Garstang FOCUS Your Free Monthly Magazine
Scorton - Cabus - Garstang - Bonds - Bowgreave Catterall - Churchtown - St Michaels January 2020
Issue 232
What’s on in Garstang
Thursday 2nd Good Vibrations - St Peter’s Church (weekly) Cabus WI - Cabus Village Hall Charity Coffee Morning - Garstang URC - Defying Dementia Friday 3rd Storytime - Garstang Library (weekly) Have a Go - Garstang Library Time to Chat - Garstang Library (weekly) Meat Bingo - Caldervale County Club (also 17th) Saturday 4th Garstang Ramblers - Bleasdale Charity Coffee Morning - Caldervale Methodist Church Phoenix Dance Group - Barton Village Hall (weekly) Board Games - Garstang Library (weekly) Saturday Stories - Garstang Library (weekly) Live Entertainment - Caldervale Country Club (weekly) Monday 6th Scottish Country Dancing - Garstang URC Church Hall (weekly) Bridge Group - Arts Centre (also 13th, 20th & 27th) Baby Bounce & Rhyme - Garstang Library (weekly, also Fri) Chat, Play, Read - Garstang Library (weekly) Tuesday 7th Forget-Me-Nots (weekly) Garstang Folk Dance Group - Arts Centre (weekly) Bridge Group - Arts Centre (also 14th & 28th) Woolcraft - Arts Centre (weekly, also Fridays) Book Club - Garstang Arts Centre Scrabble Group - Arts Centre (weekly) Coffee Stop - Inglewhite Church (also 21st) Friends of Garstang Library Meeting in the Library A Taste of Germany - Garstang Library Toddler Rhyme Time - Garstang Library (weekly) Chat, Play, Read - Garstang Library (weekly) Knit & Natter - Garstang Library (weekly) ‘Medicine in Art’ - Pilling Historical Society Wednesday 8th Baba’s Baby & Toddler Group - Wesley’s Coffee Lounge Harmony & Health - Garstang URC (weekly) Needlework Group - Arts Centre (weekly)
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
4 6 10 24 24 31 44 4 5 7 23 24 44 6 17 24 24 5 7 17 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 24 31 4 10 19
What’s on in Garstang
Wednesday
Garstang Camera Club - Arts Centre (also 15th)
32
8th
Garstang Historical Society Garstang URC
33
Thursday
9th
Set Your Reading Resolutions - Garstang Library
22
Saturday
11th
Garstang Fairtrade Meeting - Wesley’s Coffee Lounge
8
Art Exhibition - Terry O’Toole - Arts Centre (until 6th Feb)
16
Garstang Ukulele Group - CHAOS, Chipping Village Hall
17
Sunday
12th
Over 50’s Lunch - St Thomas Church
Tuesday
14th
Coffee Stop - Catterall Village Hall
21
Online Safety Live - Best Western Hotel
47
Wednesday 15th
St Helen’s Community Cafe (weekly)
10
Rainforest Science Hunters - Garstang Library
22
Thursday
16th
Forton WI - ‘The Kaleidoscope of Life’ - Pat Ascroft - Village Hall 50
Sunday
19th
RSPCA Jumble Sale - Hambleton Village Hall
49
Tuesday
21st
Floral Art Group - Arts Centre
19
4
Wednesday 22nd
Cherestanc WI Quiz - St Thomas Church Hall
6
Line Dancing - Catterall Village Hall
Galloways - St Helen’s Church
49
Thursday
23rd
Garstang Jazz Club - Kirkland Memorial Hall
14
Friday
24th
Poetry Appreciation - Arts Centre
16
Saturday
25th
Tales of Ice and Snow - Garstang Library
22
Monday
27th
Friends Together - Wesley’s Coffee Lounge
6
5
Chair Based Exercise with Drumming - Garstang Library
23
Tuesday
Church But Not on a Sunday - Catterall Village Hall
31
28th
Wednesday 29th
AGM - Scorton Bowling Club
Travel Talks - Blackpool 6th Form College
43
Friday
Time to Chat - Garstang Library
22
31st
9
February Saturday
1st
Coffee Morning - Caldervale Methodist Church
5
CRY Heart Screening - Garstang Community Academy
39
Sunday
CRY Heart Screening - Garstang Community Academy
39
2nd
February 2020 deadline for editorial and adverts is Monday 20th January February deliveries commence Thursday 30th January 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.
BEAT THE WINTER BLUES
GOOD VIBRATIONS
Over 50’s Three-Course Lunch Sun 12th Jan 1:00pm - 4:00pm St Thomas Church
Every Thursday 6:30pm St Peter’s Church, Scorton
Don’t be lonely this winter. St Thomas Church Rose Queen Rose Brewin and her retinue will be holding a three course lunch for over 50’s with entertainment. Alone? You will be made very welcome. Come along and join Rose. Booking essential. Tickets available at just £5 from Sweets of Garstang, Market Hall ,High Street from Tuesday to Saturday. David Brewin
GARSTANG RAMBLERS Sat 4th Jan 9:30am - Bleasdale All walks start from the riverside car park in Garstang, are subject to weather conditions and at the leader’s discretion. Carol Stenning (01995) 601478
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This is a feel good, wellbeing group for people who love to sing (whether they can or not!) That’s not important. It’s not a choir. No auditions. Just come along and sing. Find us on our Facebook page at Good Vibrations which will keep people updated. Jan Hindle 07730 646 581
BABA’S BABY & TODDLER GROUP Wesley’s Coffee Lounge Garstang Methodist Church Every Wed 10:00am - 11:30am A friendly welcome awaits you and your baby/ toddler for chat, brew and play. We open again after Christmas on Wed 8th Jan. D Gorst (01995) 606226
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CALDER VALE METHODIST CHURCH
TIME TO CHAT
Monthly Coffee Mornings Sat 4th Jan 10:00am - 12 noon
Fri 10:30am - 12:30pm Garstang Library
Usual stalls. Proceeds will be divided between the Chapel and Papyrus, a charity that seeks to work for the prevention of suicide in young people.
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 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 February coffee morning is on Sat 1st Feb. Edith Gorst (01995) 602078
FORGET-ME-NOTS Meetings will restart on Tues 7th Jan from 1:00 - 2:30pm.
Netta Blundell (01995) 604131
FRIENDS TOGETHER Mon 27th Jan 6:00pm (note change of time) Wesley’s Coffee Lounge
We meet every Tuesday afternoon as a lighthearted social group for friendship and chat, for people missing loved ones in any situation. Come and go as you please.
At our January meeting a member of the Fire Brigade will be giving a talk on safety. This will be a helpful and interesting evening and everyone is invited. As usual there will be a warm welcome and a cuppa.
Ruth Rendle (01995) 602006
Ruth Rendle (01995) 602006
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CHERESTANC WI Wed 22nd Jan 7:30pm St Thomas’s Hall, Church Street
and it will be a surprise evening. Come and find out Cabus Village Hall.
We start our New Year with a Quiz evening and we have a very varied programme lined up for 2020.
Fees for 2020 will be £43 and must be paid by end of March 2020. We look forward to seeing you all in January.
We meet on the 4th Wed of each month. Please feel free to come along and join us. New members and visitors always welcome.
Margaret Swift (01995) 606676
For further details, or to arrange for a current member to greet you at the door, please contact Eileen Berry (01995) 603005.
Wed 22nd Jan 10:00am – 12 noon Catterall Village Hall
Linda Bark
CABUS WI
NEW LINE DANCE CLASS
Absolute beginners and returners welcome at our Modern Line Dance Class. We dance to a wide variety of music including pop, country and Irish.
The President and Committee wish all our members a Happy New Year.
Come and join us, learn something new, make friends and get fit. Don’t be shy, give it a try.
