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PENRITHtodayat the heart of the Eden Valley

PENRITH-TODAY.CO.UK008 MAY 2016

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THE POT PLACE

HANGING BASKETSAvailable to pre-order now!Select from out range of ready made baskets or bring us your own baskets and we will plant them up for you! Prices start from £10

01768 885 500 www.thepotplace.co.ukThe Pot Place, Station Yard, Plumpton, Penrith, CA11 9PA

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VIEWPOINTLike most ‘small boys’ I get excited at the idea of going on a steam train. One of my earliest memories is of being told to close the compartment door, to keep out smoke and smuts, as we headed over Shap towards Penrith on a train, just before steam became a thing of the past.

Speaking of steam trains, don’t turn your back on the East Fellside and Pennines, but use the warm spring weather to travel along the A686, according to the AA one of the top 10 routes in the country, to visit Alston. There is much to do and see: independent shops, warm hospitality, delightful walks in quiet countryside and, of course, the opportunity to ride in a train!Toot! Toot! Have a go at our latest competition to win a family ticket on South Tynedale Railway and a ‘goodies box’ containing railway gifts and local foods from the Alston area. See our centre pages.

What a story!When my boss said “fill the magazine”, he was talking about making sure we had enough ammunition on board the destroyer on which I served. Now, when the boss says “fill the magazine”, it is my wife making sure I have enough articles to go in the next edition of Penrith Today!We all have unusual stories, and there is a hidden gap in mine between the Royal Navy and Penrith. Why don’t you contact Penrith Today and let us know how your business has evolved and about the people who have made it a success?There is great value in companies ‘selling’ not just their products and services to the public, but the personalities behind them. Customers ‘buy into’ enthusiasm, expertise, originality and the experience of people when we ‘shop local’ - which is what adds value to independent businesses. Take a look at page 10 for an article by marketing specialist Jackie Harris and contact Penrith Today to be more than ‘just’ an advertiser.

Congratulations to Mr J Pattinson of Penrith who has won the box of sparkling English Wine in our Easter competition. Our thanks to Cllr David Whipp, who selected the winner at random from nearly 100 entries.

DIRECTORS PAUL & CECILIA [email protected]

NEWS04 Azure in Askham05 Ullswater Way06 Eden Flood Volunteers08 Plenty to sing and

dance about09 Independent baker

is ‘buzzin’

2214 ACTORS + 6 PLAYS, + 1 THEATRE = 1 GOOD NIGHT OUT

12EAST OF EDEN

Penrith Today is designed by woofdog graphic design www.woofdog.co.uk

JODY FERGUSONCUMBRIA WILDLIFE TRUST

BEA RAYGARDEN DESIGNER

JACKIE HARRISMARKETING SPECIALIST

STEVE DOWSONNATIONAL TRUST RANGER

JON COOKCENTRE MANAGER,

EDEN CAP DEBT CENTRE

CONTRIBUTORS

DR SYDNEY CHAPMANCURATOR,

PENRITH MUSEUM

PENRITH TODAY LIMITED11 West Lane, Penrith, CA11 7DP

www.penrith-today.co.uk01768 868 808 [email protected]

OUT FROM 20TH JUNE

JUNE DEADLINE

27TH MAY

10 Spinning a yarn to untangle your business

12 East of Eden

16 Full steam ahead with South Tynedale Railway

11 Alston’s unusual nautical history!

12 A Journey across East Fellside13 Toying about with businesses

in Melmerby14 The Roof of England15 Lifting the lid on Alston’s

businesses

25 WHAT’S ON

26 COMMUNITY

27 LOCAL DIRECTORY

31 CLASSIFIED

20 ENVIRONMENT20 Britain’s prickly customer

needs your help21 New arrivals at Eycott Hill

24 FARMING24 Salt of the earth24 Dairy farms under

pressure

22 ARTS & MUSIC22 MADE IN BRITAIN23 Lithuanian Knitting

PENRITHtoday

NEWSYesterday, today and tomorrow

IN BRIEF

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Single Site ProjectEden District Council has deferred, perhaps even shelved, a decision to sell the authority’s Mansion House office in Penrith to help fund an extension to the Town Hall, in order to accommodate staff in one one location. Instead, councillors have agreed to ‘shop around’ for an alternative single site HQ, and are now eyeing-up the vacant Co-op building in Burrowgate. The 48,000sq ft former Co-op building is on the market for £1.5 million.

Have you gone green?There is still time for businesses to purchase flower baskets and to sponsor flower tubs and planters across Penrith, to help make the town attractive for the summer.

£49.50 buys a fully serviced 16” hanging basket and, for £65, this can include a bracket, supplied and fitted. To get your name on a barrier basket or to replant an existing container costs £175; and £350 will fund a new planter or ‘beehive’-shaped display. Sponsors will be acknowledged in Penrith Today. www.penrithbid.co.uk

2016 Eden Street MapsThe brand new 2016 Eden Street Maps leaflet, produced by Eden Tourism with Codair Maps, is available from Eden’s Tourist Information Centres. The leaflet has street maps for Penrith, Alston, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen and is a very useful for visitors and locals alike.

Azure in AskhamAs usual at this time of year, people have been wandering around Askham with hands, faces and clothes coloured bright blue. Some are quite recognisable as village folk despite having the blues. What ritual does this Azure Fest celebrate?

It is the annual scraping down of the village swimming pool, ready for repainting. The pool is first drained, cleaned of leaves and green algal mats, and pressure washed. Then the old paint is scraped down, which is when blue people start appearing, coloured by scrapings and daubs of paint. In Askham this is a great sign of spring and also a sure sign that the pool is on track to open in late May.

Residents in Askham and Helton have rallied together to keep the pool open, following the threat of closure. A working group of eight people

drove the project forward with fundraising, hard work and hard-nosed commitment to the pool and its future.

Member of the working group Joe Cann said: “It’s wonderful to see the community coming together to ensure that everyone in Askham, Helton and the surrounding area and our many and very welcome visitors will be able to enjoy the pools again this year. We look forward to welcoming families,

friends, neighbours and visitors alike to our opening Gala and for the rest of the 2016 season”.

The family-friendly Gala will be on Saturday 28 May from 2.00-5.00pm and season tickets are on sale at the pool and through the website. Early bird discounts are available for season tickets bought before the end of May.www.askhamandhelton.co.uk

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Midsummer charity cruise Wednesday 15 JuneAnne Gibson and her twin sister, Jayne Hutchinson, are both kidney dialysis patients.

Jayne, who lives in Glenridding, has her own cleaning business and receives dialysis at home; and Anne, who also lives in Glenridding, runs a taxi company, but has to travel to Carlisle three times a week for treatment.

The twins are organising a fundraiser on 15 June - a

midsummer cruise from Glenridding pier from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, with the kind support of Ullswater Steamers, accompanied by a band called Los Bandidos. Funds from the trip will help support the dialysis unit in Carlisle.

Cruise tickets cost £10 and can be purchased from Anne (01768 82372) or Jayne (01768 482531) raffle tickets will be sold on the night. Order tickets in advance to avoid disappointment

Something old, something newAt Easter I visited London, a city which is ever evolving and where modern steel and glass structures sit alongside, and frequently tower over, historic churches and palaces.

I was struck by how the old and new seem to work, whereas at home modern architecture often appears out of place and out of character, and thus we lean to replicas and

pastiches of what has been done before. Whilst I love old buildings, the sharp, modern steel and glass were a pleasing contrast to traditional stone. I found myself wondering, usually over an over-priced beer(!), if the new buildings made the older ones feel more special, even older, and rather than eroding their character, made them more intense and more keenly felt?

I do not think that we want a ‘Gerkin’ or ‘Walkie Talkie’ in Penrith, that would

be just wrong, but perhaps there is a place for different types of development - high quality development, that contrasts with and complements what we have already. I wonder if it would be better allowing something that is honestly modern, rather than a poor effort at a replica that is decidedly ‘anytown, anywhere’?

BY: KATE BELLWOODwww.katebellwood.co.uk

PENRITH-TODAY.CO.UK | 01768 868 808 5

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SUMMER FETE

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01931 712 350 www.askhamhall.co.ukAskham Hall, Askham, Nr Penrith, CA10 2PF

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Sharrow Bay, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2LZ. 01768 486301 | www.sharrowbay.co.uk

Sharrow Through the Ages lunch offer £20.50

price is per person, booking highly recommended.open to non-residents for afternoon teas and fine dining.

Garden extravaganza to celebrate Year of the English GardenAskham Hall Gardens will become a blaze of colour, music and joie de vivre next month, with two new spectacular summer events to mark British Flowers Week and the Year of the English Garden.

13th century Askham Hall boasts 12 acre, grade II listed gardens with uninterrupted views of the River Lowther and surrounding countryside. Formal lawns, woodlands and meadows interweave with colourful terraces, an animal trail and even a 230 foot long double herbaceous border.

This summer, visitors can experience the gardens at their colourful best as Askham joins two national celebrations of the country’s horticultural gems with these two special events:

Summer Fete - Sunday 12 June, 11.00am-4.00pm

By day, Askham Hall Gardens will host an array of family activities including a treasure hunt around the animal trails, as well as garden tours, workshops and flower arranging demonstrations. There will be an array of stallholders selling local produce, crafts and seasonal gifts. Try a light lunch or

afternoon tea in the Kitchen Garden Café or sample some authentic wood-fired pizza.

Free parking and entry to the barn. Garden entry on the day: £4 per adult, free for children. All stallholder fees and garden entry will go to the National Gardens Scheme for charity.

Cocktail Garden Party - Sunday 12 June, 4.00pm-9.00pm

By night, over 18s can enjoy an evening of cocktails, canapes and live jazz, with garden games including croquet on the front lawn. Charcuterie platters will be served courtesy of Askham Hall’s renowned Maître de Maison, Nico Chièze, there will be a fully-licensed bar, and the Kitchen Garden Café will be open for seasonal treats.

£17.50 per person which includes two cocktails and canapés. Advance booking required. Also includes a half price tour of the Lakes Distillery.

Ullswater Way

Walking the Ullswater Way at Gowbarrow.

The new 20 mile walking route around the Ullswater valley has opened officially.

Although there were existing walking routes, the ‘Ullswater Way’ is the first fully connected footpath. The trail has been created by volunteers to showcase the area and encourage visitors to walk between villages surrounding the lake.

People in the Ullswater area have worked hard to recover from the floods and to let people know that it is business as usual, which has been particularly important for communities at Glenridding and Pooley Bridge.

A group of local people and supporting organisations worked together to improve access, including a new 2.5km public right of way, and the installation of new waymarkers, fingerposts and gates to make it easier for people to follow the route.

A new Ullswater Way leaflet with a map has been published, showing the length and level of the walks, and a video is available on the LDNP website. A special ‘Friends of the Ullswater Way’ group is committed to developing bespoke interpretation along the route.

PENRITHtoday


Penrith’s first Annual Town Meeting

PENRITH TOWN COUNCIL

Penrith’s Mayor and Town Council Chairman, Cllr David Whipp, presided

over a well attended meeting on 18 April. There was were opportunities also to chat informally to councillors and other ‘movers and shakers’ in the town - with welcome refreshments to fuel discussions.

Councillors reported on Eden District Council’s single-site project and the possibility of the former Co-op building being used in lieu of the Town Hall; plans to improve the recreational area at Fair Hill; developments at Omega Proteins Ltd (source of the ‘Penrith Pong’); the implications of government funding cuts on services provided by Cumbria County Council; and work on assessing a suitable future for the town’s infrastructure.

A police representative reported on problems with and approaches to dealing with ‘boy racers’ who persist in disturbing residents; Peter Ward provided an update on the work of Penrith Partnership, helping to bring together many helpful initiatives across the town in the context of a new Community Plan; Eden Flood Volunteers have been establishing a clearer way ahead for flood relief; and useful work was reported by Freegle, which recycles items through the community. How many people know that a fruit bowl can be made from the viewing panel on a washing machine or a fish tank made from an old TV!

Penrith Bid, Penrith Lottery, Penrith Action for Community Transition and Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce all got an airing. Everyone was thanked by David Whipp for contributing to a highly informative evening.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association – known as SSAFA - is the oldest charity for the Armed Forces. We provide a wide variety of assistance to serving and ex-service communities, especially families. We’ve been doing this since 1885 and we are still doing it today.

If you know of someone who you think might be eligible for our help, please encourage them to contact us. Our aim is to do whatever is possible to relieve the need and stress amongst our Armed Forces community.

Can you help SSAFA to reach those people who need us? Volunteers are at the heart of our work in Cumbria. Meet inspiring people and gain confidence and skills as part of our volunteer network.

If you feel that you could help, please get in touch.

01946 813 [email protected]

The contrast between the emergency base in the Old Fire Station in

December and Eden Flood Volunteers’ HQ at Skirsgill could not be greater.

Both are 1970s concrete buildings, but at Skirsgill there is lots of space, with more than 20 storerooms plus offices and room outside for two 40’ containers donated from Sellafield. The facilities are much better – and it is good to see sensible use of a building that had stood unused for five years.

Kerryanne Wilde, who in a previous life served in the Army, is clearly enthused by the environment in which she now works with her small team and is very positive about how the organisation is developing. Eden Flood Volunteers (EFV) recently became a charity, under the guidance of a group of directors, and is taking on a Cumbria-wide role.

A £100K grant from Cumbria Community Foundation acted as a catalyst to enable EFV to fund a small core of paid staff to manage the logistics of receiving, sorting and distributing everything from emergency mops and chemicals to furniture, electrical goods, paint (including 500 ‘tins’ of Dulux paint donated by Axzo Nobel), £47K of sofas donated by QFC in January and wallpaper donated by B&Q – to name just a few generous donors. Much of the operation

continues, however, to be a ‘hand to mouth’ existence, with EFV gratefully accepting second hand goods and money as these become available.

Kerryanne is the ‘boss’, who set up EVF as floodwater was still rising, and one of the many unpaid people who continue to make a very important contribution by bringing much needed order to the wide range of stored furniture, emergency items and equipment. In one room two volunteers, Barbara and Roger, were folding and labelling duvets. Elsewhere Ian, Rees and Chris were stacking non-perishable food and preparing items to be delivered to needy victims of December’s floods, as part of the process of getting people back into their homes..

Ian Boucker travelled from his church in Gloucestershire in February, on a mission to help where possible – and has now moved north permanently to continue the good work. taking charge of the warehouse.

Kerryanne reminded me that it could be months, and in some cases years, before some people

are safely back in their homes – a process not helped, in some instances, by insurance companies apparently voiding policies, presumably to limit their financial liability.

Kerryanne’s ‘shopping list’, summarising the immediate needs of Eden Flood Volunteers:

è Volunteers who have experience of business development, media, PR and human resources, to become trustees.

è Second hand beds, furniture and white goods that can be recycled.

è Volunteers to help sort, store and distribute all kinds of goods.

è Financial support – through donations and schemes such as Bags2School.

Eden Flood Volunteers

If you can help or have donations, please contact 01768 593190 or go online for more information

www.edenfloodvolunteers.org.uk

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Ian Boucker, Rees Western and Chris Madden

PENRITHtoday


123% upturn in visitor spendAn economic evaluation of Penrith’s Winter Droving has revealed that the 2015 event generated almost £900,000 in income for the local economy. Figures revealed by Eden Arts underline the ever-increasing success of the annual Winter Droving with its unique spectacle of light music and fire. £870,000 was spent by visitors attending the 2015 event – in contrast to £390,000 in 2014.

Know your limitsAccording to the latest Mountain Accidents report there were 30 deaths in 2015, up from 11 the previous year.

