Garstang Focus Magazine - June 2020 by Focus Magazines

Garstang FOCUS Your Free Monthly Magazine

Scorton - Cabus - Garstang - Bonds - Bowgreave Catterall - Churchtown - St Michaels June 2020

Issue 236

During these times, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more important than ever that we help our local businesses. Please support them when you can.

Coronavirus update from Wyre Council Community help

Wyre Together offers support to vulnerable and isolated people in our community. This might include signposting people to local community groups, providing food parcels to those who are eligible and general support to prevent loneliness. If you don’t have help from friends or family and are in need of support we are here to help. Visit www.wyre.gov.uk/ together or call 01253 891000 choosing option 7.

Business help

Council tax

If you haven’t yet subscribed, there is still time. If you subscribed previously by Direct Debit you don't need to do anything, your subscription will carry over onto the new subscription year. If you haven't signed up yet go to www.wyre.gov.uk/greenwaste or call 01253 891000.

waste recycling centres. However this is currently on a by appointment basis. To see which centres are open and to make an appointment visit www.lancashire.gov.uk.

Support is in place for businesses. Full details can be found on the Government’s business support website www.businesssupport.gov.uk. We are making payments to businesses in Wyre who are eligible for the Business Support Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grants Fund. To find out more and to apply for a grant visit www.wyre.gov.uk/ businesssupport

If you are affected by Coronavirus and are struggling to pay your council tax instalments, there are a number of ways in which we may be able to help you. Please complete our online form at www.wyre.gov.uk/ coronavirushelp or call 01253 891000. For further information and updates go to www.wyre.gov.uk/ coronavirus

Waste services Green Waste

Collections for the new green waste year will begin on 29 June 2020. If you have signed up to the green waste subscription service, a new sticker will be on its way to you from mid-June. Your sticker may show an end date of 30 April 2021, please do not worry, all 2020/21 subscriptions will be valid until 30 June 2021.

www.wyre.gov.uk

Recycling centres

Lancashire County Council has reopened some of their

Bulky Matters

Our Bulky Matters collections are back up and running. For £20 you can have up to 3 bulky items collected. Call 01253 891000 to book a pick up.

Welcome to Focus Magazine... As we go to print with the June edition of Focus Magazine, the world is unrecognizable from the one we knew just a few short weeks ago. Most children have not been in a classroom for 10 weeks. Pubs, restaurants, cafes, cinemas and gyms are closed and we’ve been asked to distance ourselves from our loved ones. Compiling the ‘The Green Book’ has given us a stark glimpse into just how much of a huge impact the events of the past few weeks have have had on Garstang and the surrounding villages. Hundreds of events that take place each month have been cancelled and many of the businesses that support the local community have closed their doors without knowing if when they will open again. But to temper the uncertainty we have felt as we’ve been speaking to event organisers and businesses this month, we’ve seen an amazing community effort rise out of the ashes of Covid-19. In this month’s magazine, you won’t find the usual event listings, but you will find updates from some of our regular contributors. There’s plenty of useful information about coronavirus, including FAQs about the latest guidance around the ongoing lockdown.

You’ll see that some of our regular contributors have also provided very useful information and contact details of organisations that can support you too. We’ve also filled the magazine with things to help you through the next few weeks, including a bumper ‘Grey Matter Test’ and crossword and some great suggestions of how to occupy both the body and mind during isolation. If you don’t have access to the internet or Facebook and need information about where you can get support during the coronavirus crisis, call us on the number below and we will try to direct you to a relevant agency or support group. Do be patient though - with the youngest members of our family spending much more time at home, you may need to leave an answerphone message! Finally, we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the magazine this month. Taking a hiatus from publishing in May was very strange for us so we are very grateful to be back! Take care,

The Moulton Family

JULY 2020 DEADLINE DATE

The July deadline for editorial and adverts is 5:00pm on Monday 15th June Deliveries of the July edition of Focus Magazine will commence Thursday 25th June Over Wyre & Garstang Focus Magazines www.focusmags.co.uk | (01253) 813433 | www.facebook.com/focusmags Event Advertising & Editorial: editorial@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 2020 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.

CORONAVIRUS FAQS household outdoors - following social distancing guidelines

The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, for as many people as we can, as quickly and fairly as possible in order to safeguard livelihoods, but in a way that is safe and continues to protect our NHS. Here we set out key FAQ to help you prepare for these changes.

•

exercise outdoors as often as you wish - following social distancing guidelines

•

use outdoor sports courts or facilities, such as a tennis or basketball court, or golf course – with members of your household, or one other person while staying 2 metres apart

•

go to a garden centre

There are a limited number of things you can now do that you could not do before:

At all times, you should continue to observe social distancing guidelines when you are outside your home, including ensuring you are 2 metres away from anyone outside your household. As with before, you CANNOT:

•

visit friends and family in their homes

•

exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool

NB: Guidance correct as of Tues 26th May. What can I do that I couldn’t do before?

•

spend time outdoors – for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking, or sunbathing meet one other person from a different

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CORONAVIRUS FAQS (cont) •

use an outdoor gym or playground

•

visit a private or ticketed attraction

•

gather in a group of more than two (excluding members of your own household), except for a few specific exceptions set out in law (for work, funerals, house moves, supporting the vulnerable, in emergencies and to fulfil legal obligations)

If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are selfisolating, you should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe and saving lives. I don’t have to stay at home anymore? You should stay at home as much as possible. The reasons you may leave home include: •

for work, where you cannot work from home

•

going to shops that are permitted to

be open - to get things like food and medicine •

to exercise or spend time outdoors, any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid injury or illness, escape risk of harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

Even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent away from the home and ensuring that you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household. Can I go out to help a vulnerable person? You can go out to care for or help a vulnerable person, or to provide other voluntary or charitable services, following the advice set out here. You should not do so if you have coronavirus symptoms, however mild. Wherever possible, you should stay at least two metres away from others, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (or use hand

Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

CORONAVIRUS FAQS (cont) sanitiser if soap and water are not available). Are there restrictions on how far I can travel for my exercise or outdoor activity? No. You can travel to outdoor open space irrespective of distance. You shouldn’t travel with someone from outside your household unless you can practise social distancing - for example by cycling. Leaving your home to stay at another home is not allowed. Does easing restrictions apply to healthy 70 year olds and over? The advice for those aged 70 and over continues to be that they should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household. If they do go out more frequently, they should be careful to maintain distance from others. They and everyone should continue to comply with any general social distancing restrictions.

We know that those aged 70 and over can be absolutely fit and healthy and it’s not the case that everybody over 70 has a chronic health condition or an underlying disease. But unfortunately, we also know that as you get older, there is a higher risk of coronavirus having a more serious impact with infection. Complications and deaths are more common in the elderly, even those without pre-existing conditions. Anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those 70 and over, should continue to do this until at least the end of June. How long will shielding be in place? We’ve advised individuals with very specific medical conditions to shield until the end of June and to do everything they can to stay at home. This is because we believe they are likely to be at the greatest risk of serious complications from coronavirus.

