Garstang Focus Magazine - June 2021 by Focus Magazines

FOCUS MAGAZINE 'The Green Book'

Preesall Village by David J Ansell

GARSTANG - Scorton - Cabus - Garstang - Catterall - Bonds - Bowgreave - St Michaels - Churchtown

Issue 248 June 2021

SELF-EMPLOYED / FREELANCE SALES EXECUTIVE REQUIRED Focus Magazine is seeking an experienced sales executive to join the team on.a.nine.month.ﬁ.xed-term.contract.(maternity.cover)..The.role.involves. predominantly.desk-based.telesales.(email.and.phone).with.occasional.visits. to.local.businesses. Location: Home Based

The Person

Salary: Basic + commission

• Excellent telephone manner • Good organisational & administration skills • Ability to work under own initiative with little supervision • Previous, proven sales experience is desirable • Good knowledge of the local area

Hours: Flexible (approx. 5 per week) Starting: July 2021 Contract: Fixed-term (9 months) self-employed Responsibilities

• Use local knowledge, business directories and our existing database to generate advert sales in both Over Wyre and Garstang Focus Magazine • Update our database with contact and booking information, obtain artwork (where required), create and follow-up on actions generated from leads • Represent Focus Magazines with regards to advertising sales and present a professional face in line with our ethos • Manage customer accounts to build relationships, gain trust and drive repeat business Please note, this position is only open to existing self-employed freelancers and offers ﬂexible working around other clients.

For more information including rates of pay, a detailed job description and an application form, please get in touch before Thurs 24th June:

e: helen@focusmags.co.uk t: (01253) 813433

Welcome to Focus Magazine... Garstang in Bloom............................................4

The Inner Wheel Club.....................................29

Garstang Gardening Club.............................4

Dealing with Anxiety........................................31

Catterall in Bloom..............................................5

Cardiac Risk in the Young..............................32

Coffee Stop............................................................5

St Michaels on Wyre Gala.............................34

Garstang Wine Circle.......................................6

Rotary.......................................................................34

Garstang Historical Society..........................7 Cabus Village Hall & Institute.....................7 Calder Vale Methodist Church...................7 Garstang Free Methodists.............................8 Garstang Arts Centre.......................................8 Garstang Library.................................................10 Calder Vale Country Club..............................12 Garstang AFVBC.................................................14

Soroptimists..........................................................36 Bowland AONB...................................................38 Grey Matter Test.................................................39 New Private GP Practice................................42 RSPCA......................................................................43 Garstang Camera Club...................................43 Wyre Flood Forum............................................45

Garstang Medical...............................................14

Wildflower Way With Words.......................48

Fairtrade Recipe.................................................18

Garstang Speakers Club................................49

Garstang Town Council...................................20

Crossword..............................................................49

Cat Smith................................................................22

Knott End Gold Club........................................50

Ben Wallace..........................................................25

Puzzle Answers...................................................51

JULY 2021 DEADLINE DATE

The July deadline for editorial and adverts is 5:00pm on Monday 14th June. Deliveries of the July edition of Focus Magazine will commence Thursday 24th June. 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 editorial content supplied by contributors. Our acceptance of an editorial item or an advertisement does not necessarily indicate our endorsement of the products, services or views contained within it.

GARSTANG IN BLOOM May and June are the two busiest months in the garden. The cold, sunny and dry April made for generally pleasant gardening with little growth and relatively few weeds. The rain came in May so we have been weeding and tidying the perennial beds in the town. We then followed this with mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds. You may have noticed that a crab apple tree has been planted in the grassy area opposite the sorting offices on Park Hill Rd. The tree is in memory of Bill Blackledge who very sadly died last year. Bill was chair of North West in Bloom. He was very fond of Garstang and his support and encouragement played no small part in our success in Britain in Bloom competitions. Work has also been done preparing for hedge planting to the rear of the tree and at the back

of the bus stop on the high street. We plan to plant a beech hedge in both areas. The foliage provides shelter for birds nests and small mammals such as hedgehogs, and the leaves, which are retained over winter, have good autumn colour. In June, the risk of overnight frost will have disappeared so we’re able to plant out the summer bedding. This gives a large input of colour to our floral displays and supplements the perennial planting that we continue to care for. If you’d like to help us with our tasks, please come to the car park on the High Street on Wednesdays at 9:30am (or sometimes 7:00pm in the summer months). For further information, please contact me or keep an eye on our Facebook page. Gill Bergman e:gill.bergman@hotmail.co.uk fb: ‘Garstang in Bloom’

GARSTANG GARDENING CLUB Garstang & District With the Covid crisis and lockdown seemingly easing, Garstang and District Gardening Club is hoping to resume its activities in some form this autumn. The first session has been pencilled in for the evening of Mon 13th Sept, with the opportunity to wander around three neighbouring local gardens - followed by a hot-pot supper outside (or if wet in a large sideless tractor shed). Full details will be made available nearer the time. New members will be welcome. Anyone wanting to express an interest at this stage should text or call secretary, Ruth Wiseman on 07770 967 582. Anthony Coppin

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CATTERALL IN BLOOM

COFFEE STOP

Welcome to June everyone!

It’s great to see us following the roadmap of recovery and having increased opportunities to meet together. Restarting Coffee Stop, our community cafes in both Catterall and Inglewhite, is very important to us. We can’t wait to welcome you back for a cuppa.

You may have noticed the Bloom team working around the village, getting ready for the summer planting and preparing the community garden’s vegetable plot on Stone Cross Gardens. We are fortunate to have such an enthusiastic team working together as we tackle new projects this year, including renovating the cart on Garstang Road, painting the bee hotels and also replanting the Hayrack, as well as many other tasks. Sometimes it even involves gardening! The community garden is already looking wonderful, with cabbage plants, climbing beans and the new vegetable box full of salad plants. We are grateful to our supporters who have given donations towards funding our projects, sometimes giving up their free time to help us, or making and creating items for display. Thank you one and all.

To save having to limit numbers and to ensure adherence to the guidance we feel it’s best to wait one more month. All being well, we’re planning outdoor events for July as a welcome back celebration. Thank you for your patience.... look out for dates in the next edition of Focus Magazine or check the church website. Details of online services and activities for all ages are available there too. We look forward to opening our doors and sharing a warm welcome with you all as soon as restrictions safely allow. Lesley Hardman

Wyre Borough Council has organised a Litter Pick event as part of the Keep Britain Tidy campaign to meet on Tues 15th June at 10:00am meeting at Catterall Village Hall car park. Strict health and safety procedures will be in place and all equipment and protection will be provided. Our parish lengthsman, Paul, does a great job tidying the green spaces in our village, so this is an opportunity to give him a helping hand. If you’d like to help, please get in touch. Bloom meetings are held on Tuesdays at 10:00am at Catterall Village Hall or Wednesdays at 7:00pm at Stone Cross Gardens. Join us anytime, you’d be very welcome. Netta Parker t: 07508 144 181 e: annettaparker@hotmail.co.uk

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GARSTANG WINE CIRCLE The presenter for our Zoom meeting last month was our chairman, Alan Jefferson.

the quality of pinots from California, and very good value.

Alan suggested that members should make a selection from the following Californian Wines from Booths:

In addition to information about the wine, we had a potted history of the wine industry in California and its ups and downs. Alan shared the astonishing fact was that it took until the 1970s for the industry to recover from the effects of prohibition in the USA, a policy that was in place between 1920 and 1933.

