Eden Local Issue 181 by Lee Quinn

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ISSN 2516-1431

Your Independent Community Magazine Penrith and areas of the Eden Valley

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Setting Sail for the Unitary Wannasee it Now! Turn up the MIC Queen’s Platinum Jubilee A Diverse Insect

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Cumbrian Local Publications • Issue 1No. 181• Launched November 2010

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So here we are - a warm welcome to your May Eden Local A task it has been, leading up to the local elections, with a return to leaflet inserts in the magazine for some areas, whilst we also returned with our door-to-door delivery recently, to the areas of Low and High Hesket, taking our door count on deliveries to over 13,200 doors.

A Snapshot of what we’re got Whist the unitary election is over when this magazine is in your hand, we have a special after the election piece called ‘Setting Sail for the Unitary’ which hopefully explains possibly what should have been explained pre- election. Launched at the end of April, we have an update on Eden FM’s new Turn up the MIC show, now live on Mondays, featuring local music and artists. We have the itinerary for the Penrith Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and a Rex di Noci Jubilee, but the SPOTIFLY is my favourite this month. Before the Wannasee bank holiday August weekend happens, we have some Wannasee performances in June at the Frenchfield Stadium, Penrith. We have the big fundraiser for Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland with a Dawn walk in June. You had a buzz last month with our Bees, and this continues in part 2 this month - thank you to the Penrith Beekeepers. This month we’re joining the Dots with 47 species of one beetle and next month we’ll be having a flutter with another beauty.

From a print and distribution point of view, this makes the Eden Local the largest printed media of its kind in Eden, which is about twice that of its nearest print media rival, competing for the same support in advertising and readers. How many people actually read the Eden Local? Well, we don’t really know. It’s something I have covered before, but not as many times as I have said, as I do every month, welcome to our new readers! I do not believe there are many printed publications out there that can say that. As for the Eden Local, there isn’t a month goes by, rarely a week, when people have been kind enough to say they read it as soon as it arrives, which is a key factor in amongst a number of reasons as to why we just keep going. The summer is almost here and come Autumn we’ll be in our 13th year. Another factor in doing what we do is based on the importance of communication, and it always has been. We have to generate the funds so that you get a free magazine posted through your door. With more advertisers, we could introduce more pages, which then is more weight to deliver, but it generally leads to more doors being reached. I am and will always be someone who believes that if people have the right information and it is presented in a way that they understand, it helps to engage with the information

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presented and the stories, the campaigns or the advertising they see before them. So, we have a comparatively small part of Eden covered, which includes some of the most sparsely populated areas of England.

QUATTRO STAGIONI: SPRING As the soft white snowdrops disappear

For close to 12 years now, I have tried to deliver good news stories through your door. I leave the bad news to local press and social media. I know it doesn’t increase the sales of newspapers anymore, but bad news gets a lot of hits on social media. It’s depressing how the balance of this has changed, and how people thrive on bad news, and its now becoming a generational thing. Bad news and bad news headlines are what attract advertisers on news media sites. No one is shielded from it even though no one actually knows if these news headlines are actually true because of how it is presented.

Ceding to multi-coloured crocuses Start of the agricultural year The time when Mother Nature focuses Yogi bears escape their hibernation Underground stir hardy perennials The living proof of reincarnation Oak trees enjoying bicentennials Afficionados of horse and hound Bolstered by the ranks of the nouveau riche Trumpet the annual Cheltenham sound

It’s a point I had to make, and I feel quite strongly about, because communication is a two-way process, but how often do we really have the opportunity to talk to those using one type of communication and using channels not accessible to all?

Champagne flutes crushed ‘neath a Rolls Royce Corniche For those of thinning blood disposition Spring is just Winter / Summer transition

The unitary elections will be over when you’re reading this magazine, as its delivery has been scheduled to commence around 6th May. I have my thoughts on politics from No 10, to those responsible for collecting our garden waste on pages 6 and 12. Once again it’s great to have our regular supporters in advertising and writing, and some new and returning businesses joining us.

Rex di Noci March 21st 2022

01768 862394

Phone: Email: lee@cumbrianlocal.co.uk www.cumbrianlocal.co.uk

Whilst the Jubilee is almost upon us, it set me thinking with no Lions May bank holiday, when did we have the last Penrith Lions Carnival or as some would say, May Day? Well, whilst it seems a long time ago on a wet bank holiday, it was 27th May 2019 we had our last blast with the Lions. The fun fair will be in town for the Jubilee celebrations, but as a special celebration of our Penrith Lions events across the years, I am hoping to share some of these in a special feature next month, as we prepare for the show season with a Skelton feature too.

