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Your Independent Community Magazine Appleby • Penrith • The Eden Valley
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Penrith Sparkle and Shine Mitsuru Karate Part One An Unheralded Champion Open Door and Open Opportunity Eden FM the Story Continues
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LOCAL EVENT
Penrith Sparkle a Huge Success Penrith Sparkle filled the town with festive fun last weekend. BBC presenter Stuart Maconie switched on the Christmas Lights, the centrepiece of which are three 11ft sparkling angels, sponsored by local businesses, Ghyllmount Dental, Leo Group and Dodd Wealthcare. The celebration of all things Christmas was organised by Penrith Business Improvement District. A small team of volunteers hatched a plan back in January, which developed into a full day of events to compliment the lights switch on. Penrith Mountain Rescue Team bought Santa on his sleigh, Princess Elsa was having selfies taken with the children and there was face painting, giant games and circus fun to be had. Just before the switch on, the Jam Jar Lantern Parade saw 200 children parade through town and Princess Elsa hitched a ride on Santa’s sleigh. Dan Harding a volunteer director with Penrith B.I.D., who led the team organising the event, said:
‘The day was a huge success and sets good foundations to grow and succeed this year. We’ve learnt many lessons and we have our ups and downs as well as sleepless nights to ensure Penrith Sparkled once again. I’d personally like to thank all the businesses that continue to contribute through their BID levy, the sponsors and all the other volunteers that made it possible.’ The Treasure Hunt is still running,
starting at Arragon’s Cycles. Children can follow the Jam Jar Lantern clues for the chance to win a £20 voucher, kindly donated by Argos. There’s also a ‘snap an angel selfie’ competition running. All you need to do it take a selfie with one of the angels and post it to Facebook, copying in the sponsor and Discover Penrith. The prize is a fantastic eBike Experience for Two from Arragon Cycles. Details are available at https://discoverpenrith. co.uk/penrith-sparkle/ Darren Broad, Chair of Penrith B.I.D. said: ‘The day was a huge success with the whole community, young and old, coming together to support our town's businesses and celebrate Christmas. ‘I would personally like to thank all the businesses, our sponsors and co-funders for making Penrith Sparkle! Many thanks go out also to Stuart Maconie for his support of the town and the event and also to the School Choirs, Penrith Mountain Rescue and our team of volunteers that helped to make it happen. Penrith Lions were a vital part of the team, freely giving their time and
2 • EdenLocal
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sharing their experience to ensure the day was a success. ‘It is a great example of what can happen in a town if different groups and organisations come together with one goal and deliver something special for the community as a whole. ‘In this digital age, when many things are bought online, the Internet cannot replace the feeling and the excitement of shopping local during a Christmas event and meeting Santa!’ The BID wish you a Happy Christmas and hope you enjoy the Christmas lights over the coming weeks. Same time, same place next year?!
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Contents
Penrith Sparkle and Shine Pages 2 - 3 Contents & Introduction by Lee Quinn Pages 4 - 6 The Marshall Conservatory Conversion Experience Page 7 Churchill Retirement Living Page 8 Leaving Photos and sentimental items Page 9 Reflecting on 2019 - Quinn HR Pages 10 - 11 Well I never Pam! Page 12 Hearth & Home Before and After Page 13 2019 review and highlights Pages 14, 20 & 21 Mark Holding Mitsuru Karate Part One Pages 15 - 17 December word search Page 18 Leading you down the Right Garden Path Page 19 An Unheralded Champion by Peter Fawkes Pages 22 - 23 Eden FM the Story Continues Pages 24 – 25 Eden Hearing services Presentation Page 26 RJC Roofing Page 26 Open Door and Open Opportunity Pages 28 - 29 Introducing the 1247 and 2192 Squadron Page 30 Food Banks this Christmas Page 31 Cumbria Oak Big Boxing Day sales Page 31 Churchill Retirement Living apartments Page 32 Follow us on Facebook for additional stories and give us a LIKE
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Welcome to your combined December and January Eden Local. As covered in last month’s celebration of entering our 10th year, we reviewed the previous nine January editions and decided to make changes for 2020 this side of Christmas. Putting a January magazine together has to happen early in December, a week after the December magazine is produced; it’s quite a task. It is then finished before Christmas, printed late December dependent on print slots available, and delivered subject to logistics at the start of the New Year. Taking this into account based on the cost of design, print and distribution, it’s a task which as a publication we have decided not to have. Who wants to talk about January in December was one question I asked the Eden Local customers and the 10 new businesses joining Eden Local in November and December. So, I’ll have a Christmas break and retain some sanity for the first time since starting the Eden Local! That first Christmas Eden Local is still one of my favourite covers; a photograph by Tommy Martin, taken over at Lowther. I still have that photo in a frame on my wall from his gallery he used to have in Askham. With the recent freeze and -6 degrees, it was reminder of that winter and that picture. It was the day after the Penrith Sparkle day. I had to drop Daisy at work, and I took my camera. I was in town for an hour, taking pictures of what I described as ‘Nature’s tinsel’ which had dressed the town and our gardens. I got back and soon after I was in Wetheriggs Wild Park, it was like a scene from Narnia. It was a cold start on 30th November for the Sparkle Day in Penrith. Eden FM were on site early for the start of the day as the Penrith Lions were setting up the stage. From 10.15 I was with Darren from the Penrith BID, interviewing the businesses and taking pictures as they unveiled their windows. We started at 10.15am and finished at 1.15pm. Local
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band Squeeze Box were on stage just before the light switch on, and as Stuart Maconie, BBC Radio 6 Presenter, television presenter, writer and journalist came on to the stage, I knew I couldn’t get off. So, I did get a shot of course of the back of Mr Maconie. I wish he held his microphone up close to his mouth as I don’t think everybody heard him. Anyway, he did sound good where I was!
out pre, during and post General Election. I can’t remember a Prime minster walking in to 10 Downing Street since Hugh Grant in the film Love Actually. Let’s hope they can dance as well as Hugh! I would urge people to vote and exercise their democratic right wisely. Yes, the word democracy before my Christmas wishes. Maybe we might find out if a vote means a vote in this ordeal of British politics.
The 20 or so interviews from the day will be played out with Christmas messages on Eden FM, and the photos from the day will all be available, including ‘next day Narnia’ on the Cumbrian Local facebook page.
With new ideas to plan and on finishing this magazine, yes that was me brushing politics to one side, I have a lot of raffle tickets to sell for the three remaining Penrith and Eden Valley Monopoly boards, to raise those much needed funds for Eden FM. Follow me and find where I will be if you want one of the three boards.
