E V E Tuesday, March 3, 2009
fashion family friends
Bag up your bargains
Author’s journey of self-discovery
Page 3
Students are sew clever ...
Pages 4 & 5
Charity’s hunt for new home
Urgent appeal for donations
Page 7
DONATIONS APPEAL: Jo Walsh and Val Bradford of Cleveleys Cancer Research with designer handbags
Charity shops are struggling to re-stock as donations fall. Elizabeth Gomm reports CHARITY shops are feeling the pinch as cash-strapped Britons are hanging on to the old instead of buying new.
And in Fylde, Cancer Research UK’s busiest Lancashire shop is mirroring the national picture and has issued a urgent appeal for more donations. The Cleveleys shop should be enjoying a business boom, reporting an increase in footfall of customers flocking to bag a bargain. As stock flies off the shelves, there is a constant battle to restock. In common with charity shops
everywhere, donations have slowed down. “Everyone is vying for donations,” said manager Val Bradford.“ We know that people are hanging on to things , or selling them, instead of giving them away. “But we also know that most people will have six items of clothing in their wardrobes that they haven’t worn for more than a year, so perhaps they could make space by donating them to charity and, of course, we would like it to be ours,” said Val. “We are Cancer Research UK’s busiest charity shop in Lancashire and open seven days a week – we only close on one day a year, and that’s Christmas day, so we constantly need new stock.
“We have also noticed that we are getting a lot of new customers, people who wouldn’t normally come in, and they are looking out for designer labels. “We get quite a lot of well known and designer labels here – we have some very generous contributors. “With the new season approaching, customers are looking for new styles and we need to make sure that we have them.” Val, who lives in Cleveleys, is urging employers to set up a “Donation Station” by handing out the Cancer Research UK collection bags to staff which can be gathered on a specific date, when the charity send a van to collect them. “It’s a quick and easy way for people
to declutter and provides us with valuable new stock,” said Val. The Cleveleys shop, sited on Victoria Road West, is open MondaySaturday 9am-5pm and Sunday, 104pm, and also offers a collection service. It is appealing for a whole range of goods – DVDs, CDs, men, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes and acccessories, books, toys, homeware and small electrical items (except microwave ovens). To find out more call Val, or her assistant manager, Jo Walsh, on 862307. elizabeth.gomm@blackpoolgazette. co.uk
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009
EYES HAVE IT
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
evelooks
WE ALL want to look our best, to look younger, better and more attractive for longer, and the truth is that there is no good reason why we shouldn’t.
The clinicians at Face and Eye are at the forefront of developments in the very fast moving fields of both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, offering patients an extensive range of non-surgical as well as surgical treatments to achieve the desired effects. Face and Eye have now opened a satellite clinic on the Fylde Coast in conjunction with Fusion Hair and Beauty in Fleetwood Road North, Thornton Cleveleys, where the team can undertake facial cosmetic consultations, anti-wrinkle and facial filler injections, including specialist tear trough Restylane injections for lower eyelid dark circles, in their dedicated clinic rooms. It is possible that a number of different treatments can be applied to help remedy a problem. Your Face and Eye clinician is qualified to reach a diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment, or combination of treatments to achieve the best results. See their extensive clinic portfolio for examples of what has been achieved for their patients along with their testimonials. In addition to facial injections, the Face and Eye team can also perform microdermabrasion, IPL (Intense Pulse
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Light) hair removal, fractional laser skin rejuvenation, and hair reduction procedures at Face and Eye Manchester where lumps, skin tags and moles can also be removed in minor surgery procedures. The surgeons have an excellent reputation for their particular expertise in cosmetic eyelid surgery (eye bag removal or blepharoplasty). Your eyes are precious – why entrust them to anyone else? Cosmetic eyelid surgery is mainly performed under safe "twilight anaesthesia" without the need for an overnight stay in hospital. Face and Eye in Manchester is a modern, purpose-built, state-of-the-art clinic owned by a group of specialist surgeons, which opened in South Manchester close to the airport in August 2007. It has been designed to provide a very personal and individual experience to clients/patients. The clinic is fully registered with the
