E V E Tuesday, March 24, 2009
fashion family friends
Why I have a smear test
Page 2
SHOULDER CHARGE
THERE was no cold shoulder for this treat from Blackpool FC’s blonde defender Shaun Barker.
Barker ((also right) was only too happy to succumb to a pampering massage on a trip to a St Annes spa. Barker and his partner Rebecca Cordon relaxed to tsoft music and candlelight while beauty therapist Zoe
Robertson (right) got to work – a world away from the sports massages he’s more used to getting from physios at the club. “This is very different,” he said. Shaun was not the only sporting hero at the spa. See which other good sports had a pamper treatment on pages four and five.
Little girl’s illness ordeal
Page 3
Mum supports our soldiers
Page 6
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
evehealth
A TESTING TIME
Cervical screening, health writer Emma Harris gives a first hand account of why it is so important to her
Since then, I have had to have a smear test every year and indeed - a year after this first episode - I had to have abnormal cells burnt out again. I am pleased to say the last few years Her very public battle with cervical my results have been normal, which is cancer has made us aware that it a relief and does put my mind at rest. could happen to any one of us. It makes me full of praise and gratiThe number of women checking in for tude for the screening service. The their regular smear tests has gone up changes in those cells might never here and abroad, and in Blackpool Eve have actually amounted to anything, has joined forces with the Blackpool there’s no way of knowing. NHS with a campaign aimed to get But on the other hand, there is a YOU to go for yours. chance I could have ended up I always go for my cervical smear like poor Jade. whenever I am invited. If I had not turned up for my For me, it is every year, rather than smear test when that letter every three years, because I have had arrived, if like so many other abnormal test results in the past. things in a busy working life, I Jade Goody’s death, and the courage had put if off - intending to she had shown, made me, get round to it at just two years older at 29, some point when I reflect on my own got time - and experience and feel never actually grateful for my own ended up having the ■ Tell us whether you go for regular screening, and if not, screening. test, where would I be why not? I hope that our Eve Don’t now? ■ What would make you change your mind and go for Gamble Just Go camIf those changes hadn’t screening? paign will encourage you been picked up in the ■ Share your story - has cervical screening changed your to go too - and, if you early stages, who knows life? won’t, to tell us why. whether they might have Your views WILL count. Every response we get will be Back in 2004, at my roudeveloped into something handed on the Blackpool NHS and may help change thinktine test - which I think a lot more sinister? ing, improve services and save lives. To share your stories was only my second ever It also makes me think or views email to elizabeth.gomm@blackpoolgazette.co.uk one - it was found I had that had I been a few or write to Elizabeth Gomm, The Gazette, Avroe Crescent, abnormal cells caused by years younger, I would not Blackpool, FY4 2DP or call Elizabeth on 361831. HPV. have even had my first I didn’t even know what smear until the age of 25
THE tragic death of reality TV star Jade Goody, 27, leaves a legacy of hope to many other women.
this meant, but the nurse was really good and explained everything and I went to hospital for a colposcopy. This - it has to be said - wasn’t a particularly pleasant experience, when the doctor uses a kind of magnifying glass to examine the cervix. A biopsy was taken and more tests done, before I was called back in again to have the abnormal cells removed. Again, this wasn’t the best thing I have ever experienced, but so many years on now, it feels like a bit of a blur and I can’t really recall it anymore. At the time, I do remember I did feel somewhat scared, even though I was given plenty of reassurance by the medical professionals.
