Eden Local Issue 176 by Lee Quinn

ISSN 2516-1431

Your Independent Community Magazine Penrith and areas of the Eden Valley

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The Eden FM Project Acorns in Autumn What’s in a Name? The Red Fox

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Cumbrian Local Publications • Issue No. 176 • Launched November 2010 1

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Contents

Cumbrian Oak Clearance Sale

Page

Say it with a Sonnet - Rex di Noci

Page

3-4

Introduction – Never a normal month

Pages 4 - 5

The Eden Project with a difference

Pages 6 and 12

North Lakes Hotel & Spa Activities for all the Family

Page

What’s in a Name?

Pages 8 - 9

ONS report HGV’s some Facts and Stats

Pages

10 -11 & 20

Introducing Dave Kelly

Page

Penrith Town Council Update

Page

Housing 21 Newton House Now Open!

Page

The Red Fox by Lee Quinn

Pages 16 – 17 & 28 - 29

Autumn Word search Ultimate Exterior Protection

Page

Acorns in Autumn at Lowther

Page

18 19

Eden Sight Support

Page

Eden Focus For a Safer Community

Page

Heading into Winter by Karen Roberts

Page

The Window Doctor

Page

Pams Flower Power November Chrysanthemum

Pages

24 - 25

Work Related Social Events with Quinn HR

Pages

26 - 27

Meet the Writer - Dorothy Una Ratcliffe by Sydney Chapman

Pages 30 - 31

Beating Conservatory Conversion Prices down

Back Cover

ALL CHANGE

updates

give us a LIKE

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 2021. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part may be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.

The weather train crawls out of October Preceding the mist that used to be steam On to All Hallows a day most sober Soulless like eyes of a freshwater bream Pick no more blackites from First November Bitter as Satan who comes in the night Soon you’ll embrace the heat of the ember Memento of this year’s Bonfire Night Into the flames the old kitchen cupboard Deathwatch beetled remnant of English oaks Dampened mattress months in the garage stored Thanks for the chance to clear out Guy Fawkes Just when you’re wondering where the year went It all starts again. Welcome to Advent Rex di Noci October 16th 2021 3

Never a normal month the Eden Local. I am reflecting for just one moment on why we do what we do, and how I’ve also seen the Eden Local grow to be so different to other publications. As a true family business, my eldest daughter Emily has now taken over the role of sub editor, proof reading everything I write, from her mum. Like her younger sister, they’ve helped deliver the Eden Local with Charlotte as children to teenagers, and Emily still helps to sort the 32 delivery routes, getting them to the teams, whilst also helping with a number of delivery routes in between her own work.

I don’t ever recall having a month that I would describe as normal since I started the Eden Local community magazine. As we enter our 12th year as a free publication that has been posted through so many thousands of doors, since November 2010, we are almost in our 15th year as a company. I have confessed to so many people over these past few months leading up to the start of our 12th year, that I never anticipated still being here at my desk and doing what I do now as a dyslexic writer. I can’t deny, it has been a challenge both mentally and physically.

Emily wrote her first article aged 17 in the 84th publication in September 2016, under the heading of 17 to 25. A series of articles followed every month, whilst Emily was at school, then sixth form and then university with the occasional break during exams over the last 5 years. I will always remember receiving positive emails from grandparents who were given an insight to the life and experiences of 17 to 25 year olds. In that first article, she covered learning to drive. On the day I’m writing this, Daisy, our youngest daughter, who has also helped us out many times with deliveries for several years, passed her driving test!

So, once again it’s a warm welcome to your 176th edition of the Cumbrian Local Publication series of

QUATTRO STAGIONI AUTUMN

For our first-time readers, as we do have them every month – people who have either just moved into the area, or maybe reading online from afar, we are of course just one of many families in Eden that have had or still experience the ‘all hands-on deck’ experience of helping in a family business. In brief, from page 6 we have a celebration of 11 years of Eden Local and 10 years of the Eden FM Radio project, that switched on for the first time at 10am on Thursday 25th November 2011.

No reminder needed it’s now Autumn Collection time for wayward falling leaves Cohesion time for the weakened sacrum Each false joint for its predecessor grieves The broom scrapes each hard festering callus As the sweat rolls from brow to nose to lips Dank hair, saggy jeans so unglamorous Even wild roses have functioning hips But you know before you can fall asleep The debris must be carted to the fire Join the twigs and branches on the heap O that this barrow had a harder tyre The upside moving to Winter I’m told Is that false joints feel no pain in the cold

Meanwhile, as I do every month as a volunteer, I complete a puzzle of 32 – 36 pieces that are pages that form a template layout that then becomes 50 to 70 pieces or more that will become your Eden Local. Of course, most months the pieces don’t fit. A piece of text you’re expecting to be 500 words is 300 words or 800 words, you’re expecting three images and you get one or it’s the reverse

Rex di Noci October 16th 2021 4

of this. So, we have last minute changes, revisions or something that lands via an email that must go in when you are already full, as well as the issue of sometimes having pieces missing or too many pieces. As it has been since that Eden Local launch, I have been driving the Eden FM Radio project and I continue to do this as a volunteer which requires a variety of skills, predominantly in raising funds with the team to keep the station on air 24 hours a day, every day, whilst also presenting around 4 shows a week. Back to this month’s magazine - without a doubt it is a celebration of the Eden Local’s first 11 years and Eden FM Community Radio’s first 10. As it is the November edition, starting distribution late October, we do have the crossover of Autumn into Winter and November into December, so we have the Gunpowder Plot, Remembrance Sunday, Christmas Trees, Autumn, and Acorns. We welcome two charities, returning customers and new customers. Across our two Eden projects we have engaged with just under 100 local businesses and organisations.

