Garstang FOCUS Your Free Monthly Magazine
Scorton - Cabus - Garstang - Bonds - Bowgreave Catterall - Churchtown - St Michaels July 2020
Issue 237
KEEPING IT LOCAL WELCOME TO THE JULY 2020 EDITION OF FOCUS MAGAZINE As government restrictions start to ease and businesses make a tentative return to trading, we wanted to focus on how we can help our local economy bounce back from the ravages of coronavirus now a return to a new normal in on the horizon. One unexpected but welcome outcome of the coronovirus lockdown is the way in which many small businesses in our community have been able to adapt so that they can keep trading. We’ve seen cafes become grocers, restaurants develop collection and take-away services almost overnight, shops develop online e-commerce stores, and salon owners becoming YouTube stars as they share their skills and expertise with ever widening and appreciative audiences. Even during times of crisis, the demand to shop can open up new opportunities in many industries. At Focus Magazine we’ve always believed that shopping local plays a vital role,
LET’S GET OUR LOCAL ECONOMY GOING AGAIN! and no matter what our world will look like in the future we should all carry on supporting local enterprise. So here are five reasons why shopping local matters, now more than ever:
1. It builds local communities and strengthens local economies When you support a local business, you are supporting your friends, family, and neighbours. The availability of local shops is especially important for the elderly, vulnerable, young people and those without access to private transport. Plus the more money that local councils make in rent and rates, the more they can spend on supporting local infrastructure and public services.
2. Local small businesses add character to towns and villages A small business or boutique shop adds character to the city or town when you walk or drive by.
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
In a world that has become increasingly dominated by chain stores, a local business’s branding is unique and often quirky, adding something different to your high street, offering an alternative experience and bringing a much needed breath of fresh air into areas populated by generic stores and companies.
3. Shopping local creates more job opportunities and encourages entrepreneurship A local business that becomes a success will grow, and as they grow they’ll recruit more staff from the local population. Plus their success will encourage other local businesses to open up to take advantage of the footfall, encouraging other people to take the plunge and become entrepreneurs too!
4. You get a more personalised service Local business owners are friendly and engaging. They get to know their customers at a personal level and can provide better advice about their products and services. Local traders value your business more since their survival depends on their good reputation and repeat business. They can often adapt their products to suit your personal requirements or source something bespoke for you, which big chains won’t do.
5. It’s better for the environment Shopping local means less mileage and petrol costs for you, which helps reduce CO2 emissions. Plus local shops often stock locally sourced goods which not only supports the local economy but also reduces transport times and costs of the goods, which impacts positively on their carbon footprint. We know its tempting to default to the big chains or to buy online. But shopping locally is usually just as cost-effective and convenient, plus you are supporting your local community, rather than putting money in nameless and faceless shareholders’ pockets.
The New Face of Business Perhaps indefinitely, shops and businesses in Garstang and the surrounding villages are finding new and innovative ways of serving the local community. The way we interact with these businesses may feel a little different moving forward, but they need our backing now more than ever. We hope that you will join us in supporting them wherever possible to help our local economy bounce back from the effects of coronavirus.
The Team at Focus Magazine
AUGUST 2020 DEADLINE DATE
The August deadline for editorial and adverts is 5:00pm on Monday 13th July Deliveries of the August edition of Focus Magazine will commence Thursday 23rd July 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 other household if you live alone or are a single parent with dependent children - in other words, you are in a household where there is only one adult. 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 is published guidance on staying safe outside your home and guidance on social distancing rules. NB: Guidance correct as of Thurs 18th June. What can I do that I couldn’t do before? From Sat 13th June: You can form a ‘support bubble’ with one
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All those in a support bubble will be able to act as if they live in the same household - meaning they can spend time together inside each other’s homes and do not need to stay two metres apart. Support bubbles should be exclusive - meaning you should not switch the household you are in a bubble with or connect with multiple households People can now also attend their place of worship for the purposes of individual prayer From Mon 15th June: You can visit any type of shop and some additional outdoor attractions (drive-in cinemas, and animal attractions like zoos, farms and safari parks).
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CORONAVIRUS FAQS (cont) Year 10 and 12 pupils in secondary schools and further education colleges can receive some face-to-face support.
for work purposes •
exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool, use an outdoor gym or playground
•
gather outdoors in a group of more than six (unless exclusively with members of your own household or support bubble or for one of the limited set of circumstances set out in the law)
You will have to wear a face covering on public transport. You will still be able to meet outdoors with groups of up to six people from different households, provided social distancing is observed and you stay two metres away from anyone outside your household or support bubble. As before, you cannot: •
visit friends and family inside their homes (unless you are in a support bubble from Sat 13th June) or for other limited circumstances set out in law
•
stay away from your home or your support bubble household overnight - including holidays - except for in a limited set of circumstances, such as
I don’t have to stay at home anymore? You should continue to stay alert and limit your contact with others. Staying at home is the easiest way to do this. From Sat 13th June, if you are in a support bubble, you can spend time outdoors or inside either home within the bubble. Everyone may spend time outdoors with groups of up to six people from outside
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CORONAVIRUS FAQS (cont) your household or support bubble. You should stay alert and always practise social distancing with people from outside of your household or support bubble, keeping two metres apart. The more people you have interactions with, the more chance the virus has to spread. Therefore, try to limit the number of people you see - especially over short periods of time. If you or someone in your household support bubble is showing coronavirus symptoms, everyone in your support bubble should stay home. If you or a member of your support bubble is contacted as part of the test and trace programme, the individual contacted must stay at home. If the individual becomes symptomatic, everyone in the support bubble must then isolate. This is critical to
staying safe and saving lives How many people am I allowed to meet with outdoors? You are allowed to meet in groups of up to six people who you do not live with or who are not in your support bubble. You are only allowed to meet in groups of more than six people if everyone is a member of the same household or support bubble. There is more information about the rules you should follow when meeting people you do not live with here. So, can I visit people indoors now and invite them into my own home? Only if you are in a support bubble with them. Generally, visiting people in the home or inviting people into your home is not permitted. However if you are a single adult household - either you live alone or only with dependent children - you can form a support bubble with one other household. This means you can see other members of your support bubble indoors and outside. You will also be able to be less than two metres apart and stay overnight as if you were members of the same household. Individuals who form a bubble with one household may not form a bubble with anyone else. It is not yet possible for people who are not in support bubbles to meet inside other people’s homes - that remains against the law unless covered by one of the limited exceptions. What is a criminal offence? It is a criminal offence to: •
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meet indoors with anyone who is not a
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CORONAVIRUS FAQS (cont) member of your household or, from 13 June, your support bubble, except for specific exceptions set out in law •
meet outdoors in a group of more than six with people who are not in your household or support bubble, except for specific exceptions set out in law
•
incite others to break the rules by e.g. inviting people to a party
•
threaten others with infection by coronavirus, for example by coughing or spitting in their direction
Can I visit a clinically vulnerable person? People 70 and over, those with certain underlying conditions and pregnant women may be more vulnerable, so need to take particular care to avoid contact with others. That means such individuals can meet people outdoors but should be especially careful. Similarly, clinically vulnerable people can form a support bubble with another household, if one of the households is an adult living alone or with children, but extra care should be taken. For example all members of the support bubble should be especially careful to socially distance from people outside of the household or bubble.
