Over Wyre Focus Magazine - January 2022 by Focus Magazines

FOCUS MAGAZINE 'The Green Book'

Ryecroft Hall Hambleton (RIP) by David J Ansell

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

Issue 265 January 2022

B ST YOUR IMMUNITY THIS WINTER

WITH THE FLU VACCINE COVID-19 BOOSTER Flu and COVID-19 can both be life-threatening and spread more easily in winter. If you’re 50 or over, you are eligible for a free flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster. Get vaccinated. Get boosted. Get protected. nhs.uk/wintervaccinations

Welcome to Focus Magazine... Meeting Point.......................................................4 Hambleton Newsletter...................................4 Bingo.........................................................................4 Knott End Domino & Whist Club...............5 Over Wyre Probus Club..................................5 Knott End Library...............................................6 Time to Dance.....................................................8 Pilling Men’s Fellowship.................................9 Pilling Chapel.......................................................9 Hambleton United Reformed Church....9 OWSAC....................................................................10 Pilling Lane WI....................................................12 Over Wyre Art Society.....................................12 Help Beat Cancer...............................................13 Parkinson’s UK.....................................................14 Santa Claus Came to Town...........................14 Over Wyre Medical Centre...........................16 Carter’s Charity Primary.................................19 Preesall Fleetwoods Charity.......................20 First Pilling Scout Group................................23 Lancashire West Trefoil Guild.....................23 Wyre Villa Football Club................................24 Pilling Band 200 Club......................................24 Hambleton Parish Council............................24

Cat Smith MP........................................................27 Ben Wallace MP.................................................29 Wyre Council........................................................ 33 Garstang Camera Club...................................37 Pilling Historical Society................................38 Harmony & Health.............................................39 In the Bleak Midwinter....................................39 Cardiac Risk in the Young..............................43 SSRA..........................................................................44 Garstang & District Lions...............................45 Garstang Arts Centre.......................................47 Soroptimists..........................................................50 Preesall Fire Station.........................................54 Moon Charitable Trust.....................................55 North Fylde Photographic Society...........57 The Inner Wheel.................................................57 Lancashire Volunteer Partnership............59 Lancaster Singers..............................................59 Sudoku.....................................................................60 Bank Holidays 2022..........................................61 Crossword..............................................................61 Preesall Council..................................................62 Stalmine Staynall Council ............................62 Wyre Flood Forum............................................63

FEBRUARY 2022 DEADLINE DATE

The February deadline for editorial and adverts is 5:00pm on Monday 17th January. Deliveries of the February edition of Focus Magazine will commence on Thursday 27th January. Over Wyre & Garstang Focus Magazines www.focusmags.co.uk | 01253 813433 | www.facebook.com/focusmags Event Advertising & Editorial: editorial@focusmags.co.uk Business & Commercial Advertising: helen@focusmags.co.uk Postal submissions: Focus Magazine, 132 Highfield Rd, Blackpool, FY4 2HH Cover design by David J Ansell | Printed by Moulton Printing | © Focus Magazines 2022 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.

MEETING POINT We are a non-denominational group meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. We meet at the URC hall, Sandy Lane, Hambleton. Tues 11th Jan: Birthday Party. Lancashire Memories. Speaker Jimmy O’Donnell, Caterer - Bell Farm. Tues 25th Jan: Scottish Theme. Anyone interested in joining us please contact Catherine on 01253 700167 or Ruth on 01253 700700. Ruth Dixon

HAMBLETON NEWSLETTER Hambleton Newsletter has been delivered to all homes in the village for over 40 years. Published every month, it provided details of events and group meetings. It was run by volunteers, from the editors to the people who delivered the publication every month.

Donations, generously given, covered printing costs. However, the editors feel now is the time to bring the publication and distribution of this Newsletter to an end. Events are now covered on social media and in the Focus Magazine. Any remaining funds are to be given to a local charity. Grateful thanks to everyone who took the time and trouble to ensure this publication was delivered every month. Gill Noall, Linda Shipway - Editors

BINGO Mon 7th & 21st Jan Stalmine Village Hall Doors open 7:00pm. Eyes down 7:30pm. Sanitiser stations will be available if required and masks can be warn if you’d feel safer. David Makinson

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KNOTT END DOMINO & WHIST CLUB A very happy New Year to all our members. We hope that everyone enjoyed the festive season.

fully or partially retired or are about to retire from professional, business or other similar occupations.

We still meet each Friday at 2:00pm in the concert room of the Knott End Working Men’s Club. We look forward to meeting new members who wish to join our whist and dominoes club.

Meetings are normally held on the first and third Thursday in each month at The Shovels Inn at Hambleton.

None of the games are too serious and we always enjoy a good laugh, so why don’t you come along and see for yourself. Anyone interested should just turn up at the venue or contact me by phone for details. Bert Stenning 01253 812937

OVER WYRE PROBUS CLUB Membership of the Over Wyre Probus Club is open to all gentlemen, resident in or adjacent to the Over Wyre district who have

We meet at 10:00am for coffee and a social chat followed by a talk on a range of varied and interesting subjects The next meetings will be on Thurs 20th Jan, Thurs 3rd Feb & Thurs 17th Feb. The subject of the talks will be ‘Strawberry Project’, ‘Railways of the Fylde’, and ‘On the Beat’ respectively. If anyone is interested in finding our more about the club or would like to attend a meeting initially as a guest, then please telephone 01253 810778. Stewart Lyell

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KNOTT END LIBRARY Let’s start by wishing you all a very Happy New Year as we look forward to what will hopefully be a more positive one for everybody.

Board Games Club: Every Monday 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Take away the ‘boardom! Try your hand at Scrabble or Chess at our new weekly club. Why not bring a friend too?

We are now welcoming all our regular groups back, so please come and join us and make January a little less bleak….

Knit & Natter: Every Tuesday 10:00am - 12 noon. Knit & Natter at the library. Enough said! Refreshments available

Weekly Events Storytime: Every Monday 10:30am. Join us for a storytime session for pre-school children. Crochet & NeedleCraft: Every Monday 10:00am - 12 noon. Crochet at the library. Whether you are new or more experienced in knitting, crochet or anything crafty join our friendly group for a natter and a swap of ideas and the latest tales of intrigue from round these parts. Refreshments available. Established over 14 years

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Quiet Hour: Every Tuesday 4:00pm5:00pm. Browse the books, sit and read a story or use our public computers and free Wi-Fi as normal, with a little less noise than usual. We ask our customers to respect this by muting phones and devices whilst in the library. Digital Support Sessions. Every Thursday 9:30am - 11:30am. Free computer and mobile device help is here. Many people have them. Many people use them. Are you having difficulty in understanding the internet? Do you need Digital help? Look no further. Learn how to use a PC, Laptop or mobile device. We also offer a FREE beginner’s course led by one of our Digital Volunteers. Contact the library to book a place. Alternatively do you need help with a specific issue? Book a 30-minute drop-in at a time that suits you. Ask within the library. Baby and Toddler Bounce and Rhyme: Every Friday 10:30am - 11:00am Suitable for children up to 18 months. A fun-filled session with songs and music. This event must be booked as spaces are limited. Lego Club: Every Saturday 11:00am - 12 noon Calling all master builders! Join us and share your passion and amazing creations. We have missed you! Monthly Events Over Wyre Family History. Mon 10th Jan 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Existing members only. However if you have an interest in your family history and would like to join the group,

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KNOTT END LIBRARY (cont) please pop in to enquire First Friday Reading Group: Fri 7th Jan 2:00pm - 3:00pm. For existing members only. However if you would like to join pop in to add your name to the list. Creative Writing Group: Fri 14th Jan 2:00pm - 3:00pm. They say that there’s a book inside us all. It’s true; and you don’t have to be a big name writer to prove it so. If you’ve ever fancied creative writing yourself you should come along to this open and friendly group to find out more and get involved! Poetry Appreciation Group: Fri 21st Jan 2:00pm - 3:00pm. Read, share and discuss your favourite poems. Poetry is brilliant – enough said! Last Friday Reading Group: Fri 28th Jan 2:00pm - 3:00pm. For existing members only. However if you would like to join pop in to add your name to the list. Lancashire Lifesavers Course: Tuesday 22nd Feb 1:30pm - 3:00pm. We are working in partnership with Lancashire Adult Learning to deliver this free short session, designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed if someone suffers a heart attack or a cardiac arrest. The skills will include how to deliver cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult and how to access and use a defibrillator. Booking is essential so please ask the library staff on your next visit. New - Family History Support Are you interested in tracing your Family Tree, but have no idea where to start? We have a volunteer who is experienced in family history who can help you search our digital library and use websites such as Ancestry and Find My Past and generally point you in the right direction all for free. Just ask to make an appointment when you next visit the library.

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KNOTT END LIBRARY (cont) Digital Access Free Internet access is available using our Public Network computers, as well as our printing and photocopying services, and also a study area with free access to WiFi. Hire Space Available We have out of hour’s library space to hire offering a warm welcoming environment from a small room to large hall size. Please ask for further details. Home Library Service For those in the community who are unable to visit the library because of poor health, we offer the home library service - we pack a choice of books and deliver to your door. If you would like to be part of this, do please contact the library. We are happy to help! FOKEL (Friends of Knott End Library) We would like to thank everyone who came to support our Christmas Coffee Morning in December and a special thank you to the choir of Fleetwood Charity School for entertaining us. They were brilliant.