Cumbrian Local Publications Ltd, Suite 6, Cumbria House, Gilwilly Road, Penrith CA11 9FF Follow us on Twitter for regular

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

We’ll be back in June Take care out there! Lee 4

A Titanic Challenge Ahead! Setting Sail for the Unitary By Lee Quinn

So now for something completely different! I would have loved to have written this 3 months ago, pre unitary council elections, but those who have been for so long protesting against the Unitary System, and those in local politics who have failed the community in communicating what it really is, would probably say it’s unfair to release the facts pre-election. To build on what I have said already in this opening, during an election people like you and me need to know what we are voting for and why. If those in authority hide this information, you won’t vote because you don’t know what you are voting for. We need to have information to understand enough to make a decision. If we don’t understand, we need to be able to ask people we can ‘trust’ what it means, and these people shouldn’t be politically driven.

As I write this opening, we are just 8 days away from the 5th May Unitary Council Elections, and our 182nd publication goes to print. Once again, I have already walked many miles, but then I do every month delivering this magazine. For the March and April editions, I have helped coordinate others to get them seen as Independent Candidates in what is, the biggest local election Cumbria has seen since Cumberland and Westmorland became Cumbria County on 12th April 1973.

Continued on page 12

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You will need to take advice from a suitably qualified Independent Financial Adviser and appoint a lawyer to provide you with independent legal advice. We can help you. Jane Fillis is a Senior Property Lawyer at Butterworths, who deals with agricultural, commercial and complex residential matters including Equity Release. Jane has been working in property for over 20 years qualifying in 2004. Jane works across the Firm’s offices in Cumbria and West Yorkshire. We all need that time away whether it be a coach trip, flight abroad, campervan tour, or to visit family and friends especially after the last two years. In today’s current climate escalating food, heating, and fuel bills can often mean we cannot afford to take a break as often as we would like to visit the places on our wish list. You may be Considering Equity Release? If you are a home owner aged 55 or over you can release money from the property you live in without having to make monthly repayments. By using an Equity Release product, a homeowner can draw a lump sum or regular smaller sums from the value of their home, while remaining in their home.

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“Turn the MIC Up”

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At Eden FM we are always looking for new ideas, and we always welcome new members. Since it was established, Eden FM as a Community Radio has had close to 100 local people presenting on it shows. Some get involved for their work experience, and some are delivering key daytime shows as part of its community radio commitments. In that mix are those who not only get the experience, but they also get noticed, and from the roots of radio which community radio is, they get discovered. “Turn the MIC Up” is the brand new show to Eden FM, committed to showcasing the best of Cumbria’s new music talent. The show aired for the first time on Monday 25th April and will be on every Monday night 8-10pm, with a repeat going out every Wednesday 10-12pm. Presenters Matty Buck and Tasha Hannon gave us their thoughts on how the first show went. “The first show was to get us out there so local musicians could hear that there was going to be a new platform for them where they could showcase their tracks. We played a lot of local artists and a variety of music genres which was great as it really showed off the mix of music we have in the county” said Tasha. Matty added “it was a really enjoyable show to cocurate and co-present. It’s great to be in a position to give so many talented artists and bands a platform for their music”. The pair are encouraging local artists to get involved and are looking forward to having artists on the show for live performances and interviews in the near future. Continued on page 14

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An established business, with over 35 years’ experience in commercial and domestic UPVC doors and windows, to you and me, that might mean double glazing. Lee relocated to Penrith with a proven idea which has been patented and is a proven way to save money and tick a whole lot of environmental boxes. One obviously is in repairing, as opposed to replacing UPVC windows and doors. From the time that Lee contacted me, he was on my radar, not just as a customer but also fulfilling a problem we had with our aging windows and some dated glass panels, with a whole lot of locks and catches needing attention, especially with the recent burglaries and a very stiff front door, bringing this back down to ground level. I get to talk to my clients’ customers. I get to see the end results, but on this occasion, I did the watching and the listening. The downside was that I was so taken aback with the end result that I forgot to take any pictures, but then customers don’t do that! After a survey and a measure up and a discussion, Lee explained what kind of condition our glass sealed units, within the frames, were in. After

all, not all windows are the same; could they be repaired or were some beyond repair? This could mean some needed units replaced, not as complete windows, just units. We also had a front door which sometimes required a kick to open and to close, and we had a few handles that had come off and some were quite loose. All I will say is that all of the above was put right. The sealed units were fixed, 4 new units were replaced and we no longer have to kick the front door. We also feel more secure, and what a difference a clear window makes to your day! In a matter of a few hours, we saved a lot of money. To summarise, The Window Doctor is your UPVC Door, window and conservatory specialist. Lee can repair your existing doors and windows so you don’t have to replace them. The Window Doctor can service or replace doors, windows and patio door locks and handles. They can also repair leaks and sort those conservatory roof problems. Window Doctor Services Ltd also offer a locksmith service for UPVC doors and windows. I can’t vouch for everyone, but I can certainly see clearly now……