concerned on how national media and sometimes local media can manipulate the news and knock people back with a headline. After the fuel problems at the pumps and the finger pointing of who is to blame, I have taken the most recent ONS (Office of National Statistics) report on HGV recruitment and shortages to hopefully present some stats and facts. On to next month and your December Eden Local, we hope to start delivering around 24th November, and we are aiming to have your first Eden Local of 2022 completed before Christmas. Until then, please take care out there. Lee

01768 862394

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

Whilst out on my deliveries this month, it was great to see and talk to so many people. It is so rewarding receiving feedback about the magazine and nice for all those out delivering to be appreciated. I know I’m not the only one out there delivering as we now have just under 30 locally based teams in the area we cover. Personally, handing over the magazine is something I enjoy, and I would miss it, if I wasn’t a part of the final part of the process. We have lost a few teams over the Summer, and with Winter coming in, clocks going back and the unpredictable weather, whilst we are posting a few thousand more magazines than this time in 2020, I did have to make a difficult decision to cut back the deliveries in the Appleby area and villages in its vicinity.

Inglewood Farms Christmas Trees Locally Grown Fresh Cut Nordmanns Variety of sizes available

Unfortunately, in 11 years, we have tried five times to recruit and establish teams in Appleby, whilst also trying to get local businesses, organisations and the local council involved. The Eden FM team has also spent many days in Appleby supporting events prior to COVID, so at present we’ll be waiting until Spring and then we will review it again. It is after all only 14 miles away, so hopefully we’ll be back another day.

Saturday 27th November to Tuesday 14th December 10-4pm Ladyriggs Farm, Inglewood Bank, Penrith, CA11 8SA Tel : 07906 659821

Away from the local element as I’ve always been interested in statistics, I’ve also always been 5

A Celebration of an Eden Project with a difference Part One by Lee Quinn Saturdays and Sundays but not as many as it used to prior to COVID. Eden FM Radio Ltd was register in July 2010 as a not-forprofit limited company which is one of many requirements of a Full time Community Radio licence being granted by Ofcom.

Every year when I reach November, it does feel good when you tick off another year that is completed for the Eden Local and Eden FM projects. In a normal week I now currently spent half of my time Monday to Friday (not Thursdays), split between Eden FM and Eden Local, which includes some

The first Eden project, (A5 in size) was posted through 6000 doors in areas of Penrith and some areas around it due to limitations of a post coded delivery in only parts for CA11. Another Eden Project with a difference was the radio project that was asking for volunteers to come forward. This would continue through 2011. The first home of Eden FM was to be Ullswater Road garage and the first volunteers to join appeared in the Eden Locals that followed. The costs were sorted, and the date was set for on air being 25th November.

£10,000 had to be raised for a project through funding, sponsorship and advertising which wouldn’t be cheap or easy as at that point we had no equipment and room and no output. A lot of equipment we had to hire, purchased and borrowed, this meant that the main studio couldn’t be built only a matter of days before it was time to switch on. 4 weeks of hire was £3,000 for the transmission, studio equipment and installation. Training equipment also had to be purchased in the summer of 2011. An additional cost again… The November 2011 Eden Local with the Radio programme schedule was posted to CA11 7, 8 , 9, 0 and CA10 1 two weeks before switch on; that’s 9,000 doors! At 5am 25th November this arrived at the studio. On the temporary FM frequency of 87.7 FM we were going be seen or heard in the community we wanted to serve without any doubt. After a very busy 4 weeks, the transmitter was switched off the equipment hire was over and we were no longer on the FM frequency. It was disappointing but that was rules and with the success of that first transmission we decided to stay on air by being online which wasn’t Continued on page 20

Christmas ACTIVITIES FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Christmas Market Sunday 14th November Spa Shopping Night Thursday 18th November Wreath Making Friday 3rd December Santa Sunday Lunch Sunday 12th December

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CleanSpec What’s in a name? by Lee Quinn

It was in 2011 that I had my first meeting with Andrew Briscoe. Back then Andrew and his wife but also his business partner Lynne already had a family run business based in Penrith, which was established originally as a carpet cleaning business in 1989. Since then they have established themselves in contract and specialist cleaning in the years that followed. As a business they supported the Eden FM and Eden Local projects in their infancy. As locals have seen it evolve and expand through the innovation over the last 40 years to cover the range of services they offer today. That is pretty much every area of Commercial and Domestic cleaning including different types of carpet & upholstery cleaning to suit your needs from hot water extraction to low moisture cleaning, as well as office and commercial cleaning in and around Penrith. Stone floors cleaned and sealed.

Pressure washing of outdoor areas etc. As a business consistent with change, the challenges and trends Andrew and his team have also been there to offer advice on what products to use at work or in your home. Looking back, it was 2015 that Cleanspec made their boldest move in taking a unit with a mezzanine floor. An office with the potential to sell ‘cleaning’ to the trade market and to anyone else who wanted to buy the cleaning products they had.

During lockdown Eden Local purchased gloves, wipes, sanitizer; and larger businesses and hotels and chains sourced key products like; I’ll say it, ‘Toilet rolls’ because Cleanspec had got it right. That’s very 2020 and 2021 because now we’ll drop in and buy quality cleaning materials or hire the right equipment for your home or DIY project or maybe you are a local school wanting to make some savings. Buy direct! Cleanspec not only has the best brands for commercial and domestic cleaning uses but they are now launching their own brand and range of products for you in your community of Penrith and the surrounding areas. I talk to Andrew and Lynne, whilst the community on their doorstep probably isn’t aware that they serve Europe, America and Asia from their distribution hub here in Penrith. That Mezzanine floor I mentioned is

a training centre for the UK. It’s time now to save money, get better products, better value and free advice because unlike a supermarket you don’t get to meet the cleaner that uses the products. The doors are now open on what is the Willy Wonker’s world of Cleaning for you. So pop in and see for yourself! It’s now to Clean to spec and not hope but know what you’re buying does the job! You can have a look online, however at present you will have to phone your order through as there is upgrades in progress to take orders and offer delivery free to your door if you are in the CA10 or CA11 postcodes. Mention that you’re an Eden Local reader and you might even get a discount!

