Over Wyre Focus Magazine - February 2021 by Focus Magazines

FOCUS MAGAZINE 'The Green Book'

OVER WYRE - Knott End - Preesall - Pilling - Stalmine - Hambleton

Issue 254 February 2021

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Welcome to Focus Magazine... Covid National Lockdown.............................4

Lancashire West Trefoil Guild.....................28

Over Wyre Medical Centre...........................6

Wyre Juniors Football Club..........................28

The Power of Vitamin D..................................10

Over Wyre Ladies Club...................................30

Garstang & District Lions...............................13

Garstang Camera Club...................................30

Wyre Flood Forum............................................14

North Fylde Photographic Society...........31

Cardiac Risk in the Young..............................18

Knott End Library...............................................32

Rotary Club............................................................20

Ben Wallace MP.................................................35

Douglas Ellison...................................................21

Cat Smith MP........................................................37

Pilling Band 200 Club......................................22

Preesall Town Council.....................................40

Harmony & Health.............................................22

Hambleton Parish Council............................42

Galloways...............................................................22

Stalmine-with-Staynall Council.................43

Lancaster Singers..............................................24

SSRA..........................................................................44

Pilling Lane WI....................................................24

Hearing to Remember ...................................48

Preesall Bowling Club.....................................25

RSPCA......................................................................50

Hambleton URC..................................................25

Forest of Bowland.............................................51

Over Wyre Gardening......................................26

Soroptimists..........................................................54

World Day of Prayer.........................................27

Grey Matter Test.................................................55

Garstang Speakers Club................................27

Crossword..............................................................57

Wyre Villa Football Club................................27

Moon Charitable Trust.....................................58

1st Pilling Scout Group...................................28

Census 2021..........................................................58

MARCH 2021 DEADLINE DATE

The March deadline for editorial and adverts is 5:00pm on Monday 15th February Deliveries of the March edition of Focus Magazine will commence Thursday 25th February 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 | ÂŠ Focus Magazines 2021 While every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine to ensure accuracy, Focus Magazines cannot be held responsible for content supplied by advertisers or editorial 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.

COVID NATIONAL LOCKDOWN •

What You Can & Cannot Do You must stay at home. The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

•

You should follow this guidance at all times. This is the law.

•

Leaving Home

•

You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to: • •

shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot

reasonably do so from home exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person (in which case you should stay 2m apart). Exercise should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area. meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse) attend education or childcare - for those eligible

If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local - unless it is necessary to go further, for example to go to work. Staying local means stay in the village, town, or part of the city where you live.

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COVID NATIONAL LOCKDOWN (cont) If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you are advised to only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. It is recommended that you do not attend work.

Early years settings remain open. Higher Education provision will remain online until at least mid February for all except future critical worker courses.

Meeting Others

Healthcare & Public Services

You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).

Medical services remain open, including:

You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area. Education Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term.

• • • • • • •

dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health

Government is supporting the NHS to carry out urgent and non-urgent services safely, and it is vital anyone who thinks they need any kind of medical care comes forward and seeks help.

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COVID NATIONAL LOCKDOWN (cont) The majority of public services continue and you will be able to leave home to visit them. These include:

Covid secure venues or in public outdoor spaces unless in exceptional circumstances.

• • • • • • •

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies must only take place with up to 6 people. Anyone working is not included. These should only take place in exceptional circumstances, for example, an urgent marriage where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover, or is to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery.

Jobcentre Plus sites courts and probation services civil registrations offices passport and visa services services provided to victims waste or recycling centres getting an MOT, if you need to drive when lawfully leaving home

Care Home Visits Visits to care homes can take place with arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods, or behind windows. Closecontact indoor visits are not allowed. No visits will be permitted in the event of an outbreak. Funerals Funerals are allowed with strict limits on attendance, and must only take place in Established over 14 years

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Places of Worship You can attend places of worship for a service. However, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. You should maintain strict social distancing at all times. Further Information For more details about Covid and the most up-to-date guidance on restrictions, visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus

OVER WYRE MEDICAL CENTRE Update on the Covid Vaccination Programme As you will all be aware, the Covid vaccination programme is well underway and we are starting to make our way through the various vulnerable patient groups. There has been a tremendous uptake of the vaccine so far and we hope that this continues over the next few months. Our nursing team have worked like troops on the frontline to give the vaccinations with military precision. Our administrative teams have worked incredibly hard to coordinate and book approximately 1000 appointments per week. The local fire brigade and other volunteers have helped direct our patients when they arrive at the surgery. We express sincere thanks to all these

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OVER WYRE MEDICAL (cont) groups who have come together with high spirits and determination to get this job done. Rest assured, when it is time for your vaccination you will be contacted by the surgery to get you booked in. The second doses are now given at 12 weeks following a change in government guidance. Do not be concerned by this; it is a strategy to improve the levels of immunity within the community and possibly could improve your overall protection against Covid. It is a delight to see the community coming together to make this programme happen. Headaches Headaches are an extremely common ailment, ranging from mild to severe. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it - the situation over the last year has probably given us all a headache of some sort! I thought it fitting therefore to discuss the main types of headache, how you can manage them yourselves and when to seek help. Tension headaches are often caused by the stresses and strains of everyday life. These are caused by tightening of the muscles surrounding the scalp and neck leading to a tight sensation over the head and neck, often to the forehead. They often worsen as the day progresses but do not cause other specific symptoms. Usually patients will describe symptoms to both sides of the head and symptoms can be ongoing for a number of days at a time. Techniques to reduce stress (massage, mindfulness techniques, aromatherapy, relaxing baths) can help to relax the tightened muscles. Alternatively, some over the counter painkillers can be helpful such as paracetamol, ibuprofen tablets or gel or cocodamol. The pharmacist can help you select appropriate treatment for you. Migraine is a common complaint. The headaches are usually more severe than a Why not keep it local and support our advertisers?

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OVER WYRE MEDICAL (cont) tension headache and are one-sided. Patients describe the headaches as throbbing and there can be a sensitivity to light, vomiting or nausea or even unusual visual symptoms before the headache starts. Aspirin and sumatriptan are the first line medications of choice although antiinflammatories can also be useful. These are all available at the pharmacy. If you are suffering with a number of migraines each month, it may be worth considering a regular medication as a preventative measure. There are a number of options, so this is a matter to discuss with your GP. Interestingly, too many painkillers can actually cause a headache! This is called a medication-overuse headache. If you suspect you may be taking too many painkillers for your headaches or they have stopped to have any effect, I would suggest having a discussion with your GP. The aim is to wean down from the medication and manage them in alternative ways. Neuralgia is a nerve pain which can affect the head and face. This can be very painful causing burning sensations, sensitivity or shooting pains into the scalp and face. For mild cases, simple painkillers can be useful but more severe cases should be discussed with your GP. Other symptoms that require urgent medical attention are: a new sudden onset headache, a headache with neurological symptoms, such as double vision or facial/limb symptoms, headaches that only occur in the mornings, on lying down or on straining, or a headache around the temple region which is tender to the touch. Thank you for your continued support and stay safe. Dr Vicky Simpson t: (01253) 951165 fb: @overwyremc www.overwyremc.co.uk

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THE POWER OF VITAMIN D qualities of vitamin D. The sunshine vitamin. It is readily available in good health food shops and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure many of you have had a letter through your doors from the government offering you free vitamin D for a few months. Please take them up on the offer.

Wishing you all a belated happy New Year! With a new born daughter and a two-year-old over the Christmas period and juggling all the pressures of life, I neglected to get an article out to you last month. I apologise for that. If in doubt, blame the children! So that is my feeble excuse out of the way and here we go into 2021. I thought it would be important at this sunstarved time of year to dwell on the powerful

What is it about vitamin D that is so useful? It has a powerful effect on our immune system, on our mood, it can help weight loss, it is important for the strength of our bones and our body makes it naturally in sunlight. Do be aware that in these northern climes, at this time of year, even if the sun is shining and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out in it you do not produce any vitamin D. You only get vitamin D in Britain when your shadow is shorter than you are tall, and that is only a few months of the year! Vitamin D is remarkably good for us and is very safe to take. It is extremely difficult to take too much of it.