HOW TO HELP
Save cash by getting new TV licence now HUNDREDS of Blackpool householders can save money by renewing their TV Licence by the end of the month. According to TV Licensing’s database of almost 30 million addresses, around 900 households in Blackpool whose licences expire on March 31 can benefit and save £3 by renewing promptly before the licence fee increase on April 1. The cost of a colour TV licence will rise to £142.50. The cost of a black and white licence will rise from £47 to £48. The level of the licence fee is set by Government. This year's increase was designed as part of a six-year settlement agreed in 2007. Charlotte Hancock, TV Licensing spokesperson, said:
“TV Licensing understands that people are always looking for ways to make their money go further, which is why we are issuing this reminder for those people whose licence will expire in March. “When you renew your licence, it’s also worth checking that you’re using the payment method that’s best for you. “For example, you can spread the cost of your licence using monthly Direct Debit, which can be set up in minutes online and you will then have the peace of mind of knowing that your licence is renewed automatically.” To find out about the range of payment methods and the concessions available, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk
SMEAR WORRY: Emma Harris and (right) high profile victim Jade Goody and what would that have meant? I must admit, going to be screened every 12 months does make me feel as if I have only just been and then have to go again. But I do feel better, my mind is at rest. It’s free, it’s quick and although it’s not pleasant, uncomfortable, invasive and yes, a little bit embarrassing, it is all over in mere minutes. I don’t like having to do it, but I liked having to have a colposcopy and the cells removed even less – and I am
sure I would definitely not like to undergo treatment for cancer. The nurses are specially trained and know what they’re doing, they are also usually professional and sympathetic and know just how it feels. Nowadays, I tend to bang on to my friends about the importance of them going for their screening because I know first-hand it is like a lottery and seeing what happened to Jade, I don’t think it’s a gamble worth taking. One thing is for certain, when that letter arrives once again, I will be making sure I call my GP to make that appointment.
Kidney patient recipes CELEBRITY chef Lawrence Keogh has launched a new cookery book for people suffering from kidney disease. Lawrence, from BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and head chef at Roast restaurant in London’s Borough Market, has developed the Rediscovering Food & Flavours Cookbook in conjunction with biopharmaceutical company Shire. It offers a mix of tasty dishes to cook at home. Lawrence worked with renal dietitian Diane Green during the creation of the recipes to ensure they are nutritionally balanced and complement the restrictions that chronic kidney disease can place on eating. Kidney disease affects people’s lives in number of ways, one being the restrictions on food that can be eaten, due to the content of phosphate, sodium and potassium.
With so much pleasure in life taken out of eating, whether at the local pub, posh city restaurant or in the comfort of your cosy home, it’s enjoyed by all and should be a relaxing and indulgent time. Many people with kidney disease are unable to enjoy food the way many of us do. Lawrence fully understands the diet restrictions that kidney disease can place on you, as he explains: “Eight years ago I had a kidney transplant at the age of 35 and I am very passionate about raising awareness of kidney disease. “I wanted to create a cookbook of recipes that are not only easy to cook but entice people into cooking well balanced and tasty meals. “The cookbook is based on foods that people affected with kidney disease can eat. I’ve worked with Diana to design exciting yet
achievable recipes that meet dietary guidelines. “I’ve hopefully dispelled the myths that low phosphate diets are dull and unimaginative. “As someone who has suffered from a kidney disorder I am delighted to be working on this project and hope it will, in a very small way help to improve the quality of life for many people.” The Lawrence Keogh cookbook provides a mouth-watering selection of recipes such as Beef and Two Samosas with Mango Chutney, Pea and Ham Fritta and Quick Stem Ginger Ice Cream. Lawrence Keogh’s, Rediscovering Food & Flavours Cookbook, has been developed with Shire and is part of a wider kidney care programme it has developed. The cookbook is available free via renal dietitians.