Our main article of this edition is centre page starting on page 15. It took several meetings and even a trip to a karate class, but we got there with the first of what will be two instalments of “The difference between the possible and the impossible is one’s will”. The two parts will be covering 25 years of Mark Holding Mitsuru Karate. What a nice guy he is as well. From world stage Karate, I then had an email that popped up on my screen about the world stage that as an athlete was once Marion Fawkes. A lovely lady who had an amazing story to tell, which her husband Peter sent to me. Of course Marion didn’t know, but what a great story, thank you Peter. This is featured on pages 22 – 23. I couldn’t fit all the medals in, especially as Marion estimates having close to 300, yes 3 – 0 – 0!
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Mrs Q and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Eden Local team. Kind Regards Lee
It’s been another month like every month of meeting and talking to a lot of new people, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have done a short summary of 2019 on pages 14, 20 and 21. We’ve covered a lot of events and I have met some characters. One I won’t forget from the Appleby Show was ‘Pont’. We still have the odd chat on the phone on the odd day. It’s characters like Pont that help store that memory of a day with Eden FM at the Appleby Show. On pages 28 – 29 is something I shared and will cover more in the February edition and that is my two-hour trip to Omega Protein. I’m talking February already and we haven’t even got through Christmas! I am bursting with new ideas for 2020 because Eden FM and Eden Local have plenty. Many thanks for to all those making a contribution to your Community magazine. My thanks to the Eden Local delivery teams who cover those doors accessible in Penrith and the 62 villages we reach every month. Thank you to the voluntary team of writers behind the magazine. I haven’t mentioned of course that with all this festive talk and happiness going on, the Eden Local goes 6 • EdenLocal
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The Cumbrian Local office will be closed from Friday 20th December and it re opens Tuesday 7th January. This is when we crack on with the February magazine which we actually print now January 22nd and commence distribution around 28th/29th of our Leap Year February Eden Local.
Phone: 01768 862394 Email: lee@cumbrianlocal.co.uk www.cumbrianlocal.co.uk Cumbrian Local Publications Ltd
Cumbria House, Suite 6 Gilwilly Road, Penrith CA11 9FF Cumbrian Local Notice: Eden Local prints various articles, features, and advertisements. Although these appear in Eden Local, any opinions expressed are the opinion of the author, these are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. ©Copyright Eden Local 2019. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part may be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.
Raising the Roof in 2020 After
Before
During
How do you close 2019 after a year of talking to Marshall Conservatory Conversion customers, which puts them into the box that you will tick in the New Year? Many companies quote and many aim to beat that quote. Marshalls always aim to beat a quote, but is it always just about the price? Is it just about a new roof on a conservatory? Most of us can share the experience of a cold conservatory, or the rain pounding down on the roof and you can’t hear a word your saying. Then there’s that greenhouse effect in the summer. Yes, I’ve seen a few lemons and limes grown in a conservatory. Recently, we had -6 degrees in Penrith, and in the rural areas around it was possibly lower. I spoke to Mrs F who is in a village not far from Penrith. I knew her house as soon as she described it, because up until recently when I found a new delivery team for her village, I had delivered the Eden Local to her house for some years. When Mrs F described the beautiful views of the Lake District mountains, I knew that view. The project for Marshalls on this conservatory was quite different, well mostly, but this turned out to be not just a roof conversion. You can see from the old image of the roof, that green staining of mould that grows on most, but Mrs F described that the Conservatory was a space she had
stopped using a while back and that it was just a wasted space that she no longer used. Plug in heaters for the winter, plug in lights, it wasn’t like a room, and whilst she had that beautiful view, in the summer it was just like we’ve been promoting as Mrs F said those exact words, “too hot in the Summer, too cold in the winter”. Mrs F wanted the new roof, however the conservatory was also an old timber frame, so Marshalls not only replaced the roof but also took the structure back to the small wall it was part constructed on. Retaining the existing wall, Marshalls then replaced the timber structure windows and doors with modern PVC doubled glazed windows and doors. As Mrs F described, she has now gained a room that can be used all through the year, that view of snow-capped mountains in the winter without a shiver. Yes we had quite a chat, but once again it was another happy customer who also gave me positive feedback on Joe and his team, whilst also commenting on good value for money. So, why not convert your conservatory to a 365 days of the year room and enjoy a special addition to your home.
We guarantee to beat any genuine ‘like for like’ price by at least 30% or more Call Marshall Conservatory Conversions today
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Local • 7
New Penrith retirement apartments RESERVING NOW
Show Complex opens 17th December With apartments at Churchill Retirement Living’s brand new Dutton Lodge development in Penrith now available to reserve, local people are being encouraged to register their interest and book a visit to the new Show Complex which is set to open on 17th December. Named after the famous Dutton’s brewery that once occupied the site on Roper Street, Dutton Lodge is a collection of 54 one and two bedroom privately owned retirement apartments and shared facilities, designed exclusively for the over 60s. Currently nearing completion, it will offer quality retirement accommodation and safe and independent living close to local shops and amenities. Bernadette Hennelly, Regional Marketing Manager for Churchill Retirement Living, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the new Show Complex at Dutton Lodge, Churchill’s first ever development in Cumbria. Our apartments will offer security, peace of mind and independent living, along with community and support. Being in a manageable home with no maintenance can offer a new lease of life for people – ensuring they are close to amenities, and surrounded by a new community. “The new development has already sparked a great deal of interest and we’ve had lots of enquiries from local over 60s keen to find out more about the benefits of retirement living. The new apartments are now available to reserve, so anyone thinking of making a move should contact Churchill Retirement Living now on 0800 458 1857.”
Apartments will boast spacious rooms throughout, considerately designed with the over 60s in mind. The fully fitted, stylish kitchens include a built in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height. All of the properties benefit from subtle touches to make life easier, such as easy-turn lever taps in the kitchen and bathroom, and illuminated light switches for added convenience.
Owners also enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted camera entry system and a 24 hour emergency call system. With less to worry about, Owners will have more time to do the things they enjoy, such as having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoying a chat with neighbours, or attending one of the regular social events in the Owners’ Lounge. There will also be a Lodge Manager, who will oversee the day-to-day running of the development.
To find out more about the Churchill lifestyle, reserve your new apartment or book an appointment to view the new Show Complex, call 0800 458 1857 now or visit www.churchillretirement.co.uk
For more details turn to the Back Cover (page 32) of this Eden Local 8 • EdenLocal
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Q
LOCAL BUSINESS EDEN FM
HR Reflecting on 2019
Looking back over the last 12 months, it has been another interesting year in terms of employment. Whilst Brexit has continued to dominate the news and left us all wondering what is actually going to happen, many organisations have also been continuing to grapple with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which was introduced in May last year. Gender Pay Gap reporting was extended to Executive Pay ratio reporting for UK companies with more than 250 employees, requiring companies to report annually on the pay gap between their Chief Executive and their average worker. Payslip changes were introduced, requiring companies to produce payslips for workers and employees, and include the total number of hours worked on payslips where pay and hours vary. This is particularly relevant for those on zero-hours contracts. In April, there were the usual increases to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the National Living Wage (NLW). We also saw increases to statutory payments, such as maternity pay, paternity pay, adoption pay, sick pay and the lower earnings threshold.
