Eden Local Community Magazine for Penrith & the Eden Valley Cumbria October 2018 Issue No 139

ISSN 2516-1431

Your Independent Community Magazine

Eden 107

Keep Penrith Special Friends of the Beacon A Personal Perspective Social Media’s Negativities!

All Hallow’s Eve Hugh Cornwell at Kendal

Eden107.5

Cumbrian Local Publications • Issue No. 139 • October 2018

2 • EdenLocal

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To view larger scale drawing of plan online go to www.beaconvillages.co.uk Alternatively call 01768 817817 and arrange with EDC planning to view this drawing at the Town Council offices. More information on plan is over this page on pages 4 & 5 The best rates in advertising, with the best distribution for local business EdenLocal • 3

LOCAL COUNCIL

Have you joined the discussion yet?

The Penrith Strategic Masterplan – A Vision to 2050?

Public engagement process 10 Sept - 2 Nov 2018

The public engagement process about the proposals contained in the Penrith Strategic Masterplan – A Vision to 2050 has stimulated a healthy debate about how people would like to see the Penrith and wider Eden area grow in the future.

Eden District Council welcomes the range of views we have received so far as part of the eight week public engagement process which closes on Friday 2 November 2018. This is only the first stage of the public engagement process, as the Council is keen to continue its dialogue with people who are passionate about the future development of Penrith.

Two of the most frequently asked questions we received at the Pop Up Shop on Middlegate in Penrith were ‘why is a Masterplan needed’ and ‘how would people’s views be taken forward as part of this public engagement process’.

So why do we need a Masterplan?

As you may have read in the local media, Council Members are shortly to consider adopting the draft Eden Local Plan 2014-2032, as the principal document in its planning policy framework, which will be used to determine all planning applications in the District.

The Local Plan has been developed and consulted upon on over the 4 • EdenLocal

past four years and initially included proposals for more development in outlining villages. However, these proposals were rejected by a Government Planning Inspector at the Examination Stage and the Draft Local Plan was subsequently amended to reflect government guidance on new developments being based closer to our market towns.

A lot of the land identified in this plan five years ago, as being appropriate for development for housing or job creation, has since been allocated for development – See Local Plan 2014-2032 Policy Map which includes the Penrith Strategic Masterplan Proposals.

This is one of the reasons why the Council is engaging with the public on developing a 32 year vision for Penrith and wider Eden’s future, because without a long-term plan in place we risk speculative development in areas of the District that we want to protect and we need to allocate land for new housing and jobs where it is most appropriate to aid future sustainable growth.

How will the Masterplan be taken forward?

The Masterplan has no legal status and simply represents the Council’s current thoughts on the preferred way to plan for the future growth of Penrith. However, it is early days and this is why are listening to the public’s views about the Masterplan’s proposals. The Council will consider all the representations made to us and officers will report back to Council Members later this year with the findings of the process. Council Members will then determine how to take the

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Masterplan forward, whether that be in its current or amended form.

These results could then inform an early, partial review of the Local Plan, this which itself would entail further public consultation in accordance with all relevant legal requirements, including an updated statement of community involvement. A Review of a Local Plan may take at least two to three years to complete.

Another question we have been asked is ‘why is the Beacon being included in the Masterplan proposals’?

We recognise that the Beacon is an asset for Penrith and that people have strong feelings about how we protect this landmark for the future, so it is not at risk from speculative development (developer creep).

In incorporating the Beacon in the Masterplan, the wooded front vista would remain undeveloped and, as the landowner has suggested, access would be improved to let more members of the public enjoy this green space.

As part of the proposals in the Penrith Masterplan we want to increase the space available to the public for walking and cycling in and around the Beacon. We have looked at ways of reducing the visual impact of any developments in the proposals . We have planned wildlife corridors to link up existing areas of woodland and have considered how the new villages and employment sites might incorporate green spaces and tree planting.

The landowner of the Beacon Pike, and the commercial forestry plantation surrounding it, is seeking

some mixed used development of the commercial forestry area to the rear of the Beacon. However, any development of the commercial forestry land would be subject to a planning application.

What benefits would the Masterplan have for Penrith town centre?

A key element of the Masterplan is to provide ongoing support to Penrith town centre. A growing population will generate an increasing number of customers all year round for the town’s shops and businesses.

Stuart Harper, owner of Harper’s Toymaster in Middlegate, described the Masterplan plan as ‘very bold’ adding: “People come to Penrith and say it is lovely to see the independent shops, but there are less than there used to be. The truth is that Penrith is suffering because of a drop in footfall. People are not coming into town, not coming into the shops and are moving away.

We have to do something to put the vitality back into the town.”

The Masterplan also envisages improvements in the infrastructure for pedestrian and cyclists in Penrith town centre. The opportunity also exists to improve the layout and appearance of the area surrounding the train station. The District Council is also working with Cumbria County Council to carry out a traffic modelling exercise to address how traffic flow could be improved around Penrith, including the town centre.

Town Hall Treasures jewellery store owner, Vanessa Aked, said she could see the logic of how an increasing population could help Penrith’s high street, but wanted to see a discussion around reducing traffic in the town centre.

“I think pedestrianisation could work, but I’m not sure how popular an idea that is. It’s certainly a nice experience in other towns and they cope by restricting deliveries

Cllr Owen with Helen and David Johnson from Calthwaite to before a certain time. Perhaps Penrith could have a delivery hub so lorries wouldn’t have to come through the middle of town and smaller vehicles could bring goods to the shops,” she said.

More could also be done to celebrate the area’s rich and colourful history with a particular focus on Penrith Castle and Castle Park.

An upgrade to the bus station would see extra stands for new routes and services and new cycle storage facilities.

We would also look to enhance the cultural offer within the town centre, complementing outdoor opportunities found in the nearby Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park and North Pennines.

The Council believes that working alongside the Penrith Chamber of Trade and Business Improvement Districts, that plans can be put in place that encourage the link between the new Beacon Villages and employment land over the course of the development of the Masterplan so everyone benefits.

How does the Masterplan meet the government criteria for a garden village bid and will this help support Penrith’s existing town centre?

a garden community. It states that the villages should be ‘built at a scale which supports the necessary infrastructure to allow the community to function selfsufficiently on a day to day basis’.

For the larger garden communities i.e new towns over 10,000 new homes may require a larger centre of shops.