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
Win £250 of Tesco vouchers WE are all being encouraged to use energy efficient lightbulbs, we’ve turned our central heating down by one degree, and we religiously sort our recycling every week, but wouldn’t it be nice to know, as consumers, that the big companies are doing their bit too? Now Triple Velvet toilet tissue has launched the “Three Trees” initiative, where they ensure that they replant three trees for every one they use. They’ve also teamed up with Trees for Cities, an independent charity that plants trees and creates green spaces in urban areas that really need them. But the real beauty of it is that supporting the environment does not cost you any more. You still get the same quality and softness at the same price. And collectively, we can all help to preserve trees for future generations. For more information visit www.velvetbabymd.com Support the “Three Trees” initiative by entering this competition to win £250 worth of Tesco vouchers, three packs of Triple Velvet and a tree planted on your behalf by Trees for Cities with a certificate to confirm it. That way you can be kind to your pocket and kind to forests! Simply answer this question to be in with a chance of winning:
In the Harry Potter series, which famous tree destroyed Harry and Ron’s flying car? a) The Whomping Willow b) The Eerie Elm c) The Laughing Larch To enter, email your answer along with your name, address, postcode and contact phone number to: competitions@blackpoolgazette. co.uk with Triple Velvet in the subject field. Closing date for entries is midnight March 31, 2009. Standard Gazette rules apply. The Gazette is a member of the Johnston Press Group plc. Johnston Press plc will use your information to contact you by email, mail, phone, fax or sms to let you know about our, or our business partners’, products, services and special offers. By giving us your email address and phone numbers, you agree that we may contact you by these methods for marketing. If you do not wish to receive information from us or from our business partners, tell us so in your response. We may monitor communications for quality and training purposes.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
evelife
3
DANCING SHOES: Jane Lang of Thornton with her seven-year- old daughter Olivia, who has cystic fibrosis
Little Olivia faces a daily grind of medicine and physio. Elizabeth Gomm reports BY the time seven-year-old Olivia Lang sets off for school at 8.45am, she has already been through a rigorous routine of medication and physiotherapy.
Each day starts with five pills followed by a spoonful of medicine; then comes breakfast accompanied by two more pills to help her digest what she is eating; then it’s on to 20 minutes of physiotherapy and, finally, five minutes on a nebuliser. That’s not the end of it. Olivia, who has cystic fibrosis, will over the course of a day take nine different medicines and another physio session to keep her breathing freely and her chronic lung condition under control. Olivia’s relentless regime is strictly enforced by mum Jane and dad, Steve. “It’s non-negotiable,” said Jane. “Of course there are times when she doesn’t want to have her physio – she’s seven and would rather be playing than lie down and be patted. I expect it will get worse as she gets older, all children rebel when they reach adolescence, but I am a strict mum. I have to be.” CF is the UK’s most common life-limiting and life-threatening inherited disease affecting more than 8,000 people in the UK. It affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus. This makes it hard to breathe and digest food, particularly fats. Every three months, Olivia goes into Blackpool Victoria Hospital for two weeks of intravenous antibiotics. She arrives there every evening, after bathtime at home, and receives her treatment overnight, staying until after she’s had her physio in the morning, getting to class at Baines Endowed School, Thornton, a bit late. A specialist nurse pops in during the afternoon to give her her medication, and she goes back on to the ward at
OLIVIA’S ORDEAL
night. The children’s ward is like her second home,” said Jane, of Wharton Avenue, Thornton. “I am going to train so I can give her the intravenous myself, but she isn’t keen. She says she’ll miss the nurses.” But it will lighten the load for her family, especially when son Archie, four, starts school, and will reduce the number of hospital sleepovers. When Olivia is in hospital, mum sleeps there with her on weekdays, while dad sleeps over at the weekends. It’s a ritual they have all come to accept since she was diagnosed at the age of three. The diagnosis was a cruel irony for Jane, who is medical secretary to Dr Mary Johnson, the consultant who looks after young CF patients at the Vic. The possibility that Olivia may have CF had flashed through her mind when, as a tiny baby, she was fretful and refused to settle, but was relieved when her baby was diagnosed as milk intolerant and put on a special formula. By the time she was nearing her third birthday, Olivia was really poorly and CF was confirmed. “I knew as soon as they said it. In a way I was relieved because I had an answer to why she was being so difficult, I’d felt it must be because I wasn’t a good mum. “It does take over your life. You know that even with all this medication it is not going to go away.”