Please note that our January meeting will be on Thurs 2nd Jan 7:30pm, not Wed 1st Jan
For further information contact Chris 07780 711 827. Linda Ward
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE GROUP Mondays 7:30pm Garstang URC Church Hall We meet on Monday evenings from September to May. Our programme includes a range of dances to suit all abilities. New members are always welcome - no previous dancing experience required - just come along and have a go! For further information contact Pam (01995) 603536 or Ian (01995) 603998. Marlene Towns
CLAUGHTON SEQUENCE DANCES Tuesdays 7:30pm Claughton Memorial Hall Claughton
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Sequence
Dancing
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CLAUGHTON SEQUENCE (cont) enjoyment with pleasant company, gentle exercise and good music. Beginners welcome. Price £3.50 including tea and biscuits. Dancing to John Lancaster. Contacts: Hazel (01524) 791177 or Christine (01995) 679264
GARSTANG FOLK DANCE GROUP Garstang Arts Centre Tues 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th Jan We meet weekly on Tuesday evenings 7:30pm - 9:30pm from September to Mayatn the Arts Centre. We offer a varied programme of old and new English country dances. Beginners welcome, no partner needed. Joan Anderson (01524) 61483
PHOENIX DANCE GROUP Barton Village Hall 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. Please note there will be no dance on Sat 11th Jan. 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
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GARSTANG FAIRTRADE Fairtrade Fortnight 2020 Activities Est. 1970
Ladies & Gents Barbers Excellent cutting & styling We pride ourselves on perming, colouring & setting Put-ups for special occasions Walk-ins welcome
A Family Quiz for Fairtrade is being arranged aimed primarily at a family target audience, with a range of questions that both youngsters of junior school age and their parents/ grandparents could answer. Quiz sheets can be collected from the Visitor’s Centre and the Mustard Seed from Sat 1st Feb. They will need to be returned to the Visitor’s Centre by Sun 1st Mar. We are planning to launch our Fairtrade Directory during Fairtrade Fortnight. 20th Anniversary Celebrations The possibility of the Fairtrade Walk as part of the Garstang Walking Festival is being investigated. As part of the Garstang Arts Festival, afternoon tea is to be served at the Arts Centre on Thurs 27th Aug 2020 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. We are hoping to book a Fairtrade stall outside the Market Hall in late spring or early summer. A Fairtrade Wine and Cheese Evening is to be held at Cabus Village Hall which has been booked for Thurs 26th Nov 6:00pm -10:00pm. Ruth had received a reply from Garstang in Bloom following a request to celebrate our anniversary. The Garstang Bloomers have volunteered to plant the hay cart outside Sainsbury’s in the colours of the Fairtrade logo: blue, green and black. Thanks We would like to thank schools for the opportunity of inviting us to talk about Fairtrade, the Market Hall who hosted our display in the Market Hall window during Dec and everybody for their support and hope for continued support for Fairtrade during 2020. It does make a difference to people’s lives. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Sat 11th Jan at Wesley’s from 10:00am. Peter Ryder
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SCORTON BOWLING CLUB The Annual General Meeting will be held at Scorton Methodist Chapel Room, Scorton on Wed 29th Jan at 7:30pm. Old and new members very welcome. Kath Hodgson
OUT RAWCLIFFE BOWLING CLUB AGM Tues 11th Feb 7:30pm Out Rawcliffe Bowling Bowling Club Please could Captains and officials inform members. New players wishing to join please contact me. Chris Creer (01253) 700461
GOOSE GREEN BOWLING CLUB Goose Green Bowling Club, on Pilling Lane, Preesall FY6 0HL, is looking for new members. Whether you are a beginner or a bowler we have teams for all abilities and all ages. For more information please don’t hesitate to contact me. Derek Ronson 07971 412 965 derek.ronson@yahoo.co.uk
INNER WHEEL Garstang & Over Wyre Christmas now seems a distant memory for us all. Despite this we hope it was a happy one. Our Members now look forward to 2020 and will continue to help those less fortunate than ourselves both at home and overseas. We wish you peace and good health in the coming year and indeed beyond. Could finding out more about The Inner Wheel Club of Garstang and Over Wyre be one of your New Year resolutions? Mary Mason (01995) 603447 e: marytmason@icloud.com
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GARSTANG URC COFFEE MORNING 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 2nd Jan - Defying Dementia (Lancaster University). Presentation of cheque. Thurs 6th Foundation.
Feb
-
Rosemere
Cancer
Age is no barrier and there is no requirement to be able to read music or even sing in tune. We simply invite you to join us for some fun and laughter with friends old and new. There is a charge of £2 for these sessions which includes tea and coffee and maybe even a biscuit!. Singing is good for your health, so why not give it a go! Ann Cameron - ann.cameron@mac.com
Hilary Ralphs (01995) 603056 e: ralphs@garstang.eclipse.co.uk
ST. HELEN’S COMMUNITY CAFÉ
GARSTANG HARMONY & HEALTH
We will reopen again on Wed 15th Jan. However, our Community Café will become a weekly affair on Wednesday mornings. This is because we would prefer to try and fill up the Sunday School one morning a week rather than struggle to fill it over five days. Thus, we will also be open on Wed 22nd Jan and Wed 29th Jan.
United Reformed Church Hall Harmony & Health meets every Wednesday morning to sing numbers from the musicals and the pop songs of our younger days as well as more recent hits.
Weekly in Churchtown Wed 15th Jan 10:30am - 12:30pm
The good news is that we will be doing some more ‘Souper Saturdays’ in conjunction with Churchtown-in-Bloom, with lots of homemade soups and cakes. More details to follow. The great news is that the Churchtown Beer, Cider & Gin Festival will return in August this year on Fri 14th, Sat 15th and Sun 16th Aug. This will be even bigger and better with a larger marquee, more drinks, more food and more live music. Hopefully the weather will be better as well! Mark Rivers-Bland 07956 520 242
HOUGHTON WEAVERS IN CONCERT It is with great pleasure that we see the return of the Houghton Weavers in concert at Cockerham Village Hall on Mon 17th Feb. Tickets cost £10 and are now available from me. Katrina Bell (01253) 790649
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MENTAL HEALTH The Medicalisation of Mental Health Care It is interesting to look at how we have allowed the medical profession to take over the responsibility for our mental health when the responsibility is on each and every one of us. The hardworking, dedicated NHS staff of a multidisciplinary mental health team do their best within a system that, dare I say it, often stigmatises and labels. How is this helpful? In recent years there have been attempts to use wellbeing services to intervene in mental health issues to prevent escalation but they are so overstretched they can no longer meet the growing demand for in patient care. It is now common place for a person in crisis to be shipped off to the other end of the country and left isolated without the comfort of relatives nearby. If someone needs help the current system
uses an initial phone assessment with tick box answers to assess the patient, which is hardly appropriate for someone who is suffering. Subsequent breakdowns in communication may result in the patient being accidentally discharged at the height of their crisis. Samaritans regularly take calls from individuals in distress when they have been turned away by crisis intervention services. In some cases cries for help are received by individuals ringing from psychiatric units feeling frustrated that they have been misjudged by mental health professionals. With a Samaritan the person is free to talk fully about their feelings without the fear of anything happening to them that they don’t want to happen. Just having someone who listens and treats them with kindness and compassion is all they need. The medicalisation of mental health means that individuals must fit into diagnostic tools used in psychiatry. Conditions of the mind are a collection of symptoms, there are no blood tests or scans indicating biological proof of a condition such as anxiety or depression. Once diagnosed a treatment plan can be put into place usually revolving around medication, treating the symptoms but NOT the cause. Side effects of mental health medications can be toxic and further debilitating. This is not to discourage people from seeking medical help as the right medication at the right time can be life saving. From the view point of health care services those of us with mental health issues have something wrong with us which needs fixing. There is another approach, however, more in line with Eastern culture, that periods of anxiety or depression are a signal from our body telling us that something needs to change. Periods of unease are welcomed as an opportunity for growth, enabling us to evolve and live happier more peaceful lives. The
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MENTAL HEALTH (cont) system often takes a vulnerable individual and instead of supporting positive mental health and encouraging them to learn how to listen to the wisdom of their own body, sells them the idea that covering it up with medication is the best way. More people are starting to take back responsibility for their own mental health, letting go of what makes them sad and doing what makes them happy. A recent survey said that worrying about what other people think and always seeking to gain approval is the main cause of stress. Guilt over upsetting people keeps us stuck. Guilt is a wasted emotion, make amends where possible and move on! Reset your dial to things to feel good about, find things to laugh about, make enjoying your life the priority. Be grateful for everything. Using food as medicine is being recognised, although functional medicine centres and
integrative practices offering true holistic care are rare in this country compared to America. Research has shown that the food we eat affects our mood. GPs are becoming more knowledgeable about gut health and creating a healthy immune system which in turn contributes to a healthy mind, but are still limited to orthodox prescribing which in some cases unwittingly cause further harm. A good GP will ask you what do you think is causing this? What would help? Let’s start easing the burden on the NHS and taking responsibility for our own mental health, learning the art of meditation and listening to the healing wisdom of our own bodies... whatever that may turn out to be. Polly Wignall - Emotional Practitioner e: pollywignall@gmail.com w: www.pollywignall.com
Health
GARSTANG JAZZ CLUB Frog & Henry Thurs 23rd Jan 12 noon Kirkland Memorial Hall Garstang Jazz Club is very privileged to welcome back to the massively popular, Frog and Henry Band which was formed in New Orleans. Garstang Jazz Club brings you some of the best jazz musicians in the country. We meet on the first Thursday of every month starting at 12 noon. We hold special events throughout the year. Please note, there is no meeting on Thurs 2nd Jan. Plenty of parking space. On major bus routes. ÂŁ12 Admission includes hot pot lunch. Bring your own drinks and glasses. e: garstangjazzclub@yahoo.com f: facebook.com/Garstangjazzclub
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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE Welcome to Garstang Arts Centre Are you new to Garstang or recently retired? Have you visited the Arts Centre yet? It’s not just for artists - it’s got something for everyone. It’s a great place to meet up for a coffee or a pot of tea and find out about all the various groups that meet there, some weekly, others monthly, ranging from music, dancing, singing, floral art, bridge and wine tasting to name just a few. The paintings are changed monthly and you can view them for free! Opening Times Tuesdays Thursdays Saturdays
10:00am - 12:30pm 2:00 - 4:00pm 10:00am - 4:00pm 10:00am - 12:30pm
Open Art Exhibition / Competition On Sat 11th Jan at 11:00am local artist, Terry O’Toole will judge and present awards to the five prizewinners of the Open Art Competition.
