Eden Local Issue 175

ISSN 2516-1431

Your Independent Community Magazine Penrith and areas of the Eden Valley

Eden 107

SINCE

1873

UPCOMING • Art, Antiques & SpecialistSALES Sales & Garden • Home Professional Valuation Thurs Services 28th Oct • House Clearances Removals General Sale&Thurs 4th Nov •Home Auction & Entries Always Invited 11th Nov Garden Thurs

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Stepped up to the Plate All Hallows Eve OKTOBERFEST The Great Escape Just Hanging around

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Contents

Cumbrian Oak Massive Sale Now on Pages 2 - 3 Introduction - One day I’ll get there Pages 5 - 6 Newton House Now Open Page 7 Stepping up to the plate Success Pages 8 - 9 The Roofers Perspective by One Call Page 10 All Hallows Eve or spending spree?

Page 12 OKTOBERFEST by Rex di Noci Page 12 North Lakes Hotel and Spa Friday Night Live Page 13 Penrith Town Council Update Page 14 Introducing the Window Doctor Page 15 The Great Escape by Summer Latham Pages 16 - 17 Pam’s Flower Power October – Marigold

Pages 18 - 19 Foliage focus by Karen Roberts Pages 20 - 21 Autumn to Winter your Eden Local Page 21 Halloween Word search Ultimate Exterior Protection Page 22 Razzamataz Penrith Pages 22 - 23 Welcome to Eamont Bridge by Sydney Chapman Pages 24 - 25 Managing Absence – Hints and Tips with Quinn HR Pages 26 - 27 Just Hanging around with the Bats Pages 28 - 30 Some Good News Page 30 Behind the walls of Studio One Page 31 Beating Conservatory Conversion Prices down Back Cover Follow us on Facebook for additional stories and

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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 2020. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part may be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.

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One day I’ll get there, I just couldn’t get there yesterday.

Welcome to your October Eden Local publication No. 175. It’s that time of the year; our busiest time as we move our deliveries forward a week. It’s also that time when I see the buddleia turn, the sunflowers bowing out, the leaves on the plants around me starting to fold and each morning when I look out of the kitchen window, I see the apples fallen from the tree on the lawn. I knew after a taste test that it was time to pick the remaining apples. It was the worst crop in 11 years, enough for crumble and wine but not cider.

As I head to print with this magazine I’m in the middle of co-ordinating and facilitating interviews with candidates on the radio, who are standing in the Penrith West By-Election. Added to my list of things to do, it seems to have been non-stop, since the 60-hour radio marathon, with team Eden FM. (There is a short update towards the end of this edition). As advertised last month I had a crack at the walking football, afterwards on that day I went for a walk, it was only 3-4 miles. My reasons for this, I was in training of course! But before that a busy week ended came a talk which I was invited to do about Eden FM at a luncheon.

Just my luck it was 15 minutes but on the day that the Tour of Britain came through town which meant traffic chaos!

As I mentioned last month, I would be calling the chimney sweep. David has cleaned our chimney since we had the old gas fire and back boiler removed. When we spoke, he commented on the mention in last month’s magazine, so he knew he would be getting a call. I’ll be seeing him soon, when this edition of the Eden Local magazine is out for delivery. It is certainly that which was described by Karen Roberts in her article last month titled ‘Season of mists’ so very true during September on some mornings and the heating trips on.

Meanwhile, Martin Cowin, a good friend, a colleague and a director like myself at Eden FM had persuaded me to have a go at the Step up to the plate. A sponsored walk for Carlisle and North Lakeland Hospice at Home, and of course I said yes! (Full story is on page 8 – 9). It was a tough one and between us it looks as though we’ve raised close to £400. So we have a big thank you to all the friends and some Eden Local businesses who very kindly donated. Of course, I couldn’t stand up, let alone walk for two days afterwards but it was worth it, every mile

I’ve met a lot of people this month whilst out on my deliveries who need more than just a regular wave from the window. These days quite a few of us get pop ups of our past via social media reminding us of where we checked in and who we were with on that day. It’s not as good as my diary, but out on my deliveries of the magazine these past few months catching the last of the summer sun, I’ve realised there’s a lot of people that haven’t got pop up’s, they just need friends to pop in, someone to engage in a conversation with, or they just need to get out and about and socialise again. What can we do, there’s an idea on in the closing pages?

Once again we welcome new businesses and returning businesses. In our centre pages 16 – 17, something that I first thought was a type of Crystal Maze, but possibly more in line with a 5

like a carrot and one will taste like a carrot.

Rubik cube or The Chambers of Secrets, we have the Red Herring Escape Rooms presented by Summer Latham. I am looking forward to testing this out with team Eden FM! Joining Eden Local this month we do have some new writers and some guest writers. One being a man with a talent to share with his first offing, ‘OKTOBERFEST’. Which you can find on Page 12; a Sonnet by Rex di Noci, the first of many.

If you are cooking your carrot, chances are the dirty carrot, now clean, will be ready quicker. But why? It will have a much higher water content and won’t be a dehydrated vegetable prior to cooking, so it won’t need re-hydrating to bring back to life.

On my mind of course is Halloween and Bats! So, I first spoke to the Bat Conservation Trust, wait for it… in Battersea and from there I got to speak to Suzanne Collinson, the secretary of the local Cumberland Bat Group just minutes from my door.

