Over Wyre FOCUS Your Free Monthly Magazine
Knott End ~ Preesall ~ Pilling ~ Stalmine ~ Hambleton April 2020
Issue 245
Coronavirus
Isolate your household Stay at home If you or anyone in your household has a high temperature or a new and continuous cough – even if it’s mild Everyone in your household must stay at home for 14 days and keep away from others. DO NOT go to your GP, hospital or pharmacy. Go to NHS.UK to check your symptoms and follow the specialist medical advice. Only call NHS 111 if you can’t get online or your symptoms worsen. Protect older people and those with existing health conditions by avoiding contact. CORONAVIRUS
Find out how to isolate your household at nhs.uk/coronavirus
PROTECT YOURSELF OTHERS &
THE NHS
Welcome to Focus Magazine... As we go to print with the April edition of Focus Magazine, the world is unrecognizable from the one we knew just a few short weeks ago. Children have left school indefinitely, pubs, restaurants, cafes, cinemas and gyms are closed, supermarket shelves are bare and we’ve been asked to distance ourselves from our loved ones. Compiling this issue of ‘The Green Book’ has given us a stark glimpse into just how destructive the events of the past few weeks have been for the Over Wyre community. Hundreds of events that take place each month have been cancelled and many of the businesses that support Focus Magazine through advertising have closed their doors without knowing if they will open again. But to temper the distress we have felt as we’ve been speaking to event organisers and businesses this month, we’ve seen an amazing community effort start to rise out of the ashes of COVID-19. In this month’s magazine, you won’t find the usual event listings, but you will find uplifting articles from some of our regular contributors, including: details of an amazing community group that has formed to help people struggling whilst isolating; good news from the Soroptimists and a lively tale about ‘Syrup
the Witch’ from the Garstang Ukulele Group! Also, check out some of the new take-away and delivery services that are being offered by local businesses. We felt it was important to include the most recent advice from the Government around the symptoms of COVID-19 and how to self-isolate. You’ll see that some of our regular contributors have also provided very useful information and contact details of organisations that can help you too. However, we’ve also filled the magazine with things to help you through the next few weeks, including a bumper ‘Grey Matter Test’ and crossword and some great suggestions of how to occupy both the body and mind during isolation. Finally, if you don’t have access to the internet or Facebook and need information about where you can get support during the coronavirus crisis, call us on the number below and we will try to direct you to a relevant agency or support group. Do be patient though, with the youngest members of our family suddenly spending much more time at home, you may need to leave an answerphone message!
The Moulton Family
MAY 2020 DEADLINE DATE
The May deadline for editorial and adverts is 5:00pm on Monday 13th April Deliveries of the May edition of Focus Magazine will commence Thursday 23rd April Over Wyre & Garstang Focus Magazines www.focusmags.co.uk | (01253) 813433 | www.facebook.com/focusmags Event Advertising & Editorial: editorial@focusmags.co.uk Business & Commercial Advertising: helen@focusmags.co.uk Postal submissions: Focus Magazine, 132 Highfield Rd, Blackpool, FY4 2HH Cover design by Phil S Clarkson | Printed by Moulton Printing | © Focus Magazines 2020 While every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine to ensure accuracy, Focus Magazines cannot be held responsible for editorial content supplied by contributors. Our acceptance of an editorial item or an advertisement does not necessarily indicate our endorsement of the products, services or views contained within it.
EVENT CANCELLATIONS Thank you to all of our contributors who have contacted us to inform us of changes and cancellations to their forthcoming events. Below are details of the cancellations we know of. However, there will be many organisers who have been unable to provide us with details of changes to their events before our print deadline. Because of this, we urge readers to assume all community events and meetings to be cancelled unless you have confirmation from the organiser that it is taking place. Preesall & Knott End Gala We regret to inform you that the Preesall and Knott End Gala committee have taken the decision to cancel this year’s gala day due to coronavirus. Thank you everyone for your support of the Gala and we look forward to 2021 gala day! Preesall & Knott End Gala Committee
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N. Fylde Photographic Society The church authorities have closed the United Reformed Church Hall, Cleveleys until further notice. Regrettably, this brings our club season to a premature end. But we will be in touch soon about future plans! Take good care of yourselves in the meantime. Neil Pascoe - Secretary w: www.northfylde-ps.co.uk Over Wyre Gardening Club Due to the closure of St Bernard’s Hall for the foreseeable future, the April meeting of Over Wyre Gardening Club will not take place. Joyce Wilson (01253) 813 519 Over Wyre Whist & Doms Meetings are cancelled until further notice. Maureen Harper
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EVENT CANCELLATIONS (cont) Mental Health Support Group
Over Wyre Social & Activity Club
The Mental Health Support Group that was held at St Oswald’s Church Hall on the second Wednesday of each month will no longer meet. This is due to a change in personal circumstances for Pauline who ran the meeting. Pauline wishes to thank everyone that has attended over the years.
Due to the current situation with coronavirus, the Over Wyre Social & Activity Club has had to cancel its meeting on Thurs 16th April and all meetings thereafter until we have clearance from the Government to recommence.
Pauline Teague 07583 039 804 e: sisterteague@hotmail.co.uk Pilling Lane WI Because of the present uncertainty it is very difficult to predict which meetings, if any, will go ahead. Anyone wishing to check whether a particular meeting is happening should contact Janet Astley on (01253) 467978 or any member of the committee.
Penny Drabble Stalmine Village Hall Bingo The bingo which takes place on alternate Fridays at Stalmine Village Hall is cancelled due to coronavirus until further notice. David Makinson (01253) 700232 Friends of Trinity Hospice Prize Bingo No bingo at St Oswald’s Church Hall, Preesall on Tues 7th April. Ken Horne (01253) 812947
Janet Astley (01253) 467978
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EVENT CANCELLATIONS (cont) Stalmine Gardening Club Stalmine Gardening Club, which is usually held on the first Thursday of each, month has cancelled all events until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak. David Makinson Parkinson’s UK The Over Wyre branch of Parkinson’s UK have cancelled their meetings for the foreseeable future. Rita Nelson Cabus Players Cabus Players have regretfully decided that they will have to cancel their proposed April production of ‘The Garden Party’ which was due to be performed in April at Cabus Village Hall. Amanda Marriott - Secretary Scorton Bikes & Barrows Festival The popular annual Scorton village Bikes and Barrows Festival planned over the weekend of Sat 2nd and Sun 3rd May is regrettably postponed (but not cancelled) because of the ongoing Covid-19 epidemic. A revised weekend Festival date will be notified once a safe situation is established. Bikes & Barrows Organising Committee Hambleton Parish Council The Clerk has confirmed the following events will no longer take place: • • • • At
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Wed 4th April - Health & Wellbeing Event Thurs 11th June - Wyre Flood Forum Tues 21st April - Hambleton in Bloom Sat 11th April - Hambleton Working Group the time of going to print, the Clerk was
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EVENT CANCELLATIONS (cont) still waiting for guidance regarding Parish Council meetings as these are subject to Legal Regulations. Yvonne Walton - Clerk Walking Wyre All of the usual health walks that take place around Knott End, Carleton, Garstang, Cleveleys, Hambleton and Fleetwood are cancelled. Beryl passes on her apologies but hopes readers will continue to keep exercising on their own. Hambleton Litter Pick The litter pick which usually takes place on the last Thursday of the month is cancelled until further notice. Beryl Hartley Over Wyre Harmony & Health Hello everyone, I am sorry to report that all of our Harmony & Health singing sessions have been suspended following the Government’s guidelines on the management of the Coronavirus. Thank you for your understanding. Ann Cameron Garstang Walking Festival It is with a heavy heart that we have to confirm that, in line with Government advice, the 2020 Garstang Walking Festival has been cancelled. The decision has not been taken lightly and we would like to thank all our loyal customers and volunteers for their support. Your safety is our priority. We hope to be back bigger and better than ever and will publish updates through Focus Magazine as and when they become available. Keith Montgomery
Fleetwood Flyers Walking Football In view of the recent announcements made by the Government regarding further measures to be implemented to tackle coronavirus, we have taken the decision to suspend all our football sessions until further notice. Kevin Clarkson - Chairman Garstang Ladies Speakers Club Garstang Ladies Speakers Club has postponed all meeting for the time being. The club usually meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month from Sept to May so meetings will probably resume after summer. t: (01995) 600539 (Hilary Ormston) e: barleyfold@madasafish.com (Sue Hubbard) w: www.garstangladiesspeakersclub.org Facebook: Garstang Ladies Speakers Club Established over 14 years
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PREESALL & KNOTT END COVID 19
OVER WYRE MEDICAL CENTRE
Coronavirus Help Group
I recognise that COVID-19 is placing a new and increasing challenge on all of us, and this will be an area of concern for you and your families.
A local Covid 19 Help Group for the Preesall and Knott End area has been set up by a team of volunteers. The aim of the group is to help vulnerable people in need in various ways from shopping if self isolating to just having somebody to listen to any worries. The group has quickly built up a large and enthusiastic following of people on Facebook but it is looking for even more volunteers to help reach out to these vulnerable people in our community. If you think you might be able to help, please contact Natasha Wright on (01253) 810628 or email helpPKE@gmail.com for more information or visit their Facebook group at: Preesall & Knott End Covid-19 Help Group Natasha Wright
I would like to reassure you that behind the scenes we have created a robust business continuity plan and we are doing all we can in preparedness which has meant prioritising work to help manage increased pressure on the workforce and have devised an approach to temporarily increase workforce capacity. COVID-19 Advice Please do not book a GP appointment or attend your GP Practice if you have symptoms associated with COVID-19 including a new continuous cough and a high temperature. You are advised to stay at home for 14 days. If your symptoms are serious, or get worse, NHS 111 has an online COVID-19 service that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do.