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CORONAVIRUS FAQS (cont) We know this is challenging guidance to follow, which is why we have a support scheme in place to provide help with access to food and basic supplies, care, medicines and social support. Who is allowed to travel on public transport? If you cannot work from home and have to travel to work, or if you must make an essential journey, you should cycle or walk wherever possible. Before you travel on public transport, consider if your journey is necessary and if you can, stay local. Try to reduce your travel. This will help keep the transport network running and allows people who need to make essential journeys to travel. Should people wear face coverings on public transport? If you can, wear a face covering in an

enclosed space where social distancing isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example on public transport or in some shops. The evidence suggests that face coverings can help us protect each other and reduce the spread of the disease if you are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms. You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by police officers and staff for the purposes of identification. If people choose to wear them, we are asking people to make their own face coverings at home, using scarves or other textile items. We urge the public not to purchase medical or surgical masks as these should be reserved for health and social care workers. For more information and guidance about coronavirus, please visit www.gov.uk

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OCCUPY THE MIND & BODY In these strange and confusing times, there are suddenly a huge number of us with a lot of time on our hands. Many will be spending that time alone, which can be difficult and leave us feeling lonely. We wanted to give anyone in self-isolation a useful list of ideas to keep busy, creative, calm and connected in the weeks ahead. Whilst some of us are used to keeping occupied by ourselves, it can be hard to get used to. We’ve gathered a few of our favourite suggestions for solo activities at home. Keep busy: • • • • • • • •

If you have work you need to do, create a daily list and take regular breaks Do some gardening Remind yourself of some fun card or board games Learn a new skill like knitting or baking Read a book Binge watch a box set or watch a film Review your finances to keep a healthy budget Make a project of de-cluttering a room

Get creative: •

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• • • •

Feel calm: • •

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Keep a diary of your experience of the illness or time in isolation Pick up a pencil, paintbrush or needle and create something Take the extra time to slow-cook meals Play or learn a musical instrument Write a poem, blog, short story or start your memoirs

• •

Practice mindfulness techniques Do some light exercise or yoga You will be able to find useful YouTube videos to follow and you may be able to access online classes via your local gym Stick to a routine so you can relax in the evening and sleep well. If you can access fresh fruit and veg,

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OCCUPY THE MIND & BODY (cont) •

make sure you eat some daily. Pamper yourself. Try a facemask, do your nails or take a long bath.

Stay connected: • • • •

Make phone/video calls to relatives and friends, or start a WhatsApp group. Check in with elderly or vulnerable relatives. Play online games such as Scrabble. Catch up on overdue correspondence.

Support Local Businesses Without footfall, businesses - especially smaller, family-run companies - will be looking for ways to keep going in the most challenging circumstances. There are a few things we can do as customers to lighten their load – why not get in touch online and see what they can offer? 1. Pay your invoices! If you have any outstanding payments due to local services or trades, please make sure you pay them without delay. 2. Buy a voucher. If you have a birthday or special event coming up, why not buy a gift voucher from a local shop, café, restaurant or pub to be used once we are all back to normal? Mark Father’s Day with the promise of a slap-up meal and help a local venue with their cashflow. 3. Shop local. Use smaller, independent stores and food delivery services if possible, instead of larger supermarkets. Everything seems to be telling us that they are the best-stocked! 4. Offer sponsorship. You could support a local business by offering to sponsor them if they are not eligible to claim government help/insurance. Help Vulnerable People in the Community If you’ve got the ability to support people in need in our area, there are a few different ways you can offer help. Volunteering is

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OCCUPY THE MIND & BODY (cont) a great way to boost your mood and help prevent people getting isolated. There are several community groups that are offering support and asking for volunteers for collecting shopping, posting mail, and making phone calls. Details of these groups can be found throughout this edition of Focus Magazine. Emily Lee

SICK NOTES FOR COVID-19 People unable to work for more than seven days because of COVID-19 can obtain an isolation note through a new online service. Isolation notes will provide employees with evidence for their employers that they have been advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19, either because they have symptoms or they live with someone who has symptoms, and so cannot work.

As isolation notes can be obtained without contacting a doctor, this will reduce the pressure on GP surgeries and prevent people needing to leave their homes. For the first seven days off work, employees can self-certify so they don’t need any evidence for their employer. After that, employers may ask for evidence of sickness absence. Where this is related to having symptoms of COVID-19 or living with someone who has symptoms, the isolation note can be used to provide evidence of the advice to self-isolate. People who need to claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance because of COVID-19 will not be required to produce a fit note or an isolation note. The notes can be accessed online at www.111.nhs.uk/isolation-note After answering a few questions, an isolation note will be emailed to the user. If they don’t have an email address, they can have the note sent to a trusted family member or friend, or directly to their employer. The service can also be used to generate an isolation note on behalf of someone else. Fylde Coast GP and lead clinician for NHS Blackpool and NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Groups Dr Adam Janjua, said: ‘It is vital we do everything we can to ease the burden on healthcare professionals, allowing them to spend as much time as possible with patients that need them most. ‘Digital isolation notes provide reassurance to those self-isolating and their employers while also reducing the pressure on our NHS, so they can continue doing all they can to protect the people of this country.’ The isolation note service can be accessed via the 111 online COVID-19 service or www. NHS.UK/coronavirus as well as via the NHS app. Dan Clough - NHS Fylde & Wyre CCG

Did you know that you can read the ‘Green Book’ on line?

Telephone 01524 874382

Christine and Bill the owners of Lancaster bed company Believe strongly in the phrase the best of British

A GREAT NIGHTS SLEEP...bed The area’s premier Waiting just for you store That’s why they stock the brands that are known To the public for being just that

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COVID - 19 UPDATE We are hoping to re-open 15th June 2020 but on an appointment basis only at ﬁrst to keep our customers and ourselves safe and well. To make an appointment email us.

97 PENNY STREET | LANCASTER | LA1 1XN - NEXT TO KFC Email lancasterbedcompany@gmail.com

www.lancasterbedcompany.co.uk See our website : www.focusmags.co.uk

GARSTANG VOLUNTEER FORCE If you are elderly and isolated due to the coronavirus we are here to help. Our aim is to make sure that no-one is isolated with no means of support. We appreciate that a lot of elderly people don’t have any internet access or social media and it’s these people we are directing our service to. We have an army of local volunteers who can help with getting your shopping delivered to your home. We have a dedicated helpline which you can call between 10am and 4pm and day and we can arrange to get what you need and deliver it to you at home. Our helpline and delivery volunteers are all DBS checked, and our system is securely organised. Volunteers who deliver to your home will have identification badges, and we will ring you when your delivery is on the way, telling you the name of the person delivering and the vehicle they will be in. All requests for help will be kept confidential, and your personal details will not be shared outside of the Garstang Volunteer Force. To maintain your security and minimise the risk of infection our volunteers will not enter your home, but will hand over your shopping at your door. Payment will be explained to you when you call, but there are several options for you to pay - you can decide on the best option for you with our call handler. If you need anything other than shopping we will be able to point you in the right direction for whatever support you need, just ring the helpline. Helpline numbers: 07493 557975 and 07340 568400 Mary Randles

Focus advertisers support this community magazine

WE ARE ALL SHORT OF MONEY DUE TO COVID-19, BUT... DID YOU KNOW a small handful of gold jewellery is worth about £1000! It’s time to spring clean the drawers & cupboards. Brian Chesters will buy all your old & unwanted jewellery, even vintage costume jewellery. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, chains etc.

