Whether it’s your chance to get the family together, enjoy the festivities with your partner, or a festive catch up with friends, we’ve planned you a Christmas to remember.
Enjoy a festive feast or an indulgent Afternoon Tea in our AA Rosette FYR Grill restaurant, have a good old catch up in our cosy lounge areas, and pamper you and your loved ones in our spa (go on, you deserve it!).
If you’d rather make the most of the holiday season with a few nights away to enjoy it all, or just want to pop in to savour our delicious menus or have a Sunday lunch with Santa himself, you can be guaranteed a warm welcome as we take away any Christmas season stress.
For more information contact the Events team on 01768 868111 or visit northlakeshotel.co.uk/christmas
Ullswater Road, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8QT 01768 868111 | northlakeshotel.co.uk | danielthwaites.co.uk
Lots of seasonal wishes, things to celebrate and share.
A warm welcome to our new and returning customers; I think I counted six! We have a fresh pair of eyes at Cumbria Oak at Plumpton (p5) and whilst we were there, across the yard at the Pot Place, their Christmas shop is full of ideas. Our thanks to Rev David Sargent for his annual Christmas piece (p7) and we also have a rota of just some of the Christmas services, of which some we hope will be broadcast live on Eden FM.
The Penrith Lions will be out on tour around the streets of Penrith with Santa (p12). As I’ve described, I’ve had quite a Sassy Nixmass experience (P15). Fergusons Pie shop along with other Cumbria delights, is a new business now open at Great Dockray in Penrith (P16). You can get framed and catch up with the full list of local print services from Penrith Posters (P17).
Would it be Christmas without a tree? Pam has spruced it up (P2021) and we’re selling them and collecting them, after a winter walk (p26), with Hospice at Home (P29). As always, your regular writers are featured; enjoy!
Welcome to your December and Christmas Eden Local. Despite the weather, the Eden Local teams, including yours truly and Mrs Q have covered close to 150,000 doors in 2022. On your opening of this page, it concludes another year of Eden Locals being posted to you. Work is already underway for the Jan/Feb edition which will be with the printer long before you are celebrating on New Year’s Eve!
When I get to this part in in the magazine, it’s usually the last thing I write, but for once I was so ready to do it, it was the first of 10 pieces I had to write this month, which also makes me think how grateful I am to the other 12 voluntary writers we have who did the rest. Traditionally at this point, I suppose I should talk about Christmas, but later in this edition I have reflected on Christmas past and looked to 2020 and how far we have come. Hopefully you’ll see that we have done our bit and gone full on Christmas possibly more than any other!
I don’t think I’ll miss the weather in November! Through following the teams’ updates on social media, even I found time to measure my steps and mileage and the time spent delivering. I hit 55 miles - that works out at around 5 days. I was staggered, but it got me thinking about how many miles all the Eden Local teams do out on their rounds! Just covering the area based around my house, 10 minutes from my door, to deliver 500 magazines I clocked 10 miles. Some drives are longer than others!
It’s that time of year and it only comes once when I look through the previous 12 December editions and I reflect on the year. Whilst my ambitions as a dyslexic writer have on occasions been more punishment than pleasure, just writing the first part of this opening as early as 12th November, (possibly 2 - 4 weeks ago) is a step in the right direction and clears a way forward to 2023. I have explained many times why I do what I do, but I never anticipated just how popular this small magazine would become.
I would like to say to you and to all those people who throughout 2022 and the years leading up to it, who have personally greeted
got
the delivery team on their doorsteps, ‘thank you’ from everyone on the team. As already mentioned, our volunteers and the hours they put in - they’ve played a key part in helping us sustain affordable advertising to all our local organisations and businesses whilst maintaining a volume of text for free; again, thank you for keeping that balance. As we head into 2023, I hope to finally update the Cumbrian Local Publication website before we post the next Eden Local, which will be mid-January. There is a lot of uncertainty out there in the world, with so many things totally out of our hands.
Throughout the years I have been doing the Eden Local, in this edition I reflect on a few of those experiences. A lot has changed out there, and a lot will change. I’ll be going into 2023 like any year, with those views I maintain.
The place where we live is about people and shouldn’t be about politics. If people have the right information, they can make the right decisions. I think the lack of interest in local elections reflects this. Sadly what happens is you then get groups politically driven popping up in between politics as groups on a mission, which confuses people even more.
Our towns and our district will be having the biggest change in 50 years this Spring, and something I will be doing is trying to find more to tell you about this. I’m starting this month with the Penrith Town Council. At present there is no budget used by the existing district council or the new unitary council to provide this information in the Eden Local.
Sometimes it’s just nice to know, but sometimes it’s essential.
Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ll be back with the team at your doors in January.
In the year AD nineteen twenty two Players were a packet of cigarettes
At White Hart Chambers a theatre grew Amateur thespians with usherettes
A few years on an inspector will call To consider the repertoire’s aspects When he arrives at the Albion Hall He will find all the usual suspects
From perfidious hall to Auction Mart Oodles of space – they will all get a part!!