GIFTED GUITARIST: Jon Gomm But it is keeping her as well as possible. A trampoline in the garden provides a great platform for exercise and she attends classes at Barbara Jackson’s dance school four times a week – Jane takes tap classes there too! “Olivia loves dancing and has appeared in shows at the Opera House.” Steve, a civil servant, has raised £10,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which funds research into the disease
and information and support for those living with it. On Friday, Olivia, children and young people like her, are the inspiration for a fundraising gig at the Ashley Club, Victoria Road East, Thornton, featuring Jon Gomm. Jon, son of Gazette women’s editor Elizabeth Gomm, grew up in Blackpool and was educated at Arnold School. Described by Acoustic Magazine as “one of the world’s most gifted and inspirational guitar players”, Jon is a singer-songwriter and acoustic solo performer, with a virtuoso guitar style where he uses one acoustic guitar to create drum sounds, basslines and melodies all at the same time. The emphasis is still on the soulful vocals and songwriting, however, and his original material is influenced by everything from Robert Johnson to Radiohead, Roni Size to Joni Mitchell. Now based in Leeds, he performs at venues across the UK and Europe. Also appearing are Troubador, originally from Blackpool, and Jamie Walker, lead guitarist for Tantrum. Friday’s event (7.30pm) is organised by Anthony Cross, a badminton player like Olivia’s dad, and tickets are £7, from 0794 402 6679 or 825066.
elizabeth.gomm@blackpoolgazette. co.uk
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009
evelife
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
MUM’S MISSION Soldier’s mother Mel found a lifeline in an SOS. Elizabeth Gomm reports
CHRISTMAS is nine months away, but it is already uppermost in the mind of Melanie Mullen and she is dreading it.
Her soldier son Gary Edwards, 25, will be on frontline duty in Afghanistan by then, spending his third Christmas in a warzone. Waving him off instils in Mel both pride and pain. Every minute he is away, she lives on a knife-edge. Never knowing when he will next get the chance to call or write, Mel waits and worries. When headlines relay news of another death – 152 British servicemen have been killed in Afghanistan to date – the fear creeps back. Mel, who lives in Marton, gains comfort from knowing she is not alone. That for each serviceman or woman on the frontline, there are loved ones back home, worrying and waiting for their safe return. “Knowing the severity of the war in Afghanistan I was literally at my wits end when he went there for the first time. I wasn’t sleeping at night. “Not being able to contact him was the worst thing. And before he’d left he talked to me about every eventuality. It made me realise that he might not come back. “I threw myself into the internet and found SOS, Support Our Soldiers, and realised there were other mums in just the same position. This sadness, the panicky feelings, were the same for them. “I started talking to other mums on the forum and it made me feel better,” said Mel. “It diverted my attention and gave me something I could put my emotions into.” “And I wanted to do my bit by sending parcels, not just my own lad, but to other lads and girls as well.” Mel offered to become Blackpool and Fylde co-ordinator for the national charity organising parcel collections and letters for the troops, at Christmas and throughout the year. This month SOS has formed a local committee. “One of the aims is to concentrate on our local families and to do more within the community. We have a list of things planned, from fundraising stalls to a family fun day,” said Mel. “We are also starting families meetings, the first in May, for families of serving personnel who would like to come along and meet others like them – not just mums and dads, but other family members, as well for moral support or just to have a chat,” she said. For Mel, SOS has been a lifeline. The friendships she has made have given her strength and a renewed sense of purpose. In a portrait, a surprise gift from her children Gary, 25, brothers, Daniel, 21, Ben, 19, and sister Jade, 17, are photographed together – each wearing an SOS wristband. “They know how important it is to me,” said