18 of the 30 deaths were caused by medical emergencies such as heart attacks. Mountain rescuers have warned that people’s enthusiasm for walking to stay fit could be leading them to push themselves too hard. Last year saw a total of 535 incidents in the National Park’s mountains; in 2014 there were 474.

Glenridding and PatterdaleWork is progressing on the new Glenridding Beck wall, two businesses on Eagle Road (Moss Crag and Helvellyn Country Kitchen) have re-opened and two elderly residents have moved back into their homes.

Results from an analysis of rubble on Jenkins Field will not be available until well into May, making it difficult to plan the best way to deal with sediment that could be contaminated with the toxic products of mining.

IN BRIEF

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Absolute PhysiotherapyClearly, physiotherapy is good for you. It is hard to believe that, behind the scenes at Absolute Physiotherapy in Catterlen, Jemma and Craig Donald have three young children!

Full of energy and enthusiasm for her role, Jemma works with her colleagues to deliver a six day service in a smart timber cabin at the bottom of her garden - often late into the evening to cater for people who find it hard to ‘escape’ from work for treatment. Jemma is from Catterlen, where

several of her family also live, but qualified in Birmingham, gained experience with the NHS in Preston, and now shares her time with the NHS in Carlisle - which keeps her at the ‘cutting edge’ of the profession.

Jemma likes nothing better than a client to present her with a challenge that requires some thought in putting the pieces of a jigsaw together: exploring a client’s history and then diagnosing and treating the problem. Whilst improvements are typically seen within three sessions, some cases can, of course, take longer.

“We don’t over-treat clients”, said Jemma, “and we don’t

persist with a course of treatment if a condition is not improving”.

Clients who refer themselves to Absolute Physiotherapy range from people recovering from accidents to younger people who play lots of sport as well as older people trying to keep active. “It is all about prevention too”, added Jemma. “We look at the whole picture and aim to give clients the tools to prevent further problems. We are also a friendly team. My colleagues are bubbly and full of life and this rubs off on people”.

I had to agree, as I left with a spring in my step - and I had not even been treated!

Plenty to sing and dance aboutFormalities aside, the Annual General Meeting of Penrith Building Society was a celebration of success. The smallest building society in the country for the first time has capital assets in excess of £100m and generated a surplus of £200m.

There was much to sing about at Rheged, which is exactly what students did from Ullswater Community College - with some hit numbers from Joseph and

His Technicolour Dreamcoat, accompanied by attractive dance routines. A ‘finale’ was provided by Sarah Dunning OBE, Chief Executive of The Westmorland Family, who drew parallels between Rheged and the company’s motorway service business, and the history and success of Penrith Building Society: a common heritage in Cumbria; small and adaptable; values led; championing and supporting local communities.

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BYBRICKBRICK

Playing with colour is one of the most creative parts of garden design . It can be daunting if starting from scratch, but if you already have some plants that you love, enjoy them at their best by planting contrasting colours next to them.

Using simple pairs of colour combinations can really bring planting schemes to life. Blues and purples look vivid even in the low light of a grey day, and you can create different effects depending on the choice of plants.Fresh The purpley blues of many of the hardy geraniums look most intense next to the fresh, acid green bracts of Euphorbias; or try Catmint (Nepeta) with Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis):

Cool For a cooler purple combination which brings out grey and silver hues, try Lavender and Lambs Ears (Stachys byzantina).

Warm for later in the summer the deep indigo of Salvia Caradonna looks rich and warm paired with hot, orange Geums, or Crocosmia varieties.

Designs on your GardenGarden Designer Bea Ray shares some tips on how to get the most out of your garden in 2016.

BY: BEA RAY GARDEN DESIGNERFor help with your garden contact Bea, 017684 86253 www.bearaygardens.com

Independent baker is ‘buzzin’Maggie’s Bakery in Sandgate is a hive of activity. Calm at the front, where customers choose delicious cakes, bread and decorations or order exotic party pieces.

Behind the scenes it is always ‘buzzing’, as the staff at Penrith’s only independent bakery produce and deliver a staggering range of ‘home baked’ goodies.

As I nibbled my way though a lemon tray bake, I was introduced by Maggie Cormode to Zena, the ‘sponge queen’, who was making pastries. In the next room, Maggie’s daughter, Shirley, and grand-daughter, Delana, were busy packing food for delivery in and around Penrith. With three generations working in the shop, and others such as Shirley’s husband, Nick, ‘bobbing’ in and out to help, I had chanced across

one of the most close-knit, friendly and industrious teams I could have found. Buffets for parties or more routine requirements can all be delivered to customers, and there are sugar-free and gluten-free options.

What really ‘took the biscuit’ was Maggie’s photographic record of celebration cakes, made by Debra. From handbags to tractors and chainsaws to portraits, each is a work of art to adorn the table at a party or high-class wedding.

Eden House of Cakes and Maggie’s Bakery are part of the same business and can be found at 31 Sandgate, Penrith.

PENRITHtoday

BUSINESSAdding value to our community

The best salespeople in the world will tell you that the easiest way

to sell is to make a human connection. It doesn’t matter whether you’re selling homemade sticky toffee pudding to tourists or extruded aluminium guttering to the building industry, there should be some human connection involved. And here’s the thing - it doesn’t matter whether it’s online or offline.

Admittedly, the human factor can be more tricky on a website than in a face-to-face situation. This is where the magic of storytelling comes into play. Storytelling is an easy way to beef-up your customer relationships, create better customer experiences and promote your brand - online or offline.

Storytelling is nothing new - it has been around since the beginning of time. We’re primed from childhood to respond to stories. They bring people together, keep them engaged, and let your potential customers know what makes you tick. In short, a good story can give someone a reason, beyond price, to choose to buy from you. So how do you get all this into your sales and marketing efforts?

1. Tell your customers how your company came to be

If you take a look at the statistics on your website, I’m pretty confident you’ll see that your ‘about us’ page gets a lot of hits. So make sure that you give people something interesting to read when they land there. What was the catalyst that made you start your business? What do you believe in? What makes you tick? Then link it to the incredible experience your customers are going to get when they buy from you. For inspiration, take a look at the Innocent Smoothies website.

2. Who are the people in your organisation? What are their stories?

If you’re in a market sector where there are a lot of companies who all offer the same service, you can differentiate by telling the stories of the people in your organisation. What was their journey to get to where they are now? What’s unusual about them? If your company accountant used to be a ski instructor, think about how you could link that to the experience your customers get. For example, perhaps your customers call him to ask for advice on the best ski resorts or the best equipment to buy. It’s a little quirky, but it’s fun, and it would make your business stand out.

A good story can give a small business a big voice

Jackie runs Brightspark Marketing where she helps small businesses sort out their marketing. She’s also a copywriter and digital marketing specialist - and, of course, a storyteller.

www.brightsparkmarketing.com

BY: JACKIE HARRISBRIGHTSPARK MARKETING

3. Stories about your products or services

If you’re an artist or designer, share the story of what inspired you to make an individual piece. If you’re a consultant, tell the story about why you want to help other business owners. Dig deep, you’ll be amazed by how interesting people find this kind of story.4. Stories about your customers

The classic story in this category is the case study, which primarily looks at ‘problem, solution and result’. These stories are powerful endorsements of your capabilities, your products, and your customer service. Testimonials are good, but a case study communicates so much more.

The next time you’re giving some thought to your marketing or branding, stop and think about how you could incorporate some stories into the mix.

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Cheese heats homesA ‘Biogas’ plant is to heat hundreds of homes using residues from First Milk’s Aspatria creamery. The government backed plant will feed bio-methane to the gas grid, generated solely from digesting the factory’s cheese-making residues. Clearfleau, the company that built the new plant, says that about 60% of the gas produced is expected to be taken back out of the grid for the creamery’s own use in making steam, leaving the balance to power the equivalent of 1,600 local homes and businesses.

Business booms Despite the severity of flooding in and around the town, Appleby Manor hotel has experienced its busiest three months in more than 15 years. The family-owned Appleby hotel opened its new £1m Garden Spa at the end of 2015, the new facility has helped visitor numbers at the hotel soar to an all-time high during January-March. This latest investment has created 10 new jobs in the spa.

Radiating successAppleby-based engineering firm, Barrnon Limited, hopes to see its specialist equipment used to help clean up nuclear waste from the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in Japan. The site was devastated by a 15-metre tsunami in March 2011 - resulting in a clean-up operation that will take over 20 years.

Japanese Cellophane and British NotesInnovia Group of Wigton has announced the sale of its Cellophane business and assets to a Japanese firm Futamura Chemicals. Innovia intends to concentrate on developing its world-leading plastic bank note and polypropylene businesses. The new £5 note, using Innovia’s polymer substrate will be issued from September 2016 and the new £10 note will appear in 2017.

£2m facelift for RampsbeckPlanning permission has been granted for for 20 more rooms, including 12 family suites, as well as a 20-metre swimming pool and treatment rooms at the 18th-century Rampsbeck Hotel, overlooking Ullswater.

The hotel was bought by Another Place in 2015 for £2.7m. It will close in September for the redevelopment and reopen in spring 2016.

IN BRIEF

Employment is a patchy business in CumbriaEconomic research by NatWest shows significant variations in job growth across the region.

In the third quarter of 2015 Allerdale experienced the best job growth in the county whereas, at the other end of the scale, in Barrow-in-Furness this had shrunk by 4%, representing a reduction in the number of jobs available.

Overall, job growth levels increased by 13%, making it

one of the top three performing areas in the NW. Eden’s job growth reached just 1%, considerably less than the NW average of 2.7%.

The NatWest Regional Economic Tracker monitors quarterly employment levels across the UK.

NW Region has seen an increase of over 100,000 jobs since the beginning of the recession and at 2.7% in the year to Q3 2015 comfortably beats the UK wide figure of 1.9%. Across

the 12 regions in the UK, the NW came third in terms of job growth, behind the South West and Yorkshire and The Humber.


HISTORY & LANDSCAPEPassages through time

Although Alston is close to the centre point of England, far from the sea, it has a hidden secret - a once navigable waterway. How many visitors realise that it is beneath their feet?

The Nent Force Level was an underground canal - a navigable adit - and was probably the most expensive single project associated with lead mining in the North Pennines. For more than a century it delighted the public as a place to visit, but after 1951 it faded into obscurity.

During the first half of the 19th century a journey by boat through the echoing tunnel, lit only by candles, was an attraction that brought tourists from far and wide. Dances, accompanied by musicians, were even held on a rock shelf. Such frivolity, however, was far from the minds of those who planned and built the tunnel.

Nent Force Level is a five mile access and haulage tunnel that follows the line of the River Nent. It was begun in 1776 and although it may originally have been intended to be a drainage tunnel, it was soon adapted to transport ore and waste from underground workings at a time when lead mining was a thriving industry in the North Pennines.

The original excavation was conceived and supervised by engineer John Smeaton, who became well known later for the Eddystone lighthouse. In

section the tunnel measures just over 2m by 2m, with a water depth of just over a 1m. Work on the level ceased in 1842, after some £80,000 had been spent, and it was extended again between 1870 and 1904. It is now inaccessible, except with extreme difficulty via ventilation shafts and, despite a rescue attempt a few years ago, is likely to deteriorate through rock falls. It would be good to see part of this route reinstated, to recreate the underground boat rides that once attracted Victorian visitors.

In 1820, John Dodd, a saddler in Penrith’s Market Square, was driving his cart on the fells near Shap when mist began to fall. His dog, running alongside, darted suddenly in front of the pony, causing it to stop, and ignored his master’s calls to get out of the way.

Getting down from his driving seat Dodd was shocked to find himself standing by the edge of a steep drop, seconds from disaster. He commemorated how his pet had saved his life in an unusual way. A cowrie shell was mounted in silver to make a snuff-box, the lid engraved with the likeness of his pointer dog

with its name ‘Rolla’ and his own, adding the date of this astonishing event. Some wear suggests that the box was used for its intended purpose.

Perhaps the box was filled with snuff made in Kendal by Thomas Harrison or Samuel Gawith or later, on Penrith’s doorstep, by William Nevinson. By 1835 Nevison had turned the Eamont Bridge gunpowder mill over to snuff production. Mines were a market, as the workforce took tobacco snuff to avoid explosions, and the military also took up the ‘gentle art’ almost to a man.

The superior quality of Dodd’s box reminds

us how snuff was taken up by the beau monde of both sexes, for whom a varied collection of these containers was a sign of status. One wonders if Dodd used it as fashion dictated – effortlessly, using one hand, flicking the lid open with the thumb to show off the lid, securing it under the chin, lifting a peck on to the thumbnail for delivery to the nostril – all mid-sentence and nonchalantly.

BY: DR SYDNEY CHAPMANCURATOR, PENRITH MUSEUM

ArteFACTNearly snuffed out on Shap

Crumbs from my plate!

THE MUSINGSof an octogenarian in Penrith

It was good to read about Penrith Building Society where, around the corner, I have many memories of Bishop Yards and St Andrew’s Church.

On Sundays, before the last war, the girls of St Andrew’s Church Sunday School used to attend services, first in the hall and then in the church. We sat in the balcony, two rows from the front, overlooking the congregation below. Along the adjoining pew sat the young boys, who had to meet first in the Boys’ National School on Benson Row. They would take their places rather noisily and I pitied the slight, elderly lady in charge, as she sat at the end of their pew. The more so in retrospect!I confess that I was entertained and, at times,

joined in the boys’ fun of using old sweet papers or other scraps from my pocket to roll into tiny pellets that were flicked over the balcony, hopefully to land on ladies’ hats below. I dare say dried peas also went from the boys’ pockets. Now and again, as the teacher knelt, someone would place hymn books on her seat, so unwittingly there were giggles as she sat down. That poor teacher! How thankful she must have been to see us all leave before the sermon, our duty and her’s done for the day.But fun did not stop. With luck, as we passed the

door to the clock tower we might find it unlocked! How could anyone, let alone children, resist climbing the steps as they wound up to where the bells hung and clock chimed, and from there if very lucky to the tower to see the view. Most did not venture, knowing it was out of bounds. There was no mischief as the view was inspiring. Outside, one or two lads would test their strength trying to lift tombstone tops. Unsuccessfully, of course.I well recall a hot sunny day when we sat on the

steps going down to King Street, next to the wall of Charles Dixon’s chemist shop. The steps were alive with red spiders scurrying around. A lucky find, as there was a saying: seeing them, but not walking on them, meant we would be rich!Certainly, Charlie Dixon prospered and was a

well known character in the town. His windows displayed huge bottles of colourful liquids. I recall going into the shop, as a girl, impressed by the marble floors and lovely high ceilings. I was quite overawed and decidedly shy and nervous on meeting Mr Dixon, as he had a forbidding air. It was a relief to be served by one of his cheerful young apprentices. They were dressed in Persil white coats.Now the place is owned by Penrith Building

Society, also highly prosperous. Has the proximity of the red spiders worked some magic after all?

Alston has a nautical history!

Mine truck at the start of the Nentforce Level near the waterwheel Photo by Nick Catford

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The Shepherd’s InnVillage Green, LangwathbyPenrith, CA10 1LW

Hands up if you have never been to Alston. With the lure of the

Lake District on the doorstep of Penrith, it is all too easy to turn one’s back on the Pennines - the escarpment that rims the sky to the east of the town. Perhaps this is a good thing, as Alston Moor has remained relatively untouched by tourism - but not by man.

This edition of Penrith Today takes you on a journey from Penrith to Alston, along the A686 across the East Fellside, to head towards a ‘wild’, but welcoming country.

