to be the national emblem. Native oak forests are essential in supporting wildlife and they are home to more life forms than any other type of native forest. Research by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in 2019 revealed that 2,300 species are supported by oak trees, 326 species depend on oak trees for their survival and 229 species are rarely found on trees other than the oak. Every bit of the oak tree can be said to have great value; from the highest branches of the canopy to the tip of the roots and even the deadwood has an essential role to play in supporting a huge biodiverse ecosystem. Hundreds of insect species can be found in oak woods, these in turn provide a wide variety of birds with a plentiful food supply. In the autumn the fallen acorns provide food for mammals such as squirrels, badgers and deer. The leaves which fall to the forest floor are soft and decompose easily making a rich leaf mould which is enjoyed by beetles and other

invertebrates as well as a range of fungi, lichens, liverworts and mosses. The tree bark, trunks and branches are havens for nesting birds and roosting bats which use old woodpecker holes or hide under loosened bark. Oaks can live to over 1,000 years old! Once over 400 years old they are considered to be ‘ancient’ so not unexpectedly there is a long history of folklore associated with the tree. Druids worshiped in ancient oak woodlands with couples marrying under the tree’s boughs. The wood was burnt by the priests as part of the midsummer ritual and in fact the name Druid is thought to come from a Celtic word meaning ‘knower of the oak tree’ or ‘oak man’. The oak is also associated with the gods of thunder probably due to them often being split by lightning as they are invariably the tallest tree in the landscape and have a high water content. It is also said that summer weather can be predicted by which leaves burst first: If the oak before the ash, Then we’ll only have a splash. If the ash before oak, Then we’ll surely have a soak. The oak tree produces one of the hardest timbers and is a prized hard wood used to make barrels, flooring, furniture making and shipbuilding however it takes up to 150 years before oak wood is ready for use in construction. Until relatively recently the growths (oak galls) found on the trunks of oak trees were used in the production of ink. The oak is such a part of British culture its leaves and acorns are used as an emblem for the National Trust, its image is found on the back of the pound coin and ‘The Royal Oak’ is one of the most popular pub names in the country! Join me next month for a look at another familiar tree as we move further into the autumn and towards the end of the year. By Pam Waggott References: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk www.edenproject.com www.historic-uk.com www.treesforlife.org.uk

t Lowther Castle formally opened

Dan Pearson’s Rose Garden at Lowther Castle formally opened

One international garden designer, a total of 14 gardeners, dozens of volunteers, tens of groundworks evelopers, 1712 days, 2500+ specimens of 29 rose varieties, hundreds of perennial plants and thousands f careful, assiduous man hours later – and the Rose Garden at Lowther Castle was finally formally unched earlier this week. One international garden

he launch tooka place in the shadow designer, total of f the14Rose Gardendozens Summerhouse gardeners, a of volunteers, delightful tens contemporary of developers, cho groundworks of the surviving Edwardian 1712 days, 2500+ specimens ummerhouses elsewhere in the of 29 rose varieties, hundreds arden – and onlookers listened perennial plants and o JimofLowther and Dan Pearson thousands of careful, elebrate the garden’s opening assiduous man hours later hile –bathed in the scent of the and the Rose Garden at ose. Lowther (AmongCastle thosewas present finallywere oyenne of launched rosariansearlier Michael formally this week.and the new Lowther Marriott astleThehead gardener launch took place in Andrea runsendorf the shadowalongside of the Rose former ead gardener Martin Ogle.) Garden Summerhouse –a delightful contemporary echo of the surviving Edwardian summerhouses elsewhere in the garden – and onlookers listened to Jim Lowther and Dan Pearson celebrate the garden’s opening while bathed in the scent of the rose. (Among those present were doyenne of rosarians Michael Marriott and the new Lowther

Castle head gardener Andrea Brunsendorf alongside former head gardener Martin Ogle.) Dan Pearson – who has been garden designer-in-chief at Lowther since 2012 – based his design for this impressive space on the profile of a rose bloom. His inspiration was taken from William Morris’s quartet of poems written around the

Sleeping Beauty myth. Briar roses encircle the enclosure which is accessed by kissing DanThe Pearson whoofhas been gates. central–beds roses garden at the heart designer-in-chief are explosions of at colour and fragrance. Lowther since 2012 – based

his design for this impressive

The gardens at Lowther Castle space profile of a rose date backon to the the 17th century. His inspiration was Thebloom. Rose Garden itself was takenduring from the William Morris’s planted 19th century poems written onquartet what wasof initially the Dog

around the Sleeping Beauty myth. Briar roses encircle the enclosure which is accessed by kissing gates. The central beds of roses at the heart are explosions of colour and fragrance.

Kennel ground. According to the Gardeners’ Chronicle of 1893, it was said to have a large rustic summerhouse at one side, a ‘marquee’ of climbing roses, bell tents of roses climbing up chains, with seats within each tent. At one point, the Edwardian version of the Rose Garden was said to comprise 500 separate rose beds with 20,000 specimens planted.