A Miller’s tale melts in the crucible Morphs into a boy friendly musical
Hitting top C the leading lady soared So effortless like a hen harrier
Firmly striking an octave lower chord
The contral to like Kathleen Farrier
Wordsmiths wander o’er blue remembered hills
Tennessee Shakespeare – multiple Bills
The piece de resistance twelve moonstruck nights Malvolio flouncing in fishnet tights
For each of one hundred years they have won Penrith Players now seek another ton
Rex di Noci
November 18th 2022
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A trip to Cumbria Oak it was. I’ve been meeting or talking to Graham now since June 2011. I know the exact day will be in my daybook ledger, his first appearance was in Eden Local issue number 9 and here we are on issue number 188!
Cumbria Oak has used different styles and layouts in the magazine and this can also been seen in store, new ranges are being introduced as fashions change whilst keep to their core values of quality and value. However, don’t worry if you bought a piece of furniture from them in issue number 9: some of those ranges are still going strong.
Over the years, as a regular reader you would have seen the great offers available as new ranges are introduced and if offers one more reason for existing and new customers to go back or visit for the first time. For me every trip is a discovery and a catch up with a business that doesn’t stand still.
My trip to Cumbria Oak this time wasn’t to see Graham, but to talk to his two new team members: Chyna, who joined 3 months ago, as well as Anna who joined the team back June. When talking to them both, it was encouraging to hear new ideas, discussing new products and the re-introduction of sofas and soft furnishings.
Anna mentioned the different types of oak and the mix of traditional designs, the heavy oak styles and the Scandi Oak Furniture range with its retro styling. As so many new homes are being built in the area, this new range works well due to its design and colouring. She mentioned many people try accommodating their existing furniture into a new home but when it does not work Cumbria Oak have a massive stock holding and can deliver usually within 2 weeks of ordering.
It made me think that we generally buy a new home based on our current lifestyle, the kids may have moved out or a new arrival may require an extra bedroom. I don’t think many of us can’t start from scratch and a compromise must be reached to fit existing furniture into a home while adding new items to get the right balance of look and practicality.
Is Oak furniture just for one demographic? Well, ask a younger person. Chyna pointed out that the furniture at cumbria oak can be painted many different colours and that the Cartmel range is very popular with their younger demographic.
Whatever age you are, take closer look at Cumbria Oak soon, as I’m told there is something for everyone.
No sooner were we cautiously emerging from COVID that we were plunged into the crisis of invasion and war in Ukraine and its continuing impact as the conflict continues with the dark threat of escalation. The death of Her Majesty the Queen remains a deep loss to our nation’s sense of identity and shared values; she was, for many, symbolic of the glue that binds our nation together.
Scant comfort in any hope of stability and steady calm in our national political landscape, while the economic outlook is challenging for everyone and desperate for many. Add mental wellbeing and climate crisis into this cocktail and any talk of ‘peace on earth and goodwill among people’ seems naïve at best, if not insulting to our intelligence. Can we really be hopeful in the midst of such uncertainty, concern and anxiety?
The weeks leading up to Christmas are financially difficult for most of us and the celebration of the season itself may give us a brief interlude, a harmless escape for a few a few days, but also reminds us, often starkly, of the gulf between the world as it is (personal and geo-political) and the world as we experience it.
Hope is not another word for optimism. Hope requires courage and action, optimism requires neither. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks reminds us ‘Optimism is a passive virtue, hope an active one. It needs no courage to be an optimist, but it takes a great deal of courage to hope. The Hebrew Bible
is not an optimistic book. It is, however, one of the great literatures of hope’ (To Heal a Fractured World - 2006)
The heart of the Christmas message is scandalous: that, in Jesus Christ, God shares completely the f our human existence, transforming the world by immersing his life in it, being with us whatever the cost; offering love, healing, grace, forgiveness, welcome, power to change, radical reconciliation, shared laughter and tears and, even though death, new life. We need hope if we are to work for a better world and Christmas is hope made visible, inviting, urging, and compelling us to live today in the hope of what tomorrow really can be.
Rev David Sargent (Churches Together in Penrith)
Ian Watters – Cert PFS and Certs CII (MP&ER) Mortgage & Equity Release Consultant
When we reach that point in life where our priorities can change, we want to do things, we want to make sure we enjoy life and not endure it!
What that actually means in reality varies a lot, as thankfully we are all different as people. That’s why I enjoy helping and advising people about mortgages and other types of lending such as Equity Release, which is just a mortgage without any compulsory payments. Nothing technical or anything to fear.
There are many different things people want to do, such as repaying an existing mortgage or loan that you are worried about how to repay by the end of the term, and that is causing you stress and worry.
Life is too short for such things and removing all of that stress can be life changing for many.
Perhaps undertaking some long-planned improvements at home now that you spend more time there. Why not enjoy some extra space or make things more comfortable?
Life can also be far simpler. These days pension income can be limited and worrying about basic bills let alone the odd luxury or treat is a reality for so many. Would a modest boost to your income each month change things significantly to the point where instead of just getting by and worrying about the next bill to arrive, you have more than enough money to cover all easily and plan for a holiday instead of worrying!
There are options available to anyone aged 55 or older who own their own home.
The best thing to do is to talk to someone, without any commitment or pressure and preferably over a cup of tea or coffee, to see what options might be suitable for your personal circumstances. That is what I can offer locally. Independent financial advice with no sales pitch or pressure to do anything. My clients know how I look after them and often refer their families and friends as a consequence because they want to be able to talk to someone, face to face and with someone they can trust.