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Continued from page 8 The Westmorland and Furness Unitary Council is happening, and in Eden what has been created over the last 20 years is a decline in people being involved, through not communicating how important local democracy is by the very people that lead local democracy. Believe what you like, but collecting your bins isn’t about who is having a party at No 10! Did you really know when you got your polling card what it was for? Too many people receiving their polling cards will not know what it is about. To prepare you for this election because of the importance of it, you should have received information constantly, preparing you for this moment and the changes ahead. This hasn’t happened. Those directly responsible for this are those in authority at Cumbria County Council and Eden District Council. The basis of this responsibility is communication and there is a failure in how this has been and is delivered district and county wide. The Unitary Council Election set sail in the late 90’s. The Local Government Commission for England was the body responsible for reviewing the structure of local government in England from 1992 to 2002 and it was constituted under the Local Government Act 1992. In 1996, 14 unitary councils were created under a Conservative Government (Iceberg warning). From 1997 to May 2010 there were a further 40 unitary councils introduced during the Labour Government, but about 29 of these were structural change orders pre the 1997 election (Iceberg warning). In 2009, Northumberland Council was created as a unitary system (Iceberg warning). In the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Coalition Government of May 2010 to May 2015, devolution slowed and there were no unitary councils

introduced, with the rest of the unitary councils delivered under the current administration in 2021, bringing us to 58 at the end of 2021 (Iceberg warning) As I understand it, in July 2021 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced that in April 2023, the nonmetropolitan counties of Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Somerset would be reorganised into unitary authorities (Iceberg dead ahead). Did you get the memo, or see the social post? Did your local council alert you to this or was it presented that it had to be stopped by your local government representatives? From the top tier of Government, can it impact locally on Eden? Is someone popping down to lay a few bricks, install some electric charging points, sort out our parking problems and congestion in Penrith, and are they going to collect our garden waste in the rural areas? We have a Lib-Dem Coalition County Council and a Rainbow Eden District Council. Is it the Government in No 10’s responsibility to communicate to the voters in Eden about what the Unitary Council means and how it affects us in the future? Through not knowing what the changes ahead are and disillusioned voters not knowing what they are voting for, you could be witnessing a poor turnout in our Unitary authority elections before you get to read this. Let’s hope our local government authorities have communicated what we need to know and prepared us for what this means from 1st April 2023. (The ships not turning fast enough - we’re going to hit!) We will arrive at the end of that Rainbow, but will there be a pot of gold for Penrith town to take on the current services managed by Eden District Council, or will we find we’ve been led down the yellow brick road, with no red slippers? (to be continued)

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JUBILEE SCHMOOBILEE I recall aged six the Coronation But there’s a bugbear on which I look back It was the street party deprivation During the week of my measles attack I’ve still got the nineteen fifty three crown HER portrait on my Book of Common Prayer With a look between a smile and a frown Like the wife with that Bisto ad permed hair

Creating Radio Stars at the roots of local radio is a key function of Eden FM. Creating a stepping stone to the next level. We can boast successes. After university in 2015, Tom Salmon joined Eden FM to host a show all about local bands. By 2016 he was working as a team assistant on the show he now hosts ‘BBC Music Introducing in Cumbria’, with some experience also now with BBC Radio 1 and 6.

The Silver Jubilee year could not hide Cracks in the Football League’s North / South divide As Fourth Division steelmen Workington Were ousted by southern boys Wimbledon Rubbing salt on the wound posh Ginny Wade Took the Ladies Centre Court accolade Geoffrey Boycott some northern pride restored With that hundredth ton on Headingley’s board

It’s been a while but worth the wait, and it’s time to turn it Up! If you would like to get involved you can contact the team via the Eden FM Facebook Page, the website or email turnthemicup@gmail.com Hardwicke Circus MopHead Lowes Beachmaster The Orchid Hunters Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra The Conflux WeAreQuasers

Steve Dryden (Prince of Darkness) Kontiki Suite Late Night Legacy Mylittlebrother Prowles AnaBe Melanie Baker Colt 45

By the time of the Golden Jubilee GOD had pruned the Windsor family tree Titular head of the established church From its commandments saw her offspring lurch Divorces for Anne then Charles and Andy From the kids the lawyers took the candy Twixt silver and gold exit three spouses Leaving Mum to finance three more houses

