STUDENT Rebecca Woods has the freedom of the skies after gaining her wings as a private pilot ... but down on the ground she travels by bus!
“It was more important to me to learn to fly,” said Rebecca, 19, of Calder Close, Kirkham. “I knew I was going to university in Leeds and so I didn’t really need to learn to drive. Getting her private pilot’s licence is another step towards her ambition of becoming a commercial airline pilot. Rebecca, who is on a degree course in aviation technology with pilot studies, has dreamt of becoming a pilot ever since she was a little girl. “My dad works at British Aerospace and I used to go to all the air shows there with him. We went down to Farnborough a few times.” Her first flight was at the age of nine on a transAtlantic holiday to Florida with her mum and dad, Julie and Alban, and her younger sister, Lucy, 16. “I can just remember being so excited. I have never been scared of heights. “I started flying lessons at 15 but had to dodge round my GCSEs and A-levels,” added Rebecca, who at 19 is the youngest female in BAE (Warton) Flying Club, based at Westair, Blackpool airport, to get her licence. “My dad thinks I am probably the youngest female pilot in the area,” said Rebecca, who learnt to fly in a Cessna 172. Student pilots need a minimum of 40 hours training before they can qualify for a pilot’s licence, though the average is closer to 55 hours – the time broken down into general training, 10 hours of solo flying, five hours of instrument training, dual and solo navigation exercises, and the final flight test. They also have to pass exams in six subjects
HIGH FLIER
Young pilot Rebecca, 19, gets her wings. Elizabeth Gomm reports
including meteorology, navigation, air law, flight planning, human factor, plus additional training and testing on air to ground communications. Rebecca’s first solo flight was a major milestone, even though it was just a circuit around the airfield. “I was absolutely terrified, even though I only had to go round the airfield and land it!” Her first solo cross-country flight to the Welsh town of Caernarvon was a different story.
“It was amazing, there was a real sense of achievement. I love being in the air looking down on everything below.” She is grateful to her flying teachers, Jason Robert and John Scutt, and to her parents for helping her meet the cost of her lessons, although she worked hard to contribute, as a part-time waitress and behind the bar at the Derby Arms, Treales. Now she’s at uni, she has a job in a supermarket bakery. Rebecca, a former pupil at Carr Hill High School, Kirkham, was a corporal in Warton Air Training Corps until she left for university. In 2006 she won the title of Military Pop Hero in a North West X Factor-style search to find the best performer from the thousands of military personnel in the region. Her winning vocal, which led to an appearance at Soapstars On Parade at Southport Theatre, with Coronation Street’s Andrew Whyment, aka Kirk Sutherland, and Debra Stephenson (Frankie Baldwin) was prophetic – R Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly!
E V E Tuesday, January 20, 2009
fashion family friends
Running her way into shape
Page 3
Recipe book in memory of mum
Pages 4 & 5
The making of our star Jodie
Page 6
2
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
evelooks
SWEET TREAT: Jane Donnelly (left) and Jennifer Clayton (both from Lytham) loved the chocolate fountain
Bridal BLISS THE credit crunch might be biting but couples are still pushing the boat out when it comes to weddings.
That was the message from stand holders at The Gazette’s Wedding Fair at Blackpool’s Imperial Hotel on Sunday. Hundreds of people, with marriage on their mind, flocked to the event, to give it a record breaking attendance figure. And standholders were busy all day advising
on very aspect of organising a perfect day. The hall was packed for both bridal fashion shows when the very latest designs from Ambience Bridal of Garstang; Bridal Cottage, Fleetwood; Brides Gallery of Eccleston; and Cinderella Gowns of Cleveleys were showcased, plus menswear from Slater Menswear and mother of the bride by Brides Gallery. Models were from Angels Elite model agency. Gazette promotions assistant, Lisa Bennett,
said: “We had a record breaking attendance, over 1,00 people, and it was very busy all day. “People may be cutting back in many areas but it seems that they are still prepared to push the bar when it comes to weddings. “And they came to the fair to find the best services locally for their big day.” Everyone received a free copy of Just Brides magazine. The Gazette stages a wedding fair twice yearly, the next is in September.