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Whites: Delta Block Chardonnay 2017 or Dark Horse Chardonnay 2019 (also available in Sainsburys)

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Reds: Apothic Red 2019, Callipepla Malbec 2018 or Odd Lot Pinot Noir 2017

The chardonnays provided a good contrast in style, with the Delta Block a heavier oaked wine, whereas the Dark Horse had a much lighter style. The Apothic Red is a very quaffable wine with an almost sweet finish. The malbec was perhaps a little underwhelming, given the competition from Argentina and Chile for wines with that grape variety. The pinot noir was a good example of

Thanks go to Alan for compiling the list of wines and the interesting and informative talk about the wine industry in California. The next meeting will be on Monday 14th June when we will have a quiz. Members will also choose their own preference(s) for wine and will be invited to tell the group a bit about what they are drinking if they wish to do so. Details will be in the June Grapevine. Mervyn Stokes

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GARSTANG HISTORICAL SOCIETY With the effective end of lockdown, we are considering the best ways of re-starting our sessions later this year. We are, of course, dependent on the decisions which will be taken by the officers of Garstang United Reformed Church and church hall, where we have met for many years. We will be liaising with them soon. One idea as a ‘starter’ is some kind of local guided historical walk in September, followed, possibly, by the start of indoor meetings in October. We will let members know by email and others via social and print media (including Focus Magazine) as soon as matters are more definite. Peter Burrell (01995) 601054 Anthony Coppin (01995) 605824

CABUS VILLAGE HALL & INSTITUTE

If you don’t feel confident to visit the church yet, the Zoom services and paper resources are still available. Please contact me for details. Also, if you would like one of Tony and Denise’s Friday lunches please do give me a ring. As things get back to normal we will update you on when our CAMEO group can meet, and our coffee mornings will resume. Recently there was another outdoor cake stall. This time it was in aid of Papyrus, the charity that seeks to prevent suicide in young people and support young people and their families. We hope to continue to be outdoors with the cake stall, for different charities, once a month. I’ll let you know dates if you contact me. Edith Gorst (01995) 602078

Registered Charity No. 22272 Cabus Village Hall and Institute will be holding its AGM of the Cabus Village Hall Management Committee on Mon 28th June at 7:30pm at the hall. For further information, please get in touch. Ruth Bruce e: cabusruth@gmail.com

CALDER VALE METHODIST CHURCH It is with great pleasure that we are able (restrictions permitting) to hold our Sunday morning worship at 10:45am each Sunday. It has been a long time coming but perhaps this is one of the signs that things are returning to normal, even if it is a new normal. Of course face masks, hand sanitizer, distancing etc. will have to continue. We eagerly await news that we can sing again - an activity which is very important to us in the Methodist Church.

7 Rope Walk, Garstang, PR3 1NS

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GARSTANG FREE METHODISTS We are enjoying being able to hold in-person services and trust that we will be able to welcome everyone back at the end of June with no restrictions in place. In the meantime you do need to save a seat for our services by either emailing or ringing the church office between Monday and Thursday before the Sunday you wish to attend. Our morning service starts at 10:30am. Please keep an eye on our website for more details on when our regular meetings recommence in line with government guidelines. There are also helpful videos on the website - including how to look after our mental health as we ease out of lockdown and parenting tips. All links to our on-line services are there as well – it is a great resource. We look forward to seeing more of you over the coming months and pray that we all keep safe as we enjoy the relaxing of the restrictions that enable us to see more of our family and friends. Katie Devany t: (01995) 602852 e: bookings@garstangfmc.org.uk

GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE

Est. 1970

Great news! Following a meeting at the Arts Centre, an ‘arts centre roadmap’ has been agreed (dependent on the government’s own roadmap being allowed to roll out as planned).

Ladies & Gents Barbers Excellent cutting & styling We pride ourselves on perming, colouring & setting Put-ups for special occasions Walk-ins welcome

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Mon 21st June: restrictions in England are relaxed

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Tues 29th June: the cafe re-opens

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Tues 29th June: our first exhibition postlockdown. Most of you will be familiar with Cathy Daniels who has been busy creating more of her amusing quirky animals and people. Her exhibition runs until Thurs 22nd July. All Cathy’s paintings are for sale and are very reasonably priced.

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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) •

Thurs 1st July: Hilary will be putting the flags out!

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Thurs 1st July: grand re-opening of the cafe, with complimentary cakes and refreshments

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Thurs 1st July: groups may resume meetings

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Tues 27th July: we are delighted to welcome the acclaimed artist/sculptor Michael Hipkins to the Arts Centre. More details of Michael’s exhibition next month.

Looking ahead to August, a plein air competition is being planned with help from the Greater Garstang Partnership. Subscriptions It has been agreed that membership subscriptions will not need to be paid until January 2022. A new membership form is being designed to include email addresses and phone numbers as it was found that our records need updating. These forms will be available from Jean Mavin after re-opening. Funding A generous grant from Wyre Council has allowed the Arts Centre to continue to be viable. The rent due to the Town Trust has now been paid for the whole of 2020 and some refurbishments have taken place. The 200 Club will be looking for new members and for existing members to pay their subs for 2021. Donations are always welcome to help keep our Arts Centre at the heart of the Garstang Community. Anne Marie Whitehead fb: @artcentre.garstang www.garstangartssociety.org.uk

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GARSTANG LIBRARY Browsing & Six of the Best You can browse and borrow without an appointment, but may have to queue. If you aren’t comfortable coming into the library you can return your items at the door. If you still want to use our Six of the Best collection complete the online request form with details of the type of book you like to read and the number you would like to collect or phone the library.

and audiobooks using BorrowBox, which is available at any time. Download national, regional and world newspapers from RBdigital PressReader. Download audiobooks, magazines, graphic novels and comics from Overdrive – Libby. Find out more and download step-by-step guides through our digital library at www. lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/ libraries/digital-library

Public Computers

Home Library Service

Forty five minute sessions on public computers are available on the hour on a firstcome-first-served basis. In some libraries we have been able to make a space available for you to sit and study or use our free Wi-Fi.

You can use the home library service if you can’t get to a library because of your age, disability, poor physical or mental health, caring responsibilities or mobility problems.

Fines and charges have been re-introduced. Access your Library at Home Remember you can still download eBooks

You may want to use the service all the time or for a short period, such as only in winter or when recovering from an illness or operation. A friend, relative or carer can collect books for you. If you can’t arrange for someone to collect them for you, volunteers can deliver your books to you free of charge.

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If you are interested in joining the Home library service or for more information, get in touch. Mobile Library - Message from Glenys ‘Following the Prime Minister’s roadmap out of lockdown, it has been wonderful welcoming folk back on to the mobile library van to choose their own library material. There are still some restrictions to know about: one person on the van at a time. I will be wearing a face mask and if you can wear a face covering too that will be wonderful. Any material returned to the van will still go through the 72-hour quarantine procedure, and I will have bottles of sanitiser on the van for you to use as soon as you enter. There are lots of new books on the shelves for children and adults, so if you fancy a browse on your local mobile library van, please get

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GARSTANG LIBRARY (cont) in touch for details of the day and time I visit your area.’ Glenys Knowles – Mobile Library Officer t: 0771 754 3763 e: garstang.mobile.ml3@lancashire.gov.uk Garstang Library Opening Hours • • • • •

Mon, Tues & Fri: 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Wed: 9:00am - 1:00pm Thu: 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00pm 7:00pm Sat: 9:00am - 1:00pm Sun: Closed

t: 0300 123 6703 e: library@lancashire.gov.uk fb: @LancsLibraries Twitter: @LancsLibraries www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-andarchives/libraries

CALDER VALE COUNTRY CLUB What’s On •

Fri 4th & 18th June - Meat Bingo with Honeywell meats. Eyes down 7:30pm

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Every Saturday - Live entertainment, bingo, bonus ball, play your cards right.

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Every Sunday - Social Bingo. Eyes down 8:00pm.

Extended opening hours on Thursday and Friday 5:00pm onwards. Saturday and Sunday 2:00pm onwards. Our club is surrounded by beautiful countryside. We have hot and cold drinks and snacks available and an opportunity to refuel and refresh for walkers and cyclists. Customers are able to use our car park while they enjoy a stroll to the village and through the woods to St John’s Church and beyond. All government guidelines are in place. Memberships are £5. Ros Ashworth (01995) 603776

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GARSTANG AFVBC

Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club We are holding another of our popular, social, and leisurely walks. Short or long, you have the choice how far you wish to walk. Unlike previous walks, we may even be able to finish off with a tea or coffee somewhere local. Join us on Sat 5th June at 9:30 am. The meeting place is by the river, at the High Street council car park. All local veterans are welcome to take part, including family members. At last - The news we have all been waiting for! It’s hard to believe that the last breakfast club we held was way back in March 2020. A lot has happened since then. Our plans to restart have always been thwarted, due to last minute changes in Covid restrictions. However, the good news now is, if the

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government roadmap holds up, we will be able to get the breakfast club back on track and re-started again soon. Please join us on Sat 3rd July at 9:30am at Th’owd Tithe Barn, Church Street, Garstang PR3 1PA for an English breakfast, sausage or bacon butty with free tea and coffee. But most of all, join us for the opportunity to catch up with your fellow veterans and their families, and, once again, enjoy some goodnatured banter. Why are we not meeting from the beginning of June you may ask? The welfare of all our members is our main priority. We made the decision to allow time for the new situation to settle down and await the evaluation of any new risks. It was not an easy decision to make, your company has been missed and we are eager to meet you all once again. Important: Both events are subject to change and are dependant on the government Covid regulations at the time. Roger Dunn f: Garstang Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club www.afvbc.net/clubs/garstang

GARSTANG MEDICAL PRACTICE Covid Vaccination The Covid vaccination programme continues at pace and at the time of writing (Mon 17th May) 84% of our adult patient population have now had at least one dose of the vaccine. Please encourage all your family and friends who are eligible but have not yet had their vaccinations to please get booked in as soon as they receive their invitation. Invitations are sent out via text message in the first instance and then followed up by phone call or letter.

