Lakes Local First Issue May 2012 by Lee Quinn

LakesLocal â&#x20AC;˘

May 2012

Distribution 6000

Designing Dreams into Realities Local pound spent in the village & town The car in front is an Aygo Do you Play Golf? Cricket Corner

Rod & Reel Tea room at Cocklakes Farm shop Locally sourced fresh quality meat, produce and provisions More details page 15 and 17 phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

â&#x20AC;˘ LakesLocal

Keswick your local store Going for gold this summer? Banqueting, Partying, Celebrating, Barbecuing or just following your sport

We can deliver so you have more time to enjoy the summer season All can be delivered to your home from your store that is practically next door. Free home delivery is provided within the Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area of activities only. Please check before purchasing that free delivery is possible. Also check what delivery date and time is possible. Our delivery vehicles are not refrigerated, so do not order chilled or frozen foods. If purchasing in store and asking for home delivery, please take these items straight home yourself once purchased.

St James Court, Keswick CA12 5EF TEL: 017687 72688 We also have branches throughout the area at Keswick, Shap, Lazonby, Hallbankgate, Westgate, Frosterley, Stanhope and St Johns Chapel LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal •

Dear Residents and Businesses Welcome to the first Lakes Local publication. I’m sure there will be some questions in relation to what it is, what it is about, where it is from and whether you actually need another magazine. In this first issue, we hope all these questions will be answered and as we develop what we hope will be your local magazine, with you, as it arrives each month through your door via Royal Mail without fail, we hope that the community publication will become established and develop as well as the other Cumbrian Local publications. My thanks to those businesses who have supported this project with advertising revenue, which has helped get us to this stage. You can learn more about Lakes Local, Eden Local and Border City Local, our other planned and past publications, the history and the team, at www.cumbrianlocal.co.uk. This is only our 21st publication since the brand was launched. It’s a project that has been launched in an economic climate, which was never seen as the right time to set up and launch a business, let alone a printed publication. Lakes Local comes with a whole lot of traditional values and innovative ideas. We only write good news. We don’t do press releases. Local media more than covers this. We like to write about local businesses, local people, local activities and successes. On page 28 we have posted our first job vacancy for a local person, as we believe a local community magazine has to be co-ordinated by someone who lives in the area that the publication is distributed to. We are in search of a local office as we do need to be close to the community. Cumbrian Local Publications are currently written, co-ordinated and printed in Penrith. We believe in everything that, wherever possible, can support the local economy in the communities we serve. In this month’s Lakes Local, we have more of an introductory magazine. We like to write about, as well as advertise, businesses. Our small team spends much of its time out of the office, with the businesses that it works with. Much of the work we do can’t be done in an office, but we do need a local base. The stories and advertising are produced through spending quality time with people and their businesses and developing a relationship with community organisations, clubs and societies. The important thing to remember is that the Lakes Local publication is your community publication. The distribution is not based on sales. It’s not based

on collections from shops, although extra copies will be available. We invest in what we think is the best way to deliver a free publication and that is by using local people who every week deliver your post - the Royal Mail.

LakesLocal •

May 2012

Designing Dreams into Realities Local pound spent in town The car in front is an Aygo Do you Play Golf? Cricket Corner

Rod & Reel Tea room at Cocklakes Farm shop

Until next month Thank you. Lee Quinn, Editor

Content

Locally sourced fresh quality meat, produce and provisions More details page 15 and 17 phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

An Eden Project with a difference Dream, design to reality Birds Bistro Get Decked out this Spring Still the best financial investment available Managing performance with employees Massive Oak Furniture Sale Eden Lakes & Country Focus on Farming The real taste of Summer is at Cocklakes Can you play Golf? Your pound spent in your village or town Cricket Corner Jane’s Dream The Aygo is the Car in front Peaks & Pathways Allen Crags & Galamara Keith Wood & Route 66 England The Wainwright Society The Transition to Transmission CA Business Classified The Eden FM radio programme guide A Process that is Perennial Closing Editorial Crush & Go

4-5 6-7 8 9 10 - 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 - 17 18 19 20 21 22 - 23 24 25 26 - 27 28 29 29 30 31

Phone: 01768 899111

Email: info@lakeslocal.co.uk www.lakeslocal.co.uk Special thanks to local photographer Keith Wood for our Cover Page www.keithwoodphotography.co.uk Printed by: H & H Reeds Printers, Southend Road Penrith

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

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

• LakesLocal

The Community project that was to

Ede

EdenLocal •

Issue One

Your Your

Distributed to over 6,000 doors

Home improvement SpecialiStS

tel: (01768) 866790 | www.edenvalleywindows.co.uk | more on Eden page info@edenlocal.co.uk www.edenlocal.co.uk phone:details 07881 530085 Local5

In some ways it was a tried and tested idea, but every town, village and city has its own identity and when you want to embark on a regional project, you do come across boundaries of habit and tradition. These are not seen by the eye or posted on a sign, but they are there. With a background in retail and in various other industries and a business consultant since 1994, I have always been a firm believer in communication and the need, at a local level to always have as many channels of communication available and open. Word of mouth is wonderful, but changes in the structure of how we communicate with each other, the changes in where we live, the changes in the demographics, the changes in the financial climate, are always evolving and the words ‘new technology’ have become a part of our everyday lives. Many years ago, we had 7 inch vinyl records played at 45 revs per minute. Then came the CD and at a national and world level, the consumer was informed that record sales were in steep decline and CDs were on the increase. Well, if no one stocked records for sale, which was the trend then, the shopping pattern is forcibly changed. We didn’t really have a choice! Communication, I believe, is about choice and you and I can switch on the radio, turn on the television, pick up the paper or switch off our mobile phone if we choose. As someone who has run a small business for nearly 20 years, I have had to adapt. I communicate a lot by email and by phone. We still get asked for our FAX number, but much of my work is face to face meetings and discussions. As a business, we have to communicate that we exist and this has always been using whatever channels are affordably available. You can get caught in the worldwide web (www) but where is that spider and if you wanted to come out, can you? In October 2009, I took the view that choice in marketing a business or project locally in the Eden Valley was quite restricted to cost. I also took the view that small independent businesses that needed to be known, could not always regularly afford to LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

market their business. I also noted that the boundaries of communication channels were also restricted to just certain areas of promoting their business and how they could present their business. In an age where no one has a black and white television, why should advertising be restricted to black and white and colour cost more? I had in another area been successful in setting up a fulltime community radio station. I had run a local magazine. I had assisted in localism projects, so I set about creating a business model for the community, to support several needs in the current climate and open up more channels in communication. The idea was to be a community radio station, run by local people in the community with very much an open door policy for people of all ages and experience to get involved. Long-term, I had a vision that the radio, linked with existing media, had the potential to tick all the boxes. It was a project to hopefully link with local media and enhance it. To do any project on this scale did require funding and the financial climate was not favourable at the end of 2009. I suppose my view then was that there is never a good time and with the right concept, it just needed a small group of supporters, including yours truly. It was about promoting a can do, can deliver attitude in very negative times. In line with the requirements of Ofcom, the radio licencing regulator, I registered an intention for Penrith and the surrounding areas to have a community radio station. To set up a community radio station, there is a set process and procedure. This had to be registered by June 2010. Eden FM radio Ltd was registered and set up as a not for profit business in July 2010. Ofcom would, however, not be reviewing licensing requirements for full time applications in Cumbria until the second half of 2012. With the first stakes in the ground, I then contacted local media to form links on how on a regular basis this project could be campaigned, launched and be communicated to the area it would serve. Unfortunately, it was to receive no local support, not without spending, so forcibly I created the Eden Local community publication. Self financed and with the support of a handful of local Penrith businesses who