EXPERT CARE: From the left, The Face and Eye team, Khalid Ikram, Saj Ataullah, Anne Cook and Brian Leatherbarrow Healthcare Commission as a private hospital with its own operating theatre ,having not only met but surpassed their very exacting standards. The Face and Eye clinic also offers specialist cataract surgery as well as refractive surgery for those who want to dispense with their glasses or contact lenses. For local patients who would prefer to undergo surgery closer to home, this can be arranged at Spire Fylde Coast Hospital. For more information about the range of facial conditions and possible remedies visit their website www.faceandeye.co.uk for detailed descriptions of treatments and procedures, and for examples of their work. Telephone (01253) 821777.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
”Following my lower lid eyebag removal, I am just writing to thank you so much and say how absolutely delighted I am with the final result. “I feel that my personal appearance
Before .... and after
Eyebags
botox has improved greatly and my self-confidence has returned,” Miss C R, Wirral, Merseyside. “I am absolutely delighted with the wonderful result of the eye bag removal you performed for me.
“Thank you for taking the time and patience during my consultation to explain the procedure and what would happen during the first few weeks after my operation,” Mrs J S, Salford, Manchester.
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
evetalent
3
Susan turns over a new
LEAF
Writing is the best medicine for a debut author. Elizabeth Gomm reports VENTURING into the world of children’s fiction has been a journey of self-discovery for Susan Holloway.
Creating her own world, which she describes as CS Lewis meets Enid Blyton, gave her a chance to get a new perspective on her own life. And in writing a story which is a gripping read for children, Susan (right) has not only achieved a longheld ambition she has also come to terms with the overwhelming grief she has felt since the death of her mother three years ago. Although she had lived in the Fylde until the age of 10, her family moved south. Susan lived and worked in the south but her mum, Pat Whitehead, returned to the Fylde in her later years, and Susan followed in 2001 to be close to her. As Pat’s health declined, Susan became her carer whilst dealing with her own ill health after being diagnosed with post-viral ME, which causes both chronic tiredness and depression. Susan, forced by ME to give up work, devoted herself to looking after Pat and was bereft when she died. “We were very close and I was completely devastated,” said Susan. “I was so down.” Even in her darkest moments, the idea of writing a children’s story was buzzing around her head, but the
characters really came to life after she met and married her husband, Ian. It was his three children Laura now 21, Chris, 20, and Emma, 17, who became the youngsters in her tale The Stephens Children and The Scarlet Queen. “Ian’s children are all very different and I have taken characteristics from each of them for my characters. I think they were quite flattered.” Susan’s fictional trio, Lorna, Christian and Gemma think they are ordinary youngsters – but on Christmas Eve at the vicarage, they discover the secret world of Outlands, develop magical powers and encounter the wicked Scarlet Queen. Challenged with the most daring adventure they have ever known, they realise they are most extraordinary youngsters and their lives have changed for ever. “It can be quite dark. There is death, and it is quite sinister, but only so much as in a traditional fairytale. “ It has been tried and tested by her target audience, children aged nine to 12. “I was delighted because it received such a positive reaction.” That enthusiastic response led her to footing the cost of publishing the book. “I had sent it off to about 20
publishers without any success, so before self-publishing I wanted to make sure it would go down with the people who mattered – the children themselves.” It is selling well at Plackitt and Booth, Lytham; Gabriel’s House, Poulton and Silverdell’s, Kirkham. Susan, who has a new career as
directorate business manager for Blackpool NHS Children’s Services, said: “This is my pilot, the second Stephens Children will be bigger and more sinister.” ■ The Stephens Children and the Scarlet Queen by SH Holloway is £7.99. Eve has three signed copies to win.