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OVER WYRE MEDICAL CENTRE (cont) Only call 111 direct if you cannot go online, or are advised to do so by the online service. For the latest COVID-19 advice please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
and needs to prioritise the healthcare needs of patients who are acutely unwell. We hope that you understand the current situation and sorry for any inconvenience.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Requests for Fit Notes (Med3)
Repeat Prescription Service – Reintroduction of the Answering Machine
By law, if you find yourself being off work, medical evidence is not required for the first seven days of sickness. For any period of illness less than seven days you can selfcertify.
At the time of writing it is expected that Her Majesty’s Government will bring in measures to encourage over 70 year olds to self-isolate at home. We realise this restriction on your everyday lives will have profound effects.
In light of the emerging COVID-19 crisis it is likely a vast amount of people will be selfisolating in accordance with advice provided by the Government and Public Health. In these cases, your GP will not be able to issue you a sick note. We expect your employer to be sympathetic towards the circumstances.
Many of our patients order their repeat prescriptions online and for those that do we actively encourage you to continue to do so. However, we do realise that many of our elderly patients do not have access to the internet or a smart phone so we have taken measures to ensure these patients can continue to order their repeat prescriptions.
General Practice is under a lot of pressure
Over Wyre Medical Centre realises that
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OVER WYRE MEDICAL CENTRE (cont) social distancing will mean you will no longer be able to drop your repeat slips into the surgery so to ensure ease of access during these challenging times we will reintroduce the repeat prescription answering machine service with immediate effect and will be available for the next 12 weeks or until selfisolation measures are lifted. It is anticipated that reintroducing an answerphone option widens access for our patients and provides a safety net for medication ordering during this time of crisis. When phoning the Medical Centre please choose the ‘repeat prescription answering machine service’ when prompted to do so. Chronic Disease & Long Term Conditions Hotline Whilst social distancing measures continue to be in place our practice nurses have been dealing with chronic disease management clinics by telephoning their patients. However, at some point it is inevitable our practice nurses will also fall ill and will have to selfisolate themselves. Over Wyre Medical Centre has therefore introduced a ‘chronic disease and long term conditions hotline’ telephone number whereby a practice nurse will be tasked each day to take your calls and provide professional advice with your condition. All General Plumbing Work Repairs - Maintenance Leaks - Bursts Bathroom Installations Tiling - Cladding Guttering Central Heating incl. Unvented
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We envisage this initiative will make the practice more resilient and provide vital access to our patients. When phoning the Medical Centre please choose the ‘chronic disease nurse’ option when prompted to do so. This service will be available for the next 12 weeks or until self-isolation measures are lifted. Stay safe, use your judgement and before you know it we will be into summer and hopefully we will have put this virus to bed and developed our own herd immunity. Thank you for your continued support. John MacPhee - Practice Manager
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CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION The following guidence has been issued by Public Health England on the gov.uk website to help you prepare for isolating due to a possible coronavirus infection. Government Advice on How to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19) The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of a new continuous cough and/or high temperature.
days, contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999. Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds using soap and hot water, particularly after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose, or after being in public areas where other people are doing so. Use hand sanitiser if that’s all you have access to.
If you have these symptoms, however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for 14 days from when your symptoms started.
To reduce the spread of germs when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or your sleeve (not your hands) if you don’t have a tissue, and throw the tissue away immediately. Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitising gel.
You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7
Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces using your regular cleaning products to reduce the risk of passing the
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CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION (cont) infection on to other people.
•
new continuous cough and/or
At the current time and based on our understanding of what is known of COVID-19 and other similar respiratory viruses, it is likely that older people and those with chronic medical conditions may be vulnerable to severe disease. As more information emerges, recommendations may change.
•
high temperature
Things To Help You Prepare Now Make a Plan for Your Household or Family The best thing you can do now is plan for how you can adapt your daily routine, and that of others in your household, to be able to follow this advice. Some of the ways in which you could prepare include: •
talk to your neighbours and family and exchange phone numbers of household contacts
•
consider and plan for those in your home who are considered vulnerable
•
create a contact list with phone numbers of neighbours, schools, employer, chemist, NHS 111
•
set up online shopping accounts if possible
Guidance for Households with a Possible Coronavirus Infection This advice is intended for: •
•
people with symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus, and do not require hospital treatment, who must remain at home until they are well those living in households with someone who shows symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus
Symptoms The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
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For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. Self Isolating It is very important that individuals with symptoms that may be due to coronavirus and their household members stay at home. Staying at home will help control the spread of the virus to friends, the wider community, and particularly the most vulnerable. If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started. (See ending isolation section below for more information) If you live with others and you or one of them have symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill It is likely that people living within a household will infect each other or be infected already. Staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community For anyone in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14 day isolation period (see ending isolation section below for more information). If you can, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period If you cannot move vulnerable people out of your home, stay away from them as much as possible.
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CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION (cont) Whilst Self Isolating You and all household members should remain at home. Do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transport or taxis. If possible, you should not go out even to buy food or other essentials, other than exercise, and in that case at a safe distance from others. If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you will need to ask friends or relatives. Alternatively, you can order medication by phone or online. You can also order your shopping online. Make sure you tell delivery drivers to leave items outside for collection if you order online. The delivery driver should not come into your home. If you are an employee and unable to work due to coronavirus, please refer to guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions to find out about the support that is available to you. Self Care •
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
•
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
•
Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.
•
Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home and consider what can be done for vulnerable people in the household.
•
Ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home
•
Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser Tell them you saw it in the Green Book
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CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION (cont) When to Seek Medical Help If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.
• •
•
Tips for Helping you Self Isolate Staying at home may be difficult and frustrating, but there are things that you can do to help make it easier. These include:
•
• •
•
•
plan ahead and think about what you will need in order to be able to stay at home for the full 7 or 14 days talk to your employer, friends and family to ask for their help to access the things you will need to make your stay at home a success think about and plan how you can get access to food and other supplies such as medications that you will need during this period ask friends or family to drop off anything you need or order supplies online, but make sure these are left outside your home for you to collect make sure that you keep in touch with friends and family over the phone or through social media think about things you can do during your time at home. People who have successfully completed a period of staying at home have kept themselves busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films many people find it helpful to plan out the full 14 days, such as on a make-shift calendar. You may also find it helpful to plan in advance what you will do if, for example, someone in the household were to feel much worse, such as have difficulties breathing when you are feeling better, remember that physical exercise can be good for your wellbeing. Look for online classes or courses that can help you take light exercise in your home
Ending Self Isolation If you have been symptomatic, then you may end your self-isolation after 7 days. The 7-day period starts from the day when you first became ill If living with others, then all household members who remain well may end
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CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION (cont) household-isolation after 14 days. The 14day period starts from the day illness began in the first person to become ill. Fourteen days is the incubation period for coronavirus; people who remain well after 14 days are unlikely to be infectious. After 7 days, if the first person to become ill feels better and no longer has a high temperature, they can return to their normal routine. If any other family members become unwell during the 14-day household-isolation period, they should follow the same advice - that is, after 7 days of their symptoms starting, if they feel better and no longer have a high temperature, they can also return to their normal routine. Should a household member develop coronavirus symptoms late in the 14-day household-isolation period (for example, on day 13 or day 14) the isolation period does not need to be extended, but the person with the new symptoms has to stay at home for 7 days.
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For further accurate and up-to-date information about coronavirus (COVID-19), please see: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronaviruscovid-19/ www.111.nhs.uk www.gov.uk/coronavirus
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SICK NOTES FOR COVID-19 behalf of someone else.
Need a sick note for COVID-19? Here’s what you need to do People unable to work for more than seven days because of COVID-19 can obtain an isolation note through a new online service. Isolation notes will provide employees with evidence for their employers that they have been advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19, either because they have symptoms or they live with someone who has symptoms, and so cannot work. As isolation notes can be obtained without contacting a doctor, this will reduce the pressure on GP surgeries and prevent people needing to leave their homes. For the first seven days off work, employees can self-certify so they don’t need any evidence for their employer. After that, employers may ask for evidence of sickness absence. Where this is related to having symptoms of COVID-19 or living with someone who has symptoms, the isolation note can be used to provide evidence of the advice to self-isolate.
Fylde Coast GP and lead clinician for NHS Blackpool and NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Groups Dr Adam Janjua, said: ‘It is absolutely vital we do everything we can to ease the burden on local healthcare professionals, allowing them to spend as much time as possible with those patients that need them most. ‘Digital isolation notes will provide reassurance to those self-isolating and their employers while also reducing the pressure on our NHS, so they can continue doing all they can to protect the people of this country and save lives.’ The isolation note service can be accessed via the 111 online COVID-19 service or NHS. UK/coronavirus as well as via the NHS app. Dan Clough - NHS Fylde & Wyre CCG
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SHOULD WE BE SCARED… I write this as the world appears to be going into meltdown over the coronavirus. Whilst this is a health crisis it is becoming a food supply crisis from what I can only describe as selfish, unthinking behaviour. Paracetamol has been selling well too as have antibacterial soaps and handwashes. So I thought I’d throw my opinion in to the chaos as it would appear everybody else has! We are all exposed to large numbers of viruses and bacteria every single day of our lives yet most of us most of the time are not ill. At any one time we all have on average 400 viruses (called our ‘viral load’) in our body but are not ill. Why? Because we have a highly intelligent immune system that deals with them. This immune system can react to old exposures to viruses we have encountered before but vitally, it also reacts to new viruses
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in the same way. Therefore, just because this is a new virus does not mean your body will not react or defend you – it will and this will stop you becoming ill and if you follow good health behaviours and advice, then I would argue you have very little to worry about. As for paracetamol – if you get ill and have a fever, the fever is a sign that your body is fighting the problem. It harnesses your immune system to make you better and the high temperature enables your body to break down the pathogen, therefore, allow yourself to have the fever! Suppressing the fever actually suppresses your body’s natural defence mechanism so paracetamol is of little use. It is also a toxin which means if you take it your body has to divert resources to deal with the drug when it would rather use those resources to make you better.