clinically vulnerable group. Can I use public transport if I’m seeing friends in a park or garden? You should avoid using public transport if you can. You should cycle, walk or drive wherever possible. If you need to use public transport, you should follow the safer travel guidance for passengers. Can I share a private vehicle with someone from another household? You should avoid sharing a private vehicle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble as you will not be able to keep to strict social distancing guidelines. car sharing and travelling with people outside your household group. For more information and guidance about coronavirus, please visit www.gov.uk
You can also visit a clinically vulnerable person inside if you are providing care or assistance to them, following the advice set out here. You should not do so if you have coronavirus symptoms, however mild. You should stay at least two metres away from others, use a tissue when sneezing and dispose of it safely, cough into the crook of your elbow and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser if washing facilities are not easily available. If someone is defined as clinically extremely vulnerable and being asked to shield, you should follow the guidance for a shielded person as this is different to the wider
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GARSTANG MEDICAL PRACTICE Guidance for Patients Please can we remind patients not to present at the surgery for any reason other than to attend a pre-booked appointment or if you have been asked to do so to drop off a sample. This is for the safety of our patients and staff members. Please access our help and support by telephone only. We can deal with all queries over the telephone and send sick notes and other documentation via post, e-mail or text message. Please do not bring prescriptions/letters/ discharge notes to the desk; there are external boxes for these. It is especially important to not enter the surgery if you have any symptoms of Covid-19. These include: • • •
a high temperature a new continuous cough a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
If you do have symptoms, you must self-isolate and you can now book a test online. See further advice at www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19 Alternatively, please call 119. If you are offered a telephone consultation/ triage appointment, unfortunately due to the volume of consultations, we are not able to give you a specific time. Please be assured that a clinician will contact you on the specified day. This can be any time between 8:00am and 6:30pm.
Est. 1970
We are pleased to be back! Business resuming from July 4th. Following Government guidelines. Thank you for your understanding.
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If you are asked to attend surgery, we ask you to respect the social distancing measures in place. In line with NHS England and Public Health England guidance, we ask all patients attending surgery to now wear a face covering. Prior to attending surgery you will be asked some Coronavirus symptom screening questions. On attendance at surgery, you will be asked the same symptom screening
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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) questions again. This is essential to prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of both patients and staff. We would like to thank all our patients for your support, understanding and patience at this difficult and uncertain time. New or Persistent Symptoms? We would like to remind patients that whilst we advocate self-care for minor ailments as much as possible during this difficult time, it is extremely important that you do not ignore new or persistent symptoms that could indicate a more serious condition. We provide telephone consultations every weekday, so please do contact us if you are concerned and, where necessary, we will arrange for you to come to the surgery to see a clinician or for you to have a video consultation. Doctorlink We are now using Doctorlink, which enables you to check your symptoms online and be signposted to an appropriate healthcare appointment. If you require an appointment at the practice, Doctorlink will send this information to us and we will contact you to arrange. For more information and to register see: https://app.doctorlink.com/garstang/ register If you have any problems registering for this service, please contact the Doctorlink support service on 0330 111 6433 or via helpdesk@ doctorlink.com Please note, Doctorlink is an additional service. Patients are still able to contact the surgery by telephone to discuss symptoms and arrange appointments. www.garstangmedicalpractice.nhs.uk 
 Facebook: @garstangmedicalpractice
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GARSTANG VOLUNTEER FORCE As many of the team at Garstang Volunteer Force have had to return to work, we have had to restructure. As from Mon 25th May we have been operating a reduced hours service, with the call centre closing from 1:00pm on Saturdays until 10:00am the following Monday. In line with current government guidelines, the 12-week isolation period comes to an end at the end of June. Providing there is no change to this advice, and having given people time to prepare, we plan to close the call centre on Sat 4th July. If there is any change to government advice we will review. All our service users will have received notices with their deliveries to inform them of the call centre closure and give them chance to make alternative arrangements. We would just like to take this opportunity to
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say a huge thank you to all our volunteers who have cheerfully given their time to ensure that no Garstang resident in need was left without support during the coronavirus crisis. They are all heroes, and we appreciate what they have done over the weeks of lockdown. Thank you – and stay safe. Charlie Collinson
GARSTANG WINE CIRCLE Obviously the closure of the Arts Centre has curtailed the remainder of the Wine Circle programme for the year 2019/20. Other activities for this year have had to be cancelled, including, very sadly, the event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Garstang Wine Circle. We hope to be able to celebrate the 51st anniversary in style! The programme for 2020/21 remains on hold until we are clearer about the rules that we may have to operate under in the future. We are currently exploring a variety of options and hope to be able to establish a programme of meetings later this year. We are trying to keep the spirit of the circle alive by the use of technology. We held a ‘Zoom’ meeting in May, with 18 members contributing. Our June meeting was a similar event, when all of those ‘attending’, were invited to talk about the wine they had selected to drink whilst we were together as a Zoom group. If there is enough interest from the group we intend to continue these meetings through the summer. Alan will circulate the details how to access these meetings to all members. If any member wants information regarding accessing these meetings, please contact Alan on (01995) 601842. Mervyn Stokes
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GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL Market Town Working Group Following an extraordinary meeting on Mon 8th June, Garstang Town Council has joined forces with local businesses and groups to form the ‘Market Town Working Group’. The virtual meeting was very well attended, with 35 participants, including councillors from Wyre Borough Council, Lancashire County Council and representatives from Cabus, Brock and Barnacre Parish Councils. As lockdown begins to be relaxed, the group is working to put in place all the necessary safety measures to ensure Garstang is ready to welcome visitors back. We have a wide range of independent retailers as well as local and national shops and banks, all of them are making substantial changes to ensure the safety of their staff and customers. It has been an incredibly difficult time for traders and, whilst we are focussed on the safe re-opening of the town centre, we are committed to working for the long-term future and success of our historic market town. We look forward to welcoming you all back to Garstang. Litter Everyone - families, friends, groups, dog owners - should be enjoying the wonderful facilities that Garstang has to offer especially during these difficult times but we urge you to behave responsibly. Following numerous incidents, we ask you to clear up, take your rubbish away, do not leave bottles and cans as these could be dangerous to children and pets. Please respect our town and other people. Two Town Councillor Vacancies Wyre Council has informed the Town Council that ‘the last time for a request for an election to be held to fill the vacancies on the town council had passed and there was no request received’. This being the case, the elections rules require the town council to co-opt
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Focus advertisers support this community magazine
This 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. •
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GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL (cont) two people to fill the vacancies as soon as practicable. Would you like to become a Garstang Town councillor? Are you interested in what happens in Garstang and would like to find out more? Would you like to be part of a decision making Council, helping with community projects and generally making Garstang a better place to live, work and visit? Garstang Town Council represents the needs and concerns of all age groups within the community and meets every 3rd Monday of the month at 7:30pm. Applications should be emailed to either the email or postal address at the end of this article. The deadline for applications is Fri 17th July at 5:00pm. For further information or details please contact the clerk. The agenda for an extraordinary virtual
meeting will be published on Wed 22nd July and the selection meeting to consider the vacancies will be held on Mon 27th July at 7:30pm. Annual Awards The awards panel have looked at all the entries and the winners have been chosen. However, as you will know, the annual awards presentation evening has had to be cancelled. We intend to hold the event as soon as we possibly can. Look out for the new date. Town Council Meetings Mon 20th July at 7:30pm - This is likely to be a virtual meeting so please contact the clerk if you wish to attend so the log in details will be sent to you Mon 17th Aug at 7:30 – An August meeting has also been scheduled as it is essential that the Council remains available to ensure
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GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL (cont) that we can provide continuity of support for the Market Town working group. Edwina Parry - Clerk e: info@garstangtowncouncil.org w: www.garstangtowncouncil.org Facebook: Garstang Town Council Garstang Town Council, Garstang Police Station, Moss Lane, Garstang PR3 1HB
SUNDAY MUSICAL INTERLUDES For the many weeks since lockdown began, there has been a musical interlude on Bilsborrow Lane every Sunday morning. One of the residents, Mrs Jacqui Hodge has taken to bringing out her keyboard onto the drive and giving nearby residents a half hour performance of hymns. There have been up to ten ‘choristers’ joining in with the singing - not only locals, but some from Garstang and Elswick.
