Over Wyre Focus Magazine - April 2021 by Focus Magazines

FOCUS MAGAZINE 'The Green Book'

Knott End Ferry by David J Ansell

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

Issue 256 April 2021

HAPPY EASTER

EVERYONE

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Welcome to Focus Magazine... The Covid Roadmap.........................................4

Cat Smith MP........................................................35

Over Wyre Medical Centre...........................8

Hambleton Flood Action Group.................39

Cover Artist - David, J Ansell........................10

Wyre Flood Forum............................................40

Knott End Library...............................................12

RSPCA......................................................................43

Over Wyre Art Society.....................................13

The School on the Hill.....................................45

Knott End & Preesall in Bloom...................14

Cardiac Risk in the Young..............................47

Forest of Bowland AONB...............................15 OWSAC....................................................................16 Pilling Lane WI....................................................16 Pilling Band 200 Club......................................17 Lancashire West Trefoil Guild.....................18 First Pilling Scout Group................................18 Lancaster Singers..............................................19 Garstang Speakers Club................................20 Over Wyre Probus Club..................................20

Soroptimists..........................................................48 Pilling Churches Together.............................52 Hambleton URC Easter Message..............54 Holy Week & Easter CofE Services...........55 Grey Matter Test.................................................55 Garstang Camera Club...................................58 North Fylde Photographic Society...........58 Wyre Villa Football Club................................59

Hambleton Gala.................................................21

Fitbods.....................................................................59

Hambleton Parish Council............................22

Preesall..l Bowling Club.................................60

Preesall Town Council.....................................24

Garstang Historical Society..........................61

Stalmine with Staynall Parish Council....26

Harmony & Health.............................................61

SSRA..........................................................................30

Grey Matter Answers........................................63

Ben Wallace MP.................................................31

Crossword Answers..........................................63

MAY 2021 DEADLINE DATE

The May deadline for editorial and adverts is 5:00pm on Monday 19th April Deliveries of the May edition of Focus Magazine will commence Thursday 29th April 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 David J Ansell | Printed by Moulton Printing | © 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.

THE COVID ROADMAP against the threat from new Covid variants and continue to protect the NHS, a safe exit from lockdown in underway. As we head further in to spring, people in England will see restrictions continue to lift and the government’s roadmap offer a route back to a more normal life.

Only when the government is sure that it is safe to move from one step to the next will the final decision be made about entering into new phases of the roadmap. The decision will be based on four tests:

The success of the vaccination programme is one factor (so far over 27 million people have had their jabs) but by no means the whole story. The public have also risen to the challenge of suppressing covid: by obeying the law; staying at home; getting tested when needed; isolating when required, and following the ‘hands, face, space’ and ‘letting fresh air in’ guidance.

•

the vaccine deployment programme continues successfully

•

evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated

•

infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS

Taken together, this mean government can continue relaxing the current strict lockdown. While we must all remain vigilant - in particular

•

the government’s assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of concern

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THE COVID ROADMAP (cont) NOT BEFORE MON 29th MARCH (STEP 1) Social Contact The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. And this is why from Mon 29th March, when most schools start to break up for the Easter holidays, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either six people (the Rule of Six) or two households will also be allowed. Business & Activities Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts and open-air swimming pools, will also be allowed to reopen. People will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports. Travel The ‘stay at home’ rule will end but many

restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and on the busiest routes. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed, given it will remain important to manage the risk of imported variants and protect the vaccination programme. NOT BEFORE MON 12th APRIL (STEP 2) Business & Activities Step 2 will see the opening of non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres. Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups); as

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THE COVID ROADMAP (cont) will most outdoor attractions and settings including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas. Selfcontained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen. Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors at Step 2 and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’). Wider social contact rules will apply in all these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households. Events While funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners, the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative Established over 14 years

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events such as wakes will rise to 15. NOT BEFORE MON 17th MAY (STEP 3) Social Contact The government will look to continue easing limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible, allowing people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances. This means that most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal. Indoors, the Rule of Six or two households will apply. As soon as possible and by no later than Step 3, government will also update the advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging. But until this point, people should continue to keep their distance from anyone not in their household or support bubble. Business & Activities Most businesses in all but the highest risk sectors will be able to reopen. In all sectors, Covid-secure guidance will remain in place and businesses may not cater for groups bigger than the legal limits. Indoor hospitality will reopen - and as in Step 2 - venues will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks; nor will there be a curfew. Customers will, however, have to order, eat and drink while seated. Other indoor locations to open up in Step 3 include indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children’s play areas; the rest of the accommodation sector, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs; and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes. The government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues Events Up to 30 people will be able to attend

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THE COVID ROADMAP (cont) weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. This limit will also apply to other types of significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings. Review of Social Distancing Finally, before Step 4 begins, the government will complete a review of social distancing and other long-term measures that have been put in place to cut transmission. This will inform decisions on the timing and circumstances under which the rules on 1 metre plus, the wearing of face coverings and other measures may be lifted. This will also inform guidance on working from home. NOT BEFORE 21st JUNE (STEP 4) Social Contact The government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact. Business, Activities & Events Government hopes to reopen remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3. As we move through each of these phases in the roadmap, we must all remember that Covid remains a part of our lives. We are going to have to keep living our lives differently to keep ourselves and others safe. We must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’. Comply with the Covid-secure measures that remain in place. Meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. Get tested when needed. Get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar. The above information is correct as of Mon 22nd March. For more information and guidance about Covid, please visit www.gov.uk Why not keep it local and support our advertisers?

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OVER WYRE MEDICAL CENTRE Covid Vaccination Programme Our vaccination programme continues to thrive. We are vaccinating as many patients as our supply allows. Our volunteers continue their fantastic job of marshalling the practice and the car park on vaccination days and our nurses continue to graft at the coalface giving the vaccinations. Behind the scenes, our office staff carry on with the mammoth task of arranging and booking appointments. The Fylde Coast Covid vaccination information line is open between 10:00am and 8:00pm to answer any queries relating to the vaccination programme or the vaccine itself. This is not a booking line for appointments but instead an advice line. The number to call is 0300 7906 8565. Chronic Disease Monitoring Monitoring of chronic disease such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure has been operating at a reduced level over the last year. From April 2021, our nursing team will be working hard to restart this service alongside the vaccination programme. Patients will be called for blood tests and nurse reviews. Practice Lead Nurse Our lead nurse, Sister Fiona Gill will sadly be leaving us in May. Fiona and her husband have been offered a fantastic job opportunity and they have decided to take the plunge with a new exciting venture. Fiona will miss all the staff and patients at the surgery. We thank Fiona for her 16 years of dedication to the practice and wish her and her husband every success for the future. Sister Jacqui Bailey will take over the position as lead nurse. We are sure she will be perfect in her new role. Control of Arthritis Pain Joint pains are an extremely common complaint. There are some practical steps

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

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Social distancing will be adhered to

OVER WYRE MEDICAL (cont) that patients can take to improve their levels of pain. For example, knee and hip pains can be improved by weight loss (if necessary) and muscle strengthening exercise. The Arthritis Research UK website describes some useful home exercises that can be done to help some joint pains. Adjusting footwear can be helpful for lower limb or back pains, and hot/cold packs or TENS machines can be very useful. Although some patients do find glucosamine effective, there is no objective evidence that this is recommended.

discussion with a doctor. Hot, swollen joints, a sudden onset of new joint pains or specific bony pain which is persistent should be reviewed by a clinician.

Paracetamol, given alone or in combination with codeine (co-codamdol), can be useful. Anti-inflammatory gels can also help, particularly for pain in the joints of the hands or knee pain. If this isn’t sufficient, the practice can help you with choices for stronger painkillers or treatments. Joint injections are being given at the practice.

I was brought up in Fleetwood. From a very young age I discovered I had a natural ability for drawing. My first influences were the caricature drawings of Arnold Taylor, that I encountered on the postcards that filled the many gift shops along the promenade. I loved the way he did his caricatures, and this spurred me on to do caricatures of people, in particular my school teachers. They were received with great hilarity!