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SHOULD WE BE SCARED… (cont) And antibacterial handwashes – the clue is in the name – they are not antiviral handwashes so are futile. Just stick with sensible handwashing routines using soap and water. Viruses are held together by a lipid, or fatty, membrane. When you use simple soap and water this dissolves the lipid membrane and breaks up the virus so it is no longer harmful. To maximise your defences, avoid processed foods such as ready meals. Give your body good wholesome food so it can be at its best. Take gentle exercise every day and get fresh air every day too. Most importantly, if you get any virus that makes you ill, be it flu or the dreaded ‘C’ one, keep well hydrated. The people who survived the ebola virus in Africa, which was far more potent than this one appears to be, were the ones who had access to a good water supply and could stay hydrated. You can give your immune system a nice top
up with some excellent supplements. Allicin max is very good and allicin has been shown to be able to kill viruses. Colloidal silver spray and witch hazel are also useful to keep hands clean without the unpleasant irritation of many modern handwashes. Echinacea is well known for supporting your immune system as are good quality probiotics which help your gut function and therefore help strengthen your immune system. The old faithful Vitamin C which hardly ever gets a mention these days is also good to supplement with since your body cannot make or store it. And even CBD oil helps maintain a healthy system so has its place. I wish you all well and a virus free springtime! Nick Tofolos (01995) 602833
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WYRE BOROUGH COUNCIL Coronavirus Update - Wyre Council Meetings, Events and Facilities Following advice from the Government, Wyre Council has taken the decision to cancel all its events for the next 12 weeks, and this will be kept under constant review. Council meetings and committees will only be held if they are statutory or regulatory. Councillor David Henderson, Leader of Wyre Council said, ‘Our priority is to support our residents, businesses, staff and councillors and we will continue to follow advice from the Government and Public Health England. We would urge our residents and businesses to do the same. ‘At this present time, frontline services are going ahead as normal but this is a rapidly changing situation. We have plans in place to ensure that vital services continue to be delivered. Any
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changes will be communicated to residents. ‘Our markets are still open and are a good place to avoid the supermarket rush. Fleetwood Market is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00am to 4:30pm and Poulton Market takes place every Monday. We will review this as the situation unfolds, but for now they remain open and ready to welcome shoppers. ‘Wyre’s Civic Centre in Poulton remains open but with limited opening hours between 10:00am and 3:00pm. Residents are being urged to only attend if it is absolutely necessary or if you have an appointment. Queries can be answered and reported on the council’s website at www.wyre.gov.uk or by contacting the council on (01253) 891000. ‘These are unprecedented times. Please keep up to date on the latest advice and look out for each other. Our vision is ‘together we
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WYRE BOROUGH COUNCIL (cont) make a difference’ and this has never been more true.’ Further advice and updates can be found at www.wyre.gov.uk/coronavirus Emma Lyons
PREESALL TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Virus Threat At the time of going to press, preparations are continuing for the VE Day 75 picnic celebrations, although the coronavirus outbreak may well have a big impact on if or how this celebration takes place. Cllr Phil Orme is the event manager. Another landmark is also looming: in September, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, a planter will be placed at the memorial on the Esplanade. We can only hope normality may have returned by then.
Fingerpost Plan A three-pronged fingerpost to help visitors is being lined up for Knott End. Subject to permission, it will show the way to the Jubilee Garden/ the Library, the ferry and seafront, and Preesall village and park. Eye in the Sky A CCTV camera for Knott End has been delivered and is due to be installed by the county council. Recycling Change Town councillors have been told that any unwanted green ‘tin bins’, which will soon become redundant with the introduction of a red bin, will be collected later this year. Junction Warning Road users are warned that an important junction is to shut to traffic for repairs in May. The closures will see vehicles unable to pass through the junction of Burned House
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PREESALL TOWN COUNCIL (cont) Lane, Hall Gate Lane, Cemetery Lane and Park Lane in Preesall between 6:30pm and 6:00am for three nights from Mon 4th May. The surface dressing work will then restart at 9:30am on Thurs 7th May and is due to be completed by 3:00pm that day. Annual Town Meeting 2020 This year’s Town meeting is currently scheduled for Mon 20th April at 6:00pm at the Youth and Community Centre. The council will be adhering to Government directives so it is possible that the meeting may have to be cancelled.
Please keep an eye on the council’s website and noticeboards for updates as it may be necessary to cancel meetings/events at short notice. Get in Touch For further information contact the clerk, Alison May: t: 07739 868212 e: preesalltowncouncil@gmail.com w: www.preesalltowncouncil.org
HAMBLETON PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
Next Meeting
Event Cancellations
Preesall Town Council will meet next on Mon 20th April at the Youth and Community Centre on Lancaster Road from 7:00pm. This is a public meeting and residents are welcome. An opportunity to raise matters is available.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the following events have been cancelled: • Health & Wellbeing event Sat 4th April • Hambleton Working Group Sat 11th April • Hambleton in Bloom Tues 21st April
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HAMBLETON PARISH COUNCIL (cont) • Wyre Flood Forum 11th June
Appeal, Can You Help?
New Facebook Page
The Village needs a centrally located container/storage unit to keep sandbags, signs and other useful equipment to be used in the event of flooding. If you have such a unit, and would be happy to donate it to the village, please contact the clerk.
The Parish Council now have a new Facebook page Hambleton (Wyre) Parish Council – join our page and keep in the know with Parish Council events and village developments. Parish Council Next Meeting At the time of going to press, the clerk was waiting for guidance on whether Parish Council meetings will be held (as they are a legal requirement), but as it currently stands, the next Ordinary Parish Council meetings will be held on Tues 31st March and Tues 5th May at Hambleton Village Hall, Church Lane starting at 7:00pm. Members of the public are always welcome and encouraged to attend. The May meeting will also be the Annual Parish Meeting and the Annual Parish Council Meeting.
Flooding Update Hambleton Parish Councillors and Hambleton Flood Action Group members meet regularly with representatives from the Environment Agency, United Utilities and both Lancashire County Council and Wyre Borough Council. A representative from Wyre Borough Council attended the March Parish Council Meeting. He reported that work is ongoing to investigate the causes of the flooding including the placement of flow-meters around the village. These meters are used to help identify specific problem areas.
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HAMBLETON PARISH COUNCIL (cont)
STALMINE PARISH COUNCIL
Results will not be available for several weeks i.e. until after another period of heavy rainfall. Once results are known questions need to be asked ‘Should it be there?’ and decisions made e.g. ‘Where can it be diverted to?’
Council Vacancy
All village sewerage flows through the pumping station on Kiln Lane and it is believed that this should have sufficient capacity for the village. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential that some households have directed surface water pipes into the sewerage system so causing the overflows that have been witnessed over recent months. One household of surface water outflow is the equivalent of 40 households of sewerage outflow and this could have contributed to the issue. Yvonne Walton - Clerk e: hambletonpc@yahoo.co.uk t: 07703 773 785
The Parish Council is continuing the process of filling the casual vacancy left by the resignation of Cllr Haydock. Councillors contribute to the work of the Council by having a say about the things they care about; putting forward ideas for better services; responding to the needs and views of their residents; seeking the best outcomes for local issues; getting involved in decisionmaking by voting and accepting the corporate view of the Council. The Council usually meets on the second Tuesday evening every month with meetings normally lasting about one hour. If you are interested and would like to find out more, why not contact one of the Parish Councillors whose details are shown below or, alternatively, contact the clerk by one of the methods shown below.
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STALMINE PARISH COUNCIL (cont) Councillors have asked that anyone considering applying to fill the vacancy provide a short letter of application, outlining why they want to become a councillor and what they would bring to the council, to the clerk by Mon 27th April. Return of Litter Bin The new litter bin is now in situ in the Village Hall car park by the lamp-post. Thanks go to the Village Hall committee for agreeing to it being sited there. Residents are asked to place dog waste in this black dual-purpose litter/dog poo bin and not in the larger refuse bins on site. Road Closure Road users are warned that an important junction is to shut to traffic for repairs in May. The closures will see vehicles unable to pass through the junction of Burned House Lane, Hall Gate Lane, Cemetery Lane and Park Lane in Preesall between 6:30pm and 6:00am for three nights from Mon 4th May. The surface dressing work will then restart at 9:30am on Thurs 7th May and is due to be completed by 3:00pm that day.
•
Cllr D Booth, Wardleys Cottage, Wardleys Lane, tel: 01253 701711;
•
Cllr F Cardwell, Meadow Cottage, Carr Lane, tel: 01253 700150;
•
Cllr Sue Pelham, Eldersfield, Brickhouse Lane, tel: 01253 700750;
•
Cllr Jean Wilson, Premium Farm Cottage, Sower Carr Lane, tel: 01253 701119.
Get In Touch For further information about Stalmine Parish Council, contact any councillor using the details above or contact the clerk. e: clerk@stalmineparishcouncil.org m: 07880 657761 w: www.stalmineparishcouncil.org Alison May Clerk
Next Meeting of the Council This will be on Tues 14th April in the Village Hall at 7.00pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. The council will be adhering to Government directives regarding Covid-19. Please keep an eye on the council’s website and noticeboards for updates as it may be necessary to cancel meetings/events at short notice. Stalmine-with-Staynall Councillors The Councillors for Stalmine-with-Staynall are: •
Cllr Terry Williams (Chairman), By The Way, Brickhouse Lane, tel: 01253 702734; Did you know that you can read the “Green Book” online?