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

be the ‘Eden Project with a Difference’

LakesLocal •

by Lee Quinn

Eden Valley

Business

Directory

Voice Choice Sponsored by Eden Valley Windows, H & H Reeds Printers & your local info@cabusiness.co.uk CA Penrithwww.cabusiness.co.uk Co-operative Society

phone: 01768 899111 / 01768 86239 mobile: 07881 530085

cabiz-2012.indd 1

signed on the line for a minimum of six months, they believed in the idea and in November 2010, the Eden Local community publication was launched and posted through doors. It was to be the platform for promoting the campaign for a local community radio station. It was the magazine that offered local businesses a choice in presenting their business. It was the community communication in print that would feature local stories written by local people, about local events and activities. It was presenting not just an advertisement about businesses, but the people in those businesses. The Eden Local, supporting the importance of the local economy and the community, written, co-ordinated and printed in Penrith, which had a golden rule - no bad news. The choice had been created and to put businesses through around 6,000 doors working with Royal Mail, in full colour, the cost was from £15 per month. Within a year of that launch, the distribution of the Eden Local publication grew to over 15,500. As new letter boxes opened, new readers came on board and more postcodes were added. The written word in communication through the Eden Local had secured interest in the Eden FM community radio project and it had enabled the project to recruit a team of volunteers. With the support from the Penrith Lottery Fund, the Eden District Council Community Fund and local businesses, many of these supporters also of Eden Local, on 25th November 2011, almost a year to the day when the campaign was launched, Eden FM radio Ltd, the not for profit organisation run by volunteers, went live on air on the 87.7 FM frequency and on the internet for a 28 day RSL (Restricted Services Licence) community radio trial 24 hours a day. Much work and many hours had been put in by a small team of volunteers to get two studios and an outside broadcasting vehicle on the road, but the idea had become reality. The cost of setting up a radio is an enormous expense. In the short and long term, the reality is only so much can be generated through advertising, sponsorship and other sources of funding. A full time community radio under licence can only generate 50% of its income through on air advertising. If the radio was

Business

24/01/2012 11:36:51

to become full time, it would have to run as any business and run within all the rules, processes and procedures of a professional radio station. The project, to get to transmission, was like a very hard climb to the top of a mountain, with a team of people who had never climbed. However, to become a full time radio, it is to be nothing short of a project to get to the moon. But man did make it to the moon! In February 2012, the Eden Valley CA Business Directory was launched. An internet based, local website, managed locally by Eden Valley Websites. The concept was launched to set up a localised directory that every business could afford and in keeping with tradition, a printed version of the directory was pushed through just under 26,000 doors in the Eden Valley. This was, however, in full colour, affordable to everyone, but with a community twist. The cost to go on the internet directory and go into the printed directory was £100 per year, which is less than 27p a day. For every business signing up for the directory, £25 was donated to the Eden FM Radio project. This project is continuing. Now developing as a key sponsor of Eden FM radio, this project has assisted in establishing part of the income required for the radio station, to at present run full-time as an internet station. As a campaign with choice, in November 2011, local businesses were offered the opportunity to advertise in the Eden Local every month, advertise on the radio every day and be on the internet directory and in the printed directory for £360 per year. That’s just under 99p a day or as sold, £30 per month. Now in postcode CA 12, you have a Lakes Local. On 7th January 2013, the North Lakes CA Business Directory will be going through around 12,000 doors in CA12 and CA13. The question is, would Keswick and the surrounding areas want a community based radio station, run by local volunteers that can be assisted and supported by a team aged 12 to 70, which is now preparing for its full-time radio application? You now have a choice. Local media by local people, local communication and local opportunities.

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

â&#x20AC;˘ Eden LakesLocal Local

Eden Valley Home improvements

Spring sale. Up to 30% off Windows, Conservatories Make the most of your home and explore what Eden Valley Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms and Solar can do to help you with your home improvements.

When it comes to windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries, we are your locally based business, on your doorstep, but we come with the support and guarantee of a national organisation, Network Veka.

Cumbrian property owners have recognised for over 25 years, that as a leading double glazing installer and kitchen company we have worked closely with our customers to make sure they get exactly what they need, within their budget, without compromising on quality and service. Built on a reputation, we have expanded into a whole range of home improvements that we can help you with. That is why much of our business has grown through repeat business and recommendations from our customers.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about your choice and how we can help you choose. It could be black out blinds for the nursery this summer or repairs to your windows for next winter. You might want to gain more open space with a conservatory or utilise the space you have, better with a new kitchen, bedroom or bathroom.

LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

Come and visit our showroom or visit our website to see a full range of options internally or externally that improve your home and give you a better living space.

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal â&#x20AC;˘

Your dream designs into reality Design

Reality

Design

Reality

& Doors up to 50% off Bedrooms and Kitchens Windows, Doors, Conservatories Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms & Solar Friargate House Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7XR Open 8.00 am - 5.00 pm Monday to Friday, 10.00 am - 1.00pm Saturday

Telephone: (01768) 866790 Fax: (01768) 891030 Email: info@edenvalleywindows.co.uk www.edenvalleywindows.co.uk

edenvalley Renewable energy SOLUTIONS solutions RENWEABLE ENERGY

Visit our showroom phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

• LakesLocal

The people who flock to the Birds’ Bistro like the cottage industry feel of the place and they can see mixing, weighing, bagging, sealing and labelling on site. They also like to chat and talk about what comes to their gardens. They are greeted by a great team of staff, who are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic, are on hand to offer advice and guidance. Why use The Birds’ Bistro? Well basically it is down to high quality food with no waste – wheat and other grains are often found in regular bird food to bulk it out and this is why you get feed discarded to sprout under the feeder. Richard, the owner, is proud of the Birds’ Bistro’s tremendous reputation and it’s large and innovative range of seed and says the seed mixes have evolved over many years and are based upon the feedback and expert advice we get from customers. ‘I think it fair to say that we know better than most what does,

but more importantly want doesn’t, appeal to the birds of Cumbria’. The feeds have been specially developed for use in hanging bird feeders, bird tables and ground feeding as well as special ranges for softbills (such as robins, wrens and blackbirds) and fledgelings. We have a variety of options to suit every garden and budget as well as catering for everyone from those who just like to see the garden birds to those who are serious about bird feeding and like to save money by buying in bulk. The Birds’ Bistro is also renowned for the range of Red Squirrel food, feeders and expertise. As the operational centre for Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group they are passionate about squirrels and encourage everyone to help them survive and thrive here in Cumbria (see www.penrithredsquirrels.org.uk). Wildlife really makes a garden and you will find all you need at the bistro including bug boxes for ladybirds and homes and food for hedgehogs. Go and take a look, bring the kids too, they are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. (Closed Bank Holidays and Sundays) Local free delivery.