The Penrith Strategic Masterplan proposals for the three new settlements are at the lower end of the scale for garden villages and, as such, may support a small convenience store such as a co-op/ spar/nisa which incorporates a post office, along with a multi-purpose civic building that could be used, in part, as a doctors surgery. The new settlements are to support Penrith’s existing town centre.

More public engagement events taking place up until 30 October 2018 For more information about the Penrith Strategic Masterplan including frequently asked questions and to give your views as part on the online survey visit www.beaconvillages.co.uk

The Government’s garden village prospectus outlines that there is no single template for The best rates in advertising, with the best distribution for local business

EdenLocal • 5

Welcome to your October Eden Local Whilst in this month’s magazine we have deliberately allocated quite a lot of space to airing views about the Penrith Strategic Master plan, we do still have our regular entries. We are also updating some areas of the magazine and website with ideas. It is that time of year where I also pick up on one of my favourite lines for October - ‘Before the clocks go back’. I even used it in a campaign once.

So many things change around us as winter approaches. A brief dry spell and we were out preparing the garden before the clocks go back. We’ll be ordering in the logs soon, breaking up the pallet boards from the summer magazine deliveries for kindling and today we booked in the Chimney Sweep. The summer solar lights come in from the garden and as we have for many years, we’ll be ready for losing that hour’s sleep when the clocks go back at 00.00 on Saturday 27 October.

That day, there will be a smell of pumpkin Soup, if it’s cold and dry; a smell of wood burning outside in the air and as it’s the weekend before Halloween on the Wednesday, I imagine there’ll be a few windows decorated for Halloween and parties that weekend.

Meanwhile, a busy month but as always exciting. This week I’ll be covering activities in Penrith in relation to the rally by Friends of Penrith Beacon, which will be over by the time this magazine is in your hand.

I’ll also be mashing up the apples we had left over from the tree on this first weekend in October, to make either some wine or cider. Many years ago, I used to make a lot of wine. I’ve tried once since then with blackberry a few years back. We went away for a few days. Pam, my friend and

6 • EdenLocal

neighbour was feeding the pets while we were away and arriving in the kitchen one day, she found the demi-johns storing the wine had basically blown the valves out and the ceiling was a reddish, purple colour!

In my early days of wine making, I did graduate to sparkling wine. As I learnt back in 1985, the best Champagnes and Sparkling Wines are made by ‘méthode champenoise’ which requires a secondary fermentation. I used an old method, the Ancestral Method, which is an inexpensive but risky and difficult-to-control method of producing sparkling wine and almost certainly one of the the oldest, in which the primary fermentation is stopped before completing and a secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, ending when the yeast cells depleting the supply of residual sugar.

As I learnt in my early wine making days, Champagne was created by accident! A very cold winter in the region of Champagne, the temperature was so cold it stopped the wine fermenting. When the thaw started and Spring came, the containers (barrels back then) started exploding, but obviously someone quite liked the fizz. I’ll be doing secondary fermentation by adding a mixture of sugar and yeast (called the ‘liqueur de tirage’) to still wine.

I have a rack which I built to store the wine at 45 degrees, turning each bottle twice a day so the sediment will be rotated down out of the bottle in a special plastic capsule type of cork. When the sediment is out, I bend the cylinder part of the capsule with the sediment in, over double to the neck of the bottle, to seal it. I then remove it before adding the sugar and yeast to the still wine and replace the temporary corks with traditional champagne corks, with the wires and gold foil seal. Of course, I won’t be leaving the wine in the warm of the kitchen.

It will be stored in the shed with heated pads of course. If I don’t do this, given the temperature, it might get a bit messy and noisy!

The magazine that relies on doors for circulation not sales

Contents Have you joined the discussion yet?

Pages 2 - 5

Introduction and Contents

Pages 6 – 9

Keep Penrith Special - Why is this important?

Pages 10 - 11

Are you Family-Friendly? with Quinn HR

Pages 12 - 13

Friends of the Beacon – Iain Dawson

Pages 14

There is definitely Room at ‘The Inn’ this Christmas

Page

Visit Cumbria Oak Showroom today

Pages 16 – 17

A Personal Perspective – Tom Rose

Pages 18 - 19

Social Media’s Negativities! 17-25 - Emily Quinn

Pages 20 – 21

Nursery Rhyme Corner with Pam Waggott

Page 22

Hugh Cornwell at Kendal - Brewery Arts Centre

Page 23

The bright side of the former Edenside - Lee Quinn

Page 24

An introduction to Reiver Homes

Page

25

Wainwright Society - Derek Cockell

Page

27

Plans, planning and perspective – Canon David Sargent

Page

28

Local Girlguiding needs you! – Tom Rose

Page

29

All Hallow’s Eve – Lee Quinn

Pages 30 - 31

Moving in for Christmas

15

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Cumbrian Local Notice: Eden Local prints various articles, features, and advertisements. Although these appear in Eden Local, any opinions expressed are the opinion of the author, these are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. ©Copyright Eden Local 2018.

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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EdenLocal • 7

Looking at our main features this month, you may already be thinking about this with the move of the contents and opening editorial to allow for the first four pages.

As a community magazine, as we prepare next month to start our 9th year with your Eden Local, I have been reflecting on the recent events and past events, as a result of being drawn into the activity surrounding the Penrith Strategic Master Plan. As a town, Penrith with the villages around it and its neighbouring towns, we have seen more than a few campaigns; marches, petitions and people generally doing what they have a right to do, which is to be heard, to be able to ask questions, to seek answers and advice in the hope that they may lead to resolving problems, bringing things out into the open or generally ascertaining important information that is needed to help them make a decision.

It was about a 15-20 minute walk up to the top. Then I sat down and had some thinking time. Whilst I was doing this, I heard the song, Careless Whispers by George Michael in the distance. Was it on bag pipes I thought? Then I thought about the rectangular black bag on the back of the stranger who had disappeared and thought, saxophone! Well he was still hidden in the trees when I heard it.

In the middle of all of this, I took a walk up to the Beacon with my camera. A strange thing happened on the way up. There was a chap in front me with a square bag on his back.

I stopped a few times to take everything in around me and a few photos. Then, when I turned around to look up the track, he was gone. I carried on walking, thinking as you would, where is he? He’d simply vanished!

