FOCUS MAGAZINE 'The Green Book'
GARSTANG - Scorton - Cabus - Garstang - Catterall - Bonds - Bowgreave - St Michaels - Churchtown
Issue 241 November 2020
LOCAL COVID ALERT LEVEL
VERY HIGH YOU MUST : Follow the specific rules in your local area Not mix with other households indoors Only meet people outdoors in open public spaces in groups of up to six Reduce your number of journeys, avoid travel outside the area unless needed
Find all local restrictions and laws at gov.uk/coronavirus
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Welcome to Focus Magazine... Restrictions in Tier 3.........................................4
Garstang Fairtrade............................................36
Wyre’s Covid Alert Level................................10
Garstang Camera Club...................................37
Wyre’s Test & Trace Support.......................14
Soroptimists..........................................................39
Faith & Community Events............................16
Garstang Medical Centre...............................42
Parkinson’s UK.....................................................18
Garstang Library.................................................44
Plastic: The End of a Love Affair?..............19
Grey Matter Test.................................................45
Cat Smith MP........................................................21
Wyre Flood Forum............................................46
Garstang Heritage Society...........................24
Garstang Wine Circle.......................................47
Armed Forces & Vets Breakfast Club......26
Calder Vale Country Club..............................48
Ben Wallace MP.................................................28
Garstang Historical Society..........................48
Calder Vale Methodist Chapel....................30
Crossword..............................................................49
Garstang Painting Group...............................31
Remembrance Sunday & Covid.................50
Scorton Christmas Fair....................................31
Garstang Town Council...................................50
Cabus Village Hall.............................................33
Cardiac Risk in the Young..............................51
Coffee Stop............................................................33
Green Homes Grant Update........................52
Garstang’s Christmas Lights........................34
Galloways...............................................................54
St Peter’s Christmas Tree Festival............34
Garstang Quakers..............................................54
Garstang Arts Centre.......................................34
Festival of Bowland..........................................54
Garstang Free Methodists.............................35
Puzzle Answers...................................................55
DECEMBER 2020 DEADLINE DATE
The December deadline for editorial and adverts is 5:00pm on Monday 16th November Deliveries of the December edition of Focus Magazine will commence Thursday 26th November 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.
RESTRICTIONS IN TIER 3 When you do so, you must not meet in a group of more than six (includes children of any age). You should also: • Meeting with Family & Friends You must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they are part of your household or support bubble. This includes private homes and indoors in hospitality venues, such as pubs. You must also not meet with people outside of your household or support bubble in a private garden or in most outdoor public venues. You may continue to see friends and family you do not live with (or have formed a support bubble with) in groups of six or less in certain outdoor public spaces, such as: • • •
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parks, beaches, countryside, forests public gardens and allotments outdoor sports facilities and playgrounds.
•
follow social distancing rules when you meet up in groups of six or less limit how many different people you see socially over a short period of time
Groups Larger than Six: Exceptions These include: • • • • • •
in a legally permitted support bubble in a legally permitted childcare bubble for work, volunteering or to provide voluntary or charitable services for education or training to allow contact between birth parents and children in care for arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents or guardians
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RESTRICTIONS IN TIER 3 (cont) • •
• • •
• • • •
for prospective adopting parents to meet a child for supervised activities provided for children, including wraparound care, youth groups and playgroups for birth partners to see someone who is dying to provide emergency assistance, to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm to fulfil a legal obligation, such as attending court or jury service to provide care or assistance to someone vulnerable to facilitate a house move for a wedding or equivalent ceremony where the organiser has carried out a risk assessment and taken all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the virus – up to a maximum of 15
•
•
• •
•
people (not to take place in private dwellings) for funerals – up to a maximum of 30 people; wakes and other commemorative events are permitted with up to 15 people present (not to take place in private dwellings) for elite sportspeople and their coaches if necessary for competition and training, as well as parents or guardians if they are a child for outdoor exercise and dance classes, organised outdoor sport and licensed outdoor physical activity for indoor organised sport for disabled people, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s support groups of up to 15 participants – formally organised groups to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form
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RESTRICTIONS IN TIER 3 (cont) of support (not to take place in private dwellings) protests – if organised in compliance with Covid-secure guidance
their contact details to the venue or check in using the official NHS COVID-19 app so NHS Test and Trace can contact you if needed.
Where a group includes someone covered by such an exception (for example, someone who is working), they are not generally counted as part of the gatherings limit. This means, for example, a tradesperson can go into a household without breaching the limit, if they are there for work.
To help contain the virus, office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter.
•
Visiting Other Venues, Including Restaurants, Pubs & Places of Worship Pubs and bars will be closed unless they are serving substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal. Retail and places of worship will remain open, but subject to the further restrictions on social contact that apply for this level. At least one person in your group should give
Going to Work
Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work where necessary. Anyone else who cannot work from home should go to their place of work. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk. Those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable can go to work as long as the workplace is COVID secure, but should carry on working from home wherever possible. People living inside and outside of the very high alert level area can continue to travel in and out of the areas for work. There is no limit to the group size when you are meeting or gathering for work purposes, but workplaces should be set up to meet the COVID-secure guidelines. Going to School, College & University The government has prioritised ensuring all children can attend school safely, to support their wellbeing and education and help working parents and guardians. Universities have welcomed students back under guidance that ensures they minimise the spread of the virus. You can move home and travel to go to university but there are some stricter rules in place for very high alert level areas: •
•
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you must not move back and forward between your permanent home and student home during term time – subject to limited exemptions set out in law students living at their university termtime address in a very high alert level
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RESTRICTIONS IN TIER 3 (cont)
•
area should follow the same guidance on meeting other people and travel as others in that area commuter students (those who live at a family home which may not be in the same area as their university and who travel to/from university each day) should be able to continue to travel to and from their university for education purposes
Childcare There are exceptions from legal gatherings limits for registered childcare, education or training, and supervised activities provided for children, including wraparound care, youth groups and activities, and children’s playgroups. This means you can continue to use early years and childcare settings, including childminders, after-school clubs and nannies. The following people can provide childcare
support in private homes and gardens: • • •
registered childcare providers, including nannies people in your support bubble people in your childcare bubble
A childcare bubble is where someone in one household provides informal (unpaid and unregistered) childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household. This must always be between the same two households. Friends or family who do not live with you and are not part of a support or childcare bubble must not visit your home to help with childcare. Childcare bubbles are to be used to provide childcare only, and not for the purposes of different households mixing. Visiting Relatives in Care Homes You should not visit a care home except in exceptional circumstances, e.g to visit an individual who is at the end of their life.
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RESTRICTIONS IN TIER 3 (cont) Travel You may continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, for work, or to access education, within a very high alert level area, but you should and aim to reduce the number of journeys you make. If you need to travel we encourage you to walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. This will allow you to practise social distancing while you travel. If you need to use public transport, you should follow the safer travel guidance. This includes the rules on wearing face masks and advice on car sharing. In addition, we are advising people not to travel into or out of an area if it has been categorised as a very high alert level area. This is part of wider measures to help manage the risk of transmission. You can continue to travel into or out of very high alert level areas if you need to for work, education, to access youth services or because of caring responsibilities. You may also do so where necessary as part of a longer journey – such as when a journey between lower risk areas passes through a very high alert level area, or when going to an airport, port or international rail terminal to travel abroad. Est. 1970
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If you are travelling, you must only do so with members of your household or support bubble, and should follow the safer travel guidance. If you are a resident in a very high alert level area, we ask you to avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, except if you need to for work, education or caring responsibilities. This means we are asking you not to leave the very high alert level area to stay in a second home, if you own one. You must not stay with anyone you do not live with elsewhere in the UK or visit their home.
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RESTRICTIONS IN TIER 3 (cont) Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Religious Services & Funerals You can attend places of worship for a service if you’re in a very high alert level area. However, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. You should follow the national guidance on the safe use of places of worship. Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies must only take place in Covid-secure venues or in public outdoor spaces unless in exceptional circumstances. Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are restricted to 15 people. Receptions must not take place in a very high alert level area. Funerals must only take place in Covidsecure venues or in public outdoor spaces with up to 30 people in attendance. Wakes or linked ceremonial events before or after the funeral are limited to 15 people and must not take place in private homes. Where food or drink is consumed, this should be in the form of a sit-down meal to ensure people can keep their distance from each other. Anyone working at a wedding, civil partnership ceremony, wake or funeral is not generally counted as part of the limit. Within these larger gatherings, people do not need to limit their interaction to groups of six or their own household, but social distancing should still be followed between people who do not live together or share a support bubble. People living outside of a very high alert level area can travel to this area to attend an event, but they must not meet with another household in a private home or garden and we are asking them not to stay overnight. Sport & Physical Activity You can take part in organised outdoor sport and physical activity, including exercise classes, in any number, provided this follows the relevant guidance. Organised sport, exercise classes and other activity groups are only permitted indoors if it is possible for
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RESTRICTIONS IN TIER 3 (cont) people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). Moving Home You can still move home if you’re in a very high alert level area.
Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work and people looking to move home can continue to undertake viewings. Follow the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing and wearing a face covering. Further information about Covid Guidance For more information and guidance about coronavirus, please visit www.gov.uk or www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronaviruscovid-19/
WYRE’S COVID ALERT LEVEL Wyre, along with the rest of Lancashire, has been moved into the ‘very high’ Covid alert level by government. The restrictions will mean that new measures will come into place including: •
people must not socialise with anybody who is not part of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting or in any private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events
•
people must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in an outdoor public space such as a park or beach, the countryside, a public garden or a sports venue
•
all pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals
•
people should try to avoid travelling outside the very high alert level or entering a very high alert level area other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities or to travel through as part of a longer journey
•
residents should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, and others should avoid staying overnight in the
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WYRE’S COVID ALERT LEVEL (cont) very high alert area In addition, following discussions with local leaders it was agreed that: •
the adult gaming industry, casinos, bingo halls, bookmakers and betting shops, and soft play areas must close
•
car boot sales would not be permitted
•
gyms, leisure centres and close contact hair and beauty services remain open at this time.
The decision is accompanied by a support package for Lancashire to help minimise the impact on Lancashire’s businesses and residents. New, local arrangements and funding will also be introduced for test and trace to give Lancashire more control of the contact tracing process. We are awaiting further guidance on the local restrictions support grant which will be available for businesses that have been required to close due to temporary Covid local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government. Speaking on behalf of Lancashire’s leaders, Lancashire County Council’s leader Geoff Driver CBE said: ‘Across Lancashire, the coronavirus situation is serious and getting worse. Lancashire’s leaders all agree that, as we approach winter, urgent action has to be taken now to ensure the county is not overwhelmed by the virus. ‘After major negotiations with government, we have agreed a bespoke deal for Lancashire that means our businesses and residents will receive extra support that will not be available elsewhere in the country. ‘I want to thank all of the Lancashire leaders for the constructive and meaningful discussions we have had over the past week. The deal has presented real challenges for some and they have only been able to sign up with reluctance, but we have been willing to work across party lines so that we can
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WYRE’S COVID ALERT LEVEL (cont) hammer this out with government. ‘These new restrictions will affect us all, but we know they will be particularly harsh on those who make their living in our hospitality sector. It is a vital and valued part of our economy and we are all committed to maximising the support we can give as a result of this deal.’ As the new restrictions come in, the directors of public health for Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool made a joint plea to the public to stick to the rules. Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Professor Dominic Harrison and Dr Arif Rajpura said: ‘We are at a very dangerous phase of the pandemic. Infection rates are going up across Lancashire and hospitals are getting busier.’ ‘We have to level with you – it isn’t happening any time soon. All of our lives have been affected by coronavirus and will continue to be so until we have a vaccine. Now that
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Lancashire has entered tier three the next month is critical to getting the virus under control. ‘In the meantime, as public health professionals we have a responsibility to do all we can to protect the people of Lancashire and we are working night and day to do so. But you also have a role to play as well to protect yourself, your family and your community. By sticking to the restrictions – even though we know it’s hard – and following the simple guidance around hands, face and space you will help limit the spread of coronavirus. Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods of Lancashire Constabulary, added: ‘It’s imperative that we all work together and follow the rules so that the restrictions will be eased sooner. ‘None of us want to be in this situation but abiding now will help us bring the infection rates down and save lives. We’ve taken a common-sense approach to policing the regulations throughout the pandemic and this will not change. ‘Our first priority is to engage with people and explain the rules, but we do want to be clear that we will enforce them where we need to, especially around repeat offenders, significant gatherings and people who deliberately flout the regulations and put others at risk.’ Find out exactly what you can or cannot do under the very high alert level at gov.uk Wyre Borough Council www.wyre.gov.uk
WYRE’S TEST & TRACE SUPPORT Payment Scheme Now Open Wyre Council has launched its Test and Trace support payment scheme for residents who have to self-isolate, can’t work from home and are on a low income. In England you are now required by law to self-isolate if you receive a positive Covid test
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TEST & TRACE SUPPORT (cont) result or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. If you can’t work because you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace and you can’t work from home and you are on a low income or in receipt of a qualifying benefit, you may be able to claim for help. The payment scheme is now open which will see eligible people able to claim a £500 payment. If there is more than one person in your household who has been told to self-isolate, then they can also make a separate claim for a support payment provided they too are eligible. The Test and Trace support payment has been introduced in response to feedback that some residents were struggling to self-isolate owing to financial constraints. It also helps to ensure that people on low
incomes self-isolate when they test positive or are identified as a contact, and to encourage more people to get tested and help reduce the transmission of Covid. Councillor Alan Vincent, Resources Portfolio Holder for Wyre Council comments, ‘We are pleased to have this new scheme in place for our residents. ‘It’s vital that if you are told by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate that you do so in order to protect your loved ones and the wider community. However, we understand the financial pressure this can bring and so it’s important that support is there for those who need it most. This will provide some reassurance for those concerned about a loss of income. ‘There is criteria that residents will need to meet but full details are on our website and we aim to process applications as quickly as possible.’
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TEST & TRACE SUPPORT (cont) To find out if you’re eligible and to make an application go to: www.wyre.gov.uk/selfisolationpayment
been taken to prohibit large-scale events to mark these occasions in Lancashire. Angie Ridgwell, Chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, said:
FAITH & COMMUNITY EVENTS The Lancashire Resilience Forum (LRF) has issued guidance on restrictions around upcoming faith and community events for the remainder of 2020 due to Covid. The restrictions relate to upcoming events including: Prophet Muhammad’s birthdate (Wed 28th / Thu 29th Oct), Halloween (Sat 31st Oct), bonfire celebrations (Thu 5th - Sat 7th Nov), Remembrance Sunday (Sun 8th Nov), Diwali (Sat 14th Nov), Hanukkah (Thu 10th – Fri 18th Dec) and the switching on of Christmas lights. In line with national restrictions on numbers at events and our strong advice in Lancashire to avoid households mixing, the decision has
‘We know these are important events for everyone in our community and we’re sorry that we have to do this. We haven’t taken these decisions lightly and are really grateful for your support. By following this guidance we will all limit the spread of coronavirus and help keep people safe. ‘While Lancashire continues to experience a rapid increase of coronavirus cases that puts the county among the highest level of transmissions in the country, large scale community events create too great a risk for the public. ‘It is vital that we all work together to follow these regulations and avoid the temptation
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FAITH & COMMUNITY EVENTS (cont) to break the rules on visiting other people’s homes or gardens to celebrate these events putting yourself and others at risk. ‘We are working with various faith and business groups as well as charitable and community organisations – such as the British Legion – to see whether alternative arrangements can be made to mark these occasions.’ Councillor David Henderson, Leader of Wyre Council comments: ‘This year we would like to encourage our residents to mark these occasions in a different way, to keep our community safe. On Remembrance Sunday the usual commemorative services will not be taking place in Wyre and we suggest that residents instead join us from their homes in a doorstep two minute silence at 11:00am. Wreaths can also be laid from Sun 1st Nov to help spread
out visitors to our memorial sites.’ Unfortunately, trick or treating will not be permitted this year as it would increase the risk of household transmissions. So, this year the message is very much, let’s celebrate in a different way and find safer ways to have fun. Event organisers looking for guidance can call Wyre Council on (01253) 891000.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY IN WYRE Wyre Council is encouraging residents to observe a doorstep two minute silence on Remembrance Sunday (Sun 8th Nov) to remember those that fought for our country. In line with national restrictions on numbers at events and restrictions on households mixing, the decision has been taken to prohibit large-scale events to mark these occasions in Lancashire.