Just answer the following question?
What are the names of the Stephen’s Children. Send your answer on postcard to Elizabeth Gomm, Book competition, The Gazette, Avroe Crescent, Blackpool, FY4 2DP by first post on Tuesday, March 10.
Students help Kenyan schoolchildren BISPHAM hotelier and charity champion Sue Hayward had a science bonus in her baggage on her latest trip to the schools she has built in Kenya. Thanks to youngsters at Lytham St Annes Performing Arts and Technology College, Sue took along a valuable haul of textbooks, science equipment and a globe. Over the past few months the school has raised over £5,000 for the Children of Watamu, the charity set up by Lancashire Woman of the Year Sue, of Shaftesbury Avenue, Bispham. It has put 700 children in full-time education since 2000, and is now working on a second project to build a Happy House orphanage. Students at the Fylde school raised funds by car-washing, bag packing and a talent show
after being inspired by her achievements, featured recently on two mini-documentaries on BBC1. Sue, who is in Kenya at the moment, emailed
a picture of the Watamu students with the science equipment back to the Lytham St Annes school. She said: “It was a complete novelty to our students, because they had never seen anything like it before. It will be a real boost to our science teachers.” In July, students and staff from Lytham St Annes High will be visiting Watamu to help at the school and are raising money to take more science equipment plus musical instruments. Cherry Ridgeway, deputy headteacher, said: "We would appeal to anyone who might like to donate to go to our website www.lythamhigh.lancs.sch.uk to look at the wish list. We will also be delighted to receive any musical instruments that anyone would
like to give. Ring 733192 or drop them in at the school reception. These will be taken as baggage by our students in July.” Sixth form student Lousie Anderson said: “Little did we know that when we raised money as Year 9s as a result of my mother getting involved in Watamu as a teacher at Heyhouses Primary, that we would go on to contribute in such a big way. “ James Slack said: “I am just looking forward to going to Watamu. An experience of a lifetime.” Find out more about Sue’s charity at www.childrenofwatamu.net ■ Pictured: Gemma Thorpe, James Slack, Louise Anderson and Christiana Dowds see the pleasure their school’s gift of science equipment has brought to Kenyan students.
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009
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evesocial
Club 32 welcomes newcomers to its social bingo at Ibbison Court Community Centre, Central Drive, Blackpool, every Monday, 1.30pm.
Coffee call
Anchorsholme Methodist Church has a coffee morning every Wednesday from10.15am
Tea dance
St Stephen-on-the-Cliffs, North Shore, has an afternoon tea dance every Wednesday, 2pm-4pm. £1.50
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 enjoy a cuppa and make new friends. Contact 876051.
Support group
Blackpool and Fylde Widows' and Widowers' Association meets tomorrow at the Trades Club, Chadwick Street, Blackpool, 7.30pm. Contact: Lavinia on 623119.
Cleveleys coffee
Cleveleys United Reformed Church, Rossall Rd, has a coffee morning every Wednesday from 10.30am.
South Shore
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.
Claremont lunch
Claremont First Step Community Centre's Senior Citizen Luncheon Club at Methodist Buildings, Dickson Road,meets every Friday, 1pm. £2. Contact: 299306.
Barbershop Harmony
Blackpool & Fylde Barbershop Harmony Club meet every Tuesday at Brun Grove Workingmens' Club. Contact: Pete Lavelle 867218.
GUESS WHO! Masks added a hint of mystery to guests at the Showzam Carnival Ball at Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Pictured from left are Beryl Radcliffe, Keith Radcliffe and Wynne Booker. More pictures in Life! free with The Gazette on Saturday. 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.
Craft club
A weekly craft group meets at Holy Cross Church, Central Drive, Blackpool, every Friday,1.30pm3.30pm. £2.
Coffee time
Bispham coffee
St Paul's Worship Centre, Egerton Road, North Shore, has a coffee morning on Saturday, 10.30am-noon.