Everyone is invited to attend. The exhibition will continue until Thurs 6th Feb. All the work will be for sale; an opportunity to own an original piece of art. Sheila Tearle (01995) 603816 Poetry Appreciation Group Fri 24th Jan 2:00pm - 4:00pm This month’s topic is something we can all take part in - poets whose surname begins with U, V or W. That gives us all plenty of scope! Visitors are very welcome, just sit and listen or join in if you wish. We look forward to seeing you. For more information contact Marie Whalley (01995) 603605 Craft and Collectors Fair 2020 The first of our Craft and Collectors Fairs takes place on Sat 15th Feb from 9:30am until 3:30pm. Tables are available at a very reasonable price. For more information contact Marie Whalley (01995) 603605
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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) Bridge Group The Bridge group will meet in January on Mon 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th at 7:00pm, and Tues 7th, 14th & 28th at 1:30pm. All welcome. Further details from Bob on (01995) 603524. Happy New Ukulele It is 2020 and I hope that Santa brought everyone a ukulele for Christmas. I did write and ask for a Big Island, fretless bass. Unfortunately, it’s only made with frets, but enough of disappointments, let’s look at what 2020 has to promise.
Thurs 16th Jan: Salvation Army Friendship Group, Raikes Parade, Blackpool, FY1 4EL 2:00pm. Wed 4th Mar: Bushell House, 11:00am. Wed 1st Apr: Galloway’s, St Helen’s Church Hall, 2:00pm. Sat 11th Apr: Over Wyre Arts Society, St Bernard’s Church Hall, Knott End, 2:00pm. Mon 27th Apr: Wesley’s Cafe, 7:00pm 9:00pm. Thurs 30th Apr: Goosnargh and Whittingham WI, 9:00am.
The Garstang Ukulele Group already have quite a few gigs lined up and there will be more to come. We tend to do about 50 gigs a year. But for the moment the list looks like this:
Sat 16th May: Bleasedale Tower Open Garden, 1:00pm - 3:00pm.
Sat 11th Jan: CHAOS, Chipping Village Hall, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wed 8th Jul: Galloway’s, St Helen’s Church Hall, 2:00pm.
Wed 24th Jun: Over 60’s Friendship Group, Cricket Club, 10:00am - 11:30am. Sat 4th Jul: Garstang Scarecrow Festival.
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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) Sun 19th Jul: Garstang Ice Cream Festival. Tues 1st Sept: Ribby with Wrea WI, 7.15pm - 9:30pm. Fri 4th Dec: Garstang 3Ls, URC Hall, 2:00pm. Wed 9th Dec: Parkinson’s Disease Society, St Anthony’s, Fulwood, 7:30pm - 10:00pm. Thurs 10th Dec: Calder Vale WI, 7:30pm 9:30pm. There is always a full and up to date list of events on our website and many are open to all. In addition to our main group, Traffic Jam will be hoping to get out and about on market days as soon as the weather is warmer. We wish to celebrate sunshine. In Catterall the New Brockholes Arms has begun to have regular ukulele music. Ukulele Jukebox (www.ukulelejukebox.uk) who play a mix of folk, punk, rock and pop will be
there on the last Friday of each month from 7:30 pm. In addition look out for the return of the BUG band (www.facebook.com/ bugband2019) who played there in 2019 – it’s a great sound. If you are interested in playing ukulele it really does help to play with a group. We have people of all abilities in our group and we provide tuition for beginners. It costs just £2 a week plus membership of the Garstang Arts Society, currently £25 pa. Or you may be interested in booking us to play for a community group or at an event. We usually get paid a donation of about £30£50, but we’re happy to play for less to help good causes. Please contact me at on (01995) 604621 or bobsapey@gmail.com or take a look at www.garstangukulelegroup.co.uk. Bob Sapey
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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) Garstang Floral Art Group The first meeting of the New Year will be held on Tues Jan 21st at 2:00pm. Our speaker will be Paul Macauley who is the Head Gardener at the Abbeystead home of the Duke of Westmorland. The title of Paul’s presentation is ‘A Gardener’s Life’. Refreshments will be served after the presentation and a short AGM will follow. Members will be able to collect the new programme for 2020 and as always visitors will be very welcome at this friendly group. For more information ring June (01995) 602505 or Mary (01995) 605210. Needlework Group We meet 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: Ann Kelsall on (01995) 606408 or just turn up! 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! Contact Kate Crook 07759 659 004 Book Club The next meeting will be on Tues 7th Jan, 10:30am - 12 noon at The Arts Centre. Then
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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) on the 2nd Tuesday every month, (Tues 11th Feb). For more information please contact Linda Ward (01995) 602948 or Sandra Marson (01995) 603436 Scrabble Group The Scrabble Group meet on Tuesday afternoons at the Arts Centre 2:00pm until 3:30pm. Everyone welcome. Judy Osborne (01995) 600996 w: www.garstangartssociety.org.uk f: facebook.com/artcentre.garstang twitter: ArtsGarstang
GARSTANG MILLENNIUM GREEN Britain in Bloom judges 2019 said that the green was ‘outstanding and a wonderful asset for the community.
CLAIRE DIMOND B.Ed (Hons.) Dip. F.D.
Your Local Independent Funeral Director
20 years old in 2020 This year is the Millennium Green’s 20th anniversary so have you any thoughts or ideas how we might celebrate this landmark? For a start 1000 native bluebell bulbs will be planted in the Spring through a donation from the URC Women’s Guild. We Need Your Help Volunteers are always needed to maintain the Green so if you would like to give us a hand you will be most welcome to join our monthly working group getting stuck in to keep the Green looking at its best. We are also are looking for a new Secretary. Whilst not an onerous role it is important to the running of the Green. Vandalism Please call 101 If you see any vandalism or anyone acting suspiciously on the Green.
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MILLENNIUM GREEN (cont)
COFFEE STOP
Reading/Story Circle in the Dog Free Area
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.
