FOCUS MAGAZINE 'The Green Book'
GARSTANG - Scorton - Cabus - Garstang - Catterall - Bonds - Bowgreave - St Michaels - Churchtown
Issue 243 January 2021
CORONAVIRUS TIER 4
STAY HOME THERE IS A NEW STRAIN OF COVID-19 WHICH SPREADS EVEN FASTER Around 1 in 3 people have no symptoms, so will be spreading it without realising You must not leave home except for specific purposes: food, medical reasons or work Do not travel unless necessary Work from home if you can ONLY up to two people can meet in public outdoor spaces For further details, go to gov.uk/coronavirus
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Welcome to Focus Magazine... Calder Vale Methodist Church...................4
Health Service Pressures..............................20
Garstang Free Methodists.............................4
Garstang Town Council...................................23
RVS Garstang Lunch Club.............................4
Care Home Planning Application..............24
Inglewhite Church.............................................5
Garstang Camera Club...................................25
Fairtrade..................................................................5
Christmas Recycling........................................26
Calder Vale Country Club..............................5
Garstang & District Lions...............................28
Dog Walking Volunteers Needed.............6
Garstang Library.................................................29
Cabus WI................................................................6
Mobile Library......................................................29
Garstang Arts Centre.......................................6
The Benefits of Golf..........................................31
Garstang Wine Circle.......................................7
Grey Matter Test.................................................31
Volunteering Opportunities.........................8
Wyre Flood Forum............................................33
Garstang Speakers Club................................9
Soroptimists.......................................................... 37
Lancaster Singers..............................................10
Cat Smith MP........................................................38
Cardiac Risk in the Young..............................10
Ben Wallace MP.................................................42
Advice Line Support for Wyre.....................12
Make Your Will & Support St John’s.........45
Forest of Bowland AONB...............................14
Crossword..............................................................45
Garstang Medical Practice...........................16
Puzzle Answers...................................................47
FEBRUARY 2021 DEADLINE DATE
The February deadline for editorial and adverts is 5:00pm on Monday 18th January Deliveries of the February edition of Focus Magazine will commence Thursday 28th January 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 | Š Focus Magazines 2021 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.
CALDER VALE METHODIST CHURCH Where did 2020 go? Our Christmas celebrations took on a different form with outside opportunities to offer prayers for those we want to remember by tying ribbons or hanging stars on the railings. These will remain all of January if you haven’t had chance to see them yet. We celebrated the Christmas story around the crib and tree on Christmas Eve and the lunches carried on. The Friday lunches resume on Fri 8th Jan. Please book with Edith for one course or two. We await the trustees decision on when reopening will take place and will keep Focus Magazine updated on that one. In the mean time, Zoom services are available. If you let me have your email address I can send you the details. If you’d prefer a printed reflection by the Rev. Keith Borwick, one is available each week. I
can forward these to you or you can get them directly from Rev. Keith. We pray for a peaceful and healthful new year. Keep well and keep safe. Edith Gorst (01995) 602078
GARSTANG FREE METHODISTS We trust you all enjoyed Christmas and are looking forward to a brighter 2021. We are continuing our online services as we near the completion of our building project. We can’t wait to use the new space and welcome all our usual activities back into the building when circumstances allow. All our services are available on our website and there are also links offering help with parenting and mental health. This month we welcome our new Lead Pastor. Rev’d Ian Heath and his wife Jill are moving from the Oldham area, and Ian begins working with us in mid-January. Katie Devany – Administrator e: info@garstangfmc.org.uk www.garstangfmc.org.uk
RVS GARSTANG LUNCH CLUB RVS Garstang Lunch Club last met in March 2020. We didn’t expect the enforced closure to continue into 2021. Because Garstang Lions and Garstang Rotary regularly support us we were able to deliver a surprise pack of goodies to each diner before Christmas. I would like to send a huge thank you to the Lions and Rotary, and also to Dewlay Cheese for their generous discount. When it is safe to do so we will contact Lunch Club members with news about re-opening. Thank you everyone. Judith Lee
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INGLEWHITE CHURCH As we begin a new year we can look forward with hope towards the Springtime. It will be be wonderful when we can safely invite you to our community cafes in Inglewhite and Catterall again. We will value friendships and community even more in our new normal. Details of church events and new activities for 2021 are available on our website Please do keep connected and join us whenever you can. Thank you. Lesley Hardman www.inglewhitechurch.org.uk
FAIRTRADE Fairtrade Quiz Four local junior schools in the Garstang area took part in our Fairtrade Awareness Quiz and suitable prizes for the winner at each school were awarded.
In Fairtrade Fortnight 2021, we will be highlighting the growing challenges that climate change brings to farmers and workers in the communities that Fairtrade works with. Garstang Fairtrade Steering Group wish everyone a happy, healthy and better 2021. Peter Ryder fb: @garstang-fairtrade www.garstangfairtrade.org.uk
CALDER VALE COUNTRY CLUB At the time of writing, we await the latest news about Covid and how, or if, it will affect our club. Let’s hope that we can all keep safe over the festive season and look forward to a fresh start in 2021 when we can finally let our hair down and dance the night away! Ros Ashworth (01995) 603776
The quiz was targeted at Years Five and Six. The quiz will be available on our Facebook page and website later in January for everyone to try. Fairtrade Fortnight 2021 – Fairtrade, Climate and You 2020 has been a hard year for everyone and campaigning and meeting people will continue to be challenging as we head into the new year. But we have heard from so many of you that you want to continue to support Fairtrade through this time. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us more than ever how interconnected we are globally. This interconnection is at the very heart of the Fairtrade message and you have the power to drive long term change not only with your shopping choices but with your support in spreading the message.