Despite the moors being a haven for birds and wildlife and, for much of the time and in many areas, a place of solitude, evidence of man is everywhere. From ancient and more recent mine workings, to a patchwork landscape where heather has been burnt to encourage new growth to attract grouse.

The land that laps the foot of the Pennines, however, is very different. The East Fellside is fertile farmland, with villages in attractive backwaters, and a history that, like the moors above and beyond, is a testament to man’s tenacity - both in the face of natural forces and, for centuries, fending off marauding men.

Villages and hamlets are strung out below the Pennine escarpment, often at points where upland becks provide ready water supplies that attracted early settlers. Where the land rises onto fellside slopes, thin acidic soils required lime to make them more fertile; as a result there are some good examples of lime kilns to be seen.

On page 21 of this edition we describe the Helm Wind and how it can roar down from Pennines. The bare slopes were once wooded as high as 2,400’, where the remains of trees have been found. Older houses were constructed to face away from the wind and from the shaded fellside, and have few rear windows.

Look up the steep slopes behind Melmerby. The line of a Roman road, the Maiden Way, crosses here on its way to Hadrian’s Wall. Fragments of paving are still visible. Marauding Scots and then gangs of Border Reivers also left their imprint the landscape. Villages were often adapted so that they could shelter behind makeshift defences. Large central greens,

Take a journey across East Fellside

Shepherd’s Inn, LangwathbyLike many pubs, the Shepherd’s Inn is at the heart of the village. It has been the focus in Langwathby for hundreds of years where, after being refurbished in 2012, it continues to provide a warm welcome, cool beer and great food.

Your ‘adventure’ starts by crossing the River Eden to Langwathby, where the use of a ‘temporary’ Bailey bridge has a familiar

ring - except that the stone bridge was swept away by floodwater in 1968. Then, make the Shepherd’s Inn your first stop. Whether you are looking for somewhere to take your family, have a break on a ‘coast-to-coast’ trip or simply need a refreshing drink, this pub deserves a visit.

An impressive selection of Cumbrian ales and food is served every day from noon to 8.00pm, using delicious menu choices made from

top-quality local produce. Of interest to walkers and travellers, the Shepherd’s can also provide ‘take-away’ options.

There is a cosy interior with wood burning stoves, and for sunny days there is seating at the front and a beer garden at the back. If you are looking for bed and breakfast, the Black Swan Inn at Culgaith is the ‘sister’ pub to the Shepherd’s Inn, on the East Fellside, below Cross Fell.

OUT OF EDENEast Fellside

such as at Melmerby, Gamblesby and Blencarn, were used to accommodate livestock when under threat or during harsh weather. There are also good examples of settlements where narrow village entrances could be barricaded against attacks. Farms were once an integral part of these ‘nucleated’ communities.

Here, we focus on businesses in Melmerby, where the large village green is ringed by attractive buildings, with the church tucked well to one side, past Melmerby Hall. Like other villages in the area, Melmerby takes it name from an early landowner - in this case Melmor.

The building with a tower and, for the moment, a yellow penny farthing bicycle outside was a school. Last year the village really went to town with yellow bicycles to celebrate the Tour of Britain Cycle Race - which reached its climax on the summit of nearby Hartside. Some early parts of Melmerby Hall date back to Medieval times, there is a Tudor wing, and the majority is 18th century. The church stands on the site of an earlier 13th century building, but is mostly Victorian.

Vernal pond, Culgaith


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01768 881915Melmerby Shop & TearoomMelmerby, Penrith, Cumbria,

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Toys that could earn you a pintA young couple were captivated at the Toy Works in Melmerby as they learned how to operate one of Paul Commander’s magic propellers.

Later, we saw them sitting practicing on the village green. Soon they may be earning free pints as they challenge pub goers to work the magic propeller …. a Victorian toy that still bemuses physicists, onlookers and drinkers.

Paul baffled another Paul - Paul Daniels - to whom he gave a magic propeller in 1986. A couple of years’ later he was seen using it on one of his TV shows, trying it out on members of the audience. Visit The Toy Works in Melmerby, buy the instructions for £4.99, and get a free propeller. It may pay for itself in one visit to the pub!

When, eventually, the magic propeller has been ‘sussed’ by penniless drinkers, you can get the Magic Hook trick….. a ‘snip’ at £4.99 and the route to more free drinks!

Paul Commander has a great range of traditional toys that appeal as much to ‘grown up kids’ as they do to the real thing. He also repairs rocking horses and rennovates dolls’ houses. His passing trade plummeted by 90% when the Old Village Bakery cafe, next door to The Toy Works, closed in January. The good news is that there are plans to re-open the cafe in June, joined by Hollberrie ladies’ fashions from Appleby. Whilst your partner is browsing the selection of delightful items in Hollberrie, visit The Toy Works and then nip across the road to the Shepherd’s Inn!

Sometimes opening lines are ‘handed to you on a plate’, and one of the strong points about the Shepherd’s Inn at Langwathby is that food and drink are served with good humour.

This is the last stop before Hartside, en route to Alston, and so an ideal place for cyclists to refuel, before going uphill, or to celebrate on their return. Melmerby is also a destination in its own right, and the Shepherd’s Inn is a good base from which to ‘play’ for time at The Toy

Works, browse ladies fashions and attractive interior decor, when Holberrie has opened in the village, or simply take a walk.

There is a pleasing mix of old and modern, and something for all types of visitors - lovers of real ale and locally sourced food, tourists, holiday-makers, walkers, cyclists, car and bike enthusiasts. Better still, if you cut out the advertisement for the Shepherd’s Inn, in Penrith Today, and take it with you for a main meal - you can choose a starter or dessert at no extra cost!

“I’m off to the baa!”

Drivers get ‘high’ on the A686The winding journey from Penrith to Corbridge is one of the best in the world!

In 2001 this route was listed by the AA in its top 10 drives on “the world’s most beautiful roads”. 15 years later, the scenery is just as good, villages and towns just as welcoming, and the 45 mile route via Alston just as enjoyable to drive. The ascent of

Hartside to a height of 1,905’ has 57 bends, views to the Solway and Scottish mountains, and the pleasure of England’s last ‘wildscape’.

You can thank the Scottish engineer John McAdam, who was then living in Penrith. In the 1820s he designed a durable carriageway to carry heavy loads, using graded stone, watered and rolled to form a hard surface. When tar (originally coal tar) replaced water this method of construction was named after him - tarmacadam or tarmac.

The Toy Works, MelmerbyVisit our unique Toy Shop, we cater for both first & second childhoods! This Alladin‛s cave has a wide range of traditional toys, Farms, Castles, Dolls Houses, Noah‛s Arks to mention just a few of the items stocked.Rocking Horse and Dolls House Restoration Service available.Why not help support the air ambulance by inserting 20p to see the train go around the top of the display area.

The Toy Works is located in the building to the rear of The Old Village Bakery, Melmerby, Cumbria CA10 1HE. Opening hours are

10.00am - 5.00pm Wed to Sun inclusive. Closed Mon & Tues, except Bank Holidays.

Winter hours may vary - check website for further details or call us

For further details Tel: 01768 881249www.thetoyworks.co.uk | [email protected]











Visit our unique Toy Shop, we cater for both first & second childhoods! This Alladin’s cave has a wide range of traditional

toys, Farms, Castles, Dolls Houses, Noah’s Arks to mention just a few of the items stocked.

Rocking Horse and Dolls House Restoration Service available.Why not help support the air ambulance by inserting 20p to

see the train go around the top of the display area.






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Alston and Buxton share the status of being England’s highest market towns. Alston, however, has the edge when it comes to steep cobbled streets which, together with traditional shop fronts, and characterful backwaters are a film-maker’s dream. In 1999 a film crew descended

on Alston to make Oliver Twist and to transform the town into the fishing village of Bruntmarsh - despite being 1,000’ above sea-level! Almost all the extras in the TV drama were Alston locals. Alston’s lofty position is one

of its attractions. Although, on the face of it, the town is remote and Hartside can deter all but the most determined drivers in winter, there is a long history of Alston being home to early man. Bronze Age settlers occupied the sheltered valleys and the Romans had a fort near the town, at Whitley Castle, perhaps protect their mining interests in the area. Geography has shaped locals and in-comers into a resourceful, independent group of people, who are highly welcoming and, surprisingly, well-connected, as Alston pioneered cybermoor.org to bring the internet into homes.The town’s greatest prosperity

and growth was built on lead mining, peaking in the 18th and 19th centuries, when

mining rights were leased by the London Lead Company, a Quaker owned organisation that had a strong reputation of caring for its workers.

The temptation is to drive straight to the railway. If you have children, however, try unlimited free parking next to one of the best playgrounds in the region, on the Stanhope road, just at it leaves the ‘top’ of Alston. You can then meander down the main street, via the shops and information centre, stopping to look at and buy hand-crafted products, award-winning sausages, Alston Cheese and Cumberland Mustard. Mad Hatters Hardware shop makes Dr Who’s Tardis look like a film prop.If you can resist the temptation

to leap on the first available train, on the attractive South Tynedale Railway, take a look first at the Hub Museum and near by Discovery Centre, to put Alston and the moors into context. The Hub Museum is housed in the former railway

goods shed and contains a selection of local transport and household exhibits along with historic photographs, posters and memorabilia of local life in the ‘good old days’

Walking and eating in and around AlstonFor walkers, lovers of wildlife

and wide-open spaces with lots of sky, it is all here. From Alston Station you can walk along the South Tyne Trail or, if you are feeling more adventurous, follow circular walks either along the South Tyne River down to Garrigill, a round trip of c.8 miles, or alternatively follow the River Nent via Blagill and the waterfalls, a round trip of c.4 miles, or continue all the way to Nenthead.Buy a copy of Isaac’s Tea Trail

for £4.95 at the CDC in the Town Hall and you have the ‘blueprint’ for a delightful, well-documented, quirky walk of 37 miles, that can be broken down into different ‘legs’. Although fine dining venues are thin on the ground, good food is certainly not in short supply. In Alston there are several cafes, good pubs and perhaps the highest fish and chip shop in England. Does anyone know of a higher place than The High Plaice, now under new management?

Alston - the Roof of England The Great Seasons

The Great Seasons, presented in words by David Bellamy and paintings by Sheila Mackie in 1981, has long been out of print - but find a copy if you can, as it provides an excellent insight into the environment ‘behind’ Cross Fell.

David Bellamy explores the relationship between climate and wildlife in Upper Teesdale, in the area around Cow Green Reservoir, both in a single year and throughout the ‘great seasons’ of geological time. Along the way he describes the tilt of the Earth, water, soils, the effects of glaciation, and how animals and plants moved into this upland landscape as the ice retreated. Most recently, the impact of man. All in a very readable style and very beautifully illustrated.The border between Cumbria and

Durham passes through the reservoir. Whilst rare plant ‘assemblages’ were flooded, fortunately examples of all of them occur above water level or elsewhere in Teesdale. The vegetation is influenced by the severe climate and the presence or absence of limestone. Spring-flowering species that favour limestone include common whitlowgrass, spring sandwort, and heath dog-violet. Later flowering species take in thyme, fairy flax, harebell and the large, yellow flowered common rock rose.For bird-lovers the environment

is home to golden plover, lapwings, short eared owls, curlew, buzzard and redshank. Geologists will find spoil heaps containing barytes, mined for making paper, paint and for drilling pastes on oil rigs; and galena or lead ore, which becomes dull grey as the lead sulphide oxidises.A book to read in conjunction with a

walk through one of the last surviving ‘wildscapes’ in England. For those of you who can recall David Bellamy’s TV programmes, his distinctive voice and enthusiasm linger in the background of this novel approach to landscape history. Try Beckside Bookshop in St Andrew’s Square or Penrith Library for a copy.

OUT OF EDEN Alston Moor


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Cumberland Inn

Free House

The county of Cumberland disappeared in 1974, but its spirit and namesake live on in Alston, where the Cumberland Inn offers good food and fine beer, under the ownership of Helen and Guy Harmer.

The couple have owned the Cumberland since 2002. It was built in 1870 as a family home and surgery for local GP Railton Gill, and became the Dale View Guest House in 1920s, before being licensed as the Cumberland Hotel in the 1950s. With its emphasis at the bar

on Real Ales and Cider, the Cumberland has appeared in 13 consecutive Good Beer Guides and was voted Local Campaign for Real Ale Pub of the Year a record three times in succession.

Why worry about driving home? The Cumberland has five en-suite rooms and is an ideal base from which to explore the outstandingly beautiful ‘Roof of England’. After fishing, walking or cycling, return to the Cumberland for hearty, good value, locally sourced food - safe in the knowledge that the Inn appears regularly as the No.1 place in Alston on TripAdvisor.

A warm Cumberland welcome

A bird’s eye viewBefore meeting the owner we were greeted by a large elephant, two pigs and a giant gnome.

Yes, the centre of Alston is full surprises, one of which is Market Cross Alston, a gift shop with a difference - this being a massive range of delightful ornaments and life-style items, spread over two floors of an ancient building.Although the owners, Ted and

Amanda Kidd, have lived in Alston for 16 years, Market Cross Alston opened in 2014, and so will be new

to many visitors. ‘Something for everyone’ is an over-used phrase, but not in the case of Market Cross, where attractively priced,quality goods jostle for attention on the walls and shelves.To our surprise, above the shop is a

splendid first floor holiday apartment. This is beautifully equipped and decorated, with a log burning stove and bird’s eye views of the main street through sound-proofed windows. A haven overlooking the bustling town.Have a good browse and then nip

across the road to the Blueberry Cafe to take a peek at your purchases, over a cuppa.

Sausage Man!There’s no mistaking Alan

Rutherford’s interest as a butcher - with the window of his traditional-fronted shop crammed full of sausages of all types. There are, of course, other options,

but Alan makes sausages to ‘fry’ for. Puns apart, they are some of the best sausages we have tasted. Regardless of the many other attractions in the town, it is easily worth a drive to Alston to stock up.Alan is Alston personified. In 1976,

when he was age 15, Mr Blackstock (whose name is still above the door) visited Samuel King’s School to see if any students would like to work for him. Alan volunteered and has been there ever since, having taken on the shop and Mr Blackstock’s secret recipe for Cumberland sausage in 1994. His displays are adorned with sausage awards and Alan can reel off more than a dozen sausage recipes

without pausing. A couple caught my attention. ‘Guinness and black pudding’ grew out of a temporary water shortage and ‘marmalade and mint’ was created as a result of a challenge made at a golf club!Alan’s sausages have been taken

by customers to Panama, the Belize jungle, Greece and New York. Closer to home, on Alan’s door there is a notice ready to use that reads: ‘OUT ON A FIRE CALL’ He has been a retained fireman for 36 years.

It may not sell hats, but the Mad Hatter does sell almost everything else and started life at ‘Hatters House’, further up the high street.

Here to stay, Mad Hatters Hardware

The shop is packed with useful things and services - including key cutting and carpet cleaning equipment for hire - and is well worth a look. It also sports the smallest garden centre I have seen. The origin of Mad Hatters is

a little ‘quirky’, and knowledge of this adds to the shopping experience. Harriet English set up Mad Hatters six years ago, and moved to the present location two years’ later; and she established the shop as the result of a bet - that she would not be able to run a hardware store in Alston! It is clear that she won and, in her own words, “one thing led to another.” She started to sell homemade preserves (which can still be bought), followed by hardware, stationery, toys, gardening equipment, plants, small electrical goods, haberdashery, tools,

ironmongery …….. at this point I began to lose track of the range of items!Larger items, such as coal

bunkers, can be ordered and Harriet even offers a catalogue service and has a website. Start making your list now, take a visit to Alston for a day out to remember, and return clutching those things that you have put off buying or could not find elsewhere. You would be mad not not to give it a go. Hats off to Harriet!