£100 wedding dress A HIGH street chain is offering a wedding outfit for £100 to lure cash-strapped shoppers. The ensemble, sold by BHS, consists of a white strapless top, A-line skirt and shoes. Bridesmaids can also be kitted out with a skirt and bodice from around £85. The retailer is the latest in a line to offer cheap wedding attire at knock-down prices. Last year Marks & Spencer cut a bridal dress to £15, a 10th of its original price, as it cleared out old stock. Supermarket giant Asda led the charge in 2006, offering wedding dresses for £60. UK couples pay an average of around £20,000 for their wedding, with the dress typically costing nearly £1,000, according to You And Your Wedding magazine.
Win £1,300 of treatment for hair loss
ONE in four women and a third of men will be affected by alopecia at some stage in their lives. The Manchester-based Alopecia Clinic offers solutions for all types of hair loss. From thinning hair to a receding hair line or even total hair loss or balding, there is a solution available. There are a number of treatment options available at The Alopecia Clinic including Hair Replacement Systems and Volumiser treatments to provide natural looking results. Andrew McCarthy opened his clinic in Denton three years ago after experiencing alopecia early on in his life as a teenager. Having received hair replacement treatment in America, Andrew was so impressed with the results he decided to train in hair loss treatments and open up his own clinic. He said: “Many people who come into my clinic believe that nothing can be done for them and have usually tried all kinds of dud shampoos and leave-in treatments that haven’t worked. “I understand the embarrassment surrounding hair loss as I’ve been there
GOOD RESULT: Psychic Anne Scholes myself. Loss of hair, however severe, can have a huge effect on a person’s self confidence and the way they live their lives. “When I meet a client, I carry out a hair analysis to establish any internal or external factors present affecting their hair health – these can range from stress, genetics, medical side effects, nutritional problems, hormonal imbalances or psychological trauma. “After a hair analysis, I can then proceed with a non surgical treatment suitable for
the individual concerned.” Andrew has a portfolio of clients that have experienced life changing results from treatments available at his clinic. Psychic TV’s Anne Scholes visited The Alopecia Clinic for a Volumiser treatment and experienced dramatic results. She said: “I’ve been trying different products for years to deal with my thinning hair and nothing has come close to the results I’ve been able to achieve with the Volumiser treatment.” Eve has teamed up with Andrew McCarthy at The Alopecia Clinic to giveaway £1,300 of free hair loss treatment including a Hair Replacement System or Volumiser treatment to one lucky reader. For a chance to win, answer this question: On which TV channel is Anne Scholes a presenter? To enter, send your completed coupon to: Hair Loss Competition, Promotions Department, PO Box 55, Blackpool, Lancs, FY4 2GF. Closing date for entries is January 27, 2009. Gazette rules apply. To book a consultation with Andrew McCarthy at The Alopecia Clinic call 0161 320 8333.
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
3
evelife
Joy fast forwards to fitness. Elizabeth Gomm reports LOSING weight seemed like a marathon effort for Joy Clifford but her solution has brought her runaway success.
Wedding day joy for bride who lost weight by going ...