As I neared the top, just before you take the second to last left as the path curls around, just before I took the picture on the front cover I heard a deep throaty tone, like a note but not quite and then it was quiet.

Unfortunately, it was too late for the New Squares. This was a done deal before the first Eden Local was printed. Between now and that time we have saved a number of things through challenging, petitioning and voicing opinions; Save the Cinema, Save the Fire Station, Save our Fire Appliance, Save Edenside Care Home, Save Hospital beds, Save our buses, Save our schools and vote ‘yes’ for a town council, so the people of the town can be more involved in the process of how it develops. I may have missed a few, but in just a few minutes this is what I recalled.

The first campaign Eden Local took on was for Penrith to have its own radio station in 2010. It wasn’t a protest, but it was something that required support from the community it hoped to serve, that with the Eden Local it would enhance the communication channels that already existed, in providing more capacity for people, businesses, local groups, charities and societies to be seen and heard in the community.

We like to keep it simple, Introducing Ed

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In this 139th publication, we are presenting a number of views. Since the last Eden Local I have been sharing my time with Eden District Council in getting information out to the public, as well as meeting with representatives of the Keep Penrith Special Group and the Friends of the Beacon Group.

This has included a number of interviews on Eden FM, telephone conversations, emails, sharing of information and a lot of reading and interaction on social media.

At this stage, one month after the Penrith Strategic Master Plan was released, I believe we all have quite a journey ahead of us. Importantly, it remains the intention of Eden FM to interview and share as much informationas it can gather on air and online. Next month as a magazine, we’ll recap, summarise October’s events as we do every month and then gather as much information as we can on what follows in November for all groups it relates to.

For those of you who follow the Eden FM Radio and Cumbrian Local on Facebook, please share the news feeds with those not on line.

We’ll be back after 5th November, so please remember safety and please consider people and the animals around us that don’t enjoy it so much. I hope you do get some treats over Halloween, but failing that I’ll bring some treats and good news in November!

Eden 107

Lee

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Local

KEEP PENRITH SPECIAL

Campaigning against the Eden Masterplan Beacon Villages Development Proposal.

Keep Penrith Special Campaign (KPS) against Eden District Council proposed Beacon Village Developments has in the last three weeks caught the attention of Penrith and Eden residents. People are voicing their concerns about the plan and the problems in Penrith through KPS’s Facebook page and website www.keeppenrithspecial.org. Simply google Keep Penrith Special to find them.

The team are also out and about in Penrith town centre and Eden villages engaging with people and collecting signatures to add to their 38-degree petition site (also accessible via their web and Facebook page. This means that those without access to the internet can also have their say. Other campaign groups such as Friends of Penrith Beacon who are against development on Penrith’s landmark Beacon Hill are also raising the profile of this important discussion about the future of Penrith and the Eden Valley. To date KPS have over 1,500 on-line signatures and pages of ‘wet’ signatures, all of which will be collated for submission to EDC at the end of the ‘consultation’ period.

was revealed that the Committee had not had time to look at the Masterplan before the ‘consultation’ period began. KPS has since obtained a Legal Opinion from a leading planning Barrister, Zack Simons of Landmark Chambers London, about the legality of EDC’s Beacon Villages Consultation. The Opinion concludes that this is a ‘woefully inadequate consultation’, (the full legal opinion can be read on KPS website www.keeppenrithspecial.org ).

Eden residents are urged to ask their local councillors and their MP where they stand in respect of the proposed developments. To date they have remained remarkably quiet on the subject.

To keep up to date on issues about the Beacons Villages Development Plan and to sign Keep Penrith Special petition if you are against these developments then visit their informative website at www.keeppenrithspecial.org or on Facebook @ keeppenrithspecial; or, watch out for the postcard you will get delivered in the post shortly – no stamp needed to reply.

The thoughtful and articulate comments by residents on KPS’ social media sites and the letters to the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald indicates the depth of feeling and that people are really against this Masterplan. One major concern is the reality of affordable housing – beautifully articulated by Dr Susan Davies in her letter to the Herald last week.

There are letters detailing many other concerns about the Beacons Villages scheme provoking Lib Dems, Labour and Green Party to raise these as questions to EDC. KPS were concerned that the Masterplan consultation was flawed in its approach (seeking support for one option rather than an open discussion about a full range of options). At the Eden Council Scrutiny Committee on September 25th it 10 • EdenLocal

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REJECT

THE PENRITH STRATEGIC MASTERPLAN The People of Eden and Penrith deserve better. We want a proper grounded, sensible, practical plan to make Penrith a better place to live, work, shop and visit and we want to get everyone to contribute their thoughts in building that plan.

• Build on the Beacon - NO • New Town/Villages 2.5 Miles from Penrith - NO • Double Population - NO • More Congestion - NO • More Pressure on Local NHS - NO • More Pressure on Schools - NO • Major roads on every side of Penrith - NO • Affordable Housing for Locals - YES • A Better Vision for Penrith & Eden - YES

Please read and sign our petition - it can be found via a link at:

www.keeppenrithspecial.org

More than 1,000 people have already signed. Make your voice heard!

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EdenLocal • 11

LOCAL BUSINESS

Q

HR

Are You Family-Friendly?

Introduction

So, what are Family-Friendly Policies?

There are a number of benefits for employers and employees where good family-friendly policies exist. It is usually the case that employers offer the statutory minimums and whilst there is nothing wrong with this, it may be worth employers considering offering something more to really offer the support families need.

Whilst this list is not exhaustive, they tend to include:

There is no such thing as a ‘traditional family’ in today’s society. Families come in all shapes and sizes and family-friendly policies could better reflect the diverse nature of them.

Whilst employers would struggle to cover every eventuality, their policies could potentially be more inclusive.

• Time Off for Dependants

Good policies generally can have huge benefits for employers. Employers are likely to attract quality applicants if they offer good terms and conditions of employment and are more likely to retain and engage them if they fulfil what they say they offer. This can then lead to a motivated, productive and more efficient workforce.

There’s a range of employment legislation that covers family-friendly leave and pay, however, the basic principles are detailed in the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Employment Relations Act 1999.

Good family-friendly policies can support employees in achieving the right work life balance for them. If the balance is right, they are likely to experience high levels of job satisfaction and this will be of huge benefit to the employer.

Happy employees tend to be productive, efficient and loyal. Employers are also likely to see that stress levels are reduced.