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SSRA Stalmine with Staynall Residents’ Assoc. Could you help set up a Men’s Shed in the Over Wyre Area? Stalmine with Staynall Residents’ Association wants to help set up a Men’s Shed for the area from Knott End to Hambleton. So, ‘What’s a Men’s Shed?’ you may ask. The Men’s Shed movement started in Australia and is now well established in the UK especially in the south of England. There are more than 550 sheds set up and another 250 under construction. Later in life many men find they are on their own perhaps through the death of a partner or divorce or never having married. Men’s Sheds provide a place where men can go for a cup of tea with new friends, share experiences of living alone, and learn craft skills. Many retired tradesman are able to pass on their skills. They are a valuable community resource making new things, recycling others or repairing useful items. Being a member of the Men’s Shed can help conquer anxiety or depression and assist coming off medication. At its meeting last month SSRA committee members learned more about the movement with a presentation from Mr Jeff Diss of the Fylde Coast Men’s Shed. Now the search is on for a suitable local building which will have to have to be secure, have water, electricity and a toilet. If suitable premises can be found the SSRA will help would be Shed Men to form a committee, set up a charity and guide them towards grant funders. If you know of anywhere suitable please contact one of the SSRA committee members mentioned at the end of this article. Our traditional Easter Bunny hunt was due to take place on Sat 4th April. This family event starts at 11:00am from Stalmine Primary school and lasts about an hour. Stalmine Scarecrows are coming back. We will hold a Scarecrow Competition during the
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SSRA (cont) last week of June with a prize giving at the Minefest event at Stalmine School on Sat 27th June. To help people make scarecrows we will organize a scarecrow making workshop at the school in May. Details in the next edition of Focus. Planning the Stalmine Minefest event is well advanced. Some five hours of music is planned ranging from brass bands, drumming, choristers, soloists and soft rock. There will be amusements and sideshows for both adults and children plus refreshments from afternoon tea to a burger bar. More details nearer the time. All events will be subject to any Government restrictions because of the Corona virus. Our next two committee meetings will be on Wed 1st April and Wed 6th May starting at 7:00pm at the Seven Stars, Stalmine.
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For further information on any SSRA details please contact any of the following: Pauline Andrews 07808 058 097, Ann Ralph 07713 852 639, Peter Swarbrick 702675, Chris Hyde 07949 590 897 or Andy Haydock 07879 477 779. You can view our Facebook page or Stalmine Chat.
GALLOWAYS SOCIAL GROUP We are a small mixed group and meet every fortnight on Wednesday afternoons at St Helen’s Church Hall, Churchtown, 2:00pm 4:00pm. Taxis can be provided free of charge for those who live in the Scorton - Churchtown area. Currently, meetings are on hold because of Covid 19 but why not telephone me for further information about the group? Lorna Musgrave (01995) 471319
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NLCS North Lancashire Counselling Service NLCS is a registered charity which has been providing a counselling service from our base in Lancaster city centre for nearly 30 years. Our aim is to help support and relieve emotional distress for adults (aged 18 and over) by offering one-to-one counselling. We have a committed team of qualified and trainee counsellors who are skilled in person-centred, humanistic and experiential counselling, available to offer you a warm, safe space to talk. All our counsellors offer their time for free and adhere to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) code of ethics and practice. We provide a relaxed, friendly environment for you to talk through your experiences. Our approach is to help facilitate exploration and understanding of your feelings and emotions, without judgement or criticism. If you feel like our support would be of benefit to you, please refer yourself by leaving your name and number on our answer machine – (01524) 389389 – and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Sessions are offered free of charge, but we welcome donations where people feel able to contribute. We receive no statutory funding. We welcome applications from qualified counsellors or supervisors who may wish to join us. One of our organisational aims is also to support counsellor education in the area by taking trainees from local diploma, degree and postgraduate courses to complete their compulsory placement. As a voluntary organisation, we rely on support from non-counselling volunteers in areas such as fundraising, administration and organisation of events. Current vacancies include Chair of our Management Committee. If you would like more information about supporting us in this way, you can see our website www.northlancscounselling.
org.uk/friends.html or email volunteer@ northlancscounselling.org.uk. For further information about NLCS please see our website or contact us. Kathryn Crameri - Vice-Chair e: info@northlancscounselling.org.uk. w: www.northlancscounselling.org.uk
HAMBLETON WI WALKING NETBALL Fun, friendship, laughter and a newly found love of netball! That’s what we’ve got on a Thursday afternoon in Hambleton. A smallish group of around 10 - 12 players each week and growing but we’re loving it thanks to the generosity of England Netball funding. Currently, sessions are on hold because of the coronavirus situation. Watch this space for news of when the group will recommence. Cheryl Smith
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COVID-19 & ST JOHN’S HOSPICE We want to assure our loyal community that St John’s is following guidance provided by the Government and Public Health England regarding the Coronavirus outbreak.
symptom management or end of life care. Thank you for your loyalty and support in these difficult days – we wouldn’t be here without you.
We are taking every precautionary action to protect our critical community and inpatient services, and protect the safety of our patients, families, volunteers and employees.
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We are adapting the way we work in all areas to ensure that key services continue to operate in these uncertain times.
During Coronavirus Crisis
Please visit our website to keep up to date with visiting arrangements and the work of our inpatient ward, clinical nurse specialists and hospice at home teams. St John’s works as a team with its wonderful community – we wish everyone well in our local communities through these times. We will continue to do all that we can to keep caring for people who need pain and
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THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Over Wyre Branch The branch meeting was held on 12th March but with, sadly, a depleted attendance due to illness – medical and other appointments/ commitments. However it was still a lively meeting with eight in attendance and 13 absentees. The meeting was informed that the Chairman and Secretary would be attending the Lancashire RBL county up-date on Sat 14th March and the Wyre Borough Council Armed Forces Network meeting on Mon 16th March providing they both still went ahead. The major talking point of the meeting was of the Legion closing the four welfare break centres across the country – nearest one to us is Byng House in Southport – on Fri 28th Feb. Under the Legion’s strategic review of its
working practices and beneficiary welfare schemes it had been decided that this action would be taken along with the cessation of the free handy man van service. The branch members believed this to be a huge mistake that will leave, on average, 7,000 vulnerable and isolated ex-servicemen – women and their families with nowhere to go for a 7 – 10 or 14 day welfare break as well as others having to pay for small jobs that needed doing around the house that they can’t do and for which they will now have to pay someone. On the welfare side of the Legion’s work a request had been received for a welfare visit to be made to a local ex-service beneficiary. This was carried out and, hopefully, we will be able to maintain contact so as to ensure that person receives the assistance they require and does not become too isolated from society.
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THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (cont) As we didn’t submit a Focus entry for February it is with great pride that I now write to say that at the Lancashire County Conference held at Ambleside in January the Branch received two certificates; one for Branch Progress and Efficiency and Gold Status in the Branch Status Scheme (one of only five awarded in Lancashire). As the Branch doesn’t have any premises in which to hang the certificates it is hoped that our member, Philip Orme, will be able to get permission to hang them in the Library. The Branch members and the Veterans Meet & Greet Groups had a good afternoon at the Ryecroft Hall on Thurs 20th Feb. Good food, good natter, laughs and some good dancing. Excellent afternoon! Thanks to Tom for organising and to Angela/Bill and Staff at the Ryecroft. The Chairman and Secretary were involved in the Preesall Town Council Commonwealth
Day Flag Raising event at the Battle of Britain Memorial in Knott End on Mon 9th March along with four children each from Fleetwood Charity and Carter’s Primary Schools. Date of Next Meeting Thurs 9th April at 2:30pm in the Preesall Youth and Community Centre. All those who have served, including TA Service, their spouses and/or partners or those who would just like information on the Royal British Legion are more than welcome. Please confirm with Bill Burn if this meeting is taking place prior to attending. Bill Burn t: 07715 784 128 e: billburn.rbl@talktalk.net RBL Contact Centre: 08088 028 080. Live on. To the memory of the fallen and the future of the living. Live on. Remember together.
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The March meeting went ahead despite the worry of whether it should or not due to the Corona Virus statements. There was only nine attendees, but it was a lively meeting doing what we endeavour to do and that is look back at service life, look at today’s problems and how we cope, look to the future to ensure that the Meet and Greet keeps going. Unfortunately several of the usual attendees were missing due to illness, appointments and commitments. The question was asked whether or not future meetings should be held and the opinion was widely in favour of doing so with the proviso that we would all keep a watchful eye on the Corona situation. One topic was that of a usual M&G attendee who had been admitted into hospital for a few days with pneumonia. He is virtually immobile and walks with the aid of two walking sticks.
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NAAFI CAFE (cont) He was unexpectedly discharged and only had the bare minimum of clothing - no money or mobile phone but he was going to be driven home in a voluntary hospital car transport but when he was asked where he was going the driver said that he couldn’t do it as Knott End was too far to go. He had then to wait until the evening shift of ambulance drivers to start work and they brought him home arriving at about 10:00pm. The raising of the Commonwealth Flag on Commonwealth Day and the forthcoming Wyre Borough Council Armed Forces Network 2nd meeting as well as the Freedom of the Borough Parade by the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment onMon 27th April were also discussed. However by far the biggest laughter topic was that of the toilet roll panic buying situation and the harping back to the younger days of some of our attendees and how one of their
tasks as a child was to sit and either tear or scissor the local newspaper into reasonably sized squares or oblongs and put them either on the hook or a loop of string or six inch nail for use in the outside loo. Aahh, what sweet memories we have of our youthful days. However if you were playing in the woods and needed to ‘go’, a handy large dockleaf was the only answer. Not a pretty picture to conjure up but, as the song goes, ‘that’s life’ life is what you make it. The date of the next meeting is currently scheduled for Mon 20th April at 10:00am at Preesall Youth and Community Centre but – until then stay safe and well and look after each other particularly those in the vulnerable at-risk category. We are one in the Service of our Country. Bill Burns - Over Wyre RBL Branch Secretary
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PILLING BAND Last month the band entered a big contest in Blackpool. Well I’m very pleased to say we came 3rd out of 17 bands. This was a fantastic result for the band and we are so pleased that all our hard work paid off. We are also very proud of the fact that it means we will now represent the NW area in the National Finals in Cheltenham. This is due to be held in September so fingers crossed Coronavirus has departed by then and the event can go ahead. We will be fundraising over the summer to help pay towards our travel and stay in Cheltenham. Now for the bad news: coronavirus has meant we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel a few forthcoming events that the band had planned. The first one being ‘A Concert for Mike’. This was a concert in memory of Mike Hallett to be held on Sat 4th April.