ON THE RUN
Joy, 28, tipped the scales at 18 stone when she invested in trainers and signed up for a beginners’ class at an all-female running club. Now, after three years on track she is four and half stone lighter. Eve can take some credit for her success. It was on our pages that she read about the class and thought it was worth giving it a go. “I’d always been sporty as I was growing up and after I moved up here from Wales went to karate classes with John Horran. After he died I was at a bit of a loose end but decided to do the Cancer Research UK Race for Life in his memory. “Then I read the article about a class for beginners aimed at helping women to get fit for the Race for Life.” Joy, of Hampstead Mews, North Shore, owes her success to Fylde Coast Ladies Running Club and its founder Tricia Ellis. “She is so supportive, and keeps you on the straight and narrow!” said Joy. “The first class we were walking for three minutes and running for one minute – it nearly killed me. I thought I was fit but I was zonked even after one minute running. “But I was bitten by the bug. Now I run three times a week.” Joy started running in 2006 and completed the Race for Life 5k course that year in 35 minutes 35 seconds. This HAPPY DAY: Joy with husband Steve at their wedding year, four stone lighter, she completed her first half-marathon. “Steve was very emotional when he Fitness wasn’t Joy’s only motivation to saw me,” she said. get in shape. With her wedding to Losing weight and increasing her fitSteven Clifford booked for Antigua last ness levels has brought her a renewed September she wanted to fit into the confidence and she now helps run the dress of her dreams. beginners’ class at Fylde Coast Ladies “I didn’t want walk down the aisle lookRunning Club. ing like a marshmallow,” she said, “and “I get so much out of running, if you to wear the dress I wanted, I had to have got something on your mind you lose weight!” can mull it over while you go for Joy, a civil servant at Norcross, miles!” stepped up her effort by joining Reform Fitness, Milbourne Street, ■ Fylde Coast Ladies Running Club Blackpool, and by healthy eating. starts a new beginners’ class tomor“I was a disorganised eater. I never row, meeting at Blackpool Sports planned and would just reach into the Centre, West Park Drive, Blackpool, fridge for what was there, or buy pre7.30pm (ladies changing rooms). packed sandwiches which are full of The eight-week course costs £30 and fat. Now I plan everything, write a is aimed at complete beginners. For weekly food list and stick to it. more details contact Tricia Ellis on “It saves money too because I’m not 0787590698 throwing things away.” By her wedding day, Joy looked radiant elizabeth.gomm@blackpoolgazette.co.uk in her size 16 dress. IF your enthusiasm for your new year fitness regime is beginning to flag maybe it is time to treat yourself. Invest in some stylish new fitness gear and you’ll soon have that spring back in your RStOatuCs QKuoEbaRckSat tRhe EOpTeraUHoRusNe step. And there is no need to be stuck for ideas – the fashion page in Life magazine, free with The Gazette on Saturday, has plenty to choose from. The beauty page will also have you looking good, with some timely tips on reviving tired hair and body. Life! is packed with features on everything from entertainment to eating in. And you can plan your viewing for the week ahead with a full week’s TV listings. Get a Gazette, and get a Life! too this weekend.
life! Saturday, January 24, 2009
T he Gazette
in association with
YOUR WEEKEND MAGAZINE: FREE ON SATURDAYS WITH THE GAZETTE
INTERVIEW: Page 5
FASHION: Page 15
FAMILIES: Pages 16/17
PLUS: Your complete seven-day TV & radio listings
SEVENDAYS
WHIMSICAL COMEDY:
Anna’s bowing
U
Anna Friel in Pushing
nless you’ve had bucket of sand your head in a months, you’ll for the past few be aware that bigwigs at the the American studios have been slashing programmes left right. and Unfortunately, the drama Pushing whimsical comedy Daisies (ITV1,
YOURVIEW
Your complete guide the week’s television to
Dasies
Friday, 10pm) Anna Friel was starring Blighty’s own shows to suffer among the big-name better make the the chop. So fans had most of this, second final run. and It follows the fortunes of a young man (Ned) who can the grave with bring people back from one touch. The skill,
e-mail life@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
however, comes them again, they’llat a price. If he touches die for ever. This means he has to resurrected love keep his hands off the “Chuck” Charles,of his life, Charlotte played by Friel. puts his ability Ned to good use, working a morally ambivalent with private investigator, Emerson Cod (star Chi McBride), to
out
crack murder cases by raising and asking them the dead to name their killers. In the second season premiere, goes undercover as a “Bee Girl” Chuck honey-based at a cosmetics their new spokesmodel company after is stung to death, and soon discovers that office politics deadly – literally. are
Saturday, January 24, 2009
life! 25
FIND US ON THE NET
www.blackpool gazette.co.uk
GET FIT: Joy in training (above) and with other runners at the start of her training regime (front left)
Rise in women chefs THE acclaimed Michelin restaurant and hotel guide has been unveiled with chefs Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal and Alain Roux remaining firmly at the top. But women began to challenge male dominance in the industry with a record 10 female head chefs at starred restaurants, up from six last year. Guide editor Derek Bulmer said: “For the first time we are seeing women reach the top jobs in starred restaurants. “Ten years ago we would not have seen this. “If it continues on at the same rate, it’s no longer going to be the
male dominated industry that it traditionally has been.’’ No new eateries achieved the coveted prize of three stars in the 2009 food bible, which goes on sale on Friday. Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and Roux’s The Waterside Inn, both in Bray, Berkshire, and Ramsay’s selftitled venue in Chelsea remain the only restaurants with a trio of stars. A record number of stars were awarded by the guide’s authors this year, with four venues achieving two for the first time, and 26 making their debut with one.