The Old Forge, Pennruddock CA11 0RD 017684 83100 www.thebirdsbistro.co.uk Just off the A66 between Penrith and Keswick LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal •

John Richardson & Son Quality Timber

Quality Timber Suppliers

GeT DeckeD OuT this Springtime

• Decking • Fencing • Doors • Flooring • kitchens • Hardware • Decor centre

Roper Street, Penrith Tel: 01768 895000 Fax: 01768 895007 info@johnrichardsonandson-timber.co.uk www.johnrichardsonandson-timber.co.uk phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

10 • LakesLocal

Tel. 0

www.l

Solar is still the best r financial investment av

• Future Proof your energy bills • • 10% Annual ROI, guaranteed for the next 23 years • • 10 year payback period on price of system or less • • Suppliers of triple black panels & roof integrated PV • the most aesthetic PV on the market • The most experienced installation team in Cumbria • • 10 year system guarantee • No hard sell • • Free Energy Performance Certificate with every order •

LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal â&#x20AC;˘ 11

01768 899 722

love-solar.co.uk

reliable vailable

We at Love Solar Ltd pride ourselves in the high quality of our work, the use of the highest quality products on the market combined with the highest level of customer care and support. Love Solar has over 10 years experience within the PV industry and has installed over 220 solar PV installations throughout Cumbria since 2010. We have a proven track record for installing systems from 4-50KWp for domestic, commercial, community and agricultural customers. If you have any questions or would like a free site survey and quote please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to get in contact. Solar PV is still the best, most reliable financial investment you can make; we look forward to hearing from you. Ewen Estill MD

Tel. 01768 899 722 www.love-solar.co.uk Email. info@love-solar.co.uk 14 Hartness Road Gilwilly Industrial Estate Penrith CA11 9BD phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

Q 12 • LakesLocal

How do you manage the performance of your employees?

Successful performance management is an ongoing process that engages all employees. Through the process, employees should be clear on performance expectations and how their individual performance links to the overall performance of the organisation. You may already use a performance review process and carry out appraisals, however, are you sure your process really works? Is your organisation achieving its objectives?

• Ensuring good quality conversations are taking place between managers and their direct reports

My top 5 tips for a successful process include:

Please send your details and any enquiries to

• Having a simple process that is easy to understand and apply, that is jargon free

Quinn HR Consulting 33 Sandgate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7TJ Email charlotte@quinnhr.co.uk

• Making sure line managers are adequately trained to apply the process consistently and fairly

• Ensuring that any agreed actions are followed up and progress discussed regularly at one to ones. There shouldn’t be any surprises when it comes to formal reviews Quinn HR Consulting has experience of reviewing performance management processes and working with organisations to implement processes.

• Managers clearly communicating goals and expectations to employees

LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

Office 01768 899111 Mobile 07766 076635

13 • EdenLocal

Eden

LakesLocal • 13

Lakes & Country

We are always on the look out to match our client’s quality properties with the aspiring buyers who want to live in our beautiful part of the world. Selling to buyers throughout the UK, and even abroad, requires specialist skills and a wider view of the property market than simply a local perspective. It is an art to bring a London buyer to a property which was not on their short list ... and sell it to them. At Eden, we sell about 40% of our client’s houses to buyers from outside the county, so you could say that we know the market well. Our website brings in buyers from all over, with roughly 25% of our web traffic coming from London.

individual and create outstanding visual marketing – with professional photography at all price points. With our websites offering serious buyers their next property by location searching, and with prominent offices at the ‘Gateway to the Lakes’, we are ideally placed to do business all over Eden and North Lakes. A recent sale at Braithwaite attracted two national buyers and an outstanding result - negotiated, as always, at Director level. If you are thinking of selling, or would like a fresh review of your existing strategy call us, quoting Lakes Local, and one of our Directors will talk you through the points of difference. In the meantime, see how your property could look - by visiting our ground-breaking website.

When we established our business, discarded the old clichés and brought in professionalism with contemporary thinking and a passion for property selling. We put our clients first, with realistic appraisals and ongoing advice. We treat each property as an phone: 01768 899111

01768 869000 www.edenestateagents.co.uk www.edenlocal.co.uk

info@edenlocal.co.uk

EdenLocal

14 â&#x20AC;˘ LakesLocal

A Focus on Farming

With our strategy in place to introduce regular articles about community producers and our invitation to local people to have a crack at writing about their village community, we now build on a process which first started just over a year ago. From January through to December 2011, I spent many hours with Neil Hodgson, the local Farmer at Carleton Farm Penrith, who with his family and a devoted team, put many hours into tradition, which includes livestock, dairy and growing many variations of local produce that include carrots, potatoes, parsnips, swedes, peas, marrows, leeks, beetroot, courgettes and barley. They also run a farm shop, based at the farm and open 7 days a week. As a local publication story, it was fascinating, enjoyable, interesting and I covered so much, but above all, it is an experience that I hope to build on. As Eden Local presented a reminder of just what goes on all around us and how hard it is to achieve, we received so much feedback that we feel it important to keep this momentum. There are many LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

farms and there are, I hope many stories that we can bring to readers, just as we have with Neil and his family. We have covered other farm producers in our advertising and articles, like Jacksons Family Butchers, Cocklakes Fishery and Farm Shop and Highgate Turkeys. We have also presented details about many suppliers. What we need is more. Every month we would like to feature at least one local farm from the Keswick area, so please call 01768 899111 or email us at info@lakeslocal. co.uk so that we can come out and see you. You do not have to stop what you are doing. 95% of the discussions we had with Neil took place in the field, in the shed or the shop and on the odd occasion, we did grab a cup of tea, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how it was. It is our intention also to use the information and if time can be spared, to link these articles with a regular farming show on Eden FM community radio. Again, a lot of this can be done out in the field!

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal • 15

The real taste of summer is at Cocklakes

Local luxury ice cream

Fishery at Cocklakes

The Rod & Reel Tea Room is not just an extension of buying quality local farm produce, which is reared on the farm at Highgate or sourced within 30 miles of the shop and restaurant, but an opportunity to try a range of products that are also available to purchase in the shop. You can try local cheeses, home cooked pies or one of the many traditional Venison or Cumberland sausages or other sausage blend varieties, that can include black pudding, sweet chilli, fruit, basil or even cheese.

is prepared and cured on site.

The Cocklakes pork is sourced from a local breeder and the bacon

When you cook it, it tastes like bacon - it cooks and smells like bacon. No water - just cooking in its own juices. The beef has been grass fed and hung on the bone for 21 days. It is so tender, you can cut it with a butter knife and then there is the lamb that has been fed on sweet parsnips. It not only tastes real, it tastes like it hasn’t been messed about with. Unique products in a unique food chain, Cocklakes has products that are not always available in other outlets. It has just introduced the new range

Quality Barbecue Packs of Buttermere Ayrshire’s luxury ice cream in 7 different flavours, born from traditional to creative, which is exclusive to Cocklakes. There are many other products sourced like Borrowdale honey, Little Salkeld flour, local beers, Kirkby Stephen preserves and marmalades and the Ruby Relishes unique rage of jams and chutney’s from Appleby. There is only one catch and that depends on how things are with the trout fishing on the day. Relax with a breakfast, light lunch, or afternoon tea. Take some time out to shop or fish. It doesn’t get much better and it’s a taste you can take away.