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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) You can help to ensure we have your up to date contact details by emailing us with your mobile and home telephone number to fwccg.gmpadmin@nhs.net Please include your full name and date of birth and put ‘Contact Details’ as the subject. If you believe you are due or overdue your second dose, please contact our Covid vaccination line on (01995) 607370 for further advice. We are actively posting updates on our Facebook page (details below), so please do keep an eye on that for the latest announcements. Our ongoing thanks to Garstang Volunteer Force and to everyone who has given up their time to support the vaccination clinics. We really could not do it without you. Also grateful thanks to Garstang Town Council and Kepple Lane Park Trust for giving permission for our staff members to park on the scout hut

car park, therefore allowing sufficient space for our patients to attend the clinics. We would like to say a huge thank you to all our patients who have taken the time to send thank you cards/letters/emails over the last few months, particularly with regards to the running of the Covid vaccination clinics. It has been a real boost for the team to receive so many kind words of appreciation. If you would like/are able to leave feedback on the NHS Website at any time that is also very helpful to us and to other patients. Please visit: http://bit.ly/garstang-mp-feedback We would ask, however, that patients do not use this to post specific concerns or complaints as we are unable to address these appropriately in this forum. Whilst we appreciate all feedback, we really do need to have any individual concerns raised directly through the practice so that we are able to investigate and respond appropriately. Thank

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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) you for your support. Urgent Prescription Requests Over the last 12 months the numbers of requests for emergency repeat prescriptions has increased significantly. Even prior to the pandemic these types of requests were taking up significant clinical time. On any given day we may receive up to 100 such requests for urgent prescriptions. Common reasons for such requests include running out of medication, forgetting to order a repeat medication and working away. Please be reminded that we require five working days’ notice to process repeat prescription requests. We have in excess of 19,000 registered patients and such additional requests for medication can significantly impact our capacity to provide a safe and effective clinical service. r Open fo & s s busine g in r e adh ty fe a s o t es guidelin

To date we have been endeavouring to issue all emergency prescriptions without question. It is simply not possible to maintain this so from Mon 21st June, if you need to request an emergency supply of your regular medicationyou will be issued with a five-day supply and then the full month’s supply will be prepared within five working days of your request. If you usually pay for your prescriptions, then this will attract two prescription charges - one for the five day emergency supply and one for your regular prescription. Thank you in advance for your understanding Carers’ Week Mon 7th – Sun 13th June Carers’ Week is an annual awareness campaign to bring caring out into the open – recognising the contribution carers make to families and communities throughout the UK. There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers. They are looking after a family

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GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont) member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older. Caring impacts on all aspect of life, from relationships and health to finances and work. As carers continue to face challenging circumstances this year, it is vitally important that we connect them to the support they need to manage their own health and well-being. Carers across the country have taken on huge challenges as a result of the Covid pandemic. Many have had to provide more care while dealing with financial pressures and increased levels of isolation. For more information about the Carers’ Week campaign, please see www.carersweek.org If you are looking after a family member or friend who would struggle to manage without your help, we really would like you to let us know, so that we can ensure our records are

up-to-date and give you details to access relevant information and advice, local support services, newsletter and telephone linkline for carers. We will also give you details to let you know how to have your needs assessed by n-compass Lancashire Carers’ Service. There is no charge for this. It is a chance to discuss your role as a carer and what help you may need to support you as a carer, maintain your own health and balance caring with other aspects of your life, like work and family. Lancashire Carers’ Services can be contacted on 0345 688 7113 or for more information, please see http://bit.ly/lancs-carers The Garstang Medical Practice Team t: (01995) 607399 fb: @garstangmedicalpractice www.garstangmedicalpractice.nhs.uk

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FAIRTRADE - A RECIPE Tony Rodd’s Banana Soufflé & Vegan Chocolate Mousse Recipe As promised last month, here is a Fairtrade recipe from Tony Rodd. Tony Rodd was a finalist in MasterChef 2015 and has since forged a name for himself with his desserts and chocolate work. The bitter dark Fairtrade chocolate in this dessert, which Tony created especially for Fairtrade Fortnight 2021, is offset by the sweetness of the caramelised Fairtrade banana. Chocolate Mousse Ingredients •

100g roughly chopped Fairtrade dark chocolate

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340g silken tofu

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2 tbsp maple syrup

Chocolate Mousse Method Melt the Fairtrade chocolate in the microwave (do this in 30 second increments) or over a Bain Marie until it is melted. Set aside to cool at room temperature. Whilst the chocolate is cooling, place the silken tofu and maple syrup in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the cooled, melted chocolate and blend until well combined. Place in a container. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Banana Soufflé Ingredients • • • • • • •

2 Fairtrade bananas 6 egg whites 150g Fairtrade caster sugar Butter for greasing 1 tbsp water 1 tbsp cornflour 2 dashes lemon juice

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FAIRTRADE (cont) a squeeze of lemon juice. Blitz until smooth. Using a clean mixing bowl add the egg whites and start to whisk (you can do this in a freestanding mixer). Gradually add in the sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice until you have a soft peak.

Banana Soufflé Method Grease your ramekins well and place a dessertspoon of Fairtrade caster sugar into one and roll around until it is evenly coated with the sugar, then pour the remainder into another ramekin and repeat this process until all the ramekins are well lined (use more sugar if needed). Pre heat your oven at 180C. Next, make the base of the soufflé by mixing the water and cornflour together, place into a food processor with the ripe bananas and

In another bowl, measure out four heaped dessertspoons of the banana mix and a third of the meringue and mix together thoroughly, finally gently fold in the remaining third of the meringue then divide everything between the ramekins. Smooth the tops, creating a flat surface, then run your thumb around the edge of the ramekin creating a small dip. This will ensure your soufflé doesn’t stick and help it to rise straight up! If you are making this ahead, the soufflés can be popped in the fridge until required. When you’re ready to bake, pop them on a

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FAIRTRADE (cont)

GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL

baking tray (not too close together) in the oven for 15 minutes.

Message from Cllr Alec Allan - Mayor of Garstang Town Council

Brulée Banana Ingredients

It is a great honour to be representing Garstang as mayor for 2021 to 2022. As mayor, I will do everything I can to help and support the town to thrive.

• •

2 Fairtrade bananas 2 tbsp Fairtrade caster sugar

Brulée Banana Method Cut bananas into 2cm thick discs with the cut side on a slight angle. Dust with caster sugar. Brûlée the sugared face with a blowtorch or under a grill. To Plate Spoon, pipe or quenelle the mousse onto the plate, place the soufflé next to the mousse, add 3 or 4 pieces of brûléed banana slices to each plate and serve. The mousse is entirely vegan so can be served to your vegan guests or used in a separate dessert. www.fairtrade.org.uk

Garstang has a lot to offer as a destination whether it be for shopping, leisure or business. We are on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty and within 30 minutes drive of the Lake District National Park. We have a wide selection of independent retail offerings and our hospitality offerings are well renowned for their quality and versatility. We have established a Market Town Working Group which is looking at how we can help the short term recovery within Garstang and the surrounding district. Our retail, hospitality and business communities are positioned well for a steady recovery from the effects of the pandemic lockdowns. I am very proud of what we achieve for Garstang as a town council but appreciate there is always room for improvement and there is more work to be done. Many of our town councillors are also involved with a variety of volunteer groups that together help to make the town the attraction that it is. Kepple Lane Park Trust, Millennium Green Trust, Garstang Children’s Festival, Garstang in Bloom, Garstang Flood Group, Town Trust, Garstang Christmas Lights, Garstang Scarecrow Festival, Garstang & District Heritage Society, Garstang Sports and Social Club, This is Garstang and many more organisations. Our Councillors work hard for the benefit of the town and the service they provide and time they devote as a Town or Parish Councillor is completely voluntary. We are fortunate that our Town Councillors

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GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL (cont) have a broad range of skills and backgrounds. We try and exploit these strengths wherever we can for the benefit of all. In this coming year the Town Council will seek to strengthen its relationships with Wyre Borough Council through closer engagement with Wyre Officers and by keeping our Ward Councillors and County Councillor fully engaged to ensure that Garstang flourishes and takes advantage of all the resources it deserves. Our town councillors will work together with our Wyre Councillors and our County Councillor to address issues that have been raised by our residents. Looking to the future the Town Council, working with Wyre Officers, has established the Greater Garstang Partnership Board which is challenged to produce a Vision of what the Community sees as the future

for Garstang and the surrounding district over the next 15 years. The page is blank and we will be looking for constructive and innovative projects which will turn the vision into a reality. In my year as Mayor, I have chosen the Garstang Children’s Festival as my Charity for any fund raising events that I hold. The Garstang Children’s Festival has sadly had to postpone its 150th Anniversary until 2022. I know they have started planning for their milestone anniversary and I am confident that they will be very well supported in their efforts. Please rest assured that the Town Council staff and Councillors are working for you to support you. If you have any issues or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me, the Clerk or another member of the Council. You are also very welcome to attend our Council meetings.