Jacqui is helped by her husband Geoff who acts as her ‘roadie’ and distributes the hymn sheets. She is the regular organist/pianist at Trinity Methodist Church in Goosnargh. This demonstration of faith has been very much appreciated by all concerned - and we have been blessed with the weather on every occasion! Thank you Jacqui. Maurice Barker
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BABAS Just a ‘hello’ to all mums, carers and children who usually come to our Babas group on a Wednesday morning. I hope you are keeping well. We don’t know when we will be open, but hope you are keeping safe. If you would like to talk to our church minister, Rev. Derek, please call (01524) 658000. Dorothy Gorst (01995) 606226
GARSTANG 3Ls Like many other groups we are unable to meet at the moment, but as Focus magazine is now up and running, we can assure our members that we will meet again as soon as it is sensible to do so. We hope everyone is keeping well and safe, and coping with a situation that is new to us all. I am sure we will have many experiences to
share when we meet again. We will keep you all up-to-date with future plans as soon as we know them. If anyone has any problems or queries please contact Jack on (01995) 238075. Ruth Rendle
CATTERALL GARDENING CLUB Along with every other club or society, Catterall Gardening Club has been unable to meet this year as a result of the pandemic. So far, we’ve cancelled meetings on a month by month basis but it seems increasingly unlikely that we will be able to meet indoors in large groups any time soon. Even if we could it would seem also unlikely that anyone would want to and we certainly couldn’t maintain social distancing. We’ve therefore decided to cancel all the remaining meetings for 2020.
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CATTERALL GARDENING (cont)
GARSTANG FREE METHODISTS
We’re hoping to rebook all the speakers we will have missed this year for next year when, fingers crossed, life returns to normal.
You may have noticed our new banner on the side of our building declaring ‘church building closed – church still open’.
In the meantime we hope everyone keeps well and enjoys the extra time in the garden.
This is definitely the case as you can find our weekly services on our website www. garstangfmc.org.uk and other great material including a marriage course that is free to access.
For more information contact Jan (01995) 604771 or Netta (01995) 605385.
GARSTANG PAINTING GROUP July, and what is there to say? Members of the painting group are keeping their brushes honed by following the art programmes on television and producing suitable works of art ready for when we can all meet again and show the world what a talented crowd we are! Until then, just watch this space and keep on painting. Happy artwork everyone and keep safe. Bill Barns
You will notice if passing that Phase 2 of our building project is starting and we are excited to see big changes in the next few months and look forward to the building being a blessing to our community as soon as circumstances allow. If you need any support in the meantime, please contact us at info@garstangfmc. org.uk Katie - Administrator e: info@garstangfmc.ork.uk
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CALDER VALE COUNTRY CLUB We are hoping to open our doors to members and non members on Sat 4th Jul at 6:30pm for an informal evening of a catch up and, of course, a pint or two. All safety measures will be in place. Further opening hours will be announced as they occur so keep your eyes posted here and on social media.
enjoying the limited contact. Like many churches we want to remind you that though our doors are closed we are very much open. Our website is the easiest way for you to link with services and events for all ages. Contact numbers are also listed on the website so if there’s anything we can support you with please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Ros Ashworth t: (01995) 603776 facebook: Calder Vale Country Club
Keep safe and well during July.
INGLEWHITE CHURCH
GARSTANG URC
It’s good to connect with you again this month.
The July/August Coffee mornings have been cancelled. I really do hope that we will be able to resume in the not too distant future. We are all missing each other plus the charities we support. However we have to hope!
Sadly we’re not yet at the stage of being able to meet together indoors in Inglewhite or Catterall to share coffee and cake. It’s great however that we can meet outdoors with friends and family now. I’m sure we’re all
Lesley Hardman w: www.inglewhitechurch.org.uk
Hilary Ralphs
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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 IN BLOOM There is no North West in Bloom judging this year and, with the lockdown, the Bloom team have been limited to the times they can get out and about making our town look good. Undaunted, they have got on with it (with social distancing!) and things are not looking too bad!
by Bloomer Joe Walmsley), Croston Road traffic lights garden (looked after by Bloomer Martin Cotton), the Pat Seed Garden (dedicated Bloomers Robert and Jean Wadsworth), and all the other areas that are cared for by the whole Bloom team. Facebook: Garstang in Bloom
GARSTANG TREFOIL
Latest additions to the town are eighteen half barrels which were located in various spots just yesterday.
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.
All other areas are looking great - the Croston Road/Station Way rose bed and Hawthorn Avenue garden (both lovingly tended
Marlene Towns
For further information please contact Brenda Allen (Chair) on (01995) 601979
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GARSTANG FAIRTRADE Chair of our group, Ruth Bruce, was invited by Garstang Town Council to attend their virtual Town Council meeting. There had been a request to set up a market town working group to look at opportunities and a rescue plan for Garstang High Street. As Garstang is the first Fairtrade Town in the world, we were asked to contribute to the discussions.
been for all the support and help, I have had from the group. This nomination, as far as I am concerned, is for the team.’