Opening times:

Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Troutbeck Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SG 01768 487 060 Two deliveries per day to Keswick 6 days a week, discounts for KTA members

This month’s Beef from Gerald & Rodney Smith Lake View Farm Millbeck, Keswick phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

16 • LakesLocal

Do you play Golf? By Lee Quinn

Whilst I’ll never confess to being a writer, a golfer is something I have never been and until recently, I can honestly say that apart from the odd pitch and putt or crazy golf experience, I had only tried playing on an actual golf course twice in my life. For me, not playing golf is hidden behind a number of excuses such as not having the time, in that I couldn’t take 4 hours out, walking around a course any day in the week. Another excuse is having too many other commitments. For me, that includes fishing and football. Another excuse is a perception of the expense. There are of course those stalwart golfers who will say all the above is the reason why you should do it. The objective of this short article is to enlighten those of you who might be tempted to have a go. It’s about presenting to you a local facility in Redhills, Penrith. It started off as an idea by two brothers who came out of farming in 1990 and decided the grass could be greener on the other side all year round! For Martin and Tony Allinson, work commenced in February 1993 on an all weather golf driving range, which supported with a golf shop, opened the following August. With the first LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

phase of the facility completed during 1995 and 1996, work commenced on a 9 hole par 30 golf course, which opened in the late nineties, supported with a putting green. The question asked of Eden Local by Martin and Tony was how do we get more people to visit the site and have a go? I’m a firm believer that if I’m going to write a series of articles with the guys about their business and their passion, I would have to get out to Penrith Golf Centre & Driving Range and this first article is a bit about that experience. I took 2 hours out - an extended lunchtime to try out the driving range with my friend, John. John is a retired local businessman who found golf about 2 years ago. Like me, he never had the time before when working, but then one day, with so much time on

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

It’s a question prompted in many social circles and planned in to many corporate day calendars and fundraisers. It is recognised as having its own fashion and it has its own language, which includes wedge, wood, irons, eagles, clubs, pars, bogies, birdies, albatross’s, greens, fairways and the arts of teeing off, stroke play, match play and putting. The expression ‘in a bit of rough’ gets used as well!

his hands, he took it up and now enjoys a regular social with friends, outside clubbing a tiny ball around trying to get it in a hole! There is of course much more to it. Golf is described as a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players (or golfers) use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes. For my experience which was long overdue, I had 2 hours where I didn’t think about work and I wasn’t distracted by the sunny day which turned to sleet and snow. It was January and here I was, firstly having some practice at hitting the ball on the driving range, then I was on to the course. Does it sound simple because it was? I wasn’t wearing golf shoes with metal or plastic spikes, tartan plus-

LakesLocal • 17

fours and argyle socks with a cap that was large enough to double up as a helicopter landing pad. It was casual - trainers, jeans, everyday comfortable clothes and rain wear. Certain clubs have certain dress codes, but here at Penrith Golf Centre and Driving Range, it opens its facilities, inviting a range of standards in play and dress code from novices to professionals and to people like me, out for that first time experience. For me it was about feeling comfortable in what you wear, not dressing to outdo or make a statement in brand names. As I found out, it was turn up and play on the day. I didn’t need clubs as they were available to hire with a trolley as part of the price. Greeted by both Martin and Tony who didn’t know I was coming, Tony very kindly took me out to the driving range so I could learn how to stand and hold a club and the biggest challenge was to hit the golf ball into oblivion. There was a basket of balls, an automated machine which you feed with balls that actually then presents them on a tee and a type of minute egg cup which the ball sits in, elevated off the ground so you can hit it. I

tried out several different types of club, started learning about how I would position my body and got to understand how the swing of the arm and what technique is required when the club connects with the ball, propelling it forward, one hopes. Importantly, I didn’t let go of the club and on just one occasion, everyone behind took cover for good reason! I have to confess that I really enjoyed it and I wondered why I hadn’t tried it before - a basket of 60 balls in about 20 minutes. No distractions, no worries, no timescales and a clear head out in the fresh air but under cover, learning the art of striking a ball to go short, mid and long distance, aiming for target nets, as well as trying to chip it into a barrel at 80100 yards away. I thought why not do it at least once a week during a lunch time, after work or even an early evening or a Saturday morning with my family. The driving range and the rest of the facilities are open every day of the week from 9am to 9pm (closed Christmas day). Now, before you start to think it’s all about beginners, don’t. The

facilities cover all levels and over the years since it was opened, Penrith Golf Centre and Driving Range have attracted a number of professionals to be based with the club including PGA Professional, Paul Jenkinson. If you would like to have some professional coaching, Craig Goodfellow or Andrew Sowerby are at hand for one to one and group coaching. Penrith Golf Centre and Driving Range is a facility which ticks all the boxes for the established golfer, for the beginner or for that person or group of people of whatever age that just want to get out more. Its pricing is within everyone’s budget and the only way to find out is to give it a go. Me - I’ll be back there long before this article comes out for my second session. REDHILLS, PENRITH, CUMBRIA, CA11 0DR TEL: 01768 892167 www.penrithgolf.co.uk

An offer to have a go and save £7.70 Bring this Eden Local along to the Penrith Golf Centre and Driving Range and we will give you buy one get one free on a basket of 60 balls for the range. If you are trying out the 9 hole course we will let you hire a free set of clubs with a trolley and balls Ideal for all the family, no booking required, just arrive pay and play. Bring your Eden local with you, save money and get further discounts on your return visit. Offer ends 31st May 2012 phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

18 • LakesLocal

Keep your locally spent pound in the village or town Here are some thoughts and some questions……

Firstly, as a percentage, how much of the food that you buy has come straight from the local producer or is it sold from an outlet sourcing directly from a local producer? Has you local food been out and about on a road trip via a distribution centre, before it made it into your shopping basket, trolley or home delivery? If more people purchased food locally, would this impact on the local economy and would it have an impact on the price? Believe it or not, your local butcher isn’t just for Christmas, but over Christmas, some see more customers generally in that time than they do all year. Why is that? Recently, I attended a meeting about local food with local producers the organisers of the event where the meeting was held, were pleased to announce that local pork that they had purchased, was sourced within 80 miles. This is in many ways, local. I didn’t have the heart to say that less than half a mile away from where they were was a fantastic farm with locally reared Saddleback pigs, which are sold in a butcher’s locally. Should I have said something? Over the last two years I have been digging hard and searching for local produce. I have been meeting with local farmers, local producers and talking to local retailers. Many of our Cumbrian Local publication articles, are predominantly about locally based businesses. I have, over the last 18 months, focused much of my work on how easy it is to source locally. My question, however, still comes back to the local consumer. Why do so many people choose not to shop locally and why do so many people drive past their local shops on the journey to what may be a saving, but when you get down to it, is potentially damaging to the local economy? Time can be a key factor, as can price and convenience, however, after many years of seeing cheaply produced food products on shelves that are virtually tasteless in the food chain and full of additives, when it comes to quality, there has been