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GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL (cont) Best Wishes to you all. Keep safe. Your Council As always, we are keen to hear your thoughts on how the town council is doing and about any issues or concerns that you would like us to look into. Much of our information is available online on our website or you can call our town clerk.

Welcome back! We would like to extend a warm welcome back from lockdown to our patients. All our services continue to be provided in a COVID secure environment and we ask that you continue to wear a face mask when attending Clinic until advised otherwise by government.

Laura & Team

Treatments

ROUTINE NAIL CUTTING CLINIC • Nails cut and ﬁled • Slight callus removal • Nail beds tidied & oiled • Dry skin removed • Professional foot cream applied

Our next meeting will be held on Mon 21st June. At the time of printing, it is looking like the meeting will be held in person. Please check our website and the agenda to find out where the meeting will be held. Edwina Parry - Town Clerk t: 07592 792 801 e: clerk@garstangtowncouncil.gov.uk www.garstangtowncouncil.org

CAT SMITH MP I hope you’ve been able to now meet up with friends and loved ones and that life is starting to feel a bit more normal.

ROUTINE PODIATRY

All the above plus • Heavy callus & corn debridement • Treatment of verrucas • In-growing toenails • Fungal nails

Its such a shame that events like the Knott End and Preesall Gala still can’t go ahead this year, but fingers crossed those floats will once again be wowing residents as they make their way through the villages in 2022.

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www.lauraaustinpodiatry.com lauraaustinpodiatry@gmail.com 22

Next Meeting

Its been lovely to once again visit the local schools and catch up with everyone. What a brilliant job the teachers have done over the last 18 months. I know they have been dealing with some challenging situations since children returned after lockdown. Well done and thank you for your service. Over Wyre Evening Bus Service I’m currently talking to Blackpool Transport about the possibility of reintroducing

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) an evening bus service on Fridays and Saturdays from Over Wyre to Poulton during the summer holidays. Understandably the company can only run this service if it’s used and the income at least covers the cost of running it. I’m interested in knowing what you think. Would you use it, when and how regularly? Care Support I’ve recently had an increase in correspondence from constituents struggling to sort out care support for their elderly relatives. Age UK says that since 2010 the government has cut spending on adult social care by £86 million despite a rapidly increasing demand because of our ageing population. They tell me that more than 1.5 million people aged 65+ don’t receive the care and support they need with essential living activities and cuts in local authority care services have placed increasing pressure on unpaid carers. Every week I get emails from constituents at the end of their tether, trying to navigate a chaotic and confused system where time and again our seniors are let down, ignored or forgotten about. It’s now exactly two years since we were told by the new Prime Minister that his priority was ‘to fix the social care crisis once and for all’ and that he had ‘prepared a clear plan.’ but in last month’s Queen’s Speech this critical issue was reduced to nine words - ‘proposals on social care reform will be brought forward.’ On behalf of relatives and their loved ones who have been in touch with me, I have written to the health and social care secretary Matt Hancock. In the century of ageing, social care is as much a part of our economic infrastructure as the roads and the railways. If you neglect your country’s physical infrastructure you get roads full of potholes, and buckling bridges, which

prevent your economy functioning properly. The same is true if you fail to invest in social infrastructure. I’m calling for a ten-year plan of investment and reform - to transform support for older and disabled people as part of Labour’s

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) wider ambitions to make Britain the best country in which to grow up and grow old. Our priorities are for a care system that puts ‘home first’, by increasing the use of early help and technology to help people live independently for as long as possible and expanding the options between care at home and a care home. We need a new deal for frontline care workers to transform pay, training and working conditions, a new partnership with families, where government backs unpaid carers to look after their loved ones. And we need joined up health and social care services to deliver a ‘one person, one team, one system’ rather than the confused and confusing system that currently exists.

– a role that’s become even more important after the government revealed plans to introduce mandatory photo ID at elections. I’m totally opposed to this proposal as I believe it will disproportionately hit older, disabled and homeless voters who are less likely to have such documents. Seventeen leading civil society groups have called for the ‘dangerous’ voter ID plans to be dropped. Ministers should heed the warnings of these respected civil rights groups, who know firsthand the undemocratic and discriminatory impact of these plans. Voter ID is a total waste of taxpayers’ money. The policy is set to cost millions of pounds at every election when voting is already safe and secure in the UK.

Photo ID at Elections

Foodbank Fundraising

I’m delighted to have been asked to continue as Labour’s shadow minister for democracy

And now to something completely different! Despite struggling in the past to even run for a bus, I’ve decided to challenge myself and take part in the London Marathon. I’m delighted to be raising money for local food banks in Fleetwood and Lancaster. The Lancaster foodbank is run by the Trussell Trust and their recent research shows why they are so needed. Between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021 food banks across their UK-wide network provided more than 2.5 million emergency food parcels to people in crisis– of these, more than 980,000 went to children. This represents a 33% increase in the total number of emergency food parcels distributed compared to the previous year and follows year on year increases in need for emergency food. Hunger in the UK isn’t about access to food, it’s about low incomes. Extremely low income is a key factor in driving people to food banks. 95% of people referred to food banks in early 2020 were living in ‘destitution’, unable to afford the essentials

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CAT SMITH MP (cont)

BEN WALLACE

such as food and staying warm and dry.

Covid Restrictions

The average monthly household income after housing costs for people who needed to use a food bank was under £250. This is just 13% of the average national income.

As I sit and write this article, restrictions have been eased this week and many businesses have re-opened.

Disabled people and single parents are disproportionately more likely to be forced to a food bank - 62% of working age people referred to a food bank in early 2020 were disabled, three times the rate in the general population, while 18% were single parent families, more than twice the rate in the general population. I’d like to thank our food banks for all the amazing work they do and I look forward to playing a small part in supporting that work. And on that note, I’d best lace up my trainers and get out for some much-needed practice!

There is definitely hope in the air that we will be able to continue to ease restrictions as we approach the summer. I commend residents locally for sticking to the rules throughout what has been a long (and sometimes hard) road and for helping to make the vaccine process so successful.

Have a good month everyone.

I know many of us don’t want to hear it but we still do have to be cautious. The easing of restrictions must be combined with common sense in order to avoid any resurgence of the virus and the need for further restrictions.

Cat Smith MP

Please do keep up to date with the latest

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BEN WALLACE (cont) restrictions on the Government’s website: www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-canand-cannot-do The government has also prepared a useful guide for businesses: www.gov. uk/coronavirus/business-support This includes information about working safely, the restrictions in place and financial and other support which is available. Wyre Council’s website also provides a wealth of information including details of the support available to businesses and can be accessed here: www. wyre.gov.uk/homepage/197/coronavirus_ covid-19 International Travel I am sure that many readers will have welcomed the news that there are no longer any restrictions on leaving England to travel internationally. However, the government has categorised destinations as green, amber or red, with different rules applied to each category of country. Countries on the red and amber lists should be avoided. Please do read more about how the traffic light system operates here: www. gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-greenlist-rules-for-entering-england I would also encourage anyone travelling to read the most up-to-date travel advice prepared by the Foreign Office, even if you plan on returning to a place you have visited before. This advice can be found here: www.gov.uk/ foreign-travel-advice I have previously advised anyone thinking of travelling to prepare in advance by checking their passports are in date and applying early to renew passports if required. HM Passport Office is envisaging a large number of applications over the coming months, so please do bear this in mind. When thinking of holidays, please do consider the wonderful tourist attractions we have on our doorsteps in Lancashire. Many of these

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BEN WALLACE (cont) businesses desperately need our support to survive. Driving Licenses I am aware that many of my constituents have experienced delays recently in the processing of their applications to renew their driving licences. Do check when your licence is due to expire and consider making an early renewal application to avoid being affected by the processing delays. If you are experiencing delays with an application you have already made, please do contact me if you would like my help in escalating your case.