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DOG WALKING VOLUNTEERS The Cinnamon Trust needs more dog walking volunteers in Cabus. The Cinnamon Trust is the national charity whose wonderful volunteers help people over retirement age and those in the latter stages of a terminal illness by offering all kinds of pet care. We are looking for volunteers to help a resident of Cabus and their dog who would love to go for a good walk. Many elderly or ill pet owners worry about their ability to provide proper care for their animals and start looking to re-home what may be their only companion. This is where our national network of dedicated volunteers step in to offer support enabling them to stay together. We’ll walk the dog for a housebound owner, we’ll foster pets when owners need hospital care, and even clean out the bird cage or litter trays. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer,
you can download our volunteer registration form from our website or email us. If you would like to have a more in-depth chat about becoming a volunteer, please call us during office hours (Mon - Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm). t: 01736 758 701 e: appeals@cinnamon.org.uk www.cinnamon.org.uk
CABUS WI We wish all members of Cabus WI a happy New Year and hope we can meet again very soon. Keep safe and happy. Margaret Swift (01995) 606676
GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE Exhibitions It was back in March last year that the Arts Centre hosted a hugely successful exhibition by the talented young artist Ava Joliffe. Since then we have been denied the pleasure of viewing and purchasing the work of several local artists and, of course, our ever popular Open Art Exhibition/Competition. As life gradually returns to some sort of normality, we look forward to showcasing the work of our artists once again. We value your support and extend a warm welcome to our visitors when the Arts Centre re-opens hopefully in the not too distant future. Sheila Tearle (01995) 603816 Poetry Group Another year has gone by - perhaps the most difficult for many years. We lost dear friends and our home at the Arts Centre was closed down. Yet, we can look forward to the New Year. Although progress may be slow, ultimately we will be safer, healthier and happier. Our children will slowly return to full time education, gradually shops and eateries
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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) will open. The economy will begin to revive and employment will begin to increase. Eventually, we will be able to return to the Arts Centre. Things can only get better! Best wishes for 2021. Marie Whalley, Secretary Garstang Ukulele Group On Mon 7th Dec we took our first booking for 2021, something which gives all our group hope that we will soon be entertaining and amusing community groups once again.
and singing ‘Thank you For The Music’. Keep well and stay safe. Avril Bevan
GARSTANG WINE CIRCLE Zoom Christmas Party Undaunted by the current crisis, Garstang Wine Circle held a zoom Christmas Party on Mon 14th Dec attended by nearly 40 members.
Songbirds
The event was also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the circle. We had been arranging a grand celebration of the event, but of course Covid put an end to those plans. Undeterred, the committee had planned an evening of food, drink and entertainment!
Sending you all every wish for 2021 and maybe soon we shall be putting our voices to good use and once more enjoy being together
Prior to the event, members were sent a gift parcel with two bottles of wine, selected by Mervyn Stokes and Richard Harrison. These
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GARSTANG WINE CIRCLE (cont) were the Wine Society’s White Burgundy and a Domaine de Thalabert Crozes Hermitage 2014, also from the Wine Society. The parcel also included cheese and pate selected by Anne Whitehead, together with information for the party games. This included a quiz on The Victorian Age kindly supplied by Brian Heaton, Wine Bingo cards produced by Alan and Glynis Jefferson, and a collection of baby photos of circle members, which we had to identify - or at least attempt to! It was a highly successful event. Prior to closing the meeting, we held a minute’s silence in memory of our friend and fellow member Ann Wicks. Ann was a longstanding and valued member of the circle, and will always be remembered for her witty and entertaining pantomimes and monologues at past Christmas events. We were all saddened by the news that she is no longer with us and raised a glass in her memory. At the next meeting on Mon 18th Jan, Anne Whitehead and Jim McVey will present a selection of Spanish wines, together with photographs and memories of their visits to Spain. Alan Jefferson will circulate details and the link to the meeting in due course.
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This has been a difficult year, but we are glad that the spirit of the circle has been kept alive through the pandemic. We plan to continue the Zoom programme in 2021 until we are able to meet once again, in person, at the Arts Centre. Mervyn Stokes
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES New Year, New You and a New Opportunity to Volunteer If you have a spare hour a week and would like to volunteer making phone calls to lonely
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VOLUNTEERING (cont) and isolated people in the community then you can do with the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership. We are a public service and have been operating as an organisation for almost five years. If you are interested in making a positive difference please contact your Wyre Volunteer Officer, Mark Trent. Mark Trent t: 07887 831672 e: mark.trent@lancashire.gov.uk www.lancsvp.org.uk
GARSTANG SPEAKERS CLUB There have been some difficult times for everybody in the last nine months, not least for those of us involved with a speaking club. Zoom and our increasing ability to use it has been the life saver we needed. We start again in 2021 on Tues 5th Jan and look forward to a new year with an increasing return to as near normal as possible. We are a friendly group and have certainly missed the good company and the speaking opportunities. Now we meet from the comfort of our own homes and at least can see each other. If you would like to make new friends and perhaps learn something new, we could be the club you are looking for. A safe and happy New Year to all. If you are interested in finding out more then please contact us. Sue Hubbard t: (01253) 701019 (Sheila Croft) e: barleyfold@madasafish.com (Sue Hubbard) or garstangspeakersclub@gmail.com www.garstangladiesspeakersclub.org
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LANCASTER SINGERS Do you want to sing?
track’ accompaniments to which we sing.
Lancaster Singers have been rehearsing virtually for months with our director, Duncan Lloyd, who has been working tirelessly to produce new material and recording the ‘click
We’ll be starting on a new collection of songs and pieces in January and planning for live performances in 2021 is underway. Our stance is to be eternally optimistic. Would you like to join us online? Prospective new members are always welcome to join the virtual rehearsals – please contact Sarah Jackson on 07929 031 466 or email sarah60jackson@yahoo.com for more details. Our usual ‘light-touch’ auditions will resume when we eventually get back together. Lancaster Singers would like to extend warmest thanks to its members, friends and supporters who remain resilient and positive during these challenging times. Chris Haughton - Chairman t: 07976 875 586 www.lancastersingers.org
CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund
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Writing this as I am for the deadline in midDecember, I cannot but compare how very differently the New Year ahead looks from the same perspective last year! Who would have guessed the complications, sadness, frustrations and dilemmas that lay ahead in 2020? What began as a full calendar of raising awareness and fundraising events planned soon came to an abrupt end with lockdown in early spring. As always in this wonderful area in which we live, local community spirit won through with our wonderful friends and helpers finding new ways of carrying on Team Matt’s work as much as possible through the pandemic. In true Christmas spirit, the year has ended on a high with Best Wishes selling cards for CRY, and the receipt of three very kind
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CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG (cont) and much appreciated donations from: Maelstrom Kitchens, Lancaster; Sainsbury’s, Garstang; and an anonymous gift towards vital heart investigations. Thank you to everyone for all your help and support over 2020. Unfortunately our annual screening scheduled for February has had to be cancelled, but rest assured we will organise a new date as soon as it is safe to do so. Many thanks to the Academy for working through this with us. So, whilst we meet January with some trepidation and no firm fixtures given the uncertainty of what the situation regarding the virus will be, our hope is that before too long we can be out and about carrying on our journey for CRY trying to save lives and heartache. Paula Hesmondhalgh t: 07785 106 976 e: paulahez.ph@gmail.com fb: @The Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund
ADVICE LINE SUPPORT FOR WYRE Funded by Wyre Council, Citizens Advice Lancashire West is launching additional extended hours advice line support for Wyre residents. Given the additional needs presenting within the community due to the pandemic, residents can now contact our new local extended hours service. Lines are open 4:30pm - 7:00pm, Monday to Friday and 9:00am - 1:00pm Saturday and Sunday. We can help with issues around benefits, housing and relationships. We also offer debt support, help if you are struggling to pay your energy bills, and can make referrals to local food banks. We can also refer you to Wyre Council for help with assisted bin collections,
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ADVICE LINE SUPPORT (cont) council tax support, discretionary housing payments and any other council related issues.