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If you would like to get involved with the Friends our next committee meeting will be on Fri 17th Jan, 11:00am at the library. Everyone welcome. Sue, Margaret & James - Knott End Library Team www.lancashire.gov.uk

TIME TO DANCE Every Friday, 7:00pm - 10:00pm Hambleton Village Hall Popular sequence, ballroom and Latin. 30 minute workshop for anyone who wishes to start learning these dances (adults only). Followed by social dancing. Admission £5. Steve Coughlan stevecoughlan1959@gmail.com

PILLING MEN’S FELLOWSHIP 84th Session 2021-2022 The proposed January 2022 meetings are: Mon 17th Jan: Semaphore and Satellite Communications - Dr Stephen Musgrove Mon Jan 31st: Metal Detecting in Lancashire - Dr Chris Topping For further details, talk to any fellowship member or phone either Graham Curwen (01253 790502 or 07951 130465) or Andrew Bell (01253 790649) Andrew Bell

PILLING CHAPEL Toddler Group Mondays, 10:00am - 11:30am Please note that Little Pebbles, the stay and soft play group at Pilling Methodist Chapel, will recommence after the Christmas Break on Mon 10th Jan. It will then continue at the same time each Monday after that. Special Service Sun 16th Jan Joint covenant service at Pilling Methodist Chapel with St John the Baptist at 10:30am with Rev Sarah Lamb. Andrew Bell

HAMBLETON URC Let us all here at Hambleton URC wish you, your family and friends a very happy New Year. We hope 2022 is a year filled with love, joy and happiness but, more importantly, that it is a comfortable one for all. Once again we have to say a very big thank you to all those who were generous enough to donate your old and unused ipads, phones, etc. We will put these to good use for those within our community. Our aim to allow those who feel lonely or vulnerable gain access to a form of communication. Do you feel lonely or bored? Want company?

HAMBLETON URC (cont) Then why not come and join us at our weekly good neighbours coffee shop which we hold every Wednesday morning at 10:30am - 12 noon. Also, our monthly soup and cake event this month is on Sat 9th Jan. The cost is just £4. Such a bargain! As we are the church at the centre of our beautiful village and as part of our commitment of outreach, we want you to know that we are here for you. Do you have a relative or friend who is ill in hospital or at home who may wish someone to visit them? Then please let us know so we

can try to arrange someone to pop in and have a chat with them at visiting hours. This is open to all members of our community. If you do not attend church but would like a prayer said for either yourself or someone you know, then please do not hesitate to contact us by dropping a note through the letterbox. We will more than happy to include it in our services. Please be reminded of the coffee morning held every Wednesday morning 10:30am until 12 noon. Please do come and join us for a nice drink, biscuits and fellowship. Services are held every Sunday at 10:00am All are welcome to join us at our animalfriendly church. Chris Lamb t: 01253 811252 e: hambletonurc@gmail.com

OWSAC Thurs 20th Jan, 2:00pm Knott End Working Men’s Club We hope you have all recovered from the festivities, including the OWSAC party, which we hope you all enjoyed. Our thoughts turn now to the coming year and the team have put together an exciting programme, with something to suit every body. For the first meeting of the year Jean Curwen will be here to entertain you with her humorous, dialect poems. We do hope you will come along and enjoy a light hearted afternoon with us, plus tea and biscuits to follow. We look forward to seeing all the familiar faces and a warm welcome awaits new comers. On behalf of the OWSAC team, we would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year. Penny Drabble

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OVER WYRE ART SOCIETY

Our December meeting was our Christmas party. We were pleasantly entertained by Yvonne and Matt Pinner.

A Happy New Year to everyone. Our latest art exhibition is showing throughout January at St Annes Ashton Gardens Pavilion.

Matt played the ukulele, banjo, guitar and mouth organ and we sang along to popular Christmas songs and carols.

•

We hope to recommence our weekly classes on Wed 12th Jan from 2:00pm - 4:00pm.

•

Here is the January syllabus if you would like to join us.

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Wed 12th Jan: Registration and Paint a Still Life (any medium) Pottery items will be returned following the firing process.

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Wed 19th Jan: Demonstration from Roy Smith in Charcoal

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Wed 26th Jan: Practise drawing in charcoal

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Wed 2nd Feb: Negative Spaces with Linda May ( bring art materials)

Yvonne related the history of each song which was very interesting. Supper was served and enjoyed by everyone. The finale was a ‘grand’ raffle and there were many prizes to be won. All in all a super party, in challenging times, with all safety measures followed. We would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year and look forward to welcoming many more new members! My thought for January: today is the tomorrow you talked about yesterday! June Beesley 07902 420 192

Before the Christmas break we were privileged to have a pastel demonstration from Julie Nash. She gave us useful advice

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OVER WYRE ART SOCIETY (cont) on how to handle soft pastels, obtain detail with Conte pastels and to keep the highlights.

Thanks to everyone for their support at the Christmas Luncheon- £433.60 was raised.

On the final week we enjoyed painting pottery bowls and jugs which Jayne, a local ceramic artist, had made for us on the potters wheel.

Congratulations and very well done to Michelle, the landlady of the Grapes at St Michaels, for raising the fantastic amount of £2,411.75 from her sponsored sky dive in October. Many thanks to everyone for your support.

Our Christmas dinner at The Squash was excellent and enjoyed by everyone. Let’s hope for a good year ahead and maybe come and join us at St Oswald’s Parish Hall in Knott End where you will be welcomed. Sandra Langhorne 01253 813739

HELP BEAT CANCER A happy, healthy New Year to everyone. Thanks very much for all your support. Special thanks to the Puddled Duck, Katie and all the staff, for the excellent food and venue. Also, many thanks to the Harmony and Health Choir for entertaining us so well.

To book your place at our evening do on Sat 12th Feb at the Villa, Wrea Green please get in touch. Tickets £35 each. This includes sit down meal and entertainment by PC Roadshows. For more information about future events and photos please check our Facebook page. To donate see Help Beat Cancer | Cancer Research UK Giving Pages On a personal note, can I please say thank you to Cancer Research UK for awarding me the Flame of Hope Award - Honorary

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HELP BEAT CANCER (cont) Fellowship. This has only been possible through everyone’s support – fundraising is a team effort and can only be successful through the people around you. Thanks everyone. Jean Jean Horner 01253 700555 & Val Southward fb: ‘Help Beat Cancer – Wyre’

Methodist Church Hall, Cleveleys •

Wed 16th Feb, 11:00am: The Grange, Bathurst Road, Blackpool

•

Thu 24th Feb, 2:00pm: Preesall Youth and Community Centre, Preesall

New friends are always welcome so come along and join us. Marjorie Fleming 01253 868086

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SANTA CLAUS CAME TO TOWN!

Over Wyre Branch We hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year. Our groups are now up and running again and we look forward to seeing you at our cafes and meetings soon. February dates are as follows: •

Wed 2nd Feb, 10:30am: restaurant Fleetwood

Pablos’

•

Mon. 7th Feb, 7:30 pm: Cleveleys Park

And what a great night we had touring Knott End & Preesall! Fortunately, having rained all day, Santa’s little helpers managed to sprinkle some festive magic dust which cleared the rain just as Santa landed. The sleigh looked fabulous with its new lights and reindeer, and this year we were also joined by the amazing Disco Wagon. The combination of festive music and blasts of snow as we toured around made an amazing spectacle. ‘Harry the Lorry’ and the Elves Behaving Badly team came too, and it was fantastic to see all the happy smiling faces, young and not-so-young along the way. Santa was able to do a photo-stop this year at the Youth & Community Centre and lots of children came to have their picture taken with him which made Santa very happy! We hope we created some great memories for you and that we were able to bring some much-needed festive cheer to our community during these increasingly uncertain times.

7 Rope Walk, Garstang, PR3 1NS

Thanks to your generosity, we raised over £640 which has been shared between our two local primary schools - Fleetwood’s Charity and Carter’s Charity - Brian House and Trinity Hospice. Fleetwood’s Charity will be using their donation to buy some outdoor activity items and Carter’s Charity are putting theirs towards creating a new sensory area for their children.

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SANTA CAME TO TOWN! (cont) This year, we also took delivery of two Christmas post boxes where children could post their Santa Letters. Santa received over 65 letters and happily replied to each one!

•

Paul the DJ for keeping us dancing along the way

•

Adam, Little Dan and Wendy the onboard elves for their elf antics

We couldn’t run this event without our dedicated support team who give their time so willingly so a huge thank you to you all including:

•

The Elves Behaving Badly Team, Doug and his famous ‘Harry the Lorry’

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The construction elves at VCL Light Bars Dave, Marcus, Nigel, Tony & Wendy, for their fabulous efforts in creating the sleigh and reindeer

Santa’s postmistress Natalie for helping Santa with his replies to all the lovely letters you sent him

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The painting elves - Matt, Ali & Kate for making the sleigh so shiny

Nadine from NDE Designs for her festive decorations on the Post Boxes and the Coops for hosting them

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Sandra (aka Dancer) for her graphic design skills and poster production

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Santa’s little helpers - Julia, Karen, Georgina, Nigel, Rachel, Sandra, Caitlin, Matt, Natalie & Daz for handing out goodies and spreading festive cheer

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Karen (aka Prancer) for reminding me of everything I kept forgetting and so much more!

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Shaun Foy and team from RSS Events for the fabulous disco wagon

•

The catering elves, Nicola and Jayne for their yummy hot chocolate and scones at the half-way point

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SANTA CAME TO TOWN! (cont) •

Numerous sweetie donors including the Coops, One-Stop, Dawn’s Café and our local Youth Group

C booster vaccination programme to our communities from our Over Wyre Medical Centre site.