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Farmers’ Basic Payment Scheme I would also like to draw the farming community to the government’s recent public consultation on changes to the Basic Payment Scheme, which would offer a lump sum to farmers exiting the industry. I know that many farmers often feel unable to retire or leave the industry for financial reasons. The government’s proposals would offer a lump sum payment. This would also give opportunities for new entrants to farming. The consultation also looks at de-linking direct payments from the amount of land a farmer has, which can offer poor value for money and inflate rents. I would encourage anyone with an interest in farming to take a look at (and ideally participate in) the consultation which runs until Wed 11th Aug. Further details can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/ news/government-launches-consultationon-exit-payments-to-farmers Staying in Touch As always, my mailbag has been full of letters covering many issues. I say it often but, please do keep the letters and emails coming. Although I do pride myself on

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LYTHAM, ST ANNES, BLACKPOOL, STAINING, POULTON, BISPHAM, THORNTON, CLEVELEYS, FLEETWOOD, HAMBLETON, STALMINE, PREESALL, KNOTT-END, PILLING, GARSTANG, ST MICHAELS, SINGLETON.

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BEN WALLACE (cont) travelling around the constituency listening to residents, I can’t speak to everyone and it is vital for me to know the issues that concern people on a daily basis. As we continue to come out the other side of the pandemic, I know business will take time to recover and 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 (including home address). You can also ring my Office at the House of Commons or write to me at the address below Ben Wallace MP e: wallaceb@parliament.uk t: 0207 219 5804 a: House of Commons SW1A 0AA

THE INNER WHEEL CLUB After abandoning our plans to celebrate our golden year in 2020, the club decided we could wait no longer, so we held our celebration on Zoom in April. We welcomed our district chairman, Margaret McIntyre who brought greetings from district and reminded of us just how much our club had played it’s part in the running and administration of the district over the years. We were also joined by friends and members of the Rotary Club of Garstang and Over Wyre. Geoffrey Bolland, this year’s Rotary president, congratulated us on such a milestone and wished us well for the future. Our guest speaker for the evening was Damien Carr who needed no introduction as he is such a valued member of our Community. Damien gave us a wonderful presentation touching on all aspects of his work as a jeweller and also his skills as a designer. Some of his presentation included,

of course, working with gold and the exacting requirements and skills needed. He did say, however that every piece of jewellery was special to the owner, whether it was something that cost a few pounds or many hundreds or indeed thousands. Wear it and enjoy it. Vice President Mary Bolland gave the vote of thanks and president, Maureen Garstang added her own thanks. Damien was subsequently presented with a cheque for his chosen charity, Leukaemia Research. The club continues to meet virtually. It’s fine but just not the same as meeting face-to-face. We are preparing for our AGM which will be later in the month when we will confirm all our officers for the coming year. Hopefully there will be good times ahead. Mary Mason (01253) 603447 e: marytmason@icloud.com

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Sandwiches, Toasties &Jacket Potatoes Large selections of fillings. Served with a salad garnish & homemade coleslaw.

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Farmers Favourites Homemade Pie .............................................. £10.95 Garstang Sausage & Mash......................... £9.95 Beer Battered Fish & Chips ........................ £9.95 Fleetwood Fish Pie ....................................... £10.95 8 o/z Gammon Steak ................................... £9.95 8 o/z Pan Fried Sirloin Steak ..................... £17.50 Pan Seared Chicken ..................................... £10.50 Sirloin Steak Stroganoff.............................. £11.50 Sizzling Fajitas................................................ £10.95 Hanger Kebabs .............................................. £11.95 Lamb Henry .................................................... £13.95 Indian Spiced Sea Bass ............................... £10.95 Farmers Sharing Platter for Two .............. £20.00

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DEALING WITH ANXIETY the most important one is physical activity. We are moving machines and our body loves movement and responds to movement with an ability to be healthier. This can be vigorous high intensity work outs or more meditative practices such as yoga and pilates.

With all that has gone on in the last year it comes as no surprise to me that one of the most common enquiries I get is about how to cope with anxiety. In the Daily Telegraph last month, a member of the government Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviour (SPI-B) admitted that, ‘The way we have used fear is dystopian. The use of fear has definitely been ethically questionable. It’s like a weird experiment. Ultimately it backfired because people became too scared.’ To layer such unethical methods on top of our modern way of living has caused enormous distress and deep fear and anxiety. The problem in the modern world is that we have created a way of living and working that is totally at odds with our basic needs. We are encouraged to be consumers, forever chasing the next purchase rather than sitting, quietly contemplating life, nature, our family and the simple pleasures of just ‘being’. In everyday life we face so much stress from work, travelling on packed roads and public transport. Demands from work, a bombardment of information from our phones, pressures from social media. We can feel that we are dragged along by the currents rather than in control of our own destiny.

Limiting intake of sugar, alcohol and processed foods is very important. Our gut is the seat of all emotions with more emotional neurons in it than in our brain, hence the term ‘gut feeling’. Throwing unhealthy food into your digestive system is not only a surefire way to poor physical health but will also have a profound effect on your mental wellbeing. Gluten is also another troublemaker for mental health and anxiety. It sits in your gut and acts as an irritant which then irritates your mind. Stay away from it for a good three months to see a difference. Many people report that CBD products lift their mood and calm them down. The CBD One Signature Blend oils tend to be nicely calming so are a great starting point whilst the water soluble Absorb range are fast acting and gently energising too. Many people use the Absorb during the day and a few drops of calming oil in the evening. Taking a probiotic such as Pro-cognitiv by Nature’s Aid or Mind by Bio Kult is also useful as is eating a fermented food like sauer kraut, kimchi or kefir. Balance for nerves by Higher Nature is also lovely and quick acting as is rhodiola root. Regular meditation using apps like Buddhify with quick, easy meditations that over time can help calm you down and create more mental awareness of destructive or negative thought patterns is also a useful tool.

Such stress causes hormone changes in our body that contribute to ill health, be that physically or mentally.

I heartily recommend the book ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle and please always hold onto the essential hope that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. I wish you all peace and joy.

There are ways to dissipate this stress and

Nick Tofolos (01995) 602833

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CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund May is known as a month of transition which has seemed quite appropriate as we have slowly begun to progress and adjust to life post lockdown.

Our first event, a market stall, was hugely successful, raising an incredible £340 towards heart screening. Thank you to Garstang Town Trust for the stall and to all who donated, visited, bought and helped, it’s amazing what can be achieved together. May has also been a very auspicious month for Matt’s Fund. We felt very privileged that, alongside St John’s Hospice, we have received some very special donations in memory of Mrs Joan Wilkins. These generous and loving tributes from her family and friends will make an important difference to local young families. Although we had not known Joan very long she had taken Matt’s fund to her heart and her gracious nature will be very much missed. Many of you may recall the delightfully diverse quizzes that Joan compiled, both for us and countless other charities (regularly sold in the co-op when it was on the high

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CRY (cont) street in Garstang), also her delicious baking, especially the gingerbread (and wonderfully colourful knitting too), that often featured in our events and that of many others. May also brought a lovely accolade and recognition for the fund through the Mayor’s Award for 2020-21 presented by Elizabeth Webster shortly before she retired from the post after two extremely busy and productive years, even with the onset of Covid 19! Huge thanks to Liz who has supported us wholeheartedly throughout her time as Garstang’s mayor, both helping to raise awareness of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome and fundraising for CRY. To everyone who has supported us so munificently over the years – we couldn’t do what we do without your help, and to all for your felicitations both on-line and off. Barry and I have been absolutely overwhelmed by everyone’s kind words. Being a keen

fundraiser and having such a compassionate and giving nature himself I think Matthew would be very proud of his legacy. In the April edition of Focus I mentioned a 2022 calendar for CRY was being considered by ‘Longridge Highland Cow’ (facebook page). I’m pleased to say that all is proceeding well and the images for this, taken by visitors to the featured highland celebrities in Longridge, have now been chosen and are currently being finalised prior to going to print. I’m really looking forward to seeing the completed calendar and bringing news of where these will be on sale before too long. Paula Hesmondhalgh t: 07785 106 976 e: paulahez.ph@gmail.com fb: @The Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund

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ST MICHAEL’S ON WYRE GALA Our gala celebrated its 50th anniversary in June 2019, this being a fabulous day when our current queen (Marianna Ward), former queens, visiting queens along with bands, floats, fancy dressers, dancers, dignitaries and spectators enjoyed the fun-filled afternoon. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to make a start on our next half century of galas due to the Covid pandemic, cancelling both the planned 2020 and 2021 events. The only other time our Gala didn’t happen was back in 1984, shortly after the Abbeystead Disaster that had killed and injured many of our villagers. The Gala Committee are very optimistic that on Sat 18th June 2022 we will celebrate the return of the St Michael’s on Wyre Gala in its full glory. This, hopefully, sunny afternoon of fun will bring our all age community together and we can benefit from meeting each other

in person and making lots of happy memories. Please save the date Sat 18th June 2022! Catherine Towers - Chair, St Michael’s on Wyre Gala Committee