This is looking very tired and in need of a lot of work. However, the use of the circle seems to be very limited so we are looking at ideas of what we can do to revitalise that area. We can look to repair/replace the circular seats or replace them with traditional benches or even replant the area with some trees etc. What do you think? Thank You Lastly, we would like to thank the United Reformed Church for their donation from the coffee mornings which has enabled us to plant 6000 native wild daffodils in the middle field which will look spectacular in 2/3 years’ time. The bulbs were planted by volunteers from the green and the church and pupils of St. Thomas Primary School. Peter Ryder
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 noon. Why not call in for any part of the morning? Free parking, cycle space and disabled access are available at both venues. We look forward to welcoming you during January as per the dates below. Inglewhite Church on Tues 7th & 21st Jan. Catterall Village Hall on Tues 14th Jan. Lesley Hardman 07980 070 349
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GARSTANG LIBRARY We would like to wish everyone a very happy new year. 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 Friends of Garstang Library Tues 7th Jan 11:30am. Do you want to be involved in your local community? Would you like to make a difference to your Library? Come along and join in their regular monthly meeting. Friends of Garstang Library are also holding a coffee morning on Sat 25th Jan 10:00am - 12:00pm. Join them for a brew and biscuit. Set Your Reading Resolutions! Thurs 9th Jan 11:00am - 12 noon. What are your reading goals this year? Would you like to read
more classics or re-read some favourites? What about reading every Book of the Month for 2020? Share your targets and ideas at this informal coffee morning. We would love to hear what the customers of Garstang Library would like to read during this coming year. Come into the Library throughout the year to see what other customers have enjoyed reading (or haven’t enjoyed so much!) and add to Garstang Library’s New Year reading resolutions. Tales of Ice and Snow- Sat 25th Jan 10:00am - 12:00pm. Learn about what happens to animals and nature during winter and cosy up with some good wintery reads. Try an ice melt science experiment, read some stories and make a bird feeder. This event is delivered in partnership with Wyre Council and their ‘Great Outdoors’ programme. Suitable for children aged 4+ Rainforest Science Hunters - Sat 15th
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GARSTANG LIBRARY (cont) Feb 10:00am - 11:00am. Rainforests are incredibly important to the survival of our planet, yet they are under threat due to deforestation. If we are going to keep these rainforests safe, we have to think about the people who live there whose jobs depend on the forest, as well as the animals and plants that are found there. At this workshop, experts from Lancaster University will teach you about rainforests and some of the problems we face when balancing what people want, against what is best for the environment. You will also be set a Minecraft building challenge! Suitable for children aged 7+ accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Board Games Saturdays 10:00am - 12 noon. Come along for the next few weeks and join our Duke of Edinburgh Volunteer and his selection of family favourite board games and chess, for a couple of hours of fun! Everyone welcome.
Special Events A Taste of Germany Mon 7th Jan 9:30am - 11:30am. Experience a flavour of the language, lifestyle and food of Germany. Learners will hear the language and be able to say a few words and phrases. They will also have the opportunity to learn a little about the way of life in Germany and sample food at the end of the session. This event is free to all adults over 19, but booking is required. Chair Based Exercises with DrummingMon 27th Jan 1:30pm - 3:30pm This fun and exciting session introduces a group exercise programme that is suitable for all levels of fitness. The exercises are chair based but incorporate drumsticks, music and rhythm, to develop posture, balance, strength and mobility. This event is free to all adults over 19, but booking is required.
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GARSTANG LIBRARY (cont) Activities for Children Baby Bounce and Rhyme followed by Chat Play Read - Mon and Fri 10:00 - 11:00am Toddler Rhyme Time followed by Chat Play Read - Tues 2:00pm - 3:00pm Storytime Fri 3:30pm-4:00pm (for preschool and primary school aged children) Saturday Stories Saturdays 10:00am - 12 noon. Discover a new story every week. Share your love of reading with family and friends, explore the story together and make something to take home. Children aged 5 - 11 years accompanied by an adult welcome. Activities for Adults Have a Go Fri 3rd Jan 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Do you enjoy being creative and meeting like-minded people? Share your talent and ideas and learn new skills. This informal
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group gives you the opportunity to share your creations and pass on your skills to others. Bring along something you have been working on and celebrate each other’s’ achievements. Don’t worry if you don’t have anything to share, come along anyway and ‘have a go’! You might find a new passion and make some new friends. All adults welcome, no booking required. Knit and Natter Tuesdays 2:00pm - 4:00pm. The group was busy right up to the beginning of December making a variety of things for Brian House Children’s Hospice. We made toys and Christmas Chocolate Orange cover hats for the children. We also made some knitted and crocheted Christmas tree decorations for the Library Christmas tree. We will be back in our usual Tues 2:00pm to 4:00pm slot in 2020. Mary Randles
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GARSTANG LIBRARY (cont) Further Information If you require any further information about any of the events or to book a place pop into the library or contact us: w: www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries w: www.eventbrite.co.uk facebook: @lancslibraries twitter: @lancspublib t: 0300 1236703
FRIENDS OF GARSTANG LIBRARY The Film Day in December was enjoyed by children and adults alike. Activities and games were followed by a showing of ‘Nativity’ - a good choice. The popcorn machine was kept busy. More film days are planned. Look out for them in Focus. Our next meeting is on Tues 7th Jan 11:30am - 12:30pm and our Coffee Morning is on Sat 25th Jan 10:00am - 12 noon.
We would love your ideas on how our Library could be used even more. Happy New Year to you all. Pat Ascroft (01995) 604139
OUT RAWCLIFFE OVER 60’S The Club had its Christmas Party on Tues 3rd Dec. What a great evening it was! Beryl of Bell Farm did us proud with her delicious food and the entertainment from Eric Lees was very enjoyable. Unfortunately some members had to pull out at the last minute, a few due to health reasons. We were sorry they were unable to join us. They were missed and we hope they feel better soon. The Club now has a break, but will restart again on Tues 3rd March. We will meet as usual in the Village Hall at 7:30pm. May your New Year be all you wish it to be. All the best. Jane Webster
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GARSTANG MEDICAL PRACTICE Changes to Appointment System Following patient feedback and against a background of increasing healthcare needs, we have introduced some significant changes to our appointment system from January. The aim of these changes is to increase the number of pre-bookable appointments in order to try to provide more continuity of care and flexibility around appointments. We will no longer be offering ‘same day’ accessible appointments other than for medically urgent problems. Please be assured that if you are unwell and need to be seen that day, you will still be given appropriate medical advice and treatment. We will have a team consisting of a GP, a Nurse Practitioner and a Pharmacist each day specifically dealing with urgent medical problems. In order for us to be able to provide more
pre-bookable appointments, we will need to ensure that patients are seen by the most appropriate clinician for their medical problem. For most acute and minor illnesses, you DO NOT need to see a doctor. Our highly trained Nurse Practitioners and Pharmacists can treat a whole range of symptoms including joint and back problems, skin problems including rashes, eczema, moles, lesions, abdominal pain, constipation, heartburn, eye problems including conjunctivitis, itchy eyes, eye pain, respiratory problems including flu, cough/wheeze, laryngitis, pleuritic pain, ENT problems including tonsillitis, earache, sinusitis, hay fever, allergies, swollen glands, female health – cystitis/urine infection, vaginal discharge, menstrual problems, contraception. For you to make the most of these changes, it is vital that you tell the reception staff why you need an appointment, so that they are
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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) able to book you in with the most appropriate person.
suit problems such as joint and back, skin, tiredness, headaches/migraine, coughs/colds that are not improving, medication issues/concerns. Or simply something you are concerned about and feel cannot wait for the next routine appointment.
Please help us to help you by using our resources as effectively as possible. This way we will be able to provide you with the best, most flexible and most timely service. Obviously we do understand that very occasionally something is felt to be very personal and we will respect your decision not to give the receptionist details on those occasions. We do ask, however, that this is the exception rather than the norm. We will be offering three different types of appointments from January with our doctors and nurse practitioners. •
Routine appointments up to 4 weeks in advance. These will typically be for non-urgent or on-going conditions that require follow up or review.
•
One week appointments. These would
•
24 hour appointments. These would be for acute problems that don’t need same day attention but need to be seen within a day or two.
As outlined above, we will also have a team of clinicians each day who will be able to see and treat patients with urgent conditions. We hope these changes will improve our service to you but we will be closely monitoring its impact so that we can make further adjustments as necessary. Thank you for your co-operation and patience whilst these changes are implemented.
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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) Evening & Weekend (Extended Access) Appointments Evening and weekend appointments are now available with GPs, practice nurses and other healthcare professionals for routine prebooked services. The Fylde Coast NHS is committed to improving access to primary care services. This includes making appointments available at times that are convenient to patients. If you:
additional appointments to be provided outside of normal GP practice hours by the Fylde Coast Integrated Urgent Care Service. The service offers pre-bookable and sameday routine primary care appointments with a range of clinicians including GPs, nurses and health care assistants. Please be aware that this is not a walk-in service – you must have an appointment. The service employs local clinicians from the Fylde coast, where possible. Mon:
6:30pm - 9:30pm Freckleton
6:30pm - 9:00pm Fleetwood
6:30pm - 8:00pm Blackpool
Tues
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then this service is here to support you.