12 • EdenLocal

• Maternity Leave • Paternity Leave • Parental Leave • Shared Parental Leave • Adoption Leave Some employers also have policies covering fostering, surrogacy, IVF and so on. Flexible Working applies more widely now, however, it also supports family-friendly policies.

Any flexible working requests must be considered seriously.

What does Employment Law say on the subject?

Other legislation and regulations have been introduced since the Millenium detailing some significant changes.

These include: • The Employment Act 2002 • The Work and Families Act 2006 • The Children and Families Act 2014 Whilst not legislation, employers should also remember to refer to and follow any ACAS guidance and good practice that is available in relation to family-friendly policies or any

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other area of employment. It can generally be very helpful to both employers and employees

What should you do next?

Well, as an employer, you need to ensure you are offering at least the statutory minimum when it comes to family-friendly policies, however, if you want to be an employer that people aspire to work for, you may want to consider going over and above in terms of your provisions and embrace diversity and inclusion.

At the very least, make sure you know what the law says and know what your responsibilities are. Clear, written policies will help to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding between you and your employees.

As an employee, find out what your rights are and what you’re entitled to.

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• How does shared parental leave work?

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EdenLocal • 13

LOCAL COMMUNITY

Beacon Friends Fight to Save Forest Article by Iain Dawson

Eden District Council's Penrith "Master Plan" has been launched.

It proposes to double the size of the town by building 5,500 new houses in 3 "Beacon Villages" and permit residential and mixed use development in the Beacon forest.

From the plan and comments from the council leader and others, the development in the woodland envisages "low density housing", holiday lets, an activity centre, cycle trails and access roads.

The large area set aside for this development is in the centre of the forest.

Friends of Penrith Beacon was set up several weeks ago in response to EDC's "Master plan".

We are a community group that has been formed to campaign for the protection of the Beacon and surrounding woodland. We are opposed to the council's plans because they will radically transform the character of this beautiful forest which is a tranquil haven for people and wildlife. It is home for over 170 plants, and for a rich variety of animals, insects and birds. It has been enjoyed by people of all ages for many generations. The Beacon has a special place in the affection of people in Penrith and the surrounding area. This is clear because from a standing start a few weeks ago we now have over 1,000 followers on Facebook. We are a non political group and enjoy widespread support from all sides of the political spectrum. Everyone is welcome so long as they share our aims which fundamentally are to prevent development in the forest and preserve it as a wild place with access for all.

We support having a strategic plan for the future because providing low cost housing and jobs are vital to our social and economic wellbeing. Unfortunately, the current plan has fundamental flaws and is a wasted opportunity.

The council has not done a proper analysis of the needs of the people

Iain Dawson at Eden FM nor identified the best sites for potential development. In our view the Beacon and surrounding wood is the jewel in Penrith's crown and is the last place the council should allow houses to be built.

We vigorously disagree with the council and have organised a petition urging them to protect the wood from development and are holding a protest rally in Penrith on Oct 6th. If you agree with our aims please make sure your voice is heard and complete the council's consultation questionnaire and ensure your local Councillor is aware of your opinion.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 14 • EdenLocal

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EdenLocal • 15

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EdenLocal • 17

PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY

The Penrith Master-plan A personal perspective

By Tom Rose

I have some sad news to start this article. I am leaving Penrith!

It is a positive and happy move for myself and my partner who have managed to secure our first home and we are moving to the outskirts of Carlisle in January.

Like the Godfather, the housing company made us an offer that we couldn’t refuse. Unfortunately for us, there was no affordable housing in Penrith and we have been priced out of the area. Don’t panic though! I will still be working in Penrith and I will still be very much involved in the Eden Local magazine and Eden FM. You can’t get rid of me that easily.

The question of affordable housing brings me nicely into the debate about the Penrith Master-plan, that is attempting among other things to address that issue that has forced me out of the area.

I have been struggling to write this article in trying to remain balanced, especially when it comes to this Penrith plan that will affect the lives of the people of Penrith and Cumbria as a whole for the next 32 years. Like Brexit, the Master-plan seems to have split local people and it too has received some interesting and not always accurate claims.

As I have said repeatedly, this plan is for the next 32 years of our lives. 2050 is so far away and yet we’re expected to make a decision for our future and our children’s future today about how we want our town to look in the future. It genuinely is a scary thought to think what the world will be like by then and we need to look carefully to make sure that this plan is not left behind by rising technology; 18 • EdenLocal

Tom Rose interviews Adrian Hill, ‘Keep Penrith Special’ does the plan cater for electric cars that are already on our roads and perhaps automated cars which are due to hit our roads in the near future? I know from speaking to locals, one of the concerns was how the infrastructure would cope with extra cars on the roads from the increased population. But are we even coping now? If you’ve driven around Penrith at peak times, you know it’s a nightmare at times. New bus routes would help as highlighted in the plan, along with other measures, but it’s up to you to decide if you think that is enough and what else you would do to alleviate the problems on our roads. We have an incredible eco-innovation group in Cumbria that’s EU funded and that works with local businesses to try to be more eco-friendly. Their recent workshop was on electric vehicles.

Personally I believe that we should encourage getting people like that and other specialists in their fields involved in the planning of our new infrastructure.

The longevity of the date aside, I think we all should agree that there needs to be a plan of some

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description to improve Penrith.

For Penrith to step into the 21st century we need change, but what it is and how fast it is, should be up to you to decide. The plan has a few aspects to it that you need to look at to decide whether it’s for you or not and importantly what you would do instead, because that for me is the most important thing. The plan is a consultation and a chance for you to voice your opinions on the matter. You can say what parts you like, what parts you don’t like and most importantly, I think it’s essential for you to say if you don’t like something, what you don’t like about it and what you would do differently.

Many people from the area that I’ve spoken to, have said that Penrith ‘the town’ is dying out and is in severe need of investment.

Many local business owners are in favour of more homes being built to attract more people and businesses into the town. I personally would be in favour of more affordable houses being built somewhere, as for many young people trying to get on the housing ladder they are being

priced out of the area. Adrian Hill, the person that set up the petition ‘Keep Penrith Special’ agreed with me that there is a need for affordable housing in Penrith. His argument though was that he believed that there should be a slower process and a few houses could be added to each local village we have in Eden and perhaps some flats for young people to attract more people to the centre of Penrith. Mr Hill’s petition, ‘Keep Penrith Special’ has generated, at the time of writing this article, 1501 signatures, which for a petition is substantial enough to show how passionately people feel about this plan.

