Garstang Focus Magazine - April 2019 by Focus Magazines

Garstang FOCUS Your Free Monthly Magazine

Scorton - Cabus - Garstang - Bonds - Bowgreave Catterall - Churchtown - St Michaels April 2019

Issue 223

What’s on in Garstang

Monday

1st

Scottish Country Dance Group - Garstang URC (weekly)

Recorded Music Group - Garstang Arts Centre

Bridge Group - Garstang Arts Centre (also 8th, 15th & 29th)

Baby Bounce & Rhyme - Garstang Library (also Fri)

Tuesday

Coffee Stop - Inglewhite Church (also 16th & 30th)

2nd

Bridge Group - Garstang Arts Centre (also 9th, 23rd & 30th)

Folk Dance Group - Garstang Arts Centre (weekly)

Forget-me-Nots - Wesley’s Coffee Lounge

Story Time for the Under 5s - Garstang Library

Out Rawcliffe Over 60s

Garstang Ladies Speakers - Garstang Gold Club (also 16th)

Garstang Bridge Club - Sports & Social Club (also Thurs)

Wednesday

3rd

Meat Bingo - Winmarleigh Village Hall

Garstang Ukulele Group - Forton URC

Needlework Group - Garstang Arts Centre (weekly)

Thursday

Charity Coffee Morning - Garstang URC

4th

An Evening with Dean Fraser - Garstang Library

Time to Unwind - Garstang Library (weekly)

Friday

Garstang 3Ls - Garstang URC Church Hall

Meat Bingo - Caldervale Country Club - (also 19th)

Health & Well Being Morning - Garstang Library

Story Time for Pre-school & Primaries - Garstang Library (weekly) 35

Saturday

5th

6th

Coffee Morning - Calder Vale Methodist Church

Phoenix Dance Group - Barton Village Hall (weekly)

Garstang in Bloom Litter Pick

Quiz and 200 Club Draw - Garstang Arts Centre

Saturday Scratch - Garstang Library (weekly)

Lunches Throughout Lent - Scorton Methodist Chapel (also 13th) 40

Sunday

Sequence Dancing - Kirkland Memorial Hall

Bingo - Caldervale Country Club - (weekly)

7th

Over Wyre & Garstang Focus Magazines www.focusmags.co.uk | (01253) 813433 | www.facebook.com/focusmags Event Advertising & Editorial: sue@focusmags.co.uk Business & Commercial Advertising: helen@focusmags.co.uk Postal submissions: Focus Magazine, 132 Highfield Rd, Blackpool, FY4 2HH Cover design by Phil S Clarkson | Printed by Moulton Printing | © Focus Magazines 2019

What’s on in Garstang

Sunday

7th

Parkinson’s UK - Barton Grange

Monday

8th

Garstang Gardening Club - Crofters Hotel

Tuesday

9th

Claughton Sequence Dancing - Memorial Hall (also 23rd)

Coffee Stop - Catterall Village Hall

Art Exhibition - Garstang Arts Centre (until 2nd May)

Woolcraft - Garstang Arts Centre (weekly)

Friends of Garstang Library - Garstang Library

Wednesday 10th

Gardening with Garstang in Bloom

Garstang Historical Society - Garstang Arts Centre

Thursday

Garstang Stamp Club - Garstang Library

11th

‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ - Cabus Village Hall (until 13th) Friday

12th

Easter Bingo - Scorton Bowling Club

4 36 7

‘To The Alps in Times Gone By’ - Garstang Library (also 26th)

Monday

15th

Garstang Wine Circle - Garstang Arts Centre

Tuesday

16th

Floral Art Group - Garstang Arts Centre

Catterall Gardening Club - Catterall Village Hall

Saturday

Craft & Collectors Fair - Garstang Arts Centre

Pat Seed Appeal Fund - Christies Stall - Garstang Market

Thursday

Aglow International - Crofters Hotel

Annual General Meeting - Garstang Arts Centre

20th 25th

‘The Small Isles of Scotland’ - Garstang Trefoil - Garstang Library 41 Friday

26th

Exhibition - Garstang Patchwork Quilters - Barton Village Hall

Poetry Appreciation Group - Garstang Arts Centre

Time to Chat - Garstang Library

Saturday

27th

Bric-a-Brac Auction - NW Children’s Support Group

Sunday

28th

Table Top/Car Boot Sale - 1st Cockerham Brownies

Monday

29th

Friends Together - Wesley’s Coffee Lounge

Tableaux Meeting - Garstang Children’s Festival

Garstang Ukulele Group - Wesley’s Cafe

May 2019 deadline for editorial and adverts is Monday 15th April May deliveries commence Thursday 25th April While every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine to ensure accuracy, Focus Magazines cannot be held responsible for editorial content supplied by contributors. Our acceptance of an editorial item or an advertisement does not necessarily indicate our endorsement of the products, services or views contained within it.

MEAT BINGO

SEQUENCE DANCING

Wed 3rd April 7:30pm Winmarleigh Village Hall

Sun 7th & 21st April 8:00pm Kirkland Memorial Hall

Every 1st Wednesday of the month from September to May inclusive. Eyes Down 7.30pm. Refreshments Included.

Held fortnightly. Dancing to John Lancaster.

Hilary Fryer

FRIENDS TOGETHER

GARSTANG STAMP CLUB

Mon 29th April 7:00pm Wesley’s Coffee Lounge, Park Hill Road

Thurs 11th April - ‘Alice in Wonderland’ G. Chadwick Tues 23rd April - Auction Meetings are in the Meeting Room of Garstang Library from 7:30pm - 9:30pm on Thursdays unless otherwise shown. Beginners and enquirers welcome to attend before joining. Subscriptions Adults £10 Under 18 £1. D. Jones (01995) 602665

Betty Singleton (01995) 603253

This meeting should go with a swing as the visitors are Garstang’s own popular Ukulele Band. Now much in demand for their lively entertainment of music and song, this enthusiastic group are sure to bring a smile to all our faces. So come along to Wesleys Coffee Lounge and enjoy a time of fellowship and fun. If you need any further details ring Janice (01995) 602247.

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CALDER VALE METHODIST CHURCH Monthly Coffee Mornings Sat 6th April 10:00am - 12 noon Usual Stalls etc. Proceeds to be divided between Marie Curie Care and the Chapel.

interesting. There is no need to commit to joining the group. Tea and biscuits are a given. Ruth Rendle (01995) 602006

Edith Gorst (01995) 602078

GARSTANG URC COFFEE MORNING

GARSTANG 3L’s Life Long Learning Fri 5th April 2:00pm Gartsang URC Church Hall The speaker at this month’s meeting is Caroline Eams, a Forensic Scientist. This is certain to be an interesting and informative afternoon, with a subject many of us know very little about. Thoughts of T.V.’s ‘Who done it?’ spring to mind, but we will, I’m sure, all learn something new. Everyone is welcome, even if you just want to come if you think the subject sounds

Garstang URC, Croston Rd, Garstang Garstang URC Charity Coffee Mornings on the first Thursday of each month 10:00am – 12 noon at Garstang United Reformed Church, Croston Road. Thurs 4th April Women’s Guild for Millennium Green and Defying Dementia Campaign (Lancaster University). Thurs 2nd May Parkinson’s UK (Preston Branch). Hilary Ralphs (01995) 603056 Email: ralphs@garstang.eclipse.co.uk

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CLAUGHTON SEQUENCE DANCE

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE GROUP

Tues 9th & 23rd April - John Lancaster Claughton Memorial Hall

We meet on Monday evenings at 7:30pm from September to May in the United Reformed Church Hall, Croston Road, Garstang PR3 1FL.

Claughton Sequence Dancing for your enjoyment with pleasant company, gentle exercise and good music. Beginners welcome. Price £3.50 including tea and biscuits. Contacts: Hazel (01524) 791177 or Christine (01995) 679264.

Our programme includes a range of dances to suit all abilities.

Bill Cowan

New members are always welcome - no previous dancing experience required. Just come along and have a go!

PHOENIX DANCE GROUP

For any further information, contact Pam (01995) 603536 or Ian (01995) 603998

Barton Village Hall

Marlene Towns

We meet every Saturday from 7:45pm to 11:15pm. Come and join us and enjoy sequence dancing with music by Alan Cookson on the key board. Admission £4.00 including refreshments. Contact Christine (01995) 679264 or Hazel (01524) 791177. Bill Cowan

SEQUENCE STEPPERS Charity Dance Group We meet on alternate Thursdays at Barton Village Hall. Dancing from 7:45pm to 11:15pm with various music groups. Home made refreshments. Admission £3. We donate all our profits to local charities. Barbara Holden (01995) 601348

FORTON BOWLING CLUB The club would like to invite anyone interested in bowling to come along when the season opens at the beginning of April and try the sport. No experience is necessary and all ages would be most welcome. We are a friendly bunch so come along and give it a try. If you need more information ring Viv (01524) 791118 Robin Marsden

CALDERVALE COUNTRY CLUB What’s On Fri 5th & 19th April - Meat Bingo. Eyes down 7:30pm. Every Saturday night - Live entertainment,

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CALDERVALE COUNTRY CLUB (cont) bingo and dancing. £2 on the door. Nonmembers welcome. Every Sunday - Social Bingo - Eyes down 8:00pm. Come and pay us a visit. We are a small, friendly club serving a wide range of drinks at very reasonable prices. Ros Ashworth (01995) 603776

1ST COCKERHAM BROWNIES Table Top and Car Boot Sale Sun 28th April 9:00am - 2:00pm Cockerham Parish Hall, Main Street, Cockerham, Lancaster Refreshments Available. To book a table or for more information call (01524) 791140. Diane Kellet

GARSTANG PATCHWORK QUILTERS 2019 Exhibition - ‘Quilters’ Perceptions’ Fri 26th - Sun 28th April 10:00am - 4:00pm Bilsborrow Village Hall, Garstang Road, Bilsborrow, PR3 0RE Prize Raffle in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). 1st Prize ‘Perception Points’ Bed Quilt and other prizes. Trade Stands, Sales Table, Refreshments, Disabled Access, free Car Park. Admission £3 with accompanied under 16’s and husbands free. Chris Bramwell

SCORTON BOWLING CLUB Easter Bingo Fri 12th April 7:00pm Scorton Village Hall Brilliant prizes and raffle. Eyes down 7:30pm. Kathleen Hodgson (01524) 791082