Articles in 2019 During 2019, my articles covered some of these topics. All of my articles can be read online if you visit the Cumbrian Local website. I started the year in January and February by reflecting on 2018 and talking about who I am, my experience and my career to date. From talking to clients and others, they have said they like to know who the person behind the business is, so I hope it was of interest to some of you. Throughout the year, I reminded everyone that I can support with any employment matters either through a retainer service or on an ad hoc basis. 10 • EdenLocal
In March, I wrote about the increases to the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage that would take effect from April, and asked employers to think about whether they are actually paying the correct amount of Holiday Pay. In April, I was staggered to read an article that stated 200,000 people in the UK show up for work each day with a hangover. I talked about the impact of this on businesses and what employers could do about it. In May, I talked about Probationary Periods and asked the question whether it was worth bothering with them. I would definitely say they are worthwhile if managed properly. In June, I provided some advice about managing absence, both short and long term, and the important role of line managers in managing absence. July was about managing staff performance, how performance management works, having a structure in place and the benefits of a good appraisal system. In August, I shared some testimonials kindly provided by some of my clients. The testimonials demonstrate the variety of work I complete and the diverse nature of the clients I work with. My clients span a variety of sectors and range from small family businesses with a handful of employees, to those with around 100 employees. In September and October, I reminded everyone of the support and advice I can provide to individuals and businesses, and asked once again whether organisations had their ‘employment house’ in order with the relevant documentation, such as employment contracts, policies, procedures and maybe a Staff Handbook. With Christmas fast approaching, November was all about work parties and other work-related social events. A time for parties, but expectations need to be clearly set out!
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Looking Forward Looking forward to 2020, well my advice would be as always to start the year by ‘getting your house in order’ and ensuring the basics are in place. • Are your employment contracts in place and up to date? • Do you have the relevant policies and procedures in place and are they up to date?
Wedding Farye
• Do you monitor your employees’ performance on a regular basis and discuss it with them? • Do you monitor your employees’ attendance and discuss any concerns with them? As a minimum, you should really be able to answer ‘yes’ to these questions, so if you can’t, please pick up the phone or email me and I’ll happily assist you with getting the basics in place.
Any new clients that contact me by the end of January 2020, will be entitled to a 10% discount for any work I
S U N D A Y 2 6 TH J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 12noon - 4pm AT NORTH LAKES HOTEL & SPA
complete for them, so please drop me a line at charlotte@quinnhr.co.uk or call me on 01768 862394.
I’d like to wish you all the very best for 2020.
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PAM’S PHRASE PAGE
Well I never...!
Can you believe we are at the end of the year and another season of articles for Eden Local! So, to finish, four final sayings and their possible origins. To ‘jump out of the frying pan and into the fire’ is a well known saying which refers to go from one problem or predicament to one which is just as bad if not worse. Many countries have similar phrases including France, Italy, Portugal and even the Ancient Greeks! However in Britain, the phrase can be traced back to the 16th century and Sir Thomas More. He was Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, he became involved in a religious argument with William Tyndale, who was responsible for translating the Bible into English. More stated that Tyndale had ‘featly conuayed himself out of the frying panne fayre into the fyre’ . Both men ultimately met grisly ends despite their disagreements. Sir Thomas More was hanged as a traitor in 1535 when he refused to approve the marriage between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and Tyndale was publicly strangled and burned as a heretic in 1536. To ‘jump,or climb, on the bandwagon’ is another common phrase or saying which is still in common usage. It means to give 12 • EdenLocal
support for a trend or something popular without really believing in the cause. It is believed that the expression originated in America and probably dates from the 1892 presidential campaign of William Jennings Bryan (1860 - 1925). At that time those seeking political office would parade through the streets while being led by a band of musicians who performed on a large, horse drawn, flat-bedded wagon. The local candidate, as a publicity stunt, would jump on the wagon is it passed through the constituency and drive through the area in an attempt to get more support from the voters. Bryan never did win the presidency, losing to McKinley on two occasions and Taft on a third.
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Perhaps some of the historical figures just mentioned were given ‘the third degree’ to get to the bottom of their behaviour and actions. It is likely that the source of this phrase is Free Masonry where the third degree is the highest level of membership in order to become a Master. In order to reach this level there is a very intense examination with questions which are delivered in a very aggressive and interrogatory manner. And finally I’m feeling as ‘happy as a sandboy’ that I’ve come to the end of this series! The expression comes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sandboys or sandmen brought sand from the beach by donkey and travelled through the streets of local towns selling bags of sand to householders, gardeners, builders, and particularly to publicans for soaking spillages of ale on the floor. It’s thought that the sandboys became very ‘happy’ due to the opportunities they had to take a drink in the hostelries that they were visiting! See you in 2020!
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LOCAL COMMUNITY
Another Happy and Engaging New year - some highlights pages, but whilst the snowdrops were pushing through, it was a quiet period for advertising. If you ever want a quick look through local history in local businesses, you can have a scan through the publications of the last 9 years at www. cumbrianlocal.co.uk/previousissues. The post office closure featured in March, but we highlighted the new Toyota Corolla. Eden FM was granted its extension on its 5-year licence for another 5 years. How was this year different in your 2018 Eden Local to your 2019 edition?
featured in the February edition in the hope of rallying support for a community licence in Carlisle.
January and February were quiet months. Eden Local’s front cover switched from the seasonal perennial front cover to people in 2019. Eden FM attended the Carlisle Cultural Bazaar as
Pam launched her new ‘Well I never…!’ regular feature. Thank you Pam for another great year. The core advertisers of Eden Local were all present and importantly we maintained 32
As we headed in to April and May, the regular involvement of the Penrith Town Council increased its local communication with its Annual Report 2018-19 published, with a list of how it was striving to make a difference, which I have to say has been more visible than ever in 2019. It
Continues on page 20
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“The difference between the possible and the impossible is one’s will”
In October I took a call from Mark Holding, the founder, owner and senior instructor of the Eden-based Mitsuru Karate Club. After a long chat on the phone, we met for a long cup of coffee followed by another meeting, a long visit to the Friday evening session at Penrith Leisure Centre, and then finally, with pages of notes after meeting other members and instructors, it was agreed to do a two part story which starts here.