There are some joint pains which require

Thank you for your continued support. Dr Vicky Simpson t: (01253) 951165 fb: @overwyremc www.overwyremc.co.uk

COVER ARTIST - DAVID J ANSELL

I loved art so much that I was encouraged to take it as my main subject at school and upon leaving I gained a place at the Harris School of Art in Preston in the mid-sixties. Unfortunately, I became disillusioned as I was being pushed in the direction of commercial art, which I hated, as this was where the job opportunities were. After two years, I left and pursued a career in office work. I still carried on with my love of art and drew caricatures of my work colleagues, which I don’t think helped my career much! I discovered Lowry following his death in the mid-1970s, I loved his work and like him, I started putting my caricatures into everyday settings.

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DAVID J ANSELL (cont) I have taken up painting again since retiring and you can find my original paintings at www.oakhamcontemporaryart.com David Ansell Instagram: @artisansell

KNOTT END LIBRARY Library Re-opening Update Subject to the government’s roadmap progress as anticipated, the library is hoping to re-open for browsing from Mon 12th April; however please do check our website or call us for the most up-to-date information regarding our opening hours and services. If you want to return books, you can still drop them onto a returned bookshelf during library opening hours, without entering the building. Charges are still being waived. Six of the Best & Computer Sessions You can order a Six of the Best collection: • • •

By completing the request form online By asking staff during opening hours By phoning 03001 236 703 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

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Census 2021 If you still need to complete your census, you can do so at the library which is a census support centre. We will have a trained census advisor available to help guide you through completing your census. This will take place in a covid and privacy secure environment. Booking may be required. Your Library from Home We are still offering our digital ‘Library from Home’ where you can discover what’s available for you and your family.

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KNOTT END LIBRARY (cont)

OVER WYRE ART SOCIETY

Home Library Service

We are pleased to announce that we’re hoping to resume our meetings at St. Oswald’s Church Hall on Wed 19th May.

For those in the community who are unable to visit the library because of poor health, we offer the home library service, where we pack a choice of books and our volunteers will deliver to the door. Again, this is a Covid secure service where strict measures are in place. If you would like to be part of this service, do please contact the library. Groups & Events Our groups and events are currently paused, however we are looking forward to seeing you all as soon as is safe to do so. Stay safe everyone and 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

You’ve all been missed and we do hope you will come back to us. Some of our members have kept up painting which has helped to get through the last few months and soon we can all get back into the swing and improve on our work also. There will be a summer programme to include painting out of doors and also an exhibition of our work. Further details will be available in the May issue of Focus Magazine and we will also email previous members. We’d love to hear from potential new members who can phone me nearer the time. So, cross fingers, keep well and we look forward to happy times ahead. Sandra Langhorne (01253) 813739

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KNOTT END & PREESALL IN BLOOM At the time of writing, the weather does not encourage you to believe that spring is around the corner but the In Bloom team is looking beyond the wind and rain to the spring bulbs that are flowering – and the weeds that are coming up alongside them. Yes, it’s that time of the year when we start to think about our new season planting. Many plug plants have already been ordered and will be grown on by members of the team ready for planting out in late May or early June. However winter has left us with plenty of jobs to be done before then and with an easing of Covid restrictions and an improvement in the weather we hope to start our regular weekly gardening very soon. As always if there is anyone who is interested in joining us we would be very pleased to see you. If you are a gardening novice or horticultural expert you are equally welcome.

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IN BLOOM (cont)

FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB

None of our present team would claim to be remotely expert but we enjoy working together and learning from our mistakes! Our usual gardening day is Thursday either afternoon or evening depending on the time of year but we are very flexible. Maybe you would prefer to look after a certain area on your own or with your own group. We’re always open to suggestions.

Delve into Bowland’s Heritage this Spring

If you would like any further information please contact: Yvonne McCann (01253) 811364 or Joyce Wilson (01253) 813519

From medieval monastics to radicals and reformers, Bowland and Pendle Hill are full of fascinating history – not all of it well known to a wider world. Through the Festival Bowland online events programme the Forest of Bowland AONB and Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership will be shining a light on two very different aspects of the area’s history this spring. Sawley Abbey will be spotlighted on Wed 21st April thanks to Dr Michael Carter, senior properties historian at English Heritage.

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FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB (cont) The event will run from 6:30pm to 8:00pm and will take place online. The session is free but places need to be booked in advance. For more information and booking details, people are invited to contact Sandra Silk at the Forest of Bowland AONB on sandra. silk@lancashire.gov.uk Sandra Silk Between 1148 and 1537, Sawley Abbey was home to a community of white-clad Cistercian monks. Dr Carter’s talk will examine the insights the abbey’s ruined buildings provide into the evolution of the monks’ way of life over 400 years, and question traditional notions of late medieval decline leading to Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. It will also use art and architecture to illuminate the lives of the people who lived, prayed and worked at the abbey from 12th - 16th century.

PLUMBING & HEATING

OWSAC Vaccinations appear to be going well and we shall hopefully be feeling the results of this mammoth task soon. Well done to the NHS. Spring is in the air. What better time for us all to emerge from lockdown and enjoy at last some of our much-missed freedom, and especially a haircut! OWSAC will be shouting from the rooftops the minute we get the OK to open our doors again, so watch this space. The clocks will be going forward soon and Easter is just around the corner - we hope this will be a peaceful and happy time for you all. Stay safe. Penny Drabble

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future and thinking about how we might return to some of the activities that we have missed so much. We are hoping, if things go to plan, that we will be able to start meetings in summer, getting together with our friends that we haven’t been able to see for so long.

By now, members should have received their packet of seeds. By the time these are in flower we should be well on the way back to normality! As ever, if you wish to chat, please phone me or any committee member. Janet Astley (01253) 467978

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PILLING BAND 200 CLUB March Results 1st

£50

No. 74

Helen Burton

2nd

£30

No. 107 Josie Durbano

3rd

£10

No. 198 Brian Chesworth

4th

£10

No. 143 Ron Melling

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LANCS WEST TREFOIL GUILD As we now look forward to spring and we hope much warmer weather we are also looking towards meeting with our members once more. At our March virtual meeting we are having our speaker Susan Wilson from Morecambe to entertain us with a talk called ‘North West Entertainers’. We are having virtual coffee mornings to keep our members in touch.

If you wish to meet new friends and take up a new challenge when we get back to face-toface meetings, please give us a call. We meet monthly at different venues throughout our part of Lancashire. May we wish you a Happy Easter. Elaine Robinson (01253) 790692

1ST PILLING SCOUT GROUP We are meeting weekly on Zoom due to Covid restrictions. The children are learning life skills together and having fun. We look forward to meeting face-to-face when restrictions are lifted and when our adult Scouters and helpers feel it is safe to meet. Outdoor activities in the summer will be considered before we meet indoors in the autumn. We will inform our members when a decision to open fully has been agreed. Rod Robinson (01253) 790692

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LANCASTER SINGERS Come & Join our Rehearsals Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sing online? Well, it’s different, that’s for sure. And while it will never replace the warmth and joy we get when we’re together, we’re making the most of what we’ve got. We meet via Zoom at 7:30pm on Tuesdays and usually begin with a ‘catch-up’ in smaller breakout groups. Duncan Lloyd, our inspirational director, then takes charge and will start with some physical and vocal warm up exercises. It’s good fun and you may even find one or two muscles you didn’t know you had. You can always leave your camera ‘off’ if you’d rather. We’re currently working on a new collection of beautiful folk songs and some other pieces and are planning for live performances later in the year. We stay ‘muted’ and sing along to recorded tracks. To get the music, you can borrow books from our library, download

PDFs, or buy it - the folk song books are about £12. Why not give it a go? We’ve recruited two new ‘virtual’ members so far and there’s plenty of room for more. If you need help on the technical side, there’s loads of support available and we can always put on a prerehearsal ‘tech’ session. In the first instance call Sarah Jackson on 07929 031 466 or email welcome@ lancastersingers.org Lancaster Singers is an auditioned choir, so our usual ‘light-touch’ auditions will resume when we get back together. You’ll get all the support you need when that time comes. So what are you waiting for? We hope we’ll see you on Tuesday! Chris Haughton - Chairman m: 07976 875 586 www.lancastersingers.org

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GARSTANG SPEAKERS CLUB

OVER WYRE PROBUS CLUB

As we move into spring and hopefully edge towards a way out of lockdown you may be feeling a little more motivated to take on something new.