6
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
evelife
MAKING OF A STAR BLACKPOOL’s Jodie Prenger once entertained in Strangeways Prison – now she is captivating audiences at London’s Theatre Royal!
And the resort should be proud of its newest star. This seaside capital of entertainment has a tried and tested record for rearing showbiz talent and with Jodie, it has done it again. Jodie, 29, who cut her showbusiness teeth working as a cabaret singer in Blackpool’s hotels and clubs, received rave reviews for her performance as Nancy at the opening night of Oliver! at London’s longestestablished theatre, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, last week. Previously unknown as a singer beyond the northern club circuit (she once entertained prison officers in Strangeways, where she was given a cell as her dressing room), her rise to stardom came from winning viewers votes in BBC1’s talent search I’d Do Anything, led by Lord Andrew Webber and Oliver! producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh. It’s the fastest-selling West End show in history, netting £15m in advance ticket sales, with success borne out of a successful combination of creator Lionel Bart’s musical genius, and clever casting of Rowan Atkinson as Fagin plus TV reality show winner Jodie as Nancy. She was a controversial choice. The public loved her but Mackintosh and Webber gave her a lukewarm reception. Not any more. Now they love her, too. I heard that first hand from both of them when I went to the show’s premiere. (pictured) Mackintosh likened her to the woman hailed as the greatest Nancy of all time, Georgia Brown, and Lloyd Webber described her performance as “a triumph”. Jodie has never given up on anything. Their passing doubts fired her on to prove them wrong. In the months between her winning her part as Nancy and the show opening, she has worked non-stop to perfect her performance and to grasp every learning opportunity put her way. Her bubbling enthusiasm is just as it was the first time that I interviewed her 11 years ago. At that time, the performing arts student, from Newton Drive, FIRST Blackpool, was appearNIGHT: ing in two different Jodie’s shows, at different thefamily, at atres, on the same the show night. After a solo spot and (above) in Tiptoes Summer how The Spectacular at the Opera House, she had Gazette less than 20 minutes to covered it hot foot it down Church Street into the Grand Theatre for her first cue in a principal role in Blackpool and The Fylde College’s production of Hot Mikado. “Keep me in touch with your career”, I told her, and in the years since she has. Every twist and turn of the way. At 20, when she and her mum, Madeleine, headed off to New York to put shopping to the test for
As Blackpool’s Jodie proves herself a big West End hit, Elizabeth Gomm looks back on the hard work that got her there Granada TV’s A Taste for Travel, she told me how her ambition was to sing on Broadway. “I’m going to go on to Broadway and sing in the street!” A year later, and she was playing the good witch in a Hallowe’en “spooktacular” on ice at Alton Towers, even though she couldn’t skate. In 2001, she was all at sea as one of four principal performers aboard
The Gazette MAIN EDITION
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2009
Inside Goal place for father’s ashes
“Dad’s idea was that scattering his ashes in the goalmouth would keep the opposition at bay,” said soccer boss Mick Fuller, who is ready to dedicate victory in his team’s most important match of the season to his most dedicated fan. ■ Page 3
Worst truancy record in UK
THREE of Blackpool’s high schools have been named among the worst in the country for pupils skipping lessons. ■ Page 7
Pound shops buck crunch
BLACKPOOL’S pound shops are bucking the high street blues and doing a roaring trade. ■ Page 8
£20m health village closer
A Gazette publication
Friday, January 16, 2009
Putting on the style
Mazda’s new CX-7 – Page 2
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
40p
£15m? No need to pick a pocket or two!