PENRITHtoday

I expected to meet Heather Palmer in her office, but instead she greeted me on the platform, clutching a plate of

delicious cakes and biscuits that she was fetching from the Buffer Stop cafe - where the sandwiches all have names! Signal Box Salad springs to mind. Our meeting had got off on the right lines, over a steaming coffee, and there was time to chat to Heather before the next train was due.

Soon after the railway closed in 1976 a determined group of enthusiasts got together to reinstate part of the line as a narrow gauge railway. Richard Graham, who is now the Chairman and who joined the Society in 1983 is, in my mind, the ‘Thin Controller’, for whom Heather works - he fits the bill perfectly. When I met him later that morning he was operating the signal box just down the line - next to a homely fire - but is equally at home driving one of the locos or chairing a meeting of the Board. His contribution, over 30 years, is typical of the extraordinary commitment displayed by the 70 volunteers who keep the railway running. “They are a fantastic bunch of guys”, said Heather.

I found hot fires to be a common and very welcome theme. Apart from one in the signal box and the more obvious one in the firebox used to raise steam, there was another one in the Guard’s Van and another in the booking office. Whatever the weather, there is a warm welcome!

Heather is not a volunteer, but one of a small core of paid staff funded from a £5.6M Heritage Lottery grant to help ensure that the restoration project and business growth continue on track. Heather and one of her team, Stuart Hines,

seem tailor-made for their roles and there is plenty of evidence that they and their team of volunteers are succeeding. Stuart, the Railway Operations Manager, comes from a family with five generations of steam. Heather managed visitor services at Hadrian’s Wall before working in a finance role and then managed 27 mainline stations on a railway in Scotland before taking on a variety of senior roles for the British Airports Authority. Harold the Helicopter has still to make an appearance!

The grant that is being used to good effect. A new Discovery Centre, free to visitors, describes the railway’s history and doubles up as a flexible meeting space for hire. What a place to go for team building. How about a rail journey, walk and get-together in the centre, complete with catering?

Among other things the cafe is to be replaced , the platform will be roofed, toilets constructed, and an engineering skills workshop created with a viewing platform for visitors. Coaches are being refurbished and, next year, the line will open as far as Slaggyford. Not only that, but one of the founding aims of the Society is to extend the line a further 10 miles to reach the main line service at Haltwhistle - thus opening up the potential for a commuter route from Alston.

“Everything is a challenge here”, said Heather, referring to the Alston area and concerns such as the potential closure of the community hospital, the recent loss of banking services, and high unemployment. The railway is, however, doing its bit to create new jobs and employ local trades. Food is sourced locally, whenever possible, (Heather was about to text an order to Alan Rutherford, the town’s award-winning butcher), there is an

Heather PalmerGeneral Manager of South Tynedale Railway

apprentice scheme, and a practical liaison is maintained with Samuel King’s School.

“There is something for everyone”, continued Heather. “Fantastic walks, with glimpses of deer and red squirrels, and lots of individually owned shops and enterprises. Alston is a destination!”

Later, on the platform, I met Max, a 13-year-old choral scholar helping on the train for a couple of days; Paul Austen who had recently qualified to drive the diesel unit; and Kimberley McAnenay managing the shop in the original ticket office.

I left on a high, disappointed only that Michael Portillo had discovered this Great British Rail Journey ahead of me!

Despite today’s fast moving world - computer games, aircraft and space travel - boys (and girls) of a certain age, from nine to 99, would jump at the chance to drive a steam or diesel train. Even if driving is not an option, the chance to stand on the footplate whilst the loco is in the station or to look out of a carriage window as the train steams across

open moorland can be a dream that comes true on the South Tynedale Railway at Alston.

AN HOUR IN THE LIFE OF ...

SINGING IN THE RAIN. Main: Choral scholar, Max age 13 from Southport, helping on the railway, with (left to right) Martin Ashley, Kevin Malone, Paul Austen and Heather Palmer.


As part of a major Heritage Lottery Fund grant awarded to the railway in 2014, a basic industrial unit has been replaced with a contemporary and visually stunning space that relates the history of the railway, and its development into an important heritage attraction.

The glazed entrance of South Tynedale Railway’s new Discovery Centre leads visitors to display boards and a range of railway artefacts that describe the rise, fall, then rise again of the railway. The interior of the building, complete with catering facility, lends itself to be used as an unusual meeting space for ‘away days’, lectures and small conferences.

Just the ticket!

Rattling through some useful phrases:

Hand picked for children of all ages!

“Cinders and ashes!” “Fizzling fireboxes!” “Flatten my funnel!” “Bust my buffers!” “Rattle my rods!”

“Bubbling boilers!” “Trembling tracks!”

“Fenders and funnels!” “Clattering coaches!”

“Pumping pistons!” “Footplates and fenders!”

“Blistering boilers!” “Flaming funnels!”

“Buffers and bumpers!” “Wobbling wheels!” “Fumbling fenders!” “Flatten my fender!”

“Bust my boiler!”

from The Thomas the Tank Engine booksBy Rev W Awdry

Visitors will find the railway refreshingly free of commercialism.

PENRITHtoday

Although the British Rail branch line from Haltwhistle to Alston

was a vital link, particularly during harsh winters, it was merely granted a stay of execution when ‘Beeching’s axe’ fell elsewhere in the 1960s. This allowed time by 1976 to build an ‘all-weather’ road between the two towns and, as the fateful day approached, preparations were made for a vast influx of last day travellers.

Saturday 1st May 1976 was a sombre wet day, but this did not deter an estimated 5,000 people from coming to ride on the final passenger services, filling the normal trains to capacity while hundreds of others travelled in special trains such as “The Alston Farewell” from Newcastle (organised by the Stephenson Locomotive Society) and one connecting from Carlisle for Border Round Table members. Alston station was decorated with flags and bunting,

refreshments were served and ‘70s disco music played. When, at 9.09pm, the time came for the last train to commence its melancholy journey two pipers played a lament and a barrage of detonators echoed round the town as it accelerated into the night.

Steven Dyke, one of the original South Tynedale Preservation Society members, recalls:

“During the day, a mock coffin had been placed on the platform at Coanwood and it was carried onto the last train during it’s stop there. At Slaggyford the small steam loco bought for the preservation project was steamed up and whistling a forlorn farewell from it’s isolated few yards of track. Other stations bore wreaths and messages on the platforms as the train returned slowly down the valley.

At Lambley I watched a lady hand over a large box of eggs to the train guard – a thank you for good customer service or an unofficial delivery to someone further down the line?”

As Penrith Today went to print South Tynedale Railway was planning to mark the 40th anniversary of this day at Alston Station, with bunting on the platform, a piper, disco music, refreshments, a 70s-themed quiz and a display with oral recollections in the new Discovery Centre. Unfortunately, it was not planned to explode detonators on the line!

40th anniversary of British Rail line closure

WIN! A Family Day Ticket & GoodiesWhich year was the bridge swept away at Langwathby?

Who lived in ‘the Cumberland’ from 1870?

What did Alan Rutherford put in his black pudding when there was a water shortage?

What toy may earn you free drinks in a pub?

Why did Harriet establish Mad Hatters?

What jostle for attention at Market Cross Alston?

“all your...” what at Melmerby Stores and Tearoom?

What are food and drink served with at the Shepherd’s Inn, Melmerby?

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WIN A FAMILY DAY TICKET & GOODIES BOX

Penrith Today’s SOUTH TYNEDALE

RAILWAY COMPETITIONHow better to signal the start of a great time in an around Alston.

South Tynedale Railway has generously sponsored this month’s competition with a day ticket for

two adults and up to three children, worth £24, plus a ‘goodies box’ full

of specially selected railway gifts and local food.

To enter, complete and send the competition form to Penrith Today at 11 West Lane, Penrith CA11 7DP or email to editorial@penrith-today.

co.ukThe first entry with all the correct

answers, drawn from a ‘hat’, will win.Closing date midnight

Wednesday 15 June 2016.

This competition is open to all UK residents, excluding Penrith Today employees and their agents, families or anyone professionally connected with the promotion. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Only one entry per person allowed. There are no alternative prizes or cash alternatives to the prizes stated. The winner may be requested to take part in publicity. All participants will be deemed to have accepted and be bound by these terms and conditions.

OUT OF EDEN Alston Moor

Do you remember …?

Were you on one of the last trains or in the area at the time of the closure of the Alston branch line or do you have other memories of the railway prior to closure? Please get in touch with Kim Holden at South Tynedale Railway, 01434 338212 or write to Penrith Today. We would love to hear from you.


Alston Moor Remembers 1914-1918In November 2013 a small group of people got together and work started on raising money for the restoration of the two war memorials on Alston Moor.

Work also started on creating an exhibition to tell the stories of the men who went to war, but didn’t return, and are named on the memorials. Once word got out, families came forward with photographs and information on their relatives. One lady, believing her great uncle had died in a mining accident, discovered that he was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

The centenary of the Battle of the Somme - can you help with information?On Saturday 18 June Alston Local Link will host a visit from the Cumbrian Museum of Military Life to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

An appeal has been put out by the Museum for anyone with any information on people who fought in the Great War to share this with the Museum. There will be a scanner and computer so that documents can be copied and returned on the same day, and copies kept at the museum in Carlisle.

Whilst the Museum is interested primarily in men who were in the Border Regiment, they also welcome a broader range of information. Some men from Alston were in the Lonsdale Battalion and so there may be connections with people from the Penrith area - who may wish to visit. There will also be exhibits from the museum as well as someone on hand to answer any queries or give advice.

For information on the exhibition or the commemorative event call: 01434 382244 or email [email protected]

Local LinksThe Local Links office in Alston was the first to open in Cumbria.

In 2000 Eden District Council took over the running of the Tourist Information Centre and moved it from the railway station into the Town Hall, followed eight years later by the library. Despite the upheaval of having to squeeze into a tiny office while the rooms were refurbished to accommodate the library, the team still managed to

win the Cumbria Tourism Team of the Year award.

Since then, more services have been added: from applying for a Nowcard to booking a seat on the community minibus;and reporting street lights not working or even dead badgers on the roadside to be removed.

On the first Tuesday of the month there is a lively ‘knit and natter’ session with a reading group meeting on the following Thursday. Pre-school children come along for

sing-a-long and the first year at the primary school visit for storytelling. Basic computer lessons can be booked for Tuesday afternoons. Other activities have included taster Spanish lessons and flower arranging classes. There is never a dull moment for the staff!

If you venture to Alston, please call at the centre to pick up information on what to see, where to eat or pick up a walk leaflet to explore the countryside. Jane and Elizabeth will be delighted to meet you.

The North Pennines AONB Partnership in collaboration with local charity Friends of the North Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, has launched a crowdfunding campaign ‘Raising The Standard.’

The aim is to raise funds to improve a section of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walking route, on the border between Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Increased footfall and heavy rain are damaging the ground near Nine Standards Rigg which has

become extremely boggy. The AONB Partnership wishes to lay stone flags along the damaged section of the route to protect the peat and give people a stable surface on which to to walk.

Alston Community Market The market, now in its fourth year and held in the Town Hall on the first Saturday of the month from March to December, is a fine showcase for local talent - with stalls ranging from jewellery and glassware to handmade cards and knitwear as well as plants and bric-a-brac. The latest addition is talented young artist Cathy Beaumont from Garrigill.

There is also a cafe serving homemade cakes and savouries, and a hamper to be won in the monthly raffle. All proceeds go to local good causes, which have included the League of Friends

of Alston Hospital, an animal rescue centre, Brownies and Guides and Alston Pre-School amongst others. For more information or to book a stall please call 01434 382244.

Raising the Standard on the Pennines

The crowdfunding video, that gives a great overview of the project, can be viewed on YouTube and more information can be found online. www.northpennines.org.uk

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PENRITHtoday

ENVIRONMENTWildlife and nature

Do you care? Do you care for someone

who is frail, ill or disabled?

A carer is someone who is looking after a relative or friend, of any age, who, because of disability, illness or old age cannot

manage at home without your help.

Eden Carers offers a FREE confidential support and information service to carers including:

We can support you to care

T: 01768 890 280 E: [email protected] www.edencarers.co.ukThe Office, Mardale Road, Penrith CA11 9EH Registered Charity No: 1101719. Company Reg. No: 4929903

Information • Information on all aspects of caring.

• Information about what help is available to you.

• Planning for emergencies.

• Putting you in touch with other organisations who can help.

• Our newsletter.

Support• Time to talk - in confidence.

1 to 1 support throughout Eden.

• Carers Needs Assessment - a chance to discuss what would help your situation.

• Help to arrange the support you need.

• Tailored support to young carers ages 5-18.

Social events• Opportunities to meet other carers.

• Training.

• After school club and activities for young carers.

• Time for you.

The once common hedgehog is under threat. The loss of

hedgerows, tidier gardens and intensified farming are all reasons for the decline in hedgehogs.

In the last 10 years hedgehog numbers have fallen by 30% and there are now fewer than one million left in the UK. They are disappearing from our countryside as fast as tigers are worldwide. Not much is known about how many have gone from Cumbria, but by asking people to complete the survey, Cumbria Wildlife Trust hopes to find out more about where hedgehogs are living, whether numbers are increasing, decreasing or staying the same and how many are dying on our roads.

Charlotte Rowley of the Trust says: “Hedgehog

numbers are dropping fast, but it’s hard to help hedgehogs if we don’t know much about where they are doing well or not so well. In addition to gathering

data we want to encourage people to make their gardens better for hedgehogs and we’ll be sending out lots of advice on what you can do to encourage them.”

Prickly factsHedgehogs have changed little over the last 15 million years.

Their ancestors roamed the earth before mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers.

Newborn hedgehogs are born with their spines under their skins – they emerge when they are a few hours old.

The hedgehog is a nocturnal creature, using its strong sense of smell to guide it through the dark, often travelling as far as two miles per night.

Feeding on at least 100 invertebrates a night, a hedgehog can weigh up to 1kg

They have a varied diet that includes beetles, caterpillars, slugs, snails, earthworms, cereals and even pet food.

Hedgehogs need your help

To find out more about hedgehogs in our county, local charity Cumbria Wildlife Trust (CWT) has launched a new online survey, ‘iSpy a hedgehog’, and is asking people to log their sightings of hedgehogs – dead or alive. hedgehogs.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

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New butterfly guideCumbria has such a wide range of wildlife habitats: from coastal sand dunes to the west, limestone grasslands in the south and a large area of peat bog in the north, there are places for all kinds of butterflies to thrive.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s guide ‘Great Places to See Spring Butterflies in Cumbria’ recommends great woodlands, meadows, industrial places and areas of the coast to spot beautiful butterflies. The guide is available free at: www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

Sad end to a golden era?England’s last remaining golden eagle has not been seen since last November at Riggindale, Haweswater, where it has lived since around 2001.

The male eagle was believed to be about 20-years-old and had lived alone since the death of his mate 12 years ago. It is thought that it may have died of natural causes as

20 years is an advanced age for an eagle.

Golden eagles arrived in the Lake District from Scotland in the late 1950s and a pair first bred at Haweswater in 1969. Between 1970 and 1996, 16 chicks were born at Haweswater and a second pair of eagles had four chicks in the Lake District between 1970 and 1983.