Thanks to Suzanne, as on pages 28 to 30 you’ll find out about our local bats but with the story starting here, you’ll have an introduction from our youngest writer with a Passion for the past, as Rafferty explains how the Bats flew into our world many years ago.

Some supermarket carrots the day after they have been harvested are hydrocooled to around two degrees in iced water. This reduces decay and fungal attack. They are then packed and dispatched to the supermarket depot, which will then eventually arrive at the supermarket store. It will then go into the cold store, until it eventually comes out of the cold chain and onto the shelf.

At Carleton Hall Farm some people liked bright clean looking carrots. The alternative is the ‘dirty’ carrot, hand-picked, stored in the ground until they are needed, grown 2 minutes from the shop, just on the edge of Penrith. They are picked on the day, ready and displayed on sale without a hydrobath, making them dirty!

Whilst our October magazine will take us close to All Hallows Eve (which features on page 17), we are on the eve of our 13th November Eden Local, as we enter our 12th year for Eden Local which coincides with 10 years since Eden FM switched on for the first time. When pondering what to write about in this opening I had a look back at the first October issue, No 12. These are all available online and available in hardcopy to everyone. Being in developing publication we were presenting the first of many features on Jim Walton. On this occasion it was the story From Cattle to Cars. We did also feature a number of local food suppliers.

The good news is I spoke to Emily today at Starfruits, they also featured in that 11th Eden Local and the dirty Carrots are now in the building. Alias for our new readers Carleton Hall Farm closed some years ago but for seasonal fruit, veg and pumpkins that have ribbons of flavour, alongside Local Honey, can be found at 9 Angel Square, Penrith.

Happy Halloween, take care out there and remember I’ll be back before November!

Do you think of the colour orange at Halloween, I do? Let’s fly back to the October 2011. When once upon a time carrots were carrots and in fact dirty Carrots, from Carleton Hall Farm they were a seasonal vegetable not requiring CO2, or cold storage. Here is a clip and a memory trip taken from that article.

Lee

01768 862394

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

Take the dirty carrot and wash it. That’s the hard part over. Take one bright orange carrot that basically has done more miles than a month of school runs. Prepare both and try both just as they are. There will be a distinct taste. One might taste

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Walkers ‘stepped up’ to raise funds for Hospice at Home!

Walkers from near and far took part in the charity challenge ‘’Step up to the Plate, The Roman Route” along part of Hadrian’s Wall on Saturday 11th September to help raise over £15,000 in vital funds for local charity Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland.

After a wildly successful 2019 edition around Ullswater Way, Step Up to the Plate: The Second Course combined a physical challenge and a local twist. This was made possible with thanks to support from a host of local food businesses offering participants a true taste of Cumbria along the route. Participants of the four-legged variety were also out in force to help raise funds, with support from Max Out in the Lake District, who offered doggy treats so they too could partake in the culinary experience.

The 22.9-mile challenge was sponsored by architects Unwin Jones Partnership and Westwood Landscape who both entered teams in the event, their support ensuring further funds could be raised to provide extra hours of hospice care provision in the home.

Cumbria Coaches also very kindly donated a coach to transport walkers from Carlisle and Greenhead to take them to the start point of this special route which offered an 8.5- or 22.9mile alternative. Following a breakfast kindly donated by Starfruits and Traybakes, the walkers proceeded west towards Carlisle, following the iconic UNESCO Word Heritage site route.

Delicious tasty snacks were provided at various refreshments stations along the way which were very much enjoyed by walkers and kept spirits high, these included a dinky Pork Pie from Cranston’s, chocolate tray bakes from Katie’s Kitchen and a variety of delicious cakes from Walton Reading Room Café. Following the morning refreshments, a hearty lunch of homemade soup was provided by Tastebud Catering with bread rolls donated by Gretna Bakery and was served by the wonderful 8

Dacre Hall Volunteers in the stunning setting of Lanercost Priory. cLes Dobson an avid Supporter of the Charity relayed when arriving at Lanercost “It’s been a fabulous day for such a worthwhile charity, I volunteer my time for Hospice at Home but I have been blown away by the support to help raise funds.”

The majority of walkers continued on their route and enjoyed ice cream tubs donated by Abbott Lodge Jersey Ice Creams and mini quiches by Capon Tree Café. The finale and finish took place in Victoria Gardens, Bitts Park where walkers raised their glasses in a toast of celebration and completion of a truly inspirational day, special cocktails were served by The Mane Bar, and walkers also enjoyed Cumberland Sausage Hot Dog and handmade chocolate provided by Lakeland Steaks and Castle Chocolates.

All walkers agreed it was a challenging route, praising the organisation of the event. Julie Blundell, Head of Income Generation and Marketing at the charity shared thanks “Hospice at Home would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for making this day such a huge success, this was the first on the ground event in a very long while and it was fantastic to once again connect with Supporters face to face. The walkers were amazing and took on this challenge with wonderful spirit and determination. We are also very fortunate to have received amazing support from so many local volunteers who supported and marshalled the route. Further volunteers helped by registering participants and provided catering support, photographing and giving help

in various locations and areas required - the event couldn’t have happened without these generous people. The kindness was also acknowledged of the numerous local companies which provided delicious products, services and expertise all which was required on the day to ensure all went to plan. We would also like to thank Unwin Jones Partnership and Westwood Landscape for sponsoring the event; their financial support has meant all the funds raised from the event can be allocated solely to provide care for patients and their families.”