01768 899107 Suite 6, Cumbria House, Gilwilly Road Penrith CA11 9FF www.edenfm.co.uk

Betty next became a diamond geezer Took the tiara out of the freezer Lots of guards and horses were parading Sundry musical folks serenading The day wears on, she’s flagging is Queenie For Christ’s sake someone bring a martini Ten years to the next bonanza retail Bon voyage to all those who in her sale

The Attic

The Platinum years have embraced stark change Technology undermining our lives The source of Covid remains the most strange Biology making widows of wives Silenced for good is the telex machine Come and gone the electric typewriter TV seduced by the BLT queen Please resist the temptation to knight her

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Rex di Noci April 20th 2022 14

Saturday 4th June • 10am - 4pm PENRITH TOWN CENTRE Just some of the fun to be had… St Andrew’s Churchyard -

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For more info find a programme at Penrith Tourism Centre / Penrith Library / Tattie Tim! Follow updates on: @Penrithtowncouncil & @Creativiseevents

office@penrithtowncouncil.co.uk 01768 899 773 Write: Penrith Town Council. Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7XR Please get involved in helping to make Penrith a Carbon Neutral Town. It’s crucially important for all of us!! 15

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Employment Support on your Doorstep! by Quinn HR

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? • 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 • Reorganisation and redundancy 18

The Quinn HR Retainer Service 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 situations. 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.

Here to Help

Let us help and reassure you on an ad hoc basis at an agreed hourly rate, or on a retained basis for a small, fixed monthly fee. For further information, please contact me: Email: charlotte@quinnhr.co.uk • Tel: 01768 862394 / 07732 556315 Until next month, stay safe and well. Charlotte

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IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS…

May – Hawthorn

The Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is one of the countryside’s most common hedgerow plants used for centuries to mark boundaries for fields, paths, tracks and roads. The thick, dense and thorny growth which results from regular cutting makes a reliable barrier to secure livestock and has been used long before post and wire fencing was introduced.

As with many ancient British trees there is much mythology associated with the Hawthorn. It is the pagan symbol of fertility and of course is associated with May Day. May festivities were first recorded in Ancient Roman times. The first day of May and the Festival of Flora marked the end of winter and heralded the arrival of the long, warmer days of summer. The Beltane festival, celebrated in Gaelic communities, marked the start of cattle grazing on summer pastures and on the last night of April bonfires were lit to ensure livestock and plants were protected for the coming year. May blossom would be used to decorate doors, windows, barns and byres again to ensure protection and fertility. May trees were the precursors of the Maypole and the leaves and blossom are also linked to May Day garlands and the Green Man wreath of leaves.

It is one of the earliest signs of spring as the pale green leaves appear in late March with a frothy explosion of white to pale pink blossom in May. The Hawthorn can grow as a tree up to 15m (49 ft) in height and has brown/grey knotty crackled bark and branches which are covered in thorns. The leaves are about 6 cm (2 inches) in length and have a distinctive lobed appearance which cuts deep to the middle of the leaf. They turn yellow in the autumn before falling from the plant. The flowers are highly scented and grow in clusters giving the hedge or tree a foamy appearance. The hawthorn is hermaphrodite meaning that the male and female reproductive parts are both held within the flower. The strong scent attracts pollinating insects and the fruits develop into deep-red berries known as ‘haws’. The common hawthorn is a haven for animals, birds and insects. Moth caterpillars thrive on the leaves, dormice enjoy the flowers and bees relish the nectar and pollen. In the autumn the haws are eaten by many birds including redwings, fieldfares and thrushes as well as small mammals.

Hawthorn was never brought into the home however as it was believed that it would bring illness and death to the household. In mediaeval times it was thought that the blossom smelled like the Great Plague. It has since been discovered that the chemical trimethylamine which is found in hawthorn blossom is also one of the first chemicals formed in decaying animal tissue so there is a scientific link between the folklore and the actual aroma of the blossom. And to finish the well-known saying ‘N’er cast a clout ‘til May be out’ has to be mentioned! It refers to the risks of taking your warmer clothes off too early in the year; but does it refer to the month of May or the May blossom? To be honest either can be correct – the fickle British spring weather can bring a glorious warm day followed by a chilly wind the next so best to keep your vest on!

The young leaves and flower buds can be added to salads and though the haws can be eaten raw they can upset the stomach so are more commonly used to make jellies, wine and chutneys. The wood is hard and a soft creamy brown colour. It has a fine grain and is favoured by wood turners and engravers. It is used for cabinet making, tool handles, boat parts and veneers. It is also good as firewood, burning at high temperatures and is also used in making charcoal.