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GARSTANG PAINTING GROUP The second quarter of 2019 starts off on Wed 3rd April with a members only workshop on watercolour under the guidance of Greg Howard. The workshop will be entitled ‘Cumbrian Scene’ - a subject close to the heart of several members. We will all be looking forward to this event, and our overhead viewing equipment should prove most useful as the workshop proceeds. During April, many members will be preparing work for the next members’ main exhibition the Jean Grange Exhibition which opens on Tues 7th May and runs for the whole month. Hand in paintings on Sat 4th May. And so the year continues with more interesting demonstrations and workshops to keep us all busy and inspired. For more information contact Carolyn Wood (01253) 812270. Bill Barnes

GARSTANG ST THOMAS’ CHURCH 2nd Sunday - 10:30am - Sunday for Everyone – an informal, contemporary service for all. 4th Sunday - 7:00pm - Café Church, an informal service in the Parish Hall with tea and cake! Sunday Club for young people 4 - 14. A fun way to learn and grow with Jesus. Meets in church at 10:25 am every Sunday. Friday Youth for young people 10 - 16. A term time only programme of films, sports, crafts and games. £1:50 a week. 7:30pm - 9:00pm on Friday night in the Parish Hall next to St Thomas’ church. For more info on either contact tsperring@ gmail.com or message our Facebook page. For hire of the Parish Hall contact me. Judy Osborne (01995) 600966

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GARSTANG FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT The theme for this Fairtrade Fortnight was based on Cocoa and Chocolate and featuring the women producers. Life for cocoa producers is tough but even more so for women cocoa producers. To highlight ‘She Deserves A Living Wage’ Garstang Library staff mounted a display marking this theme. As a fantastic Fairtrade Fortnight drew to a close, Wesley’s hosted the presentation for the Primary School’s Fairtrade Art Competition. The winners were awarded Easter Eggs. The schools which took part were Cockerham Parochial C of E Primary School, Dolphinholme C of E Primary School, Forton Primary School, Garstang Community Primary School, Garstang St. Thomas C of E Primary School and St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School. The winners were Reception Class, Kirsten from Forton, Year 1 Dexter, Cockerham, Year 2 Viola Garstang Community, Years 3, 5 and 6 Reuben, Daisy Alice and Lucy and Year 4 Esme SS Mary and Michael. All the entries were worthy of prizes and much thought had gone into ‘What Does Fairtrade Chocolate Mean to Me?’ Thank you to all who took part. The Mayor of Garstang, Cllr. Leah Hynes presented the prizes and the Mustard Seed, the one world shop, sponsored the Easter Eggs. This was truly an example of the community working together to promote the message of Fairtrade. We are grateful to all the retailers who showcased the schools’ work. Amongst other events the Trefoil Guild marked Fairtrade Fortnight and the way forward for young girls in today’s society. ‘She Deserves a Living Wage’ combined with Fairtrade made for an interesting meeting. The Visit Garstang Tourist Information Centre put on a very informative Fairtrade display and Garstang Cycling Club for their annual meeting did a Fairtrade Cycle Ride fuelled by

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GARSTANG FAIRTRADE (cont) Fairtrade bananas. The next meeting of our group will be on Sat 13th April, 10:00am at Wesley’s Coffee Lounge on Parkhill Road where we will be discussing amongst other matters planning for forthcoming events. Everyone who has an interest in Fairtrade or is just curious is welcome to join us. We would love to see you. If you have any ideas or suggestions but cannot get to the meeting, please email us on garstangfairtrade@ gmail.com Peter Ryder

COFFEE STOP Coffee Stop opens as a community cafe on most Tuesday mornings. Volunteers from Inglewhite Church and the local communities are there to serve tea and coffee as well as cake or a toasted tea cake.

Our aim is to provide a safe and friendly place for us to get together and make new connections. If you’re new to the area or if you’ve previously considered coming along it would be great to welcome you. We open at 10:00am and close around 12 noon. Free parking, cycle space and disabled access are available at both venues. We look forward to welcoming you during April at Inglewhite Church on Tues 2nd, 16th & 30th April and Catterall Village Hall on Tues 9th April. Our event on Tues 16th April will focus on Easter with singing and a guest speaker at 11:00am. Lesley Hardman 07980 070 349

GARSTANG BOWLING CLUB How About Bowling as a Hobby? Garstang Subscription Bowling Club (next to the Riverside car park) are offering free taster sessions in this pleasant, leisurely pastime. The first session is being held from 10:00am until 12:30pm on Fri 12th April. Later, a league match is taking place at 2:00pm. On both Sat 13th April and Sun 14th April come and join us any time from 10:00am through until 3:00pm. A short, friendly introduction to the basics of the game will be followed by a try out at your leisure. Good fun and not too strenuous! You need to wear flat sole shoes (trainers and the like, no heels!) and we will have a selection of woods for you to play with. You can just turn up or maybe text or call me beforehand to assist our planning. The beauty of crown green bowling is that youngsters and the not-so-young can participate. Membership is only £40 per year. Have a go! Any questions? Give me a call. Dave Rochester (01995) 601002/ 07767 428 923

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LET YOUR BODY REPAIR NATURALLY Given we’re now well into Lent I thought I’d touch upon one of the oldest and most effective ways to allow your body to repair without requiring too much intervention from medicines, lotions and potions. This is the healthful and health giving practice of fasting. It is associated with many religions for it’s spiritual challenge but is also profoundly good for your body and, of course, is remarkably easy to do. No equipment needed, no shopping for the new diet. Just some self discipline. There is now a mountain of evidence for how good fasting is for you, from Michael Mosley of the BBC and his intermittent fasting methods to serious research papers that conclude it is effective and safe. What is it about fasting that makes it so effective? First we have to look at our evolution – we have evolved to experience periods of feast and famine. As hunter

gatherers we would have to go sometime between our meals depending on seasons and availability of food. There were no supermarkets to provide instant supplies, so to ensure we didn’t just drop dead at the first sign of a lack of food our body has numerous repair processes and clever methods to maintain energy and life without the need for food. Therefore, when we had a lack of food in the distant past our body would go into repair and renew mode until food was found. In fact, we know our body can survive for months without food but only three days without water. However, your body uses approximately 70% of its energy to digest food and in our modern western world we are almost never without food. Therefore, our body never has a chance to go into repair and renew mode and is constantly taxed by a steady input of food all day every day. Good examples of how this can manifest with health problems is weight gain resulting in morbid obesity – something that is becoming a serious epidemic in Britain. We are eating ourselves towards chronic ill health and shorter lives. Another example is gout. Gout is an extremely painful condition where uric acid crystals are deposited in a joint causing swelling and pain. Yet when we look at what is happening, we can see all the signs of a body doing its best to keep you alive. Quite simply, gout is a symptom of a body that is being overtaxed by continuous consumption of food and drink and never getting a chance to rest and repair. There is so much ‘stuff’ being put in that the body will overload and the waste product uric acid starts to build up because our body cannot get rid of it fast enough. This acid forms crystals that, if they went into an organ, could cause it to fail and that would be potentially fatal. So our clever body takes those crystals and deposits them out of harm’s way, in a joint, since whilst that might

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LET YOUR BODY REPAIR (cont) hurt it will not kill us. Amazing eh? The fastest (pun intended!) remedy for an attack of gout is to stop taxing the body by fasting. Drink lots of water and allow your body to repair. Then to stop future attacks, fast regularly. Some people advocate intermittent fasting which is to only ever eat food in an eight hour period of the day which means you do 16 hours of fasting every day. So as an example, if you break your fast at 11:00am you will not eat again after 7:00pm. This is actually a powerful and easy health practice. Others do a variation of this called the 5:2 diet. If you get used to being able to do this then you can always take the next step and do a full 24 hour fast. If you have never done this type of practice before it is always wise to consult with a health expert first, especially if you have blood sugar problems such as diabetes. It

is worth pointing out that fasting helps your body regulate blood sugar levels so can be very useful if you have Type Two diabetes. Nick Tofalos 07709 321 455

AGLOW INTERNATIONAL Aglow International, a Christian inter denominational organisation, invites you to an evening meal, fellowship, and ‘My Story’ from Esther Scholes. It will be held at The Crofters Hotel, Cabus on Thurs 25th April at 7:15pm. To book the meal call Nina Vasey (01995) 640028. Christine Fairhurst (01772) 865485

NW CHILDREN’S SUPPORT GROUP Annual Bric-a-Brac Auction Sat 27th April 12 noon SS Mary and Michael’s School Doors open for viewing at 10:00am and the auction starts at 12 noon. All proceeds from this event will go to the North West Children’s Support Group, a local registered charity. Please see www.nwcsg. co.uk for more information. Debbie McCann

GARSTANG FREE METHODISTS April Events Good Friday Service Fri 19th April 10:30am Easter Sunday Service Sun 21st April 10:45am. All Welcome. Tea Time Church Sun 28th April 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Particularly for families but all welcome. Friday FOCUS all 10:30am start. Fri 5th April - Focus on Prayer. Fri 12th April - Focus on Film. Fri 26th April - Focus on the Bible. Administrator (01995) 602852 Garstang Free Methodists Church

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• • • • • • •

FULL & PARTIAL DENTURES

Do you have problems with your full or partial dentures? Do you want dentures that fit well, are comfortable and look fabulous? Are you prevented from choosing the foods you like? Do you get food underneath your dentures? Would you like dentures that look just like natural, healthy teeth? Do you want well fitting dentures without needing implants? Do you want dentures that no one knows are dentures?

Dr Finlay Sutton

If the answer to any of the above is yes then Dr Finlay Sutton (Dentist who is a specialist in replacing missing teeth - Prosthodontics) along with his in-house dental technician, Mr Rowan Garstang are here to help you, in Garstang. Finlay says: “I love making dentures and love changing peoples’ lives. I am fortunate in having one of the worlds best dental technicians working with me in the practice. When it comes to dentures the key to success is for them to be incredibly comfortable and look as natural as possible, mirroring original teeth characteristics as closely as possible, so that no one knows they are dentures.” Dr John Besford, world famous former specialist in prosthodontics said of Finlay: “Together with Rowan Garstang, his accomplished laboratory technician, Finlay is now producing some of the finest denture work - both functionally and aesthetically, in the world. The difference that this is making to his patient’s lives is obvious from the improved contours of their faces and the enhanced sparkle in their eyes by the end of treatment. It is as if Brenda Before their souls have been refreshed.” Finlay is renowned for his work with dentures and has patients travelling to see him from far and wide, throughout the UK and abroad – he is recognised as one of the country’s leading specialists in removable prosthodontics and regularly teaches other dentists and technicians on the art of making dentures.