Martial arts had featured in Mark’s life for over 47 years, so we’ve got a lot of ground to cover and some fantastic photos to share. How did a lad from Kendal become a retired Police Officer and set up a Karate club? Of course a question that has to be asked is what do we know about Karate? Some say that Modern Karate has its beginnings so far in the past that its earliest history is lost. What we do know is that the roots of Wado Ryu come from the martial arts traditions of China, Okinawa, and Japan. Those elements came together in the last century due to the efforts of a most amazing Japanese martial artist named Hironori Otsuka. Wado-Ryu Karate is a Japanese martial art and was founded in 1934 by Grandmaster Hironori Otsuka. Wado-Ryu is a fast fighting, scientific system and one of the most popular practiced worldwide. The classes are designed to develop students through a progressive and dynamic syllabus, which in turn teaches self-defence using advanced Karate, improving self-control and concentration as well as developing and maintaining good physical fitness. This is done in a positive and interesting way to
ensure the student enjoys their journey. There are specific classes for children and adults of all ages from 5 to 75. By the time we come to the end of this journey, you’ll have an understanding of Kumite, Kihon and Kata. It’s certainly something that you or your family could get a kick out of in 2020? Mitsuru (To Grow) Mark was born in Kendal and his martial arts adventure started when he was eight years old in his home town where he started Judo. In his teenage years, he trained for a while in Tae Kwon Do. When Mark moved to Barrow with the Police force, he attended Furness Judo Academy. He then took up boxing and ventured into Karate with a small local club. On moving to Penrith in 1986, Mark took up Karate with Doug James of High Hesket, who ran Cumbria Chojinkai Karate. By 1995 he was the club's main instructor. On retiring from the Police in 2013, Mark Continued on page 16
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involved in the Northern Regional England Karate scene, where he identifies students from all clubs in Northern England to attend the Northern Regional Training. This is a precursor to attending the National Squad training.
became a full time instructor, and in 2014 he decided to branch out on his own and formed Mark Holding Mitsuru Karate, concentrating on developing both the traditional aspects of the art but with a great emphasis on the kumite (fighting) class. A 6th dan, Mark is now almost fully retired from competition, but was twice British champion and a multiple English and British medallist also having fought in Europe. Quite an athlete too, Mark was also a talented long and triple jumper and a semi-professional basketball player, and he is a qualified personal trainer, which comes in handy with his students. Now aged 55, Mark Holding first took up Karate over 35 years ago and he confesses that he never thought he would be standing at the front of a class. When he formed his Mitsuru Karate Clubs, he was helped by Ian Swain, 7th dan, from Manchester; Peter Bibby, of Wigan; and Gordon Harrison, from West Cumbria, under the umbrella of the Yanagi Kai Association, which has 1,000 members, more than 300 of whom are with Mark, with the others also heading up their own groups. At the Mitsuru Karate 16 • EdenLocal
Clubs in Penrith, Appleby, Shap, Keswick, Tadcaster and North Yorkshire, he now teaches around 350 children and adults. He is assisted by around 15 instructors, all of whom trained under him, and Mark also has links to 16 other clubs in the North of England. It is 25 years since Mark as a retired Police Officer started running a club in Penrith, and it has grown from having approximately 12 training to over 350, including multiple English and British champions as well as three current national squad members, two of whom — Jed Thompson and Brandon Carr — are consistently selected to represent England at the World and European Championships. I got to meet Jed and Brandon along with a number of other budding stars. Mark instructs at his clubs six days a week and also does free sessions in schools and at afterschool clubs. Mark went on to say, "I can teach 30 hours' Karate a week, and then there's all the paperwork. I also attend 30-plus events a year, some of which I am involved or partially involved in organising." Mark is also
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Mark gets a lot of satisfaction from teaching and developing students varying in age from 4 years through to adults that are venturing in to Karate for the first time, some in their 50/60s. As Mark explained, “I concentrate my classes both on traditional Karate as well as the sport Karate that is. Karate offers significant skills development as well as life skills and confidence, obedience, respect, control and self-esteem enhancement.” The Yanagi Kai Association has had a major impact on competitions nationally, having gone from a small squad to one of over 45 taking part in national championships, and this year came away as the top association in England, topping the medal table at the national championships. Mark has had more than a few highlights over the last five years. One has been the association's recognition at national level and the achievements of his two star fighters, 18-year-olds Jed Thompson, of Penrith, and Brandon Carr, of Alston, who both fought in the World Championships in Chile in Autumn, where Carr won a bronze medal and Thompson made it to the last eight. Both have been regularly selected for the England squad since they were 14, and 15-year-old Aiden Docherty is now also part of the squad. In my visit to the Friday night class, I stayed and got to interview people pre class and during the class. I actually got to meet Brandon Carr and others who are striving to be the best. Based on the dedication and commitment
I witnessed, I believe I met the future and saw the potential for continuation on the world stage. I also got to meet those doing Karate that were having fun and I also got to talk to three of Mark’s instructors. In part two of Mark’s journey and the Mitsuru Club, we will cover in more detail some of the disciplines, and I’ll share the thoughts of those working with Mark - some of his students who started at 5 and 6 years old, and some of the instructors who were once students. How does Mark Holding do it? He went on to say this as a close to part one of his story; "I don't know how we do it. We make sure the atmosphere is good and that kids are given an opportunity to try it. I get to see the kids more than any teacher, as I see some from primary age to secondary and then to senior. I have people who have trained under me now bringing their kids and grandkids to me." To be continued……
Mitsuru classes in the Eden Valley Shap Memorial Hall Classes Monday 6pm to 7.30pm (mixed Class) Keswick - The Judo Club Southery Street Wednesday 5pm to 6pm Juniors Wednesday 6pm to 7pm Teens and Adult Appleby Classes (Thursdays - The Hub, Chapel Street. Saturdays - Appleby Sports Hall) Thursday 4.45pm to 5.30pm Little Dragons (4 – 7 year olds) Thursday 5.30pm to 6.45pm 8 years plus Saturdays 10am to 11.15am All age groups Penrith Leisure Centre Classes Tuesday 5.15pm to 6pm Little Dragons (4 – 7 year olds) Tuesday 6pm to 6.45pm Juniors age 8 to 12 Tuesday 6.45pm to 8.30pm Teens, Adults and Higher grades Friday 5.00pm to 5.45 Little Dragons Friday 5.45pm to 6.30pm Juniors age 8 to 12 Friday 6.30pm to 8.30pm Teens, Adults and Higher grades Mark Holding Karate No Joining Fee, Free Suit on Joining, First month Free Call 07703 100 868 Email markholiding@btinternet.co.uk www.mitsurukarate.co.uk
EdenLocal • 17
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18 • EdenLocal
Boxing Day Holly Snow Grinch Elves Mistletoe
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Presents Turkey Berry Chestnuts Tinsel Fairy
Leading you down the right garden path in 2020
Over the last three issues of Eden Local, I’ve had some time gathering feedback for James and his team from his customers on the range of jobs they have carried out and completed in 2019. These include a range of new drives, new paths, and last month we featured the creation of an outdoor dining area. Creating a room outdoors is something that some or many may have enjoyed on holiday in a warm climate, but just because we are in Cumbria, doesn’t mean we can’t do something similar. I know people who have a BBQ or stoke up the Pizza oven all year round on the basis that you can’t beat a nice blast of fresh air. Why wait for the sunshine? Looking ahead at what’s coming next is important for any business. Eden Paving and Driveways have shown how a traditional patio area can be transformed into more and how a drive can be a greeting to a home and not just somewhere you park your car. Having the best products is very important. Having a vision and a passion for what you can do with your product to create both traditional but also innovating, bespoke and unique paths and driveways, will leave your customer with something special. To diversify requires not just an idea, but the knowledge and a foot in the future of what is
ahead and what is around the corner in 2020 for James Teasdale, the owner of Eden Paving and Driveways. A couple of weeks ago, James ventured down to London to attend Futurescape 2019. Futurescape is the largest landscaping show in the country and James is a great believer in embracing new products and ideas. Without any doubt he has gained some great inspiration for the coming year. James has come away with some great inspirational ideas for new outdoor dining and kitchen areas, which we will be sharing with you in the coming months. An integral part of Futurescape and Eden Paving and Driveways philosophy is to care for and enhance the natural environment, which we will be building upon in the coming year. If you only get to choose a path in 2020, you can create your own or follow someone else. One thing for sure is James and his team will be in front and they’ll help you imagine developing your idea.