Hospice at Home President Elizabeth Leeming took part in the event and summed up the day: ‘It was a joy to take part in the ‘Step up to the Plate’ walk today, the first major outdoor event for Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland since the pandemic struck. It was wonderful to see beautiful scenery and so many friends and supporters! A very big thank you to all who make this possible via their kindness and all those volunteers who gave their time freely and generously to support this local cause that has touched the lives of so many of us’.

Hospice at Home receive over 700 new patient referrals to their service each year and need to fundraise over £18,000 each week to continue delivering vital care and support to patients and their families, to learn more, refer to the service or to donate visit www.hospiceathome.co.uk or call 01768 210719.

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The Roofers Perspective by One Call The construction industry as a whole is still very busy with a lot of people still opting to spend their money on their homes rather than going on holidays etc.

homes and then go on to recommend us to their friends and family. This type of word of mouth recommendation is essential for any small business like ours in small communities like Penrith and the surrounding areas.

We would never cut corners or use substandard materials, just to allow the job to go ahead faster. Quality materials are increasingly more difficult to source so we are still recommending all customers to book us in with as much notice as possible so we can forward plan their projects.

It’s great to see some customers have taken this advice and have already booked our services for next year.

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Like in all industries there are good and bad roofers so we always encourage people to ask around and only go with recommendations from people they know have actually had work done so can vouch for quality workmanship.

If it’s a reputable company like ours, a company will also be willing to showcase previous jobs. It’s also advisable to make sure your quote covers everything and there are no hidden costs or nasty surprises when the job is done. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house, and when done correctly and using the right materials it will add value to your home and will be hassle free for years to come.

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All Hallows Eve or spending spree?

By Lee Quinn

Halloween spending rose steadily between 2013 and 2016, from £230 million to £310 million. The following year then saw a big spike in spending, which rose by almost a third to £400 million, before a modest increase to £419 million in 2018.

This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold, winter. A time of year that was often associated with human death. The Celts believed that on the night before the New Year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred.

How much was the estimated spend on pumpkins?

On the night of October 31st, the celts celebrated Samhain. On this night it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, the Celts thought that the presence of the spirits made it easier for the Druids, or the Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future.

That 25% works out at over 17 million pumpkins being bought in preparation for Halloween that year and the cost in 2020 was estimated at £29.7 million. A combination of rising prices and a slight growth in the UK’s population meant that this figure was predicted to rise by £4.6 million since 2017.

However, not so long ago, Penrith made a start in a regular Halloween weekend to celebrate that it is now recognised as the second biggest event in the UK after Christmas. It’s possible this is purely based on the increased spending but also with being an event that falls close to the school holidays, it’s grown bigger. Long before we were carving pumpkins, we were carving turnips and Swedes, some would say they are the same thing…? I’ll leave that one there. What I do know as a child is we didn’t have carving tools to cut out a turnip, but we did have plasters to help!

This year in the UK they’ll provide some more accurate numbers but as an area should Eden being taking a slice of the not just the Pumpkin Pie but to have a Halloween event for the Locals in 2022?

OKTOBERFEST Now has gone the thwack of cork on willow The bats have been coated with linseed oil The Dormouse hunts for his winter pillow As the chill October he seeks to foil Above him circling drowsily slow bees Disoriented by Keatsian mist Homeward bound on the ground foragers sneeze Inspiration by woodsmoked carbon kissed On bees engorging lucky horseshoe bats Picnicking before their hibernation Leverets boxing in their final spats Reynard lurking in anticipation In pointed black hats with flame eyed black cats On Hallowe’en broomsticks fly the old bats

The scary outfits and buying sweets for trick-ortreaters and Carving Pumpkins is the American influence of course. A very high percentage of people know how to carve a pumpkin but unfortunately a lot throw the good bits away.

Here are some facts and stats: How big is Halloween in the UK? A quarter (25%) of us are expected to buy a pumpkin for Halloween this year.

The average price of a pumpkin in 2020 was £1.74.

Halloween spending in 2019 was estimated at a total £474 million (pre COVID). Estimated

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Some examples of projects supported include: Winder Wonderland Penrith Penrith Arts Festival Town Centre Greening Penrith Lions Tea in Castle Park Penrith Cricket Club Eden Mencap Winter Droving 106 Partnership Fellrunner May Day

Opening Hours The Town Council offices are now reopen to the public Monday to Wednesday 9.30am – 3.00pm if you need to visit us. We would ask if you would kindly wear a mask in the offices. Appointments may be accommodated by prior request outside of these times, but please email office@ penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk beforehand.

Neighbourhood Development Plan In response to the request of the Independent Planning Inspector at the public examination, Penrith Town Council have approved a policy specifically relating to Beacon Hill. The policy has been submitted to the Independent Examiner and we await his feedback. You can see the proposed policy at https://www.penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk/ neighbourhood-plan/

GRANTS Penrith Town Council has a grant scheme designed to support local community organisations, charities, Social Enterprises and Community Interest Companies to deliver services, projects and events within Penrith. We can consider one application per organisation in each financial year (1st April to 31st March). The Town Council will not consider applications from individuals and cannot fund salaries, hospitality, religious organisations (except for non-religious activities), core school expenditure or projects with party political links.

office@penrithtowncouncil.co.uk Telephone:

01768 899 773 Write: Penrith Town Council, Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7XR

You can find information on the Small Grants and Grow Nature Fund and the Large Grants Scheme up to £5,000 on our website at https:// www.penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk/council-finance/ grants/

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The Great Escape

by Summer Latham

Simon John Watson is an electrician by trade, but in recent years, he has created Red Herring Escape Rooms in Carlisle.