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THE POWER OF VITAMIN D (cont) Given the madness and fear being foisted on us by the media right now, I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to focus on how vitamin D can have a profoundly positive effect on our immune system. I feel the need to reassure given the current extraordinary circumstances we are all suffering. There has been an amazing study in a hospital in Cordoba, Spain where 76 people had Covid. Twenty-six had standard medical treatment and 50 were given high strength vitamin D. The results of this experiment were remarkable: Of the 25 given standard medical treatment, sadly, two died and 13 had to be admitted to intensive care, but of the 50 given vitamin D all were discharged without complications. I have heard a doctor explain that it is almost as if vitamin D is the most remarkably safe natural vaccination, so please take it. You need plenty of it at the moment so I would say take 5000iu (iu means international units and is a way this vitamin is measured) every day for the next few months until summer arrives.

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Whilst the study only used a sample of 75 people it had big effects and therefore is quite valid. Most studies have to be larger because the effects of whatever is being studied are tiny, but if you have a big effect on a small group of people it is just as valid. So get yourself your vitamin D. You can also get it in your diet from eating eggs, fish and high quality meats preferably naturally reared. At this difficult time I wish you all well and hope youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all coping. Our shop remains open in Garstang and even if you just need to come in to see someone for a chat in a safe environment please do. Nick Tofolos t: (01995) 602833

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GARSTANG & DISTRICT LIONS Donations Despite the difficult circumstances, the Garstang and District Lions Club have distributed over £6,000 to various charities and good causes in 2020 with about half of this amount going to specific local or area Covid related activities / projects. It is always nice to have our work recognised and we were proud to be awarded ‘Team of the Year’ by Garstang Town Council. In addition to this we have also, again, received from Lions Club International their membership satisfaction banner given to us for the recruitment of new members and the provision of good value to existing ones. Events On the final Sunday before Christmas,

Santa Claus and five of his elves arrived by separate transport outside seven of our local care home facilities to deliver both Christmas cards and presents to their residents and the staff. Doing this for the first time and managing to comply with all of the current regulations was ‘tricky’ but it was felt that it all went well. We were very grateful for both the support and welcome received from all at: Abbeyfield, Bowgreave Rise, Bowers Wood, Catterall House, The Cornmill, Oaklands and Westward House. More About the Lions For further information about the range of activities and projects that we have been involved with, please see 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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WYRE FLOOD FORUM As the New Year dawned I wondered what I could write about for the February Green Book having reported, in January, the quarterly December Flood Forum. As the Editor’s deadline approached I still had little to mention and then on the 18th January a new name flashed on our screens - Storm Christophe! Wyre Senior Engineer Paul Long quickly arranged an online Forum for 9:30am Wed 20th Jan and we were off again. A walk along the River Wyre from the Garstang High Street car park painted a grim scene of driving rain and water levels well over the banks but thankfully not threatening the Sports pavilion as it had done twice in the past five years. In fact, at the previous evening’s remote Town Council meeting Cllr Sir Robert Atkins, president of the cricket club, had drawn our attention to the serious consequences of yet another inundation. Those of you who know the river walk will have frequently seen the martial Heron on sentry duty at the first weir ready to dive for his favourite fish but that day he was nowhere to be seen. The conditions were too much for him but I’m pleased to say he was back a day later patiently waiting to choose his lunch from the deep. Teams in vehicles from the Environment Agency (EA) and United Utilities were on stand by. The EA rep told us he would stay until 8:00pm but the EA control room at Walton Summit would be on 24 hour watch. The Garstang Flood Basin Warning signs were unlocked and displayed but the gates had not been raised and were not yet expected to be although the picture changed over the next few hours and a colleague who overlooks the basin reported that the gates had been raised later that evening. Although the river was full it was not naturally spilling over. Saturated as it was the rugby pitch was still visible apart from one or two pools of

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont)

At the riverside mid-day Tues 19th Jan.

standing water. The potential for flooding at St Michaels arises when a significant volume of water heading to sea meets a similar force heading up stream. The higher the tide the greater the threat. On this occasion the conjunction of Sun, Moon and Earth produced a Neap or low tide “without power” and the threat was averted. Nevertheless, several reports of flooding

A much calmer scene 24 hours later.

were received but mostly on farm land. Raikes Road at Gt Eccleston near Moons Funerals and the bus stop was highlighted. Although not as serious as previous occasions signs were required because motorists could not spot the hazard and drove through creating bow waves. In spite of historic problems on Rawcliffe Road being well documented the solution to the serious escape of sewage is no nearer. UU say somewhat blithely that it is a ‘known

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) issue’ but that does not cut the mustard and it is action that is required.

storage arrangements of excess water ‘are being investigated.’

There were individual reports of standing water on the road network and a short closure of the A586 through St Michaels but no reports of ingress into property. Householders in vulnerable spots are now savvy to threat and quick to prepare for the danger.

Householders in Ainspool Lane were busy fixing boards to their front entrances and filling sand bags. The Wyre runs strongly here with the added force of a number of tributaries as well as surface water drains. Hard surfaces where ever they are contribute to the threat and more building is not the answer

A tour of Churchtown on Tuesday Tues 19th Jan demonstrated the vigilance required by the local FLAG and Agency officers. The Ainspool flows a very short distance from Nateby Fields under the Canal and under Longmoor Lane via culverts and finally under the A586 at the Ainspool Bridge. On the 19th Jan the water was level with the underside of the main road carrying bridge and as officers are well aware, and admit, excess water has nowhere to go. When questioned, the Chairman of the Forum said that alternative

Elsewhere, in Preesall Sunnyside Terrace residents were out in force barricading their doors with sand bags and with the help of two council pumps, one of which could be re deployed to Churchtown in an emergency, keeping waters at bay. There are reports of a potential blockage in Cartgate and EA were asked to deal with silting in the river system. Key FLAG member Linda made a plea strongly backed by all present to motorists to act responsibly and to drive VERY SLOWLY through water pools. Linda also reported a lighting standard being out on the corner with Lancaster Road which should be illuminating a Flood Warning sign.

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There is, one feels, much to be done by EA and LCC to rectify drainage issues in the historic Sunnyside Terrace. Better news from Hambleton where agencies working in partnership (isn’t that how it should be done?) in Kiln and Marsh Lanes have, according to County Cllr John Shedwick, fixed the flooding issues. It’s not just Over Wyre that feels the effect of heavy weather. In Thornton a development by Wain Homes is adding to the highway problems and although planning enforcement officers have visited the company it might end up with a STOP notice being issued meaning legal enforcement. In Poulton, County Cllr Alf Clempson described the plight of residents where despite LCC providing sandbags - some homes are under threat. Funding for remedial works is now being investigated and the

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont)

CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG

influential ‘Making Space For Water Group’ of officers will meet to find solutions on a multiagency basis.

Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund

I had intended to write more of the NFM - natural flood management - work being done by Tom Myerscough, the Wyre River’s Trust scientific officer and also the Forest of Bowland Peatland Restoration project funded from the Government’s £80 Million Green Recovery Challenge Fund but Christophe has taken my allotted space so I will make amends in the March issue if I am allowed. Meanwhile we spare a thought to all those in various regions of the UK who have suffered so much as graphically highlighted in our newspapers and television screens. Flooding is a National problem very much associated with land drainage; the government must redouble its efforts to tackle the causes. Roger Brooks

Whilst January usually hails a busy time prepping for our February screening event, outwardly this year it’s seemed to have been a more challenging but quiet and reflective month mainly due to the current situation. Yet behind the scenes, January has actually been rather eventful. We’ve had the pleasure of sending a further fabulous donation of £230 to CRY from our friends and their customers at Quilter’s Quarters, who have been busy yet again making and selling more masks. Their lovely crafty shop at Longridge is of course currently closed (apart from click and collect), but they have a wonderfully informative Facebook page with an inspirational blog from Emma, great telephone advice and a speedy postal service too. Ladies you are munificent!