Ruth has been nominated for the Good Citizen Award 2020 given by Garstang Town Council. Unfortunately, the awards presentation ceremony was postponed but will be rearranged as soon as practicable. She said ‘this was a complete surprise and I would not even have been nominated if it had not
We have spoken to Britain in Bloom and although the competition cannot go ahead, the Bloomers are still hoping to dress the big barrow outside of Sainsbury’s in Fairtrade colours and we are hoping to add a banner celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Garstang being a Fairtrade Town.
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We should have been holding a Fairtrade Awareness Day on Sat 20th Jun outside the Market Hall. However, we agreed that this was not a good idea with trying to arrange social distancing, so we rightly decided to cancel. We have been informed that the Arts Festival has also been cancelled so we cannot offer afternoon tea as planned. We are hoping it might be possible to still hold the event when the Arts Centre reopens.
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GARSTANG FAIRTRADE (cont) St Mary and Michael Church have had their certification as a Church renewed. The citation states: ‘Thank you very much for your re-commitment for St Mary and St Michael’s RC Church to remain a Fairtrade place of worship. Congratulations on your hard work in promoting the Fairtrade Mark. Such enthusiasm from all over the UK means more than 7500 churches, mosques, temples and synagogues have now pledged to use and promote Fairtrade.’ Just before lockdown St. Michael’s C of E School asked if someone from Fairtrade would like to give a talk. This will be picked up when schools are back functioning again. There has been a schools competition to decorate a card celebrating 25 years of the Fairtrade Mark which we supported by encouraging schools in Garstang and the surrounding area to take part. In total 18
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primary, four secondary and one special school entered. The competition was arranged and judged by Fairtrade Lancashire who were arranging a display in County hall prior to lockdown. Peter Ryder
GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE Garstang Arts Centre remains closed until further notice but several of the groups that meet at the centre have contributed information about what is happening to them at present. Message from the Vice Chairman Best wishes to all members and friends of the Arts Centre. I hope all is well with you all and look forward to seeing everyone when the lockdown is over. John Whalley
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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) Arts Exhibitions Due to the closure of the Arts Centre, the prebooked art exhibitions since March have sadly not been able to take place. We hope to rebook the painting groups and individual artists when the Arts Centre re-opens - hopefully in the not too distant future. There is a lot of exciting and innovative bodies of work to show and hope you will continue to support these very talented artists when things get back to normal. Sheila Tearle (01995) 603816 Garstang Ukulele Group The joy of playing the ukulele is being able to do so with lots of other players, standing close to hear each other and to play together, in time. It is an activity that not only requires a degree of individual skill, but also co-operation and collaboration.
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In our Garstang Ukulele Group we are predominantly over 60 with many players in their 70s and 80s so we are not keen on becoming the victims of herd immunity. Unless we get a vaccine to Covid 19, it seems unlikely that we will be able to either rehearse or perform until well into 2021. In the meantime, some of the group are meeting on Zoom each week and others are practising alone or with a friend. One member was playing with neighbours following the Thursday evening applause for the NHS, while others have made recordings for our Facebook group. As restrictions ease it may be possible for smaller groups of players to meet. Stay safe. Bob Sapey Bridge Despite technology presenting a challenge,
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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) members of the Arts Centre Bridge club have persevered and are able to keep in touch playing the game we love on line. We have been joined by a number of members from the Garstang Bridge Club. All members meet to take part on Monday evenings and the door has been opened for friends to have a game whenever they feel the need. Thanks to all members for staying with it and a big thank you to table hosts. Thanks also to Judy and the Green book team for keeping us in touch. Best wishes to all and stay safe. Bob Poetry Appreciation Group Members of the Poetry Appreciation Group were contacted recently by Lyndsey Wilson from the Spot On Lancashire (SOL) service.
This is a grassroots arts service run by people who bring cultural events to rural and outlying communities in Lancashire. The service is supported by Arts Council England, Lancashire County Council and several other sources. SOL originally contacted Poetry Group member, Carolyn Worthington concerning a poem about the lockdown written by Mary Hodges which featured in the Garstang Courier. Entitled ‘All the Same’, the poem is now featured on the SOL site. They enquired about any further poems, inspired by the lockdown that members may wish to submit for inclusion on their website. Several local poets submitted poems, which were very well received. We are very grateful to Lyndsey and the team at Spot On Lancashire for giving our poets this opportunity to have their poetry enjoyed by a wider audience.
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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) You can view the poems on the SOL website at the following link: www.spotonlancashire. co.uk/lancashire-lockdown
C L I N I C R EO P E N I N G We plan to open our Clinics at Knott End and Garstang from Tuesday 16th June 2020. Initially this will be on a part time basis. To arrange an appointment, please phone and leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. • Knott End: 01253 812555 • Garstang: 01995 601106 • Mobile: 07979918542 PPE will be in place to protect our patients and employees. Your health is our priority.
On a sad note, it is with regret that I have to report on the death of Elsie Hartley who passed away peacefully in May at the age of 101. Elsie was a keen member of the Poetry Appreciation Group for several years. Unfortunately, Elsie could not continue to attend the meeting following her move to a care home in Clitheroe. It is a fond memory that we were able to celebrate Elsie’s 100th birthday at one of our Friday meetings, in the usual manner, with cakes and drinks. Our thoughts go out to Elsie’s family at this sad time. The funeral is limited to family and family flowers only. We have sent a donation on behalf of the Poetry Appreciation Group. If anyone would like to give a personal donation the family have chosen a charity called MUSIC FOR ALL which helps young people to learn instruments and supports struggling musicians. If members would like to send an individual donation they can contact www.justgiving.com/musicforall or send to Clitheroe Funeral Services, 10-12 Whalley Road, BB7 1AW Marie Whalley Garstang Musical Productions Garstang Musical Productions have moved our rehearsals online. We are using Zoom to plan, prepare and rehearse for exciting new community events and performances for the future. Until then, please like our Garstang musical productions Facebook page and thank you for all your continued support. Rachel Sudell For more information about Garstang Arts Centre, contact: Judy Osborne (01995) 600996
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COVID 19 & GLIMMERS OF HOPE As you read this summer should be in full swing, at least the beautiful spring weather we have had has helped us cope with lockdown a little better though of course it is of no consolation if you’re stuck inside. I know there are many who have found this time incredibly uncomfortable for many reasons but as my Grandma used to say to me, ‘Everything passes…’ and indeed it shall. Never lose sight of that in your hardest times. Those simple words have helped me through difficult periods of my life. I know many people are now living in fear of this nasty virus and are worried about going out and alongside this I have also encountered people who think quite the opposite and are not interested in social distancing or any other measures we have been advised to take. Regardless of your point of view there have been some encouraging pieces of research developed which give us some hope. What I find disappointing is that amongst the bombardment of government adverts on TV and the radio there is precious little about how to maintain good health, such as not eating sugar (it suppresses your immune system), exercising every day and other such information that I write about regularly.