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HGV’s Some Facts & Stats We made it through the queues for fuel, but was it pure media Spin from outset?

An estimated 268,000 people were employed as HGV drivers between July 2020 and June 2021. This is 39,000 fewer than the year ending June 2019 and 53,000 fewer than the peak for HGV driver employment, during the year ending June 2017 (321,000).

In search of answers, I picked up this report from the Office of National statistics which is a story in itself that I had to share on HGV drive shortages. Are Stats facts? You decide; was some or all of this information shared?

There has been a fall in the number of UK nationals employed as HGV drivers since the year ending June 2017. The number of EU nationals employed as HGV drivers increased between 2017 and 2020, but then decreased during the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2020 online shopping reach a high, I had a quick glimpse at a ‘Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index’, and it revealed that parcel volumes increased across all regions in 2020 with the exception of India. China remains the largest market by volume, with parcel numbers reaching 83.4 billion in 2020 or 2643 parcels shipped every second. Based on forecasts from Pitney Bowes, China is expected to become the first country in the Index to reach 100 billion parcels by volume in one year, which is likely to happen in 2021.

The number of HGV drivers has generally declined since July 2016 to June 2017. The largest decline over the four years was among those aged 46 to 55 years. There were 52,000 vacancies for posts in transport and storage in the three months ending September 2021, which is the highest since records began in 2001. HGV drivers make up around 10% of the transport and storage industry, which also includes rail and sea transport as well as road transport occupations such as taxi drivers and bus drivers.

With the increase in online orders, I’m thinking this must have an impact on the logistics because if there are more parcels in the system this Christmas, are there enough transportation, let alone drives to deliver them? Here is a copy of a release dated 19th October from the Office of National Statistics on HGV drives explaining in some ways why there is a shortage or drivers

Throughout this article, we have used the Annual Population Survey because it is based on a larger sample and has a lower margin of error when analysing occupations data than the Labour Force Survey. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not recommend the use of the Labour Force Survey for this type of analysis because of small sample sizes and insufficient quality. For context, when comparing the quarters April-June 2017 with April-June 2021, the Labour Force Survey shows a fall of 68,000 across four years.

A shortage of hauliers and associated issues with logistics have led to some businesses reporting difficulties importing and exporting and may be leading to some consumers reporting not being able to find certain items in shops. There has been a general decline in the number of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, officially known as large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers, working in the UK for the past four years. Most of that decline has been in the previous two years, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Annual Population Survey shows there has been a net fall of 42,000 UK nationals employed as HGV drivers since the year ending June 2017, with 237,000 employed in the year ending June 10

subsequently decreased during the coronavirus pandemic. In the year July 2020 to June 2021, 88% of HGV drivers were UK nationals, 10% were EU nationals and the remainder non-EU nationals. In the last four years, the age group 46 to 55 years has seen the largest decline in HGV drivers 2021. There were 15% fewer UK nationals working as HGV drivers in the year ending June 2021 than there were four years earlier.

There were 28,000 EU nationals working as HGV drivers in the year ending June 2021, which is 12,000 (30%) fewer than the year ending June 2017.

The decrease was greatest during the coronavirus pandemic, with 26,000 (10%) fewer UK nationals employed as HGV drivers in the year ending June 2021 than in the year ending June 2019 (263,000).

While the number of EU nationals employed as HGV drivers saw a small increase from just under 40,000 in the year ending June 2017 to 43,000 in the year ending March 2020, the number has

HGV drivers in the age group 46 to 55 years have seen the largest decline in the previous four years, falling almost 34,000 (29%) from between July 2016 to June 2017 and July 2020 to June 2021. The age group 56 to 65 years has fluctuated over the same four years, with a small fall of around 1,000 (2%). Continued on page 20

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really what radios were doing around here in 2011. It meant the team would stay together and we could get new members recruited. The campaign continued for Eden FM and also early 2012 Cumbrian Local Publications sent out a new product through doors targeting the whole of the Eden Valley called the CA Business Directory. Thanks to Sian Whittaker as Sian was known then, she got the bit between her teeth and with the team totally refurbished studio one from Floor to ceiling, a total makeover of studio one. coverage from Brough, Appleby and the stage in Market Square which was attended by an estimated 10,000 people. To celebrate the return of Eden FM this time of 87.6 FM we had an opening day. It was a very busy year but a crucial one as at the Penrith Show we were able to announce our new and our first station sponsor the Penrith Cooperative Society.

We also set a target for a second 4-week transmission in June 2012. The programme schedule went out in the April addition of Eden Local and in the first Lakes Local magazine that was launch to CA12 and CA13. In the June Eden Local edition that was posted through 19,888 doors include the launch of the Bag and Box Recycling Scheme, the Eden FM switch on 17th June and the details of the Olympic torch route for 20th June also featured. Eden FM would be hosting the event in the centre of Penrith with

Eden

After the Summer of 2012 Eden FM moved things forward again and applied for a third 4-week transmission for Christmas. As well as the October edition of the Eden Local the combined distribution of the Lakes Local trail was added with the Border City magazine trial reaching 58,000 doors and it wasn’t going to stop there, but I am and I will continue with Part two next month.