DO YOU HAVE AN OLD UNWANTED WATCH? Brian would love to buy it! I will make an offer on ALL UNWANTED WRIST & POCKET WATCHES. Everything from Rolex to Rotary bought, EVEN BROKEN ONES. We repair them. •

Military medals, badges & other military items.

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Silver items in any condition, cutlery, tea sets, snuff boxes, vesta, cigarette cases, thimbles, candlesticks etc.

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Old Dunhill lighters, vintage fountain pens, old clocks & barometers, Victorian photographs & postcards.

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We urgently need antique Chinese & oriental items made from bronze, Jade or horn, all jewellery bought, especially amber bead necklaces, vintage brooches & single stone diamond rings. Antique coin sets in gold or silver, krugerrands & sovereigns.

Social Distancing rules will apply

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GARSTANG FAIRTRADE St Mary & St Michael Catholic Primary School The school ran a Fairtrade tuck shop at the end of Fairtrade Fortnight and raised £26.00 to help support our local Fairtrade Group for which we are incredibly grateful. They must also be congratulated as in April they were awarded a Fairtrade School Status by the Fairtrade Foundation. Fairtrade Directory Our directory which lists retailers, eateries, takeaways, and accommodation selling or using Fairtrade products will be available after lockdown from the Tourist Information Centre and the Library. However, in the

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meantime, it can be found on our website: www.garstangfairtrade.org.uk Covid 19 In the face of the global coronavirus crisis, farmers and workers are playing a vital but sometimes forgotten role. Fairtrade farmers and workers are keeping shelves stocked around the world, but even more importantly they are working to keep their own communities safe. From preparing emergency food parcels to producing PPE, Fairtrade producers are helping some of the most vulnerable communities in the world get through this crisis. Please spare a thought for all producers whose livelihoods have been affected by Covid 19. We thank them all and wish them well. Peter Ryder

RECRUITING WORKSHOP TECHNICIAN See website for details

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SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE GROUP Garstang Scottish Country Dance Group will, hopefully, meet again in September. For further information, contact Ian (01995) 603998 or Pam (01995) 603536. Marlene Towns

GARSTANG TREFOIL We hope to meet again in the Autumn or when it is deemed safe. Whenever that is, our meetings will be held in the Library on the fourth Thursday of the month in the afternoon. For further information please contact Brenda Allen (Chair) on (01995) 601979 Marlene Towns

There are also videos for children – ‘kids@ Home!’ and links to other great material from 4Front Theatre and a Family Bible Course. We have also posted short videos with helpful advice on looking after your mental health and parenting during lockdown. If you need any support please contact us using info@garstangfmc.ork.uk We can’t wait to see you all again when circumstances allow. Katie e: info@garstangfmc.ork.uk

INGLEWHITE CHURCH

It’s great to connect with you through this month’s edition of Focus magazine. It’s GARSTANG FREE METHODISTS a privilege to be part of such a wonderful The building may be closed but church isn’t! community where many acts of kindness You can find links to all our online ‘@Home!’ have given great comfort, support and Services at www.garstangfmc.org.uk encouragement to us all. Thank you!

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INGLEWHITE CHURCH (cont) Sadly this month’s entry can’t include a warm welcome for coffee and cake and the usual list of dates. As a team we very much look forward to seeing you all when we safely can. In the meantime, if you would like to access support and encouragement, please see www.inglewhitechurch.org.uk where you can connect with online services and events or follow a regular blog written by Pastor John Irwin. Contact details are available too. If we can support you in any way, please do get in touch. Lesley Hardman

June is still a mystery but we are full of ideas for illustrating coronavirus events! Until the opportunity arrives, we are keeping on painting ready to burst out full of colours and enthusiasm. See you then. Bill Barnes

CALDER VALE COUNTRY CLUB Our club remains closed at this time due to Covid-19. As soon as restrictions are lifted, we will re-open our doors whilst adhering to guidelines in order to keep everyone safe. Hope to see you all soon. Keep well!

GARSTANG PAINTING GROUP

Ros Ashworth (01995) 603776

With the current situation, it is good to report that many of our members are occupying their lonely hours preparing paintings for when the lockdown is unlocked (hopefully not too far off) and the Garstang Arts Centre is open once more.

GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE The Arts Centre will remain closed until further notice but we hope that all our members and customers are well and staying safe. Judith Osborne

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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB well aware of the tremendous efforts Peter has put into the club and these have been acknowledged and appreciated by everyone. One might say he has worked the 25 hour day, and often. Thank you Peter, let us hope that you will now be able to concentrate on your photography in a more relaxed manner.

As this article is being prepared for submission, we are in the 8th week of the lockdown. Many rolls of films could have been unwound since March 23rd. The club in it’s normal format has been temporarily closed but continues to function online. Peter Knight, our chairman who has been in post for the past few years, has resigned having served his spell in the trenches and done a splendid job. Anyone connected with the club will be

I should like to add at this point that Peter’s resignation is not in any way connected to Covid19, it had been arranged for the last twelve months. The role of chairman is now shared between two members, Lewis Thompson and Mike Jenner. They took hold of the reins around the time that lockdown started and although the usual meetings have temporarily ended the club is in safe hands at this difficult time. They have put on line a series of competitions in which members can submit three images on a theme, these are then mailed out to all members who vote for their top five. What a

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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB (cont)

CARDIAC RISK in the YOUNG (CRY)

splendid idea!

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The themes to date have been:

It’s grand to be back with you in print this month, or at least that’s the plan!

1. Food and Drink 2. Flowers, Trees and Shrubs 3. Time on my Hands The criteria is that the images are taken within a time frame, no stored images, and they have to be shot within the boundary of the photographer’s property. At this point, I should like to thank them for their endeavours. The lockdown should be an absolute haven for camera people with superb weather (imagine this beginning last November), empty cities and towns and landscapes devoid of that person who is always in the way of that perfect shot! However, we must be patient and await to see what the ‘new normal’ brings. Happy shooting! Maurice Barker www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk

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The past two months’ editorials were available online, but there’s nothing quite like having the little Green Book to thumb through is there? Just in case you weren’t able to read the digital versions it’s now 12 months since our recycling bank’s installation on Catterall Village Hall Car park last May. Whilst the bank is currently closed until a collection can safely take place, the good news is that your bountiful donations over the past year have raised a superb £1036 towards a local CRY heart screening event. Like many other charities and community events, our fundraisers are of course mostly on hold, but that didn’t stop Pauline and Ted Gee from taking part in the 2.6 challenge which was designed by the organisers of the cancelled London Marathon to help the UK’s charities. The idea was that folks could fund raise for their chosen charity by doing any activity or challenge they wished to do on the 26th April, but that 2.6 should feature somehow. Pauline and Ted chose to do a ‘socially distanced’ litter pick for 2.6 hours around the lanes of our lovely area and donated £52, enabling a young person to receive a free heart screening and keeping our countryside clean! Thank you to them, and to all who are doing what they can for others during these unsettling times. Stay safe everyone. Paula Hesmondhalgh t: 07785 106 976 e: paulahez.ph@gmail.com

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COVID 19 FRAUD AWARENESS • •

