Do you know your Dobbies from your Boggles??
If you don't have a clue or you think you might, but aren't too sure you can definitely find out in a brand new Cumbrian children's book ‘Let the Giants Live'.
This children's story book is designed to get people to connect with local myths and legends in Cumbria's, Eden Valley, and to discover for themselves some of the fascinating, hidden and mysterious places that feature in the book.
The book is the finale of a story telling project called ‘Story Giants of Eden', funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, started back in January 2010. The project involved over 500 children and young people from Cumbria's, Eden Valley, with the idea of getting them to unearth and share century's old stories, with local people and visitors alike and to learn about the Eden Valley's rich cultural heritage, discover the people, customs and traditions of that community and how it all connects with the local landscape.
A wealth of stories, myths and legends were uncovered including; Viking and Arthurian legends, stories about noble families, follies and castles, traditional farming tales about dobbies and boggles. Intriguing tales about holy wells, caves, fire and water worship, spirited stories about Cumbrian Inns and the spirits in them, but not the kind behind the bar!!
The book ‘Let the Giants Live', lets visitor and local discover the stories, myths and legends in the beautiful and remarkable Eden Valley. All of the stories unearthed evoke days when candles flickered in draughty homes and people amused themselves round the fireside talking about witches, devils and ghosts. A cultural tradition the people of Cumbria are very keen to preserve and wish to see continue for many generations to come.
Ian Stephens, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, said: ‘'This book underlines Cumbria's and particularly the Eden Valley's rich cultural heritage. The area has over the centuries borne witness too many significant historical events. These events coupled with the stunning scenery have formed the backdrop to a huge variety of significant cultural milestones in both the literary and artistic worlds, many of which continue to influence the culture of many nations around the world to this day and are there just waiting to be discovered by residents and visitors alike.''
He added: ‘'Without question the Lake District, Cumbria, is an inspirational place, that has and continues to focus creative thought, enabling the production of truly inspired works including this wonderful book.''
To find out more about The Lake District, Cumbria, visit www.golakes.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
1: For further information please contact Cumbria Tourism Press Office on 01539 825002 or on pressoffice@cumbriatourism.org
2: The Story Giants of Eden project was a joint initiative of Penrith Action for Community Transition and Cumbria County Council, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was devised and managed by Dawn Hurton and involved eighteen school groups in 17 schools and their communities in and around the market town of Penrith, Cumbria between September 2010 and November 2011. More information, including a video about the project can be found at www.penrithact.org.uk
3: The Stories & the Schools:
The Outlaws - Armathwaite First School
The Luck of Eden Hall - Beaconside CofE Primary School KS1
The Fiery Hound of Inglewood - Beaconside CofE School KS2
Cedric and Isir - Brunswick School
Ewan Caesarius - Calthwaite CofE School
Mawty and the Frogs - Culgaith CofE School
The Carle of Carlisle - High Hesket CofE School
The Hand of Glory - Kirkby Thore Primary School
The Croglin Vampire - Lazonby CE School
Wicked Jimmy - Lowther Endowed School
The Ghost of Peg Sleddle - Milburn Primary School
Guy and Garlic - Morland CE School
Percy Topliss - Plumpton School
Ewan Caesarius - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
The Luck of Burrell Green - St Catherine's RC Primary School
The Devil, the Sheep and the Nut - Shap CofE School
The Lying Competition - Temple Sowerby CofE School
Wicked Jimmy - Ullswater Community College
4: Cumbria Tourism is the lead organisation for tourism in the county and is at the heart of the Cumbria Visitor Economy. It is also the largest membership organisation in Cumbria with more than 3,000 members. Over 40 million annual visitors to Cumbria contribute more than £2 billion to the local economy and support around 56,500 jobs. To find out more about the work of Cumbria Tourism, visit www.cumbriatourism.org
5: To book accommodation in Cumbria - the Lake District, visit www.golakes.co.uk