Advice is here to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward in these difficult times.’
Local residents can call (01253) 775196 and speak to someone who can help them access the right help and be directed to the most relevant organisation.
‘We are continually looking into other ways in which we can help people to get the advice that they need during this period.’
We’ll continue to offer advice over the telephone on our advice line 0344 245 1294 at other times. Anyone seeking to make a new claim for Universal Credit should call the Universal Credit Help to Claim line on 0800 1448444. People looking for advice on consumer issues (such as issues related to products or services you’ve purchased) can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. Diane Gradwell Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Lancashire West, said: ‘Citizens
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Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community at Wyre Council said: ‘We recognise how important it is for residents to access advice on the important issues that Citizen’s Advice deals with, never more so than now, so we are really pleased to be able to extend our funding to enable these longer opening hours. Hopefully this will allow more people to get in touch at a time that works for them and access the support they need.’ www.citizensadvicelancashirewest.org.uk
FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has received a grant of £233,900 from the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund Sixty eight projects have been awarded grants between £62k and £3.8m by Defra to kick-start a pipeline of nature-based projects while creating and retaining jobs First funding round sees £40m pot allocated, second round of funding to open in early 2021 The Forest of Bowland AONB Partnership and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Holme House Fell Peatland Restoration project is one of the first environmental projects awarded a grant from the Government’s £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund. This landscape-scale project will restore peatland habitat at Holme House Fell, a 127 hectare site at the centre of the Bowland Fells SSSI; part of the largest expanse of blanket bog and heather moorland in Lancashire. The scheme will include work to reduce surface
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FOREST OF BOWLAND (cont) water flow; decrease carbon loss caused by peat erosion; improve water quality and increase the potential of the habitat to act as a carbon sink. Restoration work will be carried out by an experienced moorland contractor, helping to support the local economy, whilst providing initial training in peatland restoration skills for a further local contractor looking to specialise in this type of work. Forest of Bowland AONB Manager, Elliott Lorimer said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to have been awarded this grant to help restore a significant area of internationally important blanket bog habitat in the Bowland Fells. The project will be jointly delivered with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and will also help support the recovery of the wider rural economy, benefiting local contractors and suppliers.’ The Green Recovery Challenge Fund is a key part of Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan to
kick-start nature recovery and tackle climate change. The fund is being delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said: ‘These projects will drive forward work across England to restore and transform our landscapes, boost nature and create green jobs, and will be a vital part of helping us to build back greener from coronavirus. ‘I look forward to working with environmental
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FOREST OF BOWLAND (cont)
GARSTANG MEDICAL PRACTICE
organisations as these projects help address the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, while creating and retaining jobs as part of the green recovery.’
COVID-19 Vaccination
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive, National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: ‘Supporting our natural environment is one of the most valuable things we can do right now. All these projects are of huge benefit to our beautiful countryside and wildlife, but will also support jobs, health and wellbeing, which are vitally important.’ Sandra Silk t: 01200 448000 www.forestofbowland.com r Open fo & s s busine g in r e adh ty fe a s o t es guidelin
As you will be aware, the COVID-19 Vaccination campaign has now started. Thank you to those of you who responded to our text survey regarding whether or not you would have the vaccine. This in no way affects whether or not you will be offered the vaccine so please do not worry if you didn’t receive a text but know of others who did; it was simply a straw poll to give us an indication of the likely level of uptake in our area. Initially we will only receive a certain number of doses of the vaccine. NHS England have asked us to prioritise offering the vaccine to those most at risk. This is largely by age and therefore those aged 80 years and over will be in the first group of patients to be offered the vaccine. If you know someone within your age group who has been offered the vaccine but you have not, please do not
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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) worry; everyone who is eligible will be able to access the vaccine over the coming weeks and months. We will be working very hard to deliver it as quickly as we are able, but we will be limited by the supplies we receive and by the number of appointments we are able to offer each week. Please do not ring the surgery to ask when you will receive your appointment. This blocks the telephone lines which are already extremely busy. Please be assured that you will be contacted to arrange an appointment when the vaccine is available for your age or risk group. You can help to ensure we have your up to date contact details by emailing us with your mobile and home telephone number to fwccg.gmpadmin@nhs.net Please include your full name and date of birth and put ‘details’ as the ‘subject’. Information on the vaccine is available at www.nhs.uk and below are some FAQs and
answers that have been supplied by NHS England: Is the NHS confident the vaccine will be safe? Yes. The NHS would not offer any COVID-19 vaccinations to the public until it is safe to do so. The MHRA, the official UK regulator authorising licensed use of medicines and vaccines by healthcare professionals, has made this decision, and we have full confidence in their expert judgement and processes. As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process. Why is it important to get your COVID-19 vaccination? Getting your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as you can should protect you and may help to protect your family and those you care for.