We will rearrange a new date later in the year and anyone with tickets already will be able to use them on the new date or we can give a refund. The other date is that of the coffee morning planned for Sat 18th April. Again this is just be postponed and will be held later in the year. We hope to see you all at events over the summer if coronavirus does as we all want it to and disappears quickly! Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Emily Duke
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STALMINE BOWLING CLUB As I write this article, we are under threat from the public health emergency – coronavirus. Obviously, we hope that this will not affect our bowling season, but given the fact that the Football League etc has been suspended, who knows what to expect? If you are a novice, thinking about starting to play bowls, or you are already an established bowler and looking for a new club, please get in touch and discover how to join our friendly us. Everyone is welcome. Jan Foster - Secretary t: 07881 868 322 e: stalminesec2018@gmail.com
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Libraries in Lancashire closed on Mon 23rd March until further notice in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The mobile library service also closed from Monday. You will not be charged for the late return of any items during the period that the Libraries are closed. You also don’t need to renew your items during this period. Please hold onto any items you currently have on loan and do not try to post them through letter boxes or leave them outside Libraries. Online services Remember you can still download about 8,000 eBooks and 5,000 audiobooks using BorrowBox, which is available at any time. You can also use our online reference resources including information, facts and figures, family and local history, newspapers old and new, school homework and study, music and literature. For further information about local Libraries, visit: www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-andarchives
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KNOTT END LIBRARY Home Library Service. If you are physically unable to get to the Library, we offer a free Home Library service where our volunteers will deliver your books to the door. BorrowBox, a free online borrowing service is also available - eBooks and Audio downloads are nowadays proving very popular. Regular Events
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Knott Knit End Natter: Mondays 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.
Chicks & chickens available. Feeders, drinkers, food & suppliments available in store
Story Time: Mondays 10:30am – 11:00am. For the under 5s, a fun story time experience. Knit & Natter: Tuesdays 10:00am – 12 noon. Knit and Natter at the Library, enough said! Refreshments available. Board Game Club: First Monday of the month 2:00pm – 3:30pm. Our Board Game group meet at the Library for a sociable game or two. All welcome. Citizen’s Advice Drop-in Session: Tuesdays 10:00am - 1:00pm. The Citizen’s Advice adviser will be holding a weekly dropin at the Library. Times will vary as they come to Knott End on the ferry. Citizen’s Advice Appointments: Thursdays. They will host four sessions at 9:15am, 10:00am, 11:00am and 11:45am. Please contact them directly on (01253) 770522 to book a slot.
CHICKS & CHICKENS
FREE LOCAL DELIVERIES
For all home deliveries, you can pay over the phone, or leave the money out for us & we will deliver contactless to your door.
Straw £4.50 a bale Hay £5.50 a bale Layers Pellets / Mixed Corn 20kg only £8.50 a bag If WE DON’T STOCK IT, WE CAN GET IT! OPENING TIMES
Mon to Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm & Sat 8:30am - 4:00pm Head Dyke Lane, Pilling, PR3 6SJ T: 01253 790591 M: 07803 511 429
Tell them you saw it in the Green Book
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KNOTT END LIBRARY (cont) Young At Heart Social: You get better with age so join our Young At Heart Social for All. Run by amazing local volunteers, Young at Heart gives you occasional speakers, entertainment and refreshments. All older persons are welcome. £2 per session. Please note: Library services will be unavailable. I.T. Thursdays 9:30am - 11:30am. Free computer and mobile device help is available to assist you to get online. Most services you once could ring through to report or order something now say you need to go online. Are you having difficulty in understanding the internet? Do you need I.T help? Look no further. Learn how to use a PC, Laptop or mobile device. We offer a free beginner’s course led by our Digital Volunteers. Contact the Library to book a place.
Need help with a specific issue? Book a 30-minute drop-in with our volunteer alongside the course. First Friday Reading Group: First Friday of the month 2:00pm – 3:00pm. If you would like to join please call into library to pick up a copy of this month’s book choice. Poetry Appreciation Group: This group will read, share and discuss their favourite poems. Poetry is brilliant. Enough said! Baby and Toddler Bounce and Rhyme: Fridays 10:30am - 11:00am. Suitable for all pre-school children. A fun-filled session with songs and music. Lego Club: Saturdays 11:00am – 12:00pm. Calling all master builders and Lego enthusiasts! Join our Culture Hack and share your passion and amazing creations. We are always appreciative of donations of Lego to
Pamela K. Johnson Solicitor
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KNOTT END LIBRARY (cont)
FOKEL
build on our already successful Lego club.
Friends of Knott End Library
Looking to the Future!
Coronavirus
Although in the current climate, times are uncertain, there will be a time when the Library is fully open for business again...
Unfortunately, due to the present public health emergency caused by COVID 19, we have come to the very difficult decision to suspend all FOKEL activities for the foreseeable future.
Knott End Library is always looking for a variety of speakers and entertainment for our community. If you are a speaker and have a topic that you would be willing to share with your community, please contact a member of staff on the number below – All Library events are advertised at: www. eventbrite.co.uk
As I’m sure that you can appreciate, this decision has not been taken lightly, and follows an amount of soul-searching on the part of the committee.
Happy reading, folks!
It was decided that as the majority of FOKEL members and our client group fall into the category of ‘vulnerable adults’ we should suspend all our activities until this present emergency is over. We are aware that this could be a few months.
The Knott End Team Knott End Library 0300 1236703
Once it is safe enough to re-start, we will hit the ground running with our usual programme
If you require any further information regarding any of the listed events, please do not hesitate to contact via phone.
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39
Seven Stars
Including the Amazing Prime Mover plus the wonderful Caroline Lowe Performs her AMY WINEHOUSE tribute
40
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WHAT'S ON THIS APRIL •
Sat 4th PRIME MOVER Take the Stage - this northern soul band were a huge hit here last year. get ready to party from 8.30pm
•
Fri 24th AMY WINEHOUSE is in the House - Caroline Lowe performs her amazing tribute act to the wonderful Amy Winehouse. This is not to be missed. In light of the situation around coronavirus, please check events are running before attending. facebook.com/sevenstarspoulton
Tell them you saw it in the Green Book
41
FOKEL (cont) of events, and with some extras thrown in! We hope that you will continue to support us at that time. Keep your eye on Focus Magazine (the Green Book), the FOKEL noticeboards in the Library and posters around the village for more information about future FOKEL events.
Beautiful private garden opens to the public for one weekend only. Gardens and scenery plus BBQ (sausages, beef burgers) and various sandwiches. Cream teas, local history exhibition, bric-a-brac, tombola, cakes, plant stall. •
Our very best wishes to you all for the next few weeks/months. Stay safe and look after yourselves.
Saturday - Vintage tractors and Garstang Ukulele Group
•
Sunday – Classic Cars and Guardian Brass Band
Jan Foster t: 07881 868 322 e: fokel2019@gmail.com
Entrance £4 Adults & Children £1 (under 4 free). All proceeds to Bleasdale Church and Parish Hall.
BLEASDALE TOWER GARDENS Sat 16th & Sun 17th May 12 noon - 4:30 pm Signposted from Brock Garage/Spar on A6. Sat Nat PR3 1UY
Please note, at the time of going to print, there is a lot of uncertainty about events planned for the spring and summer. Please contact Sue McDade to confirm if Bleasdale Tower Gardens will be open as planned. Sue McDade (01995) 643499
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OVER WYRE ART SOCIETY A successful painting in watercolour needs a lot of skill to execute it satisfactorily at the first attempt. Well help was on its way when Glenda and Jackie, two of our members, took up the challenge. At first showing how to blend a sky, then completing a landscape, everyone worked on their own painting and learned the techniques needed. It was much appreciated. Then back to acrylics with Julie Nash. You may have heard of her since Julie runs weekly classes in Cleveleys. We asked her to demonstrate a winter woodland scene. Julie gives very specific advice which is easy to follow especially using our camera and projector. We followed with a two day member’s workshop for practise and those present completed a good painting of course! On a more light-hearted note on another Tuesday, Clare Howarth asked us to paint a picture out of our head after she read out o We als ton s in g lo ly supp logs & ets of bags, n firegrates g, kindlin h more m & uc
a descriptive passage. The results were interesting and varied! Now the winners of the Woody Competition. 1st. Jose Gouldson, 2nd. Linda May, 3rd. Clare Howarth. Well done all! We followed with a presentation of the trophy to Jose and art shop vouchers for everyone. Now the Serious News We have decided that to avoid the risk of illness to our members and the rest of the community we have suspended all meetings until further notice. This will include the Easter Tea for which a new date will be advertised when suitable. Apologies for the inconvenience. Our classes normally finish at the end of April when we start our weekly summer painting outdoors. I’ll keep in touch with members but anyone can contact me if needed. Sandra Langhorne (01253) 813739
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PRACTICAL HELP During Coronavirus Restrictions The Church of England, locally, and the parish/town councils are keen to help, in practical terms, in the difficult times we are facing at present. There will be those of you who are:
Pilling or Eagland Hill •
Mark Murphy t: 07398 745 972 e: mark.murphy079@gmail.com
•
Steve Phillpotts t: 07792160 468 e: stevephillpotts@outlook.com
•
Neil Townsend t: 07966 502 034 e: townsendn150@gmail.com
Stalmine
Able To Help by running errands, delivering food, collecting prescriptions or just listening/ talking to people on the telephone.