107

Eden107.5 01768 899107 • www.edenfm.co.uk Eden FM Radio Ltd , Suite 6 Cumbria House, Gilwilly Road, Gilwilly Ind Est, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9FF 12

Can you Help Penrith Town & Penrith Rural? As released 16th October

you have any information in relation this incident, please call Cumbria police on 101 and quote incident number CP20211004-0101 Caller reporting overnight on the 29th September 2021 his scott ramson bike has been stolen from within his vehicle which was parked on Arthur Street. If you have any information in relation this incident, please call Cumbria police on 101 and quote incident number CP-202109300054. There has been lots of graffiti appeared on the thacka nature reserve . If you have any information in relation this incident, please call Cumbria police on 101 and quote incident number CP-20210916-0040 Overnight on the 14th September 2021 a 2 transit van were stolen from Thacka and Wetheriggs lane . If you have any information in relation this incident, please call Cumbria police on 101 and quote incident number CP-202109150035 and CP-20210915-0038. Penrith Rural Between 1630hrs – 1730hrs on the 10th October 2021 an unknown suspect has taken a small chihuahua from the front garden of a property at berrier. If you have any information in relation this incident, please call Cumbria police on 101 and quote incident number CP20211010-0258. Damage to a lead lined window at a premise in Plumpton. If

At around 00:45hrs on 03/10/21 x2 quad bikes were stolen from an outbuilding between Renwick and Croglin. One was a Green Honda 420 and the other was a Red Suzuki. One of the quads was recovered not too far from the area and the other is still outstanding. The investigation is still ongoing. Log CP-20211003-0012 refers. Between 23:00 and 01:30hrs on 02nd- 3rd Oct, a Silver Ford van was stolen from outside of a home address in Lazonby. If anyone has any information about this please let us know via 101 and quote the log number CP-20211003-0008. Caller reporting that a Landrover defender and a Landrover discovery have been stolen from his farm at kirkoswald. If you have any information in relation this incident, please call Cumbria police on 101 and quote incident number CP20211004-0031

the outer pane of the double glazed window. If you have any information in relation this incident, please call Cumbria police on 101 and quote incident number CP-202109250069. Theft of piece of equipment attached to a muck spreader in Blencow. If you have any information in relation this incident, please call Cumbria police on 101 and quote incident number CP-202109180080 Theft of cctv recording equipment from the Equine centre at Newton rigg Campus. If you have any information in relation this incident, please call Cumbria police on 101 and quote incident number CP20210916-0180 Poachers on land near Hesket Newmarket , this has caused cattle in the field to panic and charge trampling the fence. If you have any information in relation this incident, please call Cumbria police on 101 and quote incident number CP20210909-0191.

Caller from Low Hesket reporting a small hole in his downstairs front window believes this has been caused by someone firing a bb pellet at his window, this has shattered Eden Police want you to report all anti-social behaviour and crime. Please report any incidents of crime or anti-social behaviour to us, to help us keep Eden safe. If a crime is in progress always call 999. To report a non emergency crime please call 101 13

Penrith Town Council is pleased and honoured to coordinate and fund some of the In Bloom entries for Penrith. As well as the Community Gardeners, a number of individuals have been involved in a variety of areas and we are exceedingly proud of all of them. The presentations for Cumbria in Bloom and Britain in Bloom took place on Tuesday 19 October at the Salvation Army and were made by the High Sheriff David Beeby. In Cumbria in Bloom, Penrith won a Gold medal in the Large Town category whilst in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Category, the following were awarded: • Friends of Penrith Railway Station – Level 5 Outstanding Britain in Bloom entries were virtual this year and we were pleased that Rachael was able to produce three excellent films as part of our submission. In Britain in Bloom, RHS Outstanding Community Awards were awarded to Penrith Town and Community for Cultivating Your Community and Nourishing Your Community with an Achievement Award for Nature Friendly Gardening.

• Community Gardeners Stricklandgate Fruit Garden – Level 5 Outstanding • Friends of the Salvation Army Gardening Group – Level 5 Outstanding • Penrith Allotment Association James Street Allotments – Level 5 Outstanding • Friends of Coronation Gardens – Level 5 Outstanding

A huge well done to all concerned.

• Penrith Community Poly Tunnel – Level 4 Thriving

Councillor Charlie Shepherd Mayor of Penrith, Lord Lieutenant David Beeby and David Whipp, Penrith BID Representative

• Blue Jam Arts Space – Level 3 Advancing

Cumbria in Bloom Gold Award Large Town

• Woodstones – Special Award

Joan, Alison and Rachael receiving the RHS Awards on behalf of Penrith Town and Community from the High Sherrif David Beeby

• Penrith Railway Station also received a special category award.

office@penrithtowncouncil.co.uk Telephone:

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!! 14

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Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) introduction by Rafferty Antrobus (Age 9)

Foxes are often thought of as pests but their ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats and their reputation for cunning and intelligence has to be admired. The origin of this species is thought to have evolved from wolves and jackals (the Caninae family) but actually have a lot in common with cats in that they are active mostly at night and also have whiskers and retractable claws. Once they were believed to be man's best friend (the 16,500 year old remains of a man and his pet fox were found in Jordan which predates any dog and human remains found together by 4000 years). Foxes are mesocarnivores which means 50 to 70 per cent of their diet comes from meat but they also eat fruit, insects, fungi and the occasional jam sandwich or whatever else can be found in our bins. Did you know a group of foxes is called a skulk or a leash? Foxes have incredible hearing and can hear a mouse squeak from 100 feet away. They can also run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour. Hunted for sport and their fur for centuries, there is a lot more to these animals than meets the eye.