•

Santa & Mrs Claus for once again taking time out of their busy schedule to visit us

All Over Wyre Medical Centre and Great Eccleston Health Centre patients are now invited to book your booster vaccination from the Over Wyre Medical Centre site. If you have recently tested positive for Covid please wait a minimum of four weeks before having your booster vaccination.

We’ve already started planning our 2022 tour and we always need volunteers so if you fancy getting involved, contact us via our Facebook page – KEP Santa Wishing you all a Happy and hopefully healthy New Year and we look forward to seeing you all again in December! Anne (aka Rudolph)

OVER WYRE MEDICAL CENTRE Update on the Covid Booster Programme Over Wyre Medical Centre is working hard in partnership with our friends at Great Eccleston Health Centre to roll out the

If you have received a text from Over Wyre Medical Centre we encourage you to follow the link and book your appointment on one of the allocated dates available. Alternatively, please contact the Surgery on 01253 951165 to book your Covid vaccination. We are offering the following vaccination appointment dates but please check when you receive your text as we will be adding further dates: • • • • • • • •

Fri 7th Jan 9:00am – 5:00pm Sat 8th Jan 9:00am – 12:30pm Fri 14th Jan 9:00am – 4:30pm Mon 17th Jan 9:00am – 7:00pm Fri 21st Jan 9:00am – 4:30pm Mon 24th Jan 9:00am – 7:00pm Fri 28th Jan 9:00am – 4:30pm Mon 31st Jan 9:00am – 7:00pm

New appointments are being added and further availability will come online. We encourage everyone who is aged 18 and over, is yet to have their booster and who is approaching three months from their second vaccine to follow the link in the text received from Over Wyre Medical Centre or contact us on 01253 951165. We are also administering 2nd doses for children and young adults aged 12 – 17 years old. Those ‘at risk’ are eligible from eight weeks from their primary dose and it is a 12-week interval for the remainder of 12 – 17-year-olds. This cohort should be receiving texts from us shortly and will be able to book

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OVER WYRE MEDICAL (cont) their vaccine. Thank you for all your support and together with our wonderful partners at Great Eccleston Health Centre we will be working hard to keep our community safe. The Front Room at Over Wyre Medical Centre A big thank you to everyone who attended The Front Room relaunch fundraiser - we had a great turn out! The Christmas tree for the Indee Rose Trust was running throughout December and thank you for all contributions received. MacMillan Cancer Support Drop-In Session The nurses from MacMillan will be hosting drop-in sessions on Fridays at The Front Room at Over Wyre Medical Centre. Sessions will start weekly from Fri 7th Jan between 10:00am and 2:00pm. They are

there to support anybody suffering with, or affected by, cancer, providing emotional and practical support. Computer Support Sessions with Vincent Edwards Vincent has volunteered to run sessions in the Front Room at Over Wyre Medical Centre to help the community with anything on their laptops or devices. Online applications, form-filling, networks – the scope is huge and he is happy to help. Sessions will be every Friday starting on Fri 7th Jan between 2:00pm and 4:00pm. Pop along! Dr Vicky Simpson t: (01253) 951165 fb: @overwyremc www.overwyremc.co.uk

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CARTER’S CHARITY PRIMARY Happy New Year! We had a great run up to Christmas making sure our pupils had as much fun as possible. Our recorded Infant performance of ‘Wriggly Nativity’ was fantastic and Year 3 & 4’s ‘Top of the Pops’ was amazing. Even better than the original!

volunteers – they worked really hard getting a huge amount of prizes for our Christmas Raffle and organised Infant and Junior Christmas discos too. The final figure raised is well in excess of £1,000 – amazing – thank you to all those who supported the events and bought raffle tickets as well.

Christmas craft day was a delight with groups of pupils working in each other’s classes making some fantastic decorations which have been up in school. Our resident DJ Haydock proved a great success at the infant and junior party day. Santa popped in but didn’t want to disturb all the fun so he left some fabulous presents for all our boys and girls. We also had a great Christmas lunch and enjoyed a virtual panto too! Oh yes we did!

Did you see Santa on tour around the villages? We are very fortunate that funds raised from the tour were shared between ourselves, School on the Hill and KE and Preesall Help Group – we would like to thank the organisers of the event as well as the supporters who donated. We will be putting the money, along with a kind donation from one of our parents, towards the creation of a sensory space for our children – a space to retreat to and re-energise in. We’ll keep you updated with the progress of this as it is created.

Huge thanks must go to our PTFA and

We also had a visit from Ofsted in the second

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CARTER’S CHARITY PRIMARY (cont) week of December – their report will be out in January, but the inspector was thoroughly impressed with the children’s behaviour and attitude. Sat 15th Jan sees the deadline date for applying to primary schools for those children starting in Reception in September 2022. We know that visiting schools is difficult, but we are hoping to have a relaxed Open Day on Tues 11th Jan for any families who are yet to decide. Once we have the list of all new starters sent to us in April, we begin the process of getting to know any new families and getting our new children used to the hustle and bustle of ‘big’ school. If you are interested in having a right good nosey, we are ‘open’ between 9:30am and 11:30am in the morning, 1:00pm and 2:30pm in the afternoon and 4:30pm and 6:00pm in the evening. Just turn up! We are very much looking forward to the

new year and all of the new experiences and adventures that will happen and whatever the new year brings, we will deal with it in typical Carter’s style – with commitment, dedication and resilience, and a smile! Mr B Hassett - Head teacher t: 01253 810236 e: bursar@carters.lancs.sch.uk

PREESALL FLEETWOOD’S CHARITY The School on the Hill We would like to say a huge thank you to all the local businesses who supported our Christmas raffle by donating some fabulous prizes. Over £2300 was raised which will be used towards enriching the learning experiences of our pupils through the rest of the school year.

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FLEETWOOD’S CHARITY (cont) We have already planned to take one of our classes to the Van Gogh Live exhibition in Salford which looks amazing!

In the new year we will be looking for new community projects to be involved with so please get in touch if you would like our help!

Thank you also for the kind donation we received from the Knott-End and Preesall Santa Sleigh Tour. This will go towards funding our exciting new outdoor projects.

On Thurs 2nd June we will be hosting a community event at school to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee. We have already commissioned a beacon to light up Preesall Hill. Save the date and watch this space for more details.

Community Supporting the local community is very important to us at Fleetwood’s Charity School and we try to find ways where we can teach our pupils about giving to and helping others. Before Christmas we delivered our handmade ‘kindness in the community’ boxes to some of the elderly residents and our pupils made Christmas cards which we delivered to local nursing homes. The choir sang carols over Zoom to the residents at Kepplegate and also sang at Knott End Library’s Christmas Coffee Morning earlier in December.

Eco-Warriors Trying to reduce our carbon footprint is something we feel passionate about. We have a group of pupils in school, of mixed ages, who are our eco-warriors. Their current action plan includes more composting of fruit and vegetables, reducing the use of plastic in school and becoming more effective at recycling - especially paper. At the moment, some of our paper rubbish is shredded and given to the RSPCA in Stalmine for bedding.

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FLEETWOOD’S CHARITY (cont) They have also been successful in getting teachers to stop laminating the certificates which we give as rewards in our weekly celebration worship. Looking Ahead In the early part of the summer term, as we did a few years ago, we are hoping to be able to offer forest school sessions for toddlers and their parents. Activities range from stories in a forest den, to exploration of natural materials to art themed projects, not forgetting snack time round the camp fire! Please ‘like’ our school Facebook Page for more details on upcoming events open to the community. Stay and Play will be returning on Thursday mornings as soon as we know it is safe to invite visitors into school again.

Laura Sandham School of Dance The dance school continues to offer a range of classes, including street, cheer and acro which they run from our school on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The January timetable will be on our Facebook Page soon. Classes are open to pupils from any local schools. Visits to School If you are new to the area or have a baby or toddler and are thinking about a pre-school or school place, please get in touch. I would be delighted to show your around our school including our extensive outdoor learning areas and beautiful forest school setting. Our pre-school group is rated outstanding by Ofsted and is a small ‘family-feel’ setting, closely linked to school. 15 and 30-hour nursery funding is accepted and full day care is only £30 for an extended day. We are able to offer our breakfast club and after-school club free for pre-school pupils. Come and visit in the new year and see us in action! Victoria Gladwin - Head teacher e: head@fleetwoods.lancs.sch.uk fb: preesallfleetwoodscharity www.fleetwoods.lancs.sch.uk

1ST PILLING SCOUT GROUP Our uniformed scout group composed of beavers, cubs and scouts meet at Pilling Methodist Church in schools term time and meet on Wednesday evenings. We cater for boys and girls between the ages of six years and 14 and we are members of the Scout Association. Our young people learn life skills and have fun and meet like minded friends. Our adult leaders and helpers follow the Scout Association Rules and Guidance to ensure that all young people learn in a safe environment.

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1ST PILLING SCOUT GROUP (cont)

LANCASHIRE WEST TREFOIL GUILD

In November we took part in the Remembrance Sunday service at St John the Baptist Church in Pilling. We laid a wreath on behalf of our scout group at the war memorial and consider this an important activity in our annual calendar.

May I wish all our members a very happy new year. I hope there will be peace, hope and good health.

Our end of term Christmas party at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre had to be cancelled due to the risk of the new Omicron variant of Covid and Scout Association HQ raising the alert level from green to yellow. We will meet again in the New Year when local schools re-open after the holidays subject to Covid ruling at that time. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year in 2022 •

Beavers: age 6 years to 8.