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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) Thurs: 6:30pm - 9:30pm Freckleton
6:30pm - 9:00pm Fleetwood
6:30pm - 8:00pm Blackpool
Fri:
6:30pm - 9:00pm Fleetwood
6:30pm - 8:00pm Blackpool
Sat:
8:00am - 2:00pm Freckleton
8:00am - 2:00pm Fleetwood
8:00am - 8:00pm Blackpool
8:00am - 2:30pm Garstang/OW
(alternate Saturdays)
Sun:
8:00am - 2:00pm Freckleton
8:00am - 2:00pm Fleetwood
8:00am - 8:00pm Blackpool
Appointments An appointment must have been booked in advance of visiting the service. When your GP practice is open, to book an appointment contact your GP practice. When your GP practice is closed appointments may also be booked when the service in Blackpool, Fleetwood, Freckleton, Garstang and Over Wyre is open, by calling (01253) 952950. Appointments are for pre-bookable and same-day routine and not for urgent care. For urgent care please call NHS111 for advice. When you book an appointment the practice will ask you for consent to share your detailed GP record with the clinician providing the care. Should you need to cancel your appointment please contact your GP practice. If your GP practice is closed, please call (01253) 952950 to cancel. Where to Go Blackpool: Whitegate Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool FY3 9ES. Freckleton: Freckleton Health Centre, Douglas Drive, Freckleton PR4 1RY.
Advanced Vega Allergy Testing Do you suffer from any of the following? Chronic muscle/Joint pain Frequent bowel movements Dairy intolerances Skin conditions Exhaustion/Fatigue Wheat/Gluten intolerances Also Available: M.L.D (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) - Aromatherapy Over 20 years experience - St.Catherine's Hospice for 8 years
Jean Shaw Garstang Natural Health, High Street, PR3 1FA 01995 602833/07834269542
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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) Fleetwood: Fleetwood Health and Wellbeing Centre, Dock Street, Fleetwood FY7 6HP. Garstang: Garstang Medical Practice, Kepple Lane, Garstang PR3 1PB. Over Wyre: Over Wyre Medical Centre, Wilkinson Way, Preesall, FY6 0FA. Garstang Medical Practice (01995) 607399 HAFFNER ORCHESTRA Sat 8th Feb 7:30pm Ashton Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster An evening of classical music with conductor: Jonathan Lo. Weber Overture to Oberon Haydn Symphony No. 95 Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 ‘Reformation’ Tickets £14.50 from our website or (01524) 582394. Students £5 at the door. 18’s and under free. www.haffnerorchestra.org
CHURCH BUT NOT ON A SUNDAY Tues 28th Jan 7:30pm Catterall Village Hall You would be really welcome at ‘Church but not on a Sunday’. We explore the Christian faith in a relaxed way with music and a short talk then refreshments for all. Call in and see if this small, friendly group might be for you. We look forward to welcoming you. Lesley Hardman 07980 070 349
PILLING HISTORICAL SOCIETY Tues 7th Jan 7:30pm Methodist Church Fellowship Room Hugh Sherdley Memorial Lecture, Speaker Mark Lambert FRCS ‘Medicine in Art’. We meet the first Tuesday in every month from September to March at 7:30pm. Annual subscription £10, visitors £2. Mary Shepherd (01253) 790306
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31
GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB
All aspects of internal and external carpentry and joinery undertaken. No job to small. Over 30 years’ experience. Free estimates. 2019 has flown by and it is hard to believe it is 2020. Hopefully a busy year for the Camera Club. The Club starts the new year on Wed 8th Jan with a presentation by two of our members, Sue and Adrian Whitaker who will be showing us how to put together a professional Audio Visual Presentation.
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If you are not a club member but interested in seeing how this is done, come along to the meeting and you will be made most welcome. We will also be looking at members images put forward to be chosen to take part in the inter club competition with Junction 36 Camera Club. On Wed 15th Jan it will be our competition ‘Creatures of the World’ - any real creature and no toys, sculptures or people. In February we have visits from Steve Proctor DPAGB BPE4* telling us the stories behind some fabulous images from his portfolio, a talk entitled Sgt. Pearson by Stan Pearson and a look at the Wildlife of India following a recent visit from member Ken Harrison. Later in the year, as well as competitions and workshops we have presentations by various speakers including Toni Pioli on ‘Nature’, Gary Waidson on ‘Working with Layers in Photoshop’ and a ‘Lightweight Approach to Landscapes’ by Robin Whalley. If you are interested in photography, come along as a visitor and see if you feel we can help. Meet our members who can help
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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB (cont) with your queries about equipment, photo editing or photography in general. Or just come along as a visitor to one of the talks by visiting lecturers. The cost to visitors is just £4 including refreshments. Meanwhile, we wish all Focus Magazine readers all the best for 2020. Visit our website or email us for more information. Peter Knight - Club Chairman w: www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk e: info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk
GARSTANG HISTORICAL SOCIETY Garstang United Reformed Church Wed 8th Jan 7:30pm
Supporting an Independent Lifestyle
Details of recent ‘digs’ and other archaeological developments in the greater Garstang area will be the topic of the January meeting of Garstang Historical Society.
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Tel: 01995 604290/07553 426800 www.abletohelpgarstang.co.uk
His talk will take in topics such as digs involving likely Roman road sites at Bowgreave, Bilsborrow and Cabus, as well as excavations and investigations carried out by members of Wyre Archaeology at Woodplumpton, Stalmine and Scorton. Meeting fee: members free; visitors £3. Bookings will be taken at the meeting for the hotpot supper on Wed 11th March and more details will be available for the proposed trip on Wed 20th May to Arley Hall and the Anderton Boat Lift, Cheshire. For more information about the Society contact Peter Burrell (01995) 601054. Anthony Coppin
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GARSTANG WINE CIRCLE Some 45 people thoroughly enjoyed a Christmas Party at the Arts Centre on Sat 14th Dec. As was usual in a Wine Circle gathering, the wine flowed freely and was accompanied by excellent food and good conversation. People were welcomed with a glass of Aldi Cremant D’Alsace – always a good choice for anyone wanting a reasonably priced ‘fizz’. Subsequently there were tastings of a Picpoul De Pinet from the French Languedoc; a Biferna Rosso from central Italy; a Chablis from Northern Burgundy; a Spanish Rioja Reserva; a Minervois from the Languedoc; a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and a Merlot from South Africa. Many of these wines were relatively inexpensive and the evening demonstrated that it is not necessary to spend a large amount of money in order to enjoy good wines. Steven Holt was responsible for choosing the wines and he did a sterling job.
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The evening concluded with dancing organised by our resident DJ Steve Ridings. For more information about the Wine Circle, contact me.
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During the evening people enjoyed a slide show of photographs of old Garstang prepared by Steve Ridings and a monologue from Anne Wicks. There was fierce competition between teams vying to design the best decorated Christmas Wine bottle. Delicious food was prepared by a dedicated team of volunteers co-ordinated by Anne Whitehead.
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Alan Jefferson (01995) 601842 ajeffe7502@aol.com.
GARSTANG & DISTRICT HERITAGE During November our exhibition celebrating 200 years of the Lancaster canal in the rural district was on show in Garstang Library. We extended it by a week as it was so well enjoyed by visitors. We will be uploading the
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GARSTANG HERITAGE (cont) information about the canal to our website as soon as possible. We have also been busy researching fallen local servicemen from WW2 and adding this information to the Poppy Trail on our website. Trail leaflets are being distributed throughout the district. We hope lots of people will use them to visit and remember our fallen. If anyone has any information or photos of any of the men named on the Trail and if you would like us to add them to the website please get in touch with us via our website at www.garstangheritagesociety.org Mary Randles
GARSTANG FREE METHODISTS Windsor Road, Garstang Church Services Morning Service 10:45am with Sunday School and Creche facilities provided for the children. Refreshments at close. Evening Service 7:00pm. All very welcome. Toddle-In Parent/carer and baby/toddler group. Every Thursday in term time 10:00am - 11:30am. Kidz Klub Tuesday in term time starting Tues 14th Jan 5:45pm - 7:15pm for children in school years 1 to 4. Meet at church for games, songs, Bible teachings, crafts and activities. Friday Focus Senior Ministries providing support, friendship and enjoyment. Each Friday from 10:30am. Fri 3rd Jan - FOCUS on Prayer. Fri 10th Jan - FOCUS on Film (followed by a light lunch + small charge). Fri 17th Jan - FOCUS on the Bible. Fri 31st Jan - FOCUS on People (guest speaker). Fri 31st Jan - share lunch together. Garstang Free Methodists
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...