In 2018, Simon had been hired for his electrical skills in a large, unused industrial building in Denton Holme, Carlisle. During initial inspection, he had entered an area and within 2 steps froze... the idea came to him. After asking if the space was taken, his question was answered with a no and a why.

Simon explained his idea of an escape room and explained the concept and within a month he had created walls and a room which we know today as Surelock Holmes. The state and feel of the building lent itself well to the next two rooms; The Asylum and War Room. Despite how fast it happened, he had no prior thoughts of creating an escape room but was looking for a creative outlet and loves puzzles. To this day he still hasn’t done one himself, so you can guarantee their originality.

The rooms offer more than an escape room experience. By adding characters, storylines into each room you get a greater experience but also historical facts incorporated into his rooms adds an educational factor.

As for the name, Red Herring was not his first choice.

Originally, there were 8 or 9 names which he had chosen but none of which stood out and he did not feel a connection with any of them.

After realising this, he asked himself “what is an escape room?” And after thinking he then asked “what do you not add to an escape room?”

And with this, he thought a red herring. Simon sat with

the name for two days and continuously thought about it and after these two days, he liked it. He then added to his market research by deliberately dropping the name “Red Herring” into conversations and looking for the reactions. After multiple positive reactions, the name stayed.

Now based in Englishgate Plaza, Carlisle, Red Herring Escape Rooms currently contain 5 rooms, with the sixth to be launched very soon. The current 5 rooms range from family friendly to team building experiences with different difficulties between them.

Surelock Holmes was the first 16

room to be created. The scene is set in an Edwardian study in which you have to rescue Sherlock and the world from Moriarty’s fiendish plan. You will act as Doctor Watson and follow a series of clues to find out what has happened and escape!

Mudley Quest has a magical element to it. An ancient spell has gone awry, releasing the power of the Dark Lord into Edema Hog, the village for wizardly folks. Your quest, if you choose to accept it, is to find the clues and spells to help you open the final chest and recover the goblet of time – where past, present and future

reside. Turn back the clock and all will be well…

Or would you like something spine chilling? In the late 1800’s, Huey Smalt (home for the criminally insane), was shut down due to the revelations of illegal electroshock therapy, done by warden Dr M Shelly. An electrician was sent in to find out why electricity was still being used.

He never returned.

Are you brave enough to enter The Asylum and find out what is happening?

Or do you want to be merchants on the Silk Seas? Bad luck does strike however when you get boarded by pirates! More bad luck as the ship hits bad weather and breaks on an island! But your luck changes as you’re survivors on Shipwreck Island, but can you escape?

Once you have completed the previous four rooms or even got through fastest time in a singular room, you will be given a golden ticket! The golden ticket is the opportunity to complete the War Room!

Lending itself perfectly to codes, cyphers, strategy and intrigue, this room will push your mental prowess. What begins an ordinary day, quickly changes. Reports start coming in of an imminent attack.

The clues and reports escalate until you find out there’s been a gas attack!

People are changing to shambling zombies.

Only you hold the antidote.

Sounds good? Well it’s a good thing we have more to tell you! First of all we have a new room coming very soon….

Tomb Raided?

You play the roles as the Henry Morton Stanley’s team trying to find the missing Livingstone. Last whereabouts, he reported discovering a tomb which may not have been raided as so many others have.

But then went quiet. Find the explorer, free him with your famous greeting and escape the Tomb if you can but what of the final prize!?

Finally we have a mobile trailer! The Peeky Finders Escape Room Bar can be booked for events such as weddings, festivals and anything else you could imagine.

We also specialise in team building experiences where you can bring yourself and your staff to solve a series of puzzles and riddles and work together in a close environment.

Not to forget our seasonal events, which, cover all festive-periods such as Halloween, Christmas and even quirky Valentine’s Day events.

For bookings, you can book online at redherringescaperooms.co.uk

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PAM’ S F L OW E R P OW E R

October – Marigold

The birth flower of October is the Marigold and is a perfect representation of month with their rich autumnal colours and spicy scent.

medicinal powers.

The first recorded use of the marigold appears in the De La Crus-Badiano Aztec Herbal of 1552 where it is given as a cure for hiccups, being struck by lightning or for ‘one who wishes to cross a river… safely’ quite a range of uses! It is thought that the plants were transported to Europe by early Spanish explorers. From Spain the seeds were distributed across the continent and into North Africa.

Marigolds are an annual bedding plant with several different varieties, sizes, colours and hardiness. The most familiar varieties are the French Marigold (Tagetes patula), the larger African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) and the simple daisy like Signet Marigold (Tagetes tenuiflora).

Yellow, orange, red, mahogany and bicoloured the marigold brings brightness to the garden through the summer and into the early autumn before the frosts arrive.

The rich and distinctive scent is a deterrent to pests so often gardeners plant marigolds among their crops and other plants to discourage whitefly in particular. Rabbits don’t like the smell so planting a border of marigolds around your vegetable plot may well be a way to discourage them from nibbling your carrots and cauliflowers! The marigold needs a bright position and need regular watering as they will quickly dry out especially when in pots. They also like plenty of food and regular deadheading to ensure they flower well into the autumn.