This internationally renowned exhibition opens at Rheged on Friday 20 May 2016, and offer the only opportunity to see it in the North of England. It has been organised by the

Natural History Museum for the past 51 years, the exhibition is the

most highly regarded photography competition of its kind. One of the finalists in this year’s competition is Keswick photographer Rosamund Macfarlane. 20 May - 3 July. Admission £3.50, under 16s go free. Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition


ENVIRONMENTWildlife and nature

New arrivals at Eycott HillThere will be a lot of new arrivals at Eycott Hill Nature Reserve over the next few months. Luing cattle that graze the nature reserve year round will be calving from the beginning of May through to July and will have calves at foot for most of the summer.

It is also the breeding season for lots of ground nesting birds including skylarks and meadow pipits that make their nests among longer grasses. Small mammals like shrew and short tailed vole also have young over the summer and become more active, moving around the nature reserve using ‘vole runs’. look out for small tunnels through the grass.

This is an exciting time of year and a lovely time to experience nature reserves, but please keep dogs on short leads as wildlife and grazing animals are disturbed easily, even by well-behaved dogs. Please remember also to pick up after your dog too as we

have lots of groups visiting including schools and volunteers who work across the nature reserve.

Luing cattle are excellent conservation grazers and as well as helping to create a good habitat for ground nesting birds and mammals also help wildflowers to thrive by eating more vigorously growing grasses. They get all the food they need from the land so please don’t feed cows or calves as it can also encourage them to approach visitors looking for tasty snacks! They have lots of room to roam on the nature reserve and often stay away from visitors, please respect this and observe them from a

distance taking care not to separate the cattle from their young.

This is a fabulous time to visit and we have a number of free events planned: Friday 3rd June: conservation work party, Saturday 25th June: wildlife discovery day, Saturday 26th June: guided walk

BY: STEVE DOWSONNATIONAL TRUST RANGER

If you were out and about during April you may have seen a helicopter flying around with big bags hanging below. These bags were full of stone destined to be dropped on fell-sides ready for this year’s footpath repair work.

This work is part of the Fix the Fells project, dedicated to repairing eroded footpaths. There are four teams of National Trust Footpath Rangers covering the Lakes, along with a small army of Fix the Fells volunteers.

During spring the teams fill big bags full of stone ready to be air lifted up to sites where footpaths are in need of repair. Once the bags of stone are dropped onto site, Rangers can then dig the stones into the worn out path (pitch) to create a hard surface to walk on.

Here, in Ullswater, we had the helicopter for two days in April. The first day it flew stone onto the path under Sheffield Pike, which was washed out by a landslide. The following day we flew 75 bags of gravel onto Gowbarrow Fell and to High Force.

The combination of millions of feet and the Lake District’s weather means that erosion is a constant problem, resulting in erosion scars across the landscape. The Fix the Fells teams, ensure that the mountains look like they do today.

?For more information on events, conservation work parties and news of Eycott Hillcumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

BY: JODY FERGUSONCUMBRIA WILDLIFE TRUST

Helm WindAlthough many mountain ranges display a similar phenomenon, a strong north-easterly wind that blows periodically down the south-west slope of the Cross Fell escarpment is the only named wind in the British Isles.

The wind may take its name from the helmet or cap of cloud that forms above Cross Fell when the wind is blowing, known as the Helm Bar. The effects can be very local and, at times, very severe, capable of stripping the roof off a barn or flattening trees.

Published accounts of the Helm Wind appeared from the late 18th century. Joseph Nicolson and Richard Burn’s ‘The History and Antiquities of the

Counties of Westmorland and Cumberland’ (1777) described the wind as ‘a violent roaring hurricane. tumbling down the mountain’. In 1827 the Newcastle Magazine noted that the wind is most feared at harvest time when it could prevent mowing, shake the unharvested grain from heads of corn and overturn stacks of grain and hay out in the fields. In 1863 a writer in The Border Magazine stated that ‘I

have known it strike like a chain-shot into a plantation of Scotch fir and larch, at Flakebridge, near Appleby, and for a space of about 150 yards in width, have seen nearly every tree torn up by the roots’.

Research into the Helm Wind was conducted by Gordon Manley in the 1930s, who interpreted the wind in hydrodynamic terms as a “standing wave” and “rotor”. This was confirmed in 1939 by glider flights.

Roaming with the Ranger

PENRITHtoday

ARTS & MUSICImagination, inspiration and expression

14 actors, 6 plays, 1 theatre

Season tickets are available if you want to see more than one play – they start from £16 per show. Individual tickets are priced from £10.00 - £34.50.

www.theatrebythelake.com017687 74411

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14 actors – seven women and seven men – are rehearsing at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick to prepare for the sixteenth full Summer Season since the theatre opened in 1999.

Each actor will appear in three of the six plays to be staged between the end of May and early November. The Main House presents a mad farce, a famous thriller and a classic 18th century comedy. In the Studio, two plays by two of Britain’s finest writers sandwich a great Greek tragedy written 2500 years ago.

Watch It, Sailor! by Philip King and Falkland Cary. A rollicking farce featuring a wedding that goes wrong and a terrifying mother-in-law. Opens 28 May.Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knott. A gripping 1950s Noir thriller: we know who did it – but will he get away with it? Opens 11 June.The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. A sparkling comedy of romance and intrigue in 18th century Bath. Opens 30 July.The Vertical Hour by David Hare. An intense and gripping debate about the ethics of war. Opens 28 May.Elektra by Sophokles. A sister, corroded by grief, seeks revenge on her mother for the murder of her father. Opens 18 June.Iron by Rona Munro. After 15 years in prison for murder, a mother receives her first visit from her daughter. Opens 6 August.

Derwent Pencils, established 180 years ago in Keswick, has joined a select group of companies that can sell their products under the Made in Britain marque.

The company operates from premises at Lillyhall near Workington, having moved there from Keswick in 2008. The Made in Britain marque is accredited to businesses that sell goods that have been manufactured or have undergone a final substantial change in the UK before sale.

The right to use the Made in Britain logo grew out of a campaign by Stoves, the Prescot-based cooker manufacturer, as a result of research showing that the public was confused about which products were made in the UK. In 2011 Stoves launched a competition to design a Made in Britain logo and in 2012 a committee was formed to

oversee the marque and assist with the ongoing promotion of the campaign.

The committee is made up of MDs and CEOs of UK manufacturing companies, plus supporters of British manufacturing. Made in Great Britain Campaign Ltd is a not-for-profit company that manages a membership scheme for users of the logo.

Made in BritainDerwent draws on 180 years of success

Deadline for entries 1 June 2016. Details and full terms and conditions on entry requirements at www.derwent-artprize.co.uk

Poetry to my earsNew to Shap at The Old Courthouse - a monthly Poetry Evening. The next one is due to take place on Thursday 19 May at 7.00pm. If you enjoy the spoken word, bring a poem or reading to share, or just come to listen. Admission £2. Tea and coffee available.

The Wordsworth Trust is bringing a travelling exhibition of work by the Parkhill Poets to The Old Courthouse later in May. For those with pre-school or nursery age children Wordsworth Trust will be providing a Rucksack of Rhymes ‘Bugs and Butterflies’ session at The Old Courthouse on Wednesday 25 May 10.15-11.15am.

In June there will be a ‘meet the author’ event with Phillip Caine, who has drawn on his experience as a civilian in Kazakhstan and the Middle East, to write two novels: ‘Picnic in Iraq’ (reviewed in Penrith Today in February) and ‘To Catch a Fox’. The Fox is second in command of ISIL, the brains behind its international reign of

terror. MI6 discovers a plot by ISIL to extract revenge for the killing of The Fox’s sons in Iraq. A daring plan to thwart the plot and disrupt ISIL’s international expansion is hatched.

Details of all events and opening times: www.theoldcourthouse.org

Derwent Art PrizeWhist reading this article and doodling at the margins, don’t overlook the closing date to compete for the annual Derwent Art Prize, which showcases the best artworks created in pencil by British and International artists. Eighty works will be selected for display at the Mall Galleries, London in September 2016. Prizes totalling £12,500 will be awarded at a ceremony on the opening night of the exhibition.


ARTS & MUSICImagination, inspiration and expression

Just as it is possible to learn to sail reading Swallows and Amazons books, one

can find out an awful lot about Lithuania, and not ‘just’ knitting, by reading Lithuanian Knitting.

On starting the book, I was struck first by linguistic differences. Not between Lithuanian and English, but between the two authors, one from the USA (Donna Druchunas) and the other from Cumbria (June Hall). These differences, in spelling and expression, set the scene: for the book is an exploration of culture. In this instance a common interest in knitting transcends borders, but also demonstrates how cultures can stop at borders and be bottled up in countries until released - as happened with the fall of communism and greater links between Lithuania and ‘the West’.

From different starting points, (Donna in writing about, and teaching knitting, June from her interest in history, sheep breeds, wool and folk art), the book reveals how they each discovered Lithuania, on the eastern edge of Europe. Both have learned to speak some Lithuanian but, as June points out, “It is a little disconcerting to enter a restaurant and be offered an English version of the

menu before a word is spoken. I sometimes think that I have the word, ‘English’ written across my forehead”.

Visitors from Lithuania to June’s Cumbrian farmhouse, dating from 1700 , often ask why she does not choose to live in a modern home. As she points out, while many English people value their family history and belongings, and enjoy the ambience of earlier periods, most Lithuanians, especially the young, want to leave their troubled past behind and modernise their homes.

There are interesting observations. For example: “When the Lithuanian language was suppressed by the Soviet Union and speaking out against the Communist Party was dangerous, wearing a pair of hand-knitted gloves might have

been the only way a person could safely display a quiet resistance.”

My impression is that the Lithuanian landscape must harbour a lot of sadness, as well as warm welcomes. Under Soviet communism dispersed farmsteads were cleared and the inhabitants were forced to move into blocks of flats. June observed how the elderly are reluctant to trust people - another throwback to Soviet days. Only recently are younger people becoming entrepreneurial.

I don’t have any particular interest in knitting and so it is perhaps surprising that I have enjoyed reading a book about Lithuanian knitting. I simply missed out any detailed descriptions of knitting patterns, which left half the book to enjoy as a cultural insight into the country. Knitting, in

this instance, is a method of penetrating the warp and weft of a culture, even if my analogy uses the wrong fabric of society!

With her practical involvement in the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and the Wool Clip (a co-operative of craftswomen working in wool), her own small flock of Soay sheep, and 15 years during which she has visited Lithuania regularly, June was uniquely placed to co-author Lithuanian Knitting. I have long been tempted to visit the Baltic countries. If I do, I will take a copy with me. It will help to disentangle the cultural contrasts in Lithuania and interpret rural scenes that stretch back through time, alongside austere functional Communist architecture and late 20th century help-yourself shops and glass skyscrapers.

If Lithuania is too far, there is presently an exhibition, ‘Hand in Glove’, at the Ruskin Museum in Coniston, which explores knitting traditions in Lithuania, Cumbria and Yorkshire: ruskinmuseum.com Why not combine this with a trip on the Gondola and tea on the terrace at Brantwood?

Lithuanian Knitting is a substantial, well-illustrated hard back book. Copies are available from The New Hedgehog Bookshop and Penrith Library.

Where will your book take you?

19 Little Dockray, Penrith, CA11 7HL 01768 863003

The New Hedgehog Bookshop

Lithuanian KnittingAUTHOR: Donna Druchanas

and June L HallRRP: £21.95ISBN: 978-0-9894638-3-6

The Raven of Eycott HillFree children’s story trailFamilies can enjoy an adventure around Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Eycott Hill Nature Reserve thanks to a new trail map aimed at children.

Produced by Anja Phoenix, who lives in Askham, The Raven of Eycott Hill is part of her Tale Trail series of walks and includes a map and an illustrated story inspired by the special landscapes, wildlife, and habitats of the nature reserve.

The free story trail follows the adventures of a little raven called Twilight who meets lots of interesting wildlife and folklore characters around Eycott Hill Nature Reserve. Jody Ferguson, Eycott Hill Communication and Events Officer, said: “We want to encourage visitors of all ages and The

Raven of Eycott Hill Tale Trail is a fun way to explore the nature reserve while learning about the wildlife you might see during a visit.”

The story trails are free of charge and were produced with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. To order a copy please contact Cumbria Wildlife Trust on [email protected] or 01539 816300.

PENRITHtoday

FARMINGLinks to the land

As Cumbria struggled during weeks of horrendous weather,

and repeated floods, young farmers showed indomitable community spirit and waded into help those most in need. During the first weekend over 40 young farmers cleared 75 trailer loads of water damaged furniture and household goods in Carlisle.

Pennine YFC members did all they could to help families in their own area. Hampers, containing tinned food, coffee, magazines, cleaning products and children’s toys were put together for families affected by floods in and around Appleby. They also liaised with schools to organise Christmas presents for children. Elsewhere they helped the Dunning family at Raisgill Head, who were the victims of a landslide that engulfed much of the farm, and cleared thousands of tons of mud and muck.

These are just a few examples of acts of selfless assistance that became the hallmark of the young farming community in Cumbria. To their surprise, these unsung heroes were nominated for the Countryfile Food and Farming Awards 2016. Out of 800 entries, they made it through to the final.

Shortly after this edition of Penrith Today went to print members travelled to the award ceremony, and the final results will be announced on Countryfile on the 8 June.

Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs currently has just over 1,750 members throughout 25 clubs. Ages range from 10-26 years and clubs vary in size from the smallest, with 33 members, to the largest club, with 126.

Members compete in many competitions throughout the year: public speaking, reading, fence erecting, efficiency with safety and Just A Minute - to name a few. Cumbria YFC won the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs Best County Trophy for five consecutive years between 2010 and 2015 and Cumbria recently hosted the Northern Area Competitions Weekend at the Richard Rose Morton Academy and the three Cumbria teams were placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall!

As if that was not enough, they work hard to raise

money for local and national charities and have raised over £52,000 over the past two years through undertaking a variety of fundraising events such as; sponsored walks, bed pushes, car washes, social events, dances, bingo nights and vintage tractor runs.

Young Farmers also work within the local community, helping to transform their environment. Last summer Aspatria YFC cleaned and laid new paving stones around a local war memorial and clubs from the Southern District cleared the ground and fixed the fences of a local primary school.

HARD AT WORK AT RAISGILL HEAD

Salt of the earthYoung Farmers are the pride of Cumbria

More than 300 dairy farms have closed in CumbriaThe number of dairy farms in Cumbria has reduced by more than 300 since 2006.

Figures from the House of Commons Library reveal that in the last 10 years there has been a 28% decrease in the number of dairy farms in the county. There are currently 784 dairy farms in Cumbria, in contrast to 1,089 10 years ago. In the last year alone, 17 dairy farms have closed.

Tim Farron MP has highlighted this decline and is pressing the government to do more to support dairy farming, including ensuring fairness in the supply chain.

He has called for the Groceries Code Adjudicator’s remit to be extended so that dairy farmers can get a better deal in their negotiations with processors and supermarkets.

RPA bridging fundIn April Rory Stewart MP confirmed a package of support for dairy farmers, with particular relevance for Cumbria. This resulted in the RPA making immediate 50% bridging payments to farmers in England waiting for their 2015 Basic Payment Scheme money.

It was estimated that around 10% of farmers nationally had still to be paid and a statement indicated that bridging payments would be administered “in a rigorous and swift fashion” by the end of April.