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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) The COVID-19 vaccine should help reduce the rates of serious illness and save lives and will therefore reduce pressure on the NHS and social care services How many doses of the vaccine will be required and when? You are required to have two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, 21 days apart. You may not be protected until at least seven days after your second dose of vaccine. Are there any known or anticipated side effects? Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild, short-term and not everyone gets them. Even if you do have symptoms after the first dose, you still need to have the second dose. You may not be protected until at least seven days after your second dose of the vaccine. Some common side effects include:
•
• • •
Having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1-2 days after the vaccine Feeling tired Headache General aches, or mild flu like symptoms
Do people who have already had COVID-19 get vaccinated? Yes, they should get vaccinated. There is no evidence of any safety concerns from vaccinating individuals with a past history of COVID-19 infection, or with detectable COVID-19 antibody, so people who have had COVID-19 disease (whether confirmed or suspected) can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it is their time to do so. I’m currently ill with COVID-19, can I get the vaccine? People currently unwell and experiencing
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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) COVID-19 symptoms should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine until they have recovered. We would like to thank all our patients for your patience and understanding in what continues to be a hugely challenging time for all our staff. The number of telephone calls we are receiving continues to be at unprecedented high levels. Please do stay in the queue and our staff will get to you as soon as they are able. Please do not come down to the surgery with queries if you are struggling to get through on the telephone. We really do need to keep the building COVID secure for all patients and staff. Please try to ring later in the day for non-urgent enquiries. We do understand it is frustrating when you are held in a queue but these really are extra-ordinary times and we really are doing our utmost to continue to provide a full service even when our own staff are affected by the virus and needing to stay at home to self-isolate. It has
a significant impact on the whole team if one or two are off due to situations requiring selfisolation, in addition to ‘normal’ sickness or annual leave. NHS Breast Screening Invitations have started to be sent to women registered with Garstang Medical Practice who are eligible for Breast Screening. Due to the size of our population and COVID social distancing restrictions reducing the numbers able to attend at one time, it is likely to take a good couple of months or so for all first invites to be sent out. Women aged 50 up to 71 years are routinely invited for free NHS breast screening every three years. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK. Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are aged over 50. Breast screening aims to detect breast cancer at an early stage,
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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) in women who do not have any symptoms, when treatment is more likely to be effective. We strongly recommend that you attend for a breast screening mammogram (X-rays of each breast) when you receive your invitation. Please wait until you receive your invitation, before contacting the breast screening programme. For more information about Breast Screening you can visit this website: http://bit.ly/nhs-breast-screening In the meantime, if you have any specific concerns, or have any breast symptoms, please contact us to make an appointment with a GP. Vitamin D Advice Vitamin D is an essential vitamin required by the body for the absorption of calcium, bone development, immune functioning, and alleviation of inflammation. A deficiency of
Vitamin D can lead to rickets, a weakened immune system, and weak bones. However, excess Vitamin D can cause the body to absorb too much calcium, leading to increased risk of heart disease and kidney stones. Foods high in Vitamin D include fish, mushrooms exposed to sunlight, fortified milk, fortified milk substitutes, fortified tofu, fortified yogurt, fortified breakfast cereals, fortified orange juice, pork chops, and eggs. During the autumn and winter, you need to get Vitamin D from your diet because the sun in the UK isn’t strong enough for the body to make Vitamin D. However, since it’s difficult for people to get enough Vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms or 400 units of Vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Between late March/early April to the end of September, most people can get all the Vitamin D they need through sunlight on their skin and from a balanced diet. You may choose not to take a Vitamin D supplement during these months. Please note, using sunbeds isn’t a recommended way of making Vitamin D. For more information about our services, see below. t: (01995) 607399 e: fwccg.gmpadmin@nhs.net fb: @garstangmedicalpractice www.garstangmedicalpractice.nhs.uk
HEALTH SERVICE PRESSURES Residents warned of extra pressures on health services this winter The Fylde Coast NHS is urging people to use health services responsibly this winter as they all begin to face increasing pressures.
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HEALTH SERVICE PRESSURES (cont) Winter has always posed a significant challenge to health services with demand increasing massively during this time. This is due to long-term health conditions being made worse by the cold weather and people catching other winter related illnesses. The hospital has seen significant increases in COVID-19 hospital admissions and health services across the Fylde Coast are under a huge amount of pressure. Waiting times in the emergency department have also started to increase and these are expected to get worse. This problem can be made worse by some members of the public turning up at A&E with illnesses that could have been dealt with at home or by other health services. To alleviate some of the pressures the hospital is facing people are being urged to choose the right health service for their need. People should treat common illnesses at home as soon as they start and seek
advice from their pharmacist when needed. Pharmacists are experts on medicines for common ailments and can offer consultations if needed. If someone needs to speak to a doctor, they can call their GP surgery. They will likely be offered a telephone or video consultation, but the GP will see them if needed. If you feel you need more urgent care you should use the NHS 111 service. This can be done either by phone or by using the online service at www.111.nhs.uk Trained professionals will be able to assess you and make sure you are directed to the best service for your need. This may be a call with a doctor who can then be able to set up treatments in your own home using some of the community nurse services. If you need to go to hospital NHS 111 advisors can book you in so A&E are expecting you and can see you safely.
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HEALTH SERVICE PRESSURES (cont) In an emergency and for life threatening conditions, always call 999. If somebody has any symptoms of COVID-19, they should book a test and stay at home until they get their tests results. Only leave home to have a test. Natalie Hudson, Executive director of operations at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘We are working tirelessly to deal with the rising pressures as a result of the ongoing response to the pandemic and to ensure patients are treated safely and efficiently. We are working hard to reduce any delays and would like to express our regret to anyone experiencing long waits for treatment. ‘The colder months are always a challenging time for the NHS and this year, those seasonal pressures are exacerbated by demands created by COVID-19, the increased admissions to hospital, and the numbers of seriously ill patients being treated in our intensive care units.