Meetings of the Over Wyre Probus Club have been suspended over recent months. They will be resumed only when it is considered safe to do so.

At Garstang Speakers Club we can provide the opportunity to boost your confidence levels and learn to speak and present in front of an audience.

Membership

All of this is achieved in a friendly and supportive environment. We also have fun and laughter. We currently meet over the Zoom platform, which in itself is a useful skill. Sue Hubbard t: (01253) 701019 (Sheila Croft) e: barleyfold@madasafish.com (Sue Hubbard) or garstangspeakersclub@gmail.com fb: ‘Garstang Speakers Club’ www.garstangladiesspeakersclub.org

Membership of the club is open to all gentlemen, resident in or adjacent to the Over Wyre district who have fully or partially retired, or are about to retire from professional, business or other similar occupations. Meetings Meetings are normally held on the first and third Thursday in each month at The Shovels Inn at Hambleton. If anyone is interested in finding our more about the club or would like to attend a meeting initially as a guest, then please get in touch. Stewart Lyell (01253) 810148

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HAMBLETON GALA I am sorry to say that we, like other galas in the area, are unable to organise our village gala day this year. Unfortunately, the government’s possibility of returning to normal life on the 21st of June (if all goes to plan) is only 11 days before our Gala Day on Sat 3rd July. The gala committee feel that this is too close to gala day, as we need to make bookings and pay deposits for marquees, toilets, insurance, businesses and equipment now. We don’t know what restrictions or health and safety rules will have to be put in place for a ‘Covid-safe’ event. We cannot get confirmation that the actual procession will be allowed to go ahead, as no one knows what guidance will be put in place for mass gatherings and will probably not be known until Mon 21st June at the earliest. This event is put on each year with an aim

to provide a procession and crowning of gala royalty. The event is put on by volunteer committee members from Hambleton village for everyone’s enjoyment, young and old. As yet not all residents will have had their first vaccine (including some committee members) and as such will not know if they will have had their 2nd vaccine before the 3rd of July. We have looked at moving dates to later on in the year but a big part of the procession is the visiting royalty from other surrounding galas. They have already postponed to 2022,which means we will have no visiting royalty. This decision has not been taken lightly and we have seen the backlash on social media towards other gala/village events that have already decided to cancel this year. If anyone feels that they would like to form a new committee and put on the annual event then feel free to email me on committee@

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HAMBLETON GALA (cont) hambletongala.co.uk before Tues 6th April. I can then organise an AGM on Tues 13th April to hand over all information. As always, thank you for all your support. Stay safe. Ailsa Williams e: committee@hambletongala.co.uk f: @HambletonGala www.hambletongala.co.uk

Hambleton in Bloom Spring has sprung and the daffodils are blooming. It is now time to put in requests to sponsor the summer flowering tubs that are placed around the village, the price for 2021 will be £33. Also, due to the pandemic, the usual fund-raising for In Bloom could not take place. If you would like to donate to the cause or book a flowering tub please contact the clerk (details below).

HAMBLETON PARISH COUNCIL

Hambleton Flood Action Group (FLAG)

Parish Council Next Meeting

To keep up-to-date on flooding in Hambleton, a full list of current issues and minutes from FLAG, Wyre Flood Forum and Making Space for Water meetings are available on the Hambleton parish council website

The next ordinary parish council meetings will be held on Tues 6th April via Skype starting at 7:30pm. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Please contact the clerk for joining 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.

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Safety on the Park Please ensure that you follow government guidelines and regulations when using any equipment on the park and keep safe. Due to anti-social behaviour by a minority, the car park will be locked each evening and reopened in the morning. Times are based on best endeavours of volunteers. If you see or hear any anti-social behaviour on the park, or anywhere around the village, please report it to the police either online via www.lancashire.police.uk or by ringing 101. Rural Roads Sadly, like many areas, Hambleton has become a popular destination for fly tippers. Wyre Council do prosecute when they have sufficient evidence. Known cases are generally from outside the Wyre area but still, if you see rubbish dumped in public spaces please report to Wyre Council and, if you are getting someone to clear away your rubbish, please ensure that you get to see their waste carrier license and it is appropriate for the waste being removed.

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HAMBLETON COUNCIL (cont) Reporting Problems with Roads Lancashire County Council (LCC) is working hard to improve roads in the area but need your help - if you see a pothole, problems with lighting or broken signs please let LCC know via www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads or Lancashire Highways on 0300 123 6780. 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 are 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.

‘Hambleton (Wyre) Parish Council’ – Follow us to keep in the know with parish council events and village developments. Yvonne Walton - Clerk t: 07703 773 785 e: hambletonpc@yahoo.co.uk fb: Hambleton (Wyre) Parish Council www.hambletonparishcouncil.org.uk

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.

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PREESALL TOWN COUNCIL (cont) resurfaced next year, the county council has announced. They are: • • •

•

Sandy Lane from Willow House to Fordstone Avenue Lancaster Road from the Cart Gate junction to lighting column 114 Cart Gate from the junction with Lancaster Road to Park Lane, Park Lane from Burned House Lane to house no. 231 Sandy Lane from Parrox Fold to Fordstone Avenue.

Local Electricity Bill A letter expressing the council’s support for the Local Electricity Bill has been sent to the member of parliament, the author of the paper requesting the council’s support and the minister for business, energy and clean growth. lf made law, the Local Electricity Bill would help organisations such as

Communities for Renewables thrive and spring up all over the country by making the costs of selling their electricity locally proportionate to the size of their company. This change would bring vast benefits to both local communities and to the UK’s transition to renewable energy. Public Footpaths Help has been received from a member of the public who has reported issues with some of the local paths. If residents notice any stiles that need replacing, overgrown footpaths or missing signage please report this to the clerk. Bin Boost After reports of an increase in dog fouling in the vicinity of Fordstone Avenue and Sandy Lane in Preesall, Wyre Council has conducted a review of bins. It is proposed that an additional bin be placed at the

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PREESALL TOWN COUNCIL (cont) end of Fordstone Avenue adjacent to the memorial seating area.

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To sign up, visit: www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/ in-the-know Next Meeting Preesall Town Council will meet next via Zoom on Mon 12th April at 7:00pm. This is a public meeting which residents are welcome to attend. 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 e: clerk@preesalltowncouncil.org t: 07739 868212 www.preesalltowncouncil.org

STALMINE PARISH 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.