By Pam Waggott References: www.ywt.org, www.woodlandtrust.org.uk 20

Platinum Jubilee Wordsearch Q

Bunting Celebration Commonwealth Crown Diamond Elizabeth Flags Holiday Jubilee Monarch Palace Party Platinum Queen Royal Seventy Throne

Hospice at Home invite the community to join them on their Flag Ship sponsored walk for 2022 and be part of their 25th Anniversary Dawn Walk As part of Hospice at Homes 25th Anniversary Year, the Charity have established the much-loved Dawn Walk! The event first took place in 2008, with a follow up event in 2010 and all agreed it was fitting to once again organise this special Walk in 2022 to mark this memorable anniversary. The funds raised from this fundraising appeal will help care for local patients, their families and carers.

descents of 1000 ft. The Dawn Walk is open to everyone: men, women, children (though under 18s must be accompanied by an adult), the Charity also encourage walkers to bring along their four-legged friends to join them for this special occasion. Julie Blundell Fundraiser for the Charity said ‘this is the ideal occasion to enjoy our beautiful local countryside whilst making a difference to local people, the event could be walked to remember someone special, to get fit or make more memories with family, friends or work colleagues. We promise you an event not to be forgotten and thank all in anticipation of their help in this special 25th Anniversary Year’

The event will take place on Sunday 12th June, the participants will be able to view the stunning scenery of Ullswater and the surrounding area. Ullswater Steamers have kindly donated ‘The Raven’ and organised a special sailing for supporters on the morning of the walk which begins with a 35-minute cruise from Glenridding to Howtown at 8am.

The entry fee is £20 per adult and £5 for the under 18’s, Hospice at Home are asking each adult to kindly raise sponsorship for the walk with a target of £75.

Following the cruise, a 7mile route of this lakeside walk will commence at 8.35am from Howtown by Sandwick Bay and return to Glenridding where a brunch will be served to welcome all walkers home. The walk is graded easy/moderate and involves ascents and

The event will include the 35-minute Ullswater Cruise from Glenridding to Howtown, 25th Anniversary adult T-Shirt, Water Bottle,

Registration Fee: Adults £20 Under 18s £5 Fundraising Target: £75 for Adults Dogs Welcome! Join us for our 25th Anniversary Dawn Walk! Your day starts at 8am with a Lake Cruise from Glenridding to Howtown, followed by a 7 mile walk alongside Ullswater, returning to Glenridding. An amazing morning in memory of a loved one or a great way to make more cherished memories.

Sponsored by

Register at https://www.hospiceathome.co.uk. Call us on 01768 210719 or collect a registration form from our Charity Shop in 3 Little Dockray Penrith. 22

Breakfast Snack, Brunch at the Finish, Sunflower Certificate, Volunteer Support, Free Car Park Until 1pm and a Voucher from the Sponsors. Places are limited and these will be awarded on a first come first served basis. The closing date for entries is Wednesday 8th June.

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This event has kindly been sponsored by The Secret Garden Bar and Food/Pooley Bridge Village Stores Post Office this ensuring all sponsorship funds raised will be helping provide further hours of care and comfort within our local community for patients, families and carers who are enduring difficult and devastating times.

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You can enter the event by buying a ticket from the website or downloading a manual registration form https://www. hospiceathome.co.uk/event/dawn-walk/ You can also telephone 01768 210719 or collect a registration form from the Hospice at Home Charity Shop in 3 Little Dockray Penrith.

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The three Bs: bees, butterflies and beneficial insects For butterflies you can’t beat a butterfly bush. Buddlejas grow fast, flower prolifically and come in shades of purple, white or pink.

We are well into spring, Earth Day has just passed and it’s a perfect time to look at attracting pollinators into the garden. Here are my top 12 plants to span the four seasons.

I love achilleas adding different shape and form to the garden. The flowers are flat and the lacy leaves appear first giving early interest. Plant Achillea ‘Terracotta’ next to a purple salvia.

Spring

Autumn

For early season attraction I love pulmonaria, which do well in shady spots. There are a number of varieties flourishing from March with interesting foliage which will still be there after the flowers have gone.

Asters (Symphyotrichum species) are a classic for good reason; daisy-like flowers into October, not all are tall and smaller varieties give something for every sized garden. Helenium (sneezeweed) come in bright, hot colours and bloom right through to October too – plant Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ for bright orange-red.

For shrubs Berberis darwinii has profuse, small, warm-orange flowers contrasting against the glossy evergreen leaves . Bonus berries for birds later in the season too!

Single-flowering dahlias such as ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ are great for a range of pollinators including hoverflies.

Bergenia (Elephant Ears – the name says it all) have shades of pink and white and the shiny big leaves add evergreen appeal.