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It reminds me of the usual advice trotted out every winter which is that to stay healthy you should get a flu jab and visit a pharmacist. What about all the other ingredients of good health that come before these two factors? With my cynical head on I would say this is because following good health practice does not make money for certain powerful markets but that’s another story. On to the good news. Two pieces of research from Ireland and the USA show that supplementing with Vitamin D has an important role in dealing with Covid 19. It is not a cure, it does not treat the illness, nor
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GLIMMERS OF HOPE (cont) does it stop you catching the virus but what it does do is appear to stop what is called a cytokine storm in your body. To keep it simple a cytokine storm is a massive inflammatory response by your body to attack the virus but when this occurs in the lungs, unfortunately it can damage your lungs which leads to more dangerous complications. Therefore, they found that taking 400iu of Vitamin D every day or 800iu if you have a health problem appears to dramatically reduce this storm, therefore, helping reduce the damage caused by the virus. Vitamin D is not expensive so make sure you support your local health stores by getting hold of some and whilst we are on that – all our local shops need all the support they can get right now and the service they provide is far superior to the supermarkets AND it is a myth that they are more expensive.
The other piece of research from Canada appears to show that supplementing with high strains of CBD rich cannabis, the kind you can now buy legally in the UK, appears to stop the virus entering your lungs which, as with Vitamin D then means there is far less chance of the serious effects of the disease. So my advice would be to ensure you are taking a few drops of a high quality CBD oil every day and supplementing with Vitamin D to prevent the major complications of this unpleasant virus. Of course, finding a good quality CBD product is not easy since it is unregulated and there are a myriad of charlatans out there ripping people off but I’m sure you know where to look. I wish you all well and hope to see you on Garstang High Street sometime soon. Take care. Nick Tofolos (01995) 602833 ed st si ing sts As iv ali L ci e
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PARKINSON’S UK Preston & District Branch Hello again. We’re back! Well actually we haven’t been anywhere, just on lockdown like everyone else. We had four awareness and sale events planned for Garstang this year, the first three were ‘blitzed by Boris’ but as it stands at the moment we are allowed to continue with the last one. This will be on Sat 4th July outside the Market Hall. There will be various goods for sale from 9:00am until 3:00pm (approx). There will be chance to win a cuddly scarecrow which was made in preparation for the festival, another victim of COVID 19.
If you have any problems do not hesitate to contact me. I am still around and hope to see you all once again at the club. Lorna (01995) 471319
We hope to see you there, even though we will be two metres away from each other. Steve Hardaker (01995) 608962
GARSTANG QUAKERS We meet for worship on Sunday mornings from 10:30am. You will be warmly welcomed and you can stay and chat afterwards if you like. Writing this at the beginning of June, we are worshipping online. Contact me for details and I’ll be able to tell you what’s happening in July. Woodbrooke holds several meetings for worship throughout the week. You can find details at www.woodbrooke.org.uk/about/ online-mfw Please feel free to get in touch. Julie Valentine t: (01995) 601863 e:garstangquakers@gmail.com
GALLOWAYS It certainly seems a long time since we last met and unfortunately I don’t think we will be meeting again until September - hopefully! Obviously I will let you know when we hear anything nearer the time, but in the meantime I do hope that you have all managed to keep well and have had help with the shopping etc.
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Garstang’s Shops Return to Trading From Mon 15th June retail shops were given the go ahead to reopen their doors with the promise of the service industry following closely on their heels. So, what can you expect from your Garstang? A very warm welcome is assured albeit from a safe social distance.
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The High Street, Church Street, Thomas’s Weind and Bridge Street have been busy preparing to welcome you back, with the emphasis on making you feel comfortable and safe whilst you shop. Just as you may feel nervous or excited at returning to a new normal, shop keepers share similar feelings as we move cautiously into a new era. Following government guidelines on social distancing, hand washing or sanitising, providing protective barriers for their staff members and customer safety they realise, as you do, your shopping experience will not be what it was. However, Garstang traders are determined to breathe life back onto your streets to offer you a service, some retail therapy close to home and a chance to meet face-to-face again. Many Garstang businesses have been offering an order service with postage or local delivery, and whole-heartedly they would like to thank you for the support you have shown Many
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WELCOMING SHOPPERS (cont) continue this service for those of you who remain at home for whatever reason. Also some businesses will offer reservation or appointment slots so you can shop with confidence. Telephone orders will be welcome in many shops backed by product knowledge to ensure you get the best service. Over the next few weeks as Garstang opens up for much-needed business, shop keepers are pulling together to make your visit welcoming, informative and safe whilst observing social distancing guidelines. Signage will encourage a slower pace for traffic through the street. Street vinyls will advise of pavement pinch points to avoid and to keep shop entrances clear to aid those entering and leaving the shops. Look out for information in each shop window or door, it will advise on changes to trading hours and their Covid policy - for example how many people can enter observing social distance guidelines in the space at one time. On entering there may be hand sanitising stations for you and directions to navigate new layouts that allow for the extra space required. Sneeze guards will be present in many shops. With all these changes in place the face of shopping will look different but you can guarantee the Garstang retail community wants you to feel safe, have access to their product knowledge, and wants re-build a relationship with shoppers with safety at the heart of shopping. ‘Unprecedented time’ seems to be the term to describe the Covid situation. With this in mind, traders may not get everything right first time. There will be hiccups, but traders will listen to your concerns. As we move forward, be kind, embrace patience and enjoy a slower pace of life - it can’t all be bad. Garstang shops await your return. Thank you. Beverley Evans
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BEN WALLACE MP I sincerely hope that all readers are well and coping during these sometimes strange and unprecedented times. As I did last month, I would like to thank all of you who are heeding current advice about the Covid-19 outbreak and as a result of this effort, we will beat it. I continue to be extremely impressed with the great number of groups and individuals who are going out of their way to help the vulnerable and those in need.
thank you to you all. As we are looking to schools to continue to increase numbers, it should be remembered that actually they have never closed and have been there for key workers’ children from the start. Thanks to all those involved with our schools. I would like to pass on some good news from the Environment Agency. As some of you may know, following a national review of Flood Risk Management Schemes in 2019, Hambleton was identified as a project that would be paused during the financial year 2020 - 2021. However, after securing government funding for this financial year, the Hambleton scheme will now go ahead after it had been identified as a local and national priority.