•

Cubs: age 8 years to 10 ½

•

Scouts: age 10 ½ years to 14

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Est

1972

Lancashire night was celebrated by our guild with a hot pot supper. A chutney demonstration was enjoyed by one group and another had a Christmas lunch at Blackpool & Fylde College which was much appreciated by our members. As we look to the year ahead we hope that we may meet more regularly. Maybe you are looking for a new challenge and meeting new friends. Please do not hesitate. Just give me a call. We would love to meet you. Elaine Robinson 01253 790692

Rod Robinson 01253 790692 UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

All our guilds in Lancashire West have enjoyed many activities over the festive season which has been a great improvement over last year in 2020.

Est

1972

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WYRE VILLA FOOTBALL CLUB Wyre Villa is having one of its most successful seasons ever in the West Lancashire League. It’s been a good start for the boys but unfortunately due to poor weather in December mostly all of our games have been postponed. One game though was played at time of writing in which our reserves beat Lytham Town by a goal to nil in challenging windy conditions. First Team: Second in the first division with games in hand. Quarter finals of the Lancashire FA Amateur Shield. Second round of the President’s Cup Reserve Team: First in the reserve division. Quarter finals of the Stuart Rowe Cup January Fixtures First Team: • • •

8th: Eagley (A) 15th: Croston Sports (H) 22nd: Slyne with Hest (A) Cup

•

29th: Crooklands Casuals (H)

January Fixtures Reserves: • • •

8th: Fulwood Amateurs A (H) 15th: Carnforth Rangers (A) 22nd: Chipping (H)

All 2:00pm kick offs. Why not come to support a successful club on Saturday afternoons with attached bar facilities for refreshments, food etc. We would also welcome anyone who wants to get involved in the club by joining our committee who have short friendly meetings once a month. For further information please contact the club secretary, Mike Holland on 07958 222245 at any time. Mike Holland

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HAMBLETON PARISH COUNCIL Hambleton Parish Council would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. Parish Council Next Meeting The next Ordinary Parish Council meetings will be held on Tues 1st Feb. The meeting will be held face-to-face at the village hall supper room starting at 7:30pm. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. If you are unable to attend but have an issue you would like the council to consider, please let the

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clerk know so it can be added to the agenda. Thank you to the Shovels Fun Run Committee for supporting In Bloom with a donation of £300 towards planting in the village. All donations are very much appreciated. We’re back! Why not make a New Year resolution to support your village? Use local shops (the demolition of Ryecroft Hall shows that local businesses must be supported for them to survive) and spend some time working with friends old and new to make the village a better place to live and visit. The first meeting to discuss plans for Hambleton In Bloom for 2022 will take place on Tues 11th Jan, 7:00pm at the village hall. In 2021 we received a Silver Gilt award - let’s together go for Gold in 2022! On Sat 15th Jan starting at 10:00am, the volunteer working group will meet at the park. Whether you have green fingers or not, all are welcome. Jobs are available to suit many abilities and ages. On Tues 18th Jan starting at 10:30am from the Shovels car park is the monthly litter pick. Equipment is provided, if required. Healthier Hambleton – It’s January, a time for a new start after the over-indulgence at Christmas. Above are some events that encourage getting outdoors, into the fresh air with some light exercise, meeting with people in a safe way and supporting the village. If these are not your thing Wyre Council have a series of walks that are led by volunteers and cater for a variety of abilities, the 2022 schedule has not yet been finalised but details will be available at www.wyre.gov. uk/walking-wyre. A booklet will also be produced, detailing all walks for the whole year, if you would like a copy delivered to your door contact the Clerk for details or you will be able to pick one up from all Wyre Council public buildings.

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HAMBLETON COUNCIL (cont) Hambleton/Stalmine Flood Action Group To keep up-to-date on flooding in Hambleton and Stalmine a full list of current issues and minutes from FLAG, Wyre Flood Forum and Making Space For Water meetings are available on the website. Meetings are generally held quarterly in the Village Hall. Roads The new Speed Indicator Device (SpID) on Marsh Lane is providing data that shows some vehicles travelling at very high speeds for a 30mph road. The data collected will be analysed and passed on to the Police on a regular basis. Please drive with care around the village. Yvonne Walton - Clerk t: 07485 295 810 e: hambletonpc@yahoo.co.uk fb: Hambleton (Wyre) Parish Council www.hambletonparishcouncil.org.uk

CAT SMITH MP I hope you all had a good Christmas and were able to spend time with those you love and care about. At the time of writing we’re still holding our collective breath over the latest Covid situation. Throughout the pandemic the British people have been required to make big sacrifices to support the national effort against coronavirus. Sacrifices which have impacted on our lives, livelihoods and liberties. Sacrifices which have been necessary to protect ourselves, to protect the ones we love and necessary to protect our NHS – a service contending with winter pressures, a serious backlog, the Delta variant and now the Omicron variant. Confronting these challenges though has been made much harder because we went

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) in to the pandemic with NHS waiting lists at a record 4.5 million. There were 100,000 staff vacancies along with a shortage of 112,000 staff in social care. Now the NHS is locked in a race against time. A race against the fastest variant of Covid we have seen to date. A race to get as many people boosted as quickly as possible. To every NHS worker, every GP, every pharmacist, every public health official and every volunteer – thank you. Thank you for working so hard in the run up to Christmas to administer the booster vaccination – to give as many of us as possible the best protection possible during a period when we’re mixing so closely with those we hold dear. For those of you who’ve cut short your holidays, thank you – and for those of you who are exhausted, thank you. But it’s not enough to just say thank you.

If we demand the health and social care workforce do their duty as professionals, the government must also show greater respect to their professional voice and experience on pay, on conditions and on workload. It’s often said that the NHS runs on goodwill. I’d like to see the government showing greater goodwill in return and to engage with the royal colleges and staff trades unions not just on the plan for vaccine rollout to their members, but on the debate about the future of our health and social care systems and the big workforce challenge. And this should be a partnership. People who work in health and social care do so because they really believe in what they’re doing. They really care. And they have so much to offer if the government will listen to them. No matter what further restrictions might be brought in over the next few weeks, it remains

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CAT SMITH MP (cont) imperative that we all limit our interactions in the workplace, wear face coverings in settings where the virus finds it easiest to spread and take lateral flow tests before we attend large indoor gatherings. The goal in the end must be to learn to live with the virus. That means effective vaccination, anti-viral treatments and public health measures that have a minimal impact on our lives, our jobs and our businesses. Before Christmas I unfortunately had to cancel some visits, including my favourite kind – popping into our nursing and retirement homes. I’m really sorry the health concerns were such that it was too much of a risk to call in. I hope it won’t be long before I get a chance to see you all. These are challenging times to be wishing you a happy 2022 but above all I wish you a new year that is full of hope and happiness.

If there’s anything I can help you with in the coming year then email me or call my office. Cat Smith MP t: 01253 490440 cat.smith.mp@parliament.uk

BEN WALLACE MP I hope you all had a great break over the Christmas period. I have enjoyed spending time with my family and have re-charged my batteries. I believe that one of the positives that has come from the Covid situation is the fact that we all appreciate much more the time spent with friends and family.

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Judging from correspondence from constituents, we also appreciate our outstanding emergency services and armed forces more than we normally would. NHS workers deserve to be highlighted as they continue to do everything possible to combat the Covid pandemic. As I stated in my last article, winter brings many challenges for the NHS and I want to thank all NHS staff for their dedication and professionalism during the continuing difficult situation we find ourselves in. As always, to keep up to date with the latest advice, please go to the government’s website: www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-canand-cannot-do I am delighted to be travelling around the constituency and have recently visited Garstang Community Academy. It was great to be shown around the school by the headteacher, Mr Ashcroft, the deputy headteacher, Ms Royds and a particular pleasure to meet pupils including the school’s head girl and head boy, who were great ambassadors for the school. While it was sometimes difficult for me to get out and about in the community during the current pandemic, it is vital that I do travel throughout the constituency whenever safe and possible. It is also an extremely enjoyable aspect of my role.

With winter truly upon us, some can struggle during extreme conditions. Whether it is travelling or keeping warm in their own homes. For advice and guidance please go to www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter or www. metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-andadvice/seasonal-advice/travel/winter-carkit Some constituents have experienced long waiting times from the DVLA. As a result I have written to them and received the following reply: ‘

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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 MP (cont) We have been working with a significantly reduced number of staff on site to ensure social distancing and we are experiencing significantly increased demand for our services. Previous industrial action has also led to delays and difficulties contacting us by telephone. To help mitigate the impact of delays, digital service enhancements are underway, and we have reconfigured our accommodation to safely maximise the number of staff on site. Additional staff are being recruited and we have secured extra office space in Swansea and Birmingham to house more staff. This will be surge capacity accommodation and resourced to help reduce backlogs while providing future resilience and business continuity.’ My advice is to ensure applications for licences etc are submitted in plenty of time. LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESS SINCE 2008

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Covid Booster Clinics The government is committed to the Covid booster vaccine dose: it helps give longerterm protection against getting seriously ill from the virus. With this in mind, you can now receive your booster at Wyre’s mobile vaccine clinics. These are available to anyone 18 or over that had their second vaccine three months prior. There are warnings that there could be considerable queues at the clinics so please be prepared. It is incredibly important to get the booster vaccine. Please remember anyone of eligible age can drop in to get a first, second or booster dose with no appointment needed. Dates for upcoming clinics are: •

Cleveleys Community Centre, Kensington Road: Thurs 6th, Thurs 13th, Thurs 20th and Thurs 27th Jan

•

Marine Hall, Fleetwood: Wed 12th, Wed 19th and Wed 26th Jan, 1:00pm - 7:00pm

•

The Leisure Centre (sports hall), Windsor Road, Garstang: Sat 8th and Sat 15th Jan, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Keeping in Touch Despite the challenging times, I wish all constituents a happy and healthy 2022. Happy New Year! 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 or write to me at the House of Commons. Ben Wallace MP t: 0207 219 5804 e: wallaceb@parliament.uk a: House of Commons SW1A 0AA

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WYRE COUNCIL Residents Offered Extra Help with Household Fuel Costs this Winter

Wyre’s Community Comes Together to Tackle Climate Change

Wyre Council is working in partnership with Citizens Advice West Lancashire to help residents on low incomes meet the increasing cost of their household fuel bills.