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STALMINE PARISH COUNCIL (cont) Annual Parish Meeting As a result of continuing Covid restrictions the council will not be hosting a Parish Meeting this year. Should you have any concerns that you would like to bring to the attention of the council please contact one of the councillors or the clerk. Annual Meeting of the Parish Council This year’s meeting will be held on Tues 4th May at 7:00pm via Zoom. Grass Cutting The council is working in partnership with Wyre Council and Hambleton parish council to look at the possibility of creating a trial wildflower verge along part of Carr Lane. Hedge Planting at Stalmine Playing Field Councillors took part in Wyre Council’s initiative to plant 1,700 hedging plants and trees along the perimeter of Stalmine Wood

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as part of its commitment to reduce the impact of climate change. Stalmine Parish Council will also be installing protective fencing for the young plants. Fly Tipping This has become a major problem over the last few weeks, particularly in the vicinity of Burrows Lane. The public are asked to remain vigilant and if they see any suspicious behaviour or witness fly tipping taking place to report this to the police rather than approaching the individuals in person. If you see any items illegally dumped, please report the matter to Wyre Council with details of where the problem has occurred. Public Footpath Signage A further request has been made to Lancashire County Council for new footpath signs to enable Stalmine Parish Council to continue its work on repairing the footpaths on behalf of LCC. Reporting Local Issues & Receiving Updates •

Stay In The Know - Find out what’s really happening in your area. Receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing. Sign up at www. stayintheknow.co.uk

•

Policing - Issues can be reported and pictures uploaded www.doitonline. lancashire.police.uk

•

Highways - Including how to report potholes www.lancashire.gov.uk/ roads-parking-and-travel/report-it

•

Speeding - Report concerns about the general speed of vehicles using a Lancashire road. www.lancsroadsafety. co.uk/submit-concern

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STALMINE PARISH COUNCIL (cont) gov.uk/forms/form/76/en/report_flytipping Next Meeting of the Council This will be on Tues 13th April at 7:00pm via Zoom. 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

• • • • • •

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SSRA Stalmine with Staynall Residents’ Association Well, we hope not too long now until life returns to some normality. All being well, and assuming meantime we keep to the current rules, we’ll see many services reopen on Mon 12th April. Fingers crossed. We have been in touch with our Parish Council about a suggestion from residents that the Council look into the possibility of putting up temporary digital speed cameras at each end of the A588 into Stalmine. Also, we work closely with John Shedwick, our Lancashire County Councillor, and he is looking into a further suggestion of Community Speed Concern posters for us. John works tirelessly for us Over Wyre for which we are extremely grateful. We are currently experiencing much flytipping in our country lanes. Photos have been posted on our Facebook site and Stalmine Chat by concerned residents. We are in touch with both our Parish Council and Wyre Council about it but catching those responsible remains a very difficult issue. Please use the Wyre Council site to report any you come across or any information you may have as to the culprits (see SSRA Facebook and Stalmine Chat for a quick link). Residents have also contacted us about the amount of dog fouling on the Heads pathways. Please, please, take a bag, pick it up and take it home or dispose of it in a bin. Residents have contacted us about the state of Carr End Lane leading up to and past the village hall. We have passed this on to the Parish Council. The SSRA successfully ensured the resurfacing of Lynwood Drive but it took three years of continual contact with Lancs C.C. We understand that many of the frequent accidents on the A588 do not appear on the official recorded data as there was no personal injury involved. This is very

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SSRA (cont) concerning. Maybe, if we are unfortunate enough to be involved in such accidents, we should all make a point of reporting it to the police and request a log number. That way, hopefully, we will ensure that the official data tells the whole story of the A588. We believe there have been five such serious accidents fairly recently that fall into non-recorded data as they did not involve personal injury. If you have any conflicting information about this, we will be delighted to be proven wrong in our understanding.

• •

The dates of our next two meetings are still unknown at this point but will be as soon as allowed. The first Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm at the Seven Stars. For further information on any SSRA details please use any of the following contacts:

During the restrictions, I have made an effort to put time aside for walking and I really hope to continue this. I have enjoyed the fitness aspect and just getting out and about in the fresh air.

• • •

Pauline Andrews 07808 058 097 Ann Ralph 07713 852 639 Peter Swarbrick (01253) 702675

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The vaccination process is continuing in line with the government’s target to offer the

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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) vaccine to everyone over 50 by May. We, therefore, seem to be on track for the easing of current restrictions. While this is great news, I do advise caution and urge all to continue to follow Government guidelines and advice. 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 which can be contacted on (01253) 891000. Also, the Department of Health and Social Care helpline for any on-going Covid queries can be contacted on 03003 032 713. Lines are open from 7:00am - 11:00pm daily. If anyone is showing symptoms of Covid, they will be able to arrange testing. As restrictions are easing, the traffic on local roads seems to be increasing quickly and will soon be back to normal levels. I do wonder if there will be more employers promoting

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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) while juggling on-line schooling, which I am sure has not been easy.

is doing. For more information go to www. stayintheknow.co.uk

I would also like to highlight the work of council staff at Wyre and Lancashire County Council. Services we sometimes take for granted have continued and I have been pleasantly surprised that routine re-surfacing and road repairs are being carried out, despite some staff being re-directed at times.

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I look forward to visiting everyone from the NHS locally to charities. If you run a business or local charity, please contact my office at the House of Commons if you would like me to visit.

In the last article I mentioned how residents could sign up to the ‘In the Know’ scheme the police are running. Since then interest has increased so here are the details again: Residents can sign up on-line to find out what’s really happening in your area. You will receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and you can learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team

I am looking forward to some form of normality returning soon and I really hope to be able to tour around the constituency to find out the real challenges communities have experienced during Covid. Of course, this must all be carried out safely.

I think it is very important to learn from the experiences in order to be better prepared in the future. My mailbag has been full of many issues ranging from the current pandemic to local flooding issues. On flooding, I know the Wyre Flood Forum

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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) carries out great work with all agencies working together and the views of local communities being represented by their local Flood Action Groups. I keep a close eye on the Flood Forum and the work generated from it. Keeping in Touch As always, I welcome letters and emails because this informs me of 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 still have questions about our new trade agreement and relationship with the EU. Please remember I’m here to help. The most effective way to contact me is by email, at wallaceb@parliament.uk with a brief description of the issues you wish to raise, along with your contact details (including

home address). You can also ring my Office at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5804 or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Ben Wallace MP

CAT SMITH MP I hope everyone is well, and the signs of spring which we are starting to see are offering comfort that winter is over, and the better weather is coming. One of the joys of living in a beautiful area like we do is we get to see those signs of spring daily, often when we have been out for our daily exercise - be it the lambs in the fields or the daffodils at the roadside.

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) I think the increased pace of the vaccine roll out also reminds me of spring in many ways. It is the snowdrop pushing through the frozen earth. Offering hope that better days are to come and that winter cannot last forever. Yes, there are still public health restrictions in our lives, with the ‘stay at home’ message not being lifted any earlier than the end of March. But as more and more people have had their first dose of the vaccine and a lucky few, their second, it’s offering us hope in the way we take hope when we spot the first snowdrop. Vaccine Roll-Out The success of the vaccine rollout is vital for reducing the spread of the virus, minimising the time areas remain in economically damaging restrictions and for all of us to get back to the things and the people we love.

I want to take this opportunity to say a very deeply felt and genuine thank you to all our front-line heroes who have supported us through the past year. I would also like to reflect on the past year: it’s been tough. Who would have thought we would be talking about ‘daily exercise’? The words ‘socially distanced’ weren’t ones we used all the time, and many people wouldn’t have known what an ‘R-rate’ was. Our lives have changed beyond all recognition and we look back at how things were and I wonder;

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) do we miss the old ways or have we learned new ways of living? Are there things you took for granted that now you value dearly? Looking to the Future So many people are looking to the future and talking about building back better. But what does that look like? I suspect it looks a bit different to each of us. I hope that as we now start to emerge from this public health crisis we might re-think who the key workers are. I don’t want us to forget the evenings we stood out on our doorsteps and clapped the NHS and social care heroes who worked on the front line, risking their own health and lives, right throughout this. We should remember the shop workers and delivery drivers who ensured - whilst we were told to stay indoors - we had food and essential supplies, either when we visited the shops or took deliveries at home; the emergency service workers who ensured we were safe and they couldn’t work from home.

the needs of everyone living both in our community and across England and Wales; it helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future. It takes around 10 minutes per person to complete the census and, if you cannot get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them. This census is the most inclusive yet. People can answer in the way that best represents them using the options (including write-in options) provided. For the ethnic group, religion and national identity questions, this ability is further enhanced online by searchas-you-type functionality. The questionnaire includes questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size, identity and employment. Census 2021 will also ask people aged 16 years and over questions on three new topics. These are about previous service in

Then I hope we keep the spirit of volunteering and looking out for one another. I have enjoyed learning about all the street and village online forums and chats that have been initiated. When our world was made smaller by our travel being restricted, did we start to see the people and the community that was on our doorsteps? As we emerge from this pandemic, we cannot return to all the old ways. We must rebuild for a better future; one that can provide opportunities for all, restore people’s pride in where they live and gives families the security to prosper. Let’s make Britain the best place to grow up in and grow old in. Census 2021 Finally, Sun 21st March was Census day. A final reminder that you should have got a letter with an access code, so that you can complete the census online. A successful census will help give the best picture of Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

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High-quality home care services have arrived in Over Wyre with the launch of Home Instead. The company provides innovative, companionship-led home care services for elderly people across North Lancashire. Home Instead services are tailored to the needs of individual clients and range from companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, shopping and errands. The service is totally flexible to meet client needs and is available from a few hours to seven days a week. Ex-Royal Navy engineer and owner Sam Hayhurst comments: “I am proud that my caring team and I are able to keep people safe in the comfort of their own homes. “We can provide a variety of vital services including medication reminders, escorting to medical appointments, household chores and shopping. “Our care is most importantly companionship-led, which has proven to be key during these times. Care visits can range from a chat and a cup

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) the UK Armed Forces, gender identity and sexual orientation. The sexual orientation and gender identity questions are also voluntary. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years for future generations. To complete your census, or to find out how to get help, visit www.census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.