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CRY (cont) We also managed to have a clothing collection which added a further £106 to the pot. Whilst we’re very grateful for all the donations we receive through the green recycling bank at the village hall car park, the company we deal with will not take preloved quilts, pillows or cushions. Prior to the virus any such donations that we were unable to make use of were re-donated to a local animal care centre. However, they are not currently accepting them either so we would be grateful if they are not posted in the bank as we have no storage space. From time to time we receive donations that are given either anonymously or from folks who do not wish to be named and this we greatly respect. However we’d like to acknowledge these acts of benevolent support and thoughtfulness whether it’s a donation in memory of a friend or loved one, an old note or coin that was found in

the bottom of a bag or long forgotten drawer or ‘just because’. Whatever the amount or reason may be, please know that we appreciate your bigheartedness very much. Many thanks too to all who have donated/ bought jigsaw puzzles. They’re a great activity that has enabled folks to find some enjoyment in this time of lockdown and support CRY too. And finally our thanks go to those who have generously donated their unwanted Christmas gifts. They’ll be great raffle prizes when we’re back up and running with events. Keep safe and keep smiling (even if it is behind a mask)! Paula Hesmondhalgh t: 07785 106 976 e: paulahez.ph@gmail.com fb: @The Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund

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THE ROTARY CLUB Rotary raises £684 for Charity in December 2020 200+ Club Draw

Dec.

The Rotary Club of Garstang and Over Wyre held its six monthly 200+ Club Draw on Wed 16th

In August last year, on the occasion of the 200 Club 50th Birthday, we issued a press release to say that to partially offset some of the inflation we would offer additional tickets for sale in excess of the 200. At the same time we would increase the number of prizes in the same ratio that is £3.50 for every £6.50 of ticket sales (revenue). As a result of the above on this occasion we sold 230 tickets which raised £1495. From this we were able to supply the following prizes; 15 at £10, 6 at £25 and 1 at £500. This provided a surplus which covered our

expenses and provided a contribution to our Rotary charities. Due to the Covid lockdown we were unable to hold the traditional event. Rotarians were able to make use of the technology that they have adopted for their regular meetings. Throughout the Rotary organisation we are using Zoom - an application which enables a number of people using a laptop, a tablet or a smart phone to view and speak to one or all members of the group as seen on their own screen in their own homes. On Wed 16th Dec, Rotarians and their wives tuned in using Zoom. The tombola drum and corks were sited at the home of Rotarian Alan Jefferson and his wife Glynis. Alan, Glynis and the tombola plus corks were fully visible prior to the draw. After an introduction the draw began. Alan displayed the 230 corks on its storage boards. Corks were removed by Alan and Glynis and placed in the tombola.

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THE ROTARY CLUB (cont) After a thorough shake-up, Glynis pulled out the first cork. This was passed to Alan who read out the number and displayed the cork on the screen. The number was checked against the list of members by the secretary of the 200 Club, sited at his home. He then announced the winner’s name. This process was repeated for all the 22 prizes described above. Ticket number 058 was the winning number for the first prize of £500. The President of the Rotary Club of Garstang and Over Wyre, President Geoff Bolland, in thanking the members and the organisers of the draw and stated: ‘The draw has raised £684, which will go towards the Rotary charity account. This will assist a number of Rotary’s local charities including support for young people, assistance in the face of Covid-19 and international charities which includes the world-wide elimination of polio.’

Further information and full details of all the winning numbers are available from the Rotary Club. Don Goodier e: donald.goodier@btinternet.com fb: @rotarygarstangandoverwyre

DOUGLAS (DOUG) ELLISON Avril would like to thank all friends and neighbours for their kind expressions of sympathy, cards of condolence, flowers and generous donations for the North West Air Ambulance. Thank you to all who attended the funeral at Preesall Cemetery for their support at this sad time. Thank you to Sandra Howles for her comforting words. Finally thank you to Moons Funeral Service for their professional and dignified funeral arrangements. Avril Ellison

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GALLOWAYS

We would like to extend an invitation to anyone out there who would like to join us for our remote singing sessions.

It seems such a long time since we last met together, but I do hope that you have all managed to keep well during this dreadful pandemic. Let us hope that the vaccinations work and we can all enjoy a reasonable 2021.

You will need to have a device with internet connectivity and we will fully support you, if you are unfamiliar with the technology. Words and music are provided through your device and there is no cost for joining in.

Unfortunately I am unable to offer my services regarding shopping etc but to those members who are on their own you can always telephone me if you want to have a little ‘natter’. My best wishes for 2021.

Our sessions are held on Tuesday afternoons

Lorna Musgrave (01995) 471319

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LANCASTER SINGERS Would you like to sing? Lancaster Singers have been rehearsing virtually for months with our director, Duncan Lloyd. He has been working tirelessly to produce new material and recording the accompaniments to which we sing. We’ve just started on a new collection of songs and pieces and are planning for live performances in 2021. 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 r Open fo & s s busine g in r e adh y t fe a s to es n li guide

supporters who remain resilient and positive during these challenging times. Chris Haughton Chairman, Lancaster Singers t: 07976 875 586 fb: @LancasterSinger www.lancastersingers.org

PILLING LANE WI As I write this, another month has gone by and we are still in lockdown. We have no idea when we will be let out, but the vaccine roll out is going well and lots of friends I speak to have had at least one dose. I wait eagerly for my call to have my vaccine and the protection it will give me. In the meantime, like lots of others, I am tucked up warm inside and planning what I will do when we are able to go about more freely. The weather at the moment is awful but

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PILLING LANE WI (cont)

HAMBLETON URC

I notice that the snowdrops are out in my garden and there are buds on the shrubs and trees. I know that during February other bulbs in our gardens will begin to flower and brighten our days.

Hambleton URC (being the church at the centre of our beautiful village) wants you to know that as part of our commitment of outreach, we are here for you. Especially at this unfortunate time of being in lockdown three. We want you to know that all of you are in our daily prayers.

Nature goes on come what may and this can only give us hope for the future. As usual, please get in touch if you need anything or just want a chat. Janet Astley (01254) 467978 fb: Pilling Lane W.I.

PREESALL BOWLING CLUB Happy New Year to all our members. We will keep you informed as to the date of the club’s AGM, club opening etc. For any other enquires during the close season for current or prospective members please contact the club. Mike Holland 07958 222 245

This is the month of ‘love’ and we want to wish you and your family and friends a very happy Valentine’s Day. Once again, the church doors are closed, but not our prayers. We have a small group who are praying for you throughout this time. If you would like us to say a prayer for you or a friend or family member at this time, please do not hesitate to contact us. As always, if you have a relative or friend who is ill in hospital and you wish them to have someone to visit them, then do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to contact the hospital chaplaincy team to arrange for A Few Spaces Remaining

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HAMBLETON URC (cont) someone to go and check on them. This is open to all members of our community. Contact Chris Lamb for further details. There will be a prayer group which will take place on Zoom Sun 7th Feb at 5:00pm. To join, please use the below log-in details: http://bit.ly/zoom-prayer-meeting Meeting ID: 986 9189 7736 Passcode: 087739 Chris Lamb t: (01253) 811252 e: hambletonurc@gmail.com

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OVER WYRE GARDENING CLUB Happy New Gardening Year to everyone! At this time it is impossible to predict whether or not we will be able to have any meetings this year. Maybe later in the summer? We were forced to cancel our annual Flower Show last year but had already purchased our competition seeds. These were Rudbeckia marigold and for most of us who had received them at the 2020 AGM they grew and flowered very well. We still have a large number of these seeds left so the committee have decided that we will distribute them to all members from the 2019/20 membership lists. If we are able to have our Flower Show this year we can all display our successes. If we are still unable to meet then, the flowers will be something to enjoy at home. These are late-flowering plants, mid July/ early August, so do not need to be planted too early - late March/early April is fine. The seeds will be delivered to you (with planting instructions) sometime during February or March. If anyone wants any more information, please contact me. Joyce Wilson (01253) 813519

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WORLD DAY OF PRAYER The World Day of Prayer service due to be held at the beginning of March at St Marks Church, Pilling has been cancelled due to the current Covid situation. Please everyone stay safe and well. Jackie Ronson

GARSTANG SPEAKERS CLUB Life has thrown up all sorts of new challenges over the last year and we are all having to learn or adapt to doing things differently. Do you miss face to face contact with others? Do you have to use technology to communicate, for example Zoom meetings? Are you unsure how to do all this new stuff? We at Garstang Speakers Club can help. We hold a Zoom meeting twice a month, when we can see our friends, learn a little more about how to get the best out of the technology as well as continuing to develop our skills.