Winter

Summer There are many choices but here are three with different merits.

The nodding hellebores add much needed colour; Helleborus niger flowers from November into spring.

For me a garden is not complete without geraniums which can put on a show for ages. A classic is purple Geranium ‘Rozanne’.

Tiny Eranthis hyemalis – the winter aconite – arrives early in the brightest yellow, diminutive but giving impact in the dark winter days. Some heathers and heaths thrive in winter through to spring; Erica x darylensis ‘Furzey’ is bright lilac-pink. Finally, you could always reduce how often you mow your lawn and let the clover, daisies and dandelions do their thing! © 2022 Karen Roberts Garden Design

07856 528893 • karenrobertsgardendesign@gmail.com 07856 528893 karenrobertsgardendesign@gmail.com

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A diverse insect, The Ladybird! By Tyler Penny

Ladybirds have different names; they are also known as Ladybug and Coccinellidae. They are a member of the beetle family which consists of 103 different families of beetle. Studies suggest that globally there are over 6000 different types of species of Ladybird of varying colours, sizes and patterns.

of spots actually helps identify what species of Ladybird it belongs to. The stereo-typical red bug with 7 black spots that we commonly see in films, on television, in advertisements and in our children’s art class pictures, is the most common ladybird in the UK. And there are 47 different species of Ladybird currently living in Britain. Ladybirds can be a variety of colours though! They can be orange, brown, black, red and have either black, white or red spots. Some ladybirds even have stripes. They are a very colourful creature with different patterns making them diverse in their beauty.

When someone says ladybird, most people think of a little colourful insect with spots. The number

Ladybirds aren’t always bright and colourful though. Some can appear tiny and brown and even slightly hairy and could be mistaken for another

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Ladybirds to kill a bird such as a sparrow which is a small bird. And even a bird would be deterred by the reflex blood released from the Ladybird, before the chemicals in the Ladybird could be enough to kill the bird.

type of beetle. However, if you take a closer look, you will notice that on a Ladybird, they have clubbed antennae with 11 segments and they are quite short in contrast to other common beetles found in Britain.

If you have a Ladybird in your home or find one resting in the car or tractor, don’t panic because it can’t hurt you. Some people aren’t a big fan of flying insects which is fair enough. But you should always just gentle try to encourage them out the window or the door with either a box or jar or whatever is easiest for you without hurting it. However, you can avoid finding them in these places by using a range of techniques. Such as scattering scents of citrus or cloves, or filling gaps they may be able to squeeze their way through.

Ladybirds are good for your garden. Ladybirds eat aphids which are small insects which feed on plant sap. You may know them as greenfly or blackfly. These invaders thrive in warm seasons, and we want to encourage the residency of the ladybird to help our gardens grow without threat from these pests. Ladybirds are seasonal insects. They hibernate just like some other animals which have featured in this magazine. Ladybirds tend to hibernate between the months of October through till February. They call this time for the Ladybird, resting in a dormant state. By the time spring arrives they are venturing into our gardens to enjoy nectar and pollen from plants and flowers that have made it through another winter and have begun to blossom.

SPOTIFLY The ladybird a bird can only be As a female twittering on the tree While the male parades in his finery Am I guilty here of misogyny? Wives of Lord Bird some ladybirds could be Though more likely found on lush greenery In the form of a beetle all may see Including the birds that eat them for tea A ladybird sometimes could be a cat The species Claudia Alta Taylor Also known as a Texas Democrat Settled on a six foot three inch sailor Bluebottles, centipedes, spiders and bugs Are there any insects deserving of hugs?

Ladybirds have many predators. Many of those being the birds we like to watch swooping which feed in flight such as swallows, house martins and swifts. Birds have associated red being a bright warning colour and not food. It has been thought that Ladybirds are not a stable source of food for any animal as they are certainly not the basis of any animal’s diet. Ladybirds also produce a yellow sticky substance when they are threatened or attacked called ‘reflex blood’, making it hard for some predators to feed making them less appetising for future meals. People often say that Ladybirds are dangerous, they are toxic. That statement is true in the sense that they do have toxic chemicals in their blood. However, as a little bit of reassurance, it has been scientifically proven that it would take many

Rex di Noci April 26th 2022

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Six paintings by Jacob Thompson of Penrith (1806 – 1879) Penrith and Eden Museum

Six paintings by Jacob Thompson of Penrith (1806 – 1879) Article by Sydney Chapman The Height of Ambition