Brenda’s Testimonial

Since having my dentures done I have been delighted with the results – and I know how much of a diﬀerence they have made because of the comments from all my friends and family who say my smile and face is totally transformed. My only regret is not having this done sooner. I can’t believe how natural they look and how comfortable they are - they have reshaped my jaw and face - it was more than worth doing.

Brenda After

www.garstangdrp.co.uk Garstang Dental Referral Practice Weind House, Park Hill Road, Garstang PR3 1EL 01995 606091 | office@garstangdrp.co.uk

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GARSTANG CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL The arrangements for this year’s Garstang Children’s Festival are gathering pace. The next Tableaux meeting will take place on Mon 29th April at 7:30pm in the Royal Oak. This is where you register your float and find out all about the event. Anyone can get together to enter a float – schools, families, clubs, friends, groups etc. If you would like to enter please get in touch with Frank Worthington (01995) 604628. This year’s Festival takes place on Spring Bank Holiday Mon 27th May. More information will be available on the Festival’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ garstangchildrensfestival, and the website – www.garstangchildrensfestival.org There will be free rides and amusements on Moss Lane playing field during the afternoon, together with children’s games,

which are also free. The Festival catering tents will be open for business as usual with a range of low cost refreshments available. If anyone would like to offer their help with the catering – even for only an hour or two – it would be most appreciated, just get in touch with us. The Fancy Dress competition is always popular and we hope to attract even more entrants this year. Anyone can enter – if you feel like taking part entries are accepted from 5:15pm on Moss Lane playing fields, with judging taking place between 5.30pm and 6:00pm and along the procession route (more information will be given in the Programme nearer the event). Maintaining the safety of the children taking part in the procession, as well as those watching, is always a high priority. If you could spare a couple of hours on the

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CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL (cont)

GARSTANG IN BLOOM

day to help as a steward it would be much appreciated (you will also get a prime spot to watch from!). If you think you could help please get in touch.

At the time of writing, the wind is howling and sleet, hail and rain have lashed down on the garden this morning. Hopefully, when you come to read this, spring will have truly sprung and you will feel more inclined to venture outside!

As always the Garstang Children’s Festival committee depends on help from local people. One of the biggest tasks we undertake is collecting donations from all the homes around the town. If you could spare a couple of hours to help please get in touch – it is easy to do and very much needed. Business and house-to-house collections will start at the beginning of May – please help by making a donation. This year there will be donation envelopes available for those who miss the house-to-house collectors, these will make it easy to drop off donations at designated locations around the town centre. David Lewis

The gardening year is fully in action now and the Bloom team of volunteers have been out each week improving the environment of Garstang with all things horticultural. In fact, we’ve been working for the past six weeks on Wednesday mornings preparing the perennial beds for the summer season. This year is an important one for us, as we will be entering two Britain in Bloom competitions run by the Royal Horticultural Society. We have been asked to represent the North West in the ‘Small Town’ category of the Nationals as well as our usual regional competition entry.

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GARSTANG IN BLOOM (cont)

GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE

Of course, all help will be greatly appreciated so if you are interested in joining our friendly team, then please come along and be part of the group. You don’t have to know anything about gardening but it helps to come armed with gloves and a trowel! Gentle gardening rather than heavy digging is the order of the day and social interaction is an important aspect of our meetings. We always end our evening sessions in the pub! Alternatively, you may also be interested in our Litter Pick with Wyre Council on a Saturday morning.

Craft & Collectors Fair Sat 20th April 10:30am - 3:30pm

Gardening sessions start at 10:15am up to and including Wed 3rd April. From Wed 10th April we will meet at 7:00pm for evening gardening.

We have a wide selection of stalls displaying a variety of items such as beautiful jewellery to suit all pockets, from photographs, handmade notebooks, wooden articles such as pens, door wedges and small toys, to handmade cushions, aprons and hand sewn craft items. We also have cards, collectables, small antiques and hand crafted pottery, also unique objects made from egg shells. Finally delicious home-made cakes. Light refreshments are served all day. Entry is free! The 200 Club

The Litter Pick is on Sat 6th April at 10:00am. The car park on the High St is our usual meeting place.

The 200 Club consists of a number of individuals and businesses in Garstang. It contributes approximately £1000 each year to the running costs of the Arts Centre.

Gill Bergman gill.bergman@hotmail.co.uk

The Spring Draw will be held on Sat 6th April as part of the Charles Flatt Quiz. The quiz this

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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) year has been set by the Camera Club. Teams from other groups will compete in the event which is a sociable and entertaining evening. Starting at 7:30pm, everyone is welcome. Nibbles provided - bring your own drinks. If you haven’t paid your £13 annual subscription yet, make sure it is in before the draw or your number will not be included. With a top prize of £400 it is well worth having a number. There are still a few spare so do contact me if you would like to join. AGM The AGM of the Garstang & District Arts Society will be held on Thurs 25th April at 7:30pm at the Arts Centre. All are welcome to come along and hear reports from all the groups that use the Arts Centre. We need someone to take over the running of the membership subscriptions, so if you would like to get involved with the running of the Arts

Centre, do get in touch with myself or call in and see Hilary at the Arts Centre any Tuesday or Thursday. Anne Marie Whitehead (01995) 603311 April Art Exhibition The April exhibition of paintings which opens on Tues 9th April is by local artist Anita Tomlinson. Anita began painting forty years ago and gradually developed her own style. She has exhibited in many galleries both locally and also in Canada. She has also won three awards in London. Anita’s work will be displayed until Thurs 2nd May. Sheila Tearle (01995) 603816 Garstang Floral Art Group The next meeting of The Floral Art Group is to be a workshop led by Brenda Newhouse who will show us how to make a floral basket for Easter. This will be held in the Arts Centre on

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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) Tues 16th April at 2:00pm.

Traffic Jam

If you do not want to take part in the workshop but would like to watch we always welcome ‘viewers’. Light refreshments will be served after the workshop.

Our latest development is the formation of a sane alternative to carol singing. Why choose to go outside and sing when the weather is likely to be cold and dark. It makes much more sense to go al fresco in the summer which is what our new group Traffic Jam will be doing. When the evenings are light and warm you may find us around and about Garstang.

For more information and a list of what to bring please contact June (01995) 602505 or Mary (01995) 605210 Garstang Ukulele Group Some people have mentioned that they think I should be writing ‘normal’ notices, so the Garstang Ukulele Group will be performing in Forton at the United Reformed Church on Wed 3rd April at 2:00pm and in Garstang at Wesley’s Cafe in the Methodist Church on Mon 29th April at 7:00pm. Full details are available on our website at www. garstangukulelegroup.co.uk along with contact details for anyone interested in either booking or joining us.

Ukulele Jukebox Now, how about some punk rock on the ukulele? If that sounds interesting check out Ukulele Jukebox at www.ukulelejukebox.uk and come to hear us play at Sheafstock on Fri 19th April or at the Sedbergh Artisans Market on Sat 27th April. Bob Sapey Recorded Music Our March meeting had a very good evening with Paul Capell’s selection of music for tales of the supernatural. His choices ranged from Mozart’s ‘Magic Flute’ to Dukas’s ‘Sorcerer’s Apprentice’, with Weber, Liadov and many more -- and the introductions were as good as the music! Our next meeting will be on Mon 1st April, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, when Jeff Ashworth will present ‘Really Open’. Come and join us. Entry is £1 for members and £2 for visitors and refreshments at the interval are free. For more information, find us on the Arts Society website, or phone Gordon Semple (01995) 602337 or David Greenwood (01995) 602875. Or just come along! Bridge Group The Bridge Group will meet this month on Mon 1st, 8th, 15th & 29th April at 7:00pm and Tues 2nd, 9th, 23rd & 30th April at 1:30pm. Looking forward to seeing you there. Bob (01995) 603524.

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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) Needlework Group We meet in the Arts Centre on Wednesday mornings from 10:00am to 12 noon. If you enjoy knitting, crochet, embroidery, patchwork, applique or would like to learn, do come and join this friendly, helpful group. Contact me or just turn up! Ann Kelsall (01995) 606408 Garstang Folk Dance Group Tues 2nd, 9th, 16th & 30th April We meet on Tuesday evenings 7:30pm 9:30pm from September to May, in the Arts Centre. We offer a varied programme of old and new English country dances. Beginners welcome, no partner needed. Alan & Joan Anderson (01524) 61483 Woolcraft If you are interested in woolcrafts (knitting, crochet, maybe felting) or would like to know

what we do, please come along to the Arts Centre in Garstang at 7:00pm on Tuesday evenings (except the first of the month) or Friday afternoons at 2:00pm, where we will make you very welcome. We work on individual and group projects, often raising money for charities. Everyone is welcome. Experienced or beginner, we will support you! There will also be tea and biscuits! Kate Crook 07759 659 004 Poetry Appreciation Group Fri 26th April 2:00pm - 4:00pm This month’s topic led by Marie Whalley is entitled ‘Undersea World’. Two thirds of the earth is covered by sea. Beneath those waters lie many strange and wonderful things from ancient drowned cities to the wrecks of hundreds of ships over the centuries. There are of course numerous fish and great sea

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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) creatures such as whales and giant octopi and active volcanoes. Visitors are always very welcome. Come and sit and listen or join in if you wish. Marie Whalley (01995) 603605 Judy Osborne (01995) 600996

GARSTANG MEDICAL PRACTICE Information on Medical Students Garstang Medical Practice is a teaching practice which supports medical students in undertaking placements within our surgery. These students usually come to us from Lancaster University Medical School although some occasionally visit us from other universities. Medical students are required to gain experience in listening and speaking to patients, and to occasionally carry out

examinations. The students are always supervised by an experienced GP, Nurse Practitioner or Practice Nurse. The experienced clinician will always be present to listen to what the patient has said and examine the patient themselves if necessary. Students are often encouraged to suggest a diagnosis and possible treatment however, the final decision in relation to this suggestion is always made by the experienced GP, Nurse Practitioner, or Practice Nurse in supervision at that time. All medical students are fully aware of the policies, regulations and guidance concerning patient confidentiality and best medical practice when in contact with patients. When a patient books an appointment, they will be advised at that time of the possibility of a student being present in that surgery. If for any reason the patient would prefer not to, they will be able to book an alternative appointment.