Some Fox Facts and Fiction by Lee Quinn

There certainly is a lot of information on foxes and they have certainly taken some staring roles, many of us seeing our first fox possibly in our childhood through a story in book, on TV or what use to be the big screen, now a smaller one. Some are cunning, some are clever, and some are funny.

years ago. They are not a protected species as such, but they are protected against abuse and ill-treatment. The average red fox is around 20-30 pounds. Their fur is orange, red, white, and black and they usually have black feet, orange body hair with white and grey underbellies which are common on red foxes, as well as the tips of their tails having a white tag. Their tail can be half the length of their body in size. They communicate with each other with growls, yelps, short yapping barks and they’ve been known to use their tail as a signal flag. The male is called a dog and the female is called a Vixen, together they mate for life.

In addition to Rafferty’s introduction, the Red Fox is a natural member of our wildlife community and is the only surviving species of wild dog in the United Kingdom as well as being the most common fox in the world. It exists in the entirety Northern Hemisphere including most of North America, Europe and Asia as well as parts of North Africa. They are one of three subfamilies found within the canid family. The other two canid subfamilies are the extinct Borophaginae dating back approximately 4 million years ago and the Hesperocyoninae, dating back to extinction during the period from about 20 to 10 million

They hunt in a similar way to cats by stalking and pouncing on their prey. The fox also has sensitive whiskers (as mentioned by Rafferty above) and it also has spines on its tongue and vertical pupils 16

that look more like those of cats than the rounded pupils of a dog. It walks on its toes, which accounts for its elegant, cat tread. They have five toes on their front feet but only four on the back and with its retractable claws this allows the fox to climb rooftops or trees. In the wild a fox can live for 2-4 years but its life expectancy in urban areas is 14 months, as natural hunters, foxes have an appetite for wild and pet rabbits, guinea pigs, and poultry as they do get under a fence if its not strong weld-mesh wire dug in to at least 60cm and to a height of at least 2 metres. They have also been known to take a lamb in spring where they can. They also eat rodents, ground birds (including their eggs), squirrel’s, reptiles, and invertebrates such

as worms and insect larvae which they dig out of the soil. They also forage for fruit, berries, and wild vegetables. Closer to home, with the amount of rubbish and leftover food waste that is in certain areas of Penrith town from overflowing bins, which do

attract rat’s which even I have seen running down Middlegate over the years whilst I can say I have never seen a fox in Eden I’ll add that I’ve never been looking for one. The food is here especially with the table of takeaway opportunities laid out for it to happen.

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COLLECTING ACORNS AT LOWTHER by Jim Bliss

The aim of this seed collection is to gather a large seed source that the estate can sow in spring 2021 with the hope of creating woodland cover in a low cost and a natural system with no plastic tree tubes for protection.

Lowther Estate, in partnership with forestart, is currently undertaking a project to collect tree seed on the estate grounds. Oak trees are one species that is having a very good year for mast, these are the trees we are collecting seed from in the North Park of the estate.

This tree seed experiment will inform how we can create more space for nature, by creating woodland and scrubland cover in this instance, with relatively little capital works to complete. Comparing this to current planting regimes that require fencing to exclude livestock and tree tubes to protect trees from other graziers.

Using sheets that allows air and water to pass through to allow the grass and life under them to continue to thrive and also allows forestart to easily collect the acorns that fall from the trees. Forestart will then examine the seeds to see which are viable seeds and then store then in appropriate conditions for the estate to sow in 2022 and 2023.

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Continued on page 11

from older age groups than the total working population

The number of younger HGV drivers has also fallen. Between 2018 and 2019, the number of HGV drivers aged up to 35 years had generally been increasing and reached a peak of more than 68,000 in the year ending December 2019, before decreasing again.

The HGV driver workforce is older than the average across the total employed population. Between July 2020 and June 2021, 29% of HGV drivers were over ages 56 years or older, compared with 19% for the overall employed population. Just under 20% of HGV drivers were aged 19 to 35 years. This was lower than the average for the total working population, 36%.

By the year ending June 2021, there were around 52,000 HGV drivers aged up to 35 years, which was nearly 4,000 (7%) fewer than in the year ending June 2017.

The number of driving tests during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic was the lowest for more than a decade.

A larger proportion of HGV drivers come

RESOURCE CENTRE Displays include: • Aids for daily living

• Specialist equipment • Clocks, watches, kitchen equipment • IT equipment • Regular activities • Low vision aids • Regular outings and social events • Lighting, reading and writing aids • Theatre Group • Big button telephones • Dual sensory loss group for people • Easy to see mobile phones • with hearing loss as well as sight loss. • Electronic magnification Other services include: • Home visiting service - for anyone who is unable to visit our Resource Centre or who feels isolated at home and would appreciate home visits from one of our volunteers • Telephone support, including information and signposting • Newsletter available in large print and digital audio formats or by email • Low vision clinic support - providing information and support at Penrith Hospital low vision clinic • Eden Sight Support website - keeping you up-to-date with new developments • Computer/Technology help and advice 20

Providing information and support for anyone with sight problems in the Penrith and Eden area Resource Centre Opening Times Tuesday 11.00 – 2.00 Wednesday 11.00 – 2.00 Kirkby Stephen Outreach 4th Thursday bi-monthly 10am -12 noon Home visiting Outings and social events Eden Sight Support The Resource Centre Sandgate Penrith CA11 7TP Tel: 01768 891724 info@edensightsupport.org.uk www.edensightsupport.org.uk

JOIN OUR NORTH LAKES FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS Do you want to work in a fun and engaging environment where the team are put at the forefront in all that we do… then the North Lakes Hotel & Spa could be just for you! It’s an amazing place to work with great benefits… our resident pooch Eddie says it’s ‘pawfect’. We are looking team members to join our family on both a part time and full time basis scan the QR code for more details. As Christmas approaches we are also recruiting seasonal staff for our busy festive season… if you are looking for that little bit extra in time for Christmas come and speak to us. For more details on both positions available and our seasonal contracts please contact Tracy Goulding on 01768 868111 (ext 406) or by email tracygoulding@northlakeshotel.co.uk