long-term viability. Town Emergency Plan In December’s Town Council meeting, we approved the creation of a Town Emergency Plan. This will give us the framework to support our response to, and recovery from, any major incident affecting the town’s residents and businesses, such as a serious power outage or flooding. It will also support with more minor issues such as providing contact details for key-holders if shop alarms are activated out of hours. We hope this is a plan we will never need but it is good to be prepared to act should we need to. Moss Lane Park At the end of 2020 we received some feedback about issues on Moss Lane Park. The trampoline is now fixed and we have reported the problem with the roundabout
‘But please remember we are here for you and I would urge you to seek help if you need it. Anyone who is unsure of the right place to get treatment should contact NHS 111, either on the phone or online. Please help us to help you by choosing the right health service for your health need.’ www.fyldecoastccgs.nhs.uk
GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL Garstang Swimming Pool As we begin a new year, we are pleased to hear that the go ahead has been given to reopen Garstang swimming pool. This valuable resource has been much missed and it has been good to see the community rally round in support of the campaign to get the pool back in action. We hope to see the pool open again soon, and urge everyone that can to make full use of it as this will help to prove its
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which we hope to have resolved soon. Town Council Meetings
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We are hopeful that our face-to-face meetings and ‘surgeries’ will return this year but in the meantime, we will continue to hold our meetings virtually to ensure we can deliver on our plans for the year. Anyone wishing to attend a virtual meeting is very welcome. To join, please contact our town clerk, ahead of the next monthly meeting which takes place on Mon 18th Jan. As always you can share your feedback about our work or any concerns and suggestions via the town clerk, or directly to individual councillors, the details for which are on our website. Edwina Parry - Town Clerk t: 07592 792 801 e: clerk@garstangtowncouncil.gov.uk www.garstangtowncouncil.org
CARE HOME PLANNING APPLICATION A planning application for a new care home and extra care scheme at Bowgreave Rise, Garstang has been submitted by Lancashire County Council. The new care home will replace the old and outdated home. It will offer an up to date and modern environment for residents, including people with dementia. The extra care scheme will provide flexible support for older people. It will include selfcontained flats where people have their own lounge, bedroom and kitchen. There will also be communal facilities. These modern facilities will replace the existing Bowgreave Rise Home for Older People. The new care home will be opened and brought into operation before the existing home is closed. This will ensure people at the existing home continue to receive the support they need throughout the process.
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PLANNING APPLICATION (cont) County Cllr Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult services, said: ‘We’ve submitted our plans for these modern care facilities, which will help improve care for older people and people with dementia. ‘There will now be a consultation where interested parties can share their views on the planning application for the home, which includes the design for the buildings. ‘The responses will be carefully considered before any decisions are made. ‘Staff at the current Bowgreave Rise Residential Home do an absolutely superb job. This was recognised when the home was rated as ‘good’ at its last CQC inspection earlier this year. ‘The standard of care provided by our team here is already excellent. These new developments will ensure the buildings and facilities are brought up-to-date if they are approved.’
Wed 13th Jan: Tonight sees the judging of one of our annual competitions ‘Creatures of the World’. Wed 29th Jan: Tonight, we welcome back one of our regular presenters, Dave Bibby. Dave always produces an interesting evening and at this meeting, his subject is ‘A-Z Back to Basics’. Our committee plans with a degree of optimism and if things should go well, we hope to meet as normal from September but…no promises at this stage! Keep everything crossed. It is worth mentioning at this point that our Zoom meetings have attracted a good audience numbers-wise and so it could be said that something good(ish) has come out of the covid pandemic (ever the optimist!). Maurice Barker www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk
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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB I hope that everyone has had as good a Christmas as was possible and wish you all a Healthy and better `New Year. Our programme for January is as follows: Wed 6th Jan: Members of the club will be demonstrating ‘the processing of a digital image’. This will involve the use of software such as Lightroom and Photoshop. Sounds interesting!
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CHRISTMAS RECYCLING as you enjoy the festivities, and to prevent more waste from going to landfill.
When it comes to what time of year we’re most aware of our recycling, it turns out Christmas tops the charts. With households producing more waste than ever at Christmas, it’s sometimes hard to know what to do with everything. Can you put plastic sweet tubs in the recycle bin? And what about Christmas cards and wrapping paper? Here are some handy tips from Lancashire County Council to help you keep on recycling
Plastic sweet tubs: most plastic sweet tubs are made from plastic type 5. This type of plastic can now be recycled at home, alongside plastic bottles and other clean pots, tubs and trays. Remove all the sweet wrappers, and the tubs and lid can be added to your recycling bin, together with your other plastic items with a one, two or five recycling triangle. Mince pie boxes and foil cases: once you’ve finished munching on mince pies, the clean aluminium foil trays, cardboard box and plastic tray can be recycled. If needed, give the foil trays a quick rinse or wipe, scrunch them together and add all these items to the right bin, box or bag. Wrapping paper – can be recycled if it passes the scrunch test – if you can scrunch it and it stays in a ball without springing back, it can be recycled. If
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CHRISTMAS RECYCLING (cont) it doesn’t stay in a ball it can’t be recycled. Some metallic-looking paper is actually lined with plastic and cannot be recycled. Glitter: cannot be recycled – make sure glittery paper goes in the general rubbish bin; or you could avoid buying it in the first place to be kinder to the environment. Christmas cards: plain cards and envelopes can be recycled in your recycling bin. Any extras such as ribbons, glitter or bows cannot be recycled and need to be removed first. Cardboard boxes: it’s likely your online orders will be delivered in boxes or envelopes made from corrugated cardboard. This can be recycled – just remember to flatten boxes before recycling and remove as much sticky tape as possible. Food waste: planning your Christmas menu and only buying what you need will save you money and wasted food.
Leftover food: If you do have leftover food then use it to make interesting dishes - visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for more information and ideas. Christmas tree lights: if your old lights stop working, if they have a plug or use batteries, do not put them in your waste bin. They need to be disposed of at your local household waste recycling centre. Unwanted gifts: why not try to reuse unwanted gifts by putting them on Freegle or Freecycle or donating them to a charity shop. Real Christmas trees: will be collected on your usual recycling collection day from Mon 11th Jan to Fri 22nd Jan depending on your collection day. Please place your real tree next to your blue recycling bin (please note it will be collected by a separate wagon and must be out for 7:00am). www.lancashire.gov.uk
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GARSTANG & DISTRICT LIONS Donations I am sure that you would all agree that the Garstang Christmas Lights helped towards brightening up our lives in these dismal times; and club members were pleased to give a sum of £250 as our annual contribution towards the cost of these. A donation of £350 has also been made to the Royal Voluntary Society Lunch Club which will help them to distribute Christmas hampers instead of their usual festive meal. The club also donated £200 to allow us to buy a significant number of gift sets and toys for Fylde Women’s Aid for distribution to those residing in their various refuges in the area. We were most grateful for the help and support of the staff at our local B&S store who also added items to our contribution.