From the end of 1939, when the gardens as a whole were closed, the Rose Garden was lost to Pictured from left Natalie Gargett (senior gardener), Dan Pearson, decay and neglect. The spruce Andrea Brunsendorf (new head gardener), Jim Lowther, Michael crop planted in the 1950s by Marriott & Martin Ogle (former head gardener) James Lonsdale, the 7th Earl, Dan to come up with a version is a highlight for the swallowed up what was not Castle date back to the 17th century. The Rose Garden itsel The gardens at Lowther castle’s 110,000 annual visitors. masterplan for the gardens, we alreadythlost to brambles. When the 19 century on what was initially the Dog Kennel ground. According the Gar agreed that our missiontoshould Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust Paying tribute to all those be based not on restorationof perclim 1893, it was said to have a large rustic summerhouse at one side, a ‘marquee’ was formed in 2008 to rescue who helped to create the Rose se but on adding layers of new theroses castle from collapse the Garden, owner Jim Lowther of climbing upandchains, with seats within eachsaid tent. At onetopoint, Edwardian design existing the history. gardens alongside, the Rose how proud he was of the efforts Garden was saidentirely to compriseof500 separate rose beds with 20,000 specimens planted Garden was almost “The Rose Garden is a shining all the contributors. engulfed in woodland. Today’s example of this – the Victorian “When we first commissioned fountain, its jets mimicking the From the end of 1939, w stamens of a rose, remains in whole the Ro the centrewere – whileclosed, the external ironwork andand planting are veryThe to decay neglect. much of the 21st century.

in the 1950s by James Lo

“We could not be prouder of swallowed up what was the results of the hard work of brambles. When Lowther all those who made this come toTrust pass, volunteers, gardeners, was formed in 2008 engineers and designers alike.”

from collapse and the ga Rose Garden was almost www.lowthercastle.org woodland. Today’s version castle’s 110,000 annual visi For further information:

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The Water Vole!

By Emily Quinn jump into the water, but it’s hard to tell if it’s a Water Vole that’s just jumped in or a frog. Water Voles are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Water Voles are listed as endangered on both the Great Britain and the England Red List for Mammals. They have an average lifespan of 6 months to 18 months so compared to the average human, they live a short life. Though they are still found widespread across the UK, their numbers have significantly declined. The greatest threat to Water Vole populations is inconsistency in sustainable habitats through agricultural intensification as well as predators such as the Mink, not originating from this country. Water Voles could potentially be throughout Cumbria however the presence of mink throughout the county and with Water Voles having slow re-colonisation rates, it makes it unlikely that we will see more Water Voles in the near future. However, reintroductions and enforcing some kind of mink control on the River Eden may extend the population. This must also be alongside appropriate habitat enhancement to increase the likelihood.

© Terry Whittaker- 2020 VISION The Water Vole is a rare sight but a sight some may have seen. The Water Vole’s natural habitat is rivers, streams and ditches. Lakes and marshes are also places you may find a Water Vole burrowed in the bank. Water Vole’s often nibble a lawn where they eat, as they often sit, eat and graze rather than grab and go. This is a way you can identify where they have been eating or may be living as they also do this round the areas in which they burrow. Water Voles like to sit and eat in the same place, so piles of nibbled grass and stems may be found by the water’s edge, showing a distinctive 45 degree, angled-cut at the ends. ‘Latrines’ of rounded, cigar-shaped droppings may also be spotted. Water Voles don’t just spend all their time in water and around the banks. They have been seen climbing on occasion branches and trees.

A FURRY TALE The most famous water vole of them all Was Ratty in The Wind in the Willows Their total number’s become rather small Since minks use the soft vole pelts as pillows Preferred habitat is the riverbank Where they’re partial to leaves of watercress Olympic class divers they like to swank With synchronised jump offs in fancy dress A river bank that’s riddled with burrows Signifies a healthy population Behaviour never known to be morose Sparked by a lady vole’s osculation Ratty’s less endangered than you might think The otters have started to eat the mink

The Water Vole has a chestnut-brown fur coat and a blunt rounded nose with small ears and a fluffy tail. The Water vole is physically a lot bigger than other Voles and can grow 14 to 22 centimetres in length, with their tails growing 9.5 to 14 centimetres in length. The Water Vole can be mistaken for the Brown Rat similarly in colour with its grey-brown fur coat, pointed nose and large ears. They also have a long scaley tail in comparison to the Water Vole’s fluffy tail. Water Voles make a distinct ‘plopping noise’ when they