Jodie’s Oliver! role set to break box office records NO wonder our Jodie is laughing! Fresh from receiving amazing reviews in her West End debut as Nancy in Oliver!, Blackpool singing sensation Jodie Prenger is making history. The show – which has just
enjoyed a star-studded premiere – is already the fastest-selling on record, with £15m in advance ticket sales. And as our exclusive backstage picture shows, the Fylde lass with the big voice could not be happier.
Sharing her dream
the cruise ship, Disney Wonder, sailing between Florida and the Bahamas. After eight months at sea, she returned to her northern roots, back to the clubs, and an escalating weight problem. Audition after audition, she was knocked back because she was too big. An application to
take part in Living TV’s Britain’s Biggest Loser three years ago was to change her life... she shed an amazing five stone (on top of the three she had already lost) to win the show and £25,000. Her career took a different direction. She was signed up as a magazine fitness agony aunt and was running her own successful fitness website. Whilst concentrating on developing her new business, she was still singing at one or two clubs. Jodie was on the verge of giving up on singing entirely when she took one last chance by trying for I’d Do Anything, queuing with hundreds of other hopefuls at the Manchester auditions in February last year. She was absolutely bubbling over with excitement when she phoned to put me in the picture and to tell me to watch out for her on telly! I knew then that her combination of talent and personality could win her the part. Viewers loved her, The Gazette and Blackpool rallied to her support. Those touched by her kindness in the past called me to tell how she had help to change their lives, including one woman who, after being victim of a vicious attack whilst walking home one night, had been afraid to leave her home until Jodie stepped in on a confidence-building mission. From February to May, Jodie sang her way into the hearts of millions of TV viewers and when they won her the show she couldn’t thank them enough. Now she is repaying
them, with every ounce of her being, with one fabulous performance after another in Oliver! It may seem that she has come a long way in a short time, but she worked out her apprenticeship singing to the tough audiences of the north. Jodie has promised to remain loyal to her roots, to the Blackpool she loves and to the town that is home to the people she loves the most – her mum, Madeleine, dad, Marty and brother Marko, 22. There is no doubt, in my mind, that she will keep her promise.
■ Go to blackpoolgazette.co.uk to watch exclusive interviews with Jodie and the stars who saw the show, and to read Elizabeth Gomm’s review.
FLASHBACK: Jodie prepared to hot-foot it between two venues as she appeared in two productions 11 years ago
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
evesocial
Poco Loco
Blackpool Brass
Blackpool Brass meets for rehearsal on Tuesday and Friday at the band’s new HQ , The Pavilion, rear of Marton Institute. 8pm. The training band meets Friday, 6.30pm. Contact 890436.
Senior citizens
Newcomers welcome to Warrenhurst Senior Citizens' Club, Warrenhurst Road, Fleetwood. Monday: bingo 7.30pm; Tuesday: keep fit 10am; Wednesday: sequence dancing 2pm; Saturday: bingo 7.30pm.
Bridge Club
Poulton Bridge Club, Blackpool Old Road, Poulton, has playing sessions Monday-Saturday 7.30pm and Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1.30pm. Contact 884844.
Thornton Brass
Wesham Runners
Wesham Road Runners meet every Monday at Carr Hill High School, Kirkham. 6.45pm. Contact 872594.
Scottish dancing
Thornton Cleveleys Scottish Society welcomes new members to dancing every Tuesday at Park Methodist Hall, West Drive, Cleveleys. Beginners 7pm, social class 7.30pm.
Social Club
Molyneux Social Club, Molyneux Drive, South Shore ,meets Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 5.30pm, Bingo 7pm, refreshments 7.30pm . Contact: Thomas Kent on 310025.
On Song
Blackpool Male Voice Choir meets every Monday at Springfield Methodist Church, Bispham Road. Contact 883913.
Scottish Dance
Fylde Scottish Country Dancing Society meets every Wednesday at Carleton Memorial Hall, 7.30pm-1pm.