Mel, 44. On his next posting Gary, a corporal attached to 5 Med GS Regiment, currently based in Preston, will be leaving behind a wife, Emily, 22. They married last September. Mel and Emily will support each other. Mel has been through it all before, Gary was in serving in Iraq at Christmas 2004, and in Afghanistan, for Christmas 2007. His first tour to Afghanistan was in 2005. “Gary joined the Army when he was 17. He worked in Morrisons for a little while when he left school but then told me he wanted to sign up for the Army. “He adores it. Of course it’s difficult but the lads don’t talk to us about it, they tend to pull each other up. “I have seen such a change in him. He’s grown up so fast. They go out to theatres as boys and come back as men. They see more than most would ever see in a lifetime. “I know from Gary, and from the letters we receive from others, how much the boxes we send out mean. For some, who have no family, it is all they will get. “Our boxes are a bit of home. They are a bit of a morale booster, a bit of normality and a bit of fun!” Mel is married to Jim and her stepdaughter, Nicky, has also become a co-ordinator for SOS in east Lancashire. Mel said: “We are making arrangements for a dinner dance at the Glendower Hotel, St Annes, on June 19, and for Armed Forces Day in Blackpool on June 27. We had a great time at Veteran’s Day last year, and tremendous public support, raising £300 for our troops. We have been involved in an Adopta-Fob campaign , buying things to make life more comfortable for our troops. “It’s not all about parcels. Our support goes deep into what our lads and lasses need and what their families back home need too. “We are always looking for new members and volunteers to get involved.” ■ To find our more call Mel on 01253 692413 or email her at mel@supportoursoldiers.co.uk ■ Television presenter Nell McAndrew (right) is a celebrity supporter of SOS and will be running the London Marathon next year to raise funds for its work. To find out more about SOS nationally visit www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk elizabeth.gomm@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
SOS CALL: Concerned forces mum Mel Mullen
Disco fun raises cash for kids A CHILDREN’S disco raised £340 for a charity which helps families of youngsters with epilepsy, and the youngster who inspired it got to enjoy the fun, too.
PARTY TIME: Enjoying the fun are Ellis Rawding, 18 months, Jordan McLellan, Catherine Bell and Jack
Jack Bell, aged two, of Second Avenue, South Shore, can suffer up to 10 fits a day and his mum and dad, Catherine and Tony, have found support from the Maxwell Muir Trust which aims to make a difference to children suffering epilepsy and their carers by speeding up what can be a frustratingly slow diagnostic process.
And a group of Catherine’s friends joined her to form a fundraising group for the charity, Jack’s Belles. They organised the disco at Highfield Methodist Church attended by 80 under 11s. DJ Travis, along with Jordan Mclellan and Chloe Smith, all pupils of Palatine School, did a fantastic job of entertaining the children. Local businesses also helped out by donating gifts. They included Warburton’s, Bookers, Toys4me, Tesco Express and the
Card Shop, Highfield Road. Other teenage helpers were Clare Eldershaw and Alicia Roylance from Highfield School. The families of Catherine and Tony also helped. The Belles have a one hour charity Body Combat class on Friday at Blackpool Sports Centre, 6.30pm, with combat instructor George (£3.50). Those taking part can come in fitness gear or in fancy dress. Contact Catherine on 07515877909.
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
evesocial socialspotlight
Country dancing
Lytham St Anne's Scottish Country Dance Society meets every Thursday from 7.30pm - 9.30pm for social dancing classes at The Scout Hut, St Patrick’s Road North, St Annes. Everyone welcome! Contact 640247,
Tea Dance
St Stephen-on-the-Cliffs, North Shore, has an afternoon tea dance every Wednesday, 2pm-4pm. £1.50
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.
Support group
Blackpool and Fylde Widows’ and Widowers’ Association meets tomorrow at the Trades Club, Chadwick Street, Blackpool, 7.30pm. Contact Lavinia on 623119.
Stitch and Chat
The Stitch and Chat Club is moving from Dunsop Court to St Paul’s Church, Honister Avenue, Marton, from April 6. Contact 405138.