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There are some specific issues being faced in Hambleton, some of them long running, they concern actual and potential house flooding, and wider general issues; 1. Birkrigg and The Coppins on the A585. Following repeated house flooding the issue remains unresolved. Extra road drainage had little effect, action is now required regarding unofficial drain installations limiting flows and desilting by the Environment Agency (EA)

2. Kiln Lane and Sherbourne. An outfall to Wardleys Pool has been cleared for the surface water, however the floods with the sewer as well occur when heavy rain and high tides coincide. Investigation of the hydraulics of areas pipework has been requested. 3. Hambleton Sea Defences. The EA is progressing the design and is undertaking hand dug pits to locate services and the like. Part of this installation includes a flap valve arrangement for the draining of Wardleys Pool and Kiln Lane Water Course. The inability of water to drain when the flap is closed contributes to the flooding in items 1 & 2 above. The EA has been asked to review the design so as to maximise the flow. EA has plans regarding desilting of the watercourse weather permitting.

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4. Culverted Water Course. The village relies on a culverted water course for surface water drainage, part of it has been surveyed and another section is planned. It is believed to be the cause of flooding on the A585 at Market Street Stoney Lane and Pauls Lane. 5. Marsh Lane & Sandy Lane. Road flooding occurs in heavy rain. The gullies, pipes and drainage ditch need attention of which the agencies are aware. We have just joined forces with Stalmine FLAG and will cover both areas. Further Information Flooding meeting documents are available at www.hambletonparishcouncil.org.uk If you have information or comments please feel free to contact us.

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM First, a bee in my bonnet; I was brought up at school and in the boy scouts that the way to refer to the banks of the river was to stand with your back to the source facing the sea and the bank on the right was the right bank and the other bank the left bank. Trying to describe them by points of the compass ties you in knots as rivers are not straight. I am sure some will disagree! The Environment Agency (EA) has issued its work commitment for the end of the financial year and the new year starting in April 2021. The planned annual flood and coastal risk management, FRCM, asset maintenance programme can be found on line at https://environment.data.gov.uk/ asset-management/index.html You will find an interactive map and detail of work. You should be able to access the main river map. To report a problem on anything to do with

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) water dial the EA’s national call centre on 0800 80 70 60. The annual maintenance programme is nearing its completion for the financial year 2020/21. Work to remove wrack from coastal/ river embankments and basins that has builtup over the winter storms and up-coming spring tides (although ‘spring’ tides do not only occur in spring) is ongoing. At the head of the river in operational terms, EA plan to replace the West Gate and Ram in the Garstang Flood Storage Basin in May this year to replicate the works undertaken on the East Gates a few months ago. Hopefully the regular silting problem will be addressed and Garstang will maintain its controlling influence on the river. The Green Lane culvert running from Green Lane West to Wyre Lane, adjacent to the Show Ground, is scheduled to be re-lined. Residents have been advised. It will be an opportunity to see what goes on below ground. Members of the Garstang Flood Action Group have explored the short (no more than 3km) Ains Pool. The pool rises in the Nateby Field site or perhaps in the housing development East of the A6 off Dorchester Road and begins its short journey before joining the River Wyre at Churchtown, flowing by culvert under Nateby Crossing Lane, the Lancaster Canal, Longmoor Lane then piped to the rear of properties facing Parkside and the A6 and the Chicken factory to the rear of Cross House Farm, Dewlays, Kirkland Hall and finally under the A586 before reaching its goal. The, so far, unbuilt developments on the West of the A6 numbering 270 dwellings and a commercial park plus 70 dwellings south of Prospect Farm, Bradshaws Farm Shop, have yet to test the direction in the planning permission that development must not increase the threat of flooding elsewhere ie,

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) the River Wyre. The 250 dwelling permission on the Cockerham Road will drain straight into the Wyre using existing drainage infrastructure. At the recent flood forum held on Thurs 11th March, I asked the EA officer present to ensure that a proper modelling exercise or hydraulic analysis be carried out and he undertook to see that it was. Only then will all communities living close to the Ains Pool and the Wyre down-stream be reassured. The Catterall river level sensor for St Michael’s has been recalibrated and will be checked after every high-level event. A problem has been caused due to the sensor station slipping, as a result of erosion, which now experiences problems with silt. EA are seeking funding for purchasing radar sensors which would not need to be placed in the channel. Work has been completed to the embankment

near Old House in St Michaels to fill-in low spots to bring the embankment back to condition. Reseeding will follow shortly. Work to repair the overtopping along Rawcliffe Road and the embankment at Wild Boar Cottage are in progress. At Sunnyside Terrace, Preesall, residents are awaiting to see the result of discussions between officers and a local landowner on Cartgate. Lancashire County Council has agreed to carry out a topographical survey as a precursor to a new drainage plan to be drawn up by Tom Myerscough of the Wyre River’s Trust, but before that all land owners need to be involved; not always a straightforward task There is significant activity in the region with more going on at Great Eccelston, Hambleton, Stalmine, Pilling, Preesall and Fleetwood - not to mention Thornton, which has its own distinctive problems with land

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) drainage combined with significant building development. EA’s work programme should be swinging into action and hopefully I will be able to report on good progress on all fronts over the summer months. Roger Brooks - Garstang Town Councillor

RSPCA Special Appeals Buttons & Kit Kat Buttons and Kit Kat have found themselves looking for a new home after being removed from a multi-animal house. They have had some handling but would benefit from further socialising in their new home. They are not suitable pets for young children and we would really like the girls to be re-homed together. They will need a large cage with plenty of enrichment.

ensure his coat stays in good condition. For advice on suitable guinea pig accommodation and what is required in terms of space, please contact the branch. Franco Franco came into our care after his previous owner was no longer able to give him the care he needed. He is a shy rat who can give you a nibble if unsure, however once he has settled he will relax and enjoys time out of his cage. He has gained some confidence since arriving so we are hopeful that in the right home and with plenty of handling, he will flourish. Franco is looking for an experienced rat owner and he is not a suitable pet for children.

Pedro Pedro is on the lookout for a new home after being found as a stray. He is a super friendly and inquisitive guinea pig so would benefit from lots of positive human interaction in his new home along with plenty of space and lots of enrichment. He has been neutered so he is looking to be re-homed alongside a female piggy who will provide him with companionship. As Pedro is a Peruvian guinea pig, he will need regular grooming to

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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 staﬀ. Needs are met maintaining personal dignity, privacy and encouraging independence where possible. Activities, passive and active are encouraged throughout the day by trained care staﬀ 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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RSPCA (cont) Buy a Brick At the animal centre we have a special memorial wall giving people an opportunity to buy a brick in memory of a person or an animal. One brick costs £25.00 with the option of having the engraving in black or gold. Anyone who is interested in buying a brick can request a form by emailing us. Kennel/Cat Pen Sponsorship Our kennel and cattery sponsorship scheme is a way in which you as an individual, part of a group or a business can support our animals by sponsoring an animal pen for 12 months. A cat pen costs £40 and kennel sponsorship costs £60. In return we will place a certificate bearing your name on the appropriate pen, thanking you for your kind donation. If you are a company we are happy to display details of your company on your certificate so people can contact you directly.