We are a friendly group who are all learning and willing to share with you. If you are interested in finding out more then please contact us. t: (01253) 701019 (Sheila Croft) e: barleyfold@madasafish.com (Sue Hubbard) or garstangspeakersclub@gmail.com www.garstangladiesspeakersclub.org

WYRE VILLA FOOTBALL CLUB Happy New Year to all our supporters. Due to the ongoing Covid issues, there are still no fixtures published as yet regarding the hopeful return to football. These will be published when known, but for any further information on any club matter please contact club secretary, Mike Holland. Mike Holland 07958 222 245

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We look forward to meeting face-to-face when it is deemed safe later this year. In the meantime, our dedicated leaders and helpers are running weekly virtual Beavers, Cubs and Scouts meetings every Wednesday in school term time.

It is now eleven months since the start of the Covid pandemic, and it has been a very difficult year for everyone.

The West Lancashire Scout County have launched ‘XPPLODE’ which is the first all county digital event (a Scout winter virtual camp) and is open for our group members to participate and we have invested our first Scout virtually at our meeting on Wed 13th Jan. The young people in uniform are enthusiastic and having great fun learning life skills. We cater for boys and girls from six to 14 years: • • •

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The good news is that the vaccine is being rolled out, starting with the elderly. Hopefully by September all of the adult population will be offered theirs. We hope that we will then be able to meet face-to-face, providing NHS hospital admissions have dropped to manageable proportions. We have missed socialising so much. Some of our members have been making bunting to their own designs. We hope to decorate our Guide House at Waddow, near Clitheroe, with the bunting in December for the Christmas Tree Festival. Our County Chairman, Barbara Topping has been busy producing a monthly newsletter and also weekly Zoom Coffee Mornings for our members - such a lovely way to keep in touch. I am also only a phone call away if you wish to join us. We will look forward to meeting you face-toface when deemed safe to do so. Elaine Robinson (01253) 790692

WYRE JUNIORS FOOTBALL CLUB Lockdown may have stopped football at Preesall and Pilling, however there is lots of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that the facilities are in top-notch condition when we can restart. As a club we are looking to replace the majority of the goal equipment we own using a combination of grants and fund raising we have done. We are continually looking to improve our pitches and will be investigating drainage and other long term developments to give us the best chance of being able to play games every week regardless of the weather. We miss playing football but our team of committed volunteers are working hard to make Preesall Park and Pilling

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WYRE JUNIORS (cont)

GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB

Playing fields the best footballing facilities Over Wyre can offer. Saturday Morning Football Club When we are able to play football again our Saturday Morning Football Club will be on at Preesall Park. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. If you have a child looking to start playing football, do get in touch and we will put you in touch with the correct team manager for when we can start again. Angela Lawson 07799 110146

OVER WYRE LADIES CLUB Hello friends. I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year. It doesn’t look like we can meet again as soon as we thought but we hope to see you soon. Beryl Stott LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESS SINCE 2008

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Welcome to our club’s New Year. We thought it would be greeted with a degree of optimism - and so it might - but we still have a disturbing few months ahead of us before we arrive at a new normal. Right... that’s the bile out of the way. We are already into our New Year’s programme having had ‘Creatures of the World’ judged and a presentation of ‘A-Z Back to Basics’ by Dave Bibby. The programme for the rest of February is given below •

Wed 3rd Feb: Judging of the club competition ‘Humanity’

•

Wed 10th Feb: We welcome Roger Geldard on ‘Japan’s Winter Wildlife’

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Wed 17th Feb Alison Jenkins presents ‘Our Photography - Work and Hobby’

•

Wed 3rd Mar: Starts with our club competition ‘Anything Goes’

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All Zoom meetings start at 7:30pm. Anyone wishing to join in by membership, please contact us through the website given at the bottom. As I write this, we are under the instructions to stay at home, so photographic opportunities are diminished unless we happen to live in a rural location where we can carry our camera as we take advantage of our daily exercise. The white tops of the Lakeland hills are, in golfing parlance, ‘out of bounds’. The attendance at our Zoom meetings still

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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB (cont) impresses me and our presenters come from a much wider radius than before, not having to travel many hours for a two hours session. That is one silver lining I can think of... not many others! We wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year and look forward to normal(ish) times in the future. Maurice Barker www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk

NORTH FYLDE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOC Due to Covid our club meetings are held on Zoom for now.

Zoom Programme •

Tues 2nd Feb: ‘Hot & Cold’ with Alan Walker MPAGB ARPS MPSA EFIAP & Julie Walker DPAGB ARPS EPSA EFIAP

•

Tues 9th Feb: Members’ Night Meeting

•

Tues 19th Feb: PDI Competition Knockout

•

Tues 16th Feb: Judging a PDI Comp (part 2) A second take on one of our own with Dave Bibby, Paul King and Kendal Photography Club

•

Tues 23rd Feb: Results night. Results of set subject PDI Competition judged by Jim Cunningham CPAGB

Neil Pascoe t: (01253) 734243 fb: North Fylde Photographic Society www.northfylde-ps.co.uk

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KNOTT END LIBRARY As we find ourselves in another national lockdown our library is open with reduced opening hours and limited services. Unfortunately you will not be able to come into the library to choose your own book or browse the shelves.

a robust system of managing risk inside of our library building. This means that we are constantly reviewing and updating our service offers, risk assessments and ways of working to keep pace with the changes in government and public health issued guidance.

If you only want to return books, you can drop them onto a returned bookshelf during the revised library opening hours, without an appointment or entering the library building.

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KNOTT END LIBRARY (cont) Lancashire Volunteer Partnership Officer New Year, new you and new opportunity to volunteer. If you have a spare hour a week and would like to volunteer making phone calls to lonely 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 5 years. If you are interested in making a positive difference please contact your Wyre Volunteer Officer, Mark Trent on 07887 831 672 or by email mark.trent@lancashire.gov.uk Stay safe everyone and we look forward to welcoming you into the library again soon. Knott End Library Team t: 0300 123 6703 www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-andarchives/libraries

BEN WALLACE MP

this is true throughout the services and for both regulars and reservists. I do not apologise for highlighting again in these articles the commitment from so many professions which has really shone through during the pandemic. Again our NHS, emergency services, care workers etc, have been amazing. There are far too many for me to highlight but one group I do want to mention this month are school staff. Whether teaching key workers children in school, delivering online lessons or carrying out the many other tasks schools have been asked to perform, they have been outstanding. I really look forward to traveling around the constituency as soon as it is possible and safe to make contact with the local schools, the emergency services, business, local groups and charities etc. Although the various platforms which have been used

As I write this article I know some residents have received the first dose of the Covid vaccine and many more will have had it by the time it is published. To say the past year has been challenging is an understatement but we are all now keeping our fingers crossed that there is light at the end of what seems like a long tunnel. As the Secretary of State for Defence, I am extremely proud of the input from our magnificent armed forces and they continue to show great professionalism in this, the latest phase of fighting this terrible virus. Over the years our armed forces have been involved in many civil emergencies and it is great to know we have an extremely high calibre of men and women in times of need. Indeed, Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

BEN WALLACE MP (cont) civilisations. The work to make sense of all the artefacts and evidence will now take place and the results will be published and shared widely with the local community. The works As always, my mailbag has been full of many to set up the construction compound are well issues obviously from the current pandemic to underway and a new access on to Garstang the unpredictable Lancashire winter weather. Road has been created and the cabins will be As I write this we have weather warnings for installed in early February. Roadworks will Storm Christoph and I know ice on the roads start at Skippool at the end of January and has been a concern over the last few weeks. the initial work to remove traffic islands and If you would like further information about the roundabout. This will allow flexibility to winter in Lancashire go to www.lancashire. move traffic around safely to create working gov.uk/winter space. Work in the surrounding fields to Another issue I am often asked about is the create temporary flood storage ponds and some haul roads is also underway and major A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool project, earthworks are due to commence in the so I asked for a quick update and received spring.” I will ask for further updates later in the following from Highways England. the year but if you would like to find out more “The scheme is progressing well, we have please go to: http://bit.ly/windy-harbourcontinued to undertake archaeological digs skippool in the area around Garstang Road where we have found evidence of stone age Please remember, for up to date information to communicate have been great and may shape how many work in the future, there is no substitute for having a chat face-to-face.