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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) Patients who agree to have a student present when booking their appointment will always be asked again on the day of their appointment to confirm that they are still happy with this. GPs and Nurses fully understand why a patient may decide not to have a student present and will absolutely respect the patient’s decision. This will in no way alter their consultation. We have often noted that the majority of our patients have actually found it quite interesting to have a medical student present during their consultation and many patients have commented on how much they, themselves have learned whilst listening to the information the GP or Nurse has discussed with the student about the patient’s condition and the treatment required. Occasionally, we will ask a patient to come and speak to medical students about their specific medical problem. Students find this a particularly useful learning exercise and value

the opportunity to speak in depth to a patient about their medical condition and how it affects their life. Furthermore, patients appreciate the opportunity to explain to ‘future doctors’, what it means to have a condition such as theirs and how they feel doctors could most help and support them. Being a teaching practice helps clinicians keep up-to-date and improve their teaching and consultation skills. We are proud of the exceptional feedback we receive from students. They often tell us that they felt it was an excellent opportunity to increase their knowledge of consulting within a practice and that it allowed them to gain an excellent learning experience. We are particularly grateful to all patients who give up some of their time to share their experiences. These patients greatly support the practice in ensuring that we provide the students with the very best teaching

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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) opportunities and offer them an insight into how all of our clinicians care for our patients. The students we see here are the GP’s of the future and patients who spend time with these students are helping to inform and train the next generation of doctors. Garstang Medical Practice

GARSTANG TENNIS CLUB Looking Forward To Another Season As is probably the case with most of us, Garstang Tennis Club is looking forward to some warmer weather and longer evenings as we look forward to what we hope will be another enjoyable season. Off the court, the Club has already enjoyed a good start to 2019 by holding a very successful Ceilidh evening last month which raised £546 – possibly more by the time this magazine has been circulated – but either way it is a

significant boost to the finances of the club, in a year when major investment is being made to the courts. In addition, another very successful event of 2018, the clubs Open Afternoon, and which this year will be part of the LTA backed Nature Valley Great British Tennis Weekend, is also being discussed with the likely date to be Sun 19th May but further details will follow once it has been confirmed. There is something on offer for everyone both socially and competitively. Monday evenings continue to be very popular as a social evening and goes a long way to upholding the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that exists within the club. These evenings normally start around 7:00pm and is ideal for new members or anyone thinking of joining the club - whatever their standard or previous experience - to come along and sample the courts as well as meet

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GARSTANG TENNIS CLUB (cont) the existing members. However, should Thursday mornings be more convenient for you then there is still a regular group that start around 10:00am and who normally finish around noon. There were varying degrees of success amongst the club’s competitive teams that competed in 2018 two of which were, unfortunately, relegated. However, it was not through lack of effort and this should not deter anyone from enjoying competitive tennis and since the end of last season the club has added a further two teams. This year will see the return of a Men’s Fylde team plus a junior U16 team. In addition to the two ladies Fylde teams, the mixed Ribble, and the junior U12 Ribble team (who did so well last year) that competed in 2018, this should hopefully provide some opportunity over the course of the summer months, for those interested in playing matches.

It should also provide the club with a nice balance between competitive tennis and social tennis. Coaching will also be available via club coach, Michael Cartmell, and is available to all ages and abilities. For this and any further information relating to the club or anyone interested in joining, please go to our website www.garstangtennis.org.uk Andrew Ragsdale

FORGET-ME-NOTS Wesley’s Coffee Lounge Garstang Methodist Church Every Tuesday afternoon 1:00pm - 2:30pm. A lighthearted social group for friendship and chat, for people missing loved ones in any situation. Come and go as you please. Rev Keith available if needed. Ruth Rendle (01995) 602006

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GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL The Lady Atkins Trophy

Annual Town Council Awards 2019 These prestigious awards will be presented by our Mayor Leah Hynes at the Annual Town Meeting on Thurs 25th April at Booths (in the upstairs café - refreshments provided) starting at 7:00 pm. The award categories are: •

Business in the Community – Cllr. Lady Atkins and Cllr. Alice Collinson Shield

•

Community Team of the Year – Marsden Building Society Shield

•

Good Citizen of the Year – Scotts Hairdressing Shield

•

Mayor’s Award – Cllr. Ryder Shield

•

Sports Team of the Year – Garstang Sports Club Shield

•

Youth Group of the Year – Garstang Fish and Chip Shield

•

Garstang Young Citizen of the Year –

•

Garstang Junior Citizen of the Year – The Carrs Jewellers Trophy

For further details, please visit our website at www.garstangtowncouncil.org/awards Come along and support your Community Champions. It is going to be another great event for our town. Moss Lane Play Ground Following the very successful consultation at the Library the Town Council will be going out to tender. We are looking for well designed, inventive, sustainable and durable play solutions that address the development of physical activity, learning and social inclusion for all abilities with plenty of challenges. We will also be looking at equipment with high play value that can typically be used in many ways allowing children to explore their own

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GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL (cont) ideas about how to play. Equipment should also allow spontaneous activity allowing a child to be creative, stimulated, social, cognitive, safe and importantly have fun. Garstang Youth Council We are looking for new members! We are a group of young people who play an active role in the local community, often working with local charities and organisations to shape our town and benefit others in a proactive way. We also run social activities such as pizza and movie nights. Since our beginning we have strived to achieve what is best for the people we represent. The initiative has proved highly popular and is well regarded by many of the town’s community groups. Founder, Lynn Harter said she felt privileged to work with such a great group of hard working and community minded young people.

We hope you will join us in making a difference in our community as we are always looking for new members so if you would like to join us and are aged between 11-18 then contact us at info@garstangtowncouncil.org or via the Town Clerk, Edwina Parry. Edwina Parry - Town Clerk 07592 792 801

GARSTANG WINE CIRCLE At the February meeting Circle member Stephane Jamin presented a selection of wines from Booths to Circle members. The selection included wines from Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa and Spain. A total of eight wines, three whites and five reds. The whites, from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand were all very good. The New Zealand wine was a ‘Cloudy Bay’ Sauvignon Blanc, an iconic though expensive wine from

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GARSTANG WINE CIRCLE (cont) that country, but good for a very special event. The reds were from South Africa, Portugal, Italy, France and Spain, so four out of five from the ‘Old World’. An excellent selection of reds that would grace any meal. It showed that the ‘Old World’ can still produce very good quality wines, and we should not always head for what is described as the ‘New World’ for our purchases. A selection of excellent refreshments were provided by Ann and Richard Harrison and Philippa Catterall. The vote of thanks was given by Alan Jefferson. At the March meeting we travelled back to Italy with a presentation from Bruno Rafala from the wine shop in Huntleys Farmshop at Salmesbury. Guy Pugh gave Bruno the brief of bringing white wines from southern Italy and reds from the north of the country. Normally you might expect reds from the hotter south and whites from the cooler regions in the north. We tasted seven wines in all, three whites and four reds. The grape varieties used in most of these wines were all indigenous to the area in which the wine is produced. The whites all conjured up thoughts of hot summer days and cold refreshing white wines being drunk al fresco. Two of the reds were quite light, and could be chilled for summer drinking, and two heavier reds that would go well with autumn or winter stews. A very enjoyable and interesting evening, with the wines being enhanced by an excellent selection of food produced by Jackie Hastings and Glynnis Jefferson. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ann Wicks. The next meeting will be at the Arts Centre at 7:30pm on Mon 15th April when we will have a presentation from Jonty Haighton from Bowland Forest Vintners.

PAINTING CLASSES Beginners & Improvers • Vouchers Available •

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WYRE ART GROUP The Wyre Art Group is a new group, dedicated to fostering an understanding of art amongst people from the diverse communities in Garstang and the surrounding areas. We promote recreational activities and mutual support among our members, with the aim of sharing culture and experiences, whilst upholding an inclusive atmosphere. The group is open to young people (8 -14 years) and adults (15+) and we meet at Garstang Fire Station every Thursday. Children meet at 6:00pm – 7:30pm, Adults meet at 7:30pm – 9:30pm. The group is run by Omar Aboo and Emma Underwood, both having several years of experience creating art. Omar works in the NHS in a creative role, while Emma creates, sells and exhibits her watercolour paintings. In the few months that the group has been meeting, we have started with an adults Art

group, created a children’s Art group and run a printing session at the Library. We have also run Art sessions at the Livewyre Music Festival, visited an Art Studio in Blackpool and received a contribution from Garstang Lions towards materials. Further plans for the group include a drawing session at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Library, drawing sessions at Garstang Library, life drawing classes, building a scarecrow for the Festival and a trip to the Walker Art Gallery. Most materials are provided, as are tea and coffee, but you are welcome to bring your own. If you are interested in joining our Art sessions on a Thursday, please contact me or email info@emmaunderwood.co.uk Further details can be found on our website: www.wyreartgroup.co.uk or find us on facebook under Wyre Art Group or Wyre Art Group – children. Omar Aboo 07765 857 911

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GARSTANG QUAKERS Quaker Meeting House Calder House Lane, PR3 1ZE Garstang Quaker Meeting for Worship. Sundays 10:30am - 11:30am. The Meeting House is at the end of a gravelled track between houses. Afterwards there is tea, coffee, biscuits and conversation. All are welcome. Anyone a little wary of arriving for the first time can contact the number below for a prior talk or visit to the Meeting House. On Sun 14th April at 12 noon a Friend will talk about Quakers who have inspired her and lead a discussion on Quaker women who campaigned for the right to vote. In addition, the Meeting House has rooms available for hire. Daphne Sanders (01995) 641284 www.lancsquakers.org.uk/garstang.php

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COMPUTER ADVICE I’ve spoken in the past about how important it is to make sure that you know (or have written down in a safe place) all the passwords and security information for your email and other important accounts. If you forget your password, get locked out, or get a new computer which doesn’t know the password until you tell it, then it can be extremely difficult to sort things out if you Joan Bailey 07528 173891 haven’t got the password – especially if you don’t have a working alternative email www.ladybirdcomputing.co.uk address and haven’t already set up your info@ladybirdcomputing.co.uk Located in Pilling covering the Over Wyre area mobile number on the email account. There are other things which are quite important to either know or have a record of – and one of these is the exact make and An inclusive dance class model of your tablet, laptop or smartphone.