Drop in for an informal for a chat at our new Equity Release hub at Gloucester Yard Penrith, to see how we can help you.
Contact: Ian Watters
Mobile: 07495 590160
Email: ian.watters@trulyonline.co.uk
It’s something that not so long ago we all took for granted. Many of us celebrating with our families and friends, we were having parties and gatherings, travelling across the county, the country and for some across the world.
2020 and 2021 possibly took something from everyone, but here we are. COVID is around but we are better prepared. Following those huge changes in our lives, we won’t really know for a number of years to come just how much it did affect us, and it will take time to heal, but coming out of that situation, we know now as I wrote back then, Christmas is guaranteed.
How we celebrated it, well possibly by looking beyond it. 2022 as I have detected with many friends and work colleagues, it didn’t seem to be what we thought it would be. The energy crisis, the war in the Ukraine; the everyday reminders of the effects of climate change. We’ll still have Christmas. Our first without our Queen, but with our King. The first Christmas for many with all family, parties and celebrations.
Christmas is a lot of things but being together is possibly the best present of all.
And this time next year, we’ll be ready for Christmas again, just like a Robin.
The robin is only a tiny bird Though it is still not as small as the wren A symbol of Christmas we have all heard Words from many a Yuletide scribbler’s pen This songbird is no seasonal wonder Remember The Hollies’ Rockin’ Robin? The Robin’s Return then stole their thunder Puttin’ a stop to the bob, bob, bobbin’ Back in the day there was good Robin Hood Who sowed the seeds of the Labour Party Christopher Robin the good kid who would Give to Alice his last choc’late smartie The chirpy fellow who sings on the wall Is Robin Peter who pays Robin Paul Rex di Noci November 16th 2022
We will strive to sell your home for the best possible price, guide you through the entire process and offer the best service from start to finish.
By living at Castlestead View, you can enjoy the privacy of your own modern home, but you will also have the chance to enjoy a range of facilities including an on-site café/ bistro, communal lounge, hair salon and landscaped gardens.
We have a selection of two-bedroom bungalows available to buy outright from £285,000.
Housing 21 are a leading not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care. Based in Oxenholme, Kendal, Castlestead View is the latest Extra Care scheme to open for people over the age of 55, offering independent living with access to welcoming communal areas to socialise with like-minded residents. Read on to find out why this could be the perfect place for you to call home.
Castlestead View is an Extra Care scheme, not a care home. This means you continue to live independently in your new home, but with the peace of mind by having help on hand, should you need it. You will also have access to a dedicated Housing & Care Manager, an on-site Care Team and communal facilities – if you want to use them.
Anyone over the age of 65 can live at Castlestead View. We also welcome over 55s if they have an assessed care need of at least 1 hour per week. Some of the most common reasons people choose to live with us are:
• Wanting to be nearer to family
• To feel safe in a more secure environment
• The reassurance of on-site care if you need it
• To be part of a community and make new friends
If you are a couple with different care needs, Extra Care can support you to continue living together with assistance from the Care Team, enabling you to concentrate on the things you enjoy.
Pets are welcome to move in too (subject to meeting the terms of our Pet Policy).
“I would like to thank the Management Team for all their kind assistance and support, both with getting me settled, but also the continuous help to ensure everything is in place for me to be worry free and enjoy my time here.” - Martin, Extra Care resident
We also have two-bedroom apartments available through shared ownership, with a minimum purchase of 25% to a maximum of 75%. Prices from £60,000*. By basing costs on each individual’s financial circumstances, this makes it an option for all.
In addition to this, we also have one and two-bedroom apartments available for social rent, where Housing Benefit is accepted.
*Eligibility criteria, monthly rent up to 75% (on shared ownership properties), core charges and services charges apply.
You can find out more and arrange your viewing by calling 01539 678 288, emailing info.castlesteadview@ housing21.org.uk or visiting housing21. org.uk/castlestead-view
We also have an Extra Care scheme nearby in Bentham called Bowland View too. Visit housing21.org.uk/bowland-view to find out more.
Penrith Lions are busy planning for the 2023 May Day Carnival and also getting ready for our seasonal activities - Christmas Post (delivery of cards throughout the town) and Santa’s Sleigh (a visit from Santa to children - and well behaved parents). Dates for your diary -
Begins Wednesday 23rd November and ends on Thursday 15th December. For just 40p, greetings cards can be posted at the following venues in the town:
• Styleline Hairdressing & Lakeland Embroidery, both in Middlegate.
• Crafty Baker, Devonshire Arcade.
• Cowpers Chemist, King Street.
Santa will be coming to the following parts of the town in December on the following evenings starting at 5.30 pm:
Monday 5th Townhead
Tuesday 6th Carleton
Wednesday 7th Wetheriggs
Thursday 8th Castletown.
Monday 12th Scaws
Tuesday 13th Pategill
Wednesday – an extra evening for any cancellation.
Our tree will be in place in Cornmarket on Saturday 12th November and will be illuminated on the following Saturday as part of the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.