In Europe the common name for Marigold is derived from ‘Mary’s Gold’ as early Christians would place the yellow flowers on altars in place of coins. This theme continues to be reflected by the Victorians who saw the marigold as a symbol of desire for riches and prosperity. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘the herb of the sun’ and with their bright vibrant sunshine colours and often round shape it’s hardly surprising that they are associated with the power of the sun – representing the power, strength and light held within an individual.

Yellow blooms represent positive feelings of happiness and joy, dark orange or mahogany blooms bring romance and passion while a brighter orange means strong emotions and positive energy.

The marigold is a native of the Americas and was a sacred flower of the Aztecs. They believed that the blooms possessed magical, religious and

The flowers are often used in a range of ceremonies; in India, Nepal and Thailand the marigold is cultivated specifically to decorate 18

number of medicinal antiseptic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract can often be found in skincare products and is generally considered to be gentle on the skin.

Care should always be taken as reactions can occur in some people.

garlands and decorations for festivals and religious celebrations. In Hinduism the flowers are seen to represent the perfect pairing of the Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu so are used in Hindu marriage celebrations.

In Mexico and Latin American countries the flower heads are used to decorate homes and churches on All Saints Day, All Souls day and The Day of the Dead where the blossoms are believed to attract the spirits with their fragrance and bright colours. Symbolically they represent remembering the dead so are often found in graveyards in many cultures around the world.

Marigold petals are edible and can be used in teas, added to salads and as decorations; some taste better than others though so chose with care!

“As for marigolds, poppies, hollyhocks, and valorous sunflowers, we shall never have a garden without them, both for their own sake, and for the sake of old-fashioned folks, who use to love them”

It seems strange to note however that the marigold holds less bright associations. In flower symbolism they are also often used to represent a feeling of despaired love – loss through death or a broken heart or even rejection by a lover. Perhaps think twice before sending a gift of marigolds; you could send the wrong message!

Henry Ward Beecher References. www.petalrepublic.com www.bloomandwild.com www.lovethegarden.com www.flowerfairies.com www.lovingly.com

To end on a positive note the marigold has a

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Foliage focus way to do this if you consider their merits such as foliage colour, shape and texture, bark, stem colour, berries, seed heads and more.

Here are a few top picks for autumn foliage.

What a great time of the year it is right now; the landscape around is looking beautiful in a way that only autumn landscapes can. It is not just the changes happening with plants and trees, but the sunny days and the crisp air quality that the season seems to bring.

The burning bush – the title says it all really – Euonymus alatus, is a shrub that comes into its own now, with spectacular crimson and scarlet leaves and added appeal of corky ‘wings’ on its branches.

Another with an evocative name, the smoke bush, or Cotinus, of which there are a number of species, gives

We think a lot about the power of flowers in the garden but there are other choices to pack in interest, particularly if you are hoping for an all-year-round outdoor space to include autumn and long, cold winter months.

Trees and shrubs are a great

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lots to a garden, with purple leaves turning rich red in autumn. This is preceded by plumes of summer flowers in shades of pink; C. coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ and C. ‘Grace’ are favourites.

When contemplating Hydrangeas a lot of us might think of flamboyant summer flowers in pinks, blues, creams and white. However one particular species, Hydrangea quercifolia, does more than provide brilliant summer blooms. The name tells us it has oak-leaf shaped foliage, which is attractive enough in itself, but in addition the leaves turn lovely hues of purple and red right about

now. The dead flower heads look striking too.

A discussion on leaf colour wouldn’t be complete without maples (Acers) of which there are so many forms including well known Japanese Acers. These have characterful, often intricate, leaf shapes and vibrant colour. Others such as Acer griseum – the paperbark maple – have distinctive, interesting bark.

Autumn and Winter Deliveries

For planting advice and designs please contact me for a chat and a quote. Autumn is not only a great time to plant but also to plan for any garden renovations you are considering early next year. Getting that plan in place now means you can get ahead with quotes and getting contractors on board. Always happy to discuss!

If you’re interested in making the most of your garden space get in touch. I can help with border redesigns as well as complete garden designs. We also make bespoke benches and other wooden pieces.

We can’t predict the weather, but we can prepare for Tuesday, 21st December the first day of Winter. If you’re thinking you haven’t long received your Eden Local, you’re right.

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

137x34mm magazine banner ad.indd 1

With less daylight, unpredictable weather and with the best interest in safety for our delivery teams we have moved forward a week before the clocks go back!

29/10/2020 15:41

From October we return to using collection points as well as our door to door delivery. Please email lee@cumbrianlocal.co.uk if you can be an Eden Local collection hub this winter.

Autumn - Winter Timetable Book in by 15th October – November and Christmas Taster Edition - Delivery from 27th October Book in by 12th November – Last minute Christmas & New Year edition – Delivery from 24th November Book in by 15th December – January/February Edition New Year, New Start – Delivery from 6th January We have increased distribution during 2021 by over 4,000 doors, however over Winter we may need to rely on some collection points in Rural areas. These will be posted in the November Eden Local.

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Although the Razzamataz Penrith Franchise changed hands during the initial Lockdown, it’s continued to reach out to their current students and families, whilst welcoming many more into the Razzamataz family too. The dedicated staff team have been admirable during this time, they’ve reached out to all their Razz Families to be a friend, a listening ear, to provide a service and of course help support wellbeing and mental health.