ROTARY

Garstang Rotary Assists Calvert Trust Bounce Back Each year, Rotary Clubs across Lancashire and Cumbria join together to collectively sponsor 50 people, with wide ranging disabilities, to take part in our annual District Rotary Adventure Week at Calvert Trust in

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ROTARY (cont) the Lake District. The many activities include climbing, horse riding, canoeing, sailing, orienteering, hand bike and cycling and a wheelchair challenge, to name but a few. Unfortunately during the last 12 months, due to the coronavirus pandemic and the consequential loss of participants this charitable trust has suffered over a £1m shortfall in their income. In December the Calvert Trust launched their Bounce Back Appeal in an effort to stay in business. In response to the crisis, Keswick Rotary club has teamed up with Calvert Bear (the centre’s mascot) to launch ‘Calvert Bear’s 5 Peak Challenge’. This sponsored challenge, hopefully, will have been completed by the time this goes to press, which will have seen Calvert Bear and his small human support teams climb, cycle and paddle to complete a circuit of the five peaks. o We als ton in s g lo supply of logs & ets bags, n ﬁregrates g, n li d e kin h mor & muc

This project has also had the acknowledgement of the Outdoor Adventurer Bear Grylls, who sends his support. ‘An epic challenge that will help so many people… I admire all those embarking on this adventure so much.’ Bear Grylls OBE. Garstang Rotary Club is still on course for the ‘Old Bears of the Garstang Rotary Club’ to come out of hibernation and Four club members have set themselves the task in June of climbing Skiddaw in the Lakes District to sponsor contributions for this cause. This was described in last month’s FOCUS. They are still on course to climb Skiddaw in June, and this appeal letter is to ask you to put your paws in to your pocket and dig deep into the Piggy Bank for what you not been able to spend while in lockdown. Any amount would be really appreciated. If you are able to donate £5 or more to

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SOROPTIMISTS

ROTARY (cont) support the Calvert Trust Challenge and help us to achieve our goal.

Women Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives

We would be grateful if you could make all payments by cheque payable to ‘Garstang & Over Wyre Rotary Club’. Please write Calvert Trust on the rear of the cheque and post to our Hon. Treasurer Tom Pendlebury, Manor Vale, St. Michaels on Wyre PR3 0RT.

Hello everyone, another month and importantly a new Soroptimist year – to be precise – our 100th year!

If you are a UK tax payer we can claim Gift Aid which enhances your payment by 25%. A simple form has to be completed by you. Please email tjpendlebury@hotmail.com for a form. Further information can be seen on the Rotary Club of Garstang & Over Wyre website. Stephen Iles - Event Organiser t: 07484 298854 e: stephen.iles1@btinternet.com fb: @teamcalvertbear www.calvertlakes.org.uk

AGM So, what better way to start this important year than with a lively Zoom AGM meeting, reflecting on a brilliant year just gone, finding out the plans for an even better year to come and best of all, welcoming our latest new member – Fiona. And talk about hitting the ground running – Fiona has already taken the lead on our recycling of tablet blister pack project. This project will be regularly promoted on our Facebook page, so take a look and see how you can do your bit for the environment and charity. As with all AGMs, there were the usual

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) formalities of hearing from the club steering group and the adoption of accounts but we are really lucky in that we have a ‘candle ceremony’ at the closing of the AGM. This was brought to our club by one of our founding members and our first President – Hazel. It celebrates the attributes each of the club officers contribute to the club, it welcomes the incoming President and it allows us to reflect and remember our responsibilities as Soroptimists. We then light the candle for Soroptimist International, the joy of our achievements, to absent friends and to our being together 100th Birthday Celebrations

As this year is so special, we do have a President – Kathy - to lead and direct the bumper programme we have planned and to start her year even more spectacularly, she delivered a gift and flowers to our most senior member Mary, who turned 100 years young! We really do have a wide range of ages in the group which only adds to the exciting dynamics of the club. Derian House In the previous year we supported Derian House and given that we were seriously curtailed in our fundraising activities by COVID, we still managed to raise an impressive £1,420 towards this worthwhile organisation, They’re planning to use the donation towards equipping holiday lodges for teenagers with life limiting conditions and for sibling support team activities – remember, it’s not only the child they support – it’s the whole family – they really are a marvellous

organisation www.derianhouse.co.uk. AfriReuse Our charity for 2021/22 will be AfriReuse. It is prioritising the training and employment for girls who have been rescued from FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) and raise funds through the production of dignity packs. Girls and women have periods, it’s a fact of life but not everyone can pop to their local supermarket for their monthly supplies and very few can actually afford to buy them – imagine being in that position and having to use leaves and dirty scraps of paper to preserve your dignity! Funds raised this year will go to provide dignity packs which include: 2 moisture-resistant fabric shields; 8 washable liners; 2 pairs of underwear; soap; a washcloth; a small protective bag to discreetly carry used liners home. This simple pack could mean more than preserving the dignity of a young girl, it could mean that she is able to continue going to school instead of staying away for a week each month. We really don’t know how lucky we are. www. afrireusepads.org Looking Ahead But AfriReuse won’t be our only project for the year, we will be super busy celebrating the 100 theme with tree planting (100 trees); sensory garden (100 painted pebbles); recycling of blister packs (100 bags); support for the women’s refuge (£100 raised/100 welfare packs); WOW women – women involved in business, science, technology of maths (100 profiles); ending period poverty (100 lobbying letters). It sounds a lot but we can do it, and there will still be the Backpack project, stamps for RNIB, petition signing and, no doubt, several other ‘projects’ that will get done throughout the year. And don’t forget the social side – this month will be Nicki Detko talking to us about the organ transplant organisation, this will be a Zoom meeting – so get in touch with us if

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

SOROPTIMISTS (cont)

BOWLAND AONB

you want an invite to the meeting. We’re also hoping for a visit to Gresgarth Hall, we’ll be having a garden party, a speaker from Breast Cancer Awareness, a Quiz night – and much more – we have a very varied programme! Don’t forget to keep checking our website and Facebook page for fuller, regular reports on what we’re up to. Why not look into joining us to help make a difference? Just drop us a line or give our membership co-ordinator Muriel BurnhamAirey a ring on 01995 606604– we’ll be happy to talk to you and answer your questions.

Milestone Celebrates Vital Nature Conservation Work In Bowland

Until next month, take care and enjoy friendship.

Just over ten years of partnership work has resulted in peat restoration equivalent to the size of 1000 football pitches in this special area.

t: (01995) 606604 (Muriel Burnham-Airey) w: www.sigarstang.org.uk facebook: SoroptimistsGarstang twitter: GarstangSoropt

The Forest of Bowland is known for its wideopen spaces and upland landscape, much of which is made up of heather moorland and blanket bog. A type of peatland, blanket bog

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BOWLAND AONB (cont) is considered internationally important, and the Bowland Fells support the largest extent of this habitat in Lancashire. Forest of Bowland AONB Manager, Elliott Lorimer, said, ‘£2.5 million has been spent on peat restoration in Bowland since 2010, helping to restore 755 hectares of blanket bog. That’s all thanks to the project funders, moorland owners and partners, including the Environment Agency, Natural England, United Utilities, Yorkshire Peat Partnership, Lancashire Wildlife Trust,

Ribble Rivers Trust and of course, the contractors and volunteers who have made the work happen on the ground.’ The remoteness of the uplands means that many people are unfamiliar with this very special habitat and the advantages a healthy blanket bog provides. Sarah Robinson, Farming and Wildlife Officer with the Forest of Bowland AONB Partnership explained, ‘Peat is made up of partly decomposed organic material which builds up in waterlogged, acidic conditions and takes thousands of years to form. ‘It offers us so many benefits: from its intrinsic worth and landscape value to biodiversity, flood risk management and improvements in water quality. It’s also vital for carbon storage.’ Over the decades, peatlands have been damaged through a number of factors including atmospheric pollution, drainage,

GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 51) 1. Which sport would you watch at Aintree? 2. The initials RSVP come from a request in which language? 3. Are Open University courses usually followed by mature students or school leavers? 4. In which part of London is there an annual famous carnival? 5. Which of the American Great Lakes is the largest freshwater lake in the world? 6. What returned to Piccadilly Circus in 1947 after being in hiding during the war? 7. What is the subject of Landseer’s painting ‘The Monarch of the Glen’? 8. Which English county was home to the world’s first iron bridge? 9. Which revolutionary fought with Fidel Castro and eventually died in Bolivia? 10. What is the practice called of recreating dead animals by stuffing their skins? 11. Whose mountain retreat was at

Berchtesgaden? 12. What was the name of the infamous Russian holy man who contributed to the fall of the last Tsar of Russia? 13. Who produced the Communist Manifesto along with Friedrich Engels? 14. Which US state has a ‘pan handle’ separating the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic? 15. What was designed and made in a viable form by Sikorsky in 1941? 16. What name is given to the Mediterranean wind that comes from the Sahara desert? 17. In 1953 who was the leader of the mountaineering expedition which conquered Everest? 18. Which English monarch was the victor at the Battle of Agincourt? 19. What ingredient in tonic water is found in cinchona bark? 20. The Pahlavi Dynasty was overthrown by the Islamic revolution in which country?