Lions support their local communities with grants and public service but did you know that Lions are an international organisation (Lions Clubs International) serving worldwide humanitarian needs. Clubs in the UK have responded to many appeals, just some of which have been:
Ukraine – relief for refugees displaced by conflict.
Southeast Africa – cyclone Idai causing death and destruction in 2019. After supporting the initial emergency relief, grants to rebuild schools were provided.
Haiti – following a major earthquake in 2021, Lions provided food kits, and clean water to families in rural areas.
Pakistan - Flood appeal - relief for millions of people needing food, medical and shelter.
In 2021-22 in addition to providing local support for family, health, youth development, sporting activities and many other needs, Penrith Lions sent over £4000 in international support including donations to Ukraine, Water Aid, Sight-Savers.
Following on from last month’s article on May 2023…
The search for the famous 39 continues! As we land on 1st January, we will be exactly 4 months, that’s one 120 days away from 1st May. In Support of this 40th May Day Carnival, through your Eden Local we hope to contact the original 39 May/ Carnival Queens.
We are just three more Eden Locals away from 1st May, so let’s make it a special day.
We’ve made a start and we’ve already had some Queens contact us, but we need a lot more. Please email lee@ Cumbrianlocal.co.uk or call 01768 862394 if you can help.
Following on from last month’s article featuring ‘Stan the man’ Walker, we are still searching for friends, relatives and anyone who knows Stan, or you might know someone who knows Stanley.
Work has now started on a genuine Local locals’ book, centred around Stanley, incorporating the history of Penrith and his life. There will be another update in the Jan/Feb Eden Local.
Stand back to see the bigger picture? Up close to nail the detail?
50 years management experience in industry, commerce and banking adds up to business expertise with common sense Eric Dixon 07592 312349
And finally, did you know Eden FM Radio has moved? There will be some breaks in the 107.5 FM transmission during the moving of the transmission site and the installation of the new studio.
Eden FM will still remain online via any www. edenfm.co.uk click to listen and available on your mobile devices, Amazon Alexa.
We will still have the team in the studio live and our regular remote presenters dialling in to broadcast from across Eden and Carlisle. We also hope to be streaming live services from local churches over the Christmas period.
So there I was sitting on a comfy chair, in room with a wall mirror, where the magic happens. Sitting opposite me was Sarah Mossop, the founder and owner of Sassy Nix Boutique, which was launched over 6 years ago. My knowledge on some of the products I believe to be better than average, based on me living with three women and getting overly strange moments when hanging out the washing. In the real world not having the right bra, can effect individuals in different ways. The right bra is a treat in itself in making you feel good. The wrong fit can affect how you stand, walk or sit. Without knowing it, it effects the balance of your body it could put strain on other parts your body causing potential harm in other areas, back and shoulder problems being some of them. It was the basis of the conversation we had. When Sarah set out it was clearly something she wanted to do to help people inside and outside. Her mantra ‘to maintain and grow our customer base’, noticeably happening in her new customers and returning
by Lee Quinn
customers covering families and generations.
It’s not the first time I have spoken to Sarah or interviewed her. I meet and interview a lot of people, but never someone so passionate about their occupation and what a life changing experience it can be for her customers. A professional fitting of bra is essential, and it continues through life as your body changes and grows and then mature so sometimes it needs to be adjusted.
Breast Health and having the comfort that comes with a professional fitting is process that Sarah described as “is a part of building trust and comfort on the inside”. The Sassy Nix Boutique experience is one to one relationship building with her customer.
Like any life changing consultation, you’ll need to call, email or pop in and make an appointment. There is a charge for this, but it is refunded when you collect your purchase.
Prices range from £29 to £129, and I state the obvious; one size doesn’t fit because every one isn’t the same inside and
outside, from the structure of your bones to what you hang on them.
For a life changing present and or experience the rest is up to you.
Why Sassy Nix, you can ask Sarah that question when you meet her, Pop in for something special before Christmas and in the New year
the opening said “It’s wonderful to see a new business ventures opening in Penrith after the last few years and the decline in retail business that has seen many shops sadly close in the town.
Pies and more on offer as new Business open door in Penrith.
Henderson’s Homemade pies and local produce opened its doors in Penrith today located in Great Dockray.
The doors to the new business opened with an array of fresh homemade pies and produce on offer.
With a selection of pies ranging from Steak Pie, Mutton Pie, Chicken Bacon and Leak through to Vegan Pie filled with fresh seasonal vegetables. The range also includes a
Gluten Free Steak Pie and handmade sausage roll using the Henderson Families own Cumberland Sausage produced using their own hand reared Tamworth Pigs.
The Cumberland Sausage is also available to purchase along with a range of Henderson preserves and chutneys and fresh eggs.
You can also enjoy you’re a hot pie on the go with Peas and Gravy.
Local Councillor and local business owner Jonathan Davies visiting the new shop for
To see Henderson’s open today in Penrith with this amazing range of fresh produce with some amazing pies and sausage rolls, having just had a sample of one and purchased some for my family’s dinner this evening. It gives us hope that the town may be turning a corner. I wish the Henderson’s a prosperous and successful future here in Penrith and hope that the local community will support them in the new venture.”
The Henderson’s plan to expand the range they offer in coming weeks including some Christmas specials and their own Tamworth Bacon. Why not pop by and try a Pie for yourself as you enjoy the Penrith Christmas lights switch on this Saturday in town.