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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY (cont) Despite the changes this year, the council is encouraging residents to ensure Remembrance Sunday is still marked appropriately by taking part in remote Remembrance activity, whether that be watching the service on television or pausing for the two minute silence in their home or on their doorsteps. Wyre Council will be airing a pre-recorded virtual remembrance service which will be led by the Reverend George Ayoma for residents to have their own service at home. Councillor David Henderson, Leader of Wyre Council comments: ‘This year we would like to encourage our residents to mark these occasions in a different way, to keep our community safe. ‘On Remembrance Sunday the usual commemorative services will not be taking place in Wyre and we suggest that residents instead join us from their homes in a doorstep
two minute silence at 11:00am.’ Residents are also encouraged to lay wreaths from Sun 1st Nov to help spread out visitors to our memorial sites. The Marine Hall in Fleetwood will also be lit red to honour the day. You can make a donation to the Royal British Legion online at: www.britishlegion.org.uk/ get-involved/ways-to-give/donate
PARKINSON’S UK Preston & District Branch In view of the latest news about the Covid pandemic we decided that members’ health could be at risk and therefore have abandoned the plan to hold any kind of meeting in December. We are hoping to be able to start activities in January or February 2021. It is in the lap of the Gods. Keep up to date on our Facebook page. Committee News Our Chair and our Treasurer have both resigned due to (separate) domestic reasons. Both positions have been filled from within, subject to branch approval. The present committee is as follows: Chair David Brown Vice-chair Vacant Treasurer Ian Higgibotham Secretary Sally Hardaker Excursions Manager Mehmet Bekir Collections Manager Val Higginbotham Membership Manager Steve Hardaker Committee members Dave Fishwick Craig Millar This leaves us with at least two vacancies. If you think you could be interested in joining our committee please give me a call. Steve Hardaker (01995) 608962
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PLASTIC: THE END OF A LOVE AFFAIR? We fell in love with plastic, didn’t we? The idea of picking up a bottle and then throwing it away without a care in the world was very persuasive, wasn’t it? It is a remarkably useful material when used well, but the idea of one use and throw away has started to come back to bite us. The fact that every living creature in the ocean now contains particles of plastic is a tragedy of such huge proportions we should be weeping as we stare out to sea. Even our rain drops contain plastic! And we know that it can be highly toxic and have weird ‘gender bending’ effects on aquatic life and a myriad of other harmful effects too. What have we done? What makes it even worse is that there is no sign of this stopping. Right now they have built more ‘plastic pumping-out’ manufacturing
plants in Scotland, justifying this by saying it can all be recycled so it is okay. This is the similar unpleasant logic to that used by fast food companies who say there’s nothing wrong with having their poison (it is not nutritious vitality bringing food is it?) once a month when they know full well people are not good at moderating and end up eating this trash several times a week. The same is true for plastic. They justify the outrageous pushing of this one-use plastic onto us when they know full well most of it cannot be recycled because we do not have the capacity to cope with it. Most of it is discarded to landfill where is slowly leaches poisons into our environment for the next few thousand years. But it’s out of sight out of mind isn’t it? If humanity is still around in a thousand years they will look back on our behaviour of the
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PLASTIC: THE LOVE AFFAIR? (cont) last few decades and think we were insane vandals who did our level best to destroy the very things that allow there to be life on the planet. So as we move towards the festive season and the modern madness of mountains of presents and precious little soul, I ask you all to think about what you are buying. How is it packaged? Most importantly what is it made of and will it add value to your life or that of whoever you buy it for? Or will it be a novelty that is discarded soon never to be looked at again whose only purpose was to encourage consumption of our resources to make money for some faceless someone somewhere else. I would urge you to make simple changes. If you buy bottled water then look for that which is in glass bottles, turn your back on the plastic and eventually the manufacturers may get the message. If there is unnecessary r Open fo & s s busine g in r e adh ty fe a s o t es guidelin
plastic packaging don’t just ignore it, send it back to the shop or the manufacturer, when mountains of the stuff heads back to them they will have to work out what to do next won’t they. And don’t forget there are now refill stations for plastic-free cleaning products and water stations sprouting up all over the place where you can fill up a reusable bottle. There is even an app for your phone called ‘Refill’ that will show you where these places are in your local area - you’d be surprised how many are appearing. Sustainable living has to come now and we can all begin taking the first steps to a cleaner, healthier future by doing our bit. I wish you all well. Nick Tofolos t: (01995) 918718
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CAT SMITH MP It’s been a really busy month in the House of Commons. I’ve tackled ministers about fish and seafood wholesalers being hard hit by the Covid crisis, I’ve launched a campaign to keep the Lancaster Royal Infirmary open, I’ve fought for the government to continue protecting renters from eviction, appealed for improved skate park facilities for young people, challenged the government to make sure families with young children are still able to access childcare and I continue to hold weekly surgeries for constituents and work on their behalf to help resolve their problems. I recently enjoyed a visit to Winmarleigh and Cockerham Moss where the Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) manages the best example of a lowland raised peat bog in the county. Nestled between the villages of Cockerham and Winmarleigh, the reserve is a real hidden gem, but is still recovering from a chequered past.
Peatlands are also key habitats for endangered and rare species of wildlife including the bog bush cricket, black darter dragonfly, round-leaved sundew and more. After years of destructive activity, the Moss was drying out and losing its important animal and plant-life. Thankfully, the staff and volunteers at the Lancashire Wildlife Trust are working hard to re-wet the moss and encourage the regrowth of important plants. Supported by their other restoration work, Winmarleigh and Cockerham Moss is beginning to thrive once more. Now, Common lizards can be spotted scuttling amongst the vegetation and fascinating plants like the carnivorous round-leaved sundew lurk underfoot. Sphagnum moss is beginning to regrow, and the beautiful red rubies of bog cranberry can be seen across the reserve. Sadly I didn’t see any but I’m told that most exciting of all are the rare large
Drained and exploited for peat extraction, the Moss suffered serious degradation until its fortunes began to turn around in the 1990’s when, under the auspices of English Nature, work was started to re-wet and restore the land. Then in 2010 and 2012, LWT bought both Cockerham Moss and Winmarleigh Moss to safeguard the wildlife and to begin restoring this invaluable landscape. Peatlands are critically important from an ecoperspective. Thanks to the wet, acidic, low nutrient conditions, they can store millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide that has been absorbed over thousands of years, helping in the fight against climate change. Not only that, but they reduce the risk of flooding by soaking up water during periods of high rainfall and gradually releasing it over time. By contrast, a degraded peatland actively leaks carbon into the atmosphere.
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) heath butterflies which flit across the boggy areas of Winmarleigh Moss between late June and early August. Congratulations to all those who are playing such an important role in the conservation of our planet. As we look ahead to Remembrance Sunday on Sun 8th Nov, for some the event will have particular poignancy. Earlier this year we marked 75 years since VE Day and VJ Day, and we’ve seen our Armed Forces playing a vital role in helping during the Coronavirus pandemic. The values of service and sacrifice which have been the hallmark of generations of our military personnel have been evident again as the Armed Forces have stood alongside essential workers on the front line as we try to control the spread of this disease. And because of the pandemic, Remembrance this year will also be very different with acts of commemoration scaled back or cancelled.
I’ll be making a private visit to the cenotaphs in Fleetwood, Over Wyre and Lancaster to pay my respects in the week leading up to the commemoration. Wreaths can be laid from Sun 1st Nov to help spread out visitors to the memorial sites. And like many others I’ll commemorate the sacrifice of so many by standing on my doorstep for a two-minute silence at 11:00am. And if you’re a veteran, or carer or family of a veteran and you need some extra support Age UK Lancashire has launched a new service to provide practical support for live-in family members and carers of veterans aged 50+. The service is free to access and offers up to 12 weeks of support for veterans and their family and carers. Support is tailored to meet individual needs and can include information and advice, practical support, access to a wide network of contacts, self-development,
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) how to lead a healthier lifestyle and consider new opportunities and aspirations. This service is available to people living in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre areas. For more information call 0300 303 123 or email advice@ageuklancs.org.uk As the health crisis drags on, many constituents have expressed how worried they are about their health as they face winter living under the current restrictions. If you’re already having problems – you are absolutely not alone. There is a great website by The Mental Health Foundation and they have a specific area for dealing with the circumstances we find ourselves in. See www.mentalhealth. org.uk The site also has links to all the mental health talking charities that can offer support when you need it. They also advise that if you’re
concerned that you’re developing a mental health problem then call your GP now (GPs are repeatedly telling me that they are open for business so don’t hesitate to make an appointment). If you’re in distress and need immediate help and are unable to see a GP, you should contact your local A&E. I send you all my warmest good wishes and hope you all stay well. Cat Smith MP
GARSTANG HERITAGE SOCIETY We are in the process of upgrading our website. As part of this we have almost completed WW2 research and got all the fallen from the rural district uploaded ready to go live. What we would really like are photos of the men to add to their profile on the Poppy Trail section. Many local residents have kindly provided information and photos already. If your relative is on a memorial anywhere in the rural district and you have any information or photos of them please let us know. Our Poppy Trail area covers the former Garstang Rural District. Finally we have struggled to find any information at all about two men from WW1 - if you can help we would really appreciate it. They are: • •
Michael Benson from the WW1 memorial at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Great Eccleston James Crompton from the War Memorial at Calder Vale
Mary Randles e: garstangheritagecentre@gmail.com
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ARMED FORCES BREAKFAST CLUB
The Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs are groups of men and women, both serving and veterans of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, her allies, and the Merchant Navy. Before Covid we used to meet regularly to enjoy a breakfast together in a safe, social, informal and familiar environment. However, the last six months have seen many events cancelled and the breakfast club has been unable to meet since March. We were very disappointed at having to cancel events to celebrate VE Day, Armed Forces Day and VJ Day this year due to the restrictions imposed by Covid, but we are continuing to learn and adapt to ensure we can offer help and support as and when it is needed and as a club we continue to grow. We had hoped to re-start the breakfast club
meetings to coincide with our first anniversary on Sat 3rd Oct but changes to the recent guidelines meant this could not happen. However, we had been exploring alternatives and one which we were able to organise was a walk for our veterans which met all the requirements of the restrictions and meant that we could meet in groups of less than six, socially distance and still enjoy the sights around Garstang. This took place in October exactly one year since our first breakfast club. The weather on the day was far from ideal but the route out towards Scorton did allow us to see the sights and sounds of the Princess Elizabeth steam train as it made its way Northwards. You can see a video of the walk courtesy of our latest new member, Brendan McGrath. The video can be seen on our Facebook group or on PeakFreakUK on YouTube. Following the walk, we decided that more walks should take place in the future, if
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FORCES BREAKFAST CLUB(cont) the regulations allow.