Members of the public, including school children and volunteers, joined Wyre rangers and staff to help plant over 3,000 trees as part of Wyre Council’s pledge to help tackle climate change.

Residents who are struggling to pay their gas and/or electricity bills and are on a low income can apply for help from the council’s Household Support Fund. The funding comes from Government’s Household Support Fund, which has been established to help residents on low incomes with the essentials over winter. A total of £500m has been given to councils in England to help residents as the country continues to recover from the pandemic. Councillor Michael Vincent, Deputy Leader of Wyre Council and Portfolio Holder for Resources, commented, ‘We recognise that winter is a difficult time for many, with dropping temperatures and the rising price of gas and electricity. ‘This time of year can be incredibly stressful, so to help, we’re delivering support with household fuel costs and I would encourage residents to apply today.’ In order to benefit from the support residents must meet a set of eligibility criteria and will be required to provide proof of their financial circumstances. Applications for the support are now open. All applications will be processed in order of date received. To apply, visit: www.wyre.gov.uk/householdsupport

Taking place during National Tree Week, the council has been inviting members of the public to help plant over 3,000 trees to create woodlands and hedgerows. Wyre Council declared a climate emergency in July 2019 and have since been working to reduce the council’s emissions by at least 78% by 2035. To help achieve this, the council is working with the Woodland Trust to create 10 hectares of native woodland and hedgerows across its open spaces by 2025. Pupils from St John’s Primary School in

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Poulton and members of the public joined in to help plant a variety of tree species including hazel, hawthorn, bird cherry and dog rose. Councillor Simon Bridge, Portfolio Holder for Parks and Open Spaces, commented, ‘It was amazing to see members of the public join our staff and rangers. ‘I was especially impressed with the pupils from St John’s Primary School who already knew so much about the importance of trees and got stuck in with the planting.’ To find out more on how the council plans to tackle climate change in the borough, visit www.wyre.gov.uk/climatechange Get Out & About this January Start the year with our wonderful rangers and community groups by taking part in January’s outdoor activities. There’s plenty to do, including:

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WYRE COUNCIL (cont)

•

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Beach cleans

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Our winter gardening club

•

Walking Wyre sessions (formerly health walks) and more challenging ‘legstretchers’

•

Conservation days

•

Bird watching, plus the Big Garden Birdwatch

•

Scientist in residence workshops at The Mount

Most of our activities are free, some have a small charge and many you can now just turnup to join. See our activities listings for more information and how to book. All activities will be subject to the latest government Covid guidance. www.wyre.gov.uk

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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB A warm welcome to everyone and can we wish you a happy (and better) New Year. Where has the time gone? Having written this article in early Dec, readers will by now will hopefully have had all their Christmas festivities which we were allowed. I hope we all got what we deserved! In December, we began with our competition, the topic of which was ‘environment’. The judge was Daryl Giles who gave us a good insight as to why the prints and images on display just failed to get into the prize section.

We can learn from these critiques to benefit our future entries. Also in December, we were treated to ‘Lake District Moods’ by Carmen Norman. You can view the competition results by logging on to our website. The Christmas social was held on Tues 14th Dec which took the form of a meal along with the usual quiz. Our thanks to all who were involved in the organising. Well done. It is always very much appreciated. Programme for January •

Wed 5th Jan: Photographing the North West by Lee Metcalfe

•

Wed 12th Jan: Competition, ‘Creatures of the World’ judged by Harry Emmett.

•

Wed Jan 19th: the Junction 36 Battle and workshop. Seven photographs in seven days.

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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB (cont)

IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER

humanity competition on Wed 2nd Feb which will be judged by Jim Cunningham.

I occasionally stray away from natural health topics into broader topics to do with the health of our community. This month has brought me back to such matters as I see yet another bank abandon our high street.

I am hopeful that despite the invasion of this new strain of the virus we will still be able to continue with what has been an excellent start of our ‘21/’22 programme. Unfortunately, I failed to find a crystal ball in my stocking! Maurice Barker www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk

PILLING HISTORICAL SOCIETY Tues 11th Jan, 7:30pm Pilling Methodist Church Meeting Room Deborah Contessa is speaker for our January meeting. Her talk is entitled ‘A Grave Affair’. She will talk about the information that can be found on memorial stones.

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HARMONY & HEALTH Have you lost your voice? Make 2022 the year when you rediscover the joy and health benefits of singing at the following locations: Garstang Monday afternoons throughout the year from 2:00pm - 3:15pm at the United Reformed Church Hall, Croston Rd. £2.00 per session to include tea/coffee and biscuits. Hambleton Tuesday afternoons throughout the year from 2:00pm - 3:15pm at Hambleton Village Hall, Marsh Lane. £2.00 per session to include tea/coffee and biscuits. We extend a warm welcome to all. Ann Cameron t: 07966 126 999 e: ann.cameron@mac.com Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER (cont) contactless payments will increase to £100 as cash disappears from our lives leaving us utterly beholden to surveillance, being monitored and our spending habits being sold onto corporations to manipulate us into more debt and buying things we never even knew we needed. The banks continue to make epic profits whilst they effectively tell us they are not interested in our community, just our money. Their drive seems to be to turn us all into indebted citizens who can only access banking via a computer screen. Not a word is said by those in charge as we are left high and dry by their retreat, another gap on the high street and one less reason to come into town and connect with each other.

People frequently come into my shop and ask for advice or take pictures of products then go away and buy them online. I know this happens in other independent stores too.

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Cash machines are disappearing, banking service is fading and all that is left is a boarded up hole in the wall. Meanwhile the

The desire to extract maximum profits whilst delivering pitiful service is a race to the bottom I’m afraid. There will come a day when our determination to get the cheapest of anything we can will mean a dead high street, no service and faceless online shopping for us all. Now Garstang has lost Seeds and Nicksons in the blink of an eye. Truly this is a local catastrophe but no one appears in any way bothered by this.

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IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER (cont) It’s very disheartening and astoundingly rude. Which brings us back to the old chestnut of ‘convenience’, the trap that we are all becoming ensnared in without realising the true cost. Using the notion that touching cash might make you ill we are stepping into uncertain times as by this time next year we may well see the roll out of a digital currency in this country and across the world. I’ll discuss the implications for the loss of cash another day. Our high street is dying. It is increasingly difficult to buy basics in Garstang without going to a supermarket. There is a huge retail space on what was once our car park that has rental costs that will mean it will be a miracle if an independent store can setup successfully there. As Amazon has seen a whopping 27% increase in profits every quarter in the last two years it is no coincidence that the high street has seen a similar drop in sales. I implore you all to become more conscious of the shopping choices you make because the very health of our community depends upon what you choose. Perhaps it is time for the local population to step up and take back our destiny? My vision would include setting up a local community bank, please have a look at www. valhallanetwork.io for a group who can help this become reality. And would it not be great if we retook our local council and steered it away from bickering politics and inertia and into something dynamic and imaginative that can bring vim and vigour back to our town? Please look at www.flatpack2021.co.uk for some inspiration. It is not too late to create an inspiring vision and reality for our lovely town. Shall we begin? Nick Tofalos BSc (Hons) Osteopathy t: 01995 602833

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CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG

Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund December was a delightfully busy, colourful, and engaging month though, on occasion, intensely sad as final goodbyes were said to several loyal friends and supporters. We cannot thank everyone enough for their kindness in thinking of others at a difficult time and for generous help and support from many in ways both great and small and from far and near. Sales at the Christmas pop-up shop, the toy fair and the craft fair at Garstang Art Centre, a kind gift from the Churchtown Bloomers stall at Kirkland Memorial Hall, donations for Trisha’s exquisite and unique painted pebbles at Stairhaven in Galloway and from Garstang Psychic Club’s Christmas event, gifts online from Portsmouth and in person and thoughtful ‘in memorium’ tributes graciously given in lieu of flowers for lost loved ones all came together and added an incredible £2,600 towards screening young people. The festive season also saw many of you buying CRY Christmas cards and calendars or donating through the clothing bank. We’ll let you know how these have helped in future issues of Focus Magazine. Well done to those who support us through the lottery - www.wyrelottery.co.uk/ support/cry-the-matthew-hesmondhalghmemorial-fund It raised over £400 throughout the year. It really is a wonderful way to show your support on a regular basis and was so lovely that a couple more of our devotees had little wins just prior to Christmas too!