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THE SCHOOL ON THE HILL Preesall Fleetwood’s Charity School News

by YG Stevens

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It is lovely to have all of our pupils back in school and as the lockdown gradually eases, we are looking forward to increasing the activities we can put in place for our pupils over the summer term. Already we have tennis, cooking club and street dance running after school and we will soon be adding football, forest, science and gardening, amongst others, as extra-curricular clubs. Father Andy Shaw held our Easter Service over Zoom and we had an Easter Bingo morning in school where lots of Easter Eggs were won! It is important to get the children outdoors as much as possible at the moment so our Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

THE SCHOOL ON THE HILL (cont) pupils are enjoying sessions in our wonderful forest school – take a look at our Facebook page to see the types of activities they do. We are lucky to have such a well-established and beautiful setting for our pupils to learn skills such as team building, resilience, co-operation and perseverance as well as appreciating all that nature has to offer. There is a public footpath around the edge of our forest if you have never seen our outdoor learning environment. As a school, we have planned some Easter activities that anyone from the local community can take part in. We have an

Easter Trail around Preesall and KnottEnd from Sat 27th March - Sun 11th April. If you would like to take part as a family, please email jlewis@fleetwoods. lancs.sch.uk for more information. All entries will be put into a draw to win a hamper of local produce. Check our Facebook page week beginning Mon 12th April when the winner will be announced. We also have a fund-raising quiz which will be available in local shops or downloadable from our school website from Sat 27th March. Please post entries through the school letter box in an envelope with a £2 donation to be in with a chance of winning a prize! Don’t forget

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THE SCHOOL ON THE HILL (cont) to include your contact details. All monies raised will go towards activities or resources for our pupils in school. Stay & Play Sessions We are delighted that we are able to start our Stay and Play sessions again after Easter. These are open to anyone in the local community who has a baby, toddler or pre-school aged child. The sessions will be on Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:00am in our school hall, starting Thurs 29th April. Bring your child along, meet other parents and enjoy some social time! To begin with, we will have to ask you to bring your own drinks and snacks and we will be following social distancing guidelines. We will have a fresh new look and an exciting programme of activities for your little ones. We will be limited to a maximum of 15 adults so please email our school office – bursar@fleetwoods. lancs.sch.uk – to book a place each week. Once you have booked, we will send you an information leaflet on staying Covid-safe.

whilst others, sadly, have faltered, but kindness has shone through it all. The Catterall Wednesday Social Group has, like so many other community groups, not been able to physically meet, but have stoically kept in touch with each other. For now they have no further plans to re-form and have considerately donated their funds towards local heart screening. Thank you to our lovely neighbour, Pat Collins who spearheaded this, and to all for your generosity, it is our hope that at some stage a similar group may be created to keep that community spirit alive. Pat has also kept herself extremely busy during lockdown, making laundry bags for the hospital and face coverings which have been available to others through the kindness of Nicksons, who have had them on the counter. Together with their customers an amazing £515 has been raised for Garstang Children’s Festival and £400 for CRY – what a fabulous

Victoria Gladwin - Acting Head Teacher t: 01253 810324 e: bursar@fleetwoods.lancs.sch.uk www.fleetwoods.lancs.sch.uk fb: @preesallfleetwoodscharity

CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund As restrictions around Covid 19 begin to ease we can perhaps begin to see a chink of light at the end of the tunnel. The first tentative steps towards events are emerging with a couple of our intrepid supporters making plans for a summer sky dive, ideas for fundraisers being mooted and a 2022 CRY calendar in the making from Longridge Highland Cow! More about these on Facebook (@Longridge Highland Cow ) and in future Green Book issues as plans progress. The situation around the pandemic has been incongruous; some have blossomed Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus

CRY (cont) achievement! Well done and thank you to this inspirational lady and to all who have been involved. Huge thanks too to Barry Shultz for his unwavering encouragement and princely donations, to Sarah for the countless things she does – far too many to list, giving so much of her time and efforts to promoting the fund and fundraising (you may have spotted that on sunny weekends her wayside stall has made a reappearance), Sarah I don’t know what I’d do without you! Cheers m’dear!

We appreciate it and I’m sure that all those who are screened and their families do so too. Let’s hope that light at the end of the tunnel leads to more screening soon. Take care, keep safe. Paula Hesmondhalgh t: 07785 106 976 e: paulahez.ph@gmail.com fb: @The Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund

SOROPTIMISTS

We are so lucky to have such good neighbours and friends around us who take a huge interest in what we do, supporting us in so many different ways from asking about Matthew, the fund, our plans, giving us ideas, resources and so on to the numerous donations and challenges in a myriad of forms that they undertake in support of CRY regardless of whether they knew Matt or not.

Women Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives As we write, Easter approaches and both the weather and the Covid situation are improving, lifting spirits and spurring us on.

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) The YOGA You To help ensure we’re ready for the busier times ahead, the club enjoyed a virtual yoga session last month with Helen Dixon of The Yoga You. What a revelation! We practiced ‘chair’ yoga and, considering we were sat down for 45 minutes, we did an awful lot of moving. The beauty was that Helen ensured all the yoga positions were tailored to suit the wide range of ages in the group. Helen’s many years of experience in teaching yoga shone through with her clear verbal instructions and demonstrations - the session just flew by! Helen kindly donated her fee for this session and, together with some further donations, £52 was added to the pot for Derian House. International Women’s Day Mon 8th March was International Women’s Day when we celebrated the joy of women and girls across the world and all of their o We als ton s g lo in supply of logs & ets bags, n ﬁregrates g, n e kindli h mor m & uc

achievements. Thousands of Soroptimists worldwide marked the day with hundreds of activities and events. Events highlighted the economic, political and social achievements of women and raised awareness of work still to be done to build a better world for women. For more information, search socials for #ChoosetoChallenge and #IWD2021. Meetings & Work Undertaken We enjoyed another jam-packed business meeting at the beginning of March. We have these Zoom meetings finely honed now, getting the maximum amount done in a set time but still allowing enough time to chat and enjoy each other’s company and friendship. These meetings have to take in the general business of running a club, but the main focus is on our Programme Action work which covers a wide variety of different activities, from the very quick signing of petitions or canvassing MPs, to short-term or

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) long-term project activities. Take a look at our website and Facebook page to see what we have and are doing to support women and children worldwide. We had lots of progress reports on our current Programme Action work: •

Laptops for Schools - The collection now stands at eight laptops and three tablets

•

Backpack Project - The backpacks for children to attend school in Malawi are currently on hold due to not being able to ship them out due to the pandemic – but we have a stockpile ready to go as soon as we’re given the word

•

Charity Coffee Breaks - We’re enjoying lots of virtual coffee breaks. Each time, Derian House benefits financially and we benefit from the boost to our mental health and wellbeing

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•

Recipes for the Wish Centre (domestic abuse centre) - one thing Soroptimists like is food, so this was so simple as we have a wealth of tried and trusted recipes to hand.

•

Ask for ANI - This initiative across pharmacies is something we are actively chasing as pharmacies are an ideal place a woman can go for help without raising suspicion

•

Blister Pack Recycling – at last a chance to recycle these items and potentially add some funds to charities as well

•

Domestic Abuse Bill - Lobbying for the bill going through Parliament

•

Plant Life Roadside Verge Campaign - A real ‘feel good factor’ as well as a reminder of the wide range of activities that Garstang Soroptimists is supporting

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) Looking Ahead This was also the time to focus on our Programme Action plans for next year (starting April 2021) which centre around a theme of 100 as our central organisation is celebrating a special birthday this year. Petitions The petition of the month was agreed as the Freedom United petition in support of strong, mandatory human rights due diligence legislation in the US, UK, and EU to address human rights and environmental violations around the world. Supporting the petition is an easy action everyone can take – just follow this link: http://bit.ly/freedom-united You can always drop us an email or message on Facebook to let us know you’ve supported the cause: And Finally… Our March (virtual) social meeting event featured guest speaker, Felicity Jones, co-founder of Thinking Philanthropy at Empowering Charities. She gave us a talk on female genital mutilation which is as horrible as it sounds and, unfortunately, a worldwide issue including in the UK. Soroptimists have been vocal in bringing this topic to public notice and it is now being talked about openly – no longer the dreadful secret of young, frightened girls. Interested in What we Do?