Community Come Dancing

that will recreate your fond memories of dancing. With school children on hand to serve refreshments, it’s the perfect excuse to get socialising as a whole community. £3pp, carers free | FREE refreshments Every Thurs 2-3pm - St Thomas’ Church Hall, Garstang Starts Contact Katherine on 25th April 07928 662 663

Why? Well, imagine for a moment that your tablet suddenly stops charging up. Perhaps you try moving the charger into a different socket and leave it a while, but you eventually realise that it’s just not charging. There are several possibilities – the tablet may have died, the charging plug may be faulty, or most likely of all it could be the cable. Cables are pretty cheap so it’s probably worth buying a new one (or asking family and friends if you can borrow one) just to see if that solves the problem. However, if you don’t know exactly what the tablet is, it can be very difficult to get hold of the correct cable. Just knowing that it is a Samsung doesn’t narrow things down very much! It could be a USB-C connection, a micro-USB, or something completely different. Similarly if you need a new charger for a laptop, over the years connectors have changed on most makes and you need to make sure that the one you buy is appropriate for your device. Some devices may be clearly labelled to say exactly what they are, others are quite vague.

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COMPUTER ADVICE (cont) So why not take a look at yours now and see if you can tell what it is. If you can’t, switch it on and see if there is anything in the settings which helps – don’t forget, you won’t be able to do this if the battery is flat, so do it now before it is needed! It’s also worth checking whether you still have the original box or user manual, or the shop receipt etc. If you have, keep them safe or write the details down in a safe place. If you have any questions and concerns about computer security etc then please do get in touch with me. Joan Bailey 07528 173 891

GARSTANG GARDENING CLUB Mon 8th April 7:30pm The Crofters Hotel, A6, Cabus ‘Gardens, Art and Culture’ by Chris Mortimer. All members and friends welcome. Roger Broadbelt (01253) 700878

GARSTANG HISTORICAL SOCIETY Wed 10th April 7:30pm United Reformed Church, Garstang ‘Pack-horse Trails and Pack-horse Bridges’ Maggie Dickinson. All welcome. refreshments.

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Note, for those who have booked tickets for the annual Hot Pot supper, it will be held in the Church Hall at 6:00pm. Anthony Coppin

PAT SEED APPEAL FUND The Pat Seed Appeal will be holding a Christies stall outside Garstang Market on Sat 20th April from 9:00am onwards. Robert Mason (01995) 640140

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GARSTANG LIBRARY Special Events Garstang Library is always looking for events for the local community. If you think you have something that would be of interest or would like to discuss using the Library as a venue for an event please contact us at garstang. library@lancashire.gov.uk An Evening with Dean Fraser Thurs 4th April 6:00pm Spend an evening with Dean Fraser, the Quantum Poet, as part of his 247 Poems tour. Enjoy readings from Dean’s new collection with the opportunity to ask questions. Free event, no ticket required. Health and Wellbeing Morning Fri 5th April 10:00am - 1:00pm Celebrate World Health Day by finding out more about local groups and services. A wide range of health professionals will be attending this event and will be ready to answer any questions or to signpost you in the right direction. Drop in to find out about local support for your health. ‘To the Alps in Times Gone By’- Fri 12th & 26th April 2:00pm

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In this new slideshow Denis Jones describes the journey to and the conditions experienced in the Alps in the 19th Century. Tickets are limited to 20 and are priced at £1 including refreshments.

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Join us for an inaugural coffee morning as we look to form a ‘Friends of Garstang Library’ group. Everyone welcome. If you would like more information about being a part of the Friends Group call into the Library. Time to Unwind Join us in the Library every Thursday afternoon from 2:30pm - 4:00pm for adult

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GARSTANG LIBRARY (cont) colouring, jigsaws and a friendly chat over a cup of tea or coffee. This is a free event. Borrow Box E Books Please note if you require any help with our E Book Service please don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff who will be happy to help or show you the service on your chosen device. To keep up to date with all our events and ongoing groups and clubs, visit the following websites or follow us at: www.eventbrite.co.uk www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries facebook: @lancslibraries twitter: @lancspublib Tel: 0300 1236703 or just pop into the Library and speak to a member of staff. Children’s Activities Baby Bounce and Rhyme - Mon and Fri at 10:00am - 10:30am. Toddler Rhyme Time - Tues at 2:00pm 2:30pm. Storytime for Pre-school and Primary School Aged Children - Fri at 3:30pm - 4:00pm. Saturday Scratch - Saturdays 10:00am 11:00am.

Full podiatry treatment service as well as nail cutting clinic available. Including: • Nail surgery • Corn and callus treatments • Muscular skeletal / Biomechanical consultations • Acupuncture of the lower limb • Verrucae treatment including needling • Diabetic footcare • Laser Therapy • Ultrasound and much more...

Sign up for this Beginner’s course to learn how to program interactive games, stories, and characters. Scratch encourages young people to be creative and work together to share their creations.

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Mobile Libraries

14 Lancaster Road, Knott End, FY6 0AR

Glenys your Mobile Librarian offers a warm, friendly welcome to her ‘Big Yellow Library Van’. The Mobile Library stocks books in a variety of formats and has a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles for all ages. If not already a Library member it is easy to join. For details of exact times and locations of stops please ring 07717 543 763 or email garstang. mobile.ml3@lancashire.gov.uk

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GARSTANG LIBRARY (cont)

CABUS PLAYERS

Scorton Wed 3rd & 24th April

‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ - Nick Newman and Ian Hislop Thurs 11th April - Sat 13th April 7:30pm Cabus Village Hall

• • •

Mytten Hall, Scorton 9:15-9:40 Brook Avenue, Scorton 9:45-10:05 Near Scorton C of E School 10:10-10:40

Catterall and Churchtown Thurs 18th April • • • • • •

Franklaw Water Treatment Works Catterall 9:55am - 10:05am. Lancaster Old Road, Catterall 10:35am - 10:45am. Ainspool Lane, Churchtown 10:50am 11:15am. Cock Robin Lane, Catterall 11:45am 12:05pm. Stones Lane, Catterall 12:10am 12:20pm. Meadowcroft Avenue, Catterall 12:25pm - 12:35pm.

Claughton-on-Brock Tue 16th April •

Ducketts Lane 9:20am - 9:30am.

Garstang Library 03001 236 703

Trying to boost his flagging career, a Hollywood action hero arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford – only to find it’s not the birthplace of the Bard, but a sleepy village in Suffolk. And instead of Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench, the cast are a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre. Jefferson’s massive ego is tested to the limit by the am-dram thespians. This is an extremely funny play with many laugh-out-loud moments – a fantastic night out for everyone! Tickets available at £6 from Mace, Croston Road and Garstang News or phone Rob Knowles (01995) 605608 to reserve tickets and pay at door. Cabus Players

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CABUS WI Wed 3rd April 7:30pm Cabus Village Hall ‘Fish and Ships’. We welcome new ladies to join our group. Margaret Swift (01995) 606676

SCORTON WI Tues 9th April 7:30pm Scorton Methodist Chapel Want to know how to make yummy cupcakes? Tracy Hornby will talk to us about ‘The Little Cake Party.’ New members always welcome. Mary Hodges (01995) 604755

Garstang Phoenix WI meet on the second Wednesday of each month. If you are interested in the WI you would be very welcome to come along to one of our meetings. Members of the committee are always available to welcome visitors and introduce them to fellow members. Lesley Wilson (01995) 605274

KIRKLAND WI Wed 10th April 7:30pm Kirkland & Catterall Memorial Hall

GARSTANG PHOENIX WI Wed 10th April 2:00pm Garstang United Reformed Church Hall Our speaker for the April meeting will be Eileen Eltham who will be giving a talk on o We als ton s in g lo ly supp logs & ets of bags, n ﬁregrates g, kindlin h more m & uc

‘Maundy Money’. With Easter just around the corner this is a very appropriate and interesting subject.

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KIRKLAND WI (cont)

CLAUGHTON ON BROCK WI

7.30 the second Wednesday in the month. Visitors are always welcome.

Thank you to Judy Beeston for her entertaining and interesting talk at our March meeting entitled ‘An Evening with Edith’,

Susan Douglass (01772) 865997

CHERESTANC WI Wed 24th April 7:30pm St Thomas’ Hall, Church Street, Garstang Our speaker this evening will be Ian Black on ‘Hairdressing through the Ages’ We meet at 7:30pm on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Feel free to join us. It is a great way of getting to know local people. A list of our monthly meetings for 2019 can be found at www.thewi.org.uk In the search box enter Cherestanc and follow the link. For further details, or to arrange for a current member to greet you at the door, please contact Eileen Berry (01995) 603005. Linda Bark

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It revealed the turbulent and exciting life of local suffragette and arsonist Edith Rigby who was incarcerated seven times and was a contemporary of Sylvia Pankhurst. Judy, who dressed beautifully for the part, gave us an insight into Edith’s life. Thank you. In April our 99th Claughton on Brock WI Birthday Party meeting will be held at Ferrari’s restaurant on Tues 2nd April, arriving at the venue for drinks from 7:00pm onwards. The competition this month is ‘A Birthday Photograph’. See you in April everyone! Maureen Collinson - maureencollinson@ hotmail.co.uk

ST MICHAEL’S LADIES SOCIAL CLUB Our February meeting at Light Ash was very successful. Seventeen members enjoyed good company and delicious food. They never fail to deliver. This month we were spellbound by Mrs Rose Donkin’s amusing talk ‘Fur Coat and no Knickers’. The talk was all about how she and her husband came into farming after he fell in love with Aberdeen Angus cattle as a young lad and was determined to learn about farming to be able to work with them. The difference between now and then told in a most amusing way. We hope to have her back next year with a different talk! She can come ‘thrutching in’ anytime! On Thurs 11th April we look forward to Stuart Mac Gregor’s talk on ‘Rossall Point Coastal Watch’ and on Thurs 9th May Alan Banes is coming to ask if we’re ‘Too Young to Remember Warm School Milk?’ All welcome. Lis Iles

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CATTERALL GARDENING CLUB Hello happy gardeners of Catterall and district! Our meeting on Tues 16th April is going to be a double treat. First, Christine Ible and Jayne McGarry from the Greenthumb Lawn Care company will answer your questions regarding lawn problems and top tips on how to maintain the perfect lawn. They will be followed by member, Cyril Williams, who will give a talk which he calls ‘Growing Vegetables My Way - And I’m Getting Old’. What a wonderful line up!

while visitors pay £3 at the door, (including refreshments). Raffle items are always welcome and also any plants you can spare for the plant sale table, in aid of Club funds. See you on Tues 16th April! Happy Gardening. Jan Finch (01995) 604771 Netta Parker (01995) 605385

TIME TO CHAT Fri 26th April 10:30am - 12:30pm Garstang Library

Our small and friendly club meets every third Tuesday of the month from March to September at Catterall Village Hall, 7:00pm - 9:00pm. You will not only meet other gardening enthusiasts, ready to learn and laugh along the way, but also be treated to delicious home made cakes, tea and coffee.