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CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG (cont) CRY Screening - Sat 5th & Sun 6th Feb At the time of writing, our next screening is entirely filled for the Saturday, though places currently remain available for Sun 6th Feb. Should all appointments be full by the time you try to book please go to www. testmyheart.org and register your interest in screening. CRY will then inform you by email when places become available in the north west. Fundraising is a valuable activity that keeps these CRY screening events at Garstang taking place each year and we greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts to help us do this. As you can see from this editorial, backing comes from many friends, family and fantastic followers all over the country and without these funds donated and gathered by the many generous fundraisers Matt’s fund would not have been able to hold the 17 days

of screening and saved the many lives that together we have so far. Thank you one and all. If you would like to hold an event in memory of Matt and would like support just get in touch, we’d love to help where we can. Looking forward to what 2022 brings!    Paula Hesmondhalgh t: 07785 106 976 e: paulahez.ph@gmail.com fb: @The Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund

SSRA Stalmine with Staynall Residents’ Association We wish all readers a happy New Year and all the very best for 2022. At this stage, we are uncertain about our Easter events; the

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SSRA (cont) Treasure Hunt and Easter bonnet competition, for children and families. We must wait for any guidelines and possible restrictions. We have several thanks and acknowledgements to report. Many thanks and congratulations go to our parish council and in particular Councillor Morton for their successful submission against the second application for two large care homes and even more new housing in our village. Thanks also go to all residents who objected and registered their views. Our thanks go to Duncan McDonald at Goosefoot Christmas tree farm for giving the SSRA Christmas tree to Stalmine this year. Thanks also go to Mark Heardman for organising it for us and to Gary Coleman for once again sorting the lovely lighting. The next SSRA meeting is on Wed 12th Jan, 7:00pm at the Seven Stars. For further information on any SSRA details please use any of the following contacts: Jill Coleman 07733 890774, Pauline Andrews 07808 058 097, Ann Ralph 07713 852 639, Peter Swarbrick 01253 702675, or view or use our Facebook page and Stalmine Chat. Pauline Andrews

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GARSTANG & DISTRICT LIONS Donations Our club has again provided a significant sum of money to buy some Christmas gifts for distribution by the Fylde Women’s Aid. These were delivered to their offices in Blackpool in December. Our thanks go to those Lions who helped with both the selection and delivery of these welcome presents. A special thank you must go to B and S supplies for their generous support and providing additional cosmetics,

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GARSTANG & DISTRICT LIONS (cont) toys etc for us to take. Fylde Women’s Aid have a continued need for new clothing items (babies, small children or ladies), new toys, new cosmetics or new toiletries. Our support is ongoing with our collection point being the Resources Centre (old Liberal Club on Bridge Street).

presents to all of the residents and the staff. This year this has included the addition of members of Choir 1 who sang a medley of carols. The residential homes involved were Abbeyfield, Cornmill, Oaklands, Catterall House, Bowgreave Rise and Bowerswood House.

Events & Activities

The annual and ever-popular tractor race was held on Mon 27th Dec and also saw strong involvement from our Lions group.

December has been a busy month with members of the club assisting in parking the cars of entrants and officials at the Garstang Running Club at Myerscough College in December to allow their annual ten mile run to take place. On the same day other members helped with the road closures for the annual Garstang Santa Dash and Oaklands Care Home’s own version of this event. Also in December Santa and his elves visited six of our local care homes to deliver

The first event planned for 2022 is the annual Garstang 10k Road Race on Sun 9th Jan starting at Garstang Academy. We will be assisting with the parking of cars for entrants and officials. Memory Café This is organised separately by Lion, Sandra Perkins but with the full support of the club and with several other members acting as either trustees or helpers. It provides support

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GARSTANG & DISTRICT LIONS (cont) and advice for those experiencing dementia (in any form) and their carers - with a wide variety of highly social and entertaining activities being provided. General Our club continues to grow but if you are interested in joining then you would be made most welcome. Further information is available on the website. Alternatively, speak to any member about what we do or come along to our regular meetings held on the third Tuesday of the month in the Royal Oak at 8:00pm. The group have returned to having their regular meetings on the first Monday (2:00pm to 4:00pm) and third Wednesday (10:00am to noon) of each month. Two meetings have been held in December, one with a musical theme and the other a Christmas theme with food at our new venue o We als ton s in g lo ly supp logs & ets of bags, n ﬁregrates g, kindlin h more m & uc

of the Free Methodist Church Hall. The next meeting is on Wed 19th Jan at 10:00am. Our best wishes to all for a happy New Year from both the Garstang and District Lions Club and members of the Memory Café. Chris Wilkinson www.garstanglions.co.uk

GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE Open Art Competition/Exhibition Entries for the competition will be received on Sat 8th Jan and judged the following day by local artist and art teacher Graham Lowe. The exhibition will be open to the public on Wed 11th Jan and presentation of prizes by Graham will take place on Sat 15th Jan at 11:00am in the Arts Centre. All the entries are for sale - an opportunity to

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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) purchase an original piece of art. We hope you will come and support this ever popular competition and exhibition. Sheila Tearle 01995 603816. Garstang Ukulele Group A Ukulele New Year All week long I lie In my cushioned case, Sometimes sweating by the radiator, My strings stretching. He played me on Sunday. The hall was cold with The draught of Covid security Blowing along my fretboard. It’s been two weeks since he Left me for his seasonal festivities, Not even inviting me To join their carol singing.

I am the neglected ukulele, Used only once a week by An ageing and arthritic man who Forgets me by Monday. Play me more often, Let me sing with my soul, Let me ring the air each day and Don’t neglect your ukulele. www.garstangukulelegroup.co.uk Poetry Group We hope you all had a good Christmas. Our first Poetry session of 2022 will be on Fri 28th Jan at 2:00pm. The topic is poems by poets whose names begin with X, Y or Z. That will give us all food for thought! We look forward to seeing you all and welcome any new comers to our friendly and entertaining meetings. Best wishes for the New Year. Marie Whalley

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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) Songbirds Can you believe we are at the start of a new year. Songbirds resumed in 2022 on Mon 3rd Jan when subscriptions to the Art Centre were due. We look forward to seeing you all enjoying our love of music and singing. Let us hope we will be able to continue throughout the year. In the meantime every good wish for a happy and, most of all, healthy New Year to all. Avril Bevan 01995 602904 Garstang Musical Productions We thoroughly enjoyed performing again at the Arts Centre and would like to thank everyone who came to watch. We also held performances at Pilling and Scorton which were well received. So, looking to 2022, we hope to continue to rehearse for our exciting new project coming in March. Rebecca Sudell 07985 372234 Book Club Happy New Year everybody. We are looking forward to sharing some good reads in 2022. At our December meeting we reviewed Mike Gayle’s book ‘All the Lonely People’ in addition to some mince pies and mulled wine! Our next meeting is on Tues 11th Jan when the recommended book is ‘600 Hours of Edward’ by Craig Lancaster. Edward is a boy with autism and the book is about 600 hours of his life documented in his journal. We’ll also be looking for recommendations from the group of their best Christmas read!. Linda 07795 064 266 or Sandra 01995 603436. Scrabble Group The Scrabble Group meet on Tuesday afternoons at the Arts Centre 2:00pm to 3:30pm. Everyone welcome. Jean Mavin 07501 704 385 Needlework Group We meet in the Arts Centre on Wednesday

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GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE (cont) mornings from 10:00am to 12 noon. If you enjoy knitting, crochet, embroidery, patchwork, applique or would like to learn, do come and join this friendly, helpful group. Judy Osborne 01995 600996 facebook: artcentre.garstang twitter: ArtsGarstang www.garstangartssociety.org.uk

SOROPTIMISTS Women Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives We hope everyone is well and that you all enjoyed the festive break as much as was possible under the circumstances. 2021 was another very strange year, but we did eventually manage to get back to our regular monthly meetings in person this time.

Starts again 4th Jan 2022

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

ST. OSWALD’S, PREESALL Monday 10.00 - 11.00am: Movement to Music Tuesday 6.30 - 7.30pm: Body Tone/Cardio Thursday 10.00 - 11.00am: Movement/Tone & Chair Exercises

HAMBLETON URC Friday 10.00 - 11.00am: Movement & Chair Exercises £4.50 A CLASS OR £35 FOR 10 BRING WATER & TOWEL OR MAT

16 Days of Activism 2022 December was again a little quieter than usual for us as Soroptimists without the hustle bustle of parched peas at the Victorian Festival, but one piece of work we managed to achieve was to draw attention to the issues of gender-based violence during the annual 16 Days of Activism which took place between Thurs 25th Nov and Fri 10th Dec. Perhaps you spotted one of our Facebook posts on the subject? Looking Back over the Year Despite the restrictions and the worries over Covid, we have had an amazing 12 months as a club: We have welcomed a range of speakers - thought provoking, inspiring and some humorous - to our meetings either by Zoom or in person, including Derian House Children’s Hospice, Beyond FGM, local business women Dawn Cheetham and Marion Flaherty, Cancer Research Northwest, and Nicholas Hill (‘a lifetime in the News’). We held a virtual social meeting with our friends from Wakefield, and even managed a yoga lesson via Zoom. We had a socially distanced outing to Gresgarth Hall, held a garden party featuring 100 afternoon delights as part of our celebrations for the centenary of Soroptimism, organised a plant sale and had a coffee evening in the home of one of our new members. And a special mention to the wonderful Christmas meal at the Royal Oak! We finished fundraising for our 2019-20 charity Derian House, and we were able to send them £1,420 for their valuable work.