Still waiting? Contact Rory Stewart’s constituency office on 01768 484 114 or email [email protected]


WHAT’S ONThe month at a glance

WHAT’S ONContact Penrith Today to add to this calendar of events: [email protected]

On-going (Saturdays) “Penrith Parkrun”. Free weekly 5km timed run. All ages and abilities. Frenchfield Sports Centre. 9.00am. Register before first attending. On-going (1st and 3rd Monday of month) Traditional-ish music session, Moo Bar, Penrith. 8pm - c.11pm. Songs and tunes. All welcome to perform, join in or just listen.To 1 June Cumbrian Wildlife. Artist Peter Worswick working under the name Ruby Keller captures the character of Cumbrian wildlife. Percy House Gallery. www.percyhouse.co.uk

To 5 June Mountain High. Recent work by Jane Ward. Viridian Gallery, Keswick.

To 5 June Elements by Kate Bentley. Award-winning artist presents dramatic oils and watercolours of the Lyth Valley and the Lake District. Brantwood, Coniston. www.brantwood.org.uk

MAY17th Penrith Farmers’ Market. 3rd Tuesday of each month March-December from 9.30am-2.30pm. A town centre tempting array of local specialities, seasonal produce and distinctive crafts.18th Open Garden at Larch Cottage Nurseries in aid of Red Cross. 1.00-4.00pm. £4.00 per adult, children under 12 free. 07738 944 551, www.redcross.org.uk/opengarden or www.larchcottage.co.uk18th Make a Fun Palace workshop. A free, local event using arts and science to celebrate each unique community and the skills and interests of those who live there. 5.30-7.30pm with Eden Arts at The Old Fire Station, Bridge Lane, Penrith. Book in advance. www.edenarts.co.uk19th-22nd Keswick Mountain Festival. Based at the Festival Village, Crow Park, Keswick. www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk or 03300 555 734.20th - 3rd July Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition. Stunning images of the natural world come to life in this exhibition from the Natural History Museum, London.

Featuring a new category for time-lapse photography. 10.30am-4.30pm. £3.50. Under 16s free. Rheged, Penrith.21st ‘This is all physics of the body’. A Feldenkrais practical workshop suitable for all. 10.30am - 2.30pm. £25 on door, £18 in advance non-refundable. Friends Meeting House, Meeting House Lane, Penrith CA11 7TR. 07977 961 56321st Gifted Eden Artisan Market in Penrith. 3rd Saturday of each month.21st-22nd Traditional Cumbrian Craft Weekend. Priest’s Mill, Caldbeck. 10.30am-4.30pm. Free Entry. 016974 78527.22nd Blencathra Supreme Sporting Dog Challenge. Threlkeld Cricket Club. Opens 11.00am. Judging from Noon. Entrance £5.00. Under 16s free. Home Baking, refreshments, trade stands, bar. 07793 486 770 / 07796 517 694.22nd Brathay Windermere Marathon and Half Marathon. Brathay Hall, Ambleside. www.brathay.org.uk22nd Open Garden at Larch Cottage Nurseries in aid of Red Cross. 1.00-4.00pm. £4.00 per adult, children under 12 free. 07738 944 551, www.redcross.org.uk/opengarden or www.larchcottage.co.uk23rd Shap Local History Society, AGM followed by ‘Romany of the BBC’ talk by Sheila Fletcher. 7:30pm Green Room, Memorial Hall, Shap. Visitors welcome £3.00.24 - 30th The Lakes Collective Exhibition. Work and workshops by 25 Lake District artists, printmakers, jewellers, cabinet makers, woodworkers etc. 10.00am-5.00pm daily. 10.00am - 9.00pm Thu 26 May. Free admission. Bishop Bulley Barn, Rydal Hall LA22 9LX 27 - 28th Ireby Music Festival. www.irebyfestival.co.uk28th Askham Outdoor Swimming Pool - opening day and family-friendly gala, ready for the summer season. 2.00-.005pm. All welcome. See Facebook or www.askhamandhelton.co.uk28 - 30th Mystical Magical Events Theatre - ‘Alice Experience’ in the walled Thomas Mawson garden Bishop Bulley Barn, Rydal Hall, Rydal LA22 9LX Nominal entry fee. 28 - 30th Bank Holiday at Brougham Hall. Craft and Gift Show with traditional family entertainment. Saturday 9.30am-5.00pm. Sunday/Monday 10.00am-4.30pm. 07966 499748. www.creativecrafts-online.co.uk

28th-30th Craft Fair at St Andrew’s Church, Greystoke. Craft stalls and café.28th Opening day and family-friendly Gala at Askham Outdoor Swimming Pools ready for the summer season. Open 2-5pm. All welcome to join in the gala. www.askhamandhelton.co.uk 29th Classic Cars in the Park at Hutton in the Forest. 10am – 4pm. www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk

JUNE2 - 8th Appleby Horse Fair. www.applebyfair.org3 - 4th Bassenthwaite Festival. St Bega’s Church, Bassenthwaite. www.bassfest.org.uk3 - 4th Keswick Beer Festival. www.keswickbeerfestival.co.uk4th Grasmere Gallop. Trail races, family fun run and walk. www.grasmeregallop.co.uk4 - 5th Country Fest. County Showground nr Nr Kenda. 015395 678044th-5th Wigton Dog Agility Show at Hutton in the Forest. www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk5th Blood Bikes at Brougham Hall, near Penrith. Fun, treasure hunt, quiz, ride out.8th Cumberland County Show, Carlisle10thIan Sherwood Spring 16. One of Canada’s rising star song-writers, Ian’s music dances the line between folk and pop. 7.30 pm at Lazonby Village Hall CA10 1AQ. 10th-12th Stepping Stones Music Festival. Kirklington Hall, Nr Longtown. 016977 48833. www.steppingstonesfestival.co.uk10th-12th Great North Swim, Low Wood Hotel, Windermere. www.greatswim.org11th Cumberland County Show. Carlisle Racecourse, Durdar Road, CA2 4TS. www.cumberlandshow.co.uk 01228 812601 (Admin Secretary).

11th Greenholme Show. Bridge End field between Tebay and Orton. 015396 2441411th-12th Special exhibition weekend and concert, St Michael’s Church, Shap. Includes a world premiere organ music tribute to HM Queen! 14th Lowther Castle and Gardens - Join Head Gardener, Martin Ogle for a guided walk of the gardens. £10.00. Booking: 01931 712192 or email [email protected]

15th Mid-summer evening cruise on Ullswater. Raising funds for Carlisle kidney dialysis unit on an ‘Ullswater Steamer’, complete with band Los Bandidos. 7.00-9.00pm. Tickets £10 from Anne Gibson 01768 82372 / [email protected] (book in advance). See article.

15th Meet the Gardener at Hutton in the Forest. 11.30am. www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk

18th Gifted Eden Artisan Market in Penrith. 3rd Saturday of each month.

18th Somme Centenary Commemoration in Alston. Do you have written records that can be copied on the day to help preserve the memory of WW1 experiences? Alston Town Hall (See article).

19th Alston Sheepdog Trials.

19th Eden Housing Association Fun Day at Penrith Rugby Club. 10:00am-1.00pm

19th The Lakeman triathlon, www.thelakesman.com

19 - 26th Keswick Festival. www.keswick.org

21th Rod Stewart - UK Hits 2016 Tour. Doors open: 5.00pm. Brunton Park, Carlisle. www.gigantic.com

21th Penrith Farmers’ Market. 3rd Tuesday of each month March-December from 9.30am-2.30pm. A town centre tempting array of local specialities, seasonal produce and distinctive crafts.

24th Submission deadline for Cumbrian Artist of the Year exhibition. www.edenarts.co.uk

24 - 25th Woolfest. The original British wool festival. Mitchells Lakeland Livestock Centre, Cockermouth CA13 0QQ. www.woolfest.co.uk 016974 78707

25th Improve eye function and comfort. A Feldenkrais practical workshop suitable for all. 10.30am - 2.30pm. £25 on door, £18 in advance non-refundable. Friends Meeting House, Meeting House Lane, Penrith CA11 7TR. 07977 961 563.

25th Triathlon X. One of the toughest physical events on the Cumbrian calendar, staged from YHA Ambleside. Music and fun for spectators.

27th Shap Local History Society: visit to Ravenstonedale. To book contact: Jean Scott-Smith 01931 716386

28th Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Hutton in the Forest. 7.30pm. www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk

PENRITHtoday

COMMUNITYClub, Church and Society news

BY: JON COOKCENTRE MANAGER, EDEN DISTRICT CAP DEBT CENTRE

In April over 50 parents, teachers and pupils from Hunter Hall School ventured into the great outdoors to appreciate the beautiful environment in which they live. They witnessed recent flood damage and gained a greater understanding about what really makes the Lake District so special.

With an age range of 6 months to 70+, the ‘Family Mountain Day’ set off from Patterdale Hall up Grizedale Valley to Ruthwaite Lodge, the mountain hut owned by The Outward Bound Trust - for a much promised afternoon tea party. From the hut some of the group continued to Grizedale Tarn, whilst learning about the history of the surrounding area.

Darcy aged 3 and Harrison aged 4 were so determined to

make it to the hut on their very first mountain adventure they overcame tiredness and fear along the way. Harrison said, when asked if he wished to turn back: “I’m not going down. I’m getting to the top”

Hunter Hall pupils are very actively involved in outdoor education, including fellwalking and climbing, This was an opportunity to share this with friends and family.

School and Family outing aims highOff the ShelfLibraries are more than just books!

Baby Bounce & Rhyme 20 minute sessions of songs and rhymes with a story. Tuesdays during term time. 10.00-10.30am and 11.00-11.30am Thursdays during term time 10.30-11.00am

Lego Club Thursdays weekly during term times: 4.00-4.45pm Booking essential

Half Term EventsCumbrian Animals: The Wordsworth Trust returns with a Rucksack of Rhymes for Pre-School children. Tuesday 31st May 10.30-11.30am

Cumbrian Cats: Caroline Burden from Cats Protection shows how to look after pet cats at this free drop-in workshop. All ages. Wednesday 1st June 10.30 – 11.45

Local History Month15 minute taster talks on aspects of Penrith and Cumbria. All talks start at 2pm.Wednesday 18th May: John Sharpe – Joseph Scott of Penrith and Los AngelesTuesday 24th May: The Ancient Woodlands of Cumbria.

Local History Display: Timeline of Penrith through history from AD975 to 2000

Dementia Awareness Week: 15-21 May. A range of dementia resource bags and books about living with and caring for someone with dementia can be borrowed free of charge.Also available are Reminiscence boxes that can be used to promote discussion of the past and shared memories, for almost any group. For example, one box is “Childhood from 1930”, which contains items such as tin top, comics and children’s clothes. The boxes are available for community groups to borrow, such as residential homes, Brownies, Scouts, WI or Age Concern.A member of staff will be happy to talk to you and show you the resources available.

Author event - Alan Gandy Lakeland - walking with wildlife Wednesday 15th June at 2pm. A book to dip into to conjure up striking images of days on the hills. To book a place ask at the library or contact 01768 812100.

Penrith Golf Club used their 125th anniversary as the spur to plan for the future – and has won England Golf ’s 2016 GolfMark Club of the Year.

The award, now in its eighth year, recognises GolfMark clubs that have made an outstanding contribution to developing the game. The Club’s trophy cabinet is now under pressure, having won the Community Club of the Year accolade at the end of last year at the Cumbria Sports Awards.

Phil Park, a past captain and committee member who drove the club’s GolfMark process, said: “This is a tremendous accolade for Penrith Golf Club and a special moment in the history of the club. It is fantastic to be recognised at national level against such tough opposition and is a true reward for the work carried out at the club, both on and off the course, by so many hard working people. This will provide real incentive and motivation to strengthen the club in the years ahead.”

Left to right: Phil Park, Andrew Sowerby, Craig Verrinder (sponsor), Duncan Miller, Allan Ellison, Joan Armstrong, Di Dougherty (presenter), Dennis Wright, Joe Grinbergs, Allan Dixon.

Penrith wins GolfMark Club of the Year Start planning your summer ‘staycation’Days are getting longer and the weather is getting (slightly) warmer – sure signs that summer is on its way.

If you haven’t already booked a holiday, you’ll probably be starting to think about where to go. Holidays abroad can be pricey. Besides, flights, accommodation, insurance… who needs the stress? Why not make this the year of the ‘staycation’?

Britain is well known for some of the most culturally rich cities in the world - Edinburgh and its wonderful architecture, to York and its rich history.

The Great British countryside is second to none and here in Eden we have the very best! Get out and about this summer, take the kids, see what is on offer right here in Eden and the Lakes. Check out beautiful Alston and the Pennines and, a little further afield, the lovely Yorkshire dales.

Taking the caravan for a spin or heading out on a camping trip are great ideas for a relatively inexpensive and fun family holiday. There are thousands of campsites just about anywhere you want to explore. How about getting the bikes out of the shed and planning a few days out?

What do Belgium’s Hallerbos Forest, Poland’s Tatra Mountains and our very own Lake District have in common? The answer is that they’re all included in Condé Nast’s top 50 most beautiful places to visit in Europe. They are not Britain’s only appearance on the list – Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire, Oxford University and the Scottish Highlands are all considered some of the most stunning places on the continent.

Penrith Friars Bowling ClubFriars has got off to an excellent start in the outdoor season. There is coaching from 6.00pm on Wednesday evenings and the Club is looking forward to hosting two events. The Cumbria Ladies v Yorkshire Ladies on the afternoon of Friday 3 June and Cumbria Lady Vice Presidents Day on Sunday 12 June. Visitors are very welcome to attend.


LOCAL DIRECTORYAt your fingertips

Useful public information to point you in the right direction.

Please let Penrith Today know if you wish your organisation to be added to this Directory, updated or deleted. Contact: [email protected]

We understand that this information is accurate when written. It is liable, however, to change without our knowledge. Penrith Today cannot be responsible for the consequences of any inaccuracies.

ANIMAL CARE

Eden Animal Rescue01931 716 114RSPCA General enquiries07718 065 995RSPCA National Cruelty line0300 1234 999

VETS

Advertise in Penrith Today and automatically get your business included in the directory, or we can include you here for £10. 01768 868 808

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Cumbria Business Growth Hub & Rural Growth Network0844 257 8450www.cumbriagrowthhub.co.ukCumbria Chamber of Commerce08452 260040www.cumbriachamber.co.ukEden Ladies Business [email protected](find on Facebook)Enterprise Answers01768 867118www.enterpriseanswers.co.ukFederation of Small Businesseswww.fsb.org.uk/lancs-and-cumbriaInvest in EdenEconomic Development, Eden District Council, 01768 817817www.investineden.co.ukLocal Enterprise Partnership(includes The Edge in Cumbria)www.cumbrialep.co.uk

Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commercewww.penrithchamberoftrade.org.ukThe Farmer Network01768 868 615www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk

CARE AND COMMUNITY

Charities and organisations offering practical support.Action for Blind People01228 595121Adult learningFor assistance with adult literacy and numeracy.Alston: 01434382536Appleby: 017683 53350Penrith: 01768864120Affordable Warmth AdvisorEden Housing Association01768 861463Age UK Carlisle and EdenCarlisle: 01228 536 673Eden: 01768 863 618British Red CrossMissing! families separated as a result of WWII. 0191 273 7961Cruise Bereavement Care07071 780761.Debt Advice (free)Eden District CAP Debt Centre0800 326 0006 (to book)Alcoholics Anonymous. Confidential 24hr helpline: 0845 769 7555.Alzheimer’s Society01768 899633National Dementia Helpline: 0300 222 1122Bipolar Support Group Penrith08454 349880.Citizens Advice Bureau2 Sandgate, Penrith: 01768 863 564Mon, Tue, Thurs 10.00am-3.30pm.Health Centre, Appleby: 01768 891503 (appointments)Tues 1.00-4.00pmCumbria Dyslexia Association01539 742 632.