Criminals will use every opportunity they can to defraud innocent people and will continue to exploit every angle of this national crisis. Lancashire Constabulary want people to be prepared whilst not trying to scare people who are undoubtedly already anxious. Protection Advice • •

•

• •

Stop: Taking a moment to think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe. Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam and report it to Action Fraud. You can also report suspicious texts by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad. The police or your bank will never ask you to withdraw money or transfer it to a different account, and will never ask you to reveal your full banking password or PIN. Do not click on links or attachments in unexpected email or suspicious texts. Confirm requests are genuine by using a known number or email address to contact organisations directly

David Wilding 14162 Fraud Safeguarding Officer - Lancashire Constabulary t: 01772 412421 twitter:@LancsFraudCyber

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CAT SMITH MP ’m delighted to once again be writing in the Focus Magazine. This is such an important publication for the villages of Over Wyre and Garstang – it keeps everyone up to date with the latest events, services and developments as well as signposting everyone to local businesses that rely on local support. I know many of you will be hugely relieved to once again hear it dropping through the letterbox – not least because it’s another step towards some kind of normality. Covid-19 This has been one of those rare times in life when every single one of us has experienced a radical change to our lives. Whether we are rich or poor, suffer ill health or are healthy, r Open fo & s s busine g in r e adh ty fe a s o t es guidelin

young or old, we have all been affected by this lockdown. Our community has not been spared from Covid-19 and my thoughts and prayers are with all those who are grieving. Many others have suffered in unseen ways – cancelled operations, feelings of isolation and loneliness, stress caused by parents trying to support children whilst also trying to work from home, business, finance and job concerns, fear about family who work in the care sector and worry over relatives we can’t get to visit or care for. The repercussions from this pandemic will ripple outwards for years to come. The Preesall and Knott End Covid-19 Support Group has been doing an amazing job across Over Wyre. They have coordinated essential shopping, the collecting of prescriptions, provided advice and a

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) phone buddy service, posted letters and have provided decontamination packs and emergency food parcels. They have also co-ordinated local people’s help in making scrubs, masks, ear helpers and scrub bags as well as fundraising and providing drinks and snacks to the Covid-19 ICU at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and dropping leaflets in to every single household. What an incredible team! Well done to you all. They are still providing all these services and if you need any help at all please call them on (01253) 810628. New Ways of Working The Covid-19 crisis has changed the way we live, the way we interact, the way we learn and the way we work, and MPs are no exception. I’m now used to taking part in debates by speaking via a video link and we have now introduced the use of remote

electronic voting. Many would say it’s about time! The Agriculture Bill One of the first votes undertaken remotely was on an amendment to the Agriculture Bill which would have banned low standard food imports from entering the UK. The Agriculture Bill - the biggest reform of British farming since 1945 - was put before MPs for the final time as it reached the Report Stage and Third Reading. Farming groups have campaigned extensively during the past year for parliament to include a number of important amendments. One of these was a request for the Bill to uphold British farmers’ high standards in any future trade deals that the UK makes with third countries – for example, by banning the importing of chlorine washed chicken from the

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) US. The practice of chlorine washing chicken is banned in the UK, but it is common practice in the US poultry industry. Rather than chlorine washing, UK producers use a ‘farm to fork’ approach. This approach requires sanitary practices to be used all along the production chain to ensure that food sold to consumers is safe. The amendment was tabled by the Conservative MP Neil Parish who is also the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Chair and won cross-party support from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the DUP, but was opposed by the Government. The amendment was lost by 51 votes despite many Tory MPs defying their party and voting with the opposition. Very disappointing. Halite/NPL Update It’s also disappointing to hear that Halite/NPL, the company behind the gas storage project in Preesall and Fleetwood is pressing ahead

with its plans to build this deeply unpopular industrial complex in Over Wyre. They say they remain on track to begin construction on a short section of the haul road providing their remaining requirements are approved by Wyre Council. They plan to commence work in June. To stay up to speed with the latest developments follow the ‘No Gas Storage’ Facebook page. Hyperemesis Awareness At the time of writing it is International Hyperemesis Awareness Day – not a condition that is widely known – but one I’m very familiar with as I suffered from it myself during my pregnancy – and it is debilitating. Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a condition at the extreme end of the pregnancy sickness spectrum. It affects 1% of women with pregnancy sickness and is very debilitating for sufferers.

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) The symptoms include severe nausea and vomiting, food aversions, weight loss, dehydration, headaches and fainting – all of which I experienced for nine whole months on trains to London, at the despatch box in the House of Commons and in meetings – and it was awful!

can call them on 024 7638 2020.

One of the most difficult days for me was Remembrance Sunday when I’d been unable to keep food or water down for days. I collapsed during the service in Fleetwood Memorial Park and had to be assisted back to a colleague’s car as I was unable to stand. I desperately wanted to continue to take part in the service but my body had given up.

NORTH FYLDE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOC.

For those who are suffering from it, you have my heartfelt sympathy. Check out the charity ‘Pregnancy Sickness Support’ for help and guidance. They have over 400 volunteers across the UK who provide support to women the length and breadth of the country. You

I’m currently conducting advice surgeries over the phone. If you’d like an appointment, then please call my office on (01253) 490440 or email cat.smith.mp@parliament.uk Cat Smith MP

Online Exhibition Until we are able to meet and hold exhibitions again, we are playing an online movie on our website of creative pictures from our members. Visit www.northfylde-ps.co.uk New members, of any level, are always welcome to join NFPS. Neil Pascoe t: (01253) 734243 f: North Fylde Photographic Society w: www.northfylde-ps.co.uk

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FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB

We are looking to oﬀer home visits to all our patients (both non-high risk and high risk patients) from June 2020 and to open our Clinics at Knott End and Garstang from July 2020. This is subject to any future changes in Government and Professional Society guidance. PPE will be in place to protect our patients and employees. If you wish to make an appointment please phone 07979 918 542 or our Knott End Clinic on 01253 812555. Your health is our priority

The government now allows people to ‘exercise outside as many times each day as they wish’ and has stated that ‘people may drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance, so long as they respect social distancing guidance while they are there’. Whilst many of us will want to return to our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), safety remains a priority. If you are making a special journey into the Forest of Bowland, please carefully consider your own wellbeing and that of the AONB’s many small communities: home to many vulnerable people and a working environment for farmers and land managers. Elliott Lorimer, Forest of Bowland AONB Manager said: ‘It’s important as people begin to return to the Forest of Bowland over the coming weeks, that they act responsibly, follow the new government guidelines for visiting the countryside and respect the local communities they visit.’ Please bear in mind that the vast majority of facilities – including cafés, hospitality businesses and potentially many public toilets - are not currently open. If you’ve enjoyed exploring your local patch of Bowland from home, please continue to do so, while respecting social distancing rules. If you plan to visit the AONB in the coming weeks, we ask you to please act responsibly by sticking to these rules: • •

•

Know the Countryside Code and exercise within your limitations to keep pressure off local resources Avoid hotspots and busy spots – we know everyone has their favourite place in Bowland, but if large numbers of people all head to the same place, it becomes impossible to safely socially distance, putting you, your family and others at risk. If you arrive at a site that is already busy, please find an alternative. Our farmers have been working hard

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FOREST OF BOWLAND (cont)

•

• •

•

to maintain food supplies during the pandemic. Support them and our communities by leaving gates as you find them, sticking to the path, keeping dogs on the lead and taking your litter home. Respect the plant and wildlife which has thrived during lockdown. This is a critical time for ground-nesting birds and other wildlife, so again please keep your dog on the lead, stick to the path and take your litter home. Travel sustainably: If you can, journey on foot or bike. This means you experience the wonderful scenery of the AONB en route and you don’t have to worry about finding a car parking space. To avoid the risk of wildfire, please do not use a barbecue. Many people in the local community are among the most vulnerable groups and still need to self-isolate. While walking, please keep a safe distance from homes, schools and farms. Stay two metres apart, keep within your family/household groups and avoid gathering in villages where many of the shops and services remain closed. Be kind and respect one another.