To our amazing clients - old and new, As you may already be aware, I have now taken over the business formally known as Gill Newhouse Podiatry. Thank you for all your loyalty and support during these unprecedented times. I would also like to reassure you that all services will continue as normal in a Covid-secure environment. We look forward to seeing you soon. Best wishes,

Laura & Team

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April brings our AGM, a new club year and perhaps a new adventure for you? Why not look into joining us to help make a difference? 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. Until next month, take care.

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PILLING CHURCHES TOGETHER Easter is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar. This year. one of the key themes of Easter will perhaps resonate more loudly than ever – ‘freedom’. Freedom is such a precious thing. It has been the cause of so many conflicts and struggles over the centuries; millions have died to protect it or to win it and many are still struggling to achieve it. This last year has seen so much of the freedom we take for granted being taken away from us and there is much excitement at the prospect of the return of that freedom. The cross of Jesus Christ, which is at the centre of Easter, is a symbol of freedom. It is a giant key which opens the door to true freedom: freedom from the chains of sin that we have lumbered ourselves with; freedom from the dark shadow cast over our lives by the works of Satan; freedom to live in the Nestled in the beautiful and tranquil Pilling countryside, the ideal venue hosting complementary and wellbeing therapies, workshops and retreats, Kurloon Source Wellbeing Retreat is a purposely designed space with Meditation / Meeting Room, Readings Room and Therapy Health Room. We also have a beautiful outside space with stunning views of Beacon Fell and the surrounding hills, together with a peaceful orchard, both of which will be used for outside gatherings, celebrations, workshops and events. We are extremely pleased and proud that Cindy Crystalmoon Page will be working with us at the Retreat. Cindy is an eclectic Pagan with strong Celtic roots, originally from South Africa where for the past twenty-five years she has explored many modalities and journeyed down many paths in search of the Truth. A trained Reiki, Body Balance Activation and Crystal therapist and Rune reader, she also uses intuition and is guided to adapt each treatment so that it best compliments the client. Bringing balance and healing inside and out. Cindy says "My aim is to provide each individual with the tools to begin their own journey and discover that which is Sacred within."

light and love of God, not only now but for ever; and freedom to love and be loved by the creator of all things. So, it is right that we should be joyful and celebrate. That may be in church or not, it may involve Easter eggs, hot cross buns, or none of those things, but let’s celebrate and enjoy it. We know that there will still be restrictions in place. We hope and pray that all our churches will be open for Sunday services on Palm Sunday and Easter Day. Details of services can be obtained from church noticeboards, elsewhere in this magazine (CofE), or by emailing the following: •

Roman Catholic - St William’s Pilling: stw.pilling@gmail.com

•

Methodist - Pilling Chapel: revruth@ hotmail.co.uk

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PILLING CHURCHES (cont) •

Church of England: St John the Baptist Pilling and St Mark Eagland Hill: pillingrev@btconnnect.com

Bearing in mind the uncertainty about what may be possible, we have come up with some alternative activities for the week leading up to Easter: Signs of Hope, Holy Week Walk & Visit The Cross We are asking people to use their windows to display signs of hope in the weeks up to Easter. Here are some suggestions; pictures of palm leaves, flowers, a rainbow, a butterfly, heart, lamb, or a symbol of new life such as an egg. You could display words such as hope, love, joy, peace, new life, kindness and sharing. You might want to decorate the words. You could take part in the Holy Week Walk. Start at St John’s Church porch and walk

CROSSWORD (ans page 63)

towards the Old Church - individually, with your family, or in your bubble – anytime from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. There will be prayer stations to use. Why not read a bible verse, say a prayer and reflect on the journey that Jesus himself took? There will also be activities for the children to do along the journey, with free craft bags available for collection from the porch at St Johns Church. Lastly, you may wish to visit the cross on the hill at the Amenity Area. This year you are encouraged to take a flower and place it at the foot of the cross as an act of witness. We do hope that you will join in with some/all of these activities so that we can still make Easter a great celebration, for everyone to enjoy, whilst remaining safe. Wishing you peace, joy, and blessings. Pilling Churches Together Across 3. Soup (5) 6 15th of Month (4) 8. Inside a House (6) 9. Sign (4) 10 Type of Fruit (6) 11. Birdcage (6) 12. Poor Taste (4) 13. Brought Up (6) 14 Eye Sore (4) 15. Grind Teeth (5) Down 1. ‘Terrible Lizards’ (9) 2. Googlebox (10) 4. Essential for an Airport (6) 5. Dental Cleaner (10) 7. Lines Around Eyes (5,4) 10. Crawls (6)

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HAPPY EASTER TO ONE & ALL We here at Hambleton United Reformed Church hope that you, your loved ones, family and friends are comfortable and safe at the start of this springtime. Although the past 12 months has been a hard time for many, we wish to let you all know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We wish to send you lots of love and cheerfulness as well as hoping that you all have an egg-cellent Easter! If you have a family member or know someone who is ill at home or in hospital and they have no one to visit them, let us know and we will try and arrange to get to someone to see them as a friend. This is open to all. All you have to do is drop a message at hambletonurc@gmail.com Finally, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr: �Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.�

From Hambleton United Reformed Church 54

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HOLY WEEK & EASTER Church of England Over Wyre The services set out below are based on assumptions current at the time of printing but, as government restrictions change, they may be subject to alteration. Please check social media and/or church noticeboards for the most up-to-date information about services. Covid measures, including social distancing and wearing of face coverings, will continue until further notice and everyone is asked, respectfully, not to gather in groups (other than households or bubbles) inside or outside church. All are welcome to the below services. If you would like to know more about these or any of our services, please don’t hesitate to contact me: Rev Andy Shaw (01253) 799895 pillingrev@ btconnect.com

St Oswald, Preesall •

Sun 28th March Palm Sunday, 10:30am: Holy Communion with Blessing of Palms

•

Thurs 1st April Maundy Thursday, 7:30pm: Holy Communion

•

Fri 2nd April Good Friday, 11:00am: Stations of the Cross (Church Hall)

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Sun 4th April Easter Day, 10:30am: Holy Communion

St John the Evangelist, Out Rawcliffe •

Sun 28th March Palm Sunday, 9:30am: Holy Communion with Blessing of Palms

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Fri 2nd April Good Friday, 2:00pm: The Last Hour

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Sun 4th April Easter Day, 9:30am

GREY MATTER TEST (ans p63) 1. What was the nickname given to V1 flying bombs in World War II? 2. Which common British garden creature belongs to the locust family? 3. What damaged Alexandra Palace in both 1873 and 1980? 4. Which motel provides the setting in the film Psycho? 5. Hermit and spider are types of what? 6. What is the male honey bee known as? 7. Which beetle was sacred to the Egyptians? 8. Which bird is associated with Lundy Island? 9. Who was the first American President to be assassinated? 10. Which city in the book of Genesis is still in existence? 11. For what crime was Al Capone convicted and for which he was imprisoned?

12. For whom is the Glorious Twelfth not glorious? 13. What was discovered at the Sutton Hoo archaeological dig in 1939? 14. Which waterway divides the Isle of Wight from the mainland? 15. Which moor is named after the county town of Cornwall? 16. Which type of pastry is normally bought frozen in wafer-thin sheets? 17. Where are the world headquarters of the Mormon Church? 18. What type of quadrilateral has all sides the same length but contains no right angles? 19. How was the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaucescu executed on 25th December 1989? 20. Where did the world’s worst nuclear disaster occur?