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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) on the pandemic go to: www.gov.uk/ coronavirus or www.nhs.uk Please also remember your community hub, Wyre Together (01253) 891000. Also, the Department of Health and Social Care helpline for any on-going Covid 19 queries is 0300 303 2713. Lines are open from 7:00am - 11:00pm daily). If anyone is showing symptoms of Covid, they will be able to arrange testing. 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 also know some businesses may have questions about our new trade agreement with the EU. Please remember, 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 my office at the House of Commons or write to me at the House of Commons.

future relationship between the UK and EU. Securing such a deal was not only a major promise from the current Prime Minister at the last election, but crucial for the future of our country. Not securing a trade deal with the EU would have had a huge impact on workers and businesses across the country - already under so much stress from the pandemic. From protecting our industries and supply chains, ensuring the highest standards in agriculture and the environment to maintaining our current security measures and fulfilling our obligations under the Good Friday Agreement, a deal was needed. However, the deal that was secured falls short on the promises this government made on recognising qualifications. Given over 80% of our economy is made of services, the government should have prioritised the sector.

Ben Wallace MP t: 0207 219 5804 e: wallaceb@parliament.uk a: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

CAT SMITH MP I’d like to start by congratulating staff at our nursing and care homes for the amazing work they’ve done over the last 12 months in keeping residents as safe as they can. Thankfully residents are now getting their vaccinations which must be a huge relief to staff and relatives. It is now twelve months since the UK left the European Union and until very recently, there was no deal yet secured for the Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

CAT SMITH MP (cont) However, the deal is preferable to the extreme damage which a no deal end to the transition period would have brought. When the House of Commons was recalled at the end of December I was called to speak

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in the debate. In doing so I raised the issue of fishing: ‘Vote Leave, led by the Prime Minister, promised to secure an even better deal than the one that was tariff-free for fishers and that offered full control over access and quota as well as frictionless trade of course. That is important because we export 80% of what we catch, mostly into the EU, and import 70% of what we eat. The industry has called for free unimpeded trade on fish and fisheries products to ensure that supply chain continuity. ‘As we leave the common fisheries policy, it is clear that the government’s demands in negotiations have been severely watered down in the final agreement. ‘The reality is that communities such as Fleetwood - a town that overwhelmingly voted to leave the EU based on bold promises about the regeneration of fishing - will be left very disappointed. ‘[The £100 million promise that has come from the government] will not be enough to truly transform coastal communities up and down these islands who desperately need that investment, and that is the reason why many of them chose to vote to leave the European Union.’ I voted for the bill because the old divisions between leave and remain are over and the two options before us were leaving with a flawed deal or leaving with no deal the very next day. I will continue to fight for better for our communities and our fishing industry. I had the opportunity in Parliament to tackle the Environment Secretary, George Eustice MP and I told him how angry, disappointed and betrayed the fishing industry feels over the Brexit trade deal. Industry insiders warn the deal will force some firms out of business. The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations say UK negotiators have won a ‘fraction’ of the fishing

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) quotas the government had promised and warned about the prospect of having to revisit the deal when the transition period ends in 2026, describing it as a ‘can of worms’. In the House of Commons chamber, I told Mr Eustice that fishing communities across the country feel that their genuine concerns have been used for political purposes. I asked him why he thinks that fishers in Fleetwood and across the country feel angry and let down by his government’s choices and how much of the £100m promised to the industry will be spent to improve port facilities in Fleetwood? The Environment Secretary responded by saying port facilities will ‘indeed be one of the areas that the new £100m fund will address around the country, we want to build capacity there as our share of the catch grows.’ He failed however to confirm whether Fleetwood would be one of the coastal towns to benefit. The government has faced sustained criticism in parliament from its own MPs who represent fishing areas – complaining about increased red tape and delays caused by the introduction of the post-Brexit fishing regime. Some seafood exporters are warning they face possible bankruptcy amid a suspension of road deliveries due to border delays – problems the environment secretary explained away as ‘teething issues’. With reams of new red tape, they promised they would remove, Ministers are holding British businesses and our economic recovery back. They should close the loopholes in their deal and come up with the investment our coastal communities have long been promised. Sadly, with infections still rising as I write I hope any of you diagnosed with Covid recover quickly – and let’s keep sticking to the rules of lockdown so we can get the rates down and protect one another. I send you all my best wishes at this difficult time. Cat Smith MP

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PREESALL TOWN COUNCIL Council Meetings The council is still holding meetings on Zoom. Details can be found on the council’s noticeboards and website. Members of the public can raise matters or view proceedings. Anyone wishing to join the meeting should contact the clerk on the number below. Star Award The Council is once again running its award for those who do ‘unsung’ work within the community, whether that be volunteering, helping or keeping things running. If you know of a stalwart helper, group, community volunteer or someone you admire for their work in the community – let us know. More details of the award and a nomination form can be found on the council’s website under the ‘information’ tab or from the clerk at the address below.

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Nominations will be accepted up to Sun 14th Feb and judging will take place in March, with any Star Award recipients invited to a presentation in May. Sea Wall Plea We are taking action to encourage responsible use of the sea wall. Notices asking people to be considerate towards other users will be installed at four main access points. This is an emotive issue for many, but several complaints about ‘inconsiderate’ cyclists have been received, while the rising number of electric bikes, horses and motorbikes is also of concern. Local groups and caravan sites will be notified of the appeal for responsible use of the sea wall in the hope that this valuable resource can be used in harmony. Housing Allocation A condition of the planning approval for the development on Rosslyn Avenue was that genuinely local people should be prioritised for allocation of the affordable housing. Not for the first time, however, it appears that this is not being properly observed in this

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PREESALL TOWN COUNCIL (cont) area, with some very tenuous links being used in applications. The council believes the conditions attached to the planning permission should be enforced and is to make this point to the housing providers and Wyre Council, also regretting the non-involvement in the allocation procedure of town and parish councils. Sign Damage Many people may have noticed that the Preesall boundary sign on Hall Gate Lane is no longer in situ after being displaced by an, as yet, unidentified vehicle shortly before Christmas. The flower bed by the sign also suffered and the adjacent bus shelter was damaged. The incident has been reported to the police and to the highways authority. The green signs themselves were undamaged and are in safe keeping, although the posts will need to be replaced. Thanks go to Stalmine’s lengthsman for removing the damaged flower bed. Flag Policy The council’s flag-flying policy has been amended to allow the mayor and clerk to approve ad hoc gestures beyond the official diary, such as thanking the NHS and key workers. All such gestures will be politically neutral. Next Meeting Preesall Town Council will meet next via Zoom on Mon 8th Feb at 7:00pm. This is a public meeting and residents are welcome. An opportunity to raise matters is available. Log-in details can be obtained from the clerk by 3:00pm on the day of the meeting at the latest. Please keep an eye on the council’s website and noticeboards for updates. For further information contact the clerk. Alison May - Clerk t: 07739 868212 e: clerk@preesalltowncouncil.org www.preesalltowncouncil.org

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HAMBLETON PARISH COUNCIL Facebook Page The parish council have a Facebook page ‘Hambleton (Wyre) Parish Council’ – Follow us to keep in the know with parish council events and village developments. Parish Council Next Meeting The next Ordinary Parish Council meeting will be held on Tues 2nd Feb via Skype starting at 7:30pm. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Please contact the clerk for log-in details. If you are unable to join but have an issue you would like the council to consider, please let the clerk know so it can be added to the agenda. Police Matters During the early hours one day in January a group of men attempted to gain access to cars and homes in Hambleton. Thankfully, the local police were able to arrest five men in

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connection with these offences. It is thought that the same group, that are not local to Hambleton, carried out similar crimes in both Poulton and Blackpool. This acts as a timely reminder that, although crime numbers are relatively low in Hambleton, we must all be vigilant and ensure that our homes, cars and outbuildings are all kept secure to ensure that we do not become victims to similar offences. Bob Williamson Park Back in December the parish council and a group of volunteers planted a large number of trees and hedges on the Park. The planting has been reported to Countryfile and now contributes to their ambitious two-year challenge to help combat climate change and boost our well-being and wildlife. The trees are very small and tender. Please be careful not to damage them as you use the park and give them the best chance of survival. Safety on the Park Unfortunately due to the new coronavirus regulations the adult fitness equipment has had to close until further notice. Thankfully we have been able to keep the children’s equipment open. It is not clear when we will be able to reopen the adult equipment but please ensure that you follow government guidelines and regulations when using any equipment on the park. Coronavirus Support If you are confined to your home and need any practical help (shopping, prescription collection/delivery etc) or just someone to have a chat with, the parish council, along with a local army of volunteers, is here to help. Please ring the clerk to discuss your needs in the first instance. Huge thanks go out to all the people in the village who have offered their help during this time. Please, everyone, keep safe.