The petition includes valid questions about how doubling the population will affect schooling and the NHS. The Plan has tried to answer those questions, however, I don’t personally think that a struggling NHS and a lack of schools are just a local issue and we should not only be raising these issues with the Master-plan, but going further and asking what the government are doing as a whole to tackle these problems.

Another issue the petition raises is about where all the new jobs would come from. The Plan suggests that there would be 7000 new jobs, including higher pay ones. If that’s possible, it would certainly be a great thing for Penrith, as it seems to lose young, talented university graduates to major cities, that seriously cripples its potential to grow. We can all agree that more jobs in the area would be a good thing, but what type they are and whether they are possible is a question that many people have asked.

The last major talking point from the petition is about the Beacon itself. There is no question that this point is the major point that most people I’ve talked to feel most passionately about. Certainly the Friends of the Beacon, spearheaded

by Iain Dawson, are flat out against anything happening to the Beacon, and after speaking to him on the radio, he has stated that there could be up to 200 houses being built on there. They, along with the ‘Keep Penrith Special’ petition, argue that we need to keep the Beacon as it is, untouched and beautiful. The Council claims that they are trying to protect the Beacon and Kevin Beattie has reiterated that he is against large scale development on the Beacon.

It is the most contentious issue for most people and safeguarding for future generations to enjoy is something most people want.

There are many things in the Plan that people have not said anything about. Certainly aspects of the Plan seem to be popular with many people, including the Friends of the Beacon and the ‘Keep Penrith Special’ group, like trying to bring in higher paid jobs to attract young, educated people coming back to the area. If you look closely at the Plan and go to an event, you can see for yourselves many points of the Plan that are popular with most local people.

It seems to me that everybody concerned just wants what’s best

for Penrith and for the most part people agree with some of the things proposed. They just disagree where it should happen, how quickly and how much. Certainly I have a friend that says she’s against it because a planned road would go through her land. I can see all sides of the argument. From landowners, to councillors to concerned citizens; all sides of the argument are passionate about Penrith and I think if we can harness that passion and if more people engage with this consultation, then we might come up with a compromise that all sides can agree on together. It’s about getting people together in a room from all sides and working out the best foot forward. The art of compromise is so important and we all have to ask ourselves, what are we willing and unwilling to give-up to get the future that is best for everybody in Eden? For me it is too late and I’m moving just down the road to Carlisle, but the beautiful Eden valley will still be my home and hopefully, if we work together, we can put this town that’s steeped in history and enriched in culture back on the map. But for that to be possible, we all need to come together and make decisions based for the many and not for the few.

Masterplan Pop Up Shop Kyle Summers. Photo Eden District Council The best rates in advertising, with the best distribution for local business

EdenLocal • 19

PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY

17-25 Social Media’s Negativities!

By Emily Quinn So, instead this month, I shall write about the negative impact of social media on Society and how dangerous it is. There has been a recent scam on the infamous Facebook. What looks like a legitimate link has been hacking into people’s electronic devices. As they click on the link, it enables people to track where they are in terms of their location. That is pretty scary to think about if you ask me. Luckily, I’ve not been victim to this but the majority of people who have, have been young people and this leaves them feeling vulnerable. Just take a moment to think about the potential consequences of this as it could actually be you?! The consequences could be detrimental for the welfare of the people being caught out, especially young children, particularly with the issue with age on Facebook. Children are often pretending to be older than they are and lying about their age.

As you all know from last month’s article, I’m quite an honest person. So, you’ll believe me when I say I’ve really struggled putting together this month’s article. The whole aim of this month’s article was to talk about the Penrith Master Plan, which by now most of you I am sure will have heard of; it being the developments the District Council are wanting to make to the town.

With going back to university in September and working almost full-time, my time has become increasingly hard to juggle. I’ve still a lot of homework to do in researching into the Masterplan, as I’m sure you’ll know there is a lot to cover; let alone the argument of whether it should happen or not. I still need to talk to people about the reasons behind it and the impact on the town.

20 • EdenLocal

Another issue with social media affecting society is catfishing. Catfishing in simple terms is people lying to other people about who they are to lure another person in. Something which has recently really made me think about this issue is the new television show called The Circle. There is a lady in her late 50’s on the show and she is pretending to be a lady in her early 30’s, flirting and talking to other contestants in a very suggestive, sexual manner. And because in the show, the only way of communicating with the other contestants is via social media, they never physically see each other. It actually scares me, the way she is playing the game. She is using the physical identity of someone else, as all of her profile photos for the game are from some random girl she’s never met. As if this isn’t bad enough, people are genuinely falling for her act and these are full grown adults with a lot more life experience than perhaps a 14-year-old, vulnerable girl.

There is also another woman on the show who is actually a man, pretending to be a woman. Unlike the other woman, he has cleverly used the physical profile of his girlfriend but is completely being himself and showing his personality. The worrying thing is

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that people are in complete belief that he is actually her and they actually really like her as a person. Fair enough, the personality is not fake but the physical identity is and in the real world, is this not very dangerous also?

A very common issue escalated by social media is saying something and just hitting send before you’ve actually thought about the consequences. If you tell someone a lie or say something inappropriate, they will always have that message and anyone can see it. That message will always be out there and people could make a very harsh judgement of you if you just mindlessly send something and don’t actually think about the potentially devastating consequences of your actions. I will openly admit I’ve sent something without thinking and I think many people have. I was rude about someone and they found out… it happens, but that doesn’t make it right. It’s just another one of those issues with social media that creates problems.

The bottom line is, social media has it’s perks but it is very dangerous and especially so if you don’t know how to use it properly or safely. It’s not like at school where you have restriction on the internet to keep you safe. You can download a virus or a tracker onto your computer or phone with just one wrong click. It’s that easy. It’s too easy. And it’s scary to think about.

Catfishing is an increasing problem and people need to be made aware of it and the dangers of it and actually just how bad the outcome could be if they are talking to someone they don’t really know online.

It’s something that everyone needs to be aware of though, not just young people who we might think are the obvious targets.

Next month I will have my political brain in tact and will have finished my homework and research alongside balancing work and university studies!

Never a dull day in my life. Social life? What’s that?