New patient appointments available. Please phone or call in to book or for more information. 14 Lancaster Road, Knott End, FY6 0AR 01253 812555 3 Thomas Court, Thomas's Weind, Garstang, PR3 1LL 01995 601106 e: gillnewhousepodiatry@gmail.com
www.gillnewhousepodiatry.co.uk
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35
CAT SMITH MP I’m delighted to once again be writing in the Focus Magazine following last month’s General Election. It is a great honour to have been re-elected as MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood and I would like to say thank you to everyone who took part. More than 45,000 people took the time to cast their ballot and regardless of who you voted for, as your MP, I will endeavour to represent the very wide range of views and opinions held by voters across the constituency. The outcome of the General Election doesn’t negate the fact that there are still many families in Over Wyre who will have found this Christmas season a struggle. KILN DRIED ASH LOGS FROST PROTECTION TRADITIONAL COAL SMOKELESS FUEL SEASONED LOGS SNOW SHOVELS COAL DOUBLES DEICING SALT KINDLING Ask us r about ou f o e g ran flood n protectio products Find us on
A couple of weeks ago I visited Mustard Seed in Fleetwood, a project that helps the homeless, the lonely and the vulnerable. Every Monday they provide a hot meal – for many it’s the only hot meal of the week. They are always looking for donations of food and clothing so if you have anything left over this Christmas please consider donating it to such a good cause. I’ve been proud to represent Over Wyre since 2015. In just four years as our MP I have responded to 28,500 people getting in touch, including meeting with more than 1,000 constituents at my weekly advice surgeries. I’m conscious that the problems people raised with me before the election haven’t gone away; food poverty, homelessness, low income jobs, zero hour contracts... I’ll continue to act on behalf of everyone who contacts me.
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) There is much to be done over the next five years. I’ll continue to fight for better rural services in health, transport and education. I’ll continue to support the parents of children with additional needs and our seniors who get treated so shoddily by the social care system. I’ll continue to work for justice for 1950’s-born women denied their pensions. The women who helped build Britain and were let down by the Government’s pension changes. Locally, I’m always really pleased to be invited to attend events and meetings. I normally go down to Westminster on Mondays and return Thursday evenings and where I can attend or support local events I always do as long as I don’t miss important votes! Our recess periods (when we are back working in the constituency) usually follow the same routine as school holidays and o We als ton s in g lo ly supp logs & ets of bags, n firegrates g, kindlin h more m & uc
that’s when I’m able to get around and meet more people. I’m pleased to say that I’ll continue to have offices in the constituency in Fleetwood and Lancaster – and I’ll continue to hold regular ‘Chats with Cat’ sessions in Knott End, Preesall and Pilling. I also have regular advice surgeries and if there’s something I can help you with then do please ring my office and make an appointment. You can call me on (01253) 490440, write to me at 50 Lord Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 6DT or email me via cat.smith.mp@ parliament.uk. You can keep up to date with everything I’m doing by visiting my website www.catsmith.co.uk During the election campaign we were deeply upset locally by the sudden passing of our friend and campaigner Nic Fogg. Nic, who last year was instrumental in
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) setting up a new Over Wyre Labour branch, was a lifelong member of the Labour Party and he and I worked together on many local and general elections. He fought tirelessly against the gas storage project in Preesall and just before he died, he had worked as a caseworker in my office. He was also a member of the Over Wyre Community Choir and Amnesty International. He was universally well liked and was one of the kindest people you could hope to meet. He leaves behind his lovely wife Pat and many, many friends who will miss his fun, generosity and wise counsel. I’ve been asked to let you know that nominations are now open to find Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year 2020! It would be great if this year’s winner came from Over Wyre! This prestigious award is made each year by
the High Sheriff of Lancashire to recognise the achievements made by young people to either a family member, an individual, a local organisation or their neighbourhood in some way or other in the last 12 months. All Finalists will be invited to attend a presentation at Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters in March 2020 when the winner will receive £500 together with a specially commissioned trophy and a certificate from the High Sheriff. There will also be two Runners-Up who will each receive £100 and a certificate. Check out the website www.lanpac.co.uk/ nomination for more details. Finally all that remains is for me to wish you a very happy new year. I hope 2020 brings you all that you hope for and I look forward to meeting many of you in the months to come. Cat Smith MP
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CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG (CRY) Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund What an amazingly dynamic high street we have in Garstang. There’s a wonderful range of small independent shops with inviting windows and caring traders who do their utmost to help and support their customers and the community’s many diverse fundraising activities. Throughout 2019, activities organised to provide local screenings through Matt’s fund were blessed with donations from such businesses. Others chose to support our work in a different manner, like Alison from Conway Cards and her customers who raised £1000 from her Peru trek! However, with its many moods and natures the street itself is very special too, playing host year round to a myriad of colourful parades, soulful ceremonies, proclamations, runs, races and rallies. Vivacious festivals abound alongside joyous celebrations, compassionate charity stalls, a bustling weekly market and more!
Young Sudden Cardiac Death and Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome. Sadly several of the members have experienced the tragic loss of loved ones to these silent killers first hand so we feel so very privileged that they chose to share their stories and back our mission to screen as many young people as we are able. On behalf of all those who can be tested in memory of Matthew, thank you, you really are helping to save young lives. Appointments for our next CRY heart screening event at Garstang Community Academy on Sat and Sun 1st and 2nd Feb are available at www.testmyheart.org.uk Paula Hesmondhalgh m: 07785 106 976 e: paulahez.ph@gmail.com f: facebook.com/MattHesMemorialFund
Recently it was a spectacular sea of red and white as around 350 participants (and a few pets too) entered Garstang’s first Santa Dash for the Mayor’s charities. But it is also a place of serenity and peace as depicted on the charming ‘Garstang in the Snow’ Christmas cards, kindly sold on behalf of the fund courtesy of photographer, Mike Coleran, and Marion and Mark at Best Wishes. Such variety and dedication, and so inspirational, our high street is definitely deserving of generous patronage. Community and fellowship is so important, no matter where we live. During 2019 Matthew’s Fund at CRY was the ‘Charity of the Year’ for Bolton-le-Sands WI. Each month many from the village came together at a coffee morning to support the WI in raising a superb £1,000! It was my pleasure to accept their gift and their gracious hospitality on several occasions and to chat informally about
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SOROPTIMISTS Women Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives A new decade is upon us, hard to believe we are now in 2020! We hope you all enjoyed your festive break, as we did. With the new year comes time to reflect and when we did this – well what a year we had. Our TukTuk project was a major undertaking and could have been daunting but, we broke it down and as a team came up with ideas for fund raising projects which would excite and attract help from all you wonderful people.