On Friday 21 October 2022, Councillor Gwyn Clark became the new Penrith North Ward Town Councillor, joining Councillors Deb Holden and Mark Rudhall as new faces at the Town Council. Times are changing as we move towards completing Local Government Reorganisation and with that a different approach from the normal Penrith Town Council update. My perspective!
In 2011, I was standing next to Rory Stewart during the ‘Save the Alhambra’ cinema campaign. I was one of a number of people on the campaign committee. A quote I will always remember, ‘We need the Town Council to get behind this’ he said. My response was, ‘We haven’t got one!’. It was less than 7 months since I had completed a term as a Town Councillor prior to moving to Penrith with my family. The matter of having a Town Council in Penrith was raised at one of my first Penrith Chamber of Trade meetings in July 2010, when the plans had gone through for New Squares to be built. A theme was developing!
Where I had been a town councillor, the town council had its own buildings, properties, assets and its own local theatre, its equivalent to a town hall, a garden and an extension on what was a ‘Mansion House’ for all kinds of functions. The theatre had community rooms and a café, and a dedicated full time tourism officer. The councillors acted as trustees of the theatre. The Town Council operated like a small district council and had been established for a long time.
Sharing this is important. This is the reason why
I petitioned for Penrith to have a Town Council and the opportunity to one day have people around a table making decisions on behalf of the communities in the parish; for services to be looked after and delivered locally. The vision was that in time, Penrith Town Council would assume responsibility for all the services and assets like Castle Park, open spaces, and play areas. Penrith has been moulded by a district council for nearly 50 years! To date Penrith Town Council’s growth and responsibilities have been limited. The Town Council was never meant to be built in one day, nor a year. However, it is expected with local government changes, that the Town Council working in partnership with the new unitary authority Westmoreland and Furness Council, will own, maintain and deliver the services and assets that are important to Penrith.
Penrith Town Council’s challenge has been since it became a council in 2015, that all of the Towns assets, buildings and land were owned by the District Council or County Council. Since 2015, the Town Council has actively sought for devolution of these assets. On the Town Council website you can see what the Town Council has be allowed to do and its responsibilities under the heading of ‘Responsibilities of the Town Council’. Beneath this list are those currently retained by the District and the County. These are now on track to be responsibilities of the new Unitary Council.
I worked hard to petition for a town council because in the event of a change to a unitary system, a town council would provide local representation serving the community for the
best interest of the people in the parish. However, it was essential for devolution to happen. Despite the best efforts of the Town Council this is yet to take place in full. With the new Unitary Authority commencing in May 2023 this provides us with an opportunity for change when we have to hope that negotiations can take place that will enable the Town Council to deliver and own Penrith services and assets.
In June 2022 the Town Council wrote to Cllr. Brooks Leader, Furness and Westmorland Council and informed him that the Town Council had written to the CEO's and leaders of Eden, South Lakeland and Barrow Council on 6th October 2021 expressing an interest in devolution so as to preserve the services and assets for the use and benefit of its residents. The letter confirmed that the Town Council had continued to express its support and commitment to the devolution process. With the potential onset of local government reorganisation, the Council resolved at its meeting of Full Council on the 30th November 2020 to again state its expression of interest in the devolution of the following services and assets:
Litter Bins, Sports Pitches, Castle Park, Sports Facilities, Tourist Information Centre, Leisure Centre Cemetery, Public Toilets, Mansion House, Voreda House, Public Open Space, Closed Churchyards, Castle Park, Play Areas, Museum, New Square, Car Parks, Town Hall, Events & Town Centres, Markets Flower Beds, Business Parks, Other Buildings and Old London Depot.
We look forward to 2023, and the progression through local government reorganisation, and the devolution of services, resources, and assets to Penrith Town Council. It is essential that all of these are retained, managed, maintained, and delivered locally.
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!!
The young bright green shoots are a rich source of Vitamin C and can be foraged and eaten cooked or raw. They have a citrus like flavour and can be used to make pesto, jams, jellies and syrups. They can be chopped and used in salads, infused in alcohol or steeped in water to make a refreshing tea (*care should always be taken when foraging –check with an expert first).
So to the final tree in our series for 2022 Though not a true native of the British Isles it had to be a look at that seasonal favourite Picea abie. Loved as a sign of the cosy glow of the Christmas festivities and cursed by 12th night when the needles fall and are still to be found in July I am of course talking about the traditional Christmas tree!
The Norway Spruce is an evergreen conifer which is particularly fast growing making it ideal for the commercial market. They can grow up to 40m (46ft) tall and can live for almost 1,000 years! They grow tall and straight and with their distinctive triangular shape and pointed crown are easily recognisable.
Originally from Scandinavia it is thought that the tree was native to the British Isles in the last interglacial age with some reintroduction in the latter part of the 16th century; however it has been planted as a forestry crop since the beginning of the 19th century and is grown across the UK.
The other distinctive part of the Norway Spruce is its leaves. Sharp and needle-like they are square shaped (try rolling one between your fingers and you will feel its four distinct sides) and have a rich piny smell. The needle shape lessens the surface area of the leaf and so dehydration is reduced when growing in cold and windy conditions.