in a group of more than 6
We are pleased to say that the next walk will be on Sat 7th Nov. Meeting place is by the river at the High Street Council car park at 9:30am. These walks can be as long or as short as members would like but we feel that the opportunity of meeting with others socially is an opportunity too good to miss. We are therefore inviting members of Garstang Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club to join us. You will need to inform us prior to the walk if you wish to take part and this can be done via our Facebook page or email.
•
We need to know in advance if you intend to take part and we will need your contact details for the purpose of Track & Trace i.e. name and phone number. If you have been at all unwell or in contact with anyone who may have Covid, you must not take part in the walk
•
Whilst on the walk you should maintain 2 metres social distancing
Covid Help for Garstang Veterans
Important Details
If you are self-isolating and require assistance with the delivery of food, medicines, or just someone to talk to:
•
We can walk in groups of 6 or less
Give us a ring and we will try to help you.
•
It is advisable to wear a mask
•
We cannot meet and socialise with members of the other groups during or after the walk, if that means you are now
t: 07772 025448 / 07391 553213 e: garstangafvbc@gmail.com fb: Garstang Armed Forces & Veterans www.afvbc.net/clubs/garstang
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BEN WALLACE MP With winter just around the corner and the shorter days closing in, I hope you are all coping well in these strange and challenging times. As I write this Lancashire has been placed in the Tier 3 alert category. This is for areas with very high levels of Covid infections. Unfortunately cases in Lancashire have been rising and the fact of the matter is if it keeps rising, sadly, more lives will be lost. Normally during the winter months, our hospitals are under pressure to keep up with the demands of the cold and flu season. This year, Covid will increase the strain on both emergency and non-emergency services, saving lives must be our priority. Speaking to residents, some are unsure of the Tier 3 restrictions, although as time goes by we are all getting more familiar with them.
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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) I have visited businesses to find out how they are coping and to discover first-hand the challenges they are facing. In general many business have welcomed the financial package from the government and are doing their best during these challenging times. I have been contacted by employers and employees alike and I am trying to ensure all information given is clear and concise in a fast moving situation. You can stay up to date by following the links and using the numbers,provided below. I have been extremely impressed by local businesses, many of whom are in the retail, entertainment and hospitality sector. They have adapted to the current situation by changing ways of working while still adhering to the current restrictions. I say this in this column every month, but, I do believe locally the vast majority have and will always apply common sense to the present situation. Doing
this and following the guidance is how we will get through these difficult times. For up to date information on the pandemic go to: www.gov.uk/coronavirus and www.nhs. uk. Please remember your community hub, Wyre Together (01253) 891000. Also, the Department of Health and Social Care helpline number for any on-going Covid queries is 0300 303 2713. If anyone is showing symptoms of Covid, they will be able to arrange testing. I am extremely disappointed that we cannot go ahead with the normal remembrance arrangements. However, nationally the Armed Forces will join with the Royal British Legion as they did earlier this year on the successful VE and VJ Day commemorations to lead the nation once again in showing our respects for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Locally, I know that many residents will want to visit their local war memorial to pay their respects - I would urge you to do this sometime
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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday so as not to attract crowds. I also understand that Wyre Council is asking residents to observe a two minute silence at 11:00am on Remembrance Sunday.
If you are concerned about flooding visit www. lancashire.gov.uk or call 0300 123 6780. For United Utilities related issues, go to www. unitedutilities.com and follow the link for ‘emergencies and flooding’.
For anyone who will struggle to buy a poppy this year, you can make a donation by going to www.britishlegion.org.uk
The most effective way to contact me is by email at 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 at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5804 or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
In addition to the mail I am receiving about the current Covid situation, the issues that normally dominate my mail bag are still coming through from planning worries to localised flooding and highways issues. Please be assured myself and my team will continue to work hard on all issues. Flooding is an issue which is unfortunately occurring more often. If you are flooded you should report it in the first instance to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60, but if there is an immediate risk to life or you are trapped by flood water call 999.
Ben Wallace MP
CALDER VALE METHODIST CHAPEL We were planning to open for Sunday worship in late Nov but our plans have changed. We’ll wait to see what Dec seems to be bringing. It is with sadness that we heard that outdoor remembrance services are not allowed, but
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we are asked that we stand on our doorsteps at 11:00am on Sun 8th Nov and keep the two minute silence. Wreaths can, of course, be laid on the war memorials at anytime. We continue our take away lunches each Friday. They are available to all who can get to Calder Vale at 12:45pm on a Friday. There are two courses (just one if you prefer). They do need to be pre-ordered. The printed material for Sunday worship or details of services that are on Zoom are available. Please contact me for details and to order the lunches. Keep well and keep safe. Edith Gorst t: (01995) 602078
GARSTANG PAINTING GROUP We are still very quiet during the current lockdown, but here and there is a stirring of talent as members continue our tradition of working under all types of stress! Several members have joined a WhatsApp group suited to the season and are following a theme of ‘Autumn’ with paintings of browns and oranges. November will mean a change of pallet colours, possibly to include firework displays and such, inviting all sorts of imaginative illustrations. We cannot wait until the time when we can all, hopefully, continue where we left off. So, happy painting everyone and stay safe. Bill Barnes
SCORTON CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR Visit the fantastic Scorton Christmas Gift Fair on Sun 1st Nov & Sunday 22nd Nov at the village hall from 10:30am - 4:00pm Our fair features 25 stalls selling tasty foods and fabulous gifts including cheese, preserves, textiles, Christmas gifts and decorations, jewellery and soaps, traditional wooden crafts, chocolate, glassware and candles. There’s sadly no cafe this year and we
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CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR (cont) are operating as an indoor market so face coverings must be worn. There will be a one way system and no mixed households please. Joanne Golton t: (01524) 791818 scortonvillage@outlook.com
CABUS VILLAGE HALL Despite the restrictions that are limiting the Act of Remembrance, Cabus will hopefully join other villages in honouring members of the parish who died in World War I. It is planned that a memorial stone will be erected outside Cabus Village Hall before Wed 11th Nov. The site will be on the boundary of the village hall and the pavement of the A6. To date, there is no recognition of service personnel who died in conflict after the end of the first World War but there is space available on the memorial for them to be included. The committee also took the decision to include personnel who had died in the Merchant Navy providing they had been parishioners of Cabus. If you are aware of anyone who should be included, please contact myself. The committee would like to thank Wyre Memorials for their generous donation of the stone, the engraving and the installation. Ruth Bruce - Secretary e: cabusruth@gmail.com
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COFFEE STOP Our community cafes in Inglewhite and Catterall are sadly having to remain closed. We’re planning to connect with both our communities by delivering a lovely magazine of HOPE through as many doors as we can over the next few weeks. The magazine is produced by Good News for Everyone, previously known as Gideons UK. Our hope is that it reminds you that you are not alone. I know many churches are open in Covid secure ways; we are too, so if it’s right for you, feel free to book a place on a Sunday.
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COFFEE STOP (cont) Lots of events as well as our services continue to be easily accessible online. If we can support you in any way, please get in touch via the church email or phone number which you can find via the website.
Your invaluable donation towards the new Christmas Lights would help to make Garstang a magical place: great for locals, whilst the lights also attract tourists and shoppers from all over the North West to our town.
Lesley Hardman t: (01995) 641175 (Church Office) www.inglewhitechurch.org.uk
Can you help to Light Up Garstang this year by making a donation to our Go Fund Me campaign? http://gf.me/u/yvg7mr Thank you.