•
In Need Of Help (or know someone who is) with collection of shopping or prescriptions, or needing someone to chat to by telephone.
Out Rawcliffe •
Diane Andrews t: 07879 895206
You can contact one of the people below and they will do their best to put those in need with someone who has offered to help.
•
Richard Beatson t: 07715 657696
•
Michael Gardner t: 07711 110652
•
Alison Metcalfe t: 07976 309239
•
John Wilkinson t: 07879 028124
So please, whichever group you are in, get in touch, during office hours, with:
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Alison (Parish Council Clerk) t: 07880 657 761 e: clerk@stalmineparishcouncil.org
Hambleton •
Yvonne (Parish Council Clerk) t: 07703773785 e: hambletonpc@yahoo.co.uk
Preesall or Knott End •
Alison (Town Council Clerk) t: 07739868212 e: clerk@preesalltowncouncil.org
In addition, the Church of England churches in all the Over Wyre villages will be open from 10:00am - 3:00pm for people who want to be still and/or pray. They will also operate as informal foodbanks where people can leave or collect food between those times. We are here to help so please don’t hesitate to ask.Rev Andy Shaw Vicar of Over Wyre t: (01253) 799895 e: pillingrev@btconnect.com
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ST AIDAN’S
Firstly, I am excited to discuss our recent whole school production of We Will Rock You, a musical based on the songs of the rock band Queen and a script by Ben Elton. The musical tells the story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion, and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same. Musical instruments and composers are forbidden. This event was actually sold out one night and was jam-packed the others. I went myself and I can say that it was amazing- you wouldn’t have known it was a school production, they were professionals! Well done to all staff and students involved. One of our former Year 11 drama and dance superstars, Toby Pettitt, has secured himself a place at the prestigious Italia Conti Drama School. We are so proud of his hard work clearly paying off - he’s coming to a screen, stage and TV near you, very soon! On 5th March, we celebrated World Book Day with numerous activities and competitions for staff and students. Students participated in a ‘Spot the Staff Reading’ photo competition, as well as a Book Swap at break time, in which they brought in old, unwanted books and swapped them for new! In MFL, we even translated book titles from German, French and Spanish into English. What a busy day… big thanks to Mrs Goodier for organising. Personal Development Day was nonstop this half term too. Year 7 focused on Diversity and Discrimination, Year 8 went on an exciting field trip to Borwick Hall, where they worked on their teamwork skills outdoors and Year 9 had guest speakers in
for Humanotopia. Humanotopia is a course aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of participants by empowering them to make positive changes in their life. After speaking with many Year 9 students, I know this was an emotional day. Year 10 and Year 11 looked at preparing for jobs and interviews and also finance - very important stuff! Until our next report, keep an eye on our twitter page @SaintAidansCEHS for any updates. Chloe Butler - Media Co-ordinator
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HAMBLETON URC Hello All, We do hope this article finds you all in good health and spirits. No doubt by now the present climate of the Coronavirus is NOT getting you down. On a lighter note the days are getting longer and the warmer weather will hopefully be with us very soon. Unfortunately, we are having to postpone Hambleton United Reformed Church’s celebration of 150 Years, but we will keep you all informed the new dates. Now with the recent news that most elderly citizens are to be confined to their homes, and any of those who have self isolated, please, understand if you wish to have someone to talk to or need help, then please contact us. We will try our upmost to assist you, or ensure the appropriate authority is notified.
We do not wish anyone to feel alone, we as a community, now need to come together to help and assist our brother and sister neighbours. And PLEASE do not think you are being a burden, you’re not! As always, if you have you a relative or friend who is ill in hospital or at home and they 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 if possible, at visiting hours, this is open to all members of our community. Contact Chris Lamb on (01235) 811252. If you do not attend Church, but would you 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 or emailing hambletonurc@gmail. com Chris Lamb
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NATIONAL TRUST & COVID 19
We’ve sadly taken the decision to close our parks and gardens, in addition to our houses, shops and cafés, to help restrict the spread of coronavirus. Many of our car parks for countryside and coastal locations will also have to close due to high demand. We urge people to stay local and observe social distancing. Please do not travel. Director-General Hilary McGrady said: ‘Despite our desire to keep our outdoor spaces open, the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors has to be our top priority. Having observed the numbers visiting our properties... I am no longer convinced we can maintain social distancing ‘We have now sadly taken the decision to close all of our parks and gardens, in addition to our houses, shops and cafes, to avoid crowding that puts social distancing at risk.
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‘We know that people are likely to need space and fresh air in the coming weeks and months and we will do all we can to provide access wherever possible.’ Our countryside and coastal locations remain open with parking charges waived, but we encourage people to stay local and observe social distancing measures.’ Information on which National Trust outdoor places are open can be found at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Ring Robert 01253 813094 / 07831 859 396
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47
GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB it’s last competition, ‘Anything Goes’ on Wed 4th March, judged by Alan Walker. There were many interesting images submitted as well as prints. These judging nights are an excellent way of seeing the type of work which members put forward.
As pen is put to paper (or should it be fingers to keys) it seems that spring is arriving at last - accompanied by her adversary, Corona. Now comes the opportunity to wipe the dust off our equipment and to put it to use after the wet and windy winter. There have not been many days in the last couple of months when photographic opportunities have presented themselves. Since the last issue of Focus, the club saw
In light of the coronavirus situation, meetings have been postponed, but once the Government advises social distancing is no longer necessary, why not come along to one of our sessions? You will be made most welcome. The cost is £4 which is inclusive of refreshments. Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7:30pm at Garstang Arts Centre. Ample notice of future meetings will be given in this magazine nearer to the time. Maurice Baker www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk
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OVER WYRE PROBUS CLUB Membership of the Club is open to all gentlemen, resident in or adjacent to the Over Wyre district who have fully or partially retired, or are about to retire from professional, business or other similar occupations. Under usual circumstances, meetings are held on the first and third Thursday in each month at The Shovels Inn at Hambleton. If anyone is interested in finding our more about the Club or would like to attend a meeting initially as a guest, then please telephone (01253) 810148. Stewart Lyell
SUMMER STAGE SCHOOL
Mon 17th - Fri 21st Aug St Oswald’s Parish Hall
Following government and professional guidance, we have taken the difficult decision to close both our Knott End and Garstang Clinics. However, If you require urgent treatment or require any advice, please contact Gill on 07979918542 We can arrange a home visit if required. The cost of each home visit is £40. Please note that we are unable to offer a routine nail cutting service, at this time. We will resume a full Clinic Service as soon as possible. Your health is our priority.
Subject to restrictions on social distancing, an exciting opportunity to join a ‘High School Musical’ summer school in affiliation with St Oswald’s Dramatists The school will run for five days with a full stage show performed on Fri 21st and Sat 22nd Aug. Suitable for all ages from 7 years to 18 years. Please get in touch to see if the summer school is running. For further details and prices contact the numbers below: t: (01253) 812492 / (01253) 921793 Tell them you saw it in the Green Book
49
Sea Bank House
A special home for special people Sea Bank House is a residential home for elderly people who are unable to live independently in their own homes. Or philosophy of care is based on the belief that it is the right of any resident in the home to be respected as an individual, and that everyone has the right to be allowed to live as full and active a life as both their mental and physical condition allows. We endeavour to provide an environment which is not only comfortable and homely, but gives the warmth and understanding normally associated with family care but supported by specialist equipment and well trained care sta. Needs are met maintaining personal dignity, privacy and encouraging independence where possible. Activities, passive and active are encouraged throughout the day by trained care sta under the guidance of the Home Manager. Each care plan takes into consideration the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs, in order to create a care plan that is relevant to individuals. Recognising, nurturing and encouraging the residents remaining skills and ability to communicate is or paramount importance to the quality of care given at Sea Bank House.