Barbershop Harmony
Blackpool & Fylde Barbershop Harmony Club meet every Tuesday at Brun Grove Workingmens’ Club. Contact: Pete Lavelle 867218.
Bispham Coffee
Bispham United Reformed Church, Cavendish Road, has a coffee morning tomorrow 10.30am-11.30am.
IVC
The Intervarsity Social Club meets tonight at the Mere Park, 8pm, and welcomes new members. Contact 722864
Fylde RA
The Ramblers’ Association has walks in Garstang and Wharfdale tomorrow and Milnthorpe and Seat Sandal regions on Sunday. Contact 865976.
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.
Kirkham Arts
Kirkham Arts Society meets tomorrow at the Community Centre, 7.15pm. Contact 01772 632202.
Coast Ramblers
Fylde Coast Ramblers will be walking in Arnside on Saturday. Contact 401135.
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 an appraisal with Ray Swift at Studio,Wilkinson Avenue, 7.30pm. There is a coffee morning on Saturday, 10.30am. New members always welcome. Contact 407541.
CHEESE AND WINE: Lytham in Bloom held a cheese and wine evening at the Clifton Arms, Lytham. From left are: Peter McDonald, Jonathan Cass and Valerie McLachlan. More pictures in Life! free with The Gazette on Saturday.
Fleetwood museum
Friends of Fleetwood Museum have a coffee morning and bring and buy at the museum tomorrow, 10.30am11.30am. All welcome
Thornton Ladies
Thornton Ladies had a night out at the “local” when they went to the Bay Horse for a meal followed by a “ladies only” quiz. On April 15, the club will be back at St John’s Church Hall available for a women’s health session when a member of the medical profession will be talking about female signs, symptoms and remedies for good health. 7.30pm talk 8pm start. £2 admission includes pre-talk refreshments. On May 20 there will be a Seaside Soiree in Cleveleys, and on June 17 a barbecue at St John’s to celebrate the first anniversary. Call Lesley on 851007 for further details.
Jumble sale
There will be a jumble sale and auction at St Paul’s, Egerton Road, North Shore, tonight, 6.30pm. Poulton Friends of Trinity Hospice
Coffee morning
A spring coffee morning takes place on Saturday at the Bridge Club, Poulton from 10am-noon . There will be stalls selling clothes, books, cakes, preserves, jewellery, a chocolate-bola and a raffle. £1 including coffee/tea and biscuits.
Car Boot
Windmill arts
Highfield Humanities College PTFA has an indoor car boot sale in the school sports hall, Highfield Road, South Shore, on Sunday, from 9am. Contact 07960 803625.
Marton Lunch
The Verona Association has a coffee morning at the Verona Hall, Fleetwood Road North, Thornton, on Saturday, 10.30am-noon. 50p.
The Windmill Arts Society meets on Friday at the Frank Townend Centre, Beach Road, Cleveleys, 1.30pm3.30pm. Contact 855072. St Christopher’s Church, Hawes Side Lane, has a series of Lenten lunches every Tuesday until March 31. 11.45am. Short service, followed by lunch. No charge but donations invited.
Lenten Lunch
Fleetwood Churches Together Lenten Lunch this Friday will be at St Peter’s CE , hosted jointly with St Mary’s RC , bring and buy. 11.45am. All proceeds to North West Air Ambulance.
Coffee date
Beetle drive
A quiz and beetle drive takes place at the Senior Citizens’ Hall, Warrenhurst Road, Fleetwood, on Friday, 7pm.
Fundraiser
Thornton Cleveleys branch of Save the Children Fund has a coffee morning at Cleveleys United Reformed Church, Rossall Road, on Saturday, 10.30am-noon.
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
Marton Quiz
Marton United Reformed Church, Wordsworth Avenue, has a quiz night on Friday, 7pm, as this month’s 70th anniversary event. Free admission.
Ladies bowls
Layton Ladies Bowling Club welcomes new members to enjoy crown green bowls and social events. Contact 392359.