much hype in the marketing and inflated costs of actually selling things on mass that actually taste as they should. Is it about food on demand, volume and just again about convenience? Well, from a local perspective, local fruits, vegetables, provisions and meats don’t only taste like they should, but they generally taste as they have for hundreds of years. Some of these points are covered in this Lakes Local. But it’s not just food. If you were buying timber (wood to you and me), fencing, decking or tools, where would you buy them? Traditional Timber or Builders’ merchants have a ‘trade’ counter. This doesn’t mean it’s just for trade, it’s just that’s how it’s always been. Whilst the public bar and the saloon have long gone in the pub, the counter has always been there, but today it’s not just for builders and trades people. We are familiar, nowadays, with a meat counter and a deli counter. These are now a part of most supermarket set ups. They weren’t, however, in the 70s and only started coming back in the 80s. Why was that? We have some locally based, independent, fantastic cheese counters, so why do we not treat a counter at the timber merchants the same way? In a search for quality, where would you buy your timber? Where could you discuss its origin, its best usage, your requirements and keep your local spent pound in the town? Over future months, the Lakes Local publications that follow, will be bringing you some answers, but in addressing why we don’t always shop locally, we need you to tell us why and then hopefully together, we can help the local economy, help preserve and protect generations of businesses and support the local and unique retailer, producer and manufacturer. If we don’t, one Christmas could be the last. Many of these businesses can not afford to open 7 days a week and trade 12 hours a day for six days a week, so we must find the answers and the way forward. Meanwhile, please think local and low mileage for your food.

Fill Your Freezer for £50.00 3 Whole Fresh Cumbrian Chickens, 5lb Best Stewing Steak 5lb Fresh Minced Steak, 5lb Cumberland Sausage 5 Cumbria Chicken Fillets, 10 Cocklakes Tasty Beef Burgers Free Delivery in the CA12 Post code area

Troutbeck Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SG 01768 487 060 LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal • 19

Cricket Corner In one of the oldest parts of the town on the corner of where Burrowgate meets Middlegate, there is something you don’t see in every town these days. It’s an independently owned sports shop, Sportscraft. It is one of the many independently owned shops in Penrith and the Eden Valley, but whilst we might see it as a regular sports shop and retailer, to many it is the shop that you have to travel to from within and outside of the county. Online shopping has it benefits. Dick Spruce, the proprietor has his online shop, but the main reason he has it, is because like any retailer, not to have an internet shopping site is potentially a missed sales opportunity. Starting on the first floor, the reputation the shop has for its range of cricket clothing and accessories is something that simply has to be seen. At the start of the season, for the non-cricketers, April, Sportscraft will have up to 2,000 bats in stock. I didn’t know this. So wall to wall cricket is where we are, with all the most popular bat brands like Gunn & Moore, Gray Nicolls, Kookaburra and Puma. I could not believe the stock Dick carries in cricket whites, with at least 15 types of trousers (about 300 in stock). Like the bats, nothing is made to measure and this is why many travel for miles, to touch and feel the quality of the products and in this case swing them about and check out

the weight. Something I did pick up on, however, was the professional set up that goes beyond the selling when it comes to cricket, with Dick and his staff on the first floor of this cricketers haven. Dick’s passion is cricket and he has been selling cricket equipment for over 40 years. As one of the earliest qualified advanced level cricket coaches he is able to offer expert and honest advice based on years of playing and coaching experience. Like him, his team around him are all qualified coaches or instructors, or at the least have a vast knowledge of the sport and the product. You won’t find this on the internet! Well, that is the cricket side of the business, but on the first floor also taking up a bit of wall space is the ultimate fashion accessory in sport these days, yes, the football boot. With some brands changing colour like a chameleon walking across a rainbow, it’s probably one of the hardest products to keep stocked and sell through. Some brands change every few months, well that’s football, but here’s the defined list of the other sports catered for by Sportscraft on the first floor; hockey, baseball, rounders, darts, table tennis, all racket sports, netball, volley ball and rugby. On the ground floor is what I refer to as running or athletics kit. I was reminded that it’s aerobics and swimming, but if it is a pair of trainers you want, there is a well stocked display.

Batting For Local Cricket The Cricket Specialists www.sportscraftcricket.co.uk

33 Middlegate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7SY 01768 865833 phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

20 • LakesLocal

Jane’s Dream By Lee Quinn

Dalemain Estate has been in the Hasell family since 1679 and is made up of the Mansion House, Home Farm, the Deer Park, Dacre Castle and several tenanted farms. The estate primarily keeps Swaledale sheep on the land but also some cattle and of course red deer in the park and roe deer in Martindale. Whilst I have visited the Estate with my family over the years supporting various events, I have finally got to put together a short story that incorporates tradition with innovation, creates what is sometimes described as a work of art. They host an international competition that is gathering momentum and it’s something that everyone can be involved in and enjoy. This article was inspired by the World Marmalade Festival & Awards, which I attended with my family recently and which has been held every

February at the Dalemain Mansion since 2005. I was intrigued to know more and learn about how and why it started and where the competition, that is a world stage that harnesses a kitchen, family and business tradition, is going. It has established itself as a breakfast must for hundreds of years. It was time to talk marmalade with Jane Hasell-McCosh who had a dream and made it real. My opening questions to Jane started at the very beginning as Jane recalled that from as early 4 years old, she watched and then as a very young child made marmalade in the Kitchen with her mum. Marmalade making is something that Jane has always seen as a happy experience from her childhood and one that through her life, has always been constant. Breakfast wouldn’t be breakfast without it and Jane describes the gift of marmalade as something very special. I pondered on this thought as I do like marmalade, but probably not us much as Jane I think! Walking through the house shortly after the Festival, it’s a Paddington heaven as you are surrounded by over 1700 jars of marmalade. It’s wall to wall covering every available table top. Receiving a gift of homemade or traditional handmade marmalade is very special. It’s a taste, a colour, a texture. It’s also a presentation in a jar of someone’s hard work. It can be made by a beginner, a seasoned and established artisan professional or a

LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

producer. It can be made as a hobby, as a regular household task or made as a personal product for sale. It can be made by a child, a gran or a mam, made at farm or at a B & B. It can also be made by a politician or someone like you and me. As the sunlight shone through the window at the Mansion, it created a rainbow of every shade that the colour orange could produce. Beams of amber were thrown across the wall. It’s character in a jar! It’s also impressive to note that the amateur competition entry at the first festival was 60 and now it’s over a thousand. You find yourself not just surrounded by marmalade, but by jars from families and individuals in taste and looks. The dream continues for Jane. It has no boundaries when it comes to marmalade. This year, she introduced from the kitchens of Dalemain, two marmalades made from two family recipes dating back to the 17th century and the Victorian era. It was my first meeting with Jane and with such a shared passion for marmalade, I do believe Eden Local will be looking forward to spreading this word. Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens Dalemain Estate Office, Dalemain, PENRITH, Cumbria, CA11 0HB Tel: (017684) 86450 Fax: (017684) 86223 www.dalemain.com

LakesLocal • 21

And the car in front is a Aygo

The Aygo is the little pocket rocket, it has a bulletshaped profile and low sporty stance. It was first on the scene in 2005.

an improvement of nearly 28 per cent over the official combined figure. Three of the top four cars in the event, were regular production Toyota Aygos.