Call Joanne and her team on 01253 810888 E: info@seabank-house.co.uk www.apexhealthcare.co.uk
50
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CAT SMITH MP We live in extraordinary times. For the last few days I’ve been following NHS guidance and selfisolating at home with my 1 year old son who I suspect has nothing more than a cold – but it’s better to be safe rather than end up putting extra pressure on our fantastic health service or putting others at risk. However, rest assured I am still working from home and have been holding telephone advice surgery appointments from my front room. I know these next few months are going to be difficult but I want to reassure you that myself and my team are still working on behalf of all constituents and if you have anything you want to raise with me please call the office on (01253) 490440 or email me via cat.smith. mp@parliament.uk You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter or check out my website, www.catsmith.co.uk I’d like to stress that the overall risk to the general public remains low. The vast majority of people who catch the virus will only ever suffer from a mild-to-moderate illness with similar symptoms to the flu. However, we need to make sure we protect the most vulnerable by keeping social distancing and avoiding unnecessary social contact. There are now on-line support groups specifically for people in all areas across the constituency, so please look on Facebook for ways in which you can help or receive help – again if you need more information please call my office. In Over Wyre check out the ‘Preesall & KnottEnd Covid-19 Help Group which now has more than 300 members. Many of them have been out delivering leaflets across the area to make residents aware of the voluntary help and support that is being offered to
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) everyone. They are getting lots of requests for prescription collecting. Please call the Medical Centre to discuss the ways in which they will be delivered direct to your door – the Medical Centre will only make arrangements with the named prescription holder. For those in the Cockerham area, go to Cockerham Life where there are details of community contacts who can offer help and support and a list of local shops and eateries offering home delivery. Thank you to everyone who is giving so generously of their time and care. It really will make the difference to so many of us who are and will be housebound. I’d also like to put on record how grateful I am to all the staff in the NHS – clinicians, cleaners, porters, the WRVS – all the teams who are going to face some of the toughest times of their working lives. Teachers, care SUMMER HOUSES COMPACT SHEDS CORNER SHEDS POTTING SHEDS WENDY HOUSES GREEN HOUSES DOG KENNELS PENT SHEDS APEX SHEDS HIPEX SHEDS WORKSHOPS All sheds pressure s treated a & rd a d n a st REE include F & delivery on installati Find us on
home workers, police, food producers, drivers, deliverers, bank workers, postal workers are just some of the critical groups who will help us all get through this and all of us are hugely appreciative. I know the last day of school was really emotional for many of our youngsters who haven’t had time to prepare for this big change. I wish all parents much love and luck as we attempt to keep the kids grounded and happy over the coming weeks. As I write, Labour has published today ‘Wages, Welfare, and Wellbeing’ calling on the Government to underwrite the wages of those at risk of losing their jobs and those temporarily out of work - in exchange for an undertaking that people will be kept at work. We have also asked them to underwrite 90% of wages of earners in a low earner band; 85% of earners in a middle earner
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) band; and 80% of earners in a high earner band. The employer would contribute the remainder of wages. Payments would go directly to workers. The report also contains proposals for urgent reforms to Statutory Sick Pay and the social security system, and for further support to business. We’re keeping everything crossed. In other news, residents and community representatives of Preesall and Fleetwood recently met with the new Managing Director of the Halite gas storage project. Mark O’Brien who has been involved with other gas storage schemes elsewhere in the UK reconvened the Community Liaison Panel to update everyone on where the scheme is up to. Halite does not currently have Final Investment Decision (FID). Talks are progressing with a new investor and the new owners NPL will also be funding the project. Mark O’Brien advised that when the project is ‘implemented’ it is very likely FID will be achieved. Halite is now working to ensure that the final three Requirements are submitted to the Council and discharged. Mr O’Brien did confirm that it is likely that there will be a need to do more monitoring surveys prior to any works commencing on the wider project build. He has visited the HSE offices in Bootle, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) in Newcastle and has been tasked with re-engaging the Marine Management Liaison Panel shortly. Also, he advised that an agreement had been finalised with the Knott End Golf Club in December 2019. Construction on the ‘haul road’ – the main access road to the site in Preesall – is scheduled to start in May or June 2020.
The very concerning issue of dumping 19,000 tons of brine into the sea at Rossall was again raised. Mr O’Brien again reiterated that the company has tried to find different uses for the brine but it is ‘unfortunately not viable’ so at the current time they continue to look to discharge the brine into the sea. They have a marine licence, extraction licence and discharge licence. However they did admit that more studies will be needed and the timing of this ‘will be borne in mind’ following concerns from mariners that so far studies have been conducted at a time of year when marine life is less active or elsewhere and therefore giving inaccurate data. Mr O’Brien confirmed there would be a period of 1-3 years allocated to carry out this testing. Members of the community requested more local consultations in the run up to any works being carried out. It was suggested that meetings should be held at both Preesall
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Call us on 01253 810400
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www.thebournearms.co.uk facebook.com/bournearms Bourne May Rd, Knott End-on-Sea FY6 0AB 54
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CAT SMITH MP (cont) and Knott End.The next CLP meeting has been suggested for June but this may be postponed given the Coronavirus situation. If you have any observations or concerns about the content of these meetings, please do get in touch with me. I send you all my good wishes and do please stay in touch with me.
all the famous names from 1900 to 1990. Gemma designed her own logo and packaging. She advertised in major magazines like Vogue and was asked to contribute to photo shoots in these magazines, which put her name onto the shoot.
GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE
She was soon getting commissions to adorn some famous brides for their weddings, such as Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton’s nuptials, which again got her name and pictures of her jewellery in these publications, great publicity.
Due to the current coronavirus outbreak, as a preventative measure, the Arts Centre Café and Art Exhibition will be closed until further notice. Please check the website for the latest information.
She showed us a selection of her favourite pieces all of which were base metal or plated, all very collectable.
Cat Smith
Please contact the individual groups to see if they are still meeting. Judy Osborne (01995) 600996 w: www.garstangartssociety.org.uk facebook: artcentre.garstang twitter: ArtsGarstang
Now Gemma does her own advertising on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
The competition for costume jewellery was won by Ruth Dixon, 2nd Jean Bee and 3rd Jean Hall Beryl Hartley The Countryside
Flooring Company
HAMBLETON WI Gemma Redmond, a slim beautiful young lady, accompanied and chaperoned by her mother, came to show us her unique collection of vintage costume jewellery. She told us of her history: after acquiring her degree at university she became a primary school teacher for five years, a job she loved but felt unfulfilled. She had always had a passion for fashion so she enrolled for a course at Central St. Martins in London.
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Realising that jewellery is usually high end stuff and not very affordable she did her “Flooring we research and sought out costume jewellery is what ll are a bought on the internet and trade fairs. ” about! Lancaster Road, Forton, PR3 0BL She carefully inspected all her purchases for Tel: 01524 793011 | sales@countrysideflooring.co.uk condition and usually the better pieces were www.countrysideflooring.co.uk named like Coco Chanel, Ives St. Lauren and Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus
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Emily Horrocks Podiatry BSc Hons Podiatry
Mobile Chiropodist Covering Over Wyre Nail Care • Corns • Callus Ingrowing or Fungal Nails Verruca Treatment & Advice Insoles & Foot Pain Assessment Diabetic Care All Aspects of Lower Limb Care To book a visit, please call Emily on 01253 366010
SOROPTIMISTS Women inspiring action, transforming lives Tuk Tuks Gosh, what a way to go! Less than a year ago, Garstang Soroptimists decided to support Think Pink Sri Lanka, with the aim of buying a pink Tuk Tuk to provide safety for women and a sustainable income for families living on or below the poverty line in Sri Lanka.
A single Tuk Tuk and the training of one driver gave us a target of £3,400 – a pretty big challenge for our little group so we decided that realistically it might take us a couple of years... On Sat 22nd Feb we held our final fundraiser for the current club year – a fantastic Wine and Cheese Tasting event at Garstang Arts Centre. We had some incredibly generous donations from organisations – cheeses from Dewlay and Booths with crackers and grapes from Booths, raffle prizes from Dewlay, Barton Grange, Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth, Stainton Wines of Kendal and various individuals, not to mention the services of wine master Chris from Stainton Wines. At the end of the night we had added more than £1,000 to our Tuk Tuk kitty – and
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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) amazingly, the pot now stood at over £3,400 so we actually managed to reach our target in just 10 months! But then the hiccup – let’s just double check the costs are still the same before we send the money off. DESPAIR! The Rosie May Foundation had taken the decision, very sensibly in hindsight, to train four women for each Tuk Tuk, this raising the cost to £4,000. We had a little over the original total and some more coming in from Easyfundraising but that still left us a little short. Never mind, the project was still ongoing, and we would have to be patient, a couple of more months and we’d be there. We couldn’t have got so far, so quickly without the huge work and personal efforts of club members Kathy Osborn and Jackie Whiteley who not only got on their bikes to cover 50 miles of the Bay Cycle Ride in a day last August, but were also responsible for organising the Wine Tasting and bringing in the sponsors. Lots of people worked hard behind the scenes to sell tickets, collect donations, set the room up, and clear the place down afterwards. Special thanks to Muriel’s friend Judith who did the washing up finishing at 12:30am on Sunday! The Arts Centre in Garstang provided us with a great venue, and the Wine Circle both loaned us a large quantity of tablecloths and bought tickets. Thanks to everybody who couldn’t attend but gave us a donation instead, I’m afraid you missed a great night. So to everybody who has in any way contributed to our marvellous achievement so far – anybody who has donated money/time/ prizes, bought parched peas at the first night of the Garstang Victorian Festival, bought items from the bric-a-brac stall in June, sponsored the girls on their bikes, bought one of the decorated bottles for Christmas, or gave Muriel a donation on her ‘significant’
birthday – a great big thank you! BUT…. Guess what...? A fantastic donation from a local Garstonian, Margaret Allen has put us over the £4,000 – we’ve done it! The money
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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) is on its way to Sri Lanka and very soon, four more women will be getting the training they need in their wonderful pink Tuk Tuk to improve their lives and those of their families.
Please ring our membership co-ordinator Muriel Burnham-Airey on (01995) 606604 for further information or to arrange to be met, or just come and say hello.
We’ve all enjoyed this lot of fundraising enormously, and it might not be the end of the road for our pink Tuk Tuk graphic – watch this space to find out if we want to do it all again next year.
e: www.sigarstang.org.uk facebook: SoroptimistsGarstang twitter: GarstangSoropt
CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG (CRY)
Join Us What about a different way to join the club? You can still belong and take part in a range of projects that benefit all without stepping out of the house by becoming a ‘linked member’. If this sounds like something you could be interested in, give us a call to chat about it.
Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund
Interested ladies from throughout the Over Wyre and Garstang district are always very welcome.