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Events Visits from Santa and a small band of Elves to some of our local care facilities took place in Dec. This replaced our usual community Christmas lunch and were a very modest affair with full regard to all Covid regulations. Our members have continued to support our local community in numerous ways, not only through the important jobs that many of them do but also through the wide range of other voluntary activities being undertaken. All of us would like to extend our optimistic hopes for a much better 2021 ahead. Further information about the range of activities and projects we have been involved with is available on our website or you can just speak to any of our members about what it is that we do. Chris Wilkinson www.garstanglions.co.uk
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GARSTANG LIBRARY Access Your Library at Home Did you know that you can access free eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, magazines and daily newspapers? Find out more at www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-andarchives/libraries/digital-library 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. 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, get in touch Six of the Best 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. Complete the request form online with details of the type of book you like to read and the number you would like to collect or phone the library. You can also use the form to request ‘Six of the Best’ for up to four other people, all to be collected at the same time. Mobile Library There are some changes to keep everyone safe. For more information, please call Glenys on 07717 543 763 or email garstang. mobile.ml3@lancashire.gov.uk Further Information about Garstang Library For the most recent updates on opening times please contact us. t: 0300 123 6703 e: garstang.library@lancashire.gov.uk fb: @lancslibraries twitter: @lancspublib www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-andarchives
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THE BENEFITS OF GOLF Helping Us Get Through Covid-19
impact of the pandemic.
Our lives have been turned upside down during the pandemic. The effects of social distancing, isolation, and ever changing rules and advice are taking their toll on our physical and mental well-being. Exercise, particularly in the fresh air and socially distanced, is repeatedly recommended as a way to stay healthy and keep our spirits up.
Many of our local clubs have taken advantage of this new short-term funding and are keen to promote the game as a positive choice to help you get through this difficult time.
Golf was one of the first sports allowed to be played following the lockdown. Despite clubhouses remaining closed, this open air sport allows both young and old to stretch legs and move those limbs whilst meeting up with others in small but well-spaced groups. Recognising both the threat of Covid to businesses, including golf clubs, whilst also recognising the physical and health benefits of golf, England Golf - one of the sports governing bodies - has launched a Covid-19 Support Fund to help golf clubs deal with the
Even if you haven’t played golf before, clubs will be happy to welcome you. Working with their Professional, many have ‘Get into Golf’ packages for ladies, men and juniors that gently introduce you to the game at little or no cost. Most clubs will hygienically lend you equipment to help you get started. So, if you are looking for a healthy way to get through this pandemic, contact your local golf club. We have many gems of golf courses in our area. Make that phone call, it could be life changing. David Forrester t: (01253) 810576 www.knottendgolfclub.com
GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 47) 1. Which creatures does an ornithologist study?
11. Which is the world’s fastest moving land mammal?
2. Of which Irish town is Tralee the county town?
12. The fish represent which sign of the zodiac?
3. In the violin family what is larger than a violin and smaller than a cello? 4. Which London street was synonymous with the newspaper industry? 5. Which Turkish born engineer designed the Mini (car)? 6. British painter George Stubbs was famous for his studies of which animals? 7. In which two cities would you find a matching pair of Cleopatra’s Needles? 8. What is the capital of Norway? 9. What is the art of handwriting called? 10. Alabaster is a form of which mineral?
13. Who, according to the nursery rhyme, killed Cock Robin? 14. Apollo, Eros and Iris are all what? 15. Which sport combines cross country running and map reading? 16. Who performed the world’s first human heart transplant in Capetown in 1967? 17. What is colcannon? 18. What is the hardest substance found in the human body? 19. What was Fred Flintstone’s wife called in the TV cartoon series? 20. Climbing plants produce curling outgrowths for support called what?
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WYRE FLOOD FORUM The forum met for the final time in 2020 on its traditional second Thursday at 1:00pm with participants from around the North Fylde area although of course we could have been sitting on a beach in the tropics. It certainly hasn’t been tropical at home and no shortage of water. An aerial view of the borough and river from which the borough takes its name demonstrates a gentle rolling hilly area to the East and North beyond the A6 and West Coast Line where the Wyre rises at Abbeystead and the much flatter moss land built up with peat where the Fylde is held together by the estuaries of the Ribble and, of course, the Wyre. One of the documents FLAGs are provided with at meetings is an issues and actions rolling record. Not exactly an interactive upto-the-minute screen and dashboard job but, nevertheless, a handy reference. In preparation I skimmed through the 10 page log and counted the areas most reported. I draw no conclusions from the statistics and it possibly reflects the enthusiasm of individual FLAGs as much as anything. It might be imagined that to merit an entry proximity to a mapped river is essential but that is not the case always.
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As every school pupil knows, water flows downhill and uses its power to get first to a water course then river and eventually the sea. We, in Wyre, with a river rising and issuing in short order are perfectly placed to be a scientific experiment which is perhaps why the area attracts national interest. Tom Myerscough from the Wyre Trust told us that he has grant funding for vegetation measures to hold back the waters getting to the river and the press, wireless and television have given space to Lancashire Wildlife Trust for their Sphagnum Moss project in Winmarleigh. ‘Where is Winmarleigh?’ I hear you say? I’ve heard of it but never been. Well,
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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) you’ll just have to look on the OS. Back to the log: St Michaels vies with Thornton for the most entries at 15 followed by Pilling, seven, Preesall, four, and Hambleton, Great Eccleston and Stalmine. Of course, the quantity does not necessarily represent the overall seriousness of the situation in individual settlements. Many reports contain small incidents but together make a great impact. Most of us appreciate that Fylde from the old French word means a field and we are generally not far from sea level wherever we live. I have mentioned before that not all places are within the Wyre catchment area. There are two streams that start the whole thing off namely the Tarnbrook and Marshaw Wyre. The second and smaller catchment is that of the Lune / Cocker which flows into Morecambe Bay further round from KILN DRIED ASH LOGS FROST PROTECTION SMOKELESS FUEL SEASONED LOGS SNOW SHOVELS COAL DOUBLES DEICING SALT KINDLING
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Fleetwood. Whisper it softly but Winmarleigh drains into Cocker Dyke! The settlements along the Bay coastline drain north and not to the Wyre. Preesall is an example of serious flooding not directly associated with overflowing main rivers. Sunnyside Terrace lies at the foot of a steep hill and the heavy rain of 29th Oct and 1st / 2nd Nov caused inundation of property. Wyre Councils’ emergency teams produced pumps to reduce impact but some residents were affected badly. The council have installed a camera to monitor for signs of flooding so teams and equipment can be dispatched to the area. A topographical survey of the hill promised by Lancashire County Council is eagerly awaited-and has been for some time. That will hopefully lead to options to ‘slow the flow’ of water off the hill. Members of the Preesall group have urged
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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) the council to take action where landowners carry out unauthorised development which leads to flooding from their land. At times the exchanges betwixt council and residents grew heated. Watercourses and highway drainage were also mentioned and the council urged to get the problems sorted. Finally in Preesall, the council will supply ‘diversion barriers’ for Sandy Lane traffic. Garstang has the unique responsibility for the safety of settlements downstream. The flood basin about which I have reported several times is doing its job in holding back river water and seems full when operated. Other than create lakes and reservoirs upstream to hold more water, it is at capacity I would have thought. Apart from Natural Flood Management measures that are starting up there are no plans for hard engineering. The Churchtown Group reported on two o We als ton in s g lo supply of logs & ets bags, n firegrates g, n li d e kin h mor & muc
recent flooding incidents where, thankfully, no properties were inundated. The village is affected by the meeting of the Wyre and the Ainspool which rises on the Nateby Fields and due to receive 270 dwellings and a small commercial centre. There is a complex system of valves and flaps to control water into the Wyre. The FLAG wondered whether when the Garstang Flood basin emptied it would cause the Ainspool to remain tidal locked? It is important, they argued, to control the discharge of the basin carefully. Mention must be made that the stalwarts of not only the Wyre Flood Forum but forums nationally, Siriol Hogg and her husband, have departed the village for areas new in the Fens. Together, they have made a huge and lasting impact and we all wish them happiness in their new venture.