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Heading into winter There is still so much to enjoy in our gardens in the winter months, with fading beauty all around us. I love seeing the remaining flower and seed heads on plants like Hydrangeas. But what really puts me in a good mood is the vibrant evergreen plants with all their shades of green. Winter truly is a season when you can see the diverse range of greens around us; add in rusty browns and bursts of colour from winter flowering plants and it is a time to appreciate. The Lake District fells have myriad colours at this time of year and the first frosts give beautiful images.

winner; evergreen with pink buds opening into white flowers in late winter. It’s not just flowers…

50 shades of green

I have mentioned coloured-stem dogwoods such as Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ before, but it is not only the colour of stems that can appeal. Think about the texture of bark and shapes of shrubs as well, to add extra interest.

Check out the dark green from Taxus baccata – the yew. We might merely consider this for hedging, but it is excellent as a stand-alone shrub, especially as it tolerates shade and it can be topiarised into shapes; something to consider if you are worried about box blight and are looking for alternatives to a box ball.

Prunus serrula has magnificent rusty-brown polished bark. It’s a small tree growing to about 5m and what’s more it tolerates pollution.

Then there is the vivid golden glow from Thuja occidentalis ‘Aurea Nana’, a dwarf conifer with golden-green foliage, even brighter at the tips.

Corylus avellana ‘Red Majestic’ is a glorious burgundy hazel and when it loses its leaves in winter the corkscrew stems put on a show.

Osmanthus delavayi, an evergreen shrub, not only has lovely dark, glossy, serrated leaves, it also has small, scented white flowers in spring which are a magnet for bees – a bonus early in the year!

Take a look at my website www.karenrobertsgardendesign.co.uk for inspiration and don’t hesitate to give me a call or drop me an email

White flowers Winter flowering shrubs and perennials with white blooms really stand out against green, and are great at brightening up a shady corner. Go for Hellebores such as Helleborus nigra, amongst many others, which flowers in winter. There are a lot of Viburnum shrubs to choose from, but Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a real

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November – Chrysanthemum

The birth flower associated with November is the glorious chrysanthemum: one of the world’s most popular cut flowers they come in an enormous range of colours and sizes. They have mixed symbolism depending on the country and culture but in the UK are generally considered to be a flower of friendship, honesty and happiness.

Chrysanthemum day celebrated since 910 on the 9th day of the 9th month.

Of course there are legends surrounding the flower too! Chinese folklore tells of an elderly emperor who heard of a magical herb that would bring eternal youth. The plant only grew on Dragonfly Island and could only be picked by a young person so he sent twenty four on a long and dangerous journey to find the island and the herb. When they arrived the island was barren of the magical herb but was covered with golden flowers – the chrysanthemum - which was adopted as the symbol of the emperor.

The chrysanthemum (‘mum’, ‘mumington’ or ‘chrysanth’) belongs to the same family as the daisy (Asteraceae). They are perennial plants with blooms that range from large pom-poms to flattened discs with petals that can be spidery, needle-like, flat or curly; they pop with colour and are perfect in the garden or as a cut flower. The name chrysanthemum comes from the Greek chryso (gold) and anthos (flower) which was given as the original flowers growing wild had bright yellow/orange flowers.

In many European countries the chrysanthemum is associate with death, mourning and sympathy and therefore is used as funeral flowers and in wreaths. They are often also seen as a protector against evil spirits so their appearance in cemeteries and graveyards is not unexpected.

They are native to East Asia and were first cultivated in China in the 15th century as a flowering herb. By 1630 there were over 500 cultivars (a type of plant that is bred or propagated to develop specific traits e.g. colour, petal shape, size, height, scent etc.) and now in the 21st century there are more than 20,000 around the world!

In Britain however, though often included in funeral flowers, they are generally seen as a symbol of cheerfulness, joy and optimism. The traditional use of Chrysanthemum leucanthemum to tell the fortune of love; ‘he loves me, he loves me not’ while pulling the petals off the head of a daisy to foretell true love is very familiar!

The Imperial Seal of Japan is the chrysanthemum, the monarchy is referred to as the Chrysanthemum Throne and there are many festivals throughout the autumn to celebrate the bloom the most important being

The colour of the chrysanthemum also holds different meanings: 24

in salads, soups and sautéed as a vegetable green while the flowers and petals are made into teas or used as decorative garnishes.

White can represent purity, innocence and honesty so can be used for a number of occasions but in some cultures they are used only for sympathy, remembrance and condolence.

And finally they flowers are used as a natural source of insecticide with the active ingredient pyrethrins being made into a range of insect repellents.

Red represents romantic love, strong feelings and deep passion, while pink is more associated with gentle affection and attraction so are perhaps better for a new love or to take on a first date!

So now you know when you pick up a quick bunch at the garage or supermarket there’s much more to the humble chrysanth than you ever imagined!

Surprisingly the cheery yellow chrysanthemum was in Victorian times representative of neglected love and sorrow! Fortunately orange flowers show excitement, enthusiasm and passion.

Back next month for fascinating facts about the flower associated with December.

A bunch of violet or purple chrysanthemums are a good choice as a get well wish while green blooms celebrate rebirth, renewal, good health and youthfulness.

By Pam Waggott References. www.petalrepublic.com www.flowersandplantsassocation.org.uk www.symbolsage.com www.flowermeaning.com www.funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk

Chrysanthemums have been used in traditional medicines for many years to treat headaches, reducing fevers and as an anti-inflammatory though any other reported benefits are not fully confirmed. In Chinese cuisine the leaves are used

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Work Parties & Other Work-Related Social Events Well, it’s that time of year again!