Stepping out
Marton Methodist Church, Midgeland Road, has a table top sale on Saturday, 9.30am-2.30pm.
Bispham United Reformed Church, Cavendish Road, has a coffee morning tomorrow 10.30am-11.30am. Tea dances will be held every Tuesday at Springfield Methodist Church,Bispham Road, (next door to The Squirrel), 2.15pm. Dancing to live music by Alan & Barbara Hebden. £3.50.
IVC
The Intervarsity Social Club meets tonight at the Sparling, Lytham, 8pm, and welcomes new members. Contact: 722864
Fylde RA
Table top
Weeton WI
Weeton WI celebrated its 51st birthday with a party at which the committee provided a buffet meal. The speaker was Wayne Howard, who gave a lively account of his adventures cycling along the route of the Tour de France. The competition for a home grown bowl of bulbs was won by Teresa Bradley.
Lenten lunch
Bridge club
Fleetwood Churches Together Lenten Lunch takes place this week at St Nicholas' CE Church (organised jointly with St Edmund's RC). 11.45am-1.15pm. Bring and Buy. Proceeds to the NW Air Ambulance.
Coast ramblers
A book sale (plus jigsaws, DVDs and videos) will be held at a coffee morning in St Paul's Church Hall, Warren Avenue South, Fleetwood, on Friday, 10am-noon.
The Ramblers' Association will be walking Preesall tomorrow and Pilling, river Ribble, Dunsop Fell on Sunday. Contact: 865976. The Gazette Bridge Club welcomes players at 7pm at the Wainwright Club, Hornby Rd, Blackpool on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Contact: 354513.
Coffee and books
Fylde Coast Ramblers will be walking Ulverston on Sunday.Contact 694427
Lund WI
Art workshop
An art workshop is held every Friday at the Frank Townend Centre, Kensington Road, Cleveleys, 9amnoon. Contact:863369.
Arts society
Blackpool Arts Society meets on Thursday when James Gray will demonstrate in water colours at the Studio,Wilkinson Avenue, 7.30pm.
Lund WI members enjoyed an entertaining demonstration of cheese making by Robert Kitching. A competition for the cheesiest cheese knife,was won by Ann Lee with runners-up Pam Smith and Anne Miller. On March 19, the WI meets at Newton-with-Clifton Village Hall, 7.30pm, for a talk from adventurer Pat Ascroft on Meeting the Challenge. New members welcome. Contact (01772) 684300.
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
Jumble sale
A jumble sale and auction takes place at St Paul’s Worship Centre, Egerton Road, North Shore, on Tuesday next week, 6.30pm.
ME Support
The ME support Group meets on Sunday at Poulton Methodist Church lounge, Queensway, 2.30pm. Contact 723608.
Merchant Navy
The Blackpool Merchant Navy Association meet at the Guards Club, Whitegate Drive next Sunday 11.am. Serving and ex Merchant Seamen welcome.
Band concert
Thornton Cleveleys Band present their sounds of brass concert at Thornton Little Theatre on Sunday, 8pm. Adults £4, children £2.
Art workshop
An art workshop is held every Friday at the Frank Townend Centre, Kensington Road, Cleveleys, 9amnoon. Contact:863369.
Afternoon tea
St Christopher's Church, Hawes Side Lane, Blackpool, will have a monthly afternoon tea for senior citizens, starting on Sunday, 3pm. Bob Milner will be playing the organ. After tea there will be a short service in church
socialspotlight
Social bingo
for anyone wishing to attend, conducted by the parish priest Fr Graham Piper. Transport can be provided for those who have difficulty getting to the centre. Contact Fr Piper on 697937.
Poetry time
Poetry People have a recital featuring Wordsworth and Coleridge at Thornton little Theatre on Thursday, 12.30pm. Reading start at 1pm. Light lunches available. £3.