Arthritic Care
Fleetwood Arthritic Care Social Club meets tomorrow, 7pm, at Chatsworth Resource Centre, Fleetwood, when Ted Avery will talk on Lyons Coffee Houses. Contact 873846.
Musical evening
Springfield Methodist Church, Bispham Road, Blackpool, presents a concert by Harlequins with guest Ryan Creegan (winner of the Northern Choirboy Contest) on Saturday, 7.30pm. Admission £4.
Arthritis Care
Arthritis Care will hold a meeting at the Marton Institute on Wednesday with entertainment by the Melody Makers. Contact 353169.
Charity shop
The Salvation Army charity shop, Highfield Road, South Shore, will be celebrating its relaunch on Saturday,11.30am.
Garden talk
Marton Rotary Club hosts an evening with gardener Graeme Iddon at St Christopher’s, Hawes Side Lane, tomorrow, 7.30pm. £5 (inc wine and shortbread). Contact 821405.
Hospital friends
Poulton, Cleveleys and Over Wyre branch of Victoria Hospital League of Friends has its first fundraiser of the year on Saturday with a coffee morning at St Martin/St Hilda Church Hall, Carleton, 10am-noon, with spring fashions and other stalls. £1.
Flower Club
Zena Stone will give a spring demonstration at Blackpool Flower Club tomorrow at Staining Village Hall, 7.30pm.
Wyre Ramblers
Wyre Ramblers will be walking in Glenridding on Sunday. Contact 876676.
In-set
Fleetwood Mount Methodist Church In-set has a talk from Wendy Slattery on Monday at the Wesley Room, 7.30pm.
Lunch Club
Thornton Cleveleys Ladies Luncheon Club will hear about a day at the shop from Valerie Carter on Tuesday next at the Briardene.
Bookworms
Bookworms Reading Group meets tomorrow at the Victoria Hotel,Cleveleys, 7.30pm. Contact 886146.
Lytham Green WI
Lytham Green WI had a talk about the Von Trapp family from Maureen Shenton. Kay Bamford won the competition and Dorothy Diver and Rita Adcroft were raffle winners.
Naturalists
Fylde Naturalists have a lecture and buffet evening on Friday at Blackpool Zoo Cafe when the New Forest is Graham Cooper’s subject, 7.30pm, £8. Contact 316713.
Merchant Navy
The Blackpool Merchant Navy Association meet on Sunday at the Guards Club, Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, 11am. Contact Denise 626056.
Race night
A race night to raise funds for David Slack Allotments, Newton Drive, takes place at the Newton Arms, Normoss, on Saturday, first race 9pm. A donation will also be made to the NW Air Ambulance. Contact 07523 115 352.
Amicus
CSMA
Ladies Lunch
Arts festival
LSA Ladies Amicus Club poetry reading and craft groups meet tomorrow at the Pensioners’ Hall, St Albans Road, St Annes. New members welcome. Contact 728167. Prospective Parliamentary candidate Ron Bell is speaker at Blackpool Conservative ladies Lunch Club at the White Tower on Tuesday next. Noon.
Table top
Bispham and Norbreck Children’s Gala has a table top sale on Saturday at the Barn, Bispham Parish Church, All Hallows Road, 9am.Contact 351319. To find out more about the gala or to volunteer contact 858573.
Rummage sale
Forest Gate Baptist Church, Blackpool, has a coffee morning and rummage sale at the community centre, 10.30am-noon. £1.
RSPB
The local RSPB group presents an evening with The One Show’s naturalist Mike Dilger on Friday at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood, 7.30pm, Tickets from the box office.
Historical Society
Blackpool Historical Society will hear about the diary of 1880s farmer Thomas Jolly from Ann Lightbown tomorrow at Blackpool Cricket Club, Stanley Park, 7.30pm.
Travel talk
The Travel and holidays Association has a talk the Italian Alps from Clive and Jennifer Darley on Thursday at Poulton Community Centre, Breck Road. 7.30pm.