Post office
BT Post Office and Veterans meet every second Friday at Springfield Methodist Hall, Cleveleys. 792439.
RAFA
Royal Air Forces Association South Fylde Branch meet at Richard Peck House, St Thomas Road, St Annes on Monday, 8pm.
Croquet Club
Fylde Croquet Club welcomes new members. Contact 735266.
Craft making
Drop in for refreshments plus craft making at Waterloo Road Methodist Church, Spen Corner, every Friday, 10am-noon
Open door
Call in for coffee and cooked breakfast at Open Door Drop-in at Horsebridge Road Community Centre, Grange Park, every Monday morning (except bank holidays) from 10amnoon. Also Drop-In for coffee and chat Thursday at Argosy Community Centre, Forshaw Avenue, 10am-noon. Everyone welcome. Contact Deacon Judith Wray 763146.
Bridge Club
Cleveleys Bridge Club meets at the Frank Townend Community Centre, off Beach Road, Cleveleys on Tuesday at 7.15pm. Contact 868712 or 823219.
Lytham Farmers’ held their annual ball at The Grand Hotel, St Annes. Pictured from left are: Trevor Pavelyn, Joan Pavelyn, Glenda Curwen and Brian Curwen. More pictures in Life! free with The Gazette on Saturday.
Tea Dance
St Stephen-on-the-Cliffs, North Shore, has an afternoon tea dance every Wednesday, 2pm-4pm. £1.50
Whist
Thornton Methodist Church has whist every Monday, 1pm.
Folk Dance
North Shore Folk Dance Club meets tomorrow at all Hallows Church, All Hallows Road, Bispham, 7.30pm. No partner needed and all are welcome. Contact: 890486.
Methodist Church
Cleveleys Park Methodist Church has a coffee morning every Wednesday, 10.30am. and a Mix and Meet Group on Wednesday, 2pm, for people on their own to make new friends. Contact 876051.
Support group
Contact us
Any local organisation which would like information to appear should send details to:
Elizabeth Gomm, Eve, Social Page, The Gazette, Avroe House, Avroe Crescent, Blackpool, Business Park, Blackpool, FY4 2DP or e-mail elizabeth.gomm@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
to arrive by first post Thursday for inclusion on the following Tuesday
Blackpool & Fylde Barbershop Harmony Club meet every Tuesday at Brun Grove Workingmens’ Club. Contact Pete Lavelle 867218.
Cleveleys United Reformed Church, Rossall Road, has a coffee morning every Wednesday from 10.30am.
Bispham United Reformed Church, Cavendish Road, has a coffee morning tomorrow 10.30am-11.30am.
Cleveleys Coffee
Stitch and Chat
Bispham Coffee
Photo society
The stitch and Chat Club,Dunsop Court, Blackpool, has craft classes every Monday: 9.45am-11.45am, drawing and watercolour painting with Peter Slater; 11.45am-1.45pm, card making with Debbie Gulliver; 2pm4pm, crochet and needlework. Advanced card making also available monthly. For details contact 405138.
Lytham St. Annes Photographic Society meets at 7.30 pm, every Thursday evening at Heyhouses C of E Junior School, Clarendon Road North, St Annes. www.lsaps.org.
South Shore Community Centre (The Old Library) Highfield Road, hosts the following weekly events: Mondays, watercolour painting 10am, social bridge 1.15pm; Wednesday, social chat and games 10am; Thursday, arts and crafts 10am, patchwork for beginners 2pm; Friday, watercolours 2pm.
Bridge Club
The Gazette Bridge Club welcomes players at 7pm at the Wainwright Club, Hornby Road, Blackpool on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Contact 354513.
Claremont First Step Community Centre's Senior Citizen Luncheon Club at Methodist Buildings, Dickson Road,meets every Friday, 1pm. £2. Contact 299306.