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HAMBLETON COUNCIL (cont) Police Did you know that you can report nonurgent incidents online at www.lancashire. police.uk or via by ringing 101. This allows incidents, concerns or information to be provided to the police. Of course if there is a police emergency always ring 999. Yvonne Walton - Clerk t: 07703 773 785 e: hambletonpc@yahoo.co.uk

STALMINE-WITH-STAYNALL COUNCIL Council Meetings The council continues to hold its meetings via Zoom video conference. Details can be found on the council’s noticeboard and website. There is still an opportunity for members of the public to raise matters of concern. Anyone wishing to join the meeting should contact the clerk on the number below before 3:00pm on the day of the meeting.

oxide canisters left strewn across the car park. Everyone is encouraged to dispose of rubbish responsibly. Next Meeting of the Council (Via Zoom) This will be on Tues 9th Feb at 7:00pm. Stalmine-with-Staynall Councillors • • • • • •

Cllr Terry Williams (Chairman) t: (01253) 702734; Cllr D Booth t: (01253) 701711; Cllr F Cardwell t: (01253) 700150; Cllr A Morton t: (01253) 702156; Cllr Sue Pelham t: (01253) 700750; Cllr Jean Wilson t: (01253) 701119.

For further information contact any councillor or contact the clerk. Alison May - Clerk t: 07880 657 761 e: clerk@stalmineparishcouncil.org w: www.stalmineparishcouncil.org

Plans Protest Councillors have objected to plans for two 80-bed care homes and up to 50 homes on land off Stricklands Lane, on several grounds including that the proposed development would not be appropriate in this locality. The decision will lie with Wyre Council, however. Enforcement Urged Separately, the council is to contact Wyre’s planning department to express concern at the number of breaches of planning permission that are continuing despite having been brought to the attention of the planning authority. Wyre will be urged to step up enforcement action. Rubbish Plea The lengthsman has reported an increase in the amount of litter on the Hall Gate Lane car park, with commercial waste being placed in the litter bin and large numbers of nitrous Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

SSRA Stalmine-with-Staynall Residents’ Assoc This is a summary of our objection to the latest application for a large development in Stalmine. The full document is on several local Facebook and chat websites and Wyre Borough’s planning website. SSRA objects to the application for two 80 bed nursing homes and 50 houses in Stricklands Lane on several grounds. These include drainage, the effect on local education, traffic, local care homes and lack of consultation. Drainage The developers admit discharging surface water to the ground is unsuitable. They want to send surface water to the culverted watercourse to the east. The developer says early discussions with WBC have confirmed there are surface water flood issues on Carr End Lane. Investigations identified compromised surface

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water networks within Stalmine. If heavy rain exceeds the drains’ design criteria then overland flows are likely. They need detailed designs to confirm the possibility of a site wide gravity connection. Further consultations with the WBC identified the current surface water networks on Stricklands Lane and Carr End Lane are at capacity so should not be used for further surface water. As infiltration is not feasible then a connection into the proposed main drainage systems is needed. Paul Long, WBC Senior Engineer has said there is a long history of flooding in Stalmine. Stricklands Lane floods regularly with surface water run-off during heavy rain. The current surface water networks on Stricklands Lane and Carr End Lane are at capacity and should not be used for further surface water discharge. However, in the ‘Making Space for Water’ minutes drafted in Aug 2020, Mr Long said he was aware of a proposal for more housing north of Stricklands Lane. He recommended a new surface water drain under the road to the main watercourse south of Stalmine. United Utilities’ sewer records show the nearest public sewer is in Stricklands Lane. The developer wants to send foul water from the site to the public sewer in Stricklands Lane. A new offsite sewer will be needed. Is this proposal acceptable to United Utilities? If not then a review of the sewer network is needed before development starts. The proposal by the developer to send foul water by a new connection with Malvern Ave is unrealistic. Despite new pumps, raw sewage appears regularly at the bottom end of Smithy Lane and in Carr End Lane. Sewage from this development would make matters worse. Education SSRA recently objected to 84 houses off Carr End Lane. Lancashire County Council (LCC) thinks Wyre Borough would have to include a new school in the local plan to mitigate the

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SSRA (cont) impact of this development. The Lancashire Education Authority is asking for £479,716.41 to cover 16 new primary places and seven new secondary school places. Has the developer got enough land on the development site to give for a new school? If the entrance to this new school is off Stricklands Lane how would this affect traffic? Now there is another proposal for more houses and two rest homes on Stricklands Lane. On this new proposal Lancashire County Council has said it would need £562,456.44 for 19 primary and eight secondary school places. However, if no opportunity for expansion is available this may result in a request for land to ensure sustainability. Do the current developer and the Carr End Lane Developer have land for a new primary school? If it is to be off Stricklands Lane would this be a good opportunity to make surface water and foul water connections to Stricklands Lane? Traffic

Travel Plan With two nursing homes this size in a remote rural setting it would be reasonable to expect many visitors coming by car. The developer does not allow for this. The proposal says the site is reasonably accessible by all the major non-car transport. However, there is only one bus designated for transport over Wyre, the 2C which does not meet all transport needs. The transport assessment says people can use public transport to the site from local towns, villages and Preston city. This contradicts the premise the two facilities will create local jobs. The assessment gives unrealistic estimates of transport times from Preston. They propose one car park for around 20 cars plus some disabled bays. If only half the workforce used their own cars to commute, this would leave around 17 employees unable

Traffic generated by the rest homes and the 50 houses will have to use the A588. The Road Safety Foundation says this is the fourth most dangerous A-road in Britain and thus the most dangerous A-road in Lancashire. The developer claims the site will produce 1012 two-way vehicle movements in the peak hours on the A588 Stricklands Lane (North) and 27-31 two-way vehicle movements in the peak hours on the A588 Stricklands Lane (South). This equates to around one two-way vehicle movements every five to six minutes to/from the north and around one two-way vehicle movement every two minutes or so to/ from the south. The traffic counts supplied by the applicant are suspect. The consultant’s report mentions nine proxy sites. They are urban or edge-oftown sites, not rural like Stalmine. Including more low values skews the figures to be low. The use of old figures does not reflect the high ownership of cars (81%) in our area.. Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

SSRA (cont) to park. This would see an increase in parking in local residential areas as well as on-street parking on the main road. This would create further traffic and safety issues. The Assessment says there will be slight impact on commuters estimating only 21 people arriving during weekday mornings. Using national staffing criteria an estimated minimum of 74 people will be needed between the two facilities each day. If residents receive an average of two visits a week spread over seven days this would be 46 visitors a day needing to park. With the traffic from two large nursing homes there is potential for pedestrian and vehicle conflict. The developer should sacrifice some housing to create a separate entrance for delivery, service vehicles and visitor parking? LCC shares the Road Safety Foundation’s concerns about the safety of the A588. The road is undergoing a £1.9m safety upgrade.

Local Care Homes Over Wyre has around 3,594 people aged 65 or over. Some 2,624 of these are aged between 65 and 79, and 970 are aged 80+. Based on percentages, 4 per cent of over 65s Over Wyre is 105 (rounded up) and 15 per cent of over 80s is 146 (rounded up) giving an estimated total of 251 people needing 24-hour residential care. Over Wyre has six residential homes / residential-cum-nursing with a combined capacity of 212 people. This means, although the current capacity for residential care does not fully meet the projected needs, there is only a shortfall of around 39 places. This could be met by sheltered accommodation or home care. The proposal to build two 80 bed care homes would bring the total local capacity of care beds to 372 which based on the above projections is 75 per cent more than required to meet the

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SSRA (cont) needs of the local population. The plan for two 80 bed care homes is from the Isle of Man registered Athena Health Group who already have 10 other open care homes. Of these 10 care homes, only six of those homes have been inspected by the regulatory body Care Quality Commission (CQC). Of the six with CQC reports only two are ‘good’ in all the five key areas (safe, caring, responsive, effective, well led) by the CQC. Three of the homes are rated as ‘requires improvement overall’, and one home is rated good overall but was rated as ‘requires improvement’ in the responsive category. Over Wyre connects to the wider area by a single road. This creates recruitment issues for businesses. Here few people are willing to travel for lower-paid roles, making recruitment and retention in social care difficult. The workforce needed for two, 80 bed care homes would be difficult to find without other workers changing jobs. The homes would need many full-time staff. This poses not only a threat to local care homes, but also to local employers if their staffs switch jobs. The transport assessment highlights the ability to use public transport to the site from the local towns, villages, and Preston city. It suggests it as a viable commute for people living as far as York. This seems to contradict the premise that the two facilities will create local jobs for people and support the local economy.