Toyota have made tremendous efforts with the Aygo, to ensure that should it be damaged, repair costs will be as low as possible and this no doubt helps keep insurance costs to a minimum. The Aygo is generally rated as an insurance group one vehicle. It is popular on student websites that list low cost to insure vehicles. The Aygo is also standard Road Tax B, which is £20 a year. The Aygo VVT-I Petrol 5 speed manual transmission and 6 speed Multimode transmission, share the same fuel consumption, which tops out at 61.4 mpg.

Researching on the web, there is a lot of feedback from students claiming to have driven 100 miles for £10. Many would describe this as an urban city car, but clearly from the feedback found, these cars are motoring some distance and as they wear, parts are cheap to replace. Every car has its limit and every driver drives differently. One thing very clear, is that if you’re in the market for an economical car that’s cheap to insure and yet still quite nippy to drive, then the Aygo has to be on your list and importantly they are always available from Jim Walton.

When the Aygo first came out back in 2006, the result of the AA/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon on 4th and 5th October from Peak Performance, was that it obtained an overall fuel economy of 83.44mpg, more than 20 per cent better than the official combined figure of 68.9mpg. The Toyota Aygo successfully defended its crown as the most economical car on the roads at the 2007 AA/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon on 3 and 4 October. It finished ahead of every other car, even economy specials. Using just 19.12 litres of petrol, they achieved an overall consumption figure of 78.39 mpg,

Jim Walton (Penrith) Limited Cowper Road, Gilwilly Industrial Estate Penrith, Cumbria CA11 9BN Tel: 01768 864555 Fax 01768 867280

Parts Direct 01768 865428 Fax 01768 892979

im@jimwalton.toyota.co.uk Showroom open Monday to Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

22 â&#x20AC;˘ LakesLocal

Allen Crags & Glarama Peaks and Pathways

Seathwaite Farm is as far as one can drive along the Borrowdale valley, and is the starting point for many a walk. Amy and I first ascended Great Gable from here, but this time we were aiming for Glaramara and Allen Crags. Armed with our backpacks and three dogs we set off through the farmyard and onward towards Stockley Bridge. This ancient footbridge spans the river Derwent, and at this point one path goes left towards Great End, the other takes you towards Sty Head Tarn. We headed left through Grains Gill passing many small waterfalls, here the ascent gets steeper as we approach the ravine of Ruddy Gill. Reaching the top of the ravine, Great End stands guarding the north side of the Scafells and marks the end of Borrowdale

valley. Looking back down Borrowdale we could see Derwent Water partly obscured by Castle Crag. Before turning left for Allen Crags, we took a small detour to Sprinkling Tarn which is said to be the sorce of the river Derwent. Stopping for lunch, we took in the view of Great Gable towering over Sty Head Tarn in Sty Head Pass below us, we could see the famous Napes Needles on the south side of Great Gable. There is a path from Sprinkling Tarn that takes you down to Sty Head Tarn then leads you back to Stockdale Bridge. We headed back across the foot of Great End and took the path towards Allen Crags. All the hard walking had been done by this point, the gentle ascent took us to a magnificent viewpoint at Esk Hause. Breathtaking to say the least, we were looking down Landale Valley

www.sandwellfurnitureonline.co.uk LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

11 Little Dockray Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7HL T: 01768 866 624 E: sandwellfurn@aol.com www.sandwellfurniture.co.uk

Lakes EdenLocal • 23

ara via Sprinkling Tarn by Nick Wells

with the Langdale Pikes to the left, and Bowfell to the right with its Great Slab glistening in the sunlight. To the far right we could see the summit of Great End with the ridge leading to Scafell Pike behind it. We reached Allen Crags, which is the start of a ridge leading to Glaramara littered with small Tarns making it an appealing and challenging walk. The path is not clear and with some boggy terrain care needs to be taken. Finally we reached the summit of Glaramara with views in every direction, the ancient name really only applies to the grey turret of rock at the summit, but has been adopted for the fell as a whole. Much of Lakelands appeal comes from the names of its mountains, lakes and rivers which are all so fitting.

Our decent took us straight down into Borrowdale Valley, this is not for the faint hearted, it is very steep however if you follow the cairns and take your time, it’s a quick way down. We were returned to the path just below Stockley Bridge and then back to Seathwaite Farm. This walk is about eight miles, and took us six hours. I would grade it as easy to moderate.

If anyone would like to suggest a walk, please email me at nick@lakeslocal.co.uk

“Heading out to enjoy the Great Outdoors?” We have Everything you’ll need for a Great Day Out 37 Middlegate, Penrith, CA11 7PT Tel: 01768 891383 Mon-Thurs 9.30-5.30 Fri-Sat 9.00-5.30 Shop online at www.penrithoutdoorpursuits.com phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

24 • LakesLocal

Keith Wood This month we welcome local photographer and writer Keith Wood to the “Eden Local “ team. Keith is a professional outdoor photographer, specialising in landscape and heritage photography and has lived in Penrith for over 16 years. Whilst there are many areas of outstanding beauty within reach of Keith’s camera from the Yorkshire Dales to the Scottish Borders it is to The Lake District that Keith is most often drawn. Having completed a full round of “The Wainwrights” in 2007; all 214 fells described in “The Pictorial Guide to The Lake District” by Alfred Wainwright, he has an extensive library of all parts of the Lakes taken throughout the seasons. His work is regularly published in both local and national publications, several calendars annually and has had nine books of illustrated walks published in Halsgrove’s “Boot up” series of “leisure walks of discovery”; five titles covering walks in the Lake District and a further four titles covering the Yorkshire Dales. Additionally an Address Book of the Lake District using 50 of Keith’s most popular images is available. October 2010 saw his first coffee table style book published “The Yorkshire Dales in Winter” with 140 images of the Yorkshire Dales taken during the coldest winter for 30 yearsplenty of pictures of snow and ice. Keith will be supplying images for the covers of Eden Local, together with helping on other photographic projects including working on our exciting new Route 66 project. To see more of Keith’s stunning images take a look at his website: www. keithwoodphotography.co.uk. You can get hold of Keith’s books from many local outlets or directly from himself.

Something new coming on a road near you Approximately 124 miles coast to coast, the A66 was officially named in the 1920’s when all roads were named with numbers, but of course it had to exist to be named. The better known Route 66 in the USA officially opened on 11th November 1926 and is a coast to coast drive of 2,448 miles. There are many roads named 66 around the world. Which is the oldest? It’s a debate - one that the Romans might have had a say in?

www.route66england.co.uk

Whether it’s riding, trekking, cycling, driving, walking or hiking - for the visitors to this part of the world, camping, caravanning, hostelling, staying at a B & B, a hotel, a motel or a traditional inn, either on the route or off the beaten track, eating, sleeping, relaxing or discovering, this might just be the ultimate guide, which is now being complied. Are you a local business, which needs to raise its profile outside of the county or do you need to be seen or noticed when visitors arrive in your area? LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

This builds on the success of the Eden Local’s pilot ‘Eating Out in Eden’ guide, which was distributed from May 2011 to campsites, caravan sites, B & B’s, pubs, inns, café’s, restaurants, shops and areas where there are high foot falls of visitors. Capitalising on the growing audience reading Cumbria Local publications on line, out of the county and out of the UK, we hope that www.route66england.co.uk and the route 66 guide will be a hit. We are now plotting a new route for visitors and local businesses For more information email info@route66england.co.uk for more details