The clusters of stamens that form the male, pollen laden flower turn from red to yellow in the spring while the female flowers can normally be found at the top of the tree and are red and upright perfect to catch the pollen as it is blown by. Once pollinated the flowers turn green and then develop into reddish brown cones containing the seeds.
The Norway spruce is a haven of habitats for a wide variety of wildlife including beetles, weevils, and hoverflies, while the caterpillars of moths with intriguing names such as the spruce carpet, cloaked pug and dwarf pug feed on the foliage. Red squirrels thrive on the cones and the UK’s smallest bird the Goldcrest can be found flitting among the branches searching for small insects.
In terms of its commercial benefits the Norway spruce is grown to produce timber for joists, rafters and flooring; its strong straight lengths have a fine texture with a straight grain. It is also used to make furniture and paper and of course as a seasonal crop to provide Christmas trees for decorative use.
The tradition of the Norway Spruce as a household Christmas tree is due to Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria introducing the German custom of decorating a spruce tree with candles into the UK. Prior to this homes and churches were decorated with evergreen plants to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
Going further back into history in Greek mythology the spruce was dedicated to Artemis the Goddess of the moon, hunting, nature and the protector of women. It was often referred to
as the Tree of Birth as it represented constancy, renewal and resilience.
Since 1947 a mature Norway Spruce is cut and gifted to Britain from the people of Norway as a thank you for the support given during the Second World War. The tree is placed in Trafalgar
Square and decorated in a traditional Nordic style and the lights are turned on by the mayors of both Oslo and London.
Whether you bring a fresh tree into your home or unbox the artificial one each year I hope you have a lovely time over the festive period with family and friends. Join me in the New Year for a whole new year of ramblings – who knows what it might be!
By Pam Waggott
References. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk www.foragingcoursecompany.co.uk www.thepresenttree.com www.finglewoods.org.uk
We spend more time inside in winter so let’s focus on indoor plants. They add interest, colour and texture to your rooms, improve air quality and studies show they bring benefits to wellbeing. Many are evergreen and green is a calming, soothing colour, also containing a bit of energising yellow.
Choose the right plant for the right place:
• Consider how light or shady the spot is and the temperature and humidity. Bathrooms are great for plants that need more humidity for example.
• Use your space well. Contemplate how you could use vertical wall space and window sills or invest in some bigger plants and create a natural room divider.
• Principles from outdoor planting work indoors, like layering groups of plants, putting the taller ones at the back.
• Get the watering right and watch out you don’t overwater. Find plants that tolerate a bit of forgetfulness such as the snake plant (Sansevieria) – it only requires water every few weeks. Easy!
• Dust the leaves. This helps photosynthesis as well as improving the look.
• Remove brown/dead leaves to keep the plant looking nice and reduce risks of pests and diseases.
• Give them a hand with liquid feed (every 1-3 months generally March to September).
• Mist to increase humidity as the air in the house is often quite dry. Grouping plants together helps this too.
• Another neglect-tolerant plant is the zz plant (Zamioculcas zamlifolia) with lovely dark green leaves. It can grow quite tall.
• Climbers on your windowsill can fill an underused area. Provide something simple for them to scramble up. The passion flower (Passiflora) is lovely.
• Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) stand the test of time for good reason with interesting leaves and lots of babies so more plants for free.
• Plant up a terrarium in a glass bowl.
• Plant a pot of bulbs for spring or an Amaryllis for Christmas flowering.
• Air plants - no soil required! You will need to spray regularly or sink in water at intervals.
If you get the indoor plant bug I recommend the RHS Practical House Plant Book.
Winter is a great time to create ideas for your garden in spring. Contact me for garden plans for a makeover or planting plans for a border spruce up or planting redesign.
As always, check whether your chosen plants are poisonous to humans, particularly if you have children, and pets.
© 2022 Karen Roberts Garden Design
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A positive as it has always been, is our growth in distribution month by month, which has benefitted from the new properties being built across Penrith and Eden, however, once seen as positive, in the current climate with the challenges many businesses face in 2023, we have to rethink how we can keep up with adding extra magazines every month to cover these new doors.
You could help deliver your Eden Local from your doorstep. If our teams travel less and they are located close to their homes, we can save on logistics and time.
If you’re a local business or organisation in a village or hamlet, maybe in Penrith or just outside, that benefits from its development, you could help your community magazine serve the community more.
It might be that you rarely advertise or choose just to operate online with your marketing, but please consider sponsoring a route from £20 per month.
We’ll make sure you get seen and heard in the community you serve for this small contribution. The more that help, the more we’ll all reach.
Welcome back to regular readers and a very warm welcome to any new readers this month!
For any new readers, Quinn HR is a small, local business (based in Penrith) that provides employment support and advice to employers and employees across Cumbria and further afield.
We offer a professional, pragmatic and friendly service at an affordable price. Whether you choose to let us help you on a retained or ad hoc basis, we believe it’s important the support and advice offered is tailored to your business.
There are many companies out there offering support and advice with employment matters, tying businesses into lengthy contracts, but how many of them really understand the businesses they support and actually tailor their service to them? A standard template or standard response may be sufficient in some situations, but that is not only what Quinn HR offers. We like to get to know you and your business and really understand the challenges you are facing and the plans you have.