Garden talk
Alpines are Frank Hoyle's subject at Kirkham Horticultural Society on Thursday at Kirkham Grammar School, Ribby Road, 7.30pm.
Naturalists
Fylde naturalists have a talk on South Africa from Gerry Stephen tomorrow at Fylde Coast Alive, Raikes Parade, Blackpool, 7.30pm. On Saturday they will be walking in Gargrave.
Probus club
Blackpool South Probus Club welcomes new members to its meeting tomorrow at Marton Methodist Community Centre, Midgeland Road, 10am. Contact: 763812.
Poulton LLL
Poulton Lifelong Learning Group has a travel talk, Land of Fire and Ice, from Keith and Chris Buxton tomorrow at the Civic Centre, Breck Road, 2pm.
Bird talk
Blackpool and Fylde RSPB Group celebrate 25 years by presenting an Evening with Mike Dilger, BBC1 The One Show's natural history presenter, at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood, on Friday, March 27, 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50, children £5. From the box office.
Flower Club
Fleetwood Flower Club has a surprise demonstration at the Senior Citizens Hall, Warrenhurst Drive, tomorrow, 7.30pm.
Little Thornton WI
Little Thornton WI has a talk on bee keeping from Bill Poole tomorrow at St John's Church Hall, Little Thornton, 7.30pm.
Embroiderers
Blackpool Embroiderers have a
spring clean bring and buy on Monday at the Arts Studio, Wilkinson Avenue, 7.15pm.
Wildlife explorers
The junior wing of the RSPB will be looking at winter thrushes as its topic tomorrow at Wyreside Ecology Centre, Stanah, from 6.30pm. Parents welcome to stay. On Sunday they will be birdwatching on the winter shoreline. Contact: 866010.
Luncheon club
Blackpool Ladies Luncheon and Supper Club meets at the Elgin Hotel tomorrow when local historian Ken Shenton is the speaker.
Dance date
A Dancing for All community group has a tea dance at the Carousel Hotel, New South Promenade, on tomorrow 2pm. £3.50.
Coffee date
Bispham United Reformed Church Ladies Friendship Group has a coffee morning tomorrow, 10.30am, at the Church Hall, Warbreck Drive. 50p.
Floral society
Lytham St Annes Floral Society welcomes international demonstrator Tony Brown to its demonstration at the Lowther Pavilion tomorrow, 7.30pm. Guests welcome.
Pre-Bond ramblers
Pre-Bond ramblers will be walking in Mungrisedale on Sunday. contact 316713.
Car boot
An indoor car boot and jumble sale will be held a the Senior Citizens Hall, Warrenhurst Road, Fleetwood, on Saturday, 10am-2pm.
Royal Engineers
Blackpool branch of the Royal Engineers Association meets on Friday at the BLESMA Home Lytham Road, Blackpool, 7pm. All serving and ex Sappers welcome.
Elswick singers
Elswick Singers are performing at Kirkham St Michael's Church on March 13 at 7.30pm to raise funds for the Spire Appeal. Admission £5.
Bloomfield
Bloomfield (East) Community Association, St Heliers Road, hosts the Primetimers Over 55s from 10am-noon on Tuesday, Mother and Toddler Group on Wednesday 1.30pm-3pm, Saturday coffee drop in 10.30am to noon.
Pipe band
Pipers and drummers including learners are required by St Annes Pipe Band. Practice every Wednesday at 7.30pm at St Thomas' Scout HQ, St Thomas Road, St Annes. Contact: 729587
Senior citizens
A senior citizens' social club meets on Wednesday for sequence dancing at the Senior Citizens' Hall, Cleveleys, 1.30pm-4pm.
Poco Loco
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,7pm-9pm.Contact: 358432 .
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.