GARSTANG’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Garstang’s Christmas Lights are funded greatly by donations and fundraising events, but due to circumstances this year we have had to cancel our fundraising efforts. We still have £6,000 to raise after the generous donations made by Wyre Council, Garstang Town Council, Garstang Town Trust and Garstang Ice Cream Festival. More than ever, we need the dark days of Nov and Dec to be lit up by lights to help bring us cheer - but we do need your help!
Kate Pollard f: @garstanglights
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL St Peter’s Church With regret we have to cancel the festival for this year but wish to thank those people who have supported us in previous years. We are putting all our energies into making sure that the 2021 festival will be spectacular! Mrs Gale S. Barton
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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE Did you know that if you order online from AmazonSmile a small proportion of the amount spent will be sent to Garstang & District Arts Society? Just change from Amazon to AmazonSmile and search for Garstang under the charity search facility. There is no extra cost for you to pay but a small donation goes to the Arts Centre. Every little helps. Thank you. Anne Marie Whitehead (01995) 603311
GARSTANG FREE METHODISTS As our area has been put into the highest tier of restrictions, we cannot know when we will be able to have our regular meetings. We started holding monthly Communion Services in September and our next one is on Sun 29th Nov at 10:00am and 11:00am at o We als ton in s g lo supply of logs & ets bags, n firegrates g, n li d e kin h mor & muc
Garstang Golf Club. We take every precaution possible and follow the latest government guidelines to ensure the experience is as safe as it can be. As part of this you must book prior to attending using: garstangfmbookings@gmail.com or phone 07857 389 923. Our building work has been continuing and we are so looking forward to being able to welcome you all in when it is safe to do so! Our website has lots of helpful information, including items on parenting and mental health, as well as links to all our on-line services and kids videos. We are still here if you need us and contact details are also on the website. Katie Devany e: info@garstangfmc.org.uk www.garstangfmc.org.uk
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FAIRTRADE Town Council Annual Awards 2020 Ruth Bruce, who was nominated in the Good Citizen category, said about Charlie Collinson who was awarded the trophy ‘Your success was so well deserved. What you have done for Garstang long term was worthy of the award, and what you and your group organised for Garstang during lock down was exceptional, beyond the call of duty. I am just so glad for the Fairtrade Group that my nomination was thought to be worthy of consideration’ High Street Stall We apologise for having to cancel our stall on Sat 10th Oct but unfortunately, along with all other planned events, it had to be cancelled due the Covid pandemic. However, we will look to start holding events again in 2021. AGM We were due to hold our AGM this month but again, due to restrictions, we are having to
consider alternative options including holding a Zoom AGM or postponing it until 2021. Further details on our Facebook page. Fairtrade Fortnight 2021 Fairtrade have been hard at work planning next year’s Fairtrade Fortnight and we will share more details about the activities that you can get involved in soon. Over the past two years the Fairtrade Foundation led a successful Cocoa Living Income campaign. In 2019 it focused on raising awareness for the need for living incomes for cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and in 2020 it focused on motivating support for living incomes for cocoa farmers. Recently the Fairtrade Foundation announced the news about Nestle’s plans to leave Fairtrade in October 2020 and highlighted how this leaves many cocoa farmers with unanswered questions and a lack of a voice.
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FAIRTRADE (cont)
GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB
In 2021 Fairtrade Fortnight will concentrate on the challenges that climate change brings to farmers and the resilience that better incomes can provide for those most vulnerable. Farmers in the global south have contributed the least to the climate crisis but are already feeling the impacts the hardest.
Hello to everyone. How time does fly. We are already five weeks into our new season and autumn is now with us. She arrives with splendid colours with or without Covid, and gives us plenty to photograph if we look for it - although the shorter days make us move a little quicker to catch the light and the good shots.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2021 will build further on the importance of better incomes for farmers. The main objective will be to educate and raise awareness on climate change and the need for better incomes to tackle these. The key messages will develop around how better incomes and the choice to use the Fairtrade Premium as farmers see fit in their communities provides flexibility to respond to growing challenges including unexpected pressures from climate change. Peter Ryder www.garstangfairtrade.org.uk f: @garstang-fairtrade LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESS SINCE 2008
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Membership numbers are slightly down from previous years but there is still time for past members to renew and put a cheque in the post (see the treasurer’s details at the end of the article). As well as that gentle reminder, I would urge anyone with an interest in ‘making’ pictures, even on phones, to join us.
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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB (cont)
SOROPTIMISTS
We are a very friendly group of individuals at all levels of photography very willing to help newcomers. All meetings this session have had to be held via Zoom and, quite possibly, if restrictions stay or even alter, this may well be for the remainder of the club’s year. We realise that Zoom is not the preferred way to hold our meetings but at this time there is no other safe alternative, and this approach has eliminated a ‘lost’ year. Do contact us to give us a try (details are on the website). The meetings to date have been quite successful but with a totally different approach - even this year’s photography show was produced on line. On our last summer outing in Sept to Leven’s Hall and park, we were blessed with superb weather from dawn to dusk with plenty to shoot from black backed deer, the Bagot’s goats and even the salmon that were leaping. We do try to put on a good show! Our programme for November begins on Wed 4th Nov when we welcome on screen Steve Myall with ‘100 Strangers’ Portraits’. This is followed on Wed 11th Nov with Jane Lines who will be judging our Event’s Cup Competition from across this year. Philip Medcalf will close Nov with ‘Alpha Marine Photography’. One of the few benefits, thanks to Covid, is that we no longer have to brave the cold damp nights to travel to the Arts Centre (personally, I would rather!). Remember, please keep safe.
Women Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives Meetings Well, like everyone else we’re playing the waiting game – how do we plan for the future when we’re not sure if we can physically meet up or not, whether we can actually go out or not? Will we be back in lockdown and how long will it last? Things are worrying but we are lucky to be a close group of friends who have managed to keep on meeting electronically our IT skills are greatly improved! Mary’s Meals / BackPacks We held our first social meeting by Zoom recently, getting an update on the workings and progress of Mary’s Meals. The Countryside
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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) We managed to watch a great video featuring actor, Gerard Butler who has been to see for himself the amazing work done by this charity to support some of the poorest children across the world to have at least one meal and be able to attend school. It’s well worth watching – see http://bit.ly/marys-meals Last month we shared a thank you letter from Mary’s Meals for the work we do in sending them completed BackPacks. This month we’d like to say a great big ‘thank you’ ourselves to all our friends and supporters who have never stopped helping us with this over the summer months and who have continued to collect lots of toothpaste, pencils and other essentials to go into the backpacks throughout the stress of lockdown. We really do appreciate the wonderful assistance we get from everyone.
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Garstang Christmas Lights Just because we’re confined to our homes doesn’t mean we’re abandoning our community. Usually at this time we would be getting ready to sell parched peas for our annual charity and providing a Christmas hamper to support the Garstang Christmas Lights. These lights are a beautiful display each year and, more so than ever in these strange times, will provide a huge boost to everyone’s mental health and well-being. So please, consider popping along to Carrs in Garstang and donating a little towards the fundraising for the lights if you can. The Victorian Festival is a great loss to the town this year and will impact greatly on the ‘lights’ fundraising. We know the Christmas Lights fundraising committee will gratefully receive anything you can spare.
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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) Something Different… Thanks to Muriel and her dogged determination, we have just ordered our new ‘Soroptimist’ branded neck scarves which we will be wearing with pride the moment we’re set loose on the world again – I’m sure you’ll agree, they’re smart! Other Work But whilst still confined, our work continues and we are happy to report that we are busy working with Cabus and Garstang on the Plantlife Road Verge Campaign as part of our aims to work on Planet Sustainable Goal of Increasing Biodiversity. Find out more at http://bit.ly/love-wildflowers As part of this, Cabus Parish Council are working on introducing relaxed mowing along the A6 next year. This is not only good for the planet but our well-being as well. I know that I have really enjoyed seeing the increase in flowers and insect life this year due to the reduced mowing. Derian House With no active fundraising this year, we’ve still managed to raise £410 so far for local charity, Derian House. We are still working on ideas for something new! Hopefully we will be able to offer more opportunities to support us with this project once we firm up some plans. Petitions And finally – our petition of the month: As we said last month, with a couple of clicks on the computer you can add your voice to petitions that can change the outlook for so many people, and this is a tool we have had
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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) very good results with. This month we have another opportunity to protect children from forced marriage. See: http://bit.ly/safeguarding-petition
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There’s a short video in the centre of the screen which you can watch for further details. To the right is a panel for you to simply complete your name and email address. You then just need to choose whether you want to receive further emails about this campaign, then click the big red SIGN button. After that you will receive an email with a link to click on to confirm that you are a ‘real’ person, once you’ve clicked then the petition is all signed and you can safely close your browser. Interested in What we Do? Drop us a line or give, membership coordinator, Muriel Burnham-Airey a ring on (01995) 606604.