Jacob Thompson’s career encompassed portrait, landscape, sporting and genre Under the Jacob Thompson’s careerpainting. encompassed patronage of landscape, the Earl of Lonsdale attended portrait, sportingheand genrethe Royal AcademyUnder Schoolsthe andpatronage began exhibiting painting. of theat the Royal in 1831. In 1840 hethe returned EarlAcademy of Lonsdale he attended Royal to Cumbria whereSchools he livedand for began the rest of his life, Academy exhibiting working from his studio in Hackthorpe near Penrith at the Royal Academy in 1831. In 1840 Going to Church andhe leaving the area to handle commissions. returned toonly Cumbria where he livedThe Museum’s art collection contains some hisrest finest including the from oils ‘Going forofthe ofworks his life, working his to Going to Church Church’ and the ‘The Hope Beyond’ (the theme of which is emigration) both and having a studio in Hackthorpe near Penrith Scottish Two havetoa handle Haweswater location ─ the works ‘The leavingsetting. the area only commissions. Thecompanion Museum’s Height of Ambition’ and ‘The of Pride’. They were painted art collection contains someDownfall of his finest works including the while oils ‘Goingwas to staying Church’ and ‘The HopeBland Beyond’ (the theme of The Thompson with histhe friend Thomas at Measand Beck Hall. which is were emigration) having a Scottish setting. Two have paintings executed both outdoors on the fellside above Measand where the a Haweswater location ─‘painting the companion works ‘The Height artist utilised his homemade tent’. The children portrayed in both works of Ambition’ Downfall . They painted belonged to theand local‘The Mardale familiesof ofPride’ Kitchen, Rigg,were Atkinson and Holme. ‘The while Thompson staying with his Bland Height of Ambition’ was depicts them riding on afriend sledgeThomas laden with heather which The Druids Cutting Mistletoe at Measand Beckfor Hall. The paintings were executed they have gathered fuel. There is high excitement as they outdoors imagine the sledge The Hope Beyond onbethe fellside aboveOne Measand utilised to a grand carriage. girl playswhere the finethe ladyartist sitting proudlyhis on top of the homemade ‘painting children portrayedand in both heather holding a burdock leaf as a parasol. In the ‘Downfall of tent’ Pride’. The the sledge has overturned the children have works belonged to the local Kitchen, tumbled out. The narrative of theMardale two worksfamilies suggestsof a moral undertone (‘pride Rigg, Height of Ambition’ depicts paintings. comesAtkinson before a and fall’) Holme. which is ‘The present in a number of Thompson’s them riding on awith sledge heather have Another painting a localladen settingwith is ‘The Druids which Cutting they Mistletoe’.

The Close of the Vintage The Height of Ambition

gathered for fuel. There is high excitement as they imagine According Thompson’s biographer,One girl plays the fine lady the sledge to to be a grand carriage. Llewellyn Jewitt, it commissioned by holding a burdock leaf as sitting proudly onwas top of the heather Samuel owner ofofthe Longthe sledge has overturned aColonel parasol. In theLacy, ‘Downfall Pride’ Megthe monument surrounding and childrenand have tumbledland. out. The narrative of the two The painting evocative (‘pride comes before a fall’) works suggestsprovides a moralan undertone example of how prehistoric sitesofwere which is present in a number Thompson’s paintings. Another admired with and arepresented by isBritish painting local setting ‘The Druids Cutting Mistletoe’ The Druids Cutting Mistletoe. artists in the eighteenth and nineteenth

According to Thompson’s biographer, Llewellyn Jewitt, it centuries, reflecting the prevailing Romantic sensibility and the taste for was commissioned by Colonel Samuel Lacy, owner of the picturesque scenery and antiquities. "The Close of the Vintage" is a The Downfall of Pride Long Meg monument and surrounding land. The painting watercolour study for another oil painting (present location unknown). It was provides an evocative example of how prehistoric sites were begun during a visit to Italy in 1872. admired and represented by British artists in the eighteenth It is executed in pencil heightened The Downfall of Pride and nineteenth centuries, reflecting the prevailing Romantic with bodycolour on sheets of paper sensibility and the taste for picturesque scenery and laid on canvas, with overlays for some of the figures and detail. The setting antiquities. “The Close of the Vintage” is a watercolour study is Northern Italy (Val D'Aosta), where villagers are shown returning home for another oil painting (present location unknown). It was with the season's gathering of grapes. The finished oil painting formed a begun during a visit to Italy in 1872. It is executed in pencil companion to another entitled ‘Rush-Bearing’, a Lake District inspired heightened with bodycolour on sheets of paper laid on scene. ‘The Height of Ambition’ and the ‘Downfall of Pride, as well as the The Close of the VintageThe The Hope Beyond canvas, with overlays for some of the figures and detail. ‘Druids Cutting Mistletoe’ are on display in the others setting is Museum. NorthernThe Italy (Valcan D’Aosta), where villagers are be seen on the stairwell walls in the shown Town Hall. returning home with the season’s gathering of grapes. The finished oil painting formed a companion to another entitled ‘Rush-Bearing’, a Lake District inspired scene. ‘The Height of Ambition’ and the ‘Downfall of Pride, as well as the ‘Druids Cutting Mistletoe’ are on display in the Museum. The others can be seen on the stairwell walls in the Town Hall. 29

Continued from last month....