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Welcome to Eamont Bridge at Penrith and Eden Museum Article by Sydney Chapman

1 pint pewter tankard

Eamont Rovers Football Team, 1902 curious design of a hen pecking at corn. They are, incidentally, a reminder of an earlier pewtermaking heritage; arguably the most celebrated of the local pewterers was Abraham Crawley (1698-1760) who owned property in Penrith

and Eamont Bridge, the latter coming to him through his second marriage to Dorothy Harrison daughter of William Harrison, blacksmith of the hamlet. The entry for the Inn on the 1891 Census tells us that Joseph Hayton was born in Caldbeck and was living at the Inn with his wife Hannah (née Potts, 1857-1946) and their five children - a sixth being added by the time of the 1901 Census.

When it closed in 1913 it was in

Postcard of Eamont Bridge Mill. c. 1900

½ pint pewter tankard Among recent gifts to Penrith and Eden Museum are a pair of pewter tankards (half pint and pint), which were in use for many years at the ‘Welcome Inn’, Eamont Bridge, when it was run by innkeeper Joseph Hayton (1856-1916). The pint sized one is engraved with the 24

Hannah and Joseph Hayton, of Eamont Bridge

Hello,

the ownership of Glassons Brewery of Penrith. For many years a large panel showing an Englishman shaking hands with a kilted Scotsman was fixed underneath the sign-board and legend has it that it was the work of the amateur painter John Thompson (1829-1915) who ran a hairdressing business in Angel Lane, Penrith. While the Inn was usually called the ‘Welcome Inn’ or the ‘Welcome into Cumberland Inn’ the signboard as it appears in early photographs and drawings proclaims it to be the ‘Welcome Here in Cumberland’.

Helen here from Be Good Bully Dog Training.

Does your dog get over excited and jump up?

Does your dog chew/ cause destruction?

Does your dog pull on the lead?

If you answered yes to any of those then your dog is not calm, comfortable and compliant. Instead your dog could be experiencing fear, anxiety, stress or even aggression.

When he was not pulling pints Joseph Hayton was probably coaching or managing the Eamont Rovers Football Team judging by a photograph which accompanied the gift which shows him standing (back row, far left) wearing a bowler hat. Taken by photographer E. MacDonald of Penrith and Appleby it commemorates the team’s winning the Penrith and District Cup in the 19011902 season.

These are all common undesirable behaviours that can be easily solved. I only offer 1-1 stress free training sessions and I will come to you, making the most of the training because this is where the issues are and develop.

The donor of this material, a descendant of Joseph, also presented a photographic postcard circa 1900 of ‘Eamont Bridge Mill, Eamont Bridge’, published by ‘Reed’s Pictorial’ of Penrith showing the Low Mill, its yard and outhouses and a working man looking down into the mill race.

The mill is known to have been used for grinding corn and tobacco tailings for snuff.

Contact details: 07864787292 www.begoodbully.com 25

Q

HR

Managing Absence – Hints and Tips Introduction

Managing Short Term Absence

If you employ staff, then you’ll undoubtedly have to manage their absence at some point.

Staff absence can be costly to your business and managed poorly, can potentially be even more costly. So, how do you do it efficiently and effectively to ensure you’re fulfilling your responsibilities, whilst balancing the needs of your staff and your business?

Short term absences can be really disruptive to any business, so having some tools in place to help manage them could be truly beneficial.

What could you consider?

1. Return to work interviews following every absence not only demonstrate that you wish to support your staff, but that you also take absence seriously

Most absences are genuine, so always approach a situation with a member of staff with that in mind. If it becomes apparent that an absence is not genuine, then you can deal with it through another appropriate procedure, like disciplinary.

2. Offering other types of leave for different absences, for example, compassionate leave and leave for family situations 3. Offering flexible working for a defined period of time or maybe indefinitely

It is important for organisations to have effective absence management policies and procedures that all staff are aware of and can access when necessary. These should be easy to follow and provide clarity for all involved in a situation. Line managers are key in any absence management situation and should be familiar with the organisation’s policies and procedures and have the ‘people’ skills to be able to hold appropriate discussions with their staff in relation to absence.

4. Having a policy and procedure that includes triggers for monitoring absence levels and sets out when disciplinary action may be instigated 5. Making timely referrals to Occupational Health for professional advice 6. Promoting Health and Wellbeing in your business

The Role of Line Managers

Absences will normally fall into one of two categories – short or long term. Managing short term absences can be quite different to managing long term absences. The following hints and tips may provide you with some ideas of how to manage absence more effectively in your organisation.

Line managers are key to managing any staff absence, however, they are crucial when it comes to short term absences. Good communication skills and a working knowledge of the organisation’s absence management policy and procedures are so important, particularly as 26

the line manager is likely to be the first person the member of staff speaks to when there is an absence issue.

environment to facilitate an earlier return to work. Seriously consider flexible working • Make sure you get professional support and advice as required as early as possible, for example, from Occupational Health

It is often assumed that managers can just pick up a policy or procedure and apply it to a situation and that they already have the skills and confidence to manage certain situations.

Many can’t or don’t, so it is really important to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to be able to manage situations confidently, sensitively and effectively. So, what should your managers be trained in?

• Agree a return to work plan and have regular reviews when they are back at work as the plan should be monitored and may need to change

How else can I help?