As we navigate our way through and hopefully out of the current situation, I would like to thank all who have worked so hard during the current emergency. From the amazing NHS, council workers and delivery drivers This funding will enable the completion of the to various charities and community groups. detailed design and further work to finalise There really is far too many to mention but, the planning application for submission at a
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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) later date. The environment agency will continue to work on the detailed design and environmental assessments for the scheme and are revising the project timeline, in light of the additional funding, and will provide a more detailed update for the project in the coming months via www.thefloodhub.co.uk/hambleton Many highway re-surfacing works were put on hold as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak but, recently I have been informed that LCC are re-scheduling this work and much of it will take place shortly. Many of you will use the Norcross roundabout and by the time this article goes to print the new lights and roundabout will be operational, with maybe a little landscaping to finish off. Although this work was delayed, I am delighted that this Highways England Scheme is now finished. I continue to receive a large volume of
correspondence, and along with my staff, are working hard to address the many issues covered in it. Covid-19 continues to dominate and my thoughts are with families who have lost loved ones to this infection. As I have said before, they are not just the numbers we see every day in the updates, these are people and every single life is precious. With 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 and www.nhs.uk The Department of Health and Social Care helpline number for any ongoing COVID 19 queries is 0300 303 2713, lines are open from 7:00am - 11:00pm daily. If anyone is showing symptoms of COVID 19, they will be able to arrange testing.
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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) The most effective way to contact me is by email: wallaceb@parliament.uk with a brief description of the issues you wish to raise, along with your contact details. You can also ring my office on 0207 219 5804 or write to me at House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Ben Wallace MP
CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG (CRY) Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund I don’t know about you, but sunshine always lifts my spirits and we’ve certainly had some lovely weather during lockdown. This has helped alleviate ‘cabin fever’ tremendously for us and also seems to have helped rekindle an interest in tinkering about in the garden. Matt was the gardener at our house, following in the footsteps of both of his grandads, but green fingers appear to have skipped our
generation. I set off with good intentions and planted loads of different fruits, veg and herbs and nurtured them carefully (or so I thought), only to watch them turn up their toes one by one. Thank goodness for Sarah’s wayside CRY ‘Plants & More’ stall and to all of you who capably raised many different seedlings and considerately donated the spares - you’ve spread a little love and colour around Catterall. I at least now have a small tomato patch that looks to be thriving, and Matt’s Fund has benefited too! Thankfully life does seem to be returning to normality to some degree and whilst the recycling firm we are contracted with are not yet open for business, there is hope that it won’t be too long before they can put coronavirus safe measures in place and give us a collection date. We can then re-open the clothing bank on Catterall Village Hall car
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CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG (cont) park and accept your donations. Thank you to all who have made enquiries about this.
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ROTARY Congratulations to the Bellflower Garstang Rotary Club is delighted to congratulate the Bellflower Restaurant team for their most significant efforts to provide much needed food boxes to desperate residents over a vast area ranging from Garstang to Hambleton, Nateby, Forton, Bilsborrow and Myerscough. With much support from Garstang Traders the boxes contain a vast selection of foods and toiletries including bread, tea, cereals, dairy products including cheese, tinned foods and meat. A frozen food bag is also provided. Dog owners also receive dog biscuits. Steven Iles, President of the Rotary Club of Garstang and Over Wyre stated ‘We are delighted to have provided initial financial assistance to the Bellflower at the start of this fantastic project. We hope that Heather Brandwood and Caroline Porter can continue to provide this excellent service until the current problems are overcome.’ If you would like further information please contact the Bellflower Restaurant. Don Goodier
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CAT SMITH MP I know many in Pilling will be disappointed to hear that the Golden Ball has been put up for sale. At the time of writing it’s not clear if it will remain the village pub or whether instead the two acres it comes with will be developed for new housing. If it has closed its doors for the last time it joins the hundreds of pubs that closed last year and the hundreds more that are now facing a fight for survival following the coronavirus crisis. There are a significant number of people in Over Wyre employed in the hospitality sector and their future depends on the right decisions being taken in the next few weeks. Nationally the hospitality sector provides more than 3 million direct jobs, and many more via the hospitality supply chain. In addition 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 REE include F & delivery on installati Find us on
it contributes over 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Labour has called on the government to publish a clear plan to support the hospitality sector re-opening. Business leaders tell us the sector faces collapse with a wave of closures and redundancies unless ministers ensure sector specific support is made available to businesses struggling through no fault of their own. The government needs to do whatever it takes to save businesses and protect jobs by making sure as many businesses as possible can re-open safely in a way which ‘maximises economic viability, whilst minimising the risk to the health of customers and staff’. The economic support for businesses needs to sit in tandem with their ability to trade. For hospitality this is going to take a lot longer than other sectors.
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) As I write figures this week show the scale of the economic cost of coronavirus, with the economy shrinking at the fastest pace on record in April. Hospitality and small retail have been particularly hard hit. Every previously viable business that goes bust will prolong and deepen the economic downturn we face. A long and deep recession is a far greater threat to our long-term public finances than the support which businesses need today to help them bounce back more quickly. Despite the chancellor’s pledge to do ‘whatever it takes’ to support business through the crisis, many companies in the hospitality sector and supply chains have received no extra help through grants because they are ineligible. According to UK Hospitality, around one third of all hospitality businesses do not qualify for government grants, despite these businesses o We als ton in s g lo supply of logs & ets bags, n firegrates g, n li d e kin h mor & muc
making up 70% of the sectors’ activity. They are likely bigger employers and the most productive businesses. They have some of the highest fixed costs but have received no help through government grants. Small retail and hospitality businesses are the lifeblood of our high streets and at the very heart of our communities which is why Labour is also encouraging the public to shop local and back small British business. There will also be disappointment in Preesall that Halite has announced it’s ready to start work on a section of the haul road - although this is still subject to the final planning requirements being approved by the council. They say there will not be any disruption to traffic flow in the area near to Cemetery Lane and the Burned House Lane junction. I remain opposed to this scheme and believe the dumping of thousands of tonnes of brine every day into the sea at Rossall will cause
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) immeasurable damage to sealife, wildlife and our coastline. If the coronavirus crisis has taught us anything, its that we need to be taking better care of our planet. A lot of my time in the last month in Parliament has been spent working on the Parliamentary Boundaries Bill. After years of delay and indecision, the government has finally abandoned its plans to reduce the number of MPs to 600. The review of parliamentary boundaries is long overdue, with current seats drawn up from 20 year data – this needs to change. Labour is keen to support a review to best reflect our country as it is now. I’m on the committee considering the government’s proposals and will be involved as it makes its way through the parliamentary process. The government has now reversed its decision to withdraw funding for free school meals over the summer holidays. Nearly 1.3m children in England are eligible for free school meals which are usually provided in school during term-time. During the coronavirus pandemic a voucher scheme to provide food support to children at home was established instead which was extended to cover the May half-term. However, the government has confirmed that it will continue the voucher scheme or fund free school meals over the summer holidays. This is in line with the Welsh government, which has announced it will continue funding free school meals during the summer holidays, providing each eligible child the equivalent of £19.50 a week. Even without the added pressures of coronavirus, every summer many families with children on free school meals struggle with holiday hunger. This summer many families will be plunged into deeper poverty and social distancing raising questions on how some holiday lunch schemes may run.