Contact Rosina Lawrinson-Chettoe (MA Cert. Ed) We then started work for our charity for 2020Fully qualiﬁed & insured 21 which was chosen after we listened to 01253 810467 / 07986 248173 our speaker in March from Beyond FGM. gnome1962@talktalk.net We set ourselves the target of raising

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) £1,000 to provide 100 dignity packs through AfriReuse. Well, we certainly managed that one! Everyone has been working hard in lots of different ways, including the amazing 100-mile relay in September, and so we have smashed the target already. An interim payment has been sent off to allow 100 women and girls to receive their packs as soon as possible, and we will carry on fundraising until the end of the club year in March before making a final payment. As well as fundraising, we have worked hard in different ways to support those in need: collecting donations for food banks, knitting trauma bears and collecting clothing for refugees, taking part in cards for kindness and collecting used postage stamps for the RNIB (don’t forget to drop yours off in one of our collection boxes in Best Wishes, the Visit Garstang Information Centre, the Arts Centre and the Market Hall).

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And from the comfort of our own computers/ tablets we have celebrated the Soroptimist’s presence at COP26, a mark of the recognition of the role Soroptimism plays in national and international campaigning, as well as promoting and signing a number of online petitions on topics ranging from the reduction of plastic in supermarket packaging to the protection of vital wetlands. Phew, we earned our Christmas break, but we can’t finish without saying a huge warm welcome to the six new members who have all joined us during 2021 – Fiona, Louise, Pamela, Angela, Yvonne and Rosemary. It’s great to have you on board. What next ….? The next meeting is on Wed 12th Jan, 6:30pm at Garstang Golf Club when we’ll be reviewing and planning for more activity. And on Wed 26th Jan we will be joined via Zoom

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont)

PREESALL FIRE STATION

by Mary Storrie of the Rosie May Foundation who be updating us on the work of the Think Pink Sri Lanka campaign and telling us about our TukTuk.

Welcome to our eighth editorial where we give you and insight into your community fire station.

Don’t forget to keep checking our Facebook page for fuller, regular reports on what we’re up to.

Have you Made a New Year’s Resolution yet?

So, don’t be shy, get in touch and be part of this vibrant club and help other women and girls whilst making lifelong friends. 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 and enjoy friendship. t: (01995) 606604 (Muriel Burnham-Airey) facebook: SoroptimistsGarstang twitter: GarstangSoropt www.sigarstang.org.uk

New year! New challenge! Support your local community, keep fit and earn an additional income... Lancashire Fire and Rescue needs unique, diverse individuals to be trained to respond to incidents in your local area. Come to our open day on Sat 15th & Sun 16th Jan, 12 noon to 5:00pm to see if you have what it takes to be an on-call firefighter. The crew will be there to offer any advice and talk honestly about what is expected. You’ll also get to practice some of the entry tests Recently the crew have been to road traffic collisions, cooking fires, outbuilding fires and

JOB OPPORTUNITY Registered Nurse (RGN) Complex Nursing Care & Support at Home A rare opportunity to oﬀer one-on-one support to our daughter.

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For an initial informal discussion please contact Colin McLean on 07877 554258 or email ColinCMclean@gmail.com

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PREESALL FIRE STATION (cont) assisted Northwest Ambulance Service by gaining entry in to property where needed. All members of the crew live or work within five mins of the fire station and respond immediately when their pager sounds. To learn more or apply, visit our website. Sarah Holden e: sarahholden@lancsfirerescue.org.uk fb: @preesallfire www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/careers

MOON CHARITABLE TRUST This Charitable Trust was set up by Mrs Edith Moon who lived in Lancaster Road, Pilling. Articles in Focus Magazine in previous years have invited grant applications from local charities and the trustees have made a further thirty awards last year to local charities in the Pilling and surrounding areas. In a few months’ time, the trustees will

be considering making a further round of grants from the charity. Applications for grants are invited now, therefore, from Pilling, Knott End, Stalmine, Preesall, Hambleton and surrounding areas, from local charitable groups. Previous applicants will be considered and applicants do not need to be registered charities as long as their objectives are of a charitable nature. Grants will generally be between £500 and £1,000, though larger sums may be awarded in suitable cases. Application should be made to the correspondent of the charity requesting a grant application form. The application form should be completed and returned by Fri 15th April 2022. Sue Walker t: 01253 684575 a: Linder Myers Solicitors, 21-23 Park Street, Lytham FY8 5LU

GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 67) 1 In which city would you find the Gorbals? 2 Which Tropic runs through Botswana and Mozambique?

Namibia,

3 Who founded the first US detective agency in 1850? 4 What type of animal is a macaque? 5 What is the name of the Professor in the game ‘Cluedo’? 6 Of which Dickens novel is Pip the central character? 7 How many yards in a furlong? 8 Who played Baldrick in the Blackadder comedy series? 9 On which metallic element does verdigris form? 10 Who was the first woman MP to sit in the House of Commons? 11 What was the name of Dorothy’s dog in the Wizard of Oz?

12 According to Paul Simon, how many ways are there to leave your lover? 13 Baffin Bay lies between Canada and which other country? 14 What was Robert Burns’ “wee sleekit, cow’rin’ tim’rous beastie”? 15 What is the capital of Austria? 16 Whose book of Household Management was published in parts from 1859-60? 17 Which hill in Paris is the gathering point for artists and portrait painters? 18 Who is the patron saint of travellers? 19 Who wrote the Enigma Variations? 20 Who were given to the destruction of new technology in the Industrial Revolution?

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Wills Month February 2022

Get started today! Register at sjhospice.org.uk/willsmonth Wills Month is your chance to easily arrange your Will. Our partner solicitors will waive their fee in exchange for a voluntary donation to St John’s Hospice. It’s simple Choose a solicitor Choose who benefits Support your Hospice!

Make a resolution that matters Text WILLS plus your name and address to 78900 for a free information pack Or visit sjhospice.org.uk/willsmonth

Your Will can help secure our future.

Make sure your Will is in place for the ones you love Text messages cost your standard rate. St John’s Hospice North Lancashire and South Lakes is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England with charity number 1157030

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NORTH FYLDE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOC NFPS is continuing to run it’s 2021-22 season using both Zoom and their new venue, The Church of St Martin and St Hilda Fleetwood Road, Carleton FY6 7LS. January Programme •

Tues 11th Jan - Members Night. ‘Aircraft Photography’ with Andy Wilson and ‘Beautiful Places and Faces’ with Clare Trewick

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Tues 18th Jan - PDI Competition: ‘The Knock Out’ competition

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Tues 25th Jan - L&CPU PDI FOLIO: A Chance to see some of the best images from L&CPU comps in 2021

Join our club, check our programme some nights we might be in our club OR on zoom! We will have visiting lectures as well, we will also have talks and “how to do things” on your photography. There will be outings for the club. Details will

be posted to our Facebook page. Neil Pascoe t: (01253) 734243 fb: North Fylde Photographic Society www.northfylde-ps.co.uk

THE INNER WHEEL The Inner Wheel Club of Garstang and Over Wyre president, Mary Bolland and the club wish all the residents of Garstang and the surrounding areas good health for 2022. We look forward to next year full of optimism and more fundraising for local and international causes. A big thank you to all of you for your support and we know we can count on you in the future. Mary Mason e: marytmason@icloud.com

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LANCS VOLUNTEER PARTNERSHIP My name is Mark Trent and I am the Wyre volunteer officer from the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership, a public sector service which operates throughout Lancashire. Do you have a spare hour once a week to volunteer your time to speak to someone in your local community as a telephone befriender? If you can then I would love to hear from you so I can explain how we work in more detail. There are lots of people feeling lonely and isolated who are referred to our service and would like someone to talk to. If interested, please phone me between 8:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday or e-mail me. The Lancashire Volunteer Partnership aims to make volunteering for public services rewarding and to provide opportunities for people to make a real difference in their local communities. Mark Trent t: 01772 416417 m: 07887 831672 e: mark.trent@lancashire.gov.uk www.lancsvp.org.uk

world’s most performed, recorded and broadcast living composers. Famous for composing ‘Wherever You Are’ (the Military Wives Song), he also wrote the beautiful rendition of Ubi Caritas composed for the

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LANCASTER SINGERS

Sat 19th Mar, 7:30pm Lenten Concert at The Priory, Lancaster Mealor: ‘Crucifixus’ Rheinberger: ‘Mass in E Flat Major’ It’s almost two years to the day when our performance of the Crucifixus was postponed due to Covid, so we’re thrilled to be performing it at last. In 2020, Paul Mealor became one of the Tell them you saw it in the “Green Book”

LANCASTER SINGERS (cont) wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton. Tonight we will be performing ‘Crucifixus’, a beautiful example of Mealor’s contemporary harmonic and rhythmic music. Josef Gabriel Rheinberger (1839-1901) wrote

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eighteen mass compositions. This concert’s Opus 109 in E Flat Major is considered distinctive and echoes the compositional style of early Renaissance composers, being written a cappella for a double choir. Deceptively simple, the music peels back the centuries and takes us back to the exquisite harmonies of an earlier age. We hope you’ll be able to join us at the Priory in Lancaster to hear this wonderful music. Tickets £12. Available from our website, on the door or call 07956 115 126 Lancaster Singers, an auditioned choir, was formed almost 50 years ago. Under the baton of our current, dynamic Director, Duncan Lloyd, we give five or six concerts a year in venues ranging from tiny village churches to large concert halls. The repertoire is eclectic - from early renaissance music to the very latest compositions by some of the world’s greatest living choral composers.