Helping us with this huge collective effort to nurture our outstanding landscapes right now, means they will still be there for us all to enjoy when the current coronavirus restrictions are fully lifted and will ensure our vital rural economy bounces back even stronger. Bringing the Outdoors Indoors There are lots of great ideas for bringing nature indoors if you’re unable to get outside, whatever the reason might be. If you need some inspiration, why not take a look at the Forest of Bowland AONB website? Our ‘At Home in Bowland’ online resource is full of suggestions for discovering and enjoying the Forest of Bowland from the

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comfort of your own sofa (or garden!). With everything from stargazing and wildlife to history and family fun activities, plus stories and features from our latest Discover Bowland guide, you’ll find lots of ways to keep connected to the countryside around us.

He was a past President of the Garstang and District Group and had been very actively involved in all of the aspects of our club’s work including the recruiting of new members.

See www.forestofbowland.com/bowlandhome Sandra Silk e: bowland@lancashire.gov.uk w: www.forestofbowland.com

The Club was saddened to receive the news of the death of Ray Whiteside. He was not only one of our longest serving members but also a key figure within the local community linking us in to many other organisations and groups.

We were proud to donate a sum of £1,000 to St John’s Hospice in memory of Ray and our thoughts and best wishes go to his family. Events This would normally be a very busy period for the club but obviously no meetings or events have taken place. With the closure of many local firms, cafes and public houses the annual Easter Egg Draw could not go ahead. So instead the twenty luxury eggs already purchased were donated to worthy organisations including Lancaster Royal Infirmary and Garstang Kepple Lane Surgery and Pharmacy. Other Donations Our members unanimously agreed to support a number of other projects relating to the Covid-19 crisis. £500 was provided to the Garstang Volunteer Force which has been co-ordinating local shopping for and the distribution of both food and medicines to identified vulnerable people. £500 was donated to PrintMob who have been making much needed Personal Protection Equipment of Face Shields / Visors for both our local hospitals and care homes.

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GARSTANG & DISTRICT LIONS (cont)

SOROPTIMISTS

£500 was provided to the Garstang Scrub Hub who have been making the very necessary protective ware (scrubs, scrub bags and headbands) for our local hospitals and care homes. £500 was given to the Bellflower Public House and Restaurant who have been working hard to provide food parcels /supplies for some of our most vulnerable local residents. Another £500 was allocated to an agreed Lions Zone project to both make and also supply the materials for makeing scrubs and gowns for the National Health Service. Further information about the range of activities and projects we are involved in is available on the web site www. garstanglions.co.uk or you can just speak to any member about what we do. Chris Wilkinson

What a time we’ve had. All ready to update you on our Tuk Tuk progress and COVID 19 struck! So we start with a bit of history first. Less than a year ago, we decided to support Think Pink Sri Lanka, with the aim of buying a pink Tuk Tuk to provide safety for women and a sustainable income for families living on or below the poverty line in Sri Lanka. A single Tuk Tuk and the training of one driver gave us a target of £3,400 – a pretty big challenge for our little group so we decided that realistically it might take us a couple of years…. In February we held our final fundraiser for the current club year – a fantastic wine and cheese tasting event at Garstang Arts Centre.

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) We had some incredibly generous donations from organisations – cheeses from Dewlay and Booths with crackers and grapes from Booths, raffle prizes from Dewlay, Barton Grange, Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth, Stainton Wines of Kendal and various individuals, not to mention the services of wine master, Chris from Stainton Wines. At the end of the night we had added more than £1,000 to our Tuk Tuk kitty – and amazingly, the pot now stood at over £3,400 so we actually managed to reach our target in just 10 months!

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But then the hiccup – let’s just double check the costs are still the same before we send the money off. DESPAIR! The Rosie May Foundation had taken the decision, very sensibly in hindsight, to train four women for each Tuk Tuk, this raising the cost to £4,000. We had a little over the original total and some more coming in from Easyfundraising but that still left us a little short. Never mind, the project was still ongoing and we would have to be patient, a couple of more months and we’d be there. We couldn’t have got so far, so quickly without the huge work and personal efforts of club members Kathy Osborn and Jackie Whiteley who not only got on their bikes to cover 50 miles of the Bay Cycle Ride in a day last August, but were also responsible for organising the wine tasting and bringing in the sponsors. Lots of people worked hard behind the scenes to sell tickets, collect donations, set the room up, and clear the place down afterwards. Special thanks to Muriel’s friend Judith who did the washing up finishing at 12:30am on Sunday! The Arts Centre in Garstang provided us with a great venue, and the Wine Circle both loaned us a large quantity of tablecloths and bought tickets. Thanks to everybody who couldn’t attend but gave us a donation instead, I’m afraid you missed a great night. So to everybody who has in any way contributed to our marvellous achievement so

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) far – anybody who has donated money/time/ prizes, bought parched peas at the first night of the Garstang Victorian Festival, bought items from the Bric-a-Brac stall in June, sponsored the girls on their bikes, bought one of the decorated bottles for Christmas, or gave Muriel a donation on her ‘significant’ birthday – a great big thank you! But guess what – a fantastic donation from a local Garstonian, Margaret Allen, put us over the £4000. We did it! The money is on its way to Sri Lanka and soon four more women will be getting the training they need in their wonderful pink Tuk Tuk to improve their lives and those of their families. We’ve all enjoyed this lot of fundraising enormously, but it’s the end of the road for our pink Tuk Tuk graphic. So What’s Next? Now we’re in a new club year – heading towards the 100th year of Soroptimists - and this pandemic won’t dampen our spirits. Kathy has stepped into the driving seat and will be our President for the celebratory year. After our rapid success with the Tuk Tuk, the club members decided that we should embark on a new charity for the year. We have decided to support a local charity, Derian House in memory of Ian Haydock who was a founder of the charity and the brotherin-law of one of our members. At Derian House, they help children and young people, whose lives are too short, to make happy memories in an environment of fun, respect and, above all, high quality care. So, we hope you agree, a worthwhile charity to support and we hope to start rolling out events shortly. In the Meantime… We’re still meeting up, but from the confines of own homes through telephone and video conferencing.

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) And we are desperately doing our bit for the community in these unusual times, including making scrub bags and scrubs for frontline NHS staff, crocheting and knitting ‘connected hearts’, and collecting together lots of fabric, thread, elastic, buttons etc to hand over to the local Scrub Hub for their work in this area. Join Us We can’t offer any meetings at the moment, but please do ring our membership coordinator, Muriel Burnham-Airey on (01995) 606604 for further information about joining.