Diabetes - advice0345 123 2399 www.diabetes.org.ukEden CarersA confidential support and information service to carers.The Office, Mardale Road, Penrith CA11 9EH: 01768 890280Eden Independent LivingAlarms, emergency response, gardening, care handyman services01768 890 657Eden Mencap SocietyUllswater House, Duke Street, Penrith CA11 7LY 01768 892014Carlisle Eden Mind13 Angel Lane, Penrith 01768 840679Eden Voluntary Society for BlindAge UK Resource Centre, Sandgate, Penrith 01768 891 724Farming Community NetworkPractical and pastoral help for the farming community. Confidential helpline: 0845 367 9990www.fcn.org.uk

Dear EditorFollowing on from April’s article on Easter traditions in ‘Crumbs from my Plate’, I wonder if anyone else remembers herb puddings made with newly emerging young leaves at this time of the year?

Dear EditorI read your brief article on Lord Birkett this week. One point that you missed was that the saving of the public access rights on Ullswater is celebrated every year by Ullswater Yacht Club’s biggest event of the year, the Lord Birkett Trophy. This takes place on the first weekend in July (2nd & 3rd this year). This year will be the 54th time that this event has taken place.

The event attracts entries from all over the UK and sometimes

beyond, and reached 231 boats last year, the biggest ever. The start line is the full width of the lake, and the boats race to one of the islands near Glenridding, then back to the Pooley Bridge end of the lake and finish at the Club, which is located near the Sharrow Bay hotel. The Ullswater Steamers run a special cruise in conjunction with the event, and the winning team receive the prestigious trophy, and B&B for two at the Sharrow Bay Hotel. The start times for the races are 13:00 on Saturday and 11:00 on Sunday.John Robinson

I can (just) recall gathering the ingredients for the pudding with my Grandma, picking from hedgerows along the lane to Thacka. Not something that would necessarily be very wise now that herbicides and pesticides are used so extensively. The young tips of nettle leaves, paler green than later in the season, young dandelion leaves and also Easter ledgers or Bistort, a small ground covering plant that later put up spikes of pinkish flowers, were popped into the cloth bag as we walked and chatted. Funnily enough, in my memory those days were always warm and sunny – contrast this with our Spring weather!

The leaves were taken home to be washed, finely chopped and along with other ingredients, like onion, soaked pearl barley and seasoning, would be wrapped tightly in a muslin bag tied with string. The whole thing was simmered for a while in a pan of water. After this came the least pleasant part, at least in my opinion, eating the green mound sitting next to the roast lamb. I’m afraid it was just pushed around the plate and hidden under knife and fork as far as possible. However, I wouldn’t have missed those afternoons.Barbara Atkinson

Letters to the Editor

Thank you to Rose Lightfoot of Gillside Farm, Glenridding, for responding to the old photograph we posted in our last edition. Rose received the MBE in 2012 for services to the community, and is now 90 years old. She can recall in the early 1930s the same group of men sitting regularly on a bench near the White Lion at Patterdale.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Willie Chugg (Postmaster, who had the Post Office built), Fisher Bowman (Postman, whose daughter Winifred Little, age 93 lives in Penrith), Amos Munroe (Ullswater View, Patterdale), Jonathan Wilkinson (Middleton Place, Patterdale), Billy Pattinson (Oak Bank, Patterdale).

Photo identification success story

PENRITHtoday


HIV and AIDSCumbria Support Group: 01228 591 986 (confidential helpline).Hospice at Home 01228 603208 (nursing), 01768 210719 (fundraising)Let Go Domestic Violence01768 892179National Breastfeeding helpline:0300 100 0212Neighbourhood Care Independence Practical support for independent living.Cumbria County Council08449 671885North Cumbria Community TransportMonday-Friday mornings. 01228 633642. Also answerphone.Penrtih & District Local Branch of Diabetes UK07714 973074Penrith Breastfeeding GroupTuesdays 1.00-3.00pm at Penrith Leisure CentreRelateMarriage and relationship guidance: 01642 882822Resolve Mediation ServicesYoung people and parents, neighbour disputes, etc: 01900 603229Royal British LegionMusgrave House, Middlegate, Penrith, CA11 7PG.Penrith Library first Friday of the month 10.00am-1.00pm.

Rural WheelsA transport scheme for people in rural areas. 0845 602 3786Safeguarding AdultsAre you worried someone is being abused? Tell someone!01228 606060 (Adult Social Care)080 8808 8141 (Action on Elder Abuse Response Line)Shelter UK0344 515 1945SSAFA Forces Help 01434 381113 / 01524 782 418Sound Advice CumbriaAge UK Resource Centre, Sandgate, Penrith 01768 895 553Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)National helpline: 0844 5616855. Paul: 07869 703757. John: 07572 975 721. www.uk-sobs.org.uk

Talking Newspapers01768 863546Veterans AssociationHelp and and advice for ex-Forces personnel: 07434 730620 Volunteer Centre Eden33 Sandgate, Penrith. 01768 866966YOGA for Healthy Lower backs01768 353350

SUPPORTING CHARITIESAir Ambulance 01325 487263 / 07887 414326 (Steve Hucker)Penrith Lions Club: 01768 865757 (Ian Edgar)

Penrith Mountain RescueMeet at Moo Bar, Penrith (3rd Tue of month) [email protected]

Penrith Rotary International: 017684 86424 (Mike Hunter)Penrith Soroptimists International [email protected]

EDUCATION (ADULT)

Cumbria Adult Education01768 812 175www.caumbriaadulteducation.orgAppleby Heritage Centre017683 53350 www.applebyheritagecentre.org.ukPenrith Learning 01931 716447 www.shapcdc.org.uk

Penrith and North Lakes U3A Mike Head 01768 606627

EMERGENCIES, SECURITY, SAFETY

Fire, Police, Ambulance, Coastguard, Mountain/Cave

Where life is at risk 999 or 112

None urgent enquiries 101

Penrith Police StationHunter Lane, Penrith: 0845 330 0247

Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321Crimestoppers0800 555 111Samaritans08457 90 90 90Homelessness - Out of hours 0345 717 1100Environment AgencyDamage or danger to the natural environment, pollution, poaching, wildlife/fish in distress, illegal dumping 0800 80 70 60Floodline (flood warning)0345 988 1188Gas Emergencies (if you smell gas) 0800 111 999 Power cuts and emergencies (Electricity North West) 0800 195 4141 No water or dirty water 0345 6723 723

ENTERTAINMENT

CINEMASLonsdale Alhambra Cinema47 Middlegate, Penrith CA11 7PT01768 862400 www.penrith-alhambra.co.ukZeffirelli’sCompston Road, Ambleside LA22 9AD. 015394 33845 www.zeffirellis.co.uk

THEATRESPenrith PlayersThe Playhouse, 1 Auction Mart Lane, Penrith CA11 7JG 07505 314420 www.penrithplayers.co.ukTheatre by the LakeLakeside, Keswick, CA12 5DJTel: 017687 74411 www.theatrebythelake.com

HEALTH

DENTAL TREATMENT

For emergency treatment: 01228 603900. To register with an NHS dentist: 01539 797855.

DENTISTS

Strickland Dental PracticeStricklandgate, Penrith CA11 7NH 01768 865 744 www.stricklandgatedental.co.uk

DOCTORSBirbeck Medical GroupPenrith Health Centre, Bridge LanePenrith CA11 8HW 01768 214620The Lakes MedicalPenrith Health Centre, Bridge LanePenrith CA11 8HW 01768 214345Temple Sowerby MedicalLinden Park, Temple SowerbyPenrith CA10 1RW 017683 61232Kirkoswald SurgeryRavenghyll, KirkoswaldPenrith CA10 1DQ 01768 898560Shap Medical Practice Shap Health Centre, Peggy Nut CroftShap, Penrith CA10 3LW 01931 716230Court Thorn SurgeryCourt Thorn, Low Hesket, Carlisle CA4 0HP 016974 73548Glenridding Health CentreGlenridding, Penrith CA11 0PD 017684 82297Appleby Medical PracticeThe Riverside Building, Chapel St, Appleby CA16 6QR017683 51584Caldbeck SurgeryFriar Row, Caldbeck, Wigton CA7 8DS 016974 78254Shap Medical PracticeOrton Branch Surgery, Market HallOrton, Penrith CA10 3RJ01931 716230

OPTICIANS

TIM ROEBUCK Opticians4 KING STREET, Penrith 01768 899944 [email protected]

BAGOT OPTICIANS19 Great Dockray, Penrith CA11 7DE 01768 864 641

Advertise in Penrith Today and automatically get your business included in the directory, or we can include you here for £10. 01768 868 808

PHARMACISTSSainsbury’s Pharmacy Southend Road, Penrith CA11 7FG01768 245808

Call 01768 868 808 to find out more.

Your message and contact details displayed here for £125p/m

Your Dental practice here.



Boots Unit 3 Angel Square, Penrith CA11 7BT01768 862735Joseph Cowper Limited 49-50 King Street, Penrith CA11 7AY01768 862063The Co-Operative Pharmacy 8 Middlegate, Penrith CA11 7PG01768 862695Morrisons Pharmacy Brunswick Road, Penrith CA11 7JU01768 862055Penrith HC Consortium Ltd Penrith Hospital, Bridge LanePenrith CA11 8HW 01768 864761Boots 11 Boroughgate, Appleby CA16 6XF01768351410

PHYSIOTHERAPISTSAbsolute PhysiotherapyOrchard View, Catterlen, Penrith CA11 0BJ 07851 228 805

HOSPITALSPenrith HospitalBridge Lane, Penrith, CA11 8HX0345 988 1188Alston Ruth Lancaster James Hospital Alston CA9 3QX, 01434 381218Cumberland Infirmary Newtown Road, Carlisle CA2 7HY01228 523444Westmorland General HospitalBurton Rd, Kendal LA9 7RG01539 732288

Penrith LibrarySt Andrew’s Churchyard, Penrith, CA11 7YA. 01768 812100. Shap LibraryThe Old Courthouse, Main Street, Shap CA10 3NL 01931 716644Bolton Book DropBolton Memorial Hall, Bolton, Appleby 01768 812103Lazonby Library LinkHenderson Buildings, Lazonby, Penrith CA10 1BGTel: 01228 227310For information about libraries at Alston, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen, and mobile library services, phone 01768 812100.

LOCAL AUTHORITIESPenrith and surrounding areas are governed by three or four tiers of Local Authority, depending whether you live within or outside the Lake District National Park:Lake District National ParkMurley Moss, Oxenholme Road, Kendal LA9 7RL: 01539 724555www.lakedistrict.gov.ukNorthern OfficeOld Station Yard, Threlkeld, Penrith, CA12 4TT 017687 79771Cumbria County CouncilThe Courts, Carlisle CA3 8NA. 01228 812381: www.cumbria.gov.ukEden District CouncilTown Hall, Penrith, CA11 7QF. 01768 817817: www.eden.gov.uk

LOCAL COUNCILS

Local (community, neighbourhood, parish, village and town) councils are the first tier of local government, serving electorates in small rural communities and some towns.

Cumbria Association of Local Councils01768 812663 www.calc.org.ukPenrith Town Council01768 899 773 www.penrithtowncouncil.co.uk.

PLACES OF WORSHIP & BELIEF

All Saints’ Church, Penruddock017684 83293

All Saints’, WatermillockSt Michael, BartonSt Paul, Pooley BridgeSt Peter, Martindale017684 86220

Meditation and Modern BuddismPenrith Library Meeting Room 01228 319344Bridge Youth Cafe01768 862787 www.pmcyouth.co.uk

Christ Church (CofE)Drovers Lane, Penrith, 01768 862 867Church in the BarnBridge End, Clifton, Penrith CA10 2EA 07701 011 004 [email protected]

Humanists01768 881245King’s Church Eden The Play Station, Huntley Avenue, Penrith 01768 892360 Penrith Methodist ChurchWordsworth Street, Penrith 01768 862787 Penrith Spiritual ChurchEvergreen Hall, Penrith07511 294 256Penrith United Reformed ChurchLowther Street, Penrith01768 361439Salvation Army1 Hunters lane, Penrith01768 866 732Society of Friends (Quaker)Friends Meeting House, Penrith01768 892 513 St Andrew’s Church, Greystoke017684 83293 St Andrew’s Church (CofE)St Andrew’s Place, Penrith 01768 863 000 St Catherine’s Church (Catholic)Drovers Lane, Penrith, 01768 862 273 St Kentigern’s Church, Mungrisdale017684 83293 St Patrick’s Church, Patterdale017684 82209

POST OFFICES

GreystokeChurch Road, Greystoke, CA11 0TWPooley BridgePooley Bridge, CA10 2NPPenrithCrown Square, CA11 7AABurrowgate, Penrith36/40 Burrowgate, CA11 7TAPlumptonPlumpton, CA11 9NSHesket NewmarketHesket Newmarket, Wigton, CA7 8JGCaldbeckCaldbeck, Wigton, CA7 8EALangwathbyLangwathby, CA10 1LWKeswick4 Bank Street, Keswick, CA12 5JYLazonbyPenrith Co-op, Lazonby, CA10 1BG

SCHOOLS

PRIMARY SCHOOLSAppleby Primary

Station Road, Appleby CA16 6TX 017683 51431Beaconside CE PrimaryHutton Hill, Penrith CA11 8EN 01768 840868BoltonBolton, Appleby CA16 6AW 017683 61511BrunswickBrunswick Road, Penrith CA11 7LX 01768 213200Culgaith CECulgaith, Penrith CA10 1QL 01768 88655Greystoke Primary SchoolGreystoke, Penrith CA11 0TP017684 83572High Hesket CEHigh Hesket, Carlisle CA4 0HU 016974 73386Langwathby CESalkeld Road, Langwathby CA10 1ND 01768 881295Lazonby CELazonby, Penrith CA10 1BL 01768 898458Orton CEOrton, Penrith CA10 3RG 015396 24268Penruddock Primary SchoolPenruddock, Penrith CA11 0QU01768 483278Plumpton SchoolPlumpton, Penrith CA11 9PA01768 894 247Shap Endowed CEShap, Penrith CA10 3NL 01931 716274Stainton CE PrimaryStainton, Penrith CA11 0ET 01768 840673Yanwath Primary SchoolYanwath, Penrith CA10 2LA01768 242153

STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLSQueen Elizabeth Grammar Ullswater Road, Penrith, CA11 7EG 01768 864621 or 01768 890923Ullswater Community College Wetheriggs Lane, Penrith, CA11 8NG 01768 210206 or 01768 210211

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Austin Friars St Monica’s.Etterby Scaur, Carlisle CA3 9PB01228 528042Hunter Hall (preparatory)Frenchfield, Penrith, CA11 8UA 01768 891291

LIBRARIES

TIM ROEBUCKO P T I C I A N 4 King Street, Penrith, CA11 7AR

[email protected] 899944

PENRITHtoday


ANTIQUESThe Brunswick Yard Antiques and salvage, oriental carpet specialist. Bruswick Road, Penrith, CA11 7JV Tel: 01768 867741 www.bruswick-yard.co.uk

ARCHITECTS

BICYCLESArragon’s Cycle Centre For all your cycling needs. 2 Brunswick Road Penrith CA11 7LU 01768 890344 www.arragons.com

BOWLINGPenrith Friars Bowling Club Friargate Penrith CA11 7XR

New members always welcome Flat Green and Short Mat Bowling

Contact Anne Hunter 017684 83214

[email protected]

BRIDAL WEAR Kabeaux Bridal Bridal wear and accessories. Elite Venus Bridal stockist. 6 Angel Lane, Penrith CA11 7BP Book appointment: 01768 744200Finesse Bridal Pre-loved and immaculate. Over 400 dresses. 40 Middlegate Penrith CA11 7PT [email protected] 01768 866799

BUILDERSADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE This advert costs only £6.30+VAT with your www.website.co.uk and [email protected] call 01768 868 808

BUSINESS SUPPORTBusiness support, advice, development, planning, marketing. Kellie Bradburn-Sims, advising since 2010. KBS Business Consultancy. 07906 477 931 [email protected]

CARAVANSWordsworth Caravan Servicing Quick, reliable mobile service for caravans and motor homes. 01768 866887 or 07789 711287

CAFELangwathby Station Cafe CA10 1NB Coffees & lunches. Home baking. Friendly welcome Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Tel: 01768 881151/ 07767 602687

CARPENTRY

CARPETSFELLSIDE CARPETS & FLOORING

Supply and fit an Extensive Range of Quality Carpets, Vinyls and Rugs. Our own qualified dedicated fitters.