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

The Wainwright Society

LakesLocal • 25

‘There is an argument that the last thing Alfred Wainwright would have wanted is an appreciation society with a website. His idea of a website was a spider-infested cave on the approach to Caw and appreciation was what he felt in his beloved mountains. He never asked anyone to return the compliment.’ Eric Robson. Chairman of The Wainwright Society Whether or not Wainwright would have wished it or not, 98 people attended the inaugural meeting of The Wainwright Society, which was held on 9th November 2002 at Ambleside Youth Hostel. This date was chosen as it was 50 years to the day since Alfred Wainwright had penned the first page of his remarkable Pictorial Guides to the Lake District fells. This was followed by a walk to the summit of Dove Crag, the ascent that AW had described on that November evening in 1952. Since that first meeting, the Society has grown in numbers year on year and now has over 1000 memberships, including some notable members such as Julia Bradbury, Sir Chris Bonington, Stuart Maconie, Cameron McNeish and Doug Scott. The primary aims of the Society are to keep alive the fellwalking traditions promoted by Alfred Wainwright through his guidebooks and other publications and to keep faith with Wainwright’s vision of introducing a wider audience to fellwalking and caring for the hills. The Society has raised thousands of pounds for causes which we believe AW would have appreciated and supported. These have included the Mountain Rescue teams, SARDA rescue dogs, Fix the Fells and Animal Rescue, Cumbria based at Kapellan, the animal charity which Wainwright did so much to establish before he died in 1991. Every year since 2005, there has been an annual Challenge, which has been one of the main fundraisers. These have included members climbing all the 214 fells described in the Pictorial Guides and Outlying Fells, and last year’s challenge, The 1931 Tour Challenge, a celebration of Wainwright’s first long walk in the Lake District undertaken with three friends at Whitsun, 1931. For the past three years, a Wainwright calendar has been produced using photographs donated by members together with sketches and quotations from the works of Alfred Wainwright. All the profits have been donated to charities.

Alfred Wainwright photograph by Derry Brabbs

A quarterly magazine, Footsteps, is produced with many interesting articles written by members. A discount scheme has now been established with a number of businesses in the Lake District and Yorkshire offering discounts to Society members. There is a varied walks programme throughout the year as well as an annual Wainwright Memorial Lecture, held at Rheged. Speakers have included, Hunter Davies, Stuart Maconie, Cameron McNeish and Derry Brabbs. This year, our invited speaker is Alan Hinkes. If you would like to know more about the Society, log on to the website at www.wainwright.org.uk or email publicity@wainwright.org.uk Derek Cockell Press & Publicity Officer The Wainwright Society

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

26 • LakesLocal

The transition to transmissio

‘Store room to studio

It’s a short story. In fact it’s more of an update as the story is still being written. It was July 2010 when I stood in the Cumbria Mini Centre at Ullswater Road Garage, trying my best to sell advertising space to a car salesman. The Mini Centre had only just opened about 4 weeks earlier, but I didn’t know this at the time. At this stage, I was preparing for the launch of Eden Local, which would then lead to communication of the campaign for a local community radio station. I met Steve, the proprietor of the Mini Centre. Within what was an hour, we had moved on, advertising was booked, a network had begun and a radio site found, which was a provisional tick on a very long list. Much of why and much of what has been achieved at Eden FM radio is attributed to a group of volunteers. Steve probably didn’t realise it, but he was working full-time at the Mini Centre and after work we would discuss radio. He was the first advertiser and became the first volunteer. He then became one of the first presenters. LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

Whilst building a radio station, it does require funding. Many people guess at what it might cost, however, it’s not all about the money. It’s actually all about people working in one direction towards a common goal. It’s no good having the facilities to be able to raise the funds if you haven’t got the commitment of the people. It’s not just about presenting, it’s also about an understanding of responsibility. It’s not about egos. It’s about serving the community. Once you get a radio station on air, you can’t turn it off because some one can’t make it in. You can’t do many things that are without a cost and without commitment. The rules for a community radio station aren’t dissimilar to those of any regional or national radio station. In fact those who have worked in radio, understand how difficult it is. There is a huge difference between a radio station where all the staff are paid and a radio station where nobody is. It is voluntary work, which requires a lot of understanding of many elements and to run a voluntary based business 24 hours a day, every day

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

of the year, goes beyond a passion of just being a DJ. Firstly, let’s just iron out that factor that the radio actually has presenters not DJs. A radio presenter is invited into your home. They talk to you and sometimes you might respond to them, with a smile or a frown! A DJ may use a laptop, CDs in the 80s and before that it was decks, turntables and vinyl since it began. So from Disc Jockeys to radio presenters, Eden FM had a group of volunteers, many of them DJs and some of them people with a passion to be on the radio. On March 22nd the first meeting was held for potential volunteers. Many meetings followed and the team started to grow. It was a difficult process, presenting a vision, showing people a room full of junk that would eventually be studios. Martin Cowin from Brough arrived on the bus one day. He was one of those volunteers that attended a meeting. His words and his thoughts, ‘I came along to a meeting and got showed around. It wasn’t a radio station, it was

on that is Eden FM Eden a room full of junk. No equipment and some bloke saying we could have a radio station up and running in 2 months. I thought he was either genius or absolutely crackers. Martin is now a committee member and a presenter on Eden FM. He has witnessed the roller coaster ride of radio. As I explained to him and the group, if we have a box, a mic and a record player that we can wire to a transmitter, that is the worst scenario. Now, 6 months on, Martin is preparing for the next 28 day transmission on the FM frequency. Meanwhile, he is presenting his shows on line every week. The backbone of the team is club DJ, with regular slots at the Loft ‘djsianos’, alias breakfast and evening presenter Sian Whittaker, who with Andy Neen, breakfast and evening presenter and outside events co-ordinator, both share the role of deputy chairman. For the full team line up, it is taking shape and available to view on www.edenfm.co.uk and on page 29 is the programme guide from 1st May to 15th June 2012. The youngest presenter is 11 and the oldest I cannot reveal, but is of a young retirement age. In the team are now around 25 presenters. When Eden FM radio switched on to transmit on 87.7 FM at 10am on 25th November 2011, it had 5 presenters (including the 11 year old) who had actually presented live on the radio station at a community or regional level. No one had ever designed, built and launched a radio station with the exception of one person. It was a steep learning curve, yes and an experience to look back on and build on, absolutely. In a studio for the first time, over 20 people were faced with a studio console with 12 channels. It had switch overs, live feeds for the telephone, an outside broadcasting vehicle channel, 4 microphone channels,

LakesLocal • 27

2 PC channels and a news channel, 2 channels for 2 turntables, 2 mini disc player channels and 2 CD player channels. There was a set pattern in how news would be on the hour, the weather was presented and adverts were played at set times. In between this, music was scheduled and they might interview guests and get to present for up to 4 hours. It was local radio. It is local radio. It’s about local people having a go and for some, living a dream. Local schools having their own shows, local bands playing live, a variety of music covering classical, blues, country, swing and rock. 50s through to today’s chart, local news and events. Local people interviewed every day from the town and the surrounding areas. Away from the studio, our outside broadcasting vehicle was out and about in the community. Over 28 days, Eden FM radio transmitted over 660 hours of radio. Around 40 local people were interviewed during this period, many events in the area were promoted and many charitable events and activities were also supported. Local people, communicating with the community Eden FM radio continues to broadcast and stream live every day via www.edenfm.co.uk. It is preparing for another temporary licence in June and then in the second half of 2012, it will be in a position to apply for a full time community radio 5 year licence. If you have an interest in community radio, or you would like to know more, or you might want to be a volunteer at the radio, please drop us a line at admin@edenfm.co.uk. If you would like to sponsor or advertise on Eden FM Radio, please call 01768 899101 or email sales@edenfm.co.uk. Lee Quinn, Chairman Eden FM Radio Ltd

From a potential disaster to an outside broadcaster, the Eden FM radio OB vehicle complete with 9 metre hydraulic mast.