The Inner Wheel Club of Garstang and Over Wyre, like so many clubs, is at a complete standstill. By now we should have met on many occasions: Our 50th charter celebration, our district rally in Workington and our trip to Belfast for our Association Conference to name but a few. We have been unable to share friendship and fun and been denied hearing interesting and inspirational speakers.

w: www.sigarstang.org.uk f: SoroptimistsGarstang twitter: GarstangSoropt

We had plans to present publicly a cheque to PAPYRUS - a charity which aims to prevent suicide in the young - to help them with their valuable work. The list goes on and on.

THE INNER WHEEL CLUB

But these events are not cancelled, they are just postponed to a later and safer date. Our club officers have all agreed to continue in their posts next year, and so when not if we resume we will have continuity.

Garstang & Over Wyre It is good to be back with you again in these unsure and frightening times.

Our members do what they can for others but this is unfortunately limited. However, we do keep in touch. Our President Maureen Garstang sends us regular uplifting emails We do feel connected in a strange sort of way. Plans are already being formulated for when we are able to meet again. It may be under new rules. We must wait and see. In the meantime here’s to the future! Please stay alert and keep safe. Mary Mason t: (01995) 603447 e: marytmason@icloud.com

CALDER VALE METHODIST CHURCH Although the Chapel doors have to remain closed for the time being we are trying to keep in touch with our congregation and those who come to the Coffee Mornings, lunches, CAMEO etc.

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CALDER VALE METHODISTS (cont) We are running, a now weekly lunch club, outside the Chapel with two course lunches being brought each Friday by The Lunch Box from Garstang. We do manage to chat with people and keep to social distancing guidelines. We are thankful that most visitors have respected the advice to stay local and stay safe (not just for yourselves but for our community) by not coming to look at the Bluebell Woods. We are all missing the teas in the Village Hall and at St John’s Church. We hope to have more news of our activities as the guidelines allow. Our minister, Rev’d Derek Oldham, is keeping in touch with regular phone calls, pastoral letters and a weekly sermon. He is also sending daily “Laughter Lines” by email to help keep our spirits up and keep a sense of proportion about things.

by the terrific Anna Beaumont as ‘The Goldenage Songbird’. We had around 60 people participating online and they enthusiastically joined in the singing throughout the afternoon. Well done Anna! Rest assured the Breakfast Club will be back as soon as we are allowed! We are continuing to hold committee meetings via Zoom and hope to be able to hold a big celebration when we re-start. In the meantime, if any members are selfisolating and require assistance with the delivery of food, medicines, or just someone to talk to, give us a ring and we will try to help you. t: 07772 025448 / 07391 553213 e: Garstangafvbc@gmail.com Facebook: Garstang Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club w: www.afvbc.net/clubs/garstang

If you would like to get in touch with Rev’d Derek for a chat (or a moan) or to arrange to receive his communications please ring him on (01524) 65800 or email derek.oldham@ methodist.org.uk Edith Gorst (01995) 602078

GAFVC Garstang Armed Breakfast Club

Forces

Veterans

Not to be deterred from celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day, we changed our plans from holding a 1940s dinner dance into a fantastic virtual get-together. This gave us, a group of veterans and where possible their family, the opportunity to raise a glass and unite in the nation’s toast to the heroes of World War II. This was followed by a very enjoyable trip down memory lane with songs performed

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ST JOHN’S HOSPICE Coronavirus (Covid-19) & St John’s We want to assure our loyal community that St John’s is following guidance provided by the government and Public Health England regarding the Coronavirus outbreak. We are taking every precautionary action to protect our critical community and inpatient services, and protect the safety of our patients, families, volunteers and employees.  We are adapting the way we work in all areas and are still here, working hard, to ensure that key services continue to operate in these uncertain times. Please visit our website to keep up to date with visiting arrangements and the work of our inpatient ward, clinical nurse specialists and hospice at home teams.  St John’s works as a team with its wonderful community – we wish everyone well in our local communities through these times. We

will continue to do all that we can to keep caring for people who need pain and symptom management or end of life care.  Thank you for your loyalty and support in these difficult days – we wouldn’t be here without you. Sophy Horner www.sjhospice.org.uk

LOOKING AHEAD: CHRISTMAS DAY Looking ahead to Christmas Day, are you likely to be on your own? Don’t be. Come join us at St Thomas Church Hall, Garstang for a free Christmas Dinner with entertainment. Sweets of Garstang’s family have taken over the hall on Christmas Day and would like you to join us. No transportation to get there? No problem! We have five cars to transport you. Please put your name down by calling in

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CHRISTMAS DAY (cont) to Sweets, Market House, Garstang and see David or Jennifer. You will be sent an invitation in August. We know demand will be high so please get in touch ASAP. David Brewin 07984 405 739

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BEN WALLACE MP First of all, it is great to be writing this column again and I would like to thank all involved with producing the Over Wyre Focus during these unprecedented times. It seems longer but on the 23rd of March, the Prime Minister instructed the British people to stay at home. This was to save lives and protect our NHS from being overwhelmed during the current coronavirus outbreak. I would like to thank all who have acted on this advice and as a result, I believe we are winning the battle against this silent killer. I do want to say however, that this is not the time to be complacent. Changes to the current lockdown rules will continue and be gradually put into practice by the government, who in turn are continuing to act on the latest medical advice. SUMMER HOUSES COMPACT SHEDS CORNER SHEDS POTTING SHEDS WENDY HOUSES GREEN HOUSES DOG KENNELS PENT SHEDS APEX SHEDS HIPEX SHEDS WORKSHOPS All sheds pressure s treated a & rd a d n a st EE R F e d u incl & ry ve li de on installati Find us on

It is times like these when we really see the strength in our communities. I have been overwhelmed by the number of groups and individuals going out of their way to help the vulnerable and those in need. The community spirit has been amazing and I do hope we keep up the good will to all after this current emergency is over. The current situation is making us realise how much we take for granted in everyday life. I would like to thank so many people for stepping up to the plate during this crisis, from our amazing NHS staff to local businesses who are doing all in their power to change ways of working to meet the need. Also, the delivery drivers and those involved in logistics, retail staff, all our amazing emergency services, our outstanding armed forces, the list is endless. Could you imagine spending so much time at home without power? I would like to thank those involved in all industries which supply

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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) power to our homes, councils who have continued collecting our rubbish and reacting to important tasks as well as supporting communities through this crisis. As I have said the list really is endless so I would like to sincerely thank everyone who is contributing in any way to combating this crisis. These are uncertain times and people are worried about the future. You will have seen various government schemes to protect jobs and support business from the Coronavirus job retention scheme to the business grant scheme. These schemes, as well as supporting the self-employed, are continually evolving. To find out the latest information go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus Covid-19 is devastating and my thoughts are with families who have lost loved ones to this infection. They are not just numbers we see every day in the updates, these are people’s lives and every single life is precious. With o We als ton s in g lo ly supp logs & ets of bags, n ﬁregrates g, kindlin h more m & uc

this in mind, I am asking you all to continue to listen and act on government advice: stay alert to control the virus and save lives. Together we will beat this! For up to date information go to: www.gov.uk/coronavirus and www.nhs.uk My mail bag continues to be full and myself and my staff are working hard to address the many issues covered in it. These issues range from supporting businesses through these challenging times to ongoing highway maintenance. Lancashire’s roads always feature in my mail bag and the County Council are still maintaining roads but some planned works are understandably on hold including the project to improve the A588. I look forward to the time I can safely travel around the constituency again meeting residents, businesses and groups etc. I sincerely hope where possible constituents

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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) are making the most of the improving weather and any garden space they have and once again please look out for government updates in order to understand the latest advice. Stay safe. Please remember the most effective way to contact me is by email, with a brief description of the issues you wish to raise and your contact details. If I can be of any assistance to you please ring my office at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5804 or email me at wallaceb@ parliament.uk or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Ben Wallance MP

RSPCA Longview Animal Centre We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all those who have continued to support us in these very difficult times.