Rex di Noci July 22nd 2022 28

READYING THE RETURN OF ‘RATTY’ BACK TO EDEN’S RIVERBANKS Water voles were once widespread in Cumbria but are now almost absent from the county except for isolated populations in the eastern part of the Eden catchment. The holes that would have once been their burrows are still visible on some of our riverbanks. But we rarely see a water vole in them now. To secure the future of this native species, river conservation charity, we have recently launched an £80k partnership project funded by the Environment Agency and The Hadfield Trust that will hopefully see this much-

loved small mammal return to Cumbrian rivers in the future. We are joining forces with the RSPB, Lowther Estates, United Utilities, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Penrith Anglers and local farmers through our Lowther and Leith Facilitation Fund farmer group to put in place long-term, ongoing control of American mink (the invasive species that preys on water voles) and create the ideal habitat into which captive-bred water voles can be released, hopefully from 2023 onwards. Michael Rogers, Head of Conservation said:

Water voles have seen drastic declines since the 1980s and are now one of our most threatened small mammals. They are very vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, increased flood events (that wash them out of their burrows) and predation by non-native species. This project is important as it brings together landowners, volunteers, world-leading experts and conservationists, all with a single aim – to create the ideal habitat conditions, longterm monitoring and control and breeding programme needed to re-introduce this native species. If successful, this will be a national example of how the species can be brought back from the brink of localised extinction. Reference Partnership project with Eden Rivers Trust and Cumbria Wildlife Trust Full details www. edenriverstrust.org.uk/readyingthe-return-of-ratty-back-toedens-riverbanks/

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Out of Eden - Local site in Irish Sea is shortlisted as a proposed Highly Protected Marine Area Cumbria Wildlife Trust is delighted that Allonby Bay is among the degraded ocean areas that have been chosen for new gold standard of marine protection.

Allonby Bay on the Solway Firth is one of five sites that has been proposed by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) as a Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA). These will be the strongest ever protection measures for our seas. The Wildlife Trusts have been calling for HPMAs for three years, with the support of over 10,000 people who have called for greater protection of marine life. This new designation will ban all damaging activities within their boundaries. By safeguarding all wildlife and habitats, HPMAs will give nature the best chance to recover, benefitting not only each place but large parts of the sea around them.

Along with Wildlife Trusts from around England, Cumbria Wildlife Trust submitted recommended sites to Defra which we believe have the most to gain from HPMA designation and will act as star examples of the benefits HPMA designation can bring. We’re delighted to hear that Allonby Bay has been chosen to progress to the next stage of the process, going forward for public consultation as part of five sites shortlisted from around England.

Georgia de Jong Cleyndert, Senior Marine Conservation Officer for the North West Wildlife Trusts said: “It is absolutely fantastic news that Allonby Bay is proposed as one of five of the first UK sites to be designated an HPMA, offering the highest level of protection in England’s seas.

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“The site contains large areas of blue mussels and the best example of honeycomb worm reefs in the UK, which provide habitat for a wealth of different species. Subtidal sands and gravel habitats in the area are important spawning and nursery grounds for plaice, skate and thornback rays, and it is a pupping ground for harbour porpoise.” “Allonby Bay was one of four sites in the Irish Sea that the North West Wildlife Trusts put forward for designation. This is a very positive step forward, but these five sites must pave the way for further improving the protection and management of all designated sites around the UK, to create a network of highly protected areas to ensure our seas are healthy and resilient”. Georgia continued: “Our seas are under pressure like never before; decades of over exploitation, pollution and unchecked development have resulted in continued biodiversity loss and a degradation of the marine habitats.” Following the announcement, there will be a 12 week consultation (until 28 September) on the proposed locations, here. The designation of HPMAs will act as a mechanism for marine recovery and should contribute to the Government’s commitment to protect 30% of our seas by 2030. HPMAs will also act as a natural solution to help store carbon and tackle climate change, as well as

Sabellaria (honeycomb worm) reef at Allonby © NWIFCA generating benefits through tourism, recreation and marine education. On World Oceans Day 2021, Defra announced it would begin the process for designating HPMAs by the end of 2022, setting an ambitious commitment to protect our seas. Georgia said: “The Wildlife Trusts believe there is an overwhelming case for the designation of HPMAs across our seas which would see a ban on all damaging activities, offering the strictest possible protections for the marine environment and giving nature the best chance of recovery.” Allonby Bay hugs the coast into the Solway Firth and includes two extremely important areas for marine life, Dubmill Scar and Maryport Roads. The area is highly diverse containing many different species of sponge, soft coral, seaweed, sea squirt, anemone and the reef-building honeycomb worms which is at its most northern extent. Allonby Bay was designated a Marine Conservation Zone in 2016. 31

In England, nationally important habitats and species are protected through Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). The UK Government designated the MCZ network through a phased approach and designated the first 27 sites at the end of 2013. Following campaigning by The Wildlife Trusts and others, by 2019 there were 91 MCZs, 10 of which are in the Irish Sea. However, damaging activities may still take place in current marine protected areas. Science has shown that areas that are fully protected from all damaging activities recover more quickly and provide vital protection for marine life and carbon stores. Moreover, they benefit surrounding areas through the ‘spill-over effect’ as the protected area acts like a nursery for fast-recovering sea life. Therefore, a network of highly protected marine areas will enable the marine environment to recover, thrive and improve its resilience to climate change.

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