Whatever your employment-related query, I would be delighted to help. In addition to Managing Absence, the following are typically some of the areas I cover:

• The organisation’s Absence Management Policy and procedures and any absence triggers • Their role and the role of others who can provide support, for example, HR and Occupational Health

• Employee relations – disciplinaries, grievances, whistleblowing, bullying and harassment

• The importance of keeping records of discussions, facts and figures

• Performance issues – appraisals, managing poor performance and capability

• The differences between managing short and long-term absences

• Staff Handbooks – policies, procedures and guidance

• How to carry out effective return to work interviews

• Employment contracts – terms and conditions of employment

• How to interpret GP fit notes • How to approach more complex, sensitive issues

• Recruitment and selection – recruitment exercises and job descriptions

• The Equality Act 2010 and the protections afforded to certain groups of staff

• Pay and benefits – pay structures and job evaluation

Managing Long Term Absence Long term absence tends to be classed as absences lasting four weeks or more. They can be challenging to manage and for the member of staff, returning to work can be harder the longer they are away from work. Sensitivity is key when managing long term absences. My top tips for managing long term absences include:

• Reorganisation and redundancy • Health and Wellbeing Advice and support can be provided on an ad hoc basis or through a retainer service, where for a small fixed, monthly fee, you can access support as and when you need it. I’d be delighted to hear from you, whether you need some immediate advice or whether you would like to discuss ongoing support.

• Keeping in touch regularly, probably weekly, so that the member of staff does not think you have forgotten about them. They can feel isolated, so this is really important. Get the balance right though as you don’t want them to feel they are being harassed

Email charlotte@quinnhr.co.uk or call 01768 862394 www. quinnhr.co.uk

• Consider how and if you can make any adjustments to their role and the work 27

What do you know about Bats ?

My name is Rafferty Antrobus. I am 9 years old and I go to Hunter Hall School. I am your man for anything wildlife related. My main area of interest is prehistoric creatures.

Bats are unique and fascinating creatures. They are the only mammal known to have developed flight. Fossil discoveries such as that of the Icaronycteris have proven that bats have been around for 50-60 million years. Scientists believe that bats developed from small rodent-like animals and it was only later that they developed flight as a means to escape predators and to catch flying insects.

They then further evolved to use echolocation which allows them to hunt for prey by producing a high pitched sound and then waiting for the echo to return. There is thought to be 1400 species of bats worldwide and there is now 10 recorded species to have been found in Cumbria.

An introduction to Cumberland Bat Group Cumberland Bat Group Bats play an important role in the environment. Some plant life depends partly or wholly on bats to pollinate their flowers or spread their seeds, while other bats Brown long-eared (Plecotus Auritus)

also help control pests by eating insects. Here in the UK, some bats are ‘indicator species’ because changes to these bat populations can indicate changes in aspects of biodiversity.

Of the 18 species of bat found in the British Isles, 10 have been recorded in Cumbria.

Five of the most frequently recorded bat species in Eden District include: Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and the Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) Pipistrelles are the commonest and most widespread of all British bat species. These are two very similar species and often the easiest way to tell them apart is from the frequency of their echolocation calls. Pipistrelles are the bats that you are most likely to see. They appear fast and jerky in flight as they dodge about pursuing small insects which the bats catch and eat on the wing by ‘aerial hawking’. A single pipistrelle can consume up to 3,000 insects in one night!

Soprano pipistrelles are selective in their habitat use. Feeding in wetland habitats, for example over lakes and rivers, and around

28

woodland edges, tree lines or hedgerows, and in suburban gardens and parks. Whereas the common pipistrelle are more generalist and feed within habitats comprising woodland, hedgerows, grassland, farmland, suburban and urban areas. Both species generally emerge from their roost around 20 minutes after sunset and fly 2- 10m above ground level searching for their insect prey.

Noctule (Nyctalus noctule) The noctule is one of the largest British species and is usually the first bat to appear in the evening, sometimes even before sunset. Noctules have broad brown ears and a distinctive mushroom-shaped tragus.

The tragus is a key feature in many bat species. It is a piece of skin at the forefront of the ear canal. Its role is directing sound into the ear for prey locating and navigation via echolocation. The tragus can be prominent feature in bats and can be an important part in their identification.

Noctules have a characteristic powerful, direct flight on narrow pointed wings. They fly in the open, often well above tree-top level, with repeated steep dives when chasing insects. Noctule bats can fly at 50 kph and they are primarily tree dwellers and

Soprano pipistrelle by S. Ashington. Roost box checks carried out under licence live mainly in rot holes and woodpecker holes.

Brown long-eared (Plecotus Auritus) Brown long-eared bats are medium-sized. The ears are nearly as long as the body but not always obvious: when at rest they curl their ears back like rams’ horns or tuck them away completely under their wings leaving only the point.

As well as catching insects in free flight, brown long-eared bats are gleaners, often flying slowly amongst foliage, picking insects off leaves and bark.

Their broad wings and tail allow slow, highly manoeuvrable, hovering flight. Their flight often includes steep dives and short glides. They have particularly sensitive low frequency hearing and often locate prey from the sounds made by the insect’s own movements.

Brown log-eared bats by V. Griffin. Roost visit carried out under licence 29

They may sometimes use vision. Small prey is eaten in flight, but larger insects are taken to a ‘perch’. Regularly used perches, which are frequently inside porches or barns, can be recognised by the accumulations of discarded insect remains, particularly moth wings. Their habit of flying close to the ground, or even landing to tackle prey, makes long-eared bats vulnerable to attack by predators.