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The local branch of the CSMA has its annual meeting on thursday at Blackpool Cricket Club followed by a talk on the Riverdance from Barry Shaw. 7.30pm. Contact 349414, The 110th Lytham St Annes Festival of Performing Arts takes place at the weekend with adult vocal and speech and drama (9am-5pm) and a festival of adult choirs (7.30pm) on Saturday, followed by children's vocal, piano and instrumental (starting 9am) on Sunday. All at King Edward and Queen Mary School, Lytham,
Marton coffee
St Christopher's Mother's Union has a coffee morning on Saturday at the church centre, Hawes side Lane, Marton, 10am-noon, to raise money to replace its banner. Bob Milner will play the organ. Contact 693748.
Murder Mystery
Dark Nights Theatre Company present A Party to Murder at the Villa, Wrea Green, on Friday, 7.15pm. Contact 01772 684347.
War Widows
The War Widows Association has its AGM at the Norbreck Castle from March 30-April 3.
Sell-out
A sell-out charity ball to raise money for Cash for Kids, which supports children in need in the region, is being held at Ribby Hall, Wrea Green, on Friday and is organised by women working at the HSBC Commercial Centre in Fulwood. They are hoping to top the success of last year which netted £30,000 for Rosemere Cancer Centre, Preston.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009
evelooks
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BETTER BY DESIGN Chic little cerise pink and black strapless dress by Linea Rafaelli, with matching short bolero worn with beaded lace choker. Fabulous for weddings or the races. Modelled by Vivienne. Elegant strapless dress in banana and black from Linea Rafaelli teamed with long-sleeved bolero. Just perfect for mother-ofthe-bride or groom. Modelled by Vivienne.
THESE are exciting times for exclusive boutique and bridal business Isabella Exquisite in Breck Road, Poulton. Since the launch in October last year, fashion-mad owner Karen Isles says she has met many fabulous clients and suppliers. “It will always be in my nature to excel in whatever it is I do and put my mind too, and I'm pleased to say my staff are just the same,” says Karen. She enjoys hand-picking her collections sourced from designers from all over the world, knowing they will transform the way her clients will dress, for ever. With new designers from across Europe coming on board, her range is becoming even more exclusive. The stunning and formidable new collection of bridal gowns includes designs by Mon Cheri and Rina di Montella, famous designers to the stars. Rina di Montella has dressed Tom Cruise’s mum! The friendly team at Isabella Exquisite are now taking appointments for brides, flower girls and bridesmaids, to try on this fabulous collection. To complement the bridal gowns is Linea Raffaelli’s new collection, with co-ordinating hand-made fascinators. Every mother of the bride or groom will leave Isabella Exquisite confident and happy with her
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choice, knowing that she will look wonderful on the big day. Bespoke tiaras and hair accessories for brides and bridesmaids alike are on view. A selection of “one off” prom dresses for the all-important daughters in your family is also available, which means that there’s need to worry about someone else turning up in the same outfit! Isabella Exquisite will be exhibiting prom dresses at Fleetwood Sports College on Monday, March 30, so do go along and have a look at the collection. Karen and her team will be happy to help and give advice on the day, or any day. If you would like to come in at a specific time and look through their range of catologues, give them a call. Additionally, they offer an inhouse alteration service which is second to none. Look out for the new website, coming soon! Telephone Isabella Exquisite 01253 884843. ■ Oufits modelled by owner Karen Isles and Vivienne Lawson
Exquisite two-piece bridal ensemble from Mon Cheri features strapless fulllength, A-line gown in taffeta with draped bodice, detachable lace halter, hand-beaded lace appliqué and chapel length train. Modelled by Karen.
Stunning “mermaid” strapless bridal gown in dark ivory from Rina di Montella features Swarovski, embroidery and appliqué detail, basque-style waistline and three-quarter sleeve beaded bolero. Modelled by Karen.