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
evelife
A helping hand from Eve’s agony aunt Fiona Caine. If you have a problem with your relationship, marriage or family, Fiona is here to give advice
I’M LOSING MY SENSES
am a widow of 76 and have IHowever, always been fit and active. recently I have become
more anxious about going out. My hearing started to deteriorate about ten years ago and although I am not profoundly deaf, I do have trouble hearing. Until recently I used to be able to work it out because I could see their faces but now I have lost the sight in one eye and my vision in the other is poor, too. My family are supportive in that they come and see me when they can but they are not local so it’s not easy for them. However, I know it is difficult for them, and we all get frustrated sometimes when I don’t understand what they are saying. I feel my future is very bleak; I can’t see properly and although I have hearing aids I can still only hear a limited amount. I wish I knew what to do but I am just sitting at home feeling worse and worse about life. I suppose I should go into the home but I have always valued my independence. ML One in 20 people over 75 are affected by this combination of sight and hearing loss – where people are said to be “deafblind’’. This has a serious impact on their lives but with the right help and support they can continue to enjoy life - and so can you. I expect you are tired of constantly asking people to repeat things. You don’t want to be a bother to your family so you probably either give up or pretend you’ve understood when you haven’t. You need to explain to your family what you need them to do so you can understand them better. If you think you could still lip-read, you might find it easier if the person talking to you stood in full light. If your hearing is better on one side than the other, get them to stand on that side. And you’ll probably find it easier if you eliminate background noises, so turn the TV or radio off. Have you discussed the problem with your GP or have you asked to be referred to Social Services? There is support but, not everyone gets the help unless they ask. Sense, a charity that specialises in dealing with deafblindness, has produced a helpful information booklet called “The Good Life’’. It explains how others can work with you to make your life easier and offers all kinds of useful suggestions enabling you to be independent. See Sense’s website sense.org.uk and look at all kinds of useful links. You can call the helpline on 0845 127 0060. Or, if you have a textphone, call 0845 127 0062.
SEX IS PAINFUL
Before I married my husband B early last year we had never had sex together as we wanted
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
to wait. The trouble is we don’t seem to be able to. Whenever he tries it is so painful that I just can’t let him inside me and it is very upsetting for us both. We really want children but this doesn’t seem very likely to happen unless we manage to have sex properly. What should I do it’s too embarrassing to go to the doctor about? VL You really do need to see a doctor because there are a number of possible causes to your problem, including things like infection. However, vaginismus could well be the cause. It’s a spasm of the vaginal muscles that can cause both deep and superficial pain and makes penetrative sex impossible. There are all kinds of possible reasons why you might have developed this condition. Perhaps it was your upbringing, if you were encouraged to think of sex as ‘nasty’ or ‘dirty’. Perhaps you were sexually abused in some way or perhaps you are simply afraid that you will be hurt by the size of your partner’s penis. The condition is quite common and, while some women manage to cure themselves, the best thing is to ask your GP for a referral to a doctor trained by the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine. Doctors with this qualification are experienced in the condition and should be able to help you.
NO-ONE TO TURN TO
s a child I was abused by A my stepfather and as I grew up I had all kinds of problems
which no one really helped me with. I’ve calmed down now I’m older but inside I am still a mess. I’ve tried to get help but no one seems to want to know. I thought it would help to change doctors but it hasn’t made any difference, he’s not arranged any counselling for me. I feel alone and desperate and often consider suicide. CF Your doctor is not a psychic so unless you ask for help how is he to know about your abuse? I can’t believe you have exhausted all the available help as there are a number of bodies who would be willing and able to help. From rape crisis centres to incest victims, support organisations to the Samaritans - there must be someone who will listen to you. Are you waiting for someone to arrange this for you? Unfortunately most people have to seek out help for themselves. I suggest you speak to your doctor – he will be able to refer you to sources of support. Consider contacting NAPAC (the National Association of People Abused in Childhood) on their Support Line 0800 085 3330. And if you do feel desperate, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90
Letters and replies (names will remain strictly confidential) will be published here every week. Write to Fiona Caine, c/o Eve, The Gazette, Avroe House, Avroe Crescent, Blackpool Business Park, Blackpool, FY4 2DP. You can also e-mail Fiona with your problems www.mail@askfiona.net ● Fiona regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence.