Would you like to come for a chat and make new friends in a friendly, informal group? Jenny and Netta would like to invite you to come down and join them at Time to Chat on the last Friday of every month at Garstang Library. For details contact Jenny 07905 903 955 or myself.

The annual membership fee remains at £15,

Netta Blundell (01995) 604131

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CHURCHES TOGETHER IN SCORTON Saturday Lunches Throughout Lent Methodist Chapel, 12 noon - 2:00pm We will be serving .soup, cheese and biscuits on Sat 6th & 13th April. All Proceeds for Christian Aid. Joan Drinkall & Ruth Yates (01524) 792581

SCORTON BIKES & BARROWS

Scorton’s Bikes & Barrows festival runs again this Mayday Bank Holiday, Sat, Sun & Mon. 4th/5th & 6th May. It’s a great family day out as well as for walkers, cyclists and runners. The whole village dresses up and displays a bike or a barrow. Some are themed, some are current affairs, some are just plain wacky! With children’s entertainment including bouncy castle, zorbs and much more, live music, food and bar on the village field all

weekend the whole village is buzzing. The festival starts at 1:00pm on the Saturday with the Rose Queen procession and crowning. This year we have the return of the world famous Red Barrows, with some ‘really tight formation barrowing’, followed by the children’s fair and events on the field. There is ‘Have a Go’ archery with The Olde Delph Bowmen on the church field all three days, hawk and falcon displays on the field Sat and Sunday, a Spring Fair at the village hall, dog show, emergency services vehicles, classic and sports car displays, including MG’s and Aston Martins, food and craft fairs, afternoon teas, fun run, a 10k road run, Morris ladies and men, wheel barrow racing and finally on Monday afternoon, the not to be missed egg throwing competition! Refreshments are available all weekend from the pop up café’s, with over £1,000 of raffle prizes to be won. It really is all your bank holiday entertainment in one! Full parking facilities. For further information go to www. bikesandbarrows.co.uk or www.facebook. com/bikesandbarrows or contact me. Kevin Morley 07907 433 391 Email: kevinmorley2@gmail.com

OUT RAWCLIFFE OVER 60’S What a night for our first meeting. Such strong winds! Thank you to those who did come, including two new members. It was lovely to see you all. Twenty games of dominoes were played and prizes presented to the winners: 1st John Higginson, 2nd Jane Webster, 3rd William Teasdale, 4th Ron Holford, 5th Martin Clegg, 6th Gordon Armer. The booby prize went to Maurice Brennan. Refreshments were served, followed by the raffle, gifts kindly donated by the members. The Chairman, John Ireland, discussed the

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OUT RAWCLIFFE OVER 60’S (cont) forthcoming trips, the first one being on Thurs 25th April which will be to Golden Days Garden Centre, Wigan. More information at the next meeting. Members were also asked to have ready for the next meeting anything they want to be discussed at the AGM in May. Next meeting Tues 2nd April 7:00pm. Jane Webster

GARSTANG TREFOIL Thurs 25th April 7:30pm Garstang Library Meeting Room Our speaker this month is Steve Halliwell on ‘The Small Isles of Scotland’. The Trefoil Guild is a national organisation linked to and supporting Girlguiding UK and is open to anyone over 18 who supports the aims and principles of Guiding.

We are a small friendly group and all are welcome. You do not need to have been a Guide or Scout previously. Contact Pat Ascroft (01995) 604139 or visit www.trefoilguild.co.uk Marlene Towns

CHARITY LUNCH & FASHION SHOW Cancer Help Preston Ltd. (Croston House & Vine House) Thurs 2nd May Ferrari’s Country Hotel, Longridge Stalls from 11:30am. Three course lunch served 12:30pm - choice of menu on the day. This will be followed by a fashion show given by ‘Barbara’s of Standish’. Admission by prior booking only. Tickets £25 or information (01995) 640185. Sandra Allan

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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB On Sat 2nd March the Camera Club took part in the L&CPU Annual Club Competition. The L&CPU is a federation giving help and support to 96 clubs who have a total membership 4000 photographers in Lancashire and Cheshire. We did not enter all the competition sections but against very strong opposition, we came 4th position in the Nature Section which was a pleasing result for the club. On Wed 3rd April we welcome Justin Garner with his talk, ‘The Lighting Behind the Image’, a behind the scenes look at his lighting set ups for portraits and product photography, with a hands on look at the lights and modifiers he uses. He will show how to use a variety of lighting equipment in order to light your subjects in different, creative ways. If any non-members are interested in this, they are welcome to

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come along as a visitor. We have a Print Exhibition in Garstang Arts Centre which runs from Sat 6th April until Thurs 2nd May. On Sat 13th April we have a Coffee Morning and as well as the Print Exhibition we will also have a display of digital images with members of the club at hand to discuss the photographs and answer any questions about the club. On Wed 10th April we have a workshop looking at Autumn and Winter landscapes with members showing us their images. Our meeting on Wed 17th April will be a visit from local photographer, David Bibby, with his talk and images from ‘Iceland in Summer’. A regular speaker at the club, David has some great images and stories from his various travels. Visitors are always welcome and the visitor’s entrance fee is £4 including light refreshments. Visit our website for more details at www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk Email: info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk Peter Knight 07807 084 899

CANCER HELP (PRESTON) Plant Sale & Coffee Morning Sat 11th May 10:00am – 12:30pm Cancer Help, Croston House, Croston Rd For more details please contact Croston House (01995) 606469. Judy Law (01772) 793344

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CAT SMITH MP Finally it’s April and the dark days of the winter are behind us! Hopefully we can all start to look forward to more settled times ahead. I’m very concerned about the cuts to social and welfare services and the consequences for those of us in Lancashire. The County Council has already cut services for children and young people and now they’re turning their attention on the elderly and families who care for people with disabilities. When our loved ones become severely disabled or too elderly and infirm to look after themselves, the Council has in the past stepped in by offering a place in a residential home with qualified staff to care for them. No more. In the 2019/20 budget there will be a further £3million cut from residential care with an additional loss of £77 million from Lancashire’s budget due to a 60% reduction in central government funding. In addition elderly people face an increase of 14% in home care support charges, 15% in day centre charges, home maintenance services will be stopped and there will be a reduction in carer staff support. These cuts will require families instead to provide care. Many will have to give up work, putting at risk their ability to pay bills, return to the workplace and lead to feelings of isolation, with the subsequent health consequences this brings. I’ve spent a lot of time travelling around the constituency visiting schools over the last few weeks. Speaking to children and young people can often give an insight into family’s lives that you don’t always hear from adults. But the honesty and straight forward answers you hear from children can also be shocking.

Sitting with a young child drawing a picture of the countryside and asking ‘Where does food come from?’ should solicit the answer ‘farms’; it’s shocking when the real answer you hear is ‘food banks’. There has been a massive rise in the numbers of people in my constituency being referred to food banks. I’ve met some of them – and most were in employment – albeit in insecure, poorly paid jobs. I’m so concerned the young children I’ve met don’t come to see the kind of poverty they live in as normal. However there are now eight million working-age adults in poverty. Child poverty has risen to over four million and is expected to rise by a further one million by 2022. On top of that children are also experiencing the consequences of austerity in their school. Budgets are seeing cuts for the first time in 20

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) years. Over 400,000 primary school children are in super-sized classes and there are over 24,000 unqualified teachers working in state schools due to the recruitment and retention crisis. I know this news can be gloomy and upsetting and I do meet people who aren’t trapped in the cycle of poverty, who have well paid jobs and are successful. But most have benefitted from a positive start in life, a childhood where parents didn’t have to queue up for emergency three-day supplies of food or work three jobs just to find enough money to pay rent. It’s of great concern when schools are having to come up with ever more creative ways of raising money – not for treats and extras, but for books and stationary – putting even more pressure on parents whose finances are at breaking point. Also facing increased hardship are people who rely on state support during the tough times. As you know I regularly hold advice surgeries to support people and all constituents are welcome to make appointments to meet with me. In particular I meet with many constituents struggling with the introduction of Universal Credit. One recent surgery was particularly distressing when two of my constituents revealed they had considered taking their own lives as they could no longer face the stress and uncertainty Universal Credit has brought. The majority of people who receive Universal Credit do so because they are on a low income or because they are suffering from an illness or because they live with a disability. These are people who are already vulnerable and don’t deserve to be treated in such a dismissive and uncaring way. As well as taking up each individual case, I’ve written to Amber Rudd, the Secretary of

State for Work and Pensions. I’ve asked her to urgently address and reform the fundamental flaws in the system. If you are affected by any of the issues I’ve raised today and would like my help then please email me on cat.smith.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on (01253) 490440. Cat Smith MP

SOROPTIMISTS Women Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives Just What is a Soroptimist? We’ve heard it all – you’re in a choir, you look after peoples’ feet, isn’t that the posh WI... the list is endless! Well it’s about time we debunked the myth. Let’s start with the definition of a Soroptimist: a member of an international association of clubs for professional and business women founded in California in 1921. Yes, originally you had to be a single, professional woman to join the organisation. There could be only one member of a category (teacher, doctor, lawyer, etc) in each club and you had to be nominated for inclusion by another member – and a vote taken by all existing members to approve your admittance into the club. Thank heavens things have changed! Like all movements, our values have stayed the same but we have well and truly moved into the 21st century. Literally translated ‘Soroptimist’ means ‘that which is best for women’. We’re an organisation for women who wish to work to transform the lives of women and girls worldwide – women working for women.