SUDOKU (ans page 66) The object of sudoku puzzles is simple; fill the blank squares, using all the numbers 1–9 exactly once in each row, column, and the nine 3 × 3 subgrids. Good luck!

4 2 9

5 7

1 5

2 3

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9 6

LANCASTER SINGERS (cont) We rehearse during term times at Lancaster University. We also have some great social events during the year. If you’re looking to join a modern, vibrant, and accomplished choir, why not come along to a couple of rehearsals after Easter and check us out? In the first instance, email Sarah at welcome@ lancastersingers.org or call 07929 031 466.

to stay open into the early hours with licencing hours extended from 11:00am to 1:00am. Here’s a handy guide to all the bank holidays the nation will enjoy this coming year. •

Good Friday – Fri 15th April

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Easter Monday – Mon 18th April

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Chris Haughton e: chair@lancastersingers.org

Early May Bank Holiday – Mon 2nd May

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Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Thurs 2nd & Fri 3rd June

BANK HOLIDAYS 2022

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August Bank Holiday – Mon 29th Aug

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Christmas Day – Mon 26th Dec (substitute day)

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Boxing Day – Thurs 27th Dec (substitute day)

For all ticket enquiries, call 07956 115 126.

This year, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British monarch to reach a platinum jubilee marking seventy years of service. To celebrate, there will be a four-day bank holiday in June and pubs will will be allowed

CROSSWORD (ans page 67)

www.lancashire.gov.uk Across 1 Small computer; pill (6) 7 Merge; combine (5) 8 Potion; special medicine (6) 9 Whip lightly; swish (5) 12 Halt to hostilities (5) 13 Unadventurous (5) 14 African dog-like scavenger (5) 17 Fools; swindles (6) 18 Large musical instrument (5) 19 Oodles; more than enough (6) Down 2 Reaction to peanuts & other food (7) 3 Dictionary; word list (7) 4 Grassy area; sod (4) 5 Car or skirt? (4) 6 Tropical hardwood (4) 10 Web; trellis (7) 11 Test sport (7) 14 Pelvis; fruit of wild roses (4) 15 Panache; flair (4) 16 Upon; over (4)

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PREESALL TOWN COUNCIL The Star Award The Council has decided to make an award for those who do ‘unsung’ work within the community, whether that be volunteering, helping or keeping things running. If you know of a stalwart helper, group, community volunteer or someone you admire for their work in the community – let us know. More details of the award and a nomination form can be found on the Council’s website under the ‘information’ tab or from the clerk at the address below.

on Lancaster Road, from 7:00pm. This is a public meeting and residents are welcome. An opportunity to raise matters is available. Alison May - Clerk e: clerk@preesalltowncouncil.org t: 07739 868212 www.preesalltowncouncil.org

STALMINE / STAYNALL COUNCIL Parish Wood

Nominations will be accepted up to Thurs 31 Mar and judging will take place in April, with any Star Award recipient being invited to a presentation at the council’s mayor making ceremony in May.

Tree felling work is scheduled to commence in early January, weather permitting. The public is reminded that notices will be placed in the wood prohibiting public access and that they should follow the instructions provided by the tree surgeons.

Next Meeting

Planters & Beds

Preesall Town Council will meet next on Mon 10th Jan at the Youth and Community Centre

The boat adjacent to the A588 has been planted with winter flowering pansies.

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STALMINE / STAYNALL (cont) Brickhouse Lane, t: (01253) 700750;

Signage Additional signage identifying the route of the Wyre Way near The Heads has been put in place.

•

New ‘arms’ indicating the mileage to Lancaster and Preesall have been installed at the junction of Moss Side Lane and the junction with Back Lane adjacent to the A588.

Get in Touch

Stalmine-with-Staynall Councillors

Cllr Jean Wilson, Premium Farm Cottage, Sower Carr Lane, t: (01253) 701119.

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

•

Cllr Terry Williams (Chairman), By The Way, Brickhouse Lane, t: (01253) 702734;

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Cllr D Booth, Wardleys Cottage, Wardleys Lane, t: (01253) 701711;

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Cllr F Cardwell, Meadow Cottage, Carr Lane, t: (01253) 700150;

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Cllr A Morton, 1&2 Porters Row, Smithy Lane, t: (01253) 702156;

The Old Year certainly went out with a Bang in Garstang, as we saw the Garstang Flood Water Basin in full operation filling up very quickly when both doors fully up after extensive maintenance during the year.

•

Cllr Sue Pelham, Eldersfield,

The excess water from the River Wyre soon

WYRE FLOOD FORUM

FOCUS MAGAZINE

2022 Deadline Dates Issue

Deadline Date

Delivery Starts

February

17/01/2022

27/01/2022

March

14/02/2022

24/02/2022

April

14/03/2022

24/03/2022

May

18/04/2022

28/04/2022

June

16/05/2022

26/05/2022

July

13/06/2022

23/06/2022

August

18/07/2022

28/07/2022

September

15/08/2022

25/08/2022

October

12/09/2022

22/09/2022

November

17/10/2022

27/10/2022

December

14/11/2022

24/11/2022

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

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) built up to form a lake on the double rugby pitches and more extensively over adjoining agricultural land. The purpose of closing the flood basin gates is to protect settlements such as Churchtown and St Michaels downstream and this they certainly did. A Garstang Councillor, Michael Halford was fortunately on hand to take a photograph with wide angle lens which he posted on Facebook which graphically showed with revolving lens the full extent of the basin. It is an important record and will be added to a library of pictures being collated to demonstrate the impact of heavy rainfall. Two other areas were severely affected. The dip where Lancaster Road and High street join is often underwater in heavy rain and the end of December was no exception. Again, photographs of rising waters blocking the main artery to Garstang from the North with

diversion signs in place were posted on social media although there was much criticism of our local authorities for the actual placing of the signs which did not give enough warning of the closure meaning that drivers had to reverse or execute three point turns in busy circumstances. To add to driver’s woes, the route into Garstang from the Rural West of Wyre was submerged between C&C and the Bowers. It is a stretch of a hundred yards or so and is impossible to pass except in a high SuV. Several intrepid drivers in normal saloons took risk of flooded engines in their hands and ploughed through regardless. Some paid the penalty. This stretch plus Lancaster Road will be the subject of further enquiry to see how it is that after years of experience flooding still occurs to the significant inconvenience of residents and those using the road network for their employment. Local councillors must now press for a full explanation. We see events repeating themselves countless times such as sewage on the A586 and Rawcliffe Road at St Michaels. Another spillage in the week commencing 13 December caused emergency traffic lights to be erected at night and heavy vehicles belonging to United Utilities with hi viz clad men digging away in the centre of the village to resolve matters. Your scribe experienced the action on two occasions on a visit to Poulton. It was also an occasion to see the A586 full of surface water at Whites Bridge watercourse just before White House Lane. The Environment Agency have declared that they will establish the cause. No wonder that I am beginning to think we have been here before. Constructive proposals continue to come forth from FLAGS, flood action groups, and space does not allow for reports from them all but here is a taste of activity in Preesall;

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) Preesall FLAG Reflecting back in 2021, there have been fewer instances of flooding compared to 2020 but never the less the times when the water draining off Preesall Hill via the road and also across the fields are still of concern. Speedy response from residents in placing sand bags, barriers and road warning signs prevented water from entering properties until WBC installed the pump to reduce the water levels. A topographical survey of the hill has now been completed which is the first step in creating a wetland scheme which will slow down the water flow off the hill, particularly now that Sandy Lane adjacent to Sunnyside is also flooded during downpours. There have been other instances of flooding across Preesall/ Knott End area, all of which have now been brought to the attention of the Flood Forum .

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) Many thanks to the support offered by the relevant agencies for their immediate response and also for planning longer term to find permanent solutions. It might be appropriate to add that an on going concern is that despite flood warning signage authorised by WBC and the police, drivers still drive through, often at speed which causes bow waves over the sand bags and door steps. Reporting Flood Issues I would urge you all to keep your eyes and ears open and report to the agencies and or your local councillors any event that you witness so we might one day begin the fight back. Take a walk along the River at Garstang, Churchtown, St Michaels or as we did over the break at the beginning of the story at the Marshaw and Tarnbrook Wyre at Abbeystead and give your suggestions as to how we might tame this short stretch of the Wyre. Cllr Roger Brooks

SUDOKU ANSWERS 2

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GREY MATTER ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

1 Glasgow 2 Tropic of Capricorn 3 Allan Pinkerton 4 Monkey 5 Professor Plum 6 Great Expectations 7 220 8 Tony Robinson 9 Copper 10 Nancy Astor 11 Toto 12 50 13 Greenland 14 A Mouse 15 Vienna 16 Mrs Beeton 17 Montmatre 18 St Christopher 19 Edward Elgar 20 Luddites

Down 2 Allergy 3 Lexicon 4 Turf 5 Mini 6 Teak 10 Lattice 11 Cricket 14 Hips 15 Elan 16 Atop

Across 1 Tablet 7 Unite 8 Elixir 9 Flick 12 Truce 13 Staid 14 Hyena 17 Tricks 18 Piano 19 Plenty

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Over Wyre Focus Magazine - January 2022

Articles inside

Moon Charitable Trust

Garstang & District Lions

Preesall Fire Station

SSRA

Cardiac Risk in the Young

Help Beat Cancer

Over Wyre Medical Centre

Wyre Council

Preesall Fleetwoods Charity

Time to Dance

Cat Smith MP

OWSAC

Ben Wallace MP