demonstrated our creative side by selling ‘bottle lights’ – so pretty and festive and sales of these in various places have so far added another £435 to the appeal. And just to get you ready, we are already working on our stocking filler ideas for next Christmas – nothing like being prepared. Think Pink Sri Lanka
Garstang Victorian Festival The parched peas went down a bomb on the first day of the Victorian Festival. As always a huge thank you to the organisers of this great event. Like everyone else we were devastated when the second day had to be cancelled – but the safety of all visitors and stall-holders was more important and the organisers made the right decision. But worry not, the peas will be back next year! Your generosity on the night raised £216 towards the TukTuk, and this year we also
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So as you can see, we are now 57% of the way towards our goal – we are delighted to be more than halfway. To find out more about the project we are supporting visit www. rosie-may.com/work-sri-lanka/ Coming Up Next Our first big event this year will be our wine tasting night at the Arts Centre on Sat 22nd Feb, thanks to the help of Stainton Wines of Kendal. With all proceeds going to the TukTuk, tickets are just £15 for this great night out and should be available from the Arts Centre soon or contact us on info@sigarstang.org.uk for further details. And finally… Well it’s a new year - a new decade, so why not a new you. Come along and join in with us to try and level up the playing field for everyone – with fun and friendship as an added bonus. A happy and peaceful New Year to everyone! Why not come and find out if you could make
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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) a difference? 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 our membership co-ordinator Muriel BurnhamAirey on (01995) 606604 to arrange to be met, or just come and introduce yourself. Please continue to drop off your spare 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. Take a Look at What We Do t: www.sigarstang.org.uk f: facebook.com: SoroptimistsGarstang w: www.twitter.com/GarstangSoropt
Volunteering has been shown to have fantastic benefits to physical and mental health whilst at the same time offering a chance to really make a difference to the lives of others. As many readers of the Garstang Focus will know, Oaklands on Dimples Lane has been a provider of residential nursing care for 50 years. It is home to up to 30 disabled adult residents, many with complex needs. The newly-established Valorum Foundation, a charitable Community Benefit Society, will support all at Oaklands in leading a full and inclusive life. It will do this through a team of volunteers and by raising funds to give our residents exciting experiences. If you would like to start off the New Year by exploring our opportunities, then we are particularly looking for: •
Friendly and chatty people who would
Muriel Burnham-Airey (01995) 606604
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Change your life for the better this New Year. Come and join us at Oaklands. Is your New Year’s resolution to do good, to be more active, make new friends, take up new hobbies and interests or share existing ones? If so, we at Oaklands have lots of opportunities for you through our volunteering services.
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VOLUNTEERING (cont) take a tea/coffee trolley to our residents in the afternoon. •
•
•
Gardeners who can help to maintain our magnificent grounds, maybe even adopting an area to develop your own interest in a magnificent setting, or helping our residents with a weekly gardening club? Befrienders who will simply spend some time with individual residents, sharing interests and hobbies, or maybe just having a chat over a brew. Fundraisers, or people to help with fundraising activities by being an extra pair of hands at our events.
Facilities are suitable for the disabled, including audio loop. Refreshments are available during the break. Membership is £20 for the season. Visitors may pay at the door for a fee of £4 per meeting. This fee will be refunded if you join as a full member. w: www.traveltalks.club e: info@traveltalks.club twitter: @TravelTalks.club Joan Gaffiney (01253) 700799
WINTER SONGS OF PRAISE Garstang Arts Centre Thurs 6th Feb 2:00pm - 4:00pm
All expenses incurred through volunteering with us are paid and we will provide the necessary training and development to support your time with our residents.
Please join us for an informal time of singing your favourite hymns and songs old and new around the piano. Refreshments included. All welcome.
As you would expect all volunteers are subject to a disclosure and barring service check.
Joy Bell (01995) 238517
If you would like to help please contact me. Paul Ferguson - Volunteer Co-ordinator t: (01995) 602290 e: paul.ferguson@valorumcare.co.uk
TRAVEL TALKS Wed 29th Jan 7:30pm Blackpool Sixth Form College We start the New Year with the return of Anne and Gordon Sharp, from Spellbound, who use their video camera to enable us to experience ‘Imperial China.’ Our meetings consist of illustrated talks covering all parts of the world. Speakers are drawn from recognised professional writers, photographers and journalists, our own members and travellers from across the country.
Covering Garstang & Surrounding Areas
New members and visitors are most welcome.
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GARSTANG QUAKERS Quaker Meeting House Calder House Lane Please note that the track to the Meeting House is dark and uneven so please bring a torch. Regular Meeting for Worship is on Sundays 10:30am - 11:30am. In addition, the Meeting House has rooms available for hire. Daphne Sanders (01995) 641284 www.lancsquakers.org.uk/garstang.php
Special appreciation to Colette Bunker from the British Tinnitus Association for being so eloquent and informative. Please consult the BTA website for up-to-date information which is reviewed continually. Look out for the February edition of the Green Book for details of our next meeting but if you require any information in the meantime please do not hesitate to call 07712 230 110. Gail Williams
CALDERVALE COUNTRY CLUB
TINNITUS SUPPORT GROUP
What’s On
Thank you to everyone who attended the November meeting of the Garstang Tinnitus Support Group. I’m sure all who attended were able to take away information, support and literature which hopefully will prove helpful.
Fri 3rd & 17th Jan Meat Bingo. Eyes down 7:30pm. Every Saturday night - Live entertainment. £2 on the door. Every Sunday - Social Bingo - Eyes down 8:00pm. Memberships for 2020 are now available. Come and join this friendly club. Garstang Replugged (formerly Unplugged). We are delighted to welcome Don Moore and his open-mic nights to Caldervale Club starting on Thurs 27th Feb. All welcome. Ros Ashworth (01995) 603776 wwwcaldervalecountryclub.co.uk THE FLATLANDERS Sat 29th Feb Claughton Village Hall PR3 0QH Leaping Into Leap Year with The Flatlanders, a charity night in aid of Asthma UK. £12.50 per ticket. There will be a bar and raffle on the night. Tickets are available from Ruth Beale 07700 426 150, Crimpers Hair Studio (01995) 604328 or myself. Susan Dewhurst 07803 167 084
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GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 51) 1. In which country is Hi Chi Minh City? 2. What word describes a straight line crossing the centre of a circle? 3. Where is the administrative centre for the county of Cheshire? 4. Which gnawing Canadian mammal has bright orange teeth? 5. In which country is the city of Khartoum? 6. Who won an Oscar for Best Actress in the musical ‘Cabaret’? 7. Which British jockey was jailed for tax evasion in 1987? 8. General Galtieri was ousted as President of which country? 9. The Solidarity movement opposed communists in which country? 10. The IRA bombed a Tory Party Conference in which British seaside resort?
11. Which Michael became leader of the Labour Party? 12. In the Eighties, young, upwardly mobile persons became known as what? 13. Which fruit could be honeydew or cantaloup? 14. Rachel Heyhoe Flint is chiefly associated with which sport? 15. Bewick, Black and Whooper are all types of what? 16. With which type of dance was Nijinsky famous? 17. Which university is based in Milton Keynes? 18. Who invented the dot system by which the blind can read by touch? 19. On whose feast day did King Wenceslas look out? 20. Which animals live in a holt?
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BEN WALLACE MP Happy New Year and start to a new decade! I hope all readers had a merry and restful Christmas. Last year was a busy one, particularly with the General Election coming just before Christmas. I want to thank everyone who voted for me for their continued support and the other candidates for a good natured campaign. I am absolutely delighted to have been reelected as your MP for the fifth time. It is a huge honour and I can promise you that I will continue to work hard for all of my constituents. I am most grateful to those of you who have written me personal messages to pass on your congratulations, these mean a great deal to me.
I am extremely lucky in Wyre and Preston North to have a wonderful team of helpers who delivered leaflets, put up posters and helped on election day. Without them I could not work effectively. I must also say a particular ‘thank you’ to my family for their support: my wife, Liza, for her patience and for looking after our three children while I am away in Westminster during the week; my children who came out delivering leaflets with me; and my parents whose support I can always count on. Nationally, the Election result was tremendous for the Conservatives. I am particularly excited at the number of new Conservative MPs in the North West and I hope this will help the Party to focus further on our region. After the uncertainty of the last three years, the Prime Minister now has a mandate and the majority to deliver Brexit. Whatever you think of our Prime Minister, I hope that you
CROSSWORD (ans page 51) Across 1. One storey houses (9) 7. Govern; run (10) 10. Loved (6) 11. Mythical river nymphs (6) 14. North-east town; US state (10) 15. Title; possession (9) Down 2. Open; retract (4) 3. Win; profit (4) 4. Scottish landowners (6) 5. Soggy (6) 6. “___ and Prejudice” by Jane Austen (5) 8. Famous; not hidden (5) 9. Picture puzzle; tool (6) 10. Tip; guidance (6) 12. Do they come before chickens? (4) 13. Asian desert (4)
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BEN WALLACE MP (cont)
GARSTANG PAINTING GROUP
will agree that he has enthusiasm and the drive to reinvigorate politics.
The first Big Event of the year is the Open Exhibition at Garstang Arts Centre for which entries should be handed in between 10:00am and 12 noon on Sat 4th Jan. A truly wonderful start to 2020 which runs until Sat 8th Feb and should not be missed.