Coast Ramblers
South Shore
Claremont lunch
Poulton Band
Poulton Band welcomes new players to rehearsal nights on Tuesday and Friday 8pm-10pm at Band HQ, Station Road, Poulton. Contact 886823
Arts Society
Blackpool Arts Society meets on Thursday for a demonstration in acrylics by Bob Goldsborough7.30pm. Weekly sessions at the studio include: General painting Tuesday and Thursday ,2pm, Friday, 9.30am and 2pm; portrait sessions Tuesday, 7.30pm, and Wednesday 10am; Life drawing Wednesday 2pm. New members always welcome. Contact 407541.
Windmill arts
The Windmill Arts Society meets on Friday at the Frank Townend Centre, Beach Road, Cleveleys, 1.30pm3.30pm. Contact 855072.
Barbershop Harmony Craft club
Blackpool and Fylde Widows' and Widowers' Association meets tomorrow at the Trades Club, Chadwick Street, Blackpool, 7.30pm. Contact: Lavinia on 623119.
Fylde RA
The Ramblers’ Association will be walking in Mam Tor Ridge and Bilsborrow on Sunday. Contact 865976.
Kirkham Arts
Kirkham Arts Society meets tomorrow at the Community Centre, 7.15pm. Contact 01772 632202. Fylde Coast Ramblers will be walking Rivington on Sunday.Contact 694427.
7
Coffee morning
socialspotlight
Poco Loco, the Blackpool School of Samba, plays Brazilian-based rhythms using surdos (bass drums) and other smaller percussion instruments. Every Wednesday at the First Step Centre, Dickson Road, Blackpool,7pm9pm.Contact: 358432 .
Thornton Cleveleys Band welcomes all players. Rehearsals on Monday and Thursday at the band’s HQ, Holly Road, Thornton, 7.30pm. Contact: 594339.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A weekly craft group meets at Holy Cross Church, Central Drive, Blackpool, every Friday,1.30pm3.30pm. £2.
Over 50s
Claremont Over 50s welcomes new members. Meetings at the Claremont Community Centre, North Shore, every Wednesday, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Contact Hilary 353160.
Bring & Buy
Fylde Soroptimists are holding a Bring and Buy coffee morning at Soroptimist House, St. George’s Square, St Annes on Saturday,10amnoon. £1.50 includes refreshments. Proceeds to President's local charities.
A coffee morning and table top sale takes place on Saturday at Thornton Methodist Church, Victoria Road West, 10am-noon. Home made cakes, bacon butties and coffee available.
Homestart
The bid to start a local branch of the family support charity, Homestart, in Lytham St Annes is raising funds with a ladies evening at the Bedford Hotel, St Annes, on Thursday, February 5. Tickets are 327 including a champagne reception, three course dinner and entertainment. the event starts at 7.30pm for tickets call 728179 or 734055.
Encounter
St Christopher’s Church, Hawes side lane, Marton, holds its second Encounter service of sensory worship on Sunday. Contact 697937.
Coffee morning
Fleetwood Cancer Research Committee has a coffee morning at the Mount Hotel on Friday, 10amnoon. £1. Bring and buy stall plus raffle.
Geographical Society
The local branch of the Geographical Society has its annual dinner on Monday at the Carlton Hotel.
Wyre Speakers
Wyre Speakers Club has a Burns Night theme to its meeting on Thursday when the subject is “Toast to the lads and lassies” at All Hallows Church Hall, Bispham, 7.30pm. Contact: 733297.
Naturalists
Fylde Naturalists have a talk on geology of our national parks from Mike Gosling tomorrow at Flyde Coast Alive Church Hall, Raikes Parade, Blackpool, 7.30pm.
Travel Club
The International Holidays and Travel and Holidays Association local branch has a talk on Oman from Pam Dowson on Thursday at Poulton Community Centre, 7.30pm. Visitors £3.
Ladies lunch
Thornton Cleveleys Ladies luncheon Club meets on Tuesday next at the Briardene Hotel, Cleveleys, when Freedom Duo will entertain. Noon.
Flower club
Wrea Green Flower Club’s demonstration tonight by Janet Farrington is titled “Self Contained”, at Wrea Green School Hall, 7.30pm.
Music Hall
The North West Music Hall and variety Friendship Society meets tomorrow at Ansdell Institute, Woodlands Road, 8pm. Contact: 727164.