Our Animal Centre and all of our charity shops closed their doors in March. As things currently stand, we are not sure when we will be able to re-open we hope it will be sometime soon. Our shop van is not out collecting at the moment but we are accepting charity shop donations directly at the Animal Centre - we just ask that they are left outside and a member of staff will collect them. We are also accepting food along with other items for the animals and are running low on towels and blankets so any donations would be greatly appreciated. We are re-homing some of our animals under new temporary rehoming guidelines. These animals can be viewed on our website along with details on how the new guidelines work. t: (01253) 703000 e: enquiries@rspcablackpool.org.uk w: www.rspcablackpool.org.uk

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NLCS North Lancashire Counselling Service NLCS is a registered charity which has been providing a counselling service from our base in Lancaster city centre for nearly 30 years. Our aim is to help support and relieve emotional distress for adults (aged 18 and over) by offering one-to-one counselling. We have a committed team of qualified and trainee counsellors who are skilled in person-centred, humanistic and experiential counselling, available to offer you a warm, safe space to talk. All our counsellors offer their time for free and adhere to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) code of ethics and practice.

and organisation of events. Current vacancies include Chair of our Management Committee. If you would like more information about supporting us in this way, you can see our website www.northlancscounselling. org.uk/friends.html or email volunteer@ northlancscounselling.org.uk. For further information about NLCS please see our website or contact us. Kathryn Crameri - Vice-Chair e: info@northlancscounselling.org.uk. w: www.northlancscounselling.org.uk

We provide a relaxed, friendly environment for you to talk through your experiences. Our approach is to help facilitate exploration and understanding of your feelings and emotions, without judgement or criticism. If you feel like our support would be of benefit to you, please refer yourself by leaving your name and number on our answer machine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (01524) 389389 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Sessions are offered free of charge, but we welcome donations where people feel able to contribute. We receive no statutory funding. We welcome applications from qualified counsellors or supervisors who may wish to join us. One of our organisational aims is also to support counsellor education in the area by taking trainees from local diploma, degree and postgraduate courses to complete their compulsory placement. As a voluntary organisation, we rely on support from non-counselling volunteers in areas such as fundraising, administration

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GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL Message from the Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Webster I hope you are all keeping safe and well in these unprecedented times. The council have managed to successfully hold two full council meetings to date and a finance committee meeting via zoom, plus our lengthsman is managing to work safely making sure the town is looking spick and span. Sadly, the annual Town Council Awards Ceremony was postponed due to the current pandemic, however it has been an absolute joy reading through all the nominations. There are truly some amazing and selfless people in Garstang. Thank you for all your hard work. We will announce the winners as soon as we are able to hold the ceremony. To view a full list of the nominees, please visit our Town Council Awards Facebook page or website.

I have had a wonderful year fundraising for my three charities; Cardiac Risk in the Young (The Matthew Hesmondalgh Fund), North West Air Ambulance and Rosemere Cancer Foundation. I am extremely proud and excited to share with you my total fundraising amount of £4812.87 despite having to cut short my fundraising activities and cancel two upcoming events. I was hoping to reach the £5000 mark which I would have easily achieved but sadly it wasn’t meant to be. A big thank you to everyone who has supported all of my events and all the local businesses that have helped me. Santa Dash was a huge success in Garstang, and I hope we will be able to bring this event to you again this year. I was due to finish my mayoral year on the 21st May this year, however I have recently been re-elected to serve for another 12 months. I would like to thank my deputy Cllr Alec Allan for his help over the last 12 months and I’m pleased to advise you that he has been re-elected to serve as Deputy for another 12 months. I have decided, when it is safe and proper to do so, my fundraising charities for the mayoral term 2020/2021 will be Garstang Christmas Lights and Garstang Millennium Green. The Millennium Green has been a godsend to so many people in Garstang during the coronarius virus and I would like to support both the Millennium Green Trust and our Christmas Lights. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves. If you are isolated, vulnerable or elderly and do not have friends or family to help you, please do not hesitate to ring Garstang Volunteer Force who provide a food shopping and prescription delivery service. Please ring either 07493 557975 or 07340 568400 if you require assistance. This service is run completely by volunteers

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GARSTANG COUNCIL (cont) and I am helping out too on a weekly basis at Garstang Volunteer Force.

said: ‘We’re still here and we will continue to care for you and your baby.

Best wishes, Cllr Elizabeth Webster

‘Antenatal appointments are really important and I want all the pregnant mums out there to make sure they come to them. We have made sure things are safe and social distancing is maintained throughout appointments.’

Town Councillor Vacancies Wyre Council has advertised the two Cllr vacancies. The deadline for any requests for an election to be held was 25 May 2020. At the time of going to print, the Town Council do not know whether or not the Returning Officer at Wyre Council has received a request for an election. If no request was made, the vacancies will be filled by co-option. Further details will follow.

•

• •

Next Town Council meeting – Mon 15th June 19:30 (virtual meeting). Please contact the Clerk if you wish to attend the meeting, and log in details will be sent to you.

•

If you are pregnant, it is important that you still attend your antenatal appointments and continue to seek advice from your midwife or maternity team. If you are worried about your health or the health of your unborn baby, please contact your midwife or maternity team. It is really important that women have a midwife with them when they are giving birth to ensure they and their baby are safe. One birth partner is encouraged, so long as they do not have symptoms of COVID-19. If you have any concerns about your

Edwina Parry - Town Clerk t: 07592 792801 e: info@garstangtowncouncil.org

EXPECTANT & NEW PARENTS New parents and those expecting a baby have been reassured maternity services in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre are still open. Maternity services on the Fylde Coast are working hard to ensure expectant parents and newborn babies receive the highest quality care during the COVID-19 pandemic and are doing all they can to make sure services are personal and safe. This means some appointments may now be carried out over the telephone or by video call, women may need to have their babies in a different place to where they had planned, and they may see staff wearing protective clothing. Nicola Parry, head of midwifery at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust,

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EXPECTANT & NEW PARENTS (cont)

WYRE COUNCIL & COVID-19 Support for Residents & Businesses

young baby you can also contact the health visiting team. Sarah Keighley, health visiting team leader at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘I would like to reassure people that we are continuing to deliver our health visiting service ‘We will be offering you telephone contact at key points: in the few weeks before and after your baby is born, at 3 - 4 months, 12 months, two years and at three years. ‘We’re also able to offer two routine home visits: just before and just after your baby is born. We are here to help’. Anybody who has recently discovered they are pregnant can self-refer into the maternity services via the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals website. www.fyldecoastccgs.nhs.uk/localservices/coronavirus/nhshereforyou/

Wyre Council is proud to have been providing help and support to our community since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. A range of support is still available to help those in need: Wyre Together We have launched Wyre Together to offer support to those during the coronavirus pandemic who need it. This includes those on the NHS shielded list and those most vulnerable in our society with no support from friends, family, neighbours or carers. This might include signposting people

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WYRE COUNCIL & COVID-19 (cont) to local community groups, providing food parcels to those who are eligible and general support to prevent loneliness.

guidance and further clarification is awaited. We will post further updates as soon as we know more.