Sleep? What’s that? Three meals a day? Who has time for that? More of you will be a lot more in tune with Penrith’s Masterplan in a few weeks and hopefully will know a little more about it, as will I. Hopefully we’ll all be singing from the same hymn sheet and I will take a non-biased approach in my delivery. I will be neither for nor against the plans for development and change in the town, however, feel free to contact me with swaying opinions and knowledge of what’s going on if you do feel strongly about something and you wish your voice to be heard.

Opinions will be provided by others. Knowledge and information will be provided by me.

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EdenLocal • 21

PAMELA'S MONTHLY NURSERY RHYME

Nursery Rhyme Corner The year is quickly coming to a close but still time for a few more nursery rhyme history lessons; or at least some possible explanations for their origins.

This month it’s the story of ‘The Old Woman who lived in a Shoe’.

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe.

She had so many children, she didn't know what to do; She gave them some broth without any bread; Then whipped them all soundly and put them to bed.

This is the most common version of the rhyme but in a version published in Infant Institutes in 1797, it finished with the lines:

Then out went th' old woman to bespeak 'em a coffin, And when she came back, she found 'em all a-loffeing.

Not a cheery thought to look for a coffin, but it has been proposed that the term "a-loffeing", could be Shakespearean, suggesting that the rhyme is much older than first thought. It is possible, according to some sources, that if the rhyme is of that age then it’s origins could be based in ancient folklore. There has always been a connection between shoes and fertility. Just think of the old tradition of tying shoes to the car of a newly married couple as they set off on their honeymoon. In Lancashire was the custom for females who wished to conceive to try on the shoes of a woman who had just given birth.

But of course historical figures are often referenced as the source of a number of nursery rhymes and this is no different.

The Old Woman in this rhyme could refer to Queen Caroline, the wife of King George II who had eight children. On the other hand it has also been suggested that the ‘Old Woman’ references King George II himself because it was thought that Queen Caroline was in fact the real power behind the throne.

In which case the children refer to the Members of Parliament which King George was unable to control, while the whip refers to the MP whose role is to make sure that members of his party vote according to the 22 • EdenLocal

party line. The House of Commons therefore being ‘the bed’.

King George was also considered to be very unwilling to spend money or use resources so perhaps the reference to being served ‘broth without bread’ reflects his attempts to restore his own and the country’s economies after several disastrous financial events.

More recently kinder, or some may say more politically correct versions have been suggested for example scolding them loudly before sending them to bed or with a totally different approach the old lady gave them some broth with plenty of bread and kissed them all fondly before sending them to bed!

As in many instances the origins are lost in the mists of time, but it remains a firm favourite as a reminder of childhood nursery rhyme books and stories.

References: rhymes.org.uk & wikipedia.org.

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LOCAL EVENT

HUGH CORNWELL announces November 2018 – UK Tour playing KENDAL – Brewery Arts Centre on Friday 9th November!

The Gig Cartel presents Hugh Cornwell Electric The Monster Tour.

'Golden Brown, Strange Little Girl, Always The Sun, Peaches, No More Heroes, Nice & Sleazy.....sound familiar?

All big hits, all great songs, all written and sung by Hugh Cornwell, the songwriter behind The Stranglers. He is the hitman and he’s back with a new album ‘Monster’ this Autumn on Sony Music.

Expect an opening set of prime solo songs, including picks from ‘Monster’, followed by a storming set of those iconic hits, sung and played by the man himself and his band.

'Just strap on your guitar and we’ll play some rock and rock'.

You can’t miss it. The hitman is back!.

The new album ‘Monster’ is released on October 5th.

HUGH CORNWELL - November 2018 UK Tour Dates include: Thursday 1st November

Saturday 10th November

SOUTHEND ON SEA – Chinnerys Tickets - £20.00 Doors – 7.30pm

CLITHEROE – Grand Tickets - £20.00 Doors – 7.30pm

Friday 2nd November

Friday 16th November

STOKE ON TRENT – The Sugarmill Tickets - £20.00 Doors – 7.30pm

DUMFRIES – The Venue Tickets - £20.00 Doors – 8.00pm

Thursday 8th November

Saturday 17th November

CHESTER – Live Rooms Tickets - £20.00 Doors – 7.00pm

YORK – Fibbers Tickets - £20.00 Doors – 7.30pm

Friday 9th November KENDAL – Brewery Arts Centre Tickets - £20.00 Doors – 7.30pm

Tickets for the above shows are available via the following:

Box Office No: 08444 780 898

www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Hugh-Cornwell.htm The best rates in advertising, with the best distribution for local business

EdenLocal • 23

The Bright Side of the former Edenside

by Lee Quinn

Sometimes good news can be missed as a lot of bad news takes over many front pages.

It wasn’t that long ago on 22nd September 2016 that Edenside Care Home in Appleby was permanently closed following a Cumbria County Council meeting that morning, after a consultation period. Despite a ‘residents' campaign to return, Councillors made the unanimous decision to shut the Care Home.

The Edenside Care Home was flooded during Storm Desmond and at that time all of its residents were moved 13 miles away to Greengarth Care Home in Penrith. It was deemed by Councillors too risky to move vulnerable people back into their homes, due to fear of the building flooding again.

The property was put up for auction. What followed almost a year later, was a press release on 17 November 2017 that Oaklea Trust, a charitable trust which operates across the North of England supporting communities and individuals in need, were putting a proposal forward to purchase and convert the former Edenside Residential Home. The Oaklea Trust were preparing to purchase and apply for grant funding to assist in the conversion of Edenside Residential Home.

Their plan was to transform it into self-contained and extra care accommodation for the elderly. The Trust were aiming to convert the building from a traditional and tired residential environment, into high quality extra care housing arranged into sixteen self-contained apartments.

To achieve things like what has been achieved here takes a lot of work. There was a campaign; there was a consultation and this story is to continue following talks I have had with Oaklea Trust, because in case you missed it, last month there was more progress and good news as Oaklea Trust had another announcement to make and here it is: 24 • EdenLocal

“The Oaklea Trust is pleased to announce that its offer to purchase Edenside has been accepted by Cumbria County Council and hopes to exchange contracts within eight weeks.

Oaklea is delighted that after many months of negotiations the property will be finally owned by the charity.

Edenside, in Holme Street in Appleby, was previously a residential care home for the elderly and has remained unoccupied since Storm Desmond in December 2015.