15 days before transmission vehicle arrived

Weekend before launch phone: 01768 899111

The day we switch on 87.7 FM

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal

28 â&#x20AC;˘ LakesLocal

Business

Advertise in this space for ÂŁ14.99 per month call now 01768 899111

Classified

Leisure

Retail

Body Mind Spirit Fair 27 May 2012 11am to 7pm th

The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; firstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Body Mind Spirit fair at Brougham Hall. â&#x20AC;˘ Therapy tasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and pamper sessions to sample. â&#x20AC;˘ Zumba sessions Yoga sessions to join in & enjoy. â&#x20AC;˘ Crystals, gems, candles, music, pictures, healthy food and nutrition and so much more. â&#x20AC;˘ Holistic therapists, complimentary therapists, alternative therapists & health & fitness specialists. All profits will be divided equally between Brougham Hall Charitable Trust and the amazing Penrith Day Hospice assessing fund at Penrith Hospital. Entrance Adults ÂŁ4 Under 16 Free Contact Lindsay Wild Telephone 07748 376385

Services

Cumbrian Food Direct

! #

www.cumbrianfooddirect.com

" # ! #

! $ # $ ! The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas

# # "

Carleton Farm Shop Fresh Local Produce Mon - Sat 9am to 5.30pm Sun 10am to 4pm Carleton Farm Shop Carleton, Penrith, CA11 8RQ Telephone 01768 210027

Low rates, great vehicles & a free pick up service! For cars, people carriers or vans, pick Enterprise. We â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ll pick you up. Enterprise-Rent-a-Car Haweswater Road, Penrith, CA11 9EU Tel. 01768 893840

â&#x20AC;˘ Very competitive rates, no call out fees â&#x20AC;˘ Independent & locally based in the Penrith area â&#x20AC;˘ Domestic & commercial work undertaken â&#x20AC;˘ 24 hour - Emergency locksmith â&#x20AC;˘ Experience auto locksmiths, offering a range of lost car keys solutions, including car keys cut to code â&#x20AC;˘ All work guaranteed Call Monument Locksmiths today on

07877 690 267 or 01768 806 014 www.monumentlocksmiths.co.uk info@monumentlocksmiths.co.uk

Beacon Computers

Problem with your PC or Laptop? We are your local, mobile IT specialist. We offer computer and laptop sales, repairs, upgrades, servicing and virus removal. We also supply New & Re-Conditioned Computers, Printers, Scanners, Peripherals & Consumables that YOU need, not bulk packs with things you are never likely to use. Based in Penrith, and operating throughout Cumbria for over 10 years, Beacon Computers is the leading local provider of High Quality computer related goods and services.

Telephone: 01768 864800 Mobile: 07876 128911 E-Mail: info@beaconcomputers.co.uk www.beaconcomputers.co.uk LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

info@lakeslocal.co.uk

Eden

EdenLocal • 29

Here is your Eden FM Community radio programme schedule from 2nd April to 13th May 2012. You can listen on line 24 hours a day and get all the show details, content and your local presenter portfolio’s at www.edenfm.co.uk

Perennial Process is a small business with a big track record since 1994 carved in retail, manufacturing, construction, sports and leisure. Clients have included Birds Eye Walls, Superdrug, BP Oil UK, Ford Motor Company , Shering Health Care, Tesco, Anglo American, Homebase and Ecclesiastical Insurance. Also on the list would be the local butcher, local restaurants, the local museum, a local football club and a local estate agent. Originally set up as an outdoor team development, training and development business, it graduated into the design, the co-ordination and implementation of strategies to develop people in business. With expertise in Investors in People, recruitment and assessment and development centres, Perennial can also deliver tailor made programmes in the workplace at all levels that lead to certified BTEC

01768 862394

qualifications in supervision and management. How the climate has changed, but many methods stay the same. If someone with a business background approached your business and put a daily rate on the table with a proposal that said their company ethics are based on your company achieving better performance , saving money and making more profit with the team you have, what would you think? If they then followed with the fact that in completing these tasks, they would develop an income for their business generated from the savings and profit, which you could then afford, what would you think? It’s not a fairy tale. It’s a fact that for 18 years, Perennial Process, as a small consultancy, has been supporting businesses of all sizes to become better businesses. In the current climate, we help businesses to establish what is realistically achievable.

www.perennialprocess.co.uk

30 • LakesLocal

And Finally...... It’s time to draw a close to the first Lakes Local. I thank you for taking the time out to have a look through and make it to this page. If you would like more information about advertising or marketing strategies for your business, please call us on 01768 899111 or email info@ lakeslocal.co.uk for a media pack. To help keep a local community magazine energised, it requires local people. We welcome volunteers of all ages to have a go. We encourage budding writers, photographers and local groups with interesting stories to come forward. You may have noticed that the author of many of the articles is actually the same person. Well this is the beginning, the start. When Eden Local launched back in November 2010, this was also the case, however, we now have 12 writers. We encourage local businesses to write about themselves and we like to help and guide businesses in doing this. Lakes Local is your new platform for simple communication and we look forward to hearing any ideas and receiving offers of support. Whilst Lakes Local is a free publication through all doors in CA 12 and it is available to read online free at www.lakeslocal.co.uk, as with all the current and previous issues of the Cumbrian local publications, unfortunately it cannot be designed, printed and distributed for free. Advertising is key. LakesLocal

phone: 01768 899111

www.lakeslocal.co.uk

LakesLocal •

EdenLocal •

May 2012

The Eden Local is sponsored by Eden Valley Windows

April 2012

Designing Dreams into Realities Local pound spent in town The car in front is an Aygo Do you Play Golf? Cricket Corner

Lakes Local lunch Jacob the next generation Do you play Golf? Spreading the word, Jane’s Dream Eden FM radio programme guide

Rod & Reel Tea room at Cocklakes Farm shop Locally sourced fresh quality meat, produce and provisions More details page 15 and 17 phone: 01768 899111

Home Improvements Telephone:

More details on page 4 and 5

LakesLocal

www.lakeslocal.co.uk info@lakeslocal.co.uk

Windows, Solar, Doors, Conservatories, Kitchens and Bedrooms

(01768) 866790 www.edenvalleywindows.co.uk edenvalley1@btopenworld.com phone: 01768 899111

www.edenlocal.co.uk

info@edenlocal.co.uk

Eating out in Eden • 1

EdenLocal

Eden Valley

Business

Eating Out in Eden