That is your last update for 2019, and inspiration for 2020 The best rates in advertising, with the best distribution for local business Call James at Eden Paving and Driveways on 07548 934281.
EdenLocal • 19
Continued from page 14 is certainly something I’ve picked up on, and only recently at the light switch on, someone said to me they actually get it, the reason why Penrith had to have a Town Council. The Penrith Lions had the front cover for April promoting the May Day Carnival and the candidate listing was also presented for the EDC elections. The Wartime Weekend at Brougham Hall took the front cover in May and the opening article, Penrith Carnival also featured in between showers. Penrith was gearing up to Bloom again! The District Election results were in and the Conservatives were no longer in control. Harpers Toymaster celebrated 50 years and the Skelton Show took the centre page with its 125th Show celebration. July featured the Lowther Show, which was rained off, and consequently
Rooting 4 U Fruit and Veg Retail & Wholesale
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Neville and Hazel Christmas Opening times Sunday 22nd 9am-2pm Monday 23rd 8am-5pm Tuesday 24th 8am-1pm Closed Wed 25th - Sun 29th Monday 30th 8am-5pm Tuesday 31st 8am-1pm Re-open Friday 3rd 8am.
35 Devonshire Arcade • 07773 749 777 20 • EdenLocal
Wishing All our Customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 01768 899408 28 Devonshire Arcade, Penrith CA11 7SX
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Countryman Fairs, the organisers closed in the Autumn. Eden FM was granted its extension to its area of broadcasting. Key features of July were the Appleby Show and the new event, the Penrith Lions Picnic in the Park at Castle Park. We attended the opening of the New Cowper’s Mobility in September as our main feature. October arrived with a new word search feature and several new businesses openings. We started our November edition with a pre-launch to Christmas featuring Inglewood Farm opening its doors to the public to sell Christmas trees. It was also our 10th November edition, marking the start of our 10th year. Yes, it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas and as I close on our 2019 Dec/Jan edition of your Eden Local, we would like to thank all of our existing and new advertisers joining in 2019, but also our readers for so much positive feedback throughout 2019.
Registered charity number 1149068
LET US COLLECT AND RECYCLE YOUR REAL CHRISTMAS TREE in aid of and other local charities
We would welcome a donation for the collection of your tree. Our Volunteers are collecting trees from POSTCODES CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 8, CA5 6, CA5 7, CA6 4, CA6 5, CA7 9, CA8 1, CA8 9, CA10 2, CA11 7, CA11 8, CA11 9, CA11 0, CA12 Put your tree out on Wednesday 8th January 2020 Registration closes Monday 6th January 10am
Thank you to Lloyd Motor Group for their support
To arrange a collection please book in at:
www.charityxmastreecollection.com After costs, 90% of the monies raised will go to Hospice at Home and the remaining 10% donated to other local charities.
Thank you to all those who have support your local independent Carpet Centre in 2019 and over the years
Christmas Trees Lady Riggs Farm, CA11 8SA Open 10 – 4 everyday th 30 November to 15th December
Wishing all of our Customers past & present a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you All Unit 1-2 Hartness Road, Gilwilly Ind Est, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9BD thearchescarpetcentre@hotmail.co.uk
01768 866770
Find us on Facebook to discover our latest exclusive offers! EdenLocal • 21
PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY
An Unheralded Champion By Peter Fawkes
Marion Fawkes was born on 3rd December 1948, so this year currently she is in her 70th year. On 9th September it was exactly 40 years ago when she became the first Official female Global Race Walking champion and so far the only British female athlete to have ever achieved that status. Marion first entered athletics as a runner and had quite a bit of success, winning Northumberland & Durham senior titles at Hurdles, 800m, 1500m, 3000m and Cross Country. However, she also participated in the Walking events to gain points for her Club with less success as she always finished last. She never competed below Senior level. It was in the early 70s when the late Ken Munro spotted Marion doing the walk and he saw that there was something special about her determination to compete. However, she was advised not to take up walking as she was far too small. Marion regarded this as a challenge so joined Ken to see what she could do. He took her under his wing, more like a manager rather than a coach as he advised when races were on. Marion largely coached herself, but often joined in with Ken’s coaching sessions on Club nights. She developed rapidly so that she soon finished a surprising 2nd in the WAAA track walk to Betty Jenkins. The following year she won the same event and there followed a few years of domination on the British scene.