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GARSTANG MEDICAL CENTRE We continue to receive an unprecedented number of telephone calls. We appreciate this means patients are waiting in a queue for longer than we would like. We are working very hard to answer you as soon as we can but we do please ask for your patience and understanding. Not only are call levels significantly higher than normal, but we face our own staffing difficulties due to Covid. Please do stay on the line and we really will get to you as soon as we can. Please remember, however, that we cannot advise patients on national or local Covid restriction rules or on self-isolation or on booking a Covid test. When you ring us with these queries you are blocking the line for those needing medical assistance.
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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) Visit www.gov.uk for the latest guidance or www.111.nhs.uk for Covid advice and to book a test. Thank you for your patience. Flu Vaccination Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of influenza vaccines. We are looking to secure more to enable us to put additional clinics on at the end of the month or early December. If you are eligible for the NHS vaccine and have not yet secured an appointment, we respectfully request that you wait until midNovember to contact us. Alternatively, earlier vaccination may be available via pharmacies. Ordering of Medication We have been alerted that some patients have received a text message advising them to order medication early due to Covid disruption. Please note this is NOT necessary. Please continue to order your medication as usual - approximately one week prior to the end of your current course. We do not envisage any delays to medication at this time. We will advise patients as soon as possible if this changes.
yourself, when a pharmacist can help, and when to get advice from your GP or another health professional. If you have a long-term condition, self-care is about understanding that condition and how to live with it. Further information and resources available at: www.fyldecoastccgs.nhs.uk/localservices/selfcare Asthma UK Congratulations to our chronic disease management nurse, Ruth Beal on completing the virtual London Marathon locally in Oct raising a fantastic £3000 for Asthma UK. Ruth would like to thank everyone who kindly sponsored her. She will hopefully be running the real London Marathon next year. Garstang Medical Practice t: (01995) 607399 www.garstangmedicalpractice.nhs.uk fb@garstangmedicalpractice
or rf e te fre a c n s We lute iet g d
C Ou ovid ts Se id c e ur & e In
Every Mind Matters Our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the Covid pandemic. Every Mind Matters offers a range of resources that help spot the signs of common mental health concerns, offer self-care and tips explain when to seek further support. It also has a free NHS-approved online tool, the Every Mind Matters Your Mind Plan which you can find here: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/everymind-matters Self Care Week: Mon 16th – Sun 22nd Nov Self Care Week is an annual national awareness week that focuses on embedding support for self care across communities, families and generations. Self care is about keeping fit and healthy, understanding when you can look after
for your understanding during the past few months. Please continue to support our independent family-run business through the diffcult times that lie ahead Breakfast • Brunch • Lunch • Milkshakes Smoothies • Ice Creams • Sundaes Cakes • Coffees etc
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GARSTANG LIBRARY We’re open again and looking forward to seeing you. You don’t need an appointment to visit and we are open at the following times: • • • • •
Mon / Tue 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00 - 5:00pm Wed 9:00am - 1:00pm Thu 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00 - 7:00pm Fri 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00 - 5:00pm Sat 9:00am - 1:00pm
You may need to queue as we’re limiting numbers in the Library. You can return books at the door if you don’t want to come in. If you are coming in to borrow books, photocopy or use a computer, please wear a face covering.
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Public Computers Our public computers are available but to be able to maintain social distancing and keep Covid safe we don’t have as many available at the moment. All computers are cleaned between sessions. Digital Library Find out how you can access free e-books, e-audiobooks, magazines, comics and newspapers via our website or by asking a member of staff. Home Library Service You can use the Home Library Service if you can’t get to a library because of your age, disability, poor physical or mental health, caring responsibilities or mobility problems. You may want to use the service all the time or for a short period, such as only in winter or when recovering from an illness or operation. A friend, relative or carer can collect books for you. If you can’t arrange for someone to collect them for you, volunteers can deliver your books to you free of charge. If you are interested in joining the Home Library Service or for more information call 0300 123 6703 or email: library@lancashire. gov.uk Six of the Best If you do not wish to, or can’t, come into one of our library buildings to browse and borrow, we are offering a ‘Six of the Best’ service. This service allows you to arrange the collection of a bag of books at the library building entrance which our library staff will select for you. We’ll pick up to six books for you to collect safely from the library. We can’t guarantee that you will get books you like or haven’t previously read but we will try our best. Books will be in a paper bag, issued to you, ready for you to take away. Complete the request form online with details of the type of book you like to read and the
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GARSTANG LIBRARY (cont) number you would like to collect or phone 0300 123 6703 Mon to Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm. You can also use the form to request ‘Six of the Best’ for up to four other people. Library Explorers & Lancs Reading Trail The Library Explorers scheme is for children up to the age of four. Each child taking part in the scheme will receive a Library Explorers booklet and a different sticker from the 13 characters available each time they visit. Explorers who collect ten stickers will also get a certificate to recognise their achievement. Start a reading diary today and become part of the Lancashire Reading Trail. For every book you read, you will be given a sticker to take you one step further along the trail. You choose which books to read - funny books, adventures, non-fiction, graphic novels, or books by a favourite author - it’s up to you. You can read books from home, school, the library and even choose e-books
or e-audiobooks which are available through our BorrowBox app. Complete the quest and you will find the lair of the Reading Dragon, a rarely seen beast whose hordes of gold include a prize to reward your efforts. Mobile Library The Mobile Library is also back on the road with Glenys looking forward to welcoming borrowers, old and new, on to the van. There are some changes to the service to keep everyone safe, so please call Glenys on 0771 754 3763 to find out more information. t: 0300 123 6703 e: garstang.library@lancashire.gov.uk www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries Digital Library: www.lancashire.gov.uk/ libraries-and-archives/libraries/digitallibrary fb: @lancslibraries twitter: @lancspublib
GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 55) 1 Which is the world’s fastest moving land mammal?
11 Which creatures does an ornithologist study?
2 The fish represent which sign of the zodiac?
12 Of which Irish town is Tralee the county town?
3 Who, according to the nursery rhyme, killed Cock Robin? 4 Apollo, Eros and Iris are all what? 5 Which sport combines cross country running and map reading? 6 Who performed the world’s first human heart transplant in Capetown in 1967? 7 What is colcannon? 8 What is the hardest substance found in the human body? 9 What was Fred Flinstone’s wife called in the TV cartoon series? 10 Climbing plants produce curling outgrowths for support called what?
13 In the violin family what is larger than a violin and smaller than a cello? 14 Which London street was synonymous with the newspaper industry? 15 Which Turkish born engineer designed the Mini (car)? 16 British painter George Stubbs was famous for his studies of which animals? 17 In which two cities would you find a matching pair of Cleopatra’s Needles? 18 What is the capital of Norway? 19 What is the art of handwriting called? 20 Alabaster is a form of which mineral?
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WYRE FLOOD FORUM
My internal alarm clock jolted me out of my comfort zone this week and took me back to the 70s. I typed into Google ‘Flooding in the Wyre at St Michaels’ and read about the devastating floods in North Fylde in 1927 and 50 years later in 1977. We have not seen anything quite like those events in the following 50 years although some have come close, regrettably. Have we learned anything? I thought that rather than simply catch up on the exchange of email traffic and repair to the flood basin gates I would give you a taste of the plans
and projects that are happening in the River Wyre Catchment. On Thu 24th Sept members of the Wyre Flood Forum were given a Zoom presentation by Dan Turner of The Rivers Trust and Tom Myerscough, the scientific officers of the Wyre River Trust. The Wyre is one of four Rivers Trusts chosen for a new pioneering project which, it is hoped, will reduce the risk of flooding in Churchtown and other river side settlements. Projects Wyre NFM Investment Readiness Project The Rivers Trust and Wyre Rivers Trust are leading a new pioneering project, which will investigate innovative funding opportunities for implementing Natural Flood Management (NFM) measures on the River Wyre and its tributaries, to help reduce the risk of flooding in Churchtown. The project will explore the potential for securing green finance from investors, which can be paid back over several years by a range of organisations which will benefit from reduced flood risk and other benefits from the project. This project is being delivered by The Rivers Trust, Wyre Rivers Trust, Environment Agency, United Utilities, Triodos Bank, Coop Insurance and FloodRE with funding from Esme Fairbairn Foundation. Growing Support for Natural Solutions At a time when we are facing a climate emergency, we must find new ways to invest in recovery of the natural processes that protect and support us, at a scale and pace that can make a difference. Hard engineering alone will not address our future flood risk challenges and must be supplemented by natural solutions. We believe that by implementing natural flood risk management features at scale, we could see significant financial returns from a better river environment. We expect this pilot to build a
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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) credible case for green investment. Initial modelling of the River Wyre catchment has shown that development of approximately 70 hectares of NFM features might reduce the frequency of flooding to up to 120 properties in Churchtown with a large potential cost saving to multiple beneficiaries including the water company, Environment Agency, local authorities, insurance industry, locally based businesses and of course homeowners. Theoretically, these cost savings could generate a long-term revenue stream for repayment of an upfront investment in reduced flood risk. The overall goal of this project is to achieve “investment readiness” for a catchment-scale NFM solution for Churchtown that could be implemented with social and green investment capital. This will involve testing the initial flood modelling, working with the relevant landowners to get permission for the works, identifying the mechanisms and beneficiaries to repay the capital investment and building the business case.