Parents have contacted me to say they don’t know how they will afford food during the summer holidays. Parents should not be forced to decide whether to feed themselves or their children. We know that the time spent away from school will have widened inequalities between children and disadvantaged children need more support than ever during this pandemic. The government has repeatedly said it will do ‘whatever it takes’ to help our economy through this crisis. The same applies to children who are at risk of going hungry for six weeks this summer. It looks like some children in Lancashire will now be able to return to school albeit only for a few days a week. If it’s safe for both children and teachers then I hope this can happen so that at least a few of our youngsters can enjoy playing with some school friends whilst their parents and carers
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) can have a break from repeated requests of ‘what are we doing next?’
recommence, will be Ann-Marie Michel on the history of art thefts and art forgeries.
I hope you all have a lovely July!
Whenever our next meeting is held it will include a brief (delayed) annual meeting at which long-serving chairman Peter Burrell will stand down from the post.
Cat Smith MP
GARSTANG HISTORICAL SOCIETY At the time of writing there is still no guidance from the government about permitting social gatherings, organised lectures, etc to take place so we are delaying organising any future programmes for the time being. Several historians in the area have agreed to speak at some stage, including Dan Elsworth of Ulverston on the explorer Sir John Barrow and the Hoad Monument at Ulverston. Mr Elsworth would have been our speaker at our April 2020 meeting, which was cancelled due to the current pandemic. Another speaker, whenever our meetings
During the current restrictions the society’s committee has kept in touch with members by email and, in particular, by the sending out of local/regional history information, including bulletins from the Lancaster University-based Regional Heritage Centre, Wyre Archaeology and similar heritage / history groups. Members who are not listed on our database and who wish to be sent such information from time to time should contact us via email, requesting such listing. Please look out for more information about dates for re-starting our meetings. These will be published in Focus Magazine, The Courier, local notice boards and Facebook. Anthony Coppin w: garstanghistorical@gmail.com
NORTH FYLDE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOC. Since lockdown we have produced a club newsletter by Lesley Bonner, an online exhibition for our website/Facebook page and a Zoom lecturer for the members that missed lectures during our season. Usually we display our photos at local libraries, but they are closed so we have done a movie. Take a look on our website or our Facebook page. New members, of any level, are always welcome at North Fylde Photographic Society. Neil Pascoe t: 01253 734243 w: www.northfylde-ps.co.uk f: North Fylde Photographic Society
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SOROPTIMISTS Well, new Soroptimist year and great new start. As part of The North West Region, we put forward our efforts on the Think Pink Sri Lanka to buy a Tuk Tuk project for the Darwen Shield (best project award) and we were joint winners along with Rossendale and their project for ‘This Girl’s Rising’. To say we are chuffed is an understatement. Again, thanks to everyone who supported us. Even though we are all in lockdown, we have still been busy, there’s always something that can be done. That’s one of the advantages of this club, we can tailor activities to suit all the ages and commitment abilities of our members. One of the first things to tackle was communications. Friendship is a big part of our club,
so keeping in touch is vital. We have a difference in years between oldest and youngest of about 30 years but you would never guess – our members are tech savvy and learn quickly – tele-conferencing, Skype, Zoom – no problem, they just take it in their stride and get on with it. We haven’t missed a meeting – we just improvise and adapt. Project wise, Kathy has been making COVID masks in return for a donation to Derian House and has already raised £150 towards the charity. We are also looking at more petitioning work on environmental projects. It’s so easy to lobby from the comfort of your own sofa. We’ve been looking at perhaps introducing one meat free day a week into our diet and championing more local, sustainable and
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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) welfare meat for other days. We already have perhaps some of the best produce around, so why not support our own farmers and growers? We are collecting the meat free recipes and you never know, might even produce a booklet of the best in the near future.
and friendship whilst we’re doing it. One thing this lockdown has shown us is that we don’t have to physically meet to be a group and this is where we reach out to those of you who want to make a difference but may have restrictions on your time.
Even after lockdown has ended, we are planning to maintain the ‘remote’ lessons we’ve developed to ensure that members who can’t physically attend can be present and have their say – this could be you. You could be working away, caring for others, looking after Our Backpack project is on hold at the mo- children, have mobility issues, etc and still be ment, but rest assured, once the conditions able to join us. are right, we’ll get back into full swing with it. Don’t be shy, you can always join into a reOne of our big pushes this year is to actu- mote meeting to meet us and don’t forget, we ally encourage the wider female population to have a wonderful local project this year – Derian House. Just drop us a line or give our come along and join us. membership co-ordinator Muriel BurnhamAs you can see, we do make a difference to Airey a ring on (01995) 606604 – we’ll be other women and children and we have fun happy to talk to you and answer your questions. Take a look at what we do: Once we get comfortable with this element, we’ll broaden the scheme to look at single use plastics – one step at a time. What do you think? We’d be interested to hear from you and your views.