Forward by Lee Quinn A story of a World Record Holder more than once and a World Champion. Luckily for me they get an Eden Local, and when I heard from Peter Fawkes in November, I had to yes to the story about his wife. Originally from the North East, Peter and his wife Marion settled eventually in Penrith. Before placing the story, of course I had to meet Marion and her devoted husband. So we spent a short time in taking a recent photo of Marian with just one box of many which hold up to 300 medals as a Race Walker. In between the conversations about all those medals and shelves stacked in a trophy cabinet that showed a history of winning in Europe and around the world, I heard something very special. It was 50 years ago recently that they celebrated getting engaged, and Peter of course purchased Marion’s engagement ring. I don’t think Marvin in Angel Lane knew at that time that this young lady was going to be one the most successful athletes of her time! 22 • EdenLocal
She became an international quite quickly and started to make inroads against the world class Swedish walkers. Unfortunately, Marion has suffered throughout her life with bouts of deep depression and such a bout saw her drop down the rankings for a few years, although she still made the British team and was usually first counter to finish, although later an emerging Carol Tyson would give her plenty of competition. In spite of her illness, Marion still manged to finish high up the field and in consecutive world championships she finished 5th (1975), 2nd (1976) and 3rd (1978). She also won the European Championships in 1974 and again in 1978. It should be pointed out here that these championships were not under nor ratified by the I.A.A.F. but they were nevertheless regarded as championships within the women’s organisation. It was during the Lugano competition in 1975 where she met up with Charlie Fogg. Charlie talked to her and offered to coach her. Marion took up his offer and she improved her stamina and confidence considerably under his influence. It’s a shame to this day that Charlie
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record and Carol coming second. They were both ably backed up by Irene Bateman and Elaine Cox thereby winning the team championship from the previously unbeaten Swedish team. Reg Wells was the team manager and he coaxed the best out of the team through his inspirational pre team talk.
rarely saw Marion walk as his coaching was unique in so far as he decided on every aspect of her training by post but relied on the watchful eye of Marion’s husband Peter to feed back to him on progress. Unique it may have been, but it worked well. In 1978 Marion became the EEC champion and she will probably remain the only British athlete ever to win that title if we leave the E.U. At this point she started to train exclusively for the 10k distance as it was thought to be the future preferred distance by the IAAF. Considering Marion possessed the “engine” for this distance, she once again dominated such distances setting and breaking her own world records on 3 separate occasions. By now, Carol Tyson had become a great rival and teammate, and on a trip to Scandinavia in 1979 they re-wrote the record books between them with Carol bettering the 3k & 5k world records and Marion shattering her own 10k record whilst winning the Nordic championship. Both went into the I.A.A.F. Eschborn 5k championship in September which was billed as the first to be recognised as an officially sanctioned world championship for females with Marion winning in a new world
After Eschborn, Marion found that the hard training had drained her. Her weight had dropped to 6 stones and depression sunk in again. She decided to take a six month break from walking, but when that time was up she was devastated to find that no-one had bothered to ask why she wasn’t competing and felt so abandoned that she promptly decided to retire. In 1983 she emigrated to Australia and took up running again, winning club championships and the MidWest half marathon in a decent time of 1hr 26mins in 36 degrees of heat. She continued to enjoy running and experimented with one off events such as part of a six man team (the only woman) that ran with a wheelbarrow 500k from Geraldton to Perth for charity. From that point she gained the respect of the Aussies who bestowed upon her the title of “the none whinging pom” being the only member of the team not to complain how hard it was. She also took part in the local biathlons and won a 100mile cycling race.
enjoyed going to Northern races to either compete or officiate. However, a few years ago she was housebound for almost a year with a serious reoccurrence of depression followed by a prolapsed spine which stopped her walking or running completely. After a major spinal operation some 18 months ago, she is now enjoying strolling around the Lake District, where she now lives in Penrith and helping out at Northern Race meetings. Marion and her husband can now be seen volunteering at the local Penrith Park run every Saturday morning. At 4’10” tall, Marion must be one of the smallest world champions ever, but she had a big heart and incredible determination to succeed. Although largely ignored and unheralded in her native North East, she has won acclaim elsewhere by winning the Civil Service sportsperson of the year, the North of England Sportswoman of the Year (in the same year Seb Coe won the sportsman of the year), the runner up in the Western Australia sportsperson of the year and becoming a life member of both North Shields Poly and the YRWC. Marion has always regarded her participation a personal challenge. She is only saddened that the three most influential coaches throughout her career (Ken, Charlie and Reg Wells) are no longer with us as it was with them that she shared her personal successes.
In 1989, ten years after her Eschborn win, Marion was urged to enter the Australian Masters championships in Perth by her Club and after training for a few months on a tarmac patch outside the Town swimming pool, she went down to Perth and won both the 5k track walk in a new state record and the next day she won the 10k road walk in a new world masters record. In 1992 Marion returned to England and since then has The best rates in advertising, with the best distribution for local business
EdenLocal • 23
LOCAL RADIO
Centre Stage return for Eden FM by Lee Quinn
We’ll be building on the story of your Community Radio from last month, as we look back at where we were in 2011. There was quite a celebration on social media to commemorate the first time Eden FM switched on for its first fourweek licence on 26th November 2011. It was then on the temporary frequency of 87.7 FM and we had a logo! The work for that launch and work to switch on the Station for the first was quite manic. Presenters needed to train, and to do that we needed a studio of course, which arrived about 2 weeks before. It would be connected in live mode two days before we launched. We also needed a transmitter, well in fact two transmitters. It was an opportunity and a window of just 4 weeks, and something that is still important to Eden FM today and was just as important then, was to be seen and heard in the community it would serve.
It’s a wrap by H & H Graphics Design
01768 899111- 01768 899101 www.edenfmradio.co.uk
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The ‘beast’ arrived from Eastbourne on the south coast of East Sussex. It was a 350-mile journey to Penrith. On arrival it looked like it had been pulled out of the sea. A jet wash, an overhaul with a bit of TLC and with a good service, Eden FM had purchased an ex BBC purpose built mobile radio car with three circuits and a 9-metre broadcasting mast! Under the grime was a fantastic Landrover Discovery. It was out with the grey and in came the white. Then the sponsor contributions paid for the insurance, 12 months’ vehicle TAX and 12 months’ MOT. On the road including its purchase, a further £2,500. 24 • EdenLocal
Cumbria Mini Centre
H & H Reeds Printers
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Your Voice, Your Choice in the Community
ULLSWATER ROAD GARAGE
Penrith Lottery
Eden Valley Windows
R J Radcliffe
XMAS TREE
All Trees are non drop NORDMANN FIR Saturday 14th Penrith Clock Saturday 14th Appleby market Monday 16th Kirkby Stephen Tuesday 17th Penrith Farmers Market A further hire cost for the transmission equipment for the 4 week licence was just under £3,000 as I remember. The first transmission from the ‘beast’ was at Skelton Memorial Hall and the second was the Christmas lights switch on. As I recall it, with a BLT star, but do you remember who it was? The other someone made someone really happy that day. On switching the transmission off after the 28day trial, the team decided to stay online. The thing we did was apply for another trial licence for the Summer of 2012.