• Maybe you’re a small business that cannot afford to employ an HR advisor, but need advice from time to time?
• Maybe you are having problems with an employee or just need to be reassured you are dealing with a situation in the right way?
• Maybe you need some simple letters written now and then or more formal employment documents such as staff handbooks, policies, procedures or contracts of employment reviewed or written for you?
• Maybe you need someone to make sure your business is up to date with the latest employment legislation?
Well, whatever you need, Quinn HR is only a call or an email away! We can advise on a range of employment matters and have access to additional, professional HR expertise should it be needed.
The following are typically some of the areas we support businesses with: • EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
– disciplinaries, grievances, whistleblowing, bullying and harassment • ATTENDANCE ISSUES
– sickness related and other • PERFORMANCE ISSUES – appraisals, managing poor performance and capability • STAFF HANDBOOKS – policies, procedures, standards and rules
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS – terms and conditions/particulars of employment
EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATES
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION – recruitment processes, forms and job descriptions • PAY AND BENEFITS – pay structures and job evaluation
Whilst we are very happy to provide advice on an ad hoc basis, the monthly Retainer Service can be more cost effective. The HR Retainer Service is designed to support you and your team in dealing with HR issues and to give you peace of mind that your business is compliant with employment legislation.
For a small, fixed monthly fee, timely, pragmatic, confidential advice can be provided to one or more person in your business. You and your team can access advice and support whenever you need it, giving you peace of mind every day.
We recognise that managing HR situations in the workplace can take up precious time and often leaves you or your line managers feeling
frustrated or unsure about how best to resolve these
Some HR issues are ongoing, such as performance, absence, redundancy, policy and procedure implementation and others can arise suddenly and unexpectedly, such as misconduct, employee grievances and policy queries. The HR Retainer Service covers all types of HR issues.
2. Dunmallard, Pooley Bridge: this short, pram accessible walk is perfect for walkers of all abilities. The walk runs alongside the River Eamont and provides a safe path for those icier days.
3. Askham Bridge: this 2 mile route is fantastic for those with older children. The path is pram, bike and scooter accessible making it enjoyable for children of all ages. What’s more you are able to head up to Lowther Castle and enjoy a hot drink to warm up on those crisp winter days.
As we head into the winter months we asked Laura Earl, founder and director of The Hiking Household, to give us an insight into her favourite family friendly winter walks.
The winter months always bring a mix of emotions to my children and I. Whilst we all adore a crisp, winter walk through the fells admiring the stunning views we can also find ourselves with many tears on those wet, cold and windy walks!
When searching for winter walks I always keep in mind how fast the weather can change, particularly as you creep up the fells. It can be sunny, and relatively mild, when you begin your walk but you can soon face rain, wind and even snow as your walk progresses. Please be mindful of extreme weather changes this winter when you are heading out on your family walks. Good base layers, a waterproof and a warm, wooly hat are some of our essentials!
I have grouped together just a few of our favourite walks for the colder months. All walks below have been trialled and tested by my children, they all offer some great areas to explore and are ideal for the colder weather.
1. Eycott Hill: this two mile walk is a fantastic winter walk. Last time snow fell in Cumbria we headed straight here and wow! This walk offers stunning views, perfect hills for climbing in the snow and can be accompanied with a lovely story map by Tale Trails. (See www.taletrails.co.uk).
4. Great Mell Fell: for those wanting to enjoy a Wainwright walk this winter I would recommend Great Mell as the ascent is short, keeping the extreme weather changes to a minimum. Fell walking in the winter always brings with it fresh challenges so please do prepare well. Great Mell Fell is a 2.5 mile route making it relatively easy – my three year old managed this walk last winter. Don’t forget to wrap up warm and wear correct footwear and you will love the incredible winter views at the summit.
So there you have it! A handful of our favourite winter adventures that we hope you and your family are able to enjoy together this coming winter.
If you would like further information on any of the walks mentioned above then please do head to www.thehikinghousehold.com to find out more.
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland will once again be collecting real Christmas Trees in January 2023 to raise vital funds to help local patients and their families. The Christmas Tree Collection Day has historically been a huge success, with thousands of trees donated over the years and generous funds gifted too.
Volunteers and business supporters will set off early on the 12th January 2023 to collect trees from Carlisle, Penrith, Longtown, Brampton, and Wigton– locations which the Clinical Services Team of Hospice at Home visit to provide vital care and support to patients at the end stages of life. Members of the public are requested to book their tree in for collection, and all donations given towards this are gratefully received.
Cath Coates, Fundraiser for Hospice at Home, said, “The year on year success of our annual tree collection is always a remarkable testament to the support the community offers to the charity.
Not only do more and more people book in their tree every year, but we have an amazing team of volunteers and business supporters who enable the event to take place, including our event sponsor Lloyd Motor Group. If anyone has a van and would like to help with the collection this year, please do contact us on 01768 210719 – we are always looking for more helpers.”
Tree collections can be booked from 15th November until the 8th January by visiting www. just-helping.org.uk/register-tree
Please visit www.hospiceathome.co.uk or the charity social media pages to find out more about Hospice at Home.