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Consultation That the applicant has not discussed the project with the local community is deplorable. More Information • • • • •

Pauline Andrews 07808 058 097 Ann Ralph 07713 852 639 Peter Swarbrick (01253) 702675 Chris Hyde 07949 590 897 Susan & Andy Haydock 07879 477 779

Or view our Facebook page and Stalmine Chat. Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus

HEARING TO REMEMBER Keeping your Brain Active Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions in older age. According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People it affects around 70% of people aged 70+[1]. Hearing loss can be frustrating, making communication hard, particularly in noisy environments. Being able to socialise is important for maintaining quality of life and independence in older age and it helps keep our brains active. But, due to communication difficulty, older adults with hearing loss may avoid social situations, increasing risk of isolation and dementia[2]. The good news is that alleviating hearing loss and maintaining our social lives might lower dementia risk. A 2020 publication identified that hearing loss was amongst the most reversible risk factors for dementia, meaning that using hearing aids to assist your hearing might decrease dementia risk. The same KILN DRIED ASH LOGS FROST PROTECTION SMOKELESS FUEL SEASONED LOGS SNOW SHOVELS COAL DOUBLES DEICING SALT KINDLING

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publication stated that social interaction could also protect us against dementia[3]. But how are hearing loss and social interaction related to memory function? Age-related hearing loss is caused by damage to tiny hair cells in our ear which turn sound waves into electrical messages that our brains can read. The damage means that the ear struggles to understand sounds in our environment and as a result the messages sent to the brain are incomplete. The brain then has to work harder to fill in the missing information. To do this, the brain might make use of other systems, like the memory system to compare the message to stored information. But, this changes how the brain typically operates - it may drain the resources in the memory system, leaving fewer resources and potentially compromising memory function[4]. What can we do to keep our brains active during the Covid pandemic?

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HEARING TO REMEMBER (cont) Check your hearing: Speak to your GP or audiologist if you think you might need hearing aids or if you don’t feel like your current hearing aids are working for you. There is even a free online hearing test on the Specsavers website. Embracing hearing aids might help to maintain social connections. Carry on chatting: Even though our social lives have been drastically affected by the pandemic, it is important to maintain communication as much as possible. Try to stay social, even if that means virtually. Enjoy a good phone call with a friend or relative, or try video calling. You can also sign-up to telephone befriending through organisations such as Age UK and Lancashire Volunteer Partnership. Do not suffer in silence if you feel lonely and want to chat. Nurturing social connections helps keep our brains active. We are conducting online studies in the Neuroscience of Speech and Action o We als ton s g lo in supply of logs & ets bags, n ﬁregrates g, n e kindli h mor m & uc

Laboratory at Lancaster University about the effect of the pandemic on memory and hearing function. If you are interested in contributing to our research, please email us or visit our website. We would love to hear from you! Sources 1. Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) (2020) Hearing Matters. 2. Mick, et al. (2014) The association between hearing loss and social isolation in older adults. Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 150, 378–384. 3. Livingston, et al. (2020) Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet. 4. Slade, et al. (2020) The Effects of AgeRelated Hearing Loss on the Brain and Cognitive Function. Trends in Neurosciences. 43, 810-821.

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RSPCA Summer Sweet Summer is an affectionate nine year old girl who loves human company. She was rehomed from the centre a few years ago but unfortunately her owners had a change in circumstances and could no longer keep her.

Summer is looking for a calm, adult only home with someone who has Staffie experience or experience working with reactive dogs. Muesli Gorgeous Muesli was born in a foster home in June after his mum was removed from a multi-rabbit household. He is a friendly rabbit but he does lack confidence at times so would benefit from lots of human interaction in his new home.

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Kennel life is slowly having an impact on Summer but like most Staffies, her favourite spot is under a duvet on a comfy bed. Although she loves people, she is very anxious around dogs, causing her to become reactive so her ideal new home would be in a

quieter or rural area where she doesn’t have the stress of constant passing dogs.

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RSPCA (cont)

FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB

Muesli is looking to be re-homed alongside an existing female bunny that will provide him with companionship. For information on rabbit accommodation and what is required in terms of space, please contact the branch.

Festival Bowland

Chino and Mocha

The new Festival Bowland programme is full of events celebrating the wildlife, landscape and heritage of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is set to run throughout 2021.

This lovely pair of guinea-pigs, Chino (creamcoloured) and Mocha were both born in a foster home at the end of May. They are friendly guinea pigs but with still being so young, they will need plenty of positive human interactions in their new home. They are looking to be re-homed together. For information and advice on suitable guinea pig accommodation and what is required in terms of space, please contact the branch.

A programme of exciting countryside events has been launched in the Forest of Bowland and it’s a great way to get connected to nature – both during the day and after dark.

Forest of Bowland AONB Project Officer, Sandra Silk, said, ‘Having a connection with nature and the environment can really help with our wellbeing. Festival Bowland has had to adapt to the current circumstances but, thanks to our partners, we’ve got a packed programme’ February half-term then sees a host of opportunities offered as part of the third Bowland Dark Skies Festival – including a

Third National Lockdown Following the government announcement of a third national lockdown, the RSPCA animal centre has closed to members of the public. We are however continuing to re-home remotely wherever possible. Our phone lines are currently open between the hours of 11:00am - 2:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday and our emails are monitored daily. Our charity shops remain closed and the shop van is not on the road at the moment so we are not able to do collections. For more information, get in touch using the details below. Hannah Kirrane - Animal Centre Manager t: (01253) 703000 e: enquiries@rspcablackpool.org.uk www.rspcablackpool.org.uk Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus

Sea Bank House

A special home for special people Sea Bank House is a residential home for elderly people who are unable to live independently in their own homes. Or philosophy of care is based on the belief that it is the right of any resident in the home to be respected as an individual, and that everyone has the right to be allowed to live as full and active a life as both their mental and physical condition allows. We endeavour to provide an environment which is not only comfortable and homely, but gives the warmth and understanding normally associated with family care but supported by specialist equipment and well trained care staďŹ&#x20AC;. Needs are met maintaining personal dignity, privacy and encouraging independence where possible. Activities, passive and active are encouraged throughout the day by trained care staďŹ&#x20AC; under the guidance of the Home Manager. Each care plan takes into consideration the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs, in order to create a care plan that is relevant to individuals. Recognising, nurturing and encouraging the residents remaining skills and ability to communicate is or paramount importance to the quality of care given at Sea Bank House.

Call Joanne and her team on 01253 810888 E: info@seabank-house.co.uk www.apexhealthcare.co.uk

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FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB live stream from the Arctic Circle on Sat 13th Feb. The week continues with children’s storytelling, night sky ID, a live moon watch and a closer look at night time animals – particularly our mysterious and elusive owls. Tips on how to take dark sky photographs with your smart phone rounds the week off on Fri 19th Feb. Sandra explained, ‘We’ve decided to keep all our events online until Easter. After that we hope to introduce some small-scale outdoor events but only if it’s safe to do so. We also aim to keep our virtual events running all year - and beyond - as it’s a great way for people to discover Bowland. Birds, bats, bumblebees and amphibians are amongst the wildlife which will be under the spotlight during the season-spanning programme; plus a chance to discover Lancashire’s species-rich, pollinator-friendly Coronation Meadows in Slaidburn.