Standard Grade These trees will have a less uniform shape than the premium grade, and may be less dense, but make no mistake this is still a quality tree. 5ft = £25 6ft = £30 7ft = £35
Premium Grade
My most popular grade, Premium grade trees have a thick dense canopy, with beautiful proportions and symmetry. 2019 was quite momentous, being back on 4ft = £20 that stage. The last time we recall being on 5ft = £.3 0 that stage was in the Summer of 2012 when 6ft = £35 the Olympic torch came through town. We’ll 7ft = £40 save those pictures for May 2020. 8ft = £60 The best rates in advertising, with the best distribution for local business EdenLocal • 25 9ft = £70
IN THE PARISH
Eden Hearing Services
The cheque for £2000 being presented by Cumberland and Westmorland Freemasons. The image shows left to right the Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmorland William John Bewley, the Chairman of Eden Hearing Services, Emma Todd, a Trustee of EHS Sally Fraser, and the Chairman of the East Lakes Group of Lodges, Glyn Titterington.
Eden Hearing Services are pleased to announce that funding for their project in the Eden Valley has been secured for the forthcoming 12 months. Eden Hearing Services is a charity which runs ‘dropin’ clinics in Brampton, Alston, Shap, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen and Kirkby Lonsdale, for people with an acquired hearing loss. The charity looks after about 1,200 people each year, repairing and servicing their hearing aids, offering advice and distributing hearing aid batteries (supplied by the NHS). If you are 100 years old and live near Alston it can be very difficult to travel to Carlisle or Hexham, when your hearing aids require repair. This is where Eden Hearing Services comes in, usually being able to effect the repair at one of the ‘clinics’ or on a home visit. The service is well used and many people in the remote areas rely on the assistance. It also relieves the pressure on the NHS audiology departments at Carlisle and Kendal Hospitals. The charity was started two years ago by Geraldine 26 • EdenLocal
Bolton. Initially the charity was supported by Cumbria Community Foundation, thanks to a great deal of assistance from County Councillor Phil Dew. Separate funding was also provided by the John Strutt Trust and continuing funding by a catering supply company based in Kirkby Stephen. Donations have also been forthcoming from private individuals as well as Brough Sewerby Ladies Luncheon Club. Whilst the project workers and trustees work on an entirely voluntary basis, there are still costs associated with running the project. Public liability insurance, stationery costs, staff training and travel costs, to name just a few. The finances had shrunk to less than £200 in total. Very fortunately an application to the Cumberland and Westmorland Freemasons has resulted in a donation of £2000. Coupled with other monies received this will secure the work of Eden Hearing Services for at least the next 12 months. The trustees are very grateful to all their supporters, in particular Cumberland & Westmorland Freemasons.
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RJC Roofing is a local business working with both commercial and domestic clients. It is now growing a reputation for offering a friendly service, whilst delivering good standards, which helps us to continue as our business progresses. We always pursue a clear goal in regular dialogue with our customers, to keep them informed and up to date with the work that is taking place. For the best possible results and to ensure the smooth running of your project, quotations will always be given in person and we will clearly outline all the work included in the price. There are absolutely no hidden charges. If we have agreed to a fixed price for the job, and whilst doing the work you ask us to do something extra, we will agree with you the cost of the extra work before we start it. All prices quoted are inclusive of all taxes. We do ask for extra time if we need it in order to deliver a high standard job. As soon as all of the work is finished, you will be asked if you are 100% happy with the work done, to ensure you are fully satisfied.
Here are some recommendations from previous & existing customers:
Mr C - Kirkby Stephen Basically, RJC roofing completed everything as required in replacing our roof on a listed building. The team work very well and Richard kept me informed throughout the job. Mrs B - Sowerby Row It was quite a complex roof, due to the structure, and RJC came up with the solution. The team were very professional, always polite and they worked very tidily throughout. When they left you wouldn’t have known they had been. Richard was a bit of a dynamo running around checking the work 100% throughout the project. Mrs W - Penrith A complicated roof well-done. A big roof on a listed building, three types of tiles/slates required but the lads weren’t phased by any problems that cropped up. They were on hand even for emergencies at the weekend. I am very happy to recommend this company. ● Re-roofing ● New Roof ● Fascias & Sofits ● Flat roof repairs ● Gutter cleaning and maintenance ● Roof conversions ● Roof tiling ● Roof windows ● Slate roofing ● Ply roofing ● Steel roofing ● Thatching ● Felt roofs ● Green roofs ● Fibre Glass Green ● Rubber roofing ● Roof cleaning/repairs ● Trusses ● Repairs from storm damage and more
01768 899480
www.rjcroofing.co.uk The best rates in advertising, with the best distribution for local business
EdenLocal • 27
LOCAL COMMUNITY
An open door and an open opportunity By Lee Quinn It was back in September that Eden Local presented a press release from the PAPP Group, which included pictures of the Omega Proteins site on the Greystoke Road and the topic was raised on the smells that potentially are generated from the plant. I am a strong believer that it is important to present both sides of any story. Communication is a wonderful thing, but for it to work, it has to be two way to make a conversation. Someone has to talk and someone has to listen. I’ve heard the stories, but like many people I didn't really know much about Omega Proteins. I knew there was a liaison group which included local councillors, some local residents and members of the Leo Group, who own Omega Protein, and key management based on site. I took it upon myself to call Omega Proteins on 22nd October, and I spoke to Cassie Irving, the PR Manager for Leo Group on my thoughts about wanting to know more and at some point get to present more about what people don’t know to give them
a better understanding. On 6th November I was on site at Omega Proteins. After a meeting, it was quite an eye opener to be able to take a tour of the facility and to understand how things work, from what comes in, to the end products. I’ll be presenting this experience in 2020, as what I would describe as a fresh pair of eyes and I hope a clear view of what happens at Omega Proteins. In early November, there was a press release from Leo Group which was in the local press, and it was an appeal asking local people to spare a few hours a month and become a member of the Company’s Liaison Group; an appeal direct to the community around it. No one has come forward, not one enquiry, which is interesting given some are protesting and have an option to an open door to find out more. For now, I have asked Cassie Irving to present a similar statement to the one that was released in the local press, to the readers of Eden Local. During 2020, there are, I am told a lot of development improvements
at Omega Proteins, which I think should be common knowledge to everyone so I’m hoping there are people out there now reading and thinking they would like to find out more. The next Liaison Group will be scheduled in January or February, so it is to be announced soon. I will leave you with that thought and this press release
Residents invited to join Leo Group’s liaison meeting Leo Group, the owner and operator of Omega Proteins Penrith, is encouraging residents to join the company’s liaison group. Cassie Irving, PR Manager at Leo Group, said: “We are committed to engaging with residents and the council to keep them informed, discuss issues and make improvements where required. We would welcome new members to the liaison group who could offer fresh ideas and proactively work with us to make positive changes that benefit the local community.” Meetings are held every other month at the facility on Greystoke Road and anyone wishing to attend should email pr@ leogroupltd.co.uk for details. This forms part of a wider community outreach programme which also includes a recent site visit from Penrith Industrial BID, the launch of the Leo Group Community Fund in 2020 and a site open day which will take place in late 2020. The company, which has sponsored one of the town’s Christmas angels, has also announced a £30 million investment to upgrade their odour abatement equipment.