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

BOWLAND AONB (cont)

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No two peat sites are the same, which means that restoration techniques vary from place to place across the AONB, but three main principles apply – control peat erosion, manage hydrology and re-instate vegetation cover. This specialist work involves expert contractors who access the fells between September and March. Working in such exposed locations during the winter months can be challenging and the conditions are often less than easy.

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wildfires, grazing, trampling and the effects of climate. Work carried out in Bowland aims to initially stabilise the peat, preventing further loss, and then restore it to the point where it can begin to capture carbon once again.

Andy Barnes from Terra Firma Environmental Ltd said ‘By investing in specially adapted machinery and developing our expertise in working in these unique upland environments we have been privileged to work closely with the AONB, estate and land managers to help them achieve their restoration vision over the last 10 years.

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‘Working in a defined geographical area such as the Bowland Fells means that we are often working adjacent to sites that we have restored during the early years of the programme and watching the improvements develop in the hydrological and environmental condition on the restored areas is hugely satisfying for us as a team.’ To date, work has been carried out on 18

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BOWLAND AONB (cont) fells covering land within each of the AONB’s three main river catchments of the Lune, Wyre and Ribble. Mallowdale, above the River Roeburn in the Lune valley, forms part of the Bowland Fells Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Here, restoration work has been carried out sensitively over a number of years so as to avoid disturbance to ground nesting birds such as the lesser black backed gull. Emphasis has been on restoring the intrinsic biodiversity value of the site by rewetting the peat and restoring the blanket bog and heather moorland vegetation. Ultimately this will increase the habitat available for upland species such as fox moths, sky larks and green hairstreak butterflies. Work in the Wyre catchment has focused on the headwaters at the top of the catchment, with natural flood management very much in mind. Blanket bogs act like sponges during and after high rainfall events. As sphagnum mosses can absorb ten times their weight in water, they hold onto the rainwater and let go of it gradually over time, slowing the flow of water off the fells and helping to reduce flashy flood risk downstream.

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Re-profiling steep sided peat gullies and installing coir logs, which build up sediment behind them, all helps blanket bog vegetation to re-establish, improving the water absorbing capacity of the fells. Work on Pendle Hill in the Ribble catchment has been carried out as part of the four-year National Lottery Heritage Fund Landscape Partnership project. The summit of this iconic landmark has long been a popular spot and is visited by thousands each year. Over time the vegetation on the hill has been eroded which has resulted in damage to the underlying peat. Restoration

work

has

included

the

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

BOWLAND AONB (cont)

A NEW PRIVATE GP PRACTICE

construction of scores of timber, coir and stone dams designed to hold water in place, along with path improvements and revegetation with heather brash, sphagnum mosses and cotton grass plugs. ‘Much of the original brash was washed away in the storms of 2020’, said Sarah Robinson, ‘so we’ve had to go back and construct more dams to slow the speed of water during storm events and add geotextile as a type of carpet to protect the bare peat. It just goes to show how extreme the conditions on top of the hill can be sometimes.’

Garstang is welcoming a new private GP practice to it’s high street this month.

The Pendle Hill LP team have developed a special ‘Peat Freaks’ walking route which explains all about the work on the hill. The self-guided trail starts at the trig point on the summit and can be downloaded via the Viewranger link: http://bit.ly/peat-freaks Sandra Silk e: sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk

The Lancashire GP Practice will be headed up by Dr Farzaneh ‘Faz’ Mani who has recently moved to the area with her husband, John. Dr Mani has extensive experience and interest in palliative care, care of the elderly, and women’s and children’s health. She has successfully completed the Diploma of Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DRCOG) and Minor Surgery Course. Having worked as an NHS doctor for 12 years, Dr Mani is a highly skilled general practitioner, with a broad range of knowledge and experience in all specialties. Her aim is for patients to feel that they have had a holistic and complete overview of their healthcare and to really feel listened to. www.lancashiregp.co.uk

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14 High Street, Garstang PR3 1FA t: 01995 238081 e: contact@lancashiregp.co.uk | www.lancashiregp.co.uk

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RSPCA

GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB

Home Pet Show Now Open!

As you read this, Garstang Camera Club’s 2020 - 2021 programme will have come to an end but we still continue with our social outings with, of course, social distancing a priority.

The first heats of the RSPCA Home Pet Show are now taking place across our network of branches, animal centres and hospitals. To enter, simply visit www.rspca.org.uk/ onefunday to enter the ‘RSPCA Blackpool & North Lancs’ local heat. Enter one of our six all animal classes that have been designed to celebrate your pet’s natural behaviours and your special bond with them. Classes cost just £2.50 to enter. Our pet show doesn’t focus on looks - we want to hear all about your animal friend, what makes them the very best pet in all of the land and your special bond. We also have an Art Class available for ages 0-10, 11-16 and over 16. Local heats will take place until Wed 14th June and 12 finalists from across the network will be invited to take part in the Live Zoom Final on Sat 19th June hosted by RSPCA CEO Chris Sherwood and celebrity ambassador Sophie Craig. 100% of your entry fee will go directly to your local RSPCA to help us raise funds directly for our front line work and the animals in our care. For more information, please visit our Facebook page or website. Book Sale We would like to say a big thank you to all of those who attended our book sale at the animal centre in May. It was a great success and the weather stayed dry for us despite it forecasting rain for the most part of the day. Also, thank you to our dedicated fundraising volunteers who helped make our first fundraising event in over a year run smoothly. We are hoping we will be able to have another event at the animal centre in the next couple of months. Hannah Kirrane - Animal Centre Manager t: (01253) 703000 e: enquiries@rspcablackpool.org.uk fb: @RSPCAlongview www.rspcablackpool.org.uk

We have had two outings in recent months: the first one was to Glasson Dock and its environs. The second one was to Caldervale at bluebell time. For our next trip on Wed 16th June, we will take in Rivington Pike and the surrounding gardens. Apart from the social nature of the outings, we have an events cup for presentation in 2022. All entries for this award have to have been shot on all or any of these visits and so the range of subjects is vast. I will give details of outings yet to come in the next edition of Focus Magazine. As with anything else in this short report, full details

FOCUS MAGAZINE

2021 Deadline Dates Issue

Deadline Date

Delivery Starts

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

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

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB(cont)

can be found on our website (given at ––the end) which is very easy to navigate. Our last presentation in May was an interesting evening given by Kylie-Ann Martin on ‘My Journey So Far’. A young lady who had made great strides in acquiring good qualifications within the space of six years. We still have our fingers crossed for the possible opening of the Arts Centre so that we may, once more, meet socially and with that

in mind attract new members. No expertise are required for joining Garstang Camera Club, just a camera and a degree of interest. Who would have thought that at Christmas time in 2019 we would have been subjected to all that has happened in the past 15 months? We are still not through this and should remain vigilant for the sake of everyone. Anyway, good shooting! Maurice Barker www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM Wyre Council established a Forum bringing together professional organisations, ie the Environment Agency, EA, who are an off shoot of the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs, DEFRA, the privately owned statutory water undertaker, United Utilities, UU, under the aegis of Lancashire County Council, LCC, the Lead Flood Authority with voluntary groups of residents who live in areas affected by flooding whether from rivers bursting banks or under capacity surface water drainage. They are known as FLAGS, Flood Action Groups. The Forum meets quarterly usually lunchtime on the second Thursday of March, June, September and December at the civic centre. Meetings are currently remote. Officers of the professional organisations meet a week before hand to bottom technical issues raised by FLAGS and armed with this detail an agenda is put together. Prior to the last meeting in March many matters the responsibility of UU were aired. They included “muddy brown water” being discharged onto Carr End Lane, Stalmine; water bubbling from sewer covers in Hambleton. Is there enough capacity some wonder? Is there too much hard landscaping? The drainage system in Hambleton discharges to Wardley’s Creek and becomes tidally locked at high tide. Does the drainage system need to allow for discharge at high tide? In Knott End there is a potential for flooding due to a combined sewer. Issues in Thornton will be included shortly.