Hopefully we have learned the right lessons in the 21st C. Please contact me by phone or email if you would like more information. Roger Brooks t: 07889 124077 e: rogerwilliambrooks@outlook.com
GARSTANG WINE CIRCLE The earlier print deadline means that I have reports for both the September and October meetings of the circle. We have continued with our programme of Zoom meetings, which have been very successful and keep the circle alive. The September meeting was a tasting of the small bottles of wine that are found on the shelves of supermarkets like Booths, and cater for those who just want a glass of wine to accompany a meal or snack. The wine that
Only if all these stages are successful would the funds become available for the natural flood management works to be carried out. This is a potentially exciting project that could reduce the risk of flooding for hundreds of people and restore biodiversity to parts of the Wyre river catchment. However, there are a number of steps that need to be taken before it is known whether this is possible or not. I remember some years ago when I was a member of the Forrest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty being on a Field Day in the Eastern fells and being told that in the 1970s the Government paid landowners to drain their land which resulted in fast run off into the R Lune causing flooding. The Government, we were told, were now paying those same land owners to rebuild the “grips” to retain the water on the fells! Such is the progress we have made.
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GARSTANG WINE CIRCLE (cont) these bottles contain is usually of well known lower priced brands. We tasted two whites, from England and New Zealand, and three reds, from Australia, Chile and Argentina. The consensus was that the wines were not very exciting, one or two passed muster as providing a reasonable glass of wine, but none were outstanding. They are quite useful however for those recipes that require a glass of wine as an ingredient. The tasting on Mon 19th Oct took us to France, and specifically to Southern France. Alan Jefferson, ably assisted by Richard Harrison produced a list of three Southern French wines that could be purchased from Booths. The suggestions were a white, Domaine de Vedilhan Serica 2018, and two reds, Cuvee Olric Chateau Casseras 2017, and Famille Perrin Vinsobres 2017. In addition Glynis Jefferson suggested a choice of cheeses to
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be paired with each of the wines. The wines that were chosen were excellent, and demonstrated the quality of wine now produced in this part of France, given that in the past it produced vast quantities of poor quality ‘Vin de Table’ that were instantly forgettable. Many thanks to Richard for his choice of wine, to Alan for the presentation, and Glynis for the suggestions of cheese to match the wines. The next meeting will be on Mon 16th Nov and Alan will circulate details after the committee meeting on Tues 3rd Nov. Mervyn Stokes
CALDER VALE COUNTRY CLUB At the time of writing, we have just been put into Tier 3 restrictions and therefore we are currently closed. We hope to see our members and visitors as soon as restrictions are lifted. Thanks to all who supported a very successful tractor run. Take care. Ros Ashworth (01995) 603776
GARSTANG HISTORICAL SOCIETY As members and friends of the society are well aware, along with thousands of societies, clubs, etc. around the country, our meetings are cancelled until the government permits such gatherings to re-start. Positively, the Historical Society has been sending occasional reading material to its members who have provided us with their email addresses. The items sent have mainly been newsletters and bulletins from various regional history organisations such as the Friends of Lancashire Archives, the Regional Heritage Centre at Lancaster University and Wyre Archaeology.
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GARSTANG HISTORICAL (cont) Again, positively, it is hoped that in early November the society will have given a donation to Garstang Poppy Appeal, the donation money partly coming from the sale of ‘Garstang’s Great War Heroes’ (the local book we have sponsored) and partly from general society funds. For the past five years, with the backing of the society, copies of ‘Garstang’s Great War Heroes’ have been given free of charge to the first year intake classes at the three primary schools in Garstang and Bonds. It is hoped that despite the Covid restrictions, a similar distribution will take place in early November 2020. Although the book is aimed at older readers it is hoped that by placing it in local households via youngsters it will remain an educational tool as well as being a reminder of the bravery of military personnel from Garstang, Bonds and Bowgreave who gave their lives
in the Great War and the Second World War. Note this year will be the last time copies of ‘Garstang’s Great War Heroes’ will be distributed in the way outlined above. This is because the print run of the publication in 2015 will be almost exhausted after the October/November distribution. Particular thanks to the original sponsors (listed on page iv of the book) whose generosity made possible its publication. Anthony Coppin
CROSSWORD (ans page 55) Across 3 Diving equipment (5) 6 Barb; catch (4) 8 Relating to flowers (6) 9 Item (4) 10 Views (6) 11 Meals; celebrations (6) 12 Tribe (4) 13 Accord; harmony (6) 14 Top cards (4) 15 Minor problems (5) Down 1 Personal driver (9) 2 Impulse; stimulus (10) 4 French port (6) 5 Personal origin (10) 7 Intimacy; friendship (9) 10 Powerful (6)
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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY & COVID On behalf of Garstang Town Council and Garstang Royal British Legion we would like to inform you of how you may be able to remember the fallen at this year’s Remembrance Sunday. Due to Government Covid restrictions, there will not be a Remembrance Sunday parade, church service or laying of wreaths at the War Memorial this year. There has been much discussion, heartache and thought gone into this decision. However, we have to take the safety, health and welfare of our residents and visitors very seriously, especially during these difficult and unpredictable times. The Mayor, Youth Mayor, and representatives of the Legion will informally lay wreaths at the war memorial on behalf of the town, during the course of the day. Of course, any members of the public or other
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If you do wish to lay a wreath we would ask that it is done throughout the entire day, or even over a few days and not to attend at the traditional time of 11:00am.
•
No more than six* people to gather at the war memorial at any one time
•
If there are people already at the war memorial when you arrive, we ask that you wait safely at a distance until they have finished their act of remembrance.
Many people across the country will be joining together by standing outside their houses at 11:00am. The Royal British Legion suggest that residents join us from their homes in a doorstep two minute silence at 11:00am. We invite you to make this small but important and poignant gesture. We thank you for your understanding at this time and hope that you have a peaceful and thoughtful remembrancetide. *correct at Fri 9th Oct and is subject to any forthcoming changes in the Government guidelines and restrictions Garstang Town Council and Garstang Royal British Legion
GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL Town Council Awards Helping Local Businesses Bounce Back!
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Mrs Edwina Parry - Town Clerk t: 07592 792 801 e: clerk@garstangtowncouncil.gov.uk w: www.garstangtowncouncil.org
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The Town Council awards were held virtually on Tues 6th Oct. We should have held the awards ceremony back in April but due to the coronavirus, this was of course postponed. This is the 3rd year we have held the awards and what a huge success it has been. We received 80 nominations for the seven
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GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL (cont)
CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG (CRY)
categories. We had a fantastic evening via Zoom and with over 300 people watching the ceremony via Facebook where we managed to live stream the evening.
Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund
The award winners this year were: • • • • • • • • •
Business in the Community - The Bellflower Young Citizen of the Year Award - Emily Guy from Garstang Children’s Festival Junior Citizen of the Year - Charlie Robinson Youth Group of the Year - 1st & 2nd Garstang Rainbows Community Group of the Year - Garstang & District Lions Sports Team of the Year - Garstang Cricket Club and Garstang Juniors Cricket Club Good Citizen of the Year - Charlie Collinson for his work at Garstang Volunteer Force Special Award - Jackie Stewart in recognition for his years of service to Garstang’s Royal British Legion Mayor’s Award - William Richmond
The year is swiftly moving on and with the stark greyness and seemingly endless long nights fast approaching it can seem there is little to smile about, especially given the new rules that have been introduced to try to halt the spread of the Covid. At Matt’s Fund, we’re saddened that the ‘Under the Glitterball’ event by the Paula Boscott School of Dance has had to be cancelled after all their hopes and hard work. It now seems highly likely our planned annual screening will need to be rescheduled too. However, we still have a lot to be cheerful and thankful for, especially with the fabulous generosity of businesses and local folks alike. Recently the kindness of many enabled Mark Jones, of Marrick Tree Care and Firewood fame to raise £650 for CRY and £114 for Cancer Research UK, through his 300 mile
All these people make Garstang the special place it is to live and go that extra mile. The awards are very well deserved. Thank you for making our town the unique and special place that it is and for all of your hard work. Cllr Elizabeth Webster - Mayor Next Meeting The next meeting of Garstang Town Council will take place, remotely via Zoom, on Mon 16th Nov. Anyone wishing to join the meeting should contact the Town Clerk, Edwina Parry on by 3:00pm on the day of the meeting. Mrs Edwina Parry - Town Clerk t: 07592 792 801 e: clerk@garstangtowncouncil.gov.uk w: www.garstangtowncouncil.org
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CRY (cont) cycle ride, some of it outside Clockwork Bar, Catterall, on a static bike, in the dark, wearing a dinosaur outfit! As they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Well done and thank you to Mark and further sponsors: Andrew at Th’Owd Tithe Barn; Terry and Andrea at the Kenlis Arms; Wild Fox Gins and Jeffrey’s Drinks, plus all those who helped him achieve his goals – I daresay his professional services will also help many to keep cosy this winter time!
far and are continuing to make and sell these necessary items. Thank you so much ladies.