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) We join a local club but it entitles us to attend any meeting of any club throughout the world. The original rules of profession, marital status and nomination have long since gone. Today all we ask is that you want to make a difference – whatever your age! And what do we do? Well, pretty much anything and everything. We try to cover a range of activities and projects which support other groups and charities (Women’s Refuge, Classrooms in the Clouds, Mary’s Meals, the Backpack Project, Water Aid, Toilet Twinning, the Space Centre, Life Education – to name just a few.) We sign petitions, we lobby politicians, we join protests, we stick our heads above the parapet to be counted, but - we also have fun! We go out to films/plays/theatre, we have meals out or arrange Jacob Joins, we go to local attractions – Blackpool lights, the Terracotta Army, we provide in-house training sharing our own talents/skills, we have guest speakers, we have friendship.

solidarity with global efforts to secure nature and our home: Sat 30th March 8:30pm your time. It’s time to #Connect2Earth. Why not come and join this boundless network? It could be the best thing you’ve ever done! We meet twice a month at the Garstang Hotel and Golf Club, at 7:00pm on the second and fourth Wednesday (excluding August and December). Interested ladies from throughout the Over Wyre and Garstang district are always very welcome. Please ring to arrange to be met, or just come and introduce yourself. Please continue to drop off your used backpacks or other items at The Mustard Seed Café, Park Hill Road (opposite the Wheat Sheaf Pub), they are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm. Or ring us to arrange collection.

There’s so much talk about inequality for women but the only way we can change it is by getting together and supporting each other and being counted. So ladies, let’s do this together – come along for a visit and see what we do and what you can offer to this dynamic movement. Wear a Hat Day Fri 29th March was ‘Wear a Hat Day’ to raise funds for Brain Tumour research see www. braintumourresearch.org. Garstang Soroptimists wore hats before and during our meeting on Wed 27th March, and some of us wandered around Garstang on Fri 29 March to raise funds. Earth Hour - 30th March - Reminder This Earth Hour, join millions around the world to turn off the lights and speak up to say why nature matters. Remember to switch off in

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EASTER CROSSWORD (ans p55)

Across 1 A ‘show off’ (5) 4 Sailing crafts (5) 7 Standard (3) 9 Oscar winning film in 1939 (4, 4, 3, 4) 10 Railway route (5, 4) 11 Card game (5) 12 Drizzling (7) 14 Shunned; disdained (7) 16 Mad; fruit (7) 18 Helps (7) 19 Old remains (5) 20 Later; postscript in book (9) 22 Oscar winning film in 1966 (3, 5, 2, 5) 24 Affirmative (3) 25 Edges (5) 26 Slightly drunk (5)

Down 1 Breed of dog (3) 2 Over-hyped media reports (11, 4) 3 Mountain ash (5) 4 Swimming; washing (7) 5 Woman playing a part (7) 6 Farmer’s helpers with the flock (9) 7 Listen intently (5, 4, 4, 2) 8 Person on a horse (5) 10 Pulsate (5) 13 Bland; inoffensive (9) 15 Gave medicine to (5) 17 Surveyed; screened (7) 18 Writers (7) 19 Make another attempt (5) 21 Scope (5) 23 Timid; shy (3)

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) Take a Look at What We Do www.sigarstang.org.uk www.facebook.com/ SoroptimistsGarstang www.twitter.com/GarstangSoropt Muriel Burnham-Airey (01995) 606604

CRY Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund At the CRY Heart screening held the beginning of February at Garstang Community Academy we welcomed 195 young people to be tested. As in previous years the vast majority of those screened were fine, however, for some it was a different outcome. It can be a huge shock to families and individuals to be told there is a potential heart disorder when no symptoms were evident, but on a positive note something can now be done to avoid problems at a future date or even a possible tragedy. We wish those attendees well as they continue with further tests, treatment and management of their conditions.

adventures on Wed 17th April, in the café at St Helen’s Church, Churchtown from 7:00pm and all are welcome to help us celebrate his achievements and hear some of his tales. There’s no entry fee but donations towards the Jacobs Join supper would be appreciated. At the end of the April Bilsborrow Village Hall sees Garstang Patchwork Quilters displaying their fabulous talents at the Quilt Exhibition on from Fri 26th April to Sun 28th April. We are absolutely astonished and delighted to be their chosen charity for 2019. Admission is just £3 from 10:00am – 4:00pm each day with trade stands, sales tables, a raffle, refreshments and free parking. It’s a lovely relaxing event for all to enjoy. For further info call/text Paula 07785 106 976, Email paulahez.ph@gmail.com or see our Facebook page. Paula Hezmondhalgh

Thank you to all who contributed to the clothing collection at the above event too. Your kind donations raised £120 towards future screenings. March too was a busy month with the delightful Country Coffee Morning raising £420 and the bucket collection in Booths in support of Michael Coleran’s Isle to Isle ride raising £623. A huge thank you is due to all for your kind generosity. Mike’s ride begins Mon 1st April with an open invitation to join us outside Booths in Garstang, on Sun 7th April when we will be bidding him farewell as he starts the second leg of his journey northwards. His story will unfold on Facebook: Mike’s Isle to Isle Ride and there’s also a link if you’d like to help him reach his target https://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/MichaelColeran We’ll be welcoming Mike home fresh from his

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GARSTANG LADIES SPEAKERS

GARSTANG WALKING FESTIVAL

Tues 2nd & 16th April 7:30pm Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club

Bookings Now Being Taken Sat 4th May to Sun 12th May

Garstang Ladies Speakers Club can provide the opportunity to improve your speaking and listening skills and help build your confidence for both work and social occasions.

You have over forty guided walks and activities to choose from with something for everyone.

Visitors are very welcome. Come along and see what can be achieved in this friendly supportive environment. The Club meets at 7:15pm for 7:30pm in the at the Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club on the first and third Tuesday of each month from Sept to May. For more information visit www. garstangladiesspeakersclub.org or find us on Facebook To contact a club member phone Pat Goodenough (01995) 238315 or email me. Sue Hubbard barleyfold@madasafish.com

Whether you are new to the area or have lived locally for years there will be something new for you to discover. The Friends of Garstang Walking are a group of dedicated volunteers who, along with Wyre’s Countryside Rangers, organise and lead many of the walks. Their aim is to assist you in learning about and enjoying the beauty of our local environment. Walkers will be able to experience the best of springtime in the countryside around Garstang, the Forest of Bowland and the Fylde Plain. Enjoy bluebell woodlands, wildlife, scenic views, local history and also explore the wetlands and the coast. This year’s long distance challenge is the

GREY MATTER TEST (ans p55)

11. What colour is the gemstone jet? As well as Pompeii, which other city was 12. By what name is the Aurora Borealis popularly known? destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius? 13. What bird is collectively known as a After whom is France’s largest airport ‘skein’ in flight and a ‘gaggle’ on the named? ground? In a song by The Scaffold, who invented 14. The Wars of the Roses were fought Medicinal Compound? between which royal houses? Which seafood is used in the French 15. Which range of hills is nicknamed ‘The dish coquilles St Jacques? Backbone of England’? What term is given to trees that shed 16. What is the patella bone more their leaves in Winter? commonly known as? Which is the only venomous snake 17. According to the proverb, what are you native to the UK? if once bitten? The National Gallery is situated in which 18. Which of the Spanish Costas translates London Square? into English as ‘White Coast’? In ‘Game of Thrones’, who is the sister of 19. Which sport takes place in a velodrome? Jamie and Tyrion Lannister? 20. Which General of the First World What is the name of the Yorkshire Ginger War shares his name with a brand of cake made with oatmeal? whisky?

1. What do the initials YHA stand for? 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

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GARSTANG WALKING FEST (cont) Wyre Way – a three day challenge walk, which will take place over the Bank Holiday weekend. Places are limited so be sure to book early. For more information contact the Visit Garstang Centre, Cherestanc Square, Park Hill Road, Garstang, Lancashire, PR3 1EF (01995) 602125 or come along to meet some of our walk leaders at our Open Day at the Visit Garstang Centre between 2:00pm and 4:00pm on Thurs 4th April. You can also pick up a brochure from many local shops, cafes and businesses or look us up on Facebook at Garstang Walking Festival. Keith Montgomery

HELP BEAT CANCER Over Wyre Fundraising Group It is with great sadness that we have to let you know that Pat Owen, who formed Help Beat Cancer with us, passed away at the end of January. Pat had cancer twice. The first one she beat but after putting up a very brave fight, sadly this time she lost the battle. Pat started fundraising for CRUK with Gt Eccleston committee in February 2012 leaving to form Help Beat Cancer with ourselves, Jean and Val, in 2014. To date we have raised £117,300. Pat worked tirelessly for the cause and could always call on her husband Stan for help and support. There were times she came to help when she should have been tucked up at home in bed. We couldn’t have done it without you Pat. You will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

A Coffee morning at Saswick House Farm Shop & Tea Rooms and a Ladies Coach Trip with Luncheon. Jean Horner (01253) 700555 Val Southward (01995) 679965 Facebook- Help Beat Cancer – Wyre

GARSTANG BRIDGE CLUB New members/visitors are always welcome at The Garstang Bridge Club located at The Garstang Sports and Social Club, High St, Garstang PR3 1FA. We are a friendly group with different levels of experience. Bridge sessions are held on Tues and Thurs evenings at 7:15pm. The cost is £2.50 for members and £3.50 for visitors. Light refreshments and parking are available. For more information please ring Ed Zielinski on 07932 999 788. Lynn Higgins

GALLOWAYS At our meeting on Wed 3rd April we will look forward to hearing Neil Hendrie talking and asking ‘Who Killed Jon Benet Ramsey’ one of the most intriguing and complex crimes recorded in criminal history, and which will give the members a chance to act as the jury. On Wed 17th April our local Garstonian - Pat Ascroft will be telling us of her escapades in Croatia. Pat is a wonderful speaker and is sure to bring a smile to your face.

We are hosting a luncheon, with guest speaker, Syd Little, on Fri 10th May at The Villa, Wrea Green. Tickets £25.00 to include a 3-course luncheon (open to both ladies and gentlemen).

The Club meets alternate Wednesday afternoons at St Helen’s Church Hall, Churchtown, 2.00pm - 4.00pm and is open to anyone who suffers from eye problems. Free transport can be provided for those who reside in the Garstang, Forton and Catterall areas.