7
SOS PLEA
A charity is in need of a new home. Elizabeth Gomm reports
A BLACKPOOL charity which has helped hundred of families blighted by child abuse to rebuild their shattered lives faces closure unless it can find a new home.
Time is running out for multi-award winning Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Mosac, the only charity of its kind in Lancashire, which has just six weeks to find a new base, and new sponsorship, before it has to move out of The Lodge, Whitegate Drive. The Kensington Foundation, which owns the Lodge, is withdrawing its support after eight years in which it has provided rent-free offices, free heating and telephone calls plus funding Mosac’s only paid part-time worker. Kensington is to concentrate its efforts on the holiday centre for terminally ill children it is developing at Normoss. “It is sink or swim for us,” said volunteer Mosac organiser Sue McGurty “Kensington has been a great sponsor and did offer us space at Normoss, but it wouldn’t have been suitable for our families. We need to ensure their confidentiality and be easily accessible. “This is a vicious circle, because our future is uncertain we haven’t been able to get the grants we need. Now we are desperate. We don’t want to give up. Too many people rely on us.” Sue and co-founder Diane Dickinson
APPEAL: Mosac’s Sue McGurty (right) with counsellor Stephanie Passam built the group from a platform of personal understanding as both had experienced child sexual abuse within their own families. They met through the NSPCC and went on to set up Mosac, which supports mothers and safe carers of young victims of abuse. Sue said: “Sexual abuse is a life sentence for the children and their safe carers. It is something from which they never fully recover. “We run on a shoestring. Kensington has funded Diane for 18 hours a week,
without that she wouldn’t be able to carry on. But now that is going. “We do need help. We are appealing for sponsorship and asking for anyone who may have empty property, or maybe a church which has room to spare, to let premises to us at a low rent. Without help we will not be able to carry on.” ■ If you can help in any way, contact Mosac (Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde), The Lodge, 216 Whitegate Drive,Blackpool ,FY3 9JL, or call 763180 (10am-5pm)
HELPING TO HEAL BROKEN LIVES MOSAC’S work in rebuilding broken lives has been nationally recognised – it was one of only 200 community groups nationally to receive the Queen's Golden Jubilee Award and citation. In 2006 Sue, Lancashire Volunteer of the Year, was one of 450 chosen from 2,500 awarded with medals for their volunteering in regional areas to attend a national celebration in London and in 2007, Sue and Diane were back in London to received The Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize for women who have done exceptional work to combat violence against women and children. Sue said: “NHS, Social services and other agencies refer clients for help but we don’t receive funding in return. “In 2008, 15 agencies referred 31
clients to us. Last year I8 adults were referred to our counselling services and nine young people to our young persons’ counsellor, but sadly the funding for young persons’ counsellor ran out and hasn’t been renewed. “Already this year three agencies have referred to us and we have had six new clients. We have one unpaid counsellor who sees four of these clients, who have long term issues, and she has waiting list of six more.” Voluntary counsellor Stephanie Passam was so impressed by Mosac she offered to work for nothing. She said: “There is a very great need for the existence of Mosac – all its work revolves around the issue of sex abuse. We are not only counselling mothers of children who have been abused, but also adults who were
abused as children, and who having slipped through the net, have carried their terrible secret into adulthood. “The NHS, and other professional agencies are sending people but we are getting nothing in return. They should help us with funding. “I know what untold damage my clients could suffer if I suddenly have to stop counselling them because we have nowhere to go.” Sue McGurty added: “We provide a crucial service, in an subject most people don’t talk about, but you can’t deny the need for us. The 850 families we have helped are proof of that. “With the pressures of the recession, it is only likely to get worse. We need to remain for those families who have already suffered from child abuse and for those who will in the future.”