28 • EdenLocal
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The upgrades to the Omega Proteins site in Penrith include the installation of a new multifuel thermal oxidiser; this is in addition to the thermal oxidisers and biofilters already on site. It will also provide high energy recovery as it will use biomass fuels instead of fossil fuels to generate steam and electricity via a turbine which will allow the company to take less off the grid thus improving their carbon emissions. Cassie added: “We take our responsibilities seriously and endeavour to be good neighbours. We are continuously investing in new technology and have done since acquiring the site in 2002. We are also working closely with the environment agency in conjunction with our environmental permit. As part of the development we have built a new trailer shed and a separate automated washing facility. This will allow vehicles to be stored in an airlocked environment until they are moved to be washed. Our plans also include landscaping the area surrounding the site with the planting of trees and the inclusion of a wet reed bed.” For Further information please contact: Cassie Irving - PR Manager E: cassie.irving@leogroupltd.co.uk T: 01422 353325 Some more information on Leo Group •
Leo Group is a family run business with headquarters in Halifax and employs more than 1000 people across its operational sites in the UK, Ireland, Europe and South Africa.
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Leo Group invests 98% of its retained profits back into the business. Every year they collect and process in excess of 1.25 million tonnes of waste material. From this processing operation they produce 130,000 tonnes of protein meal and 70 million litres of purified fats per year which are used across a range of industries, including biofuel, cosmetics, pet food, oleochemical, agricultural and power.
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The company is also at the heart of renewable energy and waste management. With several investments in solar, wind and biomass, along with interest in Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) for power generation. Leo Group is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates. Since 2011 the company has handed out more than £500,000 to good causes in every corner of the community.
Penrith Foodbank There are many reasons for someone to find themselves using a foodbank; ultimately though, whatever the complications, it comes down to having insufficient funding for meals. There are rising numbers of people using foodbanks like the one in Penrith, they don’t want to be there but sadly circumstances mean that sometimes a little help is required. The foodbank in Penrith is run by the Salvation Army from its base in Hunter Lane and is open to all, following referral from Citizens Advice, Schools, Probation services and other social services. An appointment is made so that the person in need can collect some food. Some people may only need to visit the foodbank once; others might need on-going support. In addition to the standard foodbank service, the Salvation Army also offer free meals within the church and can help with clothing and toiletries. Foodbank donations are always greatly appreciated. There is a list of common items on many foodbank websites; including longer life products such as cereals, tinned soup and stew, tinned meat and fish, pasta, rice and pasta sauce; tinned puddings, tinned beans and vegetables; butter, margarine, longlife juice, milk, toiletries and washing up liquid. With Christmas coming up ‘treats’ such as new toys, toiletries and gifts are also being collected. People are often reluctant to ask for help until they are in real crisis but I would urge anyone who needs help to get in touch with the Salvation Army as soon as possible so that they can get some advice and help. There are many ways businesses and the community can offer help to people who are struggling within their own community so please think about organising a collection to make a donation to the foodbank. The Salvation Army would be very grateful to hear from you on 01768 866732. It saddens me greatly that we need foodbanks in such a rich economy, but I am very grateful to the Salvation Army for their love and care for our community. Councillor Doug Lawson - Mayor of Penrith
Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7XR
01768 899 773
Email: office@penrithtowncouncil.co.uk Web: www.penrithtowncouncil.co.uk
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EdenLocal • 29
LOCAL COMMUNITY
Introducing the 1247 and 2192 Squadron outdoor and other qualifications, which can be used to give the young people the exciting challenges they join for.
In 1938 a senior retired RAF Officer – Air Commodore Sir John Chamier – was convinced, as were many others in the Services, that a war with Germany was inevitable. He was also convinced that it would be a war fought in the air as well as on the ground. Britain was not well placed to fight this war, as it had not trained anywhere enough pilots. Sir John set up an organisation to train young men in a number of aviation skills. He called it the Air Defence Cadet Corps, and thousands of young men joined the 200 plus Squadrons that were set up, funded by local people, as there was no Government support. Many of those young men went on to join the RAF, and by 1941 the Government realised the benefit of the aviation training on offer by the ADCC, and it was instituted by Royal Warrant as the Air Training Corps with funding provided by the RAF. The Air Training Corps survives to this day as the major part of the RAF Air Cadets, with over 30,000 young people between the ages of 13 and 20 enrolled. It still trains its members in a wide range of aviation linked subjects and offers opportunities for flying and gliding, but its remit is now much wider, and includes sport, adventure training, social and community activities, navigation skills, shooting both with target rifle and clay targets, overseas and weeklong camps at RAF stations. It also offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at all levels as well the chance to gain a recognised qualification though the Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation. There are almost 1000 squadrons throughout the UK, and two of these are situated in the Eden Valley – 1247 Penrith Squadron, and 2192 Appleby Grammar School Squadron. Like every other Squadron, both are run by local volunteers, some enrolled as uniformed staff – Officers and NCOs – others serve as Civilian Instructors. It is not necessary to have experience in the Armed Forces, and there is a full training package for staff and opportunities to gain 30 • EdenLocal
The link with local people funding Squadrons also survives. While the RAF provide many facilities, it cannot provide everything from public funds, so to offer the full range of activities each Squadron has a Civilian Welfare Committee made up of local people who support the Squadron and raise money for many activities and facilities. This writer is honoured to have been the Chairman of the 2192 Committee since 1997. To continue the fine record of youth service the ATC has so far achieved, local people are needed. Young people can join in the School year in which they turn 13, and can serve until the age of 20. Volunteers to join as staff or committee members are welcome at either Squadron and both have an online presence with can be accessed by “1247 Squadron” or “2192 Squadron”. As someone who has been a member of the Cadet Forces for over 60 years I can vouch for the fact that the offer to young people by the Cadet Forces is without equal in the youth service of the UK. (Others may disagree, of course!). So if you want to be part of a great success story, have a look at your local ATC Squadron. Mike Gerrish
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