Daubenton’s (Myotis daubentoniid) Is a medium-sized species. It has a steady flight, often within a few centimetres of the water surf. They usually feed within about 6km of the roost but have been recorded following canals for up to 10km (at speeds of up to 25kph). They usually take insects from close to the water and have even been seen taking prey directly from the water surface, using their large feet as a gaff or the tail membrane as a scoop. Their summer colonies are in humid, underground sites near water. These may be tunnels or bridges over canals and rivers, or in caves, mines, and cellars.

Eden107.5

Bat Conservation Trust, 2021 The Cumberland Bat Group is a voluntary group dedicated to the conservation of bats with a focus on North and West Cumbria.

A non-profit group working in partnership with the Bat Conservation Trust and in close contact with the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre, the South Cumbria Bat Group, and the Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

Now for some Good news A big thank you for the recent invites to get out in the community and talk about Eden FM. The studios are a great place to engage with individuals and small business, but doing talks is such a positive way of presenting to people what the radio does, what the team has achieved and what it continues to do.

The group aims to advance the protection and conservation of bats, their roosts, feeding areas, hibernacula, and surrounding environment to educate the public and the group’s members in all matters related to bats.

In between everything going in September we did have a visit from Jo Laycock, the Publicity Officer. Penrith & North Lakes u3a. In last month’s magazine there was an article about u3a, and this was topped up with a visit to the studios by Jo who expanded quite a lot about all the activities locally that help a lot of people get out of their homes, as well as co-ordinating from home with others with the simple ideas of sharing interests and activities.

Members of the group give advice on bat related issues, Natural England license holders can examine roosts, registered bat carers are available to collect and care for injured or grounded bats. A few of our members are Voluntary Bat Roost Visitors who visit bat roosts in homes, churches, and other public buildings on behalf of Natural England.

It could be table tennis, painting, readings, it could be developing or returning to a skill or ticking a wish list of something you have always wanted to do. U3a locally have 40 active clubs running on a regular basis and to find out more you can call 01766 892690. Don’t wait for tomorrow! Don’t assume one day you’ll get there, because that will be yesterday…

The group also records and maps the distribution of bats and operates several bat box and bat recording schemes. Members of the group are happy to visit clubs and societies to give talks about bats and to lead walks.

You can contact the group via the website and if you would like to support our work and get involved in some of our projects you can become a member – all details can be found on the following website www.cumberlandbatgroup.org.uk

Penrith and North Lakes u3a Open Day. 10am to 12:30pm Monday 22nd November

(It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat in its roost.

Photographing bats can disturb them, especially if bats are in their roosts (or entering and existing their roosts) and if you are using a flash/lighting. This sort of activity may therefore require a licence (Bat Conservation Trust, 2021)

The Penrith Rugby Club, Winters Park.

A Chance for new members, and potential new members, to meet group leaders and present members.

Come along and find out what groups are up and running in the Penrith area for you.

30

Behind the walls of studio one

by Lee Quinn

do it? No. However, in the current climate to help candidates engage with the community as a team we think yes. We did have to reschedule to accommodate as many candidates as we could, as the time was very short between candidates being announce and the election taking place.

Like many businesses but actually as a not-forprofit organisation, run by volunteers, Eden FM restructured in a number of areas in 2020 and 2021.

And here is that line I’ve written so many times!

Established in July 2010 as an idea Eden FM grew as a project and as team, then on the morning of the Friday 25th November 2011 it switched on for the first time broadcasting on a temporary 87.7 FM frequency. Permitted under licence to broadcast for just 4 weeks and due to further restrictions, it wouldn’t be back on the FM frequency until after a minimum period of six months.

It’s something we don’t talk about, but I think as we are moving on its important to share that nothing is simple about setting up a radio station. We need volunteers but you never know really who’s coming through that door. In light of recent events, I volunteered my time to ask all the candidates who were standing in the Penrith West Ward Eden District Council Elections to come into the station the week before the election to have some live on air time in the Drive Time show. It’s a show I host 4 times a week. All the candidates were given the opportunity to tell people about who they are, why they are standing and of course the pitch that use to be giving standing on the doorstep why you should vote for them.

The downside is we couldn’t tell everybody the changes because not everybody listens to the radio 24 hours a day. In providing these services, people forget we are a team of volunteers, doing our best in our own time to deliver ‘Local’ news and other services to the community for free. Is there any cost to the listen? We are not to the best of my knowledge using taxpayers’ money to deliver what we do as a self-funded community organisation.

In Ten years as a station we have had, I kid you not, some seriously big challenges. We have experienced individuals that we can only label as Narcissistic. Some of these ‘problems’ being online and that night we switched on for the first time in November one of these ‘problems’ was a volunteer, putting in their cameras and cabling in bid attack the station from within. Of course, it never made the papers, but as recent as 2019 we had the worst attack internally from a guest to the studio who tried literally to steal and takeover the whole station and they are still out there now.

So, here’s to the next ten years, because what we’ve learnt is what we do as volunteers takes quite something and 2022 is shaping to be very special. Of course, we’ll still have the battle of people, well keyboard warriors, hiding behind a screen, with no idea of what the real world is.

We had also planned an evening in that week, which again would result in more voluntary hours which altogether was 12 hours in setting up, testing hosting a two-hour show, then editing for replaying which over the election period, with all the emails, phone calls and correspondence comes to in excess of 20 hours. Did we have to 31

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