After having the political agenda dominated by Brexit for the last three years, I am excited to see our manifesto delivered. I enjoyed spending the Election campaign in the constituency and meeting residents who might not ordinarily contact me. I was also delighted to hear success stories from business owners who I had helped years ago when they were just setting up their businesses. I was particularly proud to show the Prime Minister our constituency when he visited Thornton. While travelling around I did note that many of the road surfaces have been improved, however, Garstang Rd in St Michaels stood out as one in particular need of attention. I am calling on LCC to rectify this. I have also stayed in touch with those affected by flooding across the constituency, in Thornton, Hambleton and Churchtown. You may recall that one of the pledges I made at the Election was that I would champion those affected by flooding and I committed to this. Each year I invite the Gala Queens from across the constituency to come and have tea with me in the House of Commons as a ‘thank you’ for their work in the local community. The Election has set me back in sending out these invitations, but I can assure you that I am working with my Office to collate all the names and addresses of the 2019 Gala Queens and will be sending out the invitations asap. If you or your child is a current Gala Queen, please do contact me directly to ensure I have your details. If I can be of any assistance to you please ring my Office at the House of Commons on 02072 195 804 or my Constituency Office on (01995) 672976, email me at wallaceb@ parliament.uk or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Ben Wallace MP
January sees the start of a very exciting and interesting year with the Garstang Painting Group. First, of course, the Membership Fee is due on Wed 8th Jan which opens the door to a full range of demonstrations and workshops. On Wed 29th Jan after settling down and starting using the range of painting equipment we have received for Christmas (we hope), we enjoy a demonstration by Les Darlow of Pastels/Mixed Media in Seascape & Landscapes. This is for members only and is sure to be very interesting as were all his previous demonstrations. And so starts a very colourful New Year for all
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GARSTANG PAINTING GROUP (cont) the Painting Group and we wish everybody a very Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous 2020. And remember there is a talented painter in every one of us, so let it out and enjoy a real adventure. For more information contact Carolyn Wood (01253) 812270. Bill Barnes
RSPCA Chaos & Sidney Brothers Sidney and Chaos are looking for special and loving homes. These cats have not had the best start in life and were born outside to a feral mum, so unfortunately they have received little socialising. They are responding well to gentle encouragement with each passing day and are gaining confidence.
Together, they are curious and very playful, yet when they are on their own, they are more timid. These kittens need lots of socialisation and plenty of love and support and we feel they will be best suited to quieter cat experienced homes without young children. Jeremy Jeremy is a sweet but super shy cat who arrived at the centre after he was abandoned by his owner. He needs plenty of reassurance and an experienced and understanding owner who has the time and patience to carry on building his trust. Jeremy has found cattery life quite overwhelming and is more intent on hiding in his igloo or underneath his bedding. However, more recently he is gaining some confidence and trust around people. We are sure as time goes on in his new home and around his new loving humans that Jeremy will gain your trust and start coming more out of his shell allowing his true personality to shine. Apollo Apollo is a friendly but nervous rabbit who has had very little interaction with people. However he is getting braver with each day that passes. Due to his nervous nature, we feel that he is better suited to someone who has experience with rabbits. Apollo will need a large double tier hutch and a large attached run. He is possibly OK to live with a neutered female rabbit but they would need to be introduced slowly at first. For more information on the animals mentioned, please contact the Animal Centre on (01253) 703000 or call in to meet them. Christmas Fair Success We would like to say a big thank you to all of those who attended our Christmas open day at the beginning of December. We raised
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RSPCA (cont)
HELP BEAT CANCER
a fantastic £1,479. Also, thank you to our dedicated fundraising volunteers who helped make the day such a success.
Over Wyre Fundraising Group
Jumble Sale at Hambleton Village Hall Sun 19th Jan, 11:00am - 2:00pm Clothes, bric-a-brac, toys, books, games, DVD’s, electricals plus much more on offer. Refreshments also available for a small donation. More details to follow on our social media and in future Focus articles of our upcoming events in 2020. Dog Food Shortage We are running extremely low on adult dog meat so if anyone could donate some, it would be much appreciated. Any donation can either be dropped off at the Animal Centre or one of our four charity shops. We also have collection bins in Morrisons on Squires Gate, Blackpool and in Sainsburys on Red Bank Road in Bispham.
Thanks to everyone who came on our Christmas coach trip to Chester with luncheon at the Queens Hotel. We all had a great day. Special thanks to the Queens Hotel for the excellent food. Also to our very obliging coach driver, Colin, from Hegarty Coaches. Many thanks for the donation of £9,000 from The ‘Fryar Xmas Do 2018’ - it is very much appreciated. Well done to everyone involved in this amazing event. May we offer our deepest sympathy to the family of Joyce Southgate who died suddenly on Mon 2nd Dec. She was a dedicated, funloving supporter as well as a very good friend and will be very greatly missed. Wonderful news - we have reached the amazing fundraising total of £150,000. Very many thanks to everyone for their support –
Hannah Kirrane RSPCA Animal Centre Manager Longview Animal Centre t: (01253) 703000 w: www.rspcablackpool.org.uk
GALLOWAYS We meet at St. Helen’s Church Hall, Churchtown on alternate Wednesday afternoons 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Our next meeting will be on Wed 22nd Jan. The club caters for anyone who is either blind or partially sighted and our members are a very friendly group. If you have any sight problems why not come along and join us. We can provide free transport if you live in the Forton to Catterall area. For more information please give me a call. To you all I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Lorna Musgrave (01995) 471319
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HELP BEAT CANCER (cont)
WYRE BUSINESS WINNERS
we couldn’t have done it without you. A Very Happy and Healthy New Year to you all. Jean Horner (01253) 700555 Val Southward 07895 431 948 Facebook: Help Beat Cancer – Wyre
FORTON WI Thurs 16th Jan 7:30pm Forton Village Hall ‘The Kaleidoscope of Life’ - Pat Ascroft. Forton WI meets at the Village Hall on the third Thursday. We have a happy mix of members from the village and further afield, including Garstang, Catterall and Lancaster. New members and guests are always very welcome. Further details from Pat Murgatroyd (01524) 791580 or Christine Smith (01524) 793549
LIVE OUTSIDE OUR DELIVERY ROUTE? SUBSCRIBE & RECEIVE A COPY OF FOCUS MAGAZINE THROUGH THE POST EACH MONTH If you or someone you know would like to receive Focus Magazine but currently live outside the areas in which we deliver, sign up for our new subscription service.
1 Month - £4 3 Months - £11 6 Months - £20 12 Months - £36 For more details or to register, please contact e: cassie@focusmags.co.uk t: 01253 342992 Please note: monthly door-to-door deliveries will continue as usual & will not be affected by the subscription service
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Business success was celebrated last month at the Wyre Business Awards held at the Marine Hall. The celebration event was attended by over 300 business people from across Wyre. The judging panel included Steve Newsham, Reginal Director at The Regenda Group and Scott Carswell, Site Director at NPL Group Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone. At the event Chief Executive of Wyre Council, commented: “This year, we saw an astounding number of applications which showcased the amazing work that businesses in Wyre are doing. Amongst the winners were businesses and organisations with which Focus Magazine has enjoyed a long association. We would like to congratulate: • • • • • •
Builders Supplies Limited for winning the Corporate Social Responsibility Award and Wyre Business of the Year Harmony and Health Singing Group for winning Community and Charity Organisation of the Year Moy Vets for winning Rural Business of the Year Brickhouse Farm Holiday Cottages for winning Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year: Blackpool Industrial Roofing for winning Small Business of the Year and Family Business of the Year Jones Harris Limited for Outstanding Male in Business
See www.wyre.gov.uk for more winners.
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GREY MATTER ANSWERS
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
1. Vietnam 2. Diameter 3. Chester 4. Beaver 5. Sudan 6. Liza Minnelli 7. Lestor Piggott 8. Argentina 9. Poland 10. Brighton 11. Michael Foot 12. Yuppies 13. Melon 14. Cricket 15. Swans 16. Ballet 17. The Open University 18. Louis Braille 19. Stephen 20. Otters
Across 1. Bungalows 7. Administer 10. Adored 11. Naiads 14. Washington 15. Ownership Down 2. Undo 3. Gain 4. Lairds 5. Watery 6. Pride 8. Known 9. Jigsaw 10. Advice 12. Eggs 13. Gobi
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