Things to consider

Whether you’re an employer organising an event or an employee attending a work-related event, there’s plenty to think about.

Health & Safety - Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their staff. If a social event is associated with work, the duty is likely to extend to the event, so employers need to take steps to ensure the location doesn’t present any health and safety risks and that employees don’t put themselves or others at risk either during or after the event. Employers should also take reasonable steps to ensure their employees don’t act under the influence of alcohol or drugs as this is likely to risk the health and safety of others.

At the time of writing this article, we are fast approaching Christmas Party Season, and by the time you read this, some of you might already have been to a Work Christmas Party. The following advice applies to work-related social events in general, not just seasonal ones, and I hope you find it thought-provoking and helpful, rather than scary! Work parties and other events can be a wonderful way of improving staff morale and getting staff to engage with one another, however, problems can arise as people can be unpredictable, particularly when alcohol and/or drugs are involved. My advice to employers would be to do everything you possibly can to remind your staff that you expect them to behave appropriately at these events. At least then, if something does go wrong, you’ll be in a better position to demonstrate that you have tried to be a responsible employer.

Employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions, so reminding employees of the health and safety implications of excessive alcohol consumption, reminding them that illegal drugs are prohibited, advising them that they should not drink and drive and that they should make advance arrangements for getting home after the event, are all necessary.

My advice to any employee would be to enjoy yourself, but responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption and/or being under the influence of drugs are usually the causes of incidents at these sorts of events, so be responsible and don’t let things get out of control! 26

Harassment - A common problem that appears to arise as a result of work-related social event is an allegation of harassment. Harassment is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010, where one employee engages in unwanted conduct related to a “protected characteristic” that has the purpose or effect of violating another employee’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. There are a number of relevant protected characteristics for harassment, namely age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Bad behaviour - Employers can be liable for the actions of their employees when those actions are carried out in the course of their employment, and this will normally extend to their conduct and behaviour at workrelated social events. This is called vicarious liability. Employers, however, will have some defence if they can demonstrate that they have been pragmatic in taking steps to prevent harassment or other problems from happening at these sorts of events. Having guidance in place and sending out timely reminders to staff about standards of acceptable behaviour and the consequences of not following the rules could provide good defence in the unfortunate event that something goes wrong.

Employee Reminder Well in advance of any major work-related social function, such as a Christmas party, it’s worth reminding employees in writing of the standards of behaviour you expect from them at these events. You may have a Staff Code of Conduct or other similar guidance in place, but reinforcing messages and expectations from time to time is essential. A memo or statement to all staff detailing the following could be used periodically and tailored for each event:

• Where and when the event will take place • What will be provided by the Company in terms of food and alcohol and what employees will be expected to pay for • Any transport arrangements laid on by the Company • Who to contact at the event should there be any concerns • Rules regarding the internet and social media – whether photos/images from the event may be posted by individuals without the Company’s written permission • Standards of conduct expected at events, encouraging staff to enjoy the event, but behave responsibly. This also applies to any partners who attend events • The fact that inappropriate behaviour could lead to disciplinary action and ultimately dismissal in cases of gross misconduct • That failing to attend work following the event due to a hangover is not an acceptable reason for absence

Covid-19 Many employers may have decided not to go ahead with or promote Christmas parties this year, due to the concerns around the spread of Coronavirus. If you decide to go ahead with social events, remember to include something in you communications with staff, encouraging them to act responsibly.

Contact me If you need any help or advice on this subject or with any other employment matter, please don’t hesitate to email me charlotte@quinnhr.co.uk or call me on 01768 862394.

Good luck and fingers crossed for a trouble-free Christmas party season! 27

Foxes are opportunists, searching for and defending areas with suitable food and shelter. They also create scent posts by urinating (peeing) on trees or rocks to announce their presence and mark their territory. Foxes are mostly nocturnal and hunt during the night, but they do sometimes venture out during the day and in recent years they have become more crepuscular (being seen at twilight). You might never see a wild fox, but you might hear one. Foxes scream at night, particularly during the mating season in December and January. It can be quite a screech! Prior to living in Penrith, we lived in a semi-rural market town with similarities to Penrith but in-between houses and even in the town there were establish wooded natural areas and parks. At the bottom of our garden there was border between the gardens separating the houses opposite, tall trees, overgrown bushes not all fenced off. We did have Foxes in our garden and on a couple of occasion they did attempt to set up a den under the office I had at the end of the garden! The Vixen has between two and up to a dozen pups per litter,

and they are born brown or grey. Late August to September fox cubs leave their dens and prepare to find new territories of their own. Vixens may be heard calling loudly as they try to control their cubs and can be heard squabbling over food and rights to new territories. As high as 70-80 percent of fox cubs die before they reach maturity. In captivity, a fox that might be at a wildlife rescue centre or park can live up to 10-15 years. I have discovered some old ones in my research below… Foxes generally avoid contact with dogs and cats, but they have been known to carry the same diseases as domestic dogs, although it is rare for a fox to transmit disease to humans. Foxes are known to harbour a range of different parasites, both internally and externally, including various species of intestinal worms, flukes, lungworm, heartworm, ticks, mites, fleas, protozoans, bacteria and fungi. Some of those of greatest concern that are known as ‘zoonosis’ (transferred to humans from animals), include Toxocara canis (dog roundworm), Echinococcus multilocularis (hyatid worm) 28