Praying for a better world FYLDE churchwomen will be holding special services on Friday to celebrate Women’s World Day of Prayer which this year puts the focus on the plight of the impoverished people of Papua New Guinea. And it is the Christian women of Papua New Guinea, where women suffer a low status in society, who have prepared the service which reflects the cultural diversity of their country. In spite of gender inequality there, change is taking place with women
beginning to get work in professions previously closed to them. Special services in Fylde churches on Friday include those at Holy Trinity Church, Dean Street, South Shore, at 2.30pm (speaker Diane Dennett): Bispham Parish Church, All Hallows Road, at 2pm (speaker Linda Whitworth) and St John’s RC Church, Breck Road, Poulton, 2pm (speaker Gill Ruddick) Both men and women, of all ages, and of all faiths are welcome. Emma Wilcock, president of the
England, Wales and Northern Ireland committee, said: “This is always an exciting day. The extent of unity in prayer is shown by the fact that the first service will begin at sunrise in Tonga and travel round the world until the suns sets in neighbouring Western Samoa. “By then it will have been celebrated in 170 countries and in England, wales and Northern Ireland alone over 5,000 services will have been held.”
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009
IT’S a testament to Finsbury House carpets that they are still trading after more than 40 years in the retail flooring industry.
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
eveinteriors
WELL grounded
Three generations of families have been and still are purchasing quality carpets and floorcoverings from the fantastic ranges available on offer, all at excellent, unbeatable prices. In fact, the Finsbury House price promise means that they will endeavour to beat any bona-fide written quotation. The first floor showroom in Ansdell Road, South Shore, has one of the largest displays in the Fylde, from Karndean International Design floorcoverings. The portfolio of products captures the timeless elegance and authentic appearance of natural materials such as slate, marble and timber but in a range of vinyl tiles and plank products, co-ordinating borders plus feature and design strips to help you personalise your design. The wide range from Amtico is now in stock. The showroom also incorporates the beautiful timber collection with ranges from Arden Hardwood Floors to the very popular Quick-Step Uniclic laminate - the whole range looks stunning anywhere in the home. Customers can also view over 5000 colours and designs within no fewer than four large showrooms, all from the leading carpet and vinyl manufacturers such as Brintons, Ulster, Ryalux, Armstrong/Rhinofloor and Leolan. The Guardsman carpet protection plan can protect
More than 40 years of experience covering floors Advertising feature
your new carpet and extend its aesthetic life with the back-up of a five-year guarantee, which coupled with their complimentary home advisory service, makes part of a great value package. Finsbury House supplies to commercial and domestic customers and has its own team of reliable, timeserved fitters who have over 30 years’ experience. Their staff offer a rarely found personal touch and will give any advice you may need on finding the right type of flooring to suit your requirements. For a great deal on carpets and all types of floorcoverings, call in to Finsbury House, phone the showroom on (01253) 762065 or email enquiries to finsburyhouse@hotmail.co.uk ■ Newly-appointed approved Dyson retailers, Finsbury House now has many models in stock including the new DC24 compact ball Dyson at £235.
MASSIVE SELECTION: Finsbury House Carpets in Ansdell Road, South Shore
Shows to choose from include: Billy Elliot, Chicago, Dirty Dancing, Grease, Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Joseph, Les Miserables, Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Oliver!, Phantom of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Wicked, plus many more..
LONDON THEATRE
Saturday Night by Coach
2 Days
from £
109.95pp
Weekend departures t Ticket for a Saturday evening performance of the West End show of your choice from our fabulous selection (listed above) t Overnight stay at a 4 star outer London hotel with full English breakfast t Free time in London t
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To Book call 01524 37500 For a Brochure call 01772 838080
Visit www.readertravelnw.co.uk Prices are based on two people sharing, single room supplement applies. Operated by Omega Holidays a fully bonded member of ABTA - Your guarantee of security. ABTA V 4782.
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