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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) A few miles downstream, St Michaels report issues with the river bank including rabbit holes and invasion by other vermin that destabilise the structure. Reading the reports demonstrates much looking at and chewing on pencils; the FLAG now seek action at Stockenbridge, St Michaels Bridge, Rivermead Embankment, Whites Bridge not to mention a Slump, a Coir Roll and poaching and I haven’t even mentioned Highway Flooding on the A 586 and Rawcliffe Road. St Michael issues could fill a magazine. Moving along, areas of concern for Great Eccleston include Moss Side Lane, Hall Lane, Copp Lane Whites Bridge, the A586 and Raikes Road. The focus is not the river but water trying to get to it. I am no expert on road engineering but under present conditions it seems that new designs coupled with a greater sense of urgency by
the authorities is much needed. Finally to Hambleton where there are problems on Carr Lane, Sandy Lane, and Queensland Country Park with a problematic culverted water course which perhaps needs opening and Kiln Lane where a totally blocked culvert needs clearing by the riparian owner, i.e. the people that own the riverbank either side of the river. From Hambleton and Stalmine the river flows out of Over Wyre and the residents of Thornton contend with Royles Brook, Hillylaid Pool, School Road, New Lane, Springfield Drive, Fleetwood Road North, Stannah Road, Aintree Road, Lawsons Road and Calder Avenue. And the Government is wanting to build, build, build! There is far too much news to report fully. If there is one message I hope comes through loud and clear, it is that our councils and agencies need to look to the simple
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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) housekeeping tasks like clearing gullies. Everywhere you go the evidence stares you in the face. For more information on FLAGS and their work in your area, contact me. Roger Brooks - Garstang Town Council, Garstang Flag t: (01995) 601995 m: 07889 124 077 e: rogerwilliambrooks@outlook.com
2020 was a very strange year. As we write the first vaccine for Covid-19 has been approved and the roll-out is about to start. It will be a long slog to get everyone covered, but hopefully it will mean we can meet up in person at some point in the next few months! 16 Days of Activism 2020
Women Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives
December was much quieter for us as Soroptimists than usual, but one piece of work we managed to achieve was to draw attention to the issues of gender based violence during the annual 16 Days of Activism which took place between Wed 25th Nov and Thu 10th Dec. Perhaps you spotted one of our Facebook posts on the subject?
Happy New Year!
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At the end of November we were pleased to welcome Tess Thompson from Support Dogs to our Zoom meeting. Tess was able to tell us about the wonderful
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SOROPTIMISTS (cont)
CAT SMITH MP
work this charity does to provide support for children with autism and adults who suffer from epilepsy or other disabilities.
Well here we are – the start of a new year. The UN has declared 2021 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour.
To say that the effects are life-changing is a massive understatement! Imagine never knowing when an attack may strike and therefore being unable to live any sort of normal life with the worry that an epileptic seizure could happen in a dangerous place. Now imagine that you could have a canine companion who is 100% reliable at giving a warning of up to 50 minutes before any seizure – what a difference that can and does make. To see more about the amazing way that dogs change lives visit their website www. supportdogs.org.uk Coming Up Next This month we will be ‘meeting up’ with our friends from over the border, in the White Rose county. Garstang Soroptimists have a Friendship Link with Wakefield Soroptimists, and as we can’t meet in person as originally planned last Autumn we will be Zooming in to have a general catch up and to talk about work we’ve all done or have planned for the coming year. It may give us some more ideas! And finally… Well it’s a new year - already - so why not a new you. Come along and join in with us to try and level up the playing field for everyone – with fun and friendship as an added bonus. A happy and peaceful New Year to everyone! Interested in What we Do? Just drop us a line or give our membership co-ordinator, Muriel Burnham-Airey a ring. We’ll be happy to talk to you and answer your questions. t: (01995) 606604. fb: @SoroptimistsGarstang twitter:@GarstangSoropt w: www.sigarstang.org.uk
2021 is also scheduled to host most major events that were cancelled last year (including the Eurovision Song Contest, UEFA Euro 2020, 2020 Summer Olympics, and Expo 2020) that were postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I really hope its safe for them to go ahead as we could all do with some fun, taking the mickey out of some of the awful Eurovision entries and watching some great athletes compete for gold medals.
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) So many people have done so much during the last year to try and improve the lives of others. Whether that’s been operating as a key worker or volunteering in the community to look after the vulnerable and those who have found themselves struggling. A huge ‘congratulations’ to Natasha Wright and the local Covid team who have worked tirelessly, shopping, providing and delivering food parcels, making and distributing masks and the myriad of other things they’ve done to make such a difference to people’s lives. I was delighted to see the Santa Sleigh Ride went ahead in Preesall and Knott End and brought some well-needed cheer. I’m told it was such a success the team will be doing it all over again next year, hopefully without the social distancing restrictions. I’d like to highlight the amazing work our teachers have done in the last six months. The efforts they have gone to ensuring the safety of our children has been remarkable. I know you were all utterly shattered, having had to stay in your ‘bubbles’ since September and making it as worry-free as possible for our youngsters. We owe you a debt of gratitude and I hope you had a well-deserved rest over the Christmas period. I also hope in the year to come I can once again start visiting our schools. I think we’ll all be pleased to put 2020 behind us. It would be foolish to imagine that there won’t continue to be ramifications for us all - with the added stress of Brexit - but I leave you with the uplifting words of Anne Frank, ‘what a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.’