and Trichinella spiralis (muscle worm). Angiostrongylus vasorum (canine heartworm) and Sarcoptes scabiei (mange mite) are also important parasites of foxes that can be passed to domestic dogs. In Britain the average prevalence of the heartworm is 7% and slugs and snails are considered to be more of a significant source of infection than foxes. Mange can cause large-scale declines in the fox population; the mites can be transferred to domestic dogs, but infection is easily treated. The greatest concern is rabies for the Red fox, but due to a large-scale vaccination of foxes the spread of rabies in recent years has been eradicated altogether from parts of western Europe. Rabies is currently unknown in British foxes. Now for some famous Foxes! Born in 1963 Basil Brush is one of a few foes over 15 years old, but actually aged around 58 he is an original glove puppet that was designed by Peter Firmin in 1963 for an ITV television series. Basil Brush was voiced and performed by Ivan Owen until his death in October 2000. Basil's voice was modelled on the actor Terry-Thomas, giving the puppet a touch of well-cultivated class Other famous foxes include our Walt Disney creations of the perfect pair Robin Hood and Maid Marion (1973). We have Todd the fox from the Fox and the Hounds (1981), Fantastic Mr Fox, a Book by Roald Dahl (1970) and Swiper the fox thief in Dora the Explorer (2004) who was always swiping, as well as Nick Wild from Zootopia in Zootropolis (2016). One other

special Fox we have grown up with is a time traveller called Michael J Fox now aged 61! Closer to home we have Olga the Fox mascot to the Foxes (Carlisle United). The full story behind the naming of the club mascot is on their website and the story relates to carrying a stuffed fox into the centre circle ahead of kick off on a match day which goes back many years.

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Olga is an anagram of ‘GOAL’ and the story goes back to 1912. A Colonel Salkeld having caught a live fox, donated it to the football club. It was walked onto the pitch on a lead ahead of every home game for a number of years. Olga died and was professionally preserved, mounted and it became the match day mascot. The fox remains in the club offices and the tradition of carrying it out onto the pitch and that tradition has continued on and off, even still today.

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Why Olga? The Fox was named by request of Colonel Salkeld as it was his daughter’s name! Reference wildlifeonline.me.uk, nwf.org, Woodlandtrustpeta.co.uk, nhs.co.uk allthingsfoxes.com

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Meet the Writer Dorothy Una Ratcliffe at Penrith and Eden Museum Article by Sydney Chapman

Dorothy Una MacGrigor-Phillips ‘Dorothy Una Ratcliffe’

Watercolour ‘Acorn Bank’ by Fred Lawson

Plaque in memory of Tom Sarginson formerly on the Sandgate bus shelter

Mrs. Dorothy Una McGrigor-Phillips (1887-1967), is mostly remembered locally as the lady who with her husband Noel purchased and renovated ‘Acorn Bank’ (Temple Sowerby Manor) and filled it with choice works of art, ceramics, fine furniture, glass and, unusually, fans. She eventually donated the building to the National Trust and her collection to the City of Leeds. Many of her rare books, manuscripts and documents form part of Leeds University’s Brotherton Library which she was instrumental in founding. Writing under the name Dorothy Una Ratcliffe her books extended to forty nine titles covering poetry, plays and character sketches, several reflecting her love of the Yorkshire dales and her enthusiasm for gypsy and traveller life and culture. She recorded her foreign travels which took her through Europe to a favourite destination, Greece. Her ‘Equatorial Dawn’ and ‘Icelandic Spring’ were more outward-looking. The Icelandic title contained a series of descriptive letters sent to her close friend the Editor of Penrith’s ‘Cumberland and Westmorland Herald’, Tom Sarginson. It recounted her circumnavigation of the island with vivid descriptions of its large fiords and herring ports. Later she would commemorate his passing and their friendship with the gift of a bus shelter to the town of Penrith in 1953. It bore a plaque now displayed in the Museum recalling the editorial nom-de-plume by which for over three decades Penrithians had known him - ‘Silver Pen’. She was editor of ‘The Microcosm Magazine’ whose contributors included G. K. Chesterton and J.R.R.Tolkien. Among other celebrities she could count the writer Philip Larkin, and the society painter Augustus John. Her writings for the ‘Dalesman’ magazine and the ‘Yorkshire Post’ brought her into contact with the well known artist and illustrator of Dales life ‘Dale Folk’ by Dorothy and scenery Fred Lawson. His Una Ratcliffe illustrated drawings feature in her book by Fred Lawson 30

who had won international acclaim for his portraits of dogs and had been a regular guest at Royal shoots. It is also in the care of the Museum.

‘Canada Geese over Chesapeake Bay’ watercolour by Reuben Ward Binks

Rug presented to Penrith Urban District Council by the town of Arachova, Greece ‘Dale Folk’ published in 1927. His large watercolour of ‘Acorn Bank’ which she owned was bequeathed to Penrith Urban District Council and is now part of the Museum’s art collection. Her bequest also included a large watercolour, ‘Canada Geese over Chesapeake Bay’. It was the work of her neighbour Reuben Ward Binks of ‘The Cedars’ in Temple Sowerby (d. 1950)

The Museum also possesses another memento of the writer Dorothy Una Ratcliffe, the medal with citation in a wooden altar-style frame being the Commander Medal awarded Badge Cross medal awarded to Mrs McGrigorto her by King George 1st of Phillips by King Greece in recognition of her George 1st of work for the Greek Red Cross. Greece Of silver with red and white enamel it has the legend in Greek ‘ ΙΣΧΥΣ ΜΟΥ Η ΑΓΑΠΗ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΟΥ ‘ - ‘The Love of the People is my Strength’. It forms a link with another article in the Museum’s collections with connections to this remarkable woman – the lion-design goat’s wool woven rug or blanket presented to Penrith Urban District Council. It was given by the town of Arachova in Greece in gratitude for the work done by herself and Dr. McTavish and the people of Penrith in supplying a turbine to help re-establish the town after the devastation of World War 2. Arachova also gave the name Penrith to one of its streets.

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