The Buzz Factor! ‘Help-there’s a bee swarm in my bird box!” In recent years the Tree Bumblebee, has appeared in our gardens, occupying holes in tree trunks but frequently moving in to bird boxes. These are particularly easy to confuse with honey bees as they are small and ginger in colour. The colony will only be active from spring until late July, when all the bumblebees naturally die off and the ‘new queens’ leave in search of somewhere underground to hibernate. Bumble bee nests don’t cause any structural damage to their surroundings and the best thing to do is to leave them to carry out their natural lifecycle. Consider it a treat to have such fascinating creatures nesting in or nearby your property. Enjoy watching them coming and going on their foraging trips, often returning laden with pollen. Wild honey bees will nest in tree trunks and other dark, roomy spaces. Beekeepers, however, like to collect the honey that the bees produce so they provide the bees with stacks of boxes, called hives, and provide the bees with wooden frames onto which the bees construct the wax cells for storing the pollen and honey and into which the queen bee lays her eggs. As soon as the days become warmer the winter cluster of honey bees inside the hive gradually disperses. The foragers leave the hive to search for pollen and nectar to replenish their stores. During April dandelions and pussy willow provide a plentiful supply. The bees blend the pollen and nectar together to make ‘bee bread’ which is fed to the larvae. 30

The number of bees inside the hive quickly builds up to over 50,000. When the hive becomes too crowded, the bees decide that it is time for some of them to move on to a new home. They begin the process by building one or more queen cells on the surface of the comb. The eggs that are laid in these cells will be raised on ‘royal jelly’. This provides the extra nutrients to produce healthy queen bees. Scout bees will leave the hive and begin ‘house hunting’. They will look for dark spacious cavities, which could be your chimney! Before the bees leave the hive they gorge themselves on honey to sustain them for several days as they don’t know how long their journey will be. The swarm leaves the hive, making sure that the old queen is flying amongst them. They often settle on a nearby branch or conveniently sheltered place and wait for the scout bees to return to guide them to their new abode. The scout bees ‘waggle dance’ on the backs of the clustered bees providing them with information about the different places they have discovered. There may be several options available, so the bees have to agree which one will be the best. This

decision can take hours, days or only minutes! Don’t panic if you spot a swarm. They are unlikely to sting as they are well fed and patiently waiting for the scout bees to lead them away. Beekeepers are keen to catch swarms to replenish their bee colonies and prevent the bees settling in places that are inconvenient to householders. To find your local swarm collector, visit Penrith Beekeeper Association web site: www.penrithbeekeepers.org / swarm collectors. Additional information: Hive Geometrix Exhibition 17th May – 3rd July : If you would like to learn more about bees, visit this exhibition of paintings and information about bees at Upfront Gallery and participate in the events and workshops which will be held during this time. E mail: mr4cnr@gmail.com Cumbria Wildlife Trust would like people to participate in the ‘Planting for Pollinators Project and report on the pollinators that can be seen in gardens and on country walks over the summer : E mail: sophie.badrick@cumbria.gov.uk

HIVE GEOMETRIX EXHIBITION 17th May - 3rd July Upfront Coffee Shop & Art Gallery • Nr. Hutton in the Forest, Penrith, CA11 9TG An exhibition of paintings by Stephen Livingstone ‘Honey Bees through the Seasons’ Other events provided by Penrith & District Beekeepers Association:

• Friday 20th May - ‘Cooking with Honey’ - £20 pp.

• 22nd May & 18th June - Bee Hotel Workshops - FREE • 19th June - Gardener’s Question Time. - £5 pp.

ATTENDANCE AT ALL EVENTS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED. TICKETS: Tel 01768 894404 or E-mail: mr4cnr@gmail.com Visit www.penrithbeekeepers.org Pop Up Shop: selling honey and other bee things! On some Saturdays 28th May - July 2nd Further information visit www.penrithbeekeepers.org 31

Your Local Garden Building Specialists www.cumbriagardenbuildings.co.uk Mon to Sat: 9am - 5pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm T: 01768 885505 | E: info@cumbriagardenbuildings.co.uk

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