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I wish you a year filled with love, laughter, happiness and good health. Happy New Year everyone.
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BEN WALLACE MP
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We were never going to have a normal Christmas – nothing about 2020 from March onwards was normal – but I hope very much that you were able to have an enjoyable time with close family or friends. As we say goodbye to 2020 – and I have no doubt many will want to forget it – I think we can look forward to having a better year in 2021. Last year was a difficult and demanding year in so many ways, with every household facing challenges of some sort. However, Coronavirus highlighted some real positives about our communities; our key workers, the NHS and our scientists. We should not forget the amazing community spirit shown by so many individuals and groups and I really hope this continues.
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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) Local communities came together to support the vulnerable and I would like to thank all who helped. Wouldn’t it be a great legacy to think that communities are closer and longterm relationships have been forged? We are also incredibly lucky to have such dedicated and committed key workers, many of whom who have been on the front line in fighting the virus. Our scientists have also been leading the way in developing a vaccine. We are the first country to have started vaccinating our population. Hopefully this will enable life to return to some sort of normality this year. Many businesses have been through difficult times and will have many challenges still to come. Speaking to some local businesses I have been encouraged to hear how changing working practices and adaptability has helped in these challenging times. The flexibility which comes with remote working is a benefit to many, and I think it unlikely that many people will go entirely back to pre-Covid working practices. Businesses in all sectors will face challenges and it is important that government understands and reacts to them. With this in mind, I look forward to the opportunity to visit local businesses to hear first-hand about the challenges they face going forward. Please remember, for up to date information on the pandemic go to: www.gov.uk/ coronavirus and www.nhs.uk Please also remember your community hub, Wyre Together (01253) 891000. Also, the Department of Health and Social Care helpline can help with Covid19 queries (0300 303 2713, lines open from 7:00am - 11:00pm daily). If anyone is showing symptoms of Covid 19, they will be able to arrange testing. With January just starting, winter is well and truly with us. Keeping warm during winter can help to prevent colds, flu and serious
health problems. For NHS advice please go to: www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/ keep-warm-keep-well Also for more information and advice from Lancashire County Council about keeping healthy during the winter months please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter/keepingwell Some residents have raised concerns with me about the recent highway delays in the area as a result of the A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool Project. Please be assured my office is aware of the situation and is in dialogue with both Highways England and Lancashire County Council on a regular basis. Although there will be many speed restrictions during the works, I have been assured that temporary closures will be carried out during the night. Inevitably any major roadworks bring challenges. Please do let me know if unforeseen difficulties arise in order for me to highlight. My mailbag continues to be full of many issues from road safety to development and from town centre investment to our new relationship with the European Union. I welcome letters and emails because it lets me know the issues which really concern constituents on a daily basis whether personal, local or national issues. It is important for me to understand how people are coping whether in their business, work or home lives. I’m here to help. The most effective way to contact me is by email with a brief description of the issues you wish to raise, along with your contact details. You can also ring or write to my office at the House of Commons. I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year. Ben Wallace MP t: 0207 219 5804 e: wallaceb@parliament.uk a: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
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MAKE YOUR WILL And Support Your Hospice
continue to work so hard for our community.
As the year draws to a close, few of us will remember 2020 with much fondness. Like many of you, St John’s has struggled too. Covid-19 swept away our fundraising overnight and the resulting loss of income has hurt us deeply.
In Feb, you’ll have the opportunity to ‘make it happen’ too, by making your will or refreshing an existing will during our Wills Fortnight. It’s a straightforward process; choose a participating solicitor, decide on your beneficiaries and donate to the hospice. Your solicitor will make no charge for a straightforward will and you’ll be helping us support your community for years to come.
Our hearts have continued to be warmed by the fact so many people did their bit to help, from plant and cake sales to social distanced parachute jumps and even ‘virtual’ events. We are seeing things improve slowly. Let’s hope we see a return to better times soon. Throughout all the turmoil we’re proud to have kept our clinical function going with the inpatient ward and Hospice at Home service supplying care and compassion across North Lancashire, the South Lakes and parts of North Yorkshire without losing stride. We’re so proud of our nurses, medical staff and all the support staff who made that happen and
CROSSWORD (ans page 47)
We don’t take our amazing support for granted, and if you would like to learn more then please feel free to speak to me on the numbers below or text WILLS to 78900. You can also visit our website for a free information pack. From all of us at your hospice, thank you. Stuart Nelson - Trust & Legacy Manager t: 07740 882 100 www.sjhospice.org.uk Across 4 Fit; correct (3) 6 Petrol / Diesel Alternative (8) 7 Consume (3) 9 Late; delayed (6) 11 Rubbish; cheap meat (5) 12 Fringe; peripheral (5) 14 Temporary flood protection (7) 15 A tree; residue (3) 17 Stressed (8) 18 Small bird (3) Down 1 Tastes; spices (8) 2 Neck warmers (7) 3 A fish (5) 4 Number one (3) 5 Small child; add up (3) 8 Asked for a review (8) 10 Wearing away; degrading (7) 13 US cattle farm (5) 15 Hill-dwelling insect (3) 16 Head covering (3)
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LOV E L I V I N G
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GREY MATTER ANSWERS
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Across 4 Apt 6 Electric 7 Eat 9 Overdue 11 Tripe 12 Outer 14 Sandbag 15 Ash 17 Accented 18 Tit
Birds Kerry Viola Fleet Street Sir Alec Issigonis Horses London & New York Oslo Calligraphy Gypsum The Cheetah Pisces The Sparrow Greek Gods Orienteering Dr Christiaan Barnard Irish meal of cabbage & mashed potato Enamel Wilma Tendrils
Down 1 Flavours 2 Scarves 3 Trout 4 Ace 5 Tot 8 Appealed 10 Eroding 13 Ranch 15 Ant 16 Hat
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