The Oaklea Trust, a Cumbrian registered charity, is keen to return the property as a community asset to Appleby and its residents. Oaklea’s vision is to develop the site into extra care housing for local elderly people.

The development costs are significant in order to ensure the construction specification is sufficient to mitigate any future flood risks.

We have made a grant application to Eden District Council’s Community Housing Fund to help with some of the development costs” says Oaklea’s CEO Clive Wigley. “The application is being considered by the District Council in November and we are hoping the application will be successful, as the anticipated development costs are extremely high.

Eden District Council is seeking further evidence that the local community need such provision and Oaklea will be consulting the community further as the project progresses.”

Edenside has been closed since the floods in 2015, but can you imagine what an announcement like this means to so many people, that almost three years to the day, it could finally be reopening.

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Introducing Reiver Homes Reiver Homes build traditional but distinctive homes across Cumbria and South West Scotland with quality at the heart of every build.

An operating division of Story Contracting, Reiver Homes is a family owned business still chaired by owner Fred Story. With experience in bringing together elegant design, sustainable materials and a considerate approach to building houses in local communities, the Reiver Homes team is made up of experienced professionals who have worked in the industry for almost 30 years.

Chapelfield in Temple Sowerby is Reiver Homes’ newest development of 28 high specification homes.

These include 3 bedroom semi-detached, 4 bedroom and 5 bedroom properties, with 25% of the estate featuring affordable homes. The brand-new show home is an Armstrong, a spacious 4 bedroom detached home, perfect for growing families.

Cairn Beck, an exclusive development of 10 four and five bedroom homes in Heads Nook, 12 minutes from Carlisle, is Reiver Homes’ smallest site. The

largest Reiver Homes development is March Mount in Dumfries. Now on phase two March Mount consists of 49 two, three and four bedroom apartments and houses.

Reiver Homes have a further two sites being released in Cumbria this Autumn. These include Brockley Bank in Plumpton which will comprise a mix of 28 3 bedroom semi-detached and 4 bedroom detached properties and Derwent Forest, a self-build development a few miles outside of Cockermouth.

Reiver Homes offer the Government backed Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme on their properties in England which is available to help home buyers move into their new-build home with just a 5% deposit.

From more information on Brockley Bank and Chapelfield visit the Chapelfield show home open 10.30am - 4.30m Thursday – Sunday at Linden Park, Temple Sowerby, CA10 1RW or for information on Reiver Homes’ other developments call 01228 588090.

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EdenLocal • 25

CHARITY

Wainwright takes a selfie!

In these days of digital cameras and smart phones, it is the easiest thing in the world to take a selfie.

And before the advent of the smart phone, a selfie was possible by setting a time delay on the shutter button. Eighty years ago, it was not such an easy operation, particularly if you only had a basic camera. On 5th October 1938, Alfred Wainwright was completing the last stage of his Pennine Journey, an 11-day walking holiday along the spine of England to

Hadrian’s Wall and back. When he arrived at Thornton Force, a well-known waterfall, he decided to take a ‘selfie’. But he discovered that it was not an easy task.

‘I took advantage of the sunshine at Thornton Force to pose for a couple of photographs. This cost me the best part of an hour, for the operation, as I perform it, is a long and painful one, requiring infinite patience and a gentle touch. I have to place the camera on the

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• Hors d’oevre platter • Auction of a Gin Basket • Raffle of assorted Hampers

£30 per person An optional 2 course meal will also be available (pre-booking required).

For further information and to reserve places contact: Margaret Riches Tel: 01768 894404 E-mail: mr4cnr@gmail.com A fund raising event for Cumbria Rural Choirs.

Registered charity: 1168081

26 • EdenLocal

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edge of a high flat stone and build a cairn of boulders around and over it to hold it firmly in position, at the same time taking care not to obscure the lens. Then I have to fasten a loop of string round the lever, which projects not more than a sixteenth of an inch from the side of the camera, take the loose end with me to the couch I have selected for my portrait, settle down there and look unconcerned, and pull the string. The plan in theory is infallible. But try it: forty times in succession the jerk pulls the string away altogether. Forty times you struggle wearily to your feet and replace the loop on the lever; forty times you go back, trailing the string with you; forty times you sink again in the grass, smooth your hair and tuck your legs away out of sight, look at the camera and jerk the string. At the forty-first attempt the shutter clicks, and by this time the sun has gone and you are so heartily fed up with the experiment that you are no longer capable of looking pleasant.’ A Pennine Journey pp.

202-3 If you would like to know more about The Wainwright Society, log on to the website at: www. wainwright.org.uk or email: secretary@wainwright.org.uk Derek Cockell Secretary The Wainwright Society

LOCAL CHURCHES

Plans, planning & perspective Fools rush in … There is an old saying in some church circles, ‘If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.’ Life rarely follows the imagined trajectory, thankfully and unfortunately, for better and for worse. Many of us know more of the meandering twists, turns, blind alleys and backtracks than the straight lines. There is much in local, national and international news at present about making effective (though that is not always clarified) plans; for Brexit, international relations, environmental changes and of course for the future development of Penith. Church communities too are encouraged (by circumstances or senior leaders) to think imaginatively and realistically about the future and to ‘make a plan’.

There is obvious sense in this necessity; those who aim at nothing hit it every time! However, it seems to me that our eventual plans are not half as important as the way in which we formulate them and the processes we go through to inform our thinking. More than once I’ve concluded that if I were going through the whole process again I hope that I would approach it differently. Next time I will try to: 1. Be as clear as possible about what I’m hoping to achieve and why it matters to me, but open to the possibility that I may be wrong and, if right, open to a different insight as to the best way of making it possible.

2. Involve wise people (especially those who see things differently to me) from the start in clarifying the process for forming the plan or proposal.

3. Spend time listening attentively to the hopes, aspirations, concerns and insights of others, especially those who will be personally affected by any decisions and particularly those less confident in expressing their views.

will try to’ principles, generally learnt the hard way.

Whatever form specific proposals take, genuine consultation is a difficult task benefitting from skilled facilitation. Attentive listening, both to other people’s responses as well as our own is not as easy as we pretend. I need to be clear as to which decisions MUST be made fairly soon (and why) and which may benefit from a period of listening, re-forming and evolving.