The Festival programme comes to a close with the 10th Lord of Bowland annual lecture, Tramper taster sessions, a fungi foray, bat box making and natural art – all in October. ‘Festival Bowland is a great introduction if you’re unfamiliar with the AONB’ continued Sandra, ‘but we hope there’s also plenty to discover for those who know it well and we’re really grateful to all those who will be organising and delivering events as part of this year’s programme.’ Full details of events, including booking information, are available on the Forest of Bowland AONB website or by emailing Sandra Silk. Sandra Silk t: 01200 448000 e: sandra.silk@lancashrie.gov.uk www.forestofbowland.com

Heritage enthusiasts should keep an eye out for the Pendle Radicals, currently being researched by volunteers with Mid Pennine Arts. These are individuals who were key to the history of the area but may not all be familiar to a wider audience. Later in the spring, English Heritage’s, Dr Michael Carter, will share the history of 12th century Cistercian Sawley Abbey, the ruins of which occupy such a wonderful setting by the River Ribble. Early autumn marks the return of Landscapes for Life Week. This is the national AONB Family’s week-long programme of events to help people reconnect with nature by enjoying, and being inspired by, the UK’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Highlights in Bowland, between Sat 18th and Sun 26th Sept, will included the annual Foodie Foray, plus Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership’s brand new ‘Together for Our Landmark’ Walking Festival if circumstances allow. Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus

SOROPTIMISTS Women Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives Happy New Year! Happy New Year (again) to everyone from all our members. We really hope this year will only get better in more ways than one! I’m sure we all had a very different Christmas – we certainly did. The Zoom party was fun and everyone joined in with all the usual activities we normally enjoyed if we had met physically. Here are a few bits of loose ends which we didn’t cover last month. Foodbank We normally do a couple of food collections each year to donate to the Salvation Army in Preston, but due to restrictions last year, we had to improvise. We managed to arrange

a socially-distanced collection of eight bags containing 110 items from our homes which were then delivered to the bank in Lancaster in time for Christmas. I know we are all fully aware of the strain on these foodbanks in the current climate, so don’t be shy of dropping the odd item into the boxes you find at supermarkets please. Backpacks We also collected a donation from Mrs Bradshaw of Stalmine for the backpack project. The donation consisted of four new backpacks (one of them filled) and a contribution of £100, as she hasn’t been able to get out to buy more bits for the packs. This was so unexpected but so appreciated. It means that there will be at least another four children who will be given the chance to attend school and get a regular meal each day. Thank you Mrs Bradshaw.

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) Stamps

Laptops for Home Schooling

Back to our Blue Peter days; a request was received from the RNIB for the collection of stamps to help toward their fund-raising activities. How do stamps make a difference? By collecting stamps you’re helping to break down the barriers that stop people with sight loss living life to the full.

The latest lockdown has meant most children are studying from home, but not every family has a laptop or tablet for the children to use. Step forward the Garstang Volunteer Force who quickly formed a plan to help tackle this issue by collecting unwanted but working laptops and tablets, getting them tested and reset by a professional firm (for free!) and issuing them to local schools. We at Garstang Soroptimists are pleased to support this and so far have managed to send five laptops and two tablets to the collection point.

The RNIB accept all stamps: new or used, first or second class, foreign, first day covers, presentation packs or albums. Stamps are sold by weight and they raise £20 per kilogramme of stamps, so it’s a brilliant way to raise money. Janet kindly sent off for the collection envelope and we have all parcelled up our stamps, always a bumper number from Christmas time, and posted them over to her to send in. Few fundraising activities are easier than licking a stamp!

Coming Up Next We’re busy arranging the activities for this year, we’ve even tentatively booked some physical meetings. We’ve great faith that things really are going to get better. We are stepping up the preparations for our 100th anniversary this year. One of the

GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 59) 1. What name is given to a hill in any Greek city? 2. What city is connected to Manchester by the Manchester Ship Canal? 3. Which store group’s slogan was ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’? 4. Which rock star named his son Zowie? 5. Who painted a ‘Self Portrait with a Bandaged Ear’ 6. In which year did the Americans bomb Hiroshima? 7. Who had a number one hit with her 2010 single ‘A Bad Romance’? 8. Which river is nearest to Balmoral Castle? 9. Which London Park would you be in to ride along Rotten Row? 10. Which English King led the English to victory at the Battle of Agincourt? 11. Who was the last Viceroy of India giving independence to the country? 12. Which American billionaire designed

13. 14. 15. 16.

17. 18. 19. 20.

a wood aeroplane called ‘The Spruce Goose’? Which day of the week is named after the Norse Goddess Freya? The 2012 movie ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ documents the hunt for which terrorist? According to the saying, who rush in where angels fear to tread? American states all have nicknames. Which one is known as ‘The Lone Star State’? What is mineral water mixed with quinine called? What was sought by Jason and the Argonauts? In which university city is the Bodleian Library? Which author wrote the ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy?

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) first projects undertaken by Soroptimists was saving the giant redwood in America and to this end, tree planting is going to feature heavily in this year’s celebrations. A wonderful salute to the original founders of the organisation and an essential tribute to the environmental issues we find ourselves facing in 2021. In January a Zoom meeting took place with our friendship club in Wakefield. The physical meeting we had planned to take place at Skipton sadly had to be cancelled, but we’ll not be beaten. So Zoom it was, giving us a chance to catch-up, discuss what we’re up to, and see what projects we can join forces on. February will see us looking into our own wellbeing. You sometimes forget that it’s just as important to look after yourself as it is others. You can’t fully help others if you’re not in a good place yourself, so don’t forget to be kind to yourself! To that end, we’re taking part

CROSSWORD (ans page 59)

in an online yoga session. Plastic-free Supermarkets UK supermarkets currently generate 900,000 tonnes of plastic packaging every year so I can’t be the only one whose bin runneth over from the vast amount of plastic bags and wrapping my food comes in. So head over to the Greenpeace website and with just a couple of clicks you can join us in signing their petition - https://secure.greenpeace. org.uk/page/s/plastic-free-supermarkets Interested in What we Do? Just drop us a line or give our membership co-ordinator, Muriel Burnham-Airey a ring on (01995) 606604. We’ll be happy to talk to you and answer your questions. w: www.sigarstang.org.uk facebook: SoroptimistsGarstang twitter: GarstangSoropt Across 1. Focal point of earthquake (9) 7. Praise; adulation (10) 10. Recollection (6) 11. Sewing fibre; thin string (6) 14. Self-assurance; secret (10) 15. Line of schoolchildren; large amphibious reptile (9) Down 2. Scheme; area of ground (4) 3. ____ of Good Hope; loose cloak (4) 4. Fixed with a hammer (6) 5. Antelope; sports brand (6) 6. Remains; holiday visits (5) 8. Adhere; piece of wood (5) 9. Tool to trim trees (6) 10. Crackpot; enthusiast (6) 12. Grass growing in marsh or pond (4) 13. Bridge bidding system (4)

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MOON CHARITABLE TRUST The trustees will soon be considering making a further round of grants from the charity. Applications for grants are invited now, therefore, from Pilling, Knott End, Stalmine, Preesall, Hambleton and surrounding areas,

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from local charitable groups. Previous applicants will be considered and applicants do not need to be registered charities as long as their objectives are of a charitable nature. Grants will generally be between £500 and £1,000. If any group would wish to apply for a grant, application should be made to the correspondent of the Charity: Sue Walker at Linder Myers, Solicitors, 21-23 Park Street, Lytham, FY8 5LU requesting a grant application form. The application form should be completed and returned by Thurs 15th April 2021. Sue Walker (01253) 684575

CENSUS 2021 Census 2021 Will Provide a Snapshot of Modern Society Households across Wyre will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. It will be the first census run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. Census day will be on Thurs 21st Mar, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. For more information, visit census.gov.uk

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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

Acropolis Liverpool John Lewis David Bowie Vincent Van Gogh 1945 Lady Gaga The River Dee Hyde Park Henry V Louis Mountbatten Howard Hughes Friday Osama Bin Laden Fools Texas Tonic Water The Golden Fleece Oxford Philip Pullman

1. Epicentre 7. Compliment 10. Memory 11. Thread 14. Confidence 15. Crocodile Down 2. Plot 3. Cape 4. Nailed 5. Reebok 6. Stays 8. Stick 9. Pruner 10. Maniac 12. Reed 13. Acol

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