Other events for this year include: -

Lorna Musgrave (01995) 471319

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GARSTANG AND DISTRICT LIONS Donations A sum of £550 has been donated to Kids Cancer Charity which provides respite care and holiday breaks for children and their families. We would wish for this to be used to support local families. £200 was also pledged to the Activity Alliance (previously the English Federation of Disability in Sport) which facilitates disability sports events and is supported through Lions International in partnership with a large number of national and local partners. As part of their ongoing support, a cheque for £500 was handed over to the local Memory Cafe which will be used to facilitate a gardening project for its members to link in with the successful work of Garstang in Bloom. This venture has started and involved seed planting initially. The group are looking to become full community partners in this

joint enterprise with further planting activities planned around the Garstang Library area. It was agreed to assist with the payment for the hire of a hall to support Team ShazzAnn in raising funds for the Catterall Gala. £90 has been allocated to allow for the purchase of tickets for a forthcoming musical production - these will be distributed to identified senior citizens. The Lions Club will be organising another delivery to Fylde Women’s Aid who have a continued need for new clothing items (babies, small children or ladies), new toys, new cosmetic or new toiletries. This appeal is ongoing with our collection point being the Resource Centre (the offices of the old Liberal Club) on Bridge Street. Events and Activities 25 giant luxury Easter Eggs will be purchased and distributed in early April around various local public houses, cafes and businesses in preparation for the draws to take place within them - tickets cost only £1 each. After the success of last year’s event, started in memory of Dave Gardner, another Race Night is to be held on Sat 12th April in Kirkland Memorial Hall. Tickets will cost £10, inclusive of a fish and chip supper and some betting tokens. It has been agreed that the proceeds will be shared equally between three chosen charities;- the North West Children’s Society, Bowland and Pennine Mountain Rescue Team and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). If you want to join our expanding group then you would be most welcome. Further information at www.garstanglions.co.uk You can speak to any member about what we do or just come along to our meeting held on the third Tuesday of the month in the Royal Oak at 8:00pm. Chris Wilkinson

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PARKINSON’S UK Preston Branch The Preston and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK are hosting an awareness event in the Green Room at Barton Grange Garden Centre on Sun 7th April 10:30am to 3:00pm with free admission. We will have plenty of information leaflets as well as people who know about the subject who are available to talk to. There will also be second hand books and jewellery for sale along with a tombola. Children can amuse themselves in the games area where they can play the games or draw and colour, maybe even eat a few free sweets. This year we will have one of our exercise instructors talking about the importance of exercise in coping with the effects of the disease. Her talk will conclude with a short session to music which you can watch or, better still, join in with. It is mainly seated and fun. These will be at 11:30am and 1:30pm.

day up to 6:00pm at any Wyre long stay car park. What’s more, the all day tickets are now transferable between all long stay car parks, meaning you can visit one town in the morning and another in the afternoon and take your ticket with you. Prices of season ticket parking passes have also been reduced. Season tickets allow unlimited parking in any long stay car park, day and night. These are now also transferrable between long stay car parks. All season ticket prices have been reduced and the 12 month ticket will be £95 cheaper. There will be a charge of £2 to park overnight on all Wyre Council car parks, allowing users to park after 6:00pm through to 8:00am the following morning. The new charges will come into operation from Mon 1st April. Wyre Borough Council

Our annual fund raising dance will be held on Sat 20th April at Preston Grasshoppers with music by Tommy J & The Midnights. £15 per person including a hot mixed buffet. A table for eight people is £100 including supper. For more information and to order tickets call me. Steve Hardaker (01995) 608962

NEW CAR PARK CHARGES Wyre Council has introduced new charges for its car parks, many of which have reduced in price. A survey showed that people often wanted to call in to a shop for a short time and didn’t want to have to pay for two hours parking. So a one hour rate has been introduced on all car parks at a charge of £1. Analysis also showed that not many people were buying all day tickets, previously priced between £3.80 and £6. Therefore a reduced rate of £3.50 now allows users to park all

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

BEN WALLACE Westminster continues to be an extremely busy place, with a great deal going on, particularly relating to Brexit. I am constantly updated with the views of constituents on this and other matters from many sources: emails, letters, via Facebook, over the telephone. However, I always benefit most from the face-to-face conversations I have when I’m out in the constituency. Meeting people in the street, the supermarket or their place of work often means I have the opportunity to speak to people who wouldn’t ever think to contact their MP. As you know I regularly visit schools across the constituency. Recently I visited a primary school in Goosnargh. Taking questions from the children really brings you down to earth after a week in Parliament. Of course,

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I was asked questions about the goings on in Parliament recently (the knowledge that children have these days about current affairs and the wider world always impresses me) as well as the old favourites such as whether I’ve met the Queen and if I actually know the Prime Minister. I also had the privilege of visiting Myerscough College recently as part of National Apprenticeship Week. I was given a tour of the College’s equine facilities and I chatted with equine apprentices and staff. I believe that it is vital to offer young people choices. Myerscough College does just that. Continuing with academic studies is not for everyone and the amazing choice of subjects covered at Myerscough is outstanding. I am a great believer in the opportunities and skills which apprenticeships can offer, but it is essential that the workbased offer must be relevant and not watered down: quality learning is everything. It has to be mutually beneficial to both the student and employer, with a genuine prospect of work at the end. Employers who provide quality apprenticeships also find they have the best chance of retaining staff in the long-term, making apprenticeships a good investment. It is always good to break up the week in Westminster and I was delighted to welcome the Churchtown King, Oliver Taylor and his family to Parliament recently. To my knowledge Oliver is the first Festival King to have been appointed in our constituency and I am grateful to him and all our Festival/Gala Queens for all the work they do. In this part of the country flooding is never far from our minds. I therefore recently submitted my response to the Government’s consultation on the management of water in the environment. The Government is proposing legislation which would require water companies

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BEN WALLACE (cont) to plan their long-term wastewater and drainage needs. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always surprised that this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already a requirement! In my consultation response I have set out my support for measures which legally require water companies, in collaboration with local authorities and riparian owners, to put in place long-term plans for managing wastewater and ensuring that drains and highways gullies and dykes are properly maintained. With increased rates of housing development, failure to increase sewer capacity accordingly could result in the failure or overloading of the sewerage network. This is an issue which is of concern to my constituents who fear their properties flooding if sewers reach capacity. I also believe that water companies should be required to establish the capacity of their sewerage network, the resilience of those networks and to plan for future capacity demands, such as those associated with population growth and the development of our settlements. A statutory requirement for water companies to develop Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans and for these to be made available to the public would enable my constituents to see the water companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment priorities.

I was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of the former Wyre Councillor, Gordon McCann who represented the area for many yeas and was a dedicated and hard working councillor I continue to meet residents at my advice surgeries covering a wide range of issues. Please remember if you would like to attend one the most effective ways to contact me is by email, with a brief description of the issues you wish to raise and your contact details. It is worth bearing in mind that I can often offer assistance without the need for a meeting. If I can be of any assistance to you please ring my Office at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5804 or my Constituency Office on (01995) 672977, email me at wallaceb@ parliament.uk or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Ben Wallace MP

On a separate, but connected matter, I noted my concern that water companies are not currently statutory consultees in the planning process. I believe that drainage should be given greater consideration when planning applications are considered and that the views of water companies should be taken into account. We have a new Place Based Police Inspector for Fylde and Wyre, T/Chief Inspector Chris Hardy. I am looking forward to meeting him this week to hear about his priorities for policing in our constituency and to making him aware of the issues which are most important to me and local residents.

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

WYRE FLOOD FORUM Flood Action Groups (FLAGs) Lancaster University is holding a Natural Flood Management Conference ‘Natural Flood Management : Does it work?’ on Wed 24th April. Researchers, practitioners in government or private sector, flood action groups, environmental organisations and NFM farmers, are all welcome to attend. The weather continues to be turbulent, volatile and definitely unpredictable. Late teen temperatures in February to another high wind battering in the build up to the Ides of March. We have experienced Storm Erik and the Environment Agency issued a flood warning (or should it be an alert?) for the mid Wyre. We had a discussion at this month’s meeting about the terminology of warnings/alerts. Which of the two indicates the most serious or should the EA use a traffic light system -

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Red, Amber, Green which many find easier to understand. What do you think? The weather pattern demonstrates that water levels rise very quickly in fields, on roads or in fast flowing streams, tributaries or rivers and requires observation from the Risk Management Authority backed up by local volunteers. That is why FLAGs are so vital. Groups are active in Garstang, Churchtown, Tarnacre, St Michaels, Hambleton, Preesall, Stalmine, Thornton and Cleveleys with its very own meteorologist who gives in depth scientific reports at meetings which are chaired by Carl Green, Wyre Council’s Senior Engineer with Secretary Carole Leary taking and distributing minutes. Thomas Myerscough, Scientific Officer of the Wyre River Trust gave an illustrated talk on his study of the Ainspool, a tributary of the River Wyre which in its short life rises in Nateby Fields to the West of the A6, actually in the parish of Garstang, and gathers pace under the Lancaster Canal, under Longmoor Lane, across farming land and under the A586 at Churchtown and via a pipe issuing into the Wyre. The significance of this tributary is that when the river level rises a flap on the pipe closes and excess water backs up which can cause severe flooding in the village if not controlled. Churchtown FLAG have taken steps to ensure it is. If you would like further information on FLAGs contact Carole Leary at Wyre Council on (01253) 887444 or email carl.green@wyre. gov.uk or go to the Wyre Council website and search ‘flood forum’. Next Meeting Thurs 13th June at the Civic Centre Poulton from 1:00 pm. It will run as a drop in event and people are free to come and go. Roger Brooks

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GREY MATTER ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

1. Youth Hostel Association 2. Herculaneum 3. Charles de Gaulle 4. Lily the Pink 5. Scallops 6. Deciduous 7. The adder 8. Trafalgar Square 9. Cersei 10. Parkin 11. Black 12. The Northern Lights 13. A goose 14. York and Lancaster 15. The Pennines 16. The kneecap 17. Twice shy 18. Costa Blanca 19. Cycling 20. General Sir Douglas Haig

Across 1 Poser 4 Boats 7 Par 9 Gone with the Wind 10 Train line 11 Poker 12 Raining 14 Scorned 16 Bananas 18 Assists 19 Relic 20 Afterward 22 The Sound of Music 24 Yes 25 Sides 26 Tipsy

Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

Down 1 Pug 2 Sensational news 3 Rowan 4 Bathing 5 Actress 6 Sheepdogs 7 Prick ones ears up 8 Rider 10 Throb 13 Innocuous 15 Dosed 17 Scanned 18 Authors 19 Retry 21 Remit 23 Coy