Needless to say, no ‘plan’ will be universally welcome because there is always a cost and consequence to any decision, including the decision not to do anything! We do need to make plans to give us some control over our shared future. Perhaps if I try to remember those three words I might avoid a few of the pitfalls that have become all too familiar: Some control: we can’t plan for everything of course, but that doesn’t mean we are helpless – good decisions make a huge difference to everybody, for better or worse.

Shared: Involving others from the very beginning and allowing others to shape the process and the proposal is more likely to be successful and well thought through.

Future: Thinking further than we often do is key to sustainability. Today is littered with yesterday’s grand plans and we live in an age obsessed with the popular, the instant, the temporary and the short term.

5. Show how any plans or proposals at least understand and take account of people’s concerns and have attempted to address them, even if they cannot be fully alleviated.

The Hebrew scriptures include words addressed to people in exile; I have plans for you; plans not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future. Yes, plan ahead, plan well, plan thoroughly, but know when to hold the plan lightly. Make plans that reduce harm, encourage flourishing of people, communities and the environment and plans that humbly shape our future with hope.

I am sure you can add plenty of your own ‘next time I

Canon David Sargent (Churches Together in Penrith)

4. Be as clear as possible with everyone about the facts, making sure they ARE facts and not just my opinions!

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EdenLocal • 27

LOCAL COMMUNITY

Local Girlguiding needs you!

By Tom Rose In the scout for my next local heroes (pun very much intended), I came across a group that I just had to write about; Girlguiding.

Having met them and looking at all the work they do, not only for our local girls but for our community as a whole, I knew that they had to be my next local heroes.

Girlguiding has been instrumental in empowering girls for generations. Around since 1909, they are rich in history from helping in both World Wars and they have always been at the heart of our communities. Even today, their members are encouraged to be selfless, helping people not just in our community but all across the world; including being involved in international relief projects and being an integral part of the Girls Matter Campaign.

Across Eden, there are Rainbow (5-7), Brownie (7-10), Guide (1014) and Ranger (14-25) units; all providing brilliant activities for girls aged 5-25. So, if you’re a girl in Penrith, get in touch via their website on http:// girlguidingcumbrianorth.org.uk and come and see for yourself what a lot of fun it is. Penrith has created a safe space where girls

can be themselves, have fun, build long lasting friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives and their communities. The girls that attend gave a variety of answers to why they like going.

They said; “It’s a great place to make new friends before Secondary School.” “You get to be more grown up and go on trips.”

“It’s nice to have a break from school work and have girl time.”

Girlguiding wouldn’t happen,

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however, without the incredible work that the volunteers do. Having met the volunteers at Penrith, I was overwhelmed by their kindness and their dedication to wanting to make a difference in every girl’s life. They were also hilarious and I was giggling throughout our meeting. If you are an adult and want to get involved, I can assure you that you won’t regret it. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded kindred spirits, with hearts of gold who are comedy gold, and you’ll really make a difference to the girls in our community and our society as a whole.

Georgina Stephenson, Commissioner for Cumbria East Division, said about volunteering; “It’s great fun with the girls, and you have such camaraderie with other leaders, there’s training opportunities for adults from first-aid to boating. It’s an opportunity to see new places and with younger leaders from the senior section (14-25), there’s international opportunities; where previous groups have been to India, Prague and many more.” If you’re interested in Volunteering in Cumbria, contact Georgina on girlguidingcumbriaeast@gmail.com If you’re unable to volunteer because you don’t have spare time, maybe you’re overworked, or have family commitments or you’re just a pretty suave socialite that has a jam packed social life, don’t panic... you can still help.

The members of Girlguiding in Penrith currently have renovations underway to make the wonderful building they have more accessible and wheel-chair friendly.

They need to raise funds to help pay for this and so they are doing a coffee morning with a ‘bring and buy’ from 10.30am on Saturday 20th October, where you can bring and buy cakes or donate unwanted goods and you can equally find yourself a bargain or stuff your face with as much cake as humanly possible, which I definitely plan to do! It would be great if as a community we can support our local groups in this venture, as they have supported our community and our girls for generations.

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EdenLocal • 29

All Hallow's Eve

by Lee Quinn

by Lee Quinn

Better known as Halloween, some would say ‘it’s all very American’, but is it?

I must admit as a seasoned pumpkin carver, recently on a trip over the pond I actually acquired an ‘electric pumpkin carver’.

Halloween in the USA is huge and locally, we used to celebrate it in the town. For a number of years the Halloween weekend used to consist of games, treasure hunts, fancy dress and of course pumpkin carving and window dressing competitions. Last year the date of the Winter Droving was changed – brought forward.

When the Winter Droving originally started, it was supposed to be a festival that led us up to Christmas, however, with it being brought forward to the end of October, our Halloween festivities were hood winked I suppose!

Even in this October Eden Local, Christmas is rolling in fast which is the norm for most publications. But to coin a phrase and you know what it is, ‘Before the clocks go back’, in the UK, the second biggest celebration, only topped by Christmas is Halloween. Regarding Halloween products (such as fancy dress, decorations, toys, confectionery and other food and drink items) from 2013 to 2016 in the UK, the consumer spend rose steadily from 230 million to 320 million in 2017. Maybe it’s a thought for the

30 • EdenLocal

powers that be for a re-think on a Halloween festival to make a return before winter starts?

As for it all being very American, did you know that Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). It’s hardly an American idea, as the Celts who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on 1st November.

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. On the night of October 31st, they 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.

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For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter. To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires. The people would gather to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

By 43 A.D., the Roman Empire had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.

The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans

traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honour Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of “bobbing” for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.

13th May 609 A.D Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honour of all Christian martyrs and the Catholic feast of ‘All Martyrs Day’ was established in the Western church. Pope Gregory III (731–741) later expanded the festival to include all saints as well as all martyrs, and moved the observance from 13th May to 1st November. By the 9th century the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands and in 1000 A.D the church would make 2nd November ‘All Souls’ Day, a day to honour the dead. It is widely believed today that the church was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but

church-sanctioned holiday.

All Souls Day was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels and devils. The All Saints Day celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints’ Day) and the night before it, the traditional night of Samhain in the Celtic religion, began to be called All-hallows Eve and eventually, Halloween.

So we might light a Turnip, to some a swede, as I did in the 60s and 70’s, as Pumpkins are of course one of many American influences including Trick or Treating. Happy Halloween!

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