Call Christine or Michelle for a free quotation.

Sandgate House (Opp Penrith Bus Station)

01768 868 674 [email protected]

Thiefside Carpet Binding Edge your carpet off cuts to make door mats, runners & rugs. 01768 885 677 or 07789 543 734

TERMS & CONDITIONS - Penrith Today contains articles from contributors who are not employed directly by Penrith Today Ltd. The community newspaper also includes letters from readers and material provided by advertisers who pay for advertising space in the publication. Penrith Today Ltd takes no responsibility for the accuracy of content or the quality of any services or products offered by advertisers nor of the truth of any representations made in advertising features. Similarly, Penrith Today Ltd takes no responsibility for the content of letters published in Penrith Today and the contents of any such letters reflect the views of those writing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Penrith Today Ltd nor its directors and employees. Penrith Today Ltd reserves the right to edit any letter or article it receives and may refuse to publish any letter that is not received with the full name and address of the writer. Penrith Today Ltd will respect requests for any published letter to be published anonymously, but only if a full name and address has been supplied at the time the letter is sent to Penrith Today Ltd. The views expressed in any articles published in Penrith Today written by anyone other than the directors of Penrith Today Ltd are the responsibility of the contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Penrith Today Ltd nor its employees and directors.

Lime HouseHolm Hill, Dalston, Carlisle CA5 7BXTel: 01228 710225

SedberghStation Road, Sedbergh LA10 5HG Tel: 015396 20535Sedbergh Preparatory Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2SGTel: 015242 79200Windermere Patterdale Road, LA23 1NW 015394 46164

Windermere PreparatoryAmbleside Road, Windermere LA23 1AP 015394 43308

SOCIETIES & GROUPS

Penrith Friars Bowling Club017684 83214Children’s Orchestra (7-14 year olds)Penrith Music Centre, North Lakes School, Penrith CA11 8NU 07766 057315Circle DancePenrith Parish Centre01768 866144 (Anne-Lise Kryger)Cumbria Rural Choirs01697 343351 (Margaret) 01946 823167 (Paul)www.cumbriaruralchoirs.org.ukEden Valley Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyerswww.edenvalleyguild.btck.co.ukPenrith Air Cadetswww.penrithaircadets.co.ukPenrith Army Cadets01768 866 859Penrith Art ClubProgramme Secretary: 01768 863366.Penrith Players07505 314420 www.penrithplayers.co.ukPenrith Probus ClubMembership Secretary01768 863 463Penrith Ramblers01768 863155 www.penrithramblers.org.ukPenrith Scottish Dance Club01768 428872 [email protected] Youth Club (ages 11-19)01768 861655 www.youngcumbria.org.uk“Singing for the Brain”Weekly, 1.30-3.30pm Wednesdays at Penrith Parish Centre.Swing Dance, Penrith07769 296529 www.swingdancecumbria.comTai ChiPenrith Parish Centre01228 710898 townandvillagetaichi.weebly.com

Watermillock Painting GroupMeets Wednesday afternoon at Village Hall01768 840357 or 01768 862431Weight WatchersPenrith Cricket Club: 0345 677 7788 weightwatcherslocal.co.uk

SPORT, FITNESS, LEISURE

LEISURE & SPORTS CENTRES

Penrith Leisure CentreSouthend Road, Penrith, CA11 8JH01768 863450www.northcountryleisure.org.uk

Appleby Sports Centre017683 52957Appleby Swimming Pool017683 51212

ANGLINGPenrith Anglers Association: 01768 88294 (Mr A Dixon)

CANOEING & KAYAKINGPenrith Canoe Clubwww.penrithcanoeclub.org.uk

FOOTBALLPenrith AFCFrenchfield Park, Penrithwww.clubwebsite.co.uk/penrithafc

GOLF

Penrith Golf ClubSalkeld Road, Penrith: 01768 891919www.penrithgolfclub.co.uk

Penrith Golf & Driving RangeRedhills, Penrith: 01768 892167www.penrithgolf.co.uk

HOCKEYPenrith Hockey ClubPenrith Leisure Centre 01768 863 450

RUNNINGPenrith ParkrunWeekly free 5km timed run 9.00am every SaturdayFrenchfield Sports Centrewww.parkrun.org.uk/penrithEden Runners, Penrithwww.edenrunners.co.uk

RUGBYPenrith RUFCWinters Park, Penrith: 01768 863151

SQUASH AND RACKETBALLPenrith Squash Clubwww.penrithsquash.co.uk

WHEELCHAIR SPORTCumbria Wheelchair Sports ClubBased a Penrith Leisure Centre07827 447274 (Ray McBride) www.cwsc.webs.com

TOURIST INFORMATION

For a wide range of information:

Cumbria Tourism:www.cumbriatourism.orgEden District Councilwww.eden.gov.uk/leisure-and-cultureNational Park Authoritywww.lakedistrict.gov.uk

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES (T.I.C.)

Alston T.I.C.Town Hall, Front Street, Alston01434 382244Appleby T.I.C.Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby017683 51177Ullswater T.I.C.Main Car Park, Glenridding017684 82414Upper Eden Visitor Centre: Market Square, Kirkby Stephen017683 71199Penrith T.I.C.Robinson’s School, Middlegate, 01768 867466Pooley Bridge T.I.C.The Square, Pooley Bridge017684 86135Rheged T.I.C.A66, off M6 Junction 40 01768 86003

USEFUL INFORMATION

Cumbria Community Messaging www.cumbriacommunitymessaging.co.ukWeatherline0844 846 2444 www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/weatherlineIn winter includes a fell-top condition report from Helvellyn.

Penrith Weather Station: www.penrithweatherstation.comTraffic News To report an incident to BBC local radio: 01228 592 444

Highways Hotline, To report problems on the roads: 0845 609 6609


CLASSIFIEDSmall ads are a big help

CHIMNEY SWEEP

CLEANING

CLOCKS

CLOTHING & FASHIONAdlib Ladies fashions. New Spring/Summer collection now available. 9A King Street, Penrith CA11 7AJ Tel: 01768 210234

COMPUTER REPAIRS

Asenav Tech Team Computer, laptop, phone & tablet repairs, accessories and tech support. Market Place, Alston CA9 3QN 01434 382420

CURTAINS & BLINDSAPOLLO BLINDS CUMBRIA Quality Venetian, Roller, Vertical, Roman, Pleated, Intu, Curtains and Shutters. Free fitting. 01768 629109 www.apollo-blinds.co.uk/cumbria

DENTISTNICOLL’S DENTAL PRACTICE WITH DENTURE LAB Emergency drop-in service and denture repairs. new patients welcome. www.nicollsdentalpractice.co.uk 01768 867 399 Rowcliffe Lane (behind Cowper’s chemist) Penrith CA11 7BA

DISCO

Up-Front Entertainment Mobile, club DJ, karaoke, weddings, birthdays, fashion shows All events big or small. 01931 716996 / 07581 205597

DOGSPosh Paws Grooming

And microchipping. Nervous dogs welcome.

Fully qualified, experienced & insured.Grooming lecturer and tutor.

07725 043 789

ELECTRICAL

Field View Electrical No job too small. 24hr call out. 15 Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8JJ 01768 895161 www.fieldviewelectrical.co.ukCannan & Brown Ltd. Television and audio repairs. Equipment hire. CA11 9EU 01768 864829 / [email protected] www.cannanandbrownltd.co.uk

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRIC BIKESEden-e-Motion Electric Bike Specialists. Rediscover cycling! Showroom, private demos, service and repair. www.eden-e-motion.co.uk 07483 901529

FENCING

FISH & CHIPS

The High Plaice Alston Fish & Chip Shop - the plaice to be! Under new management. CA9 3QH 01434 382300

FLORISTSGreen Wheat Flowers & fika. Fabulous florist and cafe. 01768 744240 or 07977 594140 www.greenwheat.co.uk

FOOT HEALTHEden Happy Feet - foot health care in your own home. Please contact Charlotte Tweddle MCFHP MAFHP on 07759 572 563

FOR SALEObjects and items upto the value of £200 are free to advertise in this section call 01768 868 808

FRUIT & VEGStarfruits Family run, long established. Locally sourced fresh produce delivered daily. 9 Angel Square, Penrith 01768 890255 www.starfruits.co.ukThe Market Fruiter Providing consistent better value. 35 Devonshire Arcade, Penrith CA11 7SX 07938 373830 [email protected]

GARDEN CENTREThe Pot Place Garden centre and farm shop. Station Yard, Plumpton, Penrith, CA11 9PA Tel: 01768 885500 www.thepotplace.co.uk

GARDENINGJune’s Gardening Service All aspects of garden maintenance & grass cutting. 01768 885 677 or 07789 543 734

GARDEN DESIGN

GIFT SHOPThe Lion Gallery Quality gifts, jewellery, cards, original paintings , bespoke picture framing. 5 Little Dockray, Penrith CA11 7HL 01768 867299

HANDYMANAlston Bits N Bobs Handy man. No job too small. Globe House, Globe Lane Alston CA9 3QL 07768 992230

HAIRDRESERSTLC Hair Design Front Street, Alston, CA9 3HU Contact Carol on 01434 381640 or [email protected]

HATSBags of Style Hats & fascinators now in stock. 10 Devonshire Arcade, Penrith CA11 7SX 01768 891006

HEALTH STORENatures Health Store Wide range of health products for all the family. 1 King Street, Penrith CA11 7AR 01768 899262 [email protected]

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATIONTwo holiday apartments deep in the countryside on the edge of Windermere. Perfect for a weekend break [email protected]

INTERIOR DESIGNNINA’S DECO&DESIGN LTD

Complete one-stop interiordesign and decorating service.

Whole house: kitchens, bathroomssoft furnishings, décor.

From the lady with passion!07736 073 071 or 01768 210 259

JEWELLERYFinesse Jewellery Antique, collectables. We buy-sell and part-exchange. 43 Middlegate, Penrith CA11 7PT www.finessejewellery.co.uk 01768 895244

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN PENRITH TODAY!

JOINERY

B GRISEDALE JOINERY All aspects of carpentry and joinery undertaken. Free quotations. 07787 562 871 [email protected]

LAUNDRY SERVICE

Coach House Launderette, Duvet specialist, service washing, service ironing. Friagate, Penrith, 01768 867 878.

LIVESTOCK

Calves, sheep and all classes of livestock supplied to order. Dennis Thwaites, Kirkby Stephen 01768 372484 or 07989 886489

MOBILITY

Cowper’s Mobility 34 King Street, Penrith CA11 7AY Scooters, Rise and Recliners, Stairlifts and Daily Living Aids. 01768 867555

MOTORCYCLES

For quality used motorcycles visit penrithmotorcycles.co.uk Call at Unit 9, Cowper Rd, Gilwilly Ind Est. Phone 01768 891 300

MUSIC

Lakeland Music Instruments, accessories, tuition and repairs. Extensive range of instruments. Knowledgeable staff. 20-21 Little Dockray Penrith 01768 864024

OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

Hi-Peninne Outdoor Shop Outdoor clothing, equipment & giftware. Market Place, Alston CA9 3QN 01434 381389 www.cumbriaoutdooronline.co.uk

PAINTING & DECORATING

Steve Waterman Painter & Decorator, 30 years experience. Free estimates. Tel: 01768 840310 mob: 07590 282317Painting and decorating. Wallpaper and coving, flat pack building, any odd job around the house. Tel: 01768 891701 or 07784 409269

PETS

Large or small we groom them all at K9 Grooming Salon, Gilwilly, Penrith 01768 862 734.

PHARMACIST

PICTURE FRAMING

Robin Sealby Picture Framing & Restoration Personal attention to detail. 17 Monnington Way, Penrith CA11 8QJ Tel: 01768 891 925

PLANNING

Kate Bellwood Associates Planning Applications, Objections, Barn Conversions, Houses, Listed Buildings etc. I can help. 07702 172700 www.katebellwood.co.uk

PLASTERING/BUILDING

Gareth Dargue Plasterer / Building Contractor. Damp-proofing, renovation, pointing, weather-proofing, flat roofing, chimneys, landscaping. 01768 354115 or 07921 618273

PLUMBING

G Oliver Plumbing & Heating for all your plumbing services throughout Cumbria. 07921 771757

PROPERTY

PRINTERS

PRIVATE HIRE

M&A Private Hire 6 and 8 seater cars. Weddings, local tours, station and airport runs, corporate work. 017684 82372 / 07770 444159

PUBS

The Beehive Inn Eamont Bridge, Penrith CA10 2BX Tel 01768 864355 w w w. b e e h i v e i n n p e n r i t h . c o . u k Everyone welcome.

REMOVALS

SANDBLASTING

SITUATIONS VACANT

SELF EMPLOYED ADVERTISING SALES SPECIALIST

To sell advertising space on behalf of Penrith Today on a commission basis.

Contact Paul Flint at [email protected]

or 01768 868 808.

TAXIS

Lakeland Taxis 1A Sandgate, Penrith, CA11 7TP 01768 865 722

TILING

TOOL REPAIRS

Deb’s Garden Machinery & Power Tool Repairs. Is your lawnmower & garden machinery ready for spring? Tel: 07795 516 465

TO LET

TRAVEL

Worldwide Travel Connections Call us today for all of your holiday needs. Friendly Family Run Independent Travel Agents. 01768 865918

TREE SURGERY

Morland Tree Services Professional fully qualified tree surgery and woodland maintenance. www.morlandtreeservices.com 07909 92382(day), 01931 714064(evening)

TUITION

VETS

WANTED

WEIGHT LOSS

Cambridge Weight Plan Real people, real support, real results. Thursdays 6pm, Penrith Cricket Club. Call Andrea 07734 483605 [email protected]

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

We are the property expertsWe are KING

Put us to the test!

3 FREE Market Appraisals

3 Weekend Accompanied Viewings

3 Prime Town Centre Location

3 Knowledgeable & Friendly Staff

3 NO SALE - NO FEE

22 Devonshire Street, Penrith CA11 7SU

Online | In Branch | On the Move...

Our heritage of over 30 years as independent residential sales and letting agents, gives

us a unique position within our field. Our depth of knowledge and experience of the local

market, combined with our comprehensive range of services for buyers, sellers, landlords

and tenants ensure our offices are one of the first ports of call for clients across Cumbria.

Call 01768 840619 or email [email protected]

to arrange a valuationwww.hhking.co.uk

ASK ABOUT OUR INTRODUCTORY

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