If you are in need of support and do not have anyone to turn to please get in touch with us either through our website or via the contact details at the end of this article.

Further updates will be posted on our business support page at www.wyre.gov.uk/ businesssupport

We are humbled to see our communities pulling together in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. We want to support groups in the area and put them in touch with those who need help. We are already working with groups including Poulton Can, Garstang Volunteer Force, Fleetwood Together and Warren Manor Day Centre and are happy to hear from other groups in Wyre to see how we can help. We are asking community groups and organisations who are offering support to local people, or who would like to help out in some way, to let us know what they are doing/would like to do. It could include help with shopping, making phone calls, sending post or addressing other essential needs. Find out more about Wyre Together at: www. wyre.gov.uk/together Business Support Since Wed 1st April we have paid £25.5 million in grants to local businesses. We have paid 80% of businesses now who are eligible for the grants scheme. The government announced a new discretionary business grants scheme on Fri 1st May. We are now in the process of determining our scheme and setting up an application process but this will take some time. We ask for patience as we do this as it is important that we establish a consistent approach that complies with government

For further information about business support email businesshelp@wyre.gov.uk Council Tax If you have been financially impacted and are struggling to pay your council tax there are a number of options available to you. Please go to our council tax help page for further details.Our services and latest guidance Wyre Council t: 01253 891000 e: mailroom@wyre.gov.uk w: www.wyre.gov.uk

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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BUMPER GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 42) 1. Where would you find General Melchet and Captain Darling?

Hart & Billy Flynn?

2. On which Japanese island is Tokyo?

22. What is the only letter in the alphabet with more than one syllable?

3. By which other name is the Pleiades star cluster known?

23. Which historical leader introduced the leap year and his own calendar?

4. Which organisation has the corporate mantra ‘Don’t be evil’?

24. What are the male reproductive organs of flowers called?

5. From what is a Bellini cocktail made?

25. What kind of tree grows in the land where the Owl and the Pussycat arrived after sailing away for a year and a day?

6. Cleopatra is reputed to have bathed in what? 7. What colour are the ‘black boxes’ required on all large commercial aircraft?

26. On which Egyptian peninsula is the city of Sharm el-Sheikh?

8. In the Sidney Lumet film how many Angry Men were there?

27. Which country does heavyweight boxing champion Wladimire Klitschko represent?

9. Eliptic, lance, palmate, spear or trifoliate describe what? 10. Which writing system could be deciphered thanks to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone? 11. Penguins are hemisphere?

native

which

12. Who wrote the lyrics for West Side Story? 13. Which artist created the temporary summer themepark ‘Dismaland’?

28. What is the deepest spot on Earth? 29. What is the only continent without native reptiles? 30. What part of the body does a podiatrist specialise in? 31. What activity are you engaged in if you are performing a ‘downward dog’? 32. What are explosions on the sun’s surface called? 33. Which apostle doubted the resurrection?

14. Which continent was once know as the ‘Dark Continent’?

34. In what sport compete?

15. Which hero of epic poetry killer Grendel?

35. What Andrew Lloyd Webber rock musical is performed on roller skates?

16. According to the proverb, what does a rolling stone not gather? 17. A velodrome is a specially built arena for which sport? 18. What is both a type of moustache and part of a bike? 19. What were the first names of the notorious gangsters the Kray twins? 20. To which religion do the Copts of Egypt belong? 21. In which musical would you find Roxy

did

Robin

Cousins

36. What body of water does the River Nile empty into? 37. What flammable ‘Hindenburg’?

gas

fuelled

the

38. Which American city is known as the ‘City of Angels’? 39. Which bird lays its eggs in other birds nests? 40. Which galaxy is closest to the Milky Way?

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BUMPER CROSSWORD (ans page 43)

Across 7 Christian festival (6) 9 French general and emperor (8) 10 Specialist food shop (4) 11 Showing; exposing (10) 12 21 April but officially 13 June in 2020 (6, 8) 15 A continent (4) 16 Old name for magistrate (5) 17 366 days in 2020 (4) 19 Ambush; meet unexpectedly (4, 2, 8) 20 Unable to speak, possible because of 19 (10) 23 The last word of the service (4) 24 Roundish shape (8) 25 Panoramas; parts of plays (6)

Down 1 Reducing volume at the end of songs (8) 2 Retaliation (6, 4) 3 Duty; obligation (4) 4 Slow the car down (5, 3, 6) 5 Friend; partner (4) 6 Reward; Ship mutiny in the South Pacific (6) 8 Revised allocation (14) 13 Concepts (5) 14 Romantic; fantasizer (10) 18 Replied (8) 19 Winning suit in cards (6) 21 Ale (4) 22 Reverse an action; revoke (4)

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GARSTANG QUAKERS Garstang Quakers is keen to reach out and support our wider community during this pandemic. Please come and worship with us online on Sunday mornings from 10:30am (see our wesbite for more details). You will be warmly welcomed and you can stay and chat afterwards if you like. Woodbrooke also hosts several meetings for worship throughout the week. You can find details at www.woodbrooke.org.uk/about/ online-mfw

You can find more about Quakers on our website (detsils below) where there is a wealth of information including a free online course about early Quakers from Lancaster University. Quakers formed during the Civil War and there is a lot of local history including wellknown local historic sites such as Pendle Hill and Lancaster Castle. Did you know, one of the founders, George Fox, visited Garstang?! www.futurelearn.com/courses/quakers Please feel free to get in touch. I hope to see you soon. Julie Valentine t: (01995) 601863 e: garstangquakers@gmail.com w: www.quaker.org.uk/about-quakers

CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across 7 Easter 9 Napoleon 10 Deli 11 Displaying 12 Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday 15 Asia 16 Reeve 17 Year 19 Take by surprise 20 Dumbstruck 23 Amen 24 Spheroid 25 Scenes

Down 1 Fadeouts 2 Strike back 3 Onus 4 Apply the brakes 5 Ally 6 Bounty 8 Redistribution 13 Ideas 14 Daydreamers 18 Answered 19 Trumps 21 Beer 22 Undo

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GREY MATTER ANSWERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

In Blackadder (Goes Forth) Honshu The Seven Sisters Google Champagne and Peach Puree Milk Orange Twelve Leaves Hieroglyphics Southern Stephen Sondheim Banksy Africa Beowolf Moss Cycling Handlebar Ronald (Ronnie) & Reginald (Reggie) Christianity

21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.

Chicago W Julius Caesar Stamens A Bong Tree The Sinai Peninsular Ukraine The Mariana Trench in the West Pacific Antarctica Feet Yoga Solar flares Thomas Figure skating Starlight Express The Mediterranean Sea Hydrogen Los Angeles Cuckoo Andromeda

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