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HOLY WEEK & EASTER (cont) Holy Communion

Last Hour (Meditation with music)

St John the Baptist, Pilling •

Sun 28th March Palm Sunday, 10:30am: Holy Communion with Blessing of Palms

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Thurs 1st April Maundy Thursday, 7:30pm: Holy Communion. Followed by ‘The Watch’ (a quiet vigil until 10:30pm)

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Sun 4th April Easter Day, 10:30am: Holy Communion

St Mark, Eagland Hill •

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Sun 28th March Palm Sunday, 9:00am: Holy Communion with Blessing of Palms Sun 4th April Easter Day, 9:00am: Holy Communion

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Sun 4th April Easter Day, 10:30am Holy Communion

Rev Andy Shaw

GP GAS Friendly & Reliable

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Hambleton •

Sun 28th March Palm Sunday, 10:30am Holy Communion with Blessing of Palms

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Thurs 1st April Maundy Thursday 7:30pm Holy Communion. Followed by ‘The Watch’ (a quiet vigil until 10:30pm)

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Fri 2nd April Good Friday, 11:00am Tennebrae – Darkness and shadows (A short adapted liturgy for Good Friday)

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Sun 4th April Easter Day, 10:30am Holy Communion

St James, Stalmine •

Sun 28th March Palm Sunday, 10:30am: Morning Worship with Blessing of Palms

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Thurs 1st April, 7:00pm: Maundy Thursday Worship

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Fri 2nd April Good Friday, 2:00pm The Tell them you saw it in the “Green Book”

GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB array of kit, this is a good opening.

Hello to all camera enthusiasts and others wishing to improve their skills. Since I last wrote we have had two excellent presentations: one by Dave Bibby who talked on ‘A-Z Back to Basics’. It’s quite easy to forget early lessons in photography as we advance (or maybe that’s just me). He is quite an established photographer but has started to shoot many of his images on his smart phone so anyone out there without an

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Roger Geldard gave us a trip around Japan’s Winter Wildlife. Funny, but I never thought of Japan having deer, monkeys and eagles in such climatic conditions. Still, it is quite close to Vladivostok. He introduced most members to some excellent Sony cameras too. March Programme Wed 3rd March: Judging of our internal competition ‘Anything Goes’. Who knows what to expect? Wed 10th March: Mike Martin on ‘It’s Not What you See, it’s What you Make’. Wed 17th March: Lee Sutton on ‘My Photographic Journey’. Lockdown has prevented us from getting out and about with our gear but as I write this, there are ‘rumours’ that this may end sooner than I expected according to the press (I don’t know why they are not in the House of Commons!). Anyway, what will be will be. It may be that we can meet in the Arts Centre for next years session. Who knows? Keep on keeping safe, no matter what the outcome is. Maurice Barker www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk

NORTH FYLDE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOC Due to the current ongoing situation with Covid the club is still unable to use the meet in person but is continuing to run it’s 202021 season using Zoom. This has proven to be very popular with the members and has allowed us to involve speakers and judges from across the whole of the UK.

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NORTH FYLDE PHOTO (cont)

FITBODS

April Programme

Hope everybody is fit and well and looking forward to being able to return to some of the things we all love and enjoy.

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Tues 6th April - Members Night. Advice on some of our Photography this season

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Tues 13th April - Guest speaker, George Franks ‘How Hard Can It Be? Still Life & Product Photography’

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Tues 20th April - Annual General Meeting

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Tues 27th April - Results - Awards Presentation Night

Please check the website for updates. Neil Pascoe t: (01253) 734243 fb: North Fylde Photographic Society www.northfylde-ps.co.uk

WYRE VILLA FOOTBALL CLUB Football at the Villa is Back! As from Sat 3rd April we will be playing again. The league has kindly organised a Regionalised Cup Competition for all teams. The April fixtures are all kick-off at 3:00pm and will run as follows:

It has been a long time since we were last able to run indoor exercise classes but finally we are allowed to do so again from Monday 17th May! Thank you to everybody who has joined in on Zoom. They have helped to get us through and keep us motivated, but it will be so nice to meet up again in person. Please do not hesitate to contact Rosina for further details. Look forward to seeing you soon and welcoming any new members to our fun and friendly classes. Rosina Larwinson-Chettoe t: (01253) 810467 m: 07986 248 173 fb: Search ‘Fitbods Preesall’

FOCUS MAGAZINE

2021 Deadline Dates

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Sat 17th April Wyre Villa v Slyne-withHest

Issue

Deadline Date

Delivery Starts

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Sat 24th April Galgate v Wyre Villa

May

19/04/2021

29/04/2021

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Sat 1st May Wyre Villa v Carnforth Rangers

June

17/05/2021

27/05/2021

July

14/06/2021

24/06/2021

August

19/07/2021

29/07/2021

September

16/08/2021

26/08/2021

October

13/09/2021

23/09/2021

November

18/10/2021

28/10/2021

December

15/11/2021

25/11/2021

January 22

13/12/2021

06/01/2022

Why not come and support us taking refreshments whilst watching from our bar. Those who like a flutter can join in the Wyre Villa monthly Lottery Draw (two winners per month). All winners will be listed in Focus Magazine. For any further information please contact the club secretary, Mike Holland at any time. Mike Holland 07958 222 245

Editorial: editorial@focusmags.co.uk Advertising: helen@focusmags.co.uk

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MOULTON PRINTING • C r e a t i ve P r i n t & D e s i g n •

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PREESALL BOWLING CLUB

HARMONY & HEALTH

Our bowling green will reopen on Mon 5th April.

Remote Singing Sessions

At the time of posting this notice we are still awaiting updates on the easing of restrictions on organised grass root outdoor sports (currently scheduled for Mon 29th March). In the interim period, all social distancing rules will remain in place with the rule of six and/or two-family group guidelines to be strictly followed. Anyone wishing to know more details or join the club either in a playing or social nature, please contact the secretary, Mike Holland. Mike Holland 07958 222 245

GARSTANG HISTORICAL SOCIETY Society officials are currently discussing the possibility of resuming our once-monthly lectures sometime later this year. The timing of the resumptions will depend on government rulings during the next few months. Safety issues will need to be discussed and agreed with the owners of our venue, Garstang United Reformed Church, before any definite decisions are made.

Harmony and Health would like to extend an invitation to anyone out there who would like to join us for our remote singing sessions. You will need to have a device with internet connectivity and my husband and I will fully support you, if you are unfamiliar with the technology. Words and music are provided through your computer/tablet/laptop and there is no cost for joining in. Our sessions are held on Tuesday afternoons from 1:30pm - 2:30pm and on Wednesday mornings from 10:00am - 11:00am. Anyone joining our relaxed sessions does not have to commit to attending for a specific number of sessions. If you are interested, please get in touch. Ann Cameron 07966 126 999 Alan Cameron 07825 271 344

Among lecture topics pencilled in for future meetings are: •

the life and times of Sir John Barrow of Ulverston and the story of The Hoad monument

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an update on recent research into the history of the Dalton family of Thurnham

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the history of art thefts and famous art forgeries.

More details will appear in Focus and local print and on-line media when the situation is more clear. For more info contact: Peter Burrell (01995) 601054 Anthony Coppin (01995) 605824 Tell them you saw it in the “Green Book”

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GREY MATTER ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Across 3. Broth 6. Ides 8. Indoor 9. Omen 10. Cashew 11. Aviary 12. Naff 13. Raised 14. Stye 15. Gnash

14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Doodlebugs The Grasshopper Fire The Bates Motel Crab Drone Scarab Puffins Abraham Lincoln Damascus Tax evasion Grouse An undisturbed Anglo Saxon burial ship and its treasure The Solent Bodmin Filo Salt Lake City A rhombus He was shot Chernobyl

Down 1. Dinosaurs 2. Television 4. Runway 5. Toothpaste 7. Crows Feet 10. Creeps

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