Formby Friends
George Formby Friends meet on Monday at South Shore Cricket Club, Common Edge Road,7.30pm.
Lunch Club
Blackpool Conservative Ladies Luncheon Club meets on Tuesday next at the White Tower when Barry Band is the speaker.
Probus Club
A group of reiki practitioners is continues its fortnightly healing sessions tomorrow ,6.30pm, at the Solaris Centre, South Promenade, Blackpool. Contact 762853.
Blackpool South Probus Club for retired people meets tomorrow at the Methodist Community Centre, Midgeland Road, Marton, 10am, when historian Christine Storey will talk about Ancient Amounderness. New members welcome, contact 763812.
Ladies Viewpoint meets on Monday St Thomas' Church Parish Centre, Caunce Street, 7.30pm, for an evening of fun with George Dobson as he talks about Carribbean Caper. Guests welcome, refreshments available. Contact Elsie 623781 or Glenys 882200,
The Community Dance Group is staging a Bring me Sunshine tea dance on Monday at All Saints Parochial Church Hall, Park Road, Blackpool, at 1.30pm, with the aim of getting all those who don’t usual exercise up on their feet and having fun! Contact 766403.
Reiki
Ladies viewpoint
Tea Dance
8
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Advertising feature CURVES are celebrating their first anniversary and their phenomenal results.
Their first “Curvette” award is being presented to Fiona Bebbington of Blackpool, who has dropped from a dress size 20-22 to a trim size 12! Fiona lost an amazing five and a half stone and 78 inches on the Curves regime. Nursery nurse Fiona was a “yo-yo dieter” and is maintaining her weight loss with the support and encouragement she receives at Curves. Fiona says she is now able to interact with the children much more effectively, as she has more energy and feels fitter and healthier. “I feel brilliant after a workout at Curves. It keeps me inspired and motivated,” says Fiona. For a limited period you take advantage of 75 per cent off the Curves joining fee and also get one week free. If you’re looking to join a gym but your busy lifestyle means you struggle to find the time to burn off those extra calories, Curves may be the answer. The Curves facility, designed specially for women, features a complete 30minute workout that is fun, fast and safe. The facility aims to provide a different sort of experience, so there’s no need to be intimidated by the prospect of joining up to a strict gym regime. There are no scary machines or fancy dance steps – just a simple, effective circuit which is suitable for all fitness levels, and the support of friendly people. “Because it takes only half an hour, members are more likely to sustain their fitness goals, as it’s a realistic and achievable workout in a safe environment, which has a great atmosphere,” says manager Isabel Cross. As well as the fantastic weight loss benefits, the programme can also help to maintain bone density, minimising the effects of arthritis and osteoporosis. Furthermore, the facility has also been medically proven to help women recover from a whole range of illnesses, from cancer to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
evelooks
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
Weight loss champ Fiona proves Curves gives you the ultimate ...
WORKOUT FITNESS FUN: Curves members get down to work
HELPING HAND: Staff members Cheryl Rollinson (left) and Zoe Wardman In America, Curves is even located within some hospital grounds. And the best thing about this exciting new exercise programme – which includes cardio, strength training and stretching – is that it can be done by all women of all ages and sizes! Curves’ diverse membership includes people from a number of backgrounds including students, mothers, grandmothers, career women and the super-fit, to those just wanting to get
back in shape. The programme has been specially created to suit every member’s body, schedule and style. Members support and encourage one another in a fun and co-operative environment, working hard but having a lot of fun too. Each facility has a number of specially trained staff, who are on hand to help everyone feel relaxed and achieve their goals. With positive customer word of mouth helping to establish over 10,000 Curves facilities in 60 countries, it’s no wonder that Curves is now the largest women’s fitness franchise, and the tenth largest of all franchise companies in the world. So, if you fancy joining the four-million members already signed up, why not call 01253 692333 or visit Curves at the Woodman Centre, Vicarage Lane, Blackpool. More information about the programme can be found at www.curves.com.
TOP SLIMMER: Fiona Bebbington before and after her weight loss programme