The Grey Heron also known as Ardea Cinerea from the Ardeidae family is a bird that can be seen throughout the year. It has a grey back and a long white neck. It’s more distinct features allowing you to identify it are its long legs, yellow bill and its black strips over its eyes. It is often spotted near or alongside ponds, rivers and waters as this is where they mainly feed. Native to Europe, Asia and Africa so it’s a bird found widespread in the world.
The Heron in flight is a beautiful spectacle. It has a large wingspan averaging at 1.8meters and its long legs are held out behind them, as they glide and flap. The Heron is a generally skinny looking bird but as it takes flight it wings make it grow into a modernday pterodactyl. They are on average only slightly heavier than a pheasant although its gangly features make it appear larger.
The Grey Heron nests in the tops of trees in their twiggy nests where they generally lay 3 or 4 eggs. Herons nest in colonies called ‘Heronries’. Heron’s nesting in the UK, have been seen in Heronries of 150 to 200 birds in one place. These are often sights which the Heron will use year after year making adaptations to the nest. They often nest near a place of feeding such as trees alongside a river. The stiller the water the easier it is for the Heron to hunt.
In the 1500’s and 1600’s Heron was a popular meat for upper class people however now the Heron is no longer killed for meat. Heron themselves eat mainly fish but also eat amphibians and small mammals such as voles, ducklings or the occasional mole and have been seen standing in fields searching for rodents.
By Emily Quinn
The Tiller Girls of the avian world Though not all of them long necked and long legged They’ll eat oysters with or without the pearl
At the water’s edge these questions are begged Why do they sometimes on just one foot stand? Have they joined the class for Step Airobics? Are they waiting until their lunch is canned? Is it practice for the Bird Olympics?
On the wing we consider them graceful Underfoot their progress may look stilted Greedy eaters they enjoy a face full In Siberia they’ll all be quilted Sightings are now becoming much less rare So you will see them often here and there
Under the grandsons of Coel Hen the Kingdom had been divided into sub-kingdoms comprising of North & South Rhegnedd and the kingdom of the Pennines. This division only led to family rivalries.
The period of civil strife which followed is recorded in the Annuls of Wales in the form of twelve battles which have been attributed to the mythical Arthur. But in fact, they span a period of 140 years so cannot be all of Arthur’s time. The recorded battles that relate to this family war are;
• The Battle of the Caledonian Forrest near Penrith.
• The Battle of Tribruit, the River Eden Near Carlisle.
• Camboglanna or Camlann, near Brampton.
There are several folk stories which speak of a large battle around Penrith but the may have been at least three large battles near Penrith in this period.
Camlann was the mythical Arthur’s last battle against his cousin Mordred and in this we may see some truth as
it was a battle between two family members. The only place recorded at that time in Britain as Camlanna was the old Roman Fort of Camboglanna at Brampton.
It is interesting that the Battle of Arfderydd (Arthuret) is not mentioned in this list but was the climatic battle of this civil war. It is entirely possible that Arfderydd is Camlann as there is only 9 miles between them. After this the kingdom seemed to have stabilised
with the Kingdom of the Pennines leaving Rhegnedd and becoming part of the kingdom of Eburacum.
Other battles not mentioned are Gwen Ystrad (Wide valley) possibly the Eden Valley and Episford probably the slopes below Epiacum.
AD 500 to 600 are seen as the golden age of Rhegnedd .Little is known of events in the kingdom at this time and it became a time of myths and legends. Mythical figures appear such as Arthur, Gawain, the Lady of the Lake, Urien, and Owien Cesarius. Of this list the last two names can be taken as fact.
The greatest of the kings of Rhegnedd or even of all the British kings of the 6th century was Urien, or at least according to Taliesin King Urien of Rhegnedd. Taliesin wrote much of Urien which may have been embellished by late writers but writes of Uriens Golden Halls by the Lyvennet at Crosby Ravensworth, the remains of which can still be seen in the fields above the village although it was highly unlikely that they were golden. It is interesting to note that Urien’s banner was a Raven as ‘Ravensworth’ means ‘Raven’s Enclosure’ but read into that what you will.
By the end of the 6th Century the Angles of Northumbria were ascending in power and an alliance of the northern British Kings rallied with the kingdom of Gododdin and laid siege to Lindisfarne. It is during this siege that Urien was assassinated by a jealous rival and this may well explain the defeat of the alliance but Urien is also attested to have been killed at the Battle of Catterick. Either way the result was the same and the kingdom was greatly weakened and around AD 613 the King of Northumbria took the city of Chester and with it, South Rhegnedd (Lancashire).
The kingdoms of Mercia and Gwynedd allied themselves to take Chester from the Northumbrians. It was during
this conflict that the king of Northumbria was killed.
Urien was succeeded by his son Owien Cesarius (Cesarius was an honorific title with meant heir to the throne) but around AD 630 King Oswald invaded Cumbria and took the city of Luguvallium which the Northumbrians pronounced as Luel.
Oswald was not interested in Cumbria as he was fighting against Mercia and East Anglia. The old kingdom of Rhegedd had fallen and for a time became part of Northumbria. But later in the 7th century Cumbria was absorbed into Strathclyde and Carlisle remained a regional capital with its old Roman fort. The Brittonic word for a fort was Caer creating for us the name Caerluel.