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Although we have had no meetings whatsoever since March, the Club, in it’s present metamorphic state, continues to keep its members busy albeit in an online capacity. Our joint chairmen have worked very hard in producing six competitions over the past few months and at this point in time we are just beginning No.5, ‘Reflections’. The criteria for this theme has altered slightly in that
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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB (cont) these images can be taken within a five mile radius of home as well as within the boundaries due to the relaxing of lockdown procedures. The previous five were ‘Food and Drink’, ‘Flowers’, ‘Shrubs and Trees’, ‘Time on my Hands’ and ‘Inside Looking Out’. Members can submit three images taken within the specified time (usually two weeks). These are put online when members can vote for the top five. At the end of all six themes, the 1st and 2nd of each will be voted for so there will be 12 finalists. These will again compete for, 1st 2nd and 3rd place. I hope you can make sense of that. The Club Committee have met once in the past couple of weeks using Zoom and found it quite successful after a modicum of minor problems. Discussions related to the club’s restart or otherwise in September, but as everything at the moment is in the air including the Arts Centre availability we are not in any position to make decisions. Keep an eye on the club’s website to view members’ work/latest news, keep the shutters clicking and most of all keep safe! Maurice Barker www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk
WYRE BOROUGH FLOOD FORUM
have had to make do with the minutes of the ‘Wyre Making Space for Water’ meeting which took place virtually on Thurs 28th May. This was the actual date that it would have taken place ordinarily, so no time has been lost only the robust scrutiny by FLAG members at the forum. I intend to extract any item from the minutes that I believe might be of interest to residents living in Over Wyre. Those present included two engineers from Wyre, three from the Environment Agency, two from Lancashire County Council, Highways and Flood Risk Management and Tom Myerscough from the Wyre River’s Trust. Matters arising from the minutes of the February meeting included: Garstang Flood Basin: Confirmed that the east of the two flood gates on the river by the old railway line would be replaced with effect
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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) from Mon 15th June (now underway). River Wyre Embankment Slippage: at Rawcliffe Road, St Michaels would be reinstated as a priority. The embankment is piled and not in danger of collapse although the back face of the washout has been sandbagged as a temporary repair. LCC are investigating a collapsed highway drain as it is thought the pipe runs through the embankment. Butlers Arms Farm, Churchtown: the nonreturn valve on the highway discharge pipe to the River Wyre has been installed. Moss Side Lane, Great Ecceleston: investigations are ongoing to see what action needs taking (possibly raising the road). White Bridge A586, Great Eccelston: Bridge inspectors to examine. Blocked Water Course, Tyrer Bridge: The
tree in the Humberscough watercourse has been removed. Pegs Pool, Hambleton: some work has been undertaken to clear the watercourse but is the responsibility of the riparian owner. Stricklands Lane, Stalmine: the developer has resolved the flooding issue but there is a connected issue at the junction with Moss Side Lane which LCC Highways will inspect. Issues Raised by FLAG Churchtown FLAG requested a teleconference to consider planning related issues in Garstang affecting the Ainspool which drains into the Wyre at Churchtown. Officers agreed to participate although many of the issues are planning not engineering. The FLAG understands this but wishes to be reassured that water entering the Ainspool is managed and will not increase the risk
CROSSWORD (ans page 47) Across 4 Night bird (3) 6 Forested area (8) 7 Moisture (3) 9 Injures; twists (6) 11 Educate (5) 12 Parts of a pound (5) 14 Cost (7) 15 A river – in England, Scotland and Wales (3) 17 Person living in a rural settlement (8) 18 Hue; colour (3) Down 1 Whole; finish (8) 2 Go forward (7) 3 Ramble; trip (5) 4 Strange (3) 5 Edict (3) 8 Surpluses; remainders (8) 10 West African country (7) 13 Expel from a country (5) 15 Flop; failure (3) 16 The day before (3)
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REOPENING HIGH STREETS (cont) to flooding in Churchtown. The FLAG also wish to install a non-return valve on the Highway Drainage pipe to prevent flooding in Churchtown. It may result in flooding on the North side of the A586. LCC Highways will advise the engineers when they have met Churchtown FLAG Issues & Actions Update
investigate ownership and LCC has funding to undertake a topographic survey. The Environment Agency and Wyre River Trust have undertaken the Wyre Investment Readiness Project looking how green infrastructure can be assessed in Wyre. A press statement has been released.
The list has not been published but will be available before the August meeting. It is a sequentially dated list of tasks for the Wyre area with details of progress.
Wyre Senior Engineer has undertaken an inspection of drainage in Hambleton and will distribute a draft report for discussion at a future Forum.
New Issues
A request has been made to clear drains on Shard Lane and Bull Park Lane.
None affecting Over Wyre Any Other Business Land at Preesall Hill Cart Gate is for sale. Tom Myerscough asked whether a sale would have an impact on proposed works to deal with flooding at the bottom of the hill. Officers will
Next meeting of the Making Space For Water Group is on Thurs 27th Aug and the next Forum meeting will be held electronically on Fri 11th Sept. Roger Brooks
GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 47) 1. How many sides does a trapezium have? 2. Which French phrase means ‘already seen’? 3. Which stimulant is found in tea and coffee?
11. Where in the Ukraine did a nuclear reactor explode in 1986? 12. Which scandal made US President Richard Nixon resign?
4. What does a ‘twitcher’ look for?
13. Nuclear war threatened in 1962 over Soviet missiles in which country?
5. Which trees can be Dutch, English or wych?
14. Who was manager of The Beatles until his death in 1967?
6. Which American creature is renowned for its Foul-smelling defence mechanism?
15. Which D.H. Lawrence book from the 20s resulted in an Old Bailey obscenity trial?
7. Which two colours are most frequently confused in colour blindness? 8. Who produced Ike and Tina Turners hit ‘River Deep and Mountain High’? 9. Which Middle-Eastern tower built in the 2000s became the world’s tallest building? 10. What is the process by which plants make food using light?
16. Which doctor’s report led to the cutting of the railway network? 17. Which planet is closest to the sun? 18. Which cosmetic company had an advert which featured a distinctive door bell? 19. Al Capone was imprisoned in the 1930s for what offence? 20. What is the chemical symbol for lead?
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NEW COMBINED AUTHORITY Lancashire Council Leaders Agree to Explore New Combined Authority Council leaders have agreed in principle to explore a combined authority for Lancashire. At a meeting of all Lancashire council leaders on Wednesday a unanimous decision was taken for the councils to work together more closely to improve the economy of Lancashire addressing issues such as transport and inward investment. At a meeting of Lancashire council leaders on Wed 10th June councillors agreed that:
All councils in Lancashire agree to continue to explore the possibility of working together with our local authority partners to investigate setting up a combined authority to embrace the county’s future economic opportunities. The agreement needs to be ratified by each of the councils represented and will be subject to local democratic processes. Other areas of the UK which have set up a combined authority have seen a boost to investment in the economy, infrastructure and skills. Councillor Geoff Driver, Leader of Lancashire County Council stated, “The creation of a combined authority is a great opportunity The principle has been positively endorsed today by Lancashire County Council’s Cabinet”. Council leaders acknowledged that the delivery of local government functions may need to be simplified in the combined authority area. They have agreed to explore models of devolution and improved governance arrangements in the future. Councillor David Henderson, Leader of Wyre Borough Council and Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Borough Council, and Chair of the District Leaders Forum stated, “Councils in Lancashire are keen to work together for the benefit of all our residents and businesses across Lancashire. The interest in a combined authority for Lancashire stems from the ability to access greater Government funding to assist the growth of businesses and stimulate the economy.” Communications and Marketing Team
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GREY MATTER ANSWERS
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
1. Four 2. Deja vue 3. Caffeine 4. Birds 5. Elms 6. Skunk 7. Red and green 8. Phil Spector 9. The Burj Khalifa 10. Photosynthesis 11. Chernobyl 12. Watergate 13. Cuba 14. Brian Epstein 15. Lady Chatterley’s Lover 16. Dr. Beeching 17. Mercury 18. Avon 19. Tax evasion 20. Pb
Across 4 Owl 6 Woodland 7 Dew 9 Sprains 11 Teach 12 Pence 14 Expense 15 Dee 17 Villager 18 Dye Down 1 Complete 2 Advance 3 Jaunt 4 Odd 5 Law 8 Excesses 10 Senegal 13 Exile 15 Dud 16 Eve
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