We are indebted to those who are continuing to support the Milk Bottle Challenge during this difficult time and we would like to thank the staff and customers of JayCees, Pebby’s and Brock Garage for their recent donations.
As folks begin to snuggle up, stay inside and keep warm we’ve had several requests for jigsaw puzzles, something we have always sold lots of on our stalls and pop-up sales. However, we only have a few left (which of course have been thoroughly cleaned and quarantined) so if you have any to donate please do get in touch.
Quilter’s Quarters in Longridge have been extra busy these past months, with Carole making masks in her ‘spare time’ and together with daughter Emma, selling them in the shop. They’ve raised a superb £500 so
Best Wishes, Garstang, also have a range of masks available with £1 being donated to Matt’s fund for each mask sold, and, as they kindly did last year, they now also have Christmas Cards for CRY at £3.99 per pack. Many of you will be familiar with the many delightful local photographs taken by Michael Coleran and the two perfect seasonal designs chosen for the cards feature his handiwork.
Keep warm, keep safe, and please keep supporting our wonderful local businesses – they certainly deserve it. Paula Hesmonhalgh t: 07785 106 976 e: paulahez.ph@gmail.com fb: @MattHesMemorialFund
GREEN HOMES GRANT An Update First of all, don’t panic; the first vouchers for the Green Homes Grant will be issued by the Sun 1st Nov and the work needs to be done by Wed 31st March, but even after that you can apply for an extension. The government will provide a voucher up to £5,000 that covers up to two-thirds of the cost of energy efficiency and low carbon improvements to your home (park homes are included in the scheme). You may be able to receive a bigger grant if you are a homeowner and you, or a member of your household receives one of the qualifying benefits. If that is the case the government will cover 100% of
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GREEN HOMES GRANT (cont) the cost of the improvements up to £10,000. Vouchers must be used to install at least one primary home insulation or low carbon heating measure. If you choose to install at least one of the primary measures, you can use your voucher to help cover the cost of secondary measures. Primary Measures The voucher must be used to install at least one primary measure. This can be an insulation measure and/or a low carbon heating measure. Insulation measures include solid wall, under floor, cavity wall, loft, flat or pitched roof, room in roof, insulating a park home. Low carbon heat measures include air source, ground source or hybrid heat pump, solar thermal or biomass boilers. Secondary Measures If you install at least one primary measure, your voucher can be used to help cover the cost of any of the following secondary measures: draught proofing, double/triple glazing (where replacing single glazed windows), secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing), external energy efficient doors (replacing single glazed or solid doors installed before 2002), heating controls, hot water tank thermostats and insulation. Protect Yourself from Scams The Green Homes Grant scheme will never include official representatives coming to your property uninvited or cold calling on the phone to encourage you to join the scheme. Don’t be pressured by Contractors to sign up for work. If you are asked simply tell the contractor you will get a couple of quotes before committing to the work. Where to Start The easiest way to know if you will qualify for the Green Homes Grant scheme is to get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) done by your local domestic energy assessor.
This will enable you to answer all the technical questions about your home required when applying for the scheme. It will also give independent recommendations and an estimated cost for each recommendation so you will be able to compare this with the quoted cost. You can find a domestic energy assessor by searching ‘Find an energy assessor - GOV. UK’ in your web browser. Once completed, your energy assessor will ‘lodge’ the EPC. You can then check your eligibility for the scheme and find installers for your chosen improvements on the government’s website. Next Steps Once you have your quote in writing, letter or email, you will need to either photograph the quote, or just manually type it in, with the contractor’s details visible (scans of quotations wont be accepted). Help & Guidance If you find it all too confusing - and it is rather daunting at first - your ECP supplier may be able to draw up an additional plan to guide you though the process and make recommendations for you. They may even be able to contact the contractors on your behalf to obtain quotes and apply for your voucher. For example, I designed a plan for someone this week, by using her details from the EPC, I was able to answer the questions and get the plan. From there I chose as the primary measure the installation of an air source heat pump or solar thermal panels. Priced from £6,000 to £11,000, an air source heat pump is a low carbon heating system and works differently to a boiler. Solar Thermal Panels (for the supply of hot water) start at around £5,000. The secondary measure for this client was a new external composite door to the garage (one that locks as if it were an external door)
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GREEN HOMES GRANT (cont)
FESTIVAL BOWLAND
at a cost of £1000.
As part of this year’s Festival Bowland events programme, three artists will be sharing their love of the landscape and explaining how it inspires their creativity.
Further Information & Web Links • Find an Energy Assessor: www.bit.ly/ energy-assessor • Find your ECP: www.bit.ly/find-ecp • Check Eligibility: www.bit.ly/checkeligible • Find a tradesperson: www.bit.ly/findtradesperson • Simple Energy Advice Line: 0800 444 202 Francis Lambert BSc. (Hons) Building Surveying t: 07419783449 / 01995 606380 e: support@epcandsaplancashire.com www.epcandsaplancashire.com
GALLOWAYS Unfortunately we are still unable to meet due to this never-ending virus. However I do hope that you are all managing to keep well. If you require any help or wish for someone to speak to, please do not hesitate to contact me I am still available. Take care. Lorna (01995) 471319
GARSTANG QUAKERS Everyone is welcome at Quaker meeting for worship. We meet on Sunday mornings from 10:30am at the Friends Meeting House, Calder House Lane, Garstang PR3 1ZE. We’ve been careful to put all the precautions in place to keep you safe. We’re planning to worship online too, on Zoom. Woodbrooke also holds several online 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. We look forward to seeing you soon. Julie Valentine t: (01995) 601863 e: garstangquakers@gmail.com
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Perhaps you’ve always had a creative side, or maybe the past six months have awakened a spark? Whatever your motivation, the Forest of Bowland AONB team are inviting people to join them for this chance to meet three practising artists who find much of their inspiration in the fells and fields, and whose work reflects the palette of our countryside. The live, online session will take place on Tue 24th Nov, starting at 6:30pm. During the event Heather Fox, Cultural Development Manager with Lancashire County Council, will chat with Bowland-based Nita Burrows and Keith Parkinson, and Cumbria-based Annie Luke Turner, to find out what motivates them, how they arrived at their current style and how you could be inspired to create your very own pieces. Annie Luke Turner is an abstract artist who tries to capture the feeling and atmosphere of a particular place through her work. Printmaker, Nita Burrows, uses the Pennine landscape to produce marks in wood, metal – and even milk cartons, whilst Keith Parkinson’s paintings are characterised by colour, light and dark. ‘The landscape is a real source of inspiration for many artists in and around Bowland’, said Sandra, ‘and if chatting to Nita, Annie and Keith encourages others to make their creative mark, that will be fantastic.’ The early evening event is free but places need to be booked in advance via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-artiststickets-125329069621 Sandra Silk e: sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk
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GREY MATTER ANSWERS
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
1. The Cheetah 2 Pisces 3 The Sparrow 4 Greek Gods 5 Orienteering 6 Dr Christiaan Barnard 7 Irish meal of cabbage & mashed potato 8 Enamel 9 Wilma 10 Tendrils 11 Birds 12 Kerry 13 Viola 14 Fleet Street 15 Sir Alec Issigonis 16 Horses 17 London & New York 18 Oslo 19 Calligraphy 20 Gypsum
Across 3 Scuba 6 Hook 8 Floral 9 Unit 10 Sights 11 Feasts 12 Clan 13 Unison 14 Aces 15 Snags Down 1 Chauffeur 2 Motivation 4 Calais 5 Birthplace 7 Closeness 10 Strong
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