in Out Rawcliffe. Funding is not endless he regretted. Wyre River’s Trust Tom Myerscough talked of land management, water quality, habitats, leaky dams, Natural Flood Management, water storage, restoring flow to Catterall’s Farm, St Michael’s following the old river course. Much of his approach was aired on BBC1 Countryfile on 16 May and activities of Lancashire and Yorkshire Trusts in the Borough have been publicised on radio, BBC 1 Look NW as well as Lancashire and Cumbria Life. Hopefully these notes will inform and encourage an interest in our countryside. If we get the balance right between the development and conservation of the natural world we will bear down on flooding as well. Natural England Natural England is involved in the Countryside

Environment Agency On behalf of EA, Graham Kelly reported the following actions; embankment on Rawcliffe Road, St Michael’s, relining to a sewer in Garstang, plans for Hambleton flood defence scheme including Wardleys outfall; funding for the Upper Mid Wyre Review, EA will assist farmers with land management but disappointed Cllr Shedwick who requested solutions to waterlogged fields

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont)

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GARSTANG ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CLUB

Steward Scheme with the aim of reducing ammonia emissions. They also are involved in building shelter banks and give advice on land and soil management of watercourses. They are also planting shelter banks. Lancashire County Council, LCC, have obtained funding for flood response works in Hambleton, Thornton, Poulton, St Michael’s, Bilsborrow, Thornton, Preesall, and Garstang. Works for 2021-22 include Brock Road, Great Eccleston, Cart Gate, Preesall, Wallace Lane and School Lane Forton. Reports on progress will be filed during the year. LCC confirmed that they will undertake works to deal with flooding to a property in Park Lane, Winmarleigh and finally, they always comment on planning applications involving nine or more dwellings. Churchtown

We are pleased to announce the (long awaited) re-opening of the Club to faces old & new from

21st June at 12pm Please note: this date is dependent upon HM Government ruling and, as such, may have to change. Please check for notices at the front door for further information. The Committee. Market Place, Garstang PR3 1ZA t: 01995 603039

Roger Weatherell produced an expertly drawn top down and section drawing to illustrate “hot spots” in Ainspool Lane and The Avenue and noted that the flap valve at Kirkland Bridge prevents discharge to the river at high levels and suggested a replacement which was picked up by LCC Highways. He also made mention of surcharging on The Avenue during peak rainfall. He offered a new method of reporting issues to EA and finally he is consulting Lancaster University on Churchtown’s issues. Garstang’s Storage Basin Gates The east gate was raised to flush the silt. EA will report on the purpose of the weirs. Hambleton & Stalmine Highway flooding is an issue in Hambleton and Stalmine and will be added to the Log. Surface water system is at capacity in Stalmine. Discharge into Wardley’s Creek is key. UU will provide an update in June. Great Eccleston David Astall of Great Eccleston FLAG

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) advised that the junction of Raikes Road and the A586 floods. Captured water drains into the Wyre via drains on the north of the main road. A recent inspection saw water flowing rapidly. The situation needs monitoring to ensure the system is operating efficiently. Out Rawcliffe Water gushing from drains over the highway at Town End. Preesall A walk is planned in summer from Pilling Lane to Wheel Foot watercourse which will cover topics such as flooding and culverts in gardens and mention was made of an additional grid inserted “to save ducklings” which might be adding to blockages. When EA built the sea wall householders were not permitted to develop close to the wall but now solid concrete panels are affecting natural drainage. Mrs Rowland noted a rapid increase in flooding at Sunnyside Terrace and Sandy Lane. The new pump helps but a long term solution is required as a matter of urgency. She thanked Wyre Council for the provision of the additional pump. St Michael’s EA explained that drilling in the Catterall flood basin is part of a survey for a new location for the access foot bridge for the flood basin operating mechanisms. They will find out if new pumps have been installed in the pumping station. Emergency Planning A duty officer system is in operation at Wyre and new pumps with double capacity have been acquired. Next Meeting Thurs 10th June, 1:00pm. Venue to be confirmed.

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WILDFLOWER WAY WITH WORDS The wildflower meadows of Bowland will be sprouting poems to celebrate this year’s National Meadows Day in July, with local writers taking inspiration from the blooming fields at Bell Sykes Farm. Bell Sykes Farm in Slaidburn boasts some of the most important flower-rich meadows in Lancashire. From eyebright and yellow rattle to hawkbits and great burnet these fantastic fields are a sea of colour during the summer months – and home to great numbers of pollinators. Designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) thanks to the variety of species found there, this set of six fields is also the official Coronation Meadow for the county of Lancashire.

This Festival Bowland National Meadows Day initiative will offer a guided – and Covidcompliant – walk around the meadows, followed by an online workshop over two evening sessions. The walk, led by Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust’s Bowland-based Meadow Makers Project Officer, Carol Edmondson, will take place on the morning of Thursday 3 June, with a second date of Tuesday 8 June in the afternoon if demand requires it. The poetry writing workshop, led by local writer and tutor Maureen Fenton, will be over two online evening sessions, on Thursday 10 and Tuesday 15 June. The first session will include a special guest, local poet, Philip Burton, talking about the writing processes behind some of the poems in his latest collection, Gaia Warnings, which celebrates the richness of the natural world while reminding us of its vulnerability. In 2019,

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WILDFLOWER WAY (cont)

GARSTANG SPEAKERS CLUB

Philip concurrently held four national and international poetry competition first prizes: the Jack Clemo, the Sandwich (Kent) Poet of the Year, the Barn Owl Trust, and the Horwich (Bolton).

Does the summer inspire you to take on new projects or challenges? Are you looking to build confidence or perhaps you have an interview for a new job coming up? Or would you just like to meet new friends? Why not come along to our speakers club?

Participants will be invited to submit poems to the Forest of Bowland AONB, with a selection of these to be used on its website and social media for National Meadows Day on Saturday 3 July. Both practised poets and beginning writers are welcome, but participants must book their place on the walk - for which numbers will be limited to meet current restrictions - and workshop through the AONB on the email address below. Participants unable to attend the guided meadow walk are still welcome to apply for a place on the online sessions. Sandra Silk sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk

CROSSWORD (ans page 51)

We have decided to hold a meeting once a month throughout the summer when in the past we would have taken a break. We will meet on the evening of the first Tuesday of each month in June, July and August, via Zoom. These meeting will be friendly and informal and just the opportunity to join us and find out what we can offer. Sue Hubbard t: 01995 600357 e: barleyfold@madasafish.com fb: ‘Garstang Speakers Club’ www.garstangladiesspeakersclub.org Across 1 Female bird (3) 6 Cosmos (8) 7 Desire; Japanese currency (3) 9 Robin Hood’s Nottingham foe (7) 10 Extreme pain (5) 11 Answer (5) 12 Mysteries (7) 13 Colouring liquid (3) 15 Screen; broadcast (8) 16 Ocular organ (3) Down 1 Dried grass (3) 2 Religious woman (3) 3 Terse; concise (5) 4 Units of temperature (7) 5 As convenient (8) 8 Designer of machines (8) 9 Smirk; giggle (7) 11 Quick (5) 13 An English & Scottish river (3) 14 A river in south west England

Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

KNOTT END GOLF CLUB So many people say ‘I’ll take up golf when I retire.’. Golf is not just for old people, posh people or the afternoon tea brigade! It’s a highly competitive and challenging sport which can be played by all members of the family.

Social membership is normally available at golf clubs for those not inclined to venture onto the course. Don’t be scared of coming along and becoming part of this fantastic sport right here in your community. Keep an eye on Focus Magazine for details of Golf Club open days in your area. Golf is a game that you can play by yourself, with friends and family, in competitions, at home and abroad.

One way of accessing the sport and seeing if it’s for your family at no cost is to attend an open day at one of your local golf clubs. You may be shown round the facilities and perhaps taken for a buggy ride around the course. There could be golf-related activities aimed at all age groups and food and drink available. Why not give it a go? You’ve nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain. An open day is the ideal opportunity for you to see behind the scenes and find out what Give me a ring or send me an email if you happens at the golf club. This could also be would like any further information. your chance to book in for some free lessons Joyce Wright - Women in Golf Charter using the club’s equipment. Champion, Knott End Golf Club. A great way to find out if you and your family charterchampion@knottendgolfclub.com would enjoy being members of your local club t: (01253) 700875 and joining in with the friendly folks there. t: (01253) 810576 (Knott End Golf Club)

10%

OFF ALL MEMBERSHIP ON THE DAY

Sunday 13th June 10-4pm Open to all to come and see our clubhouse, course and facilities. We have great offers on membership for people of all ages and abilities. Social Membership is also available. Knott End Golf Club, Wyreside, Knott End-on-Sea, FY6 0AA (01253) 810576 knottendgolfclub.com

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