I’m often asked what the symptoms of Young Sudden Cardiac Death are and who should be tested. The answer though is not
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CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG (CRY) straightforward. ‘CRY recommends young people are referred to a specialist cardiologist for screening if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Chest pain (exercise related); palpitations; breathlessness; dizziness or fainting. All first-degree relatives should also seek referral to a specialist cardiologist after a young sudden death in the family.’ However, for a massive 80% of the victims, like Matt, there are/were NO apparent indications that anything was wrong with their hearts, ie. they seem to be fit and healthy, and that’s the disquieting factor. It’s why CRY screens anyone between the ages of 14 and 35 whether they are showing symptoms or not and why we fund raise to provide these free events. We were blessed with a fabulously sunny spring day for our Country Coffee Morning in
March, and with bounteous support, £661.67 was raised towards the next local screening. Thank you to all who produced some wonderful items, donated goods and prizes, attended, supported and helped. One of our very creative sponsors is now kindly offering to make further reclaimed wood planters, perfect for those summer gardens, so if you’d like one please get in touch. •
Large(40cm x 40cm x 35cm) £30
•
Trough(50cm x 28cm x 25cm) £20
•
Small(28cm x 28cm x 35cm) £20
•
Small/low(28cm x 28cmx 25cm) £15
t: 07785 106 976 e: paulahez.ph@gmail.com facebook: The Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund Paula Hesmondhalgh
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TRADITIONAL RURAL SKILLS Bowland Area of Natural Beauty
landscape, a strong, healthy hedge also acts as an effective stock barrier and wind The ancient craft of hedge laying was shelter, whilst providing food and habitat for showcased in the Hodder Valley recently a wide variety of wildlife, from birds to small when competitors headed to Slaidburn for the mammals. annual Bowland Hedge Laying Competition. The Bowland event involved five classes – The Bowland competition is one of seven Championship, Open, Novice, Starter and organised by the Lancashire and Westmorland Young Farmer – with fourteen competitors Hedge Laying Association (LWHLA) as part taking part. The trophy for best hedge on the of their Grand Prix series, which begins in day went to John Handley. October each year. As part of its Traditional Boundaries Competitors build up points throughout the programme, the Forest of Bowland Area season – being judged on neatness and cut of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership quality amongst other skills – with the overall organises hedge laying training sessions champion being crowned at the end of the each year between October and March, with series. Judges then re-visit the competition dry stone walling sessions taking place during hedges during the summer and award prizes summer and autumn. for best re-growth. Anyone interested in taking part in one of A journey through the AONB shows just these sessions can contact the AONB office how significant hedges are in this area. Not on 01200 448000 or email sandra.silk@ only do they form a key part of the Bowland lancashire.gov.uk
HAMBLETON LAUNDRY
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FREE LAUNDRY COLLECTION & DELIVERY for all residents in the Over Wyre area • Service washes • Duvets washed & dried • Ironing service available OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Sat: 7am - 7:30pm Sunday: 7am - 4pm 60
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TRADITIONAL RURAL SKILLS (cont) The Dry Stone Walling Association will be organising a walling competition at Fence, near Burnley, on Sun 17th May as part of the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership project. For more information email training@dswa. org.uk
members). The Chairman, John Ireland, discussed the monthly trips; the first one being on Thurs 30th April which will be to Pendle Mill. More information will be given out at the next meeting.
Jane and Neil Webster were delighted to be given a beautiful card for their golden wedding 1ST PILLING SCOUT GROUP anniversary in March. It had been signed by Usually, we meet each Wednesday in school the members which they thought was so term time at Pilling Methodist Church but lovely. They want to thank all those who have meetings are suspended until the situation given them cards and their best wishes. with coronavirus has improoved. The 27 attending members were asked if they wanted to go back to a 7:00pm start for future meetings? It was a majority vote for the Beavers (6 years to 8): meet at 6:30pm change. This concluded a very pleasurable until 7:30pm. evening. 1/2 Cubs (8 years to 10 ): meet at 6:30pm John expressed his appreciation for the help until 8:00pm. Scouts (10 1/2 years to 14): meet at given. He thanked everybody for coming and wished them all a safe journey home. 7:45pm until 9:15pm.
Usual Meeting Times • • •
We are a uniform wearing group catering Jane Webster ( Treasurer/Secretary) for boys and girls and members of the Scout Association in Wyre District of West Lancashire Scouts. Our young people have fun and learn life skills and our dedicated volunteer leaders ensure they enjoy all our activities including camping, sports, outside visits and friendships. For more information contact: Rod Robinson (01253) 790692
OUT RAWCLIFFE OVER 60’S The first meeting of the year was held at Out Rawcliffe Village Hall on Tuesday 3rd March. The members enjoyed the usual 20 games of dominoes with prizes presented to the winners: 1st Trish Walmsley, 2nd John Ireland, 3rd Ethel Davis, 4th Vera Redman, 5th John Higginson, 6th Peggy Carter. The booby prize went to Mavis Ashton. Tea and biscuits were served, followed by the raffle (gifts kindly donated by the Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus
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WYRE FLOOD FORUM the agenda papers for the meeting in March. Also a response to Churchtown, Hambleton and Thonton FLAGs on their particular concerns. I will post copies to anyone who does not have internet access.
The March quarterly meeting was low key due to the absence of several senior officers called away on duty such was the effect of successive storms, Ciara, Dennis and Jorge, on the landscape of Wyre Borough and the river from which it takes its name. The River Wyre dominates the region, but the coastal towns and villages bordering Morecambe Bay are also taking some of the brunt in their own catchment of the River Cocker and outlets to the Bay.
Finally, I reminded the EA representative that the Garstang Sports and Social Club has been inundated twice in recent memory and as it is their duty to protect property compensation was due and also work on a defensive scheme was needed. I was told that the underground overflow weir downstream of the gates is designed to take excess water from the main basin and this will raise the level of the river adjacent to the sports field. Flood protection and drainage are very much intertwined. Roger Brooks - Garstang Town Council
Although what happens on the rivers hits the headlines, the question of surface water drainage, whether on roads or land, is causing extensive damage and inconvenience as witness the number of Flood Action Groups. Of course, all water eventually flows out to sea but not before it causes destruction. First up at the meeting was the Environment Agency. The main spokesman, Paul Bond was not present and could not explain why one of two gates, the East was not functioning three years after it was declared out of order. We are promised further action particularly as the Government has announced funding for flood defence schemes. Space does not permit other than a mention but the Wyre Council website ‘Wyre Flood Forum’ will provide much more information or contact Roger Brooks rogerwilliambrooks@ outlook.com A detailed, technical response to questions I raised regarding the Garstang Basin was on Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus
63
FEMALE CARER / PERSONAL ASSISTANT REQUIRED
POULTON PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
for a disabled lady living in Knott End
• • • • • • •
Small amount of personal care Some housework Light cooking now and then 14 hours over three days £10 an hour / holiday cover Must be flexible Holiday cover / sickness cover
Contact Angie 07970 156 338
Meetings of Poulton Photographic Society are currently on hold. Subject to coronavirus social distancing guidance, Poulton Photographic Society usually meets every Thursday evening from September to June at 7:30pm in Poulton Methodist Church Hall Queensway FY6 7ST. Visitors are very welcome to come to any of our meetings. Both beginners and more experienced photographers will find a relaxed and welcoming group with a common interest in photography and developing our skills. For members who enjoy entering competitions the Society holds six during the year: three for prints and three for projected images. Members are in two groups – developers and advanced. Every year, the Society runs a Young Photographer Competition and a Residents’ Competition for the local community. See local social media for details of how to enter or the PPS website.
Christine Storey www.poultonps.co.uk
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OCCUPY THE MIND & BODY •
Write a poem, blog, short story or start your memoirs.
Feel calm: • •
• In these strange and confusing times, there are suddenly a huge number of us with a lot of time on our hands. Many will be spending that time alone, which can be difficult and leave us feeling lonely. We wanted to give anyone in self-isolation a useful list of ideas to keep busy, creative, calm and connected in the weeks ahead. Whilst some of us are used to keeping occupied by ourselves, it can be hard to get used to. We’ve gathered a few of our favourite suggestions for solo activities at home.
• •
Practice mindfulness techniques. Do some light exercise or yoga. You will be able to find useful YouTube videos to follow and you may be able to access online classes via your local gym. Stick to a routine so you can relax in the evening and sleep well. If you can access fresh fruit and veg, make sure you eat some daily. Pamper yourself. Try a facemask, do your nails or take a long bath.
Stay connected: • • •
Make phone/video calls to relatives and friends, or start a WhatsApp group. Check in with elderly or vulnerable relatives. Play online games such as Scrabble.
Keep busy: • • • • • • •
If you have work you need to do, create a daily list and take regular breaks. Do some gardening Remind yourself of some fun card or board games Learn a new skill like knitting or baking. Read a book. Make sure you read our article on page 60 for ideas Binge watch a box set or watch a film Review your finances to keep a healthy budget Make a project of de-cluttering a room
Get creative: • • • •
Keep a diary of your experience of the illness or time in isolation. Pick up a pencil, paintbrush or needle and create something. Take the extra time to slow-cook meals. Play or learn a musical instrument. Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus
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OCCUPY THE MIND & BODY (cont) •
Catch up on overdue correspondence.
Support Local Businesses Without footfall, businesses - especially smaller, family-run companies - will be looking for ways to keep going in the most challenging circumstances. There are a few things we can do as customers to lighten their load – why not get in touch online and see what they can offer? 1. Pay your invoices! If you have any outstanding payments due to local services or trades, please make sure you pay them without delay. 2. Buy a voucher. If you have a birthday or special event coming up, why not buy a gift voucher from a local shop, café, restaurant or pub to be used once we are all back to normal? Mark Father’s Day with the promise of a slap-up meal and help a local venue with their cashflow.
3. Shop local. Use smaller, independent stores and food delivery services if possible, instead of larger supermarkets. Everything seems to be telling us that they are the best-stocked! 4. Offer sponsorship. You could support a local business by offering to sponsor them if they are not eligible to claim government help/insurance. Help Vulnerable People in the Community If you’ve got the ability to support people in need in our area, there are a few different ways you can offer help. Volunteering is a great way to boost your mood and help prevent people getting isolated. There are several community groups that are offering support and asking for volunteers for collecting shopping, posting mail, and making phone calls. Emily Lee
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EATSER CROSSWORD (ans p74)
Across 7 Christian festival (6) 9 French general and emperor (8) 10 Specialist food shop (4) 11 Showing; exposing (10) 12 21 April but officially 13 June in 2020 (6, 8) 15 A continent (4) 16 Old name for magistrate (5) 17 366 days in 2020 (4) 19 Ambush; meet unexpectedly (4, 2, 8) 20 Unable to speak, possible because of 19 (10) 23 The last word of the service (4) 24 Roundish shape (8) 25 Panoramas; parts of plays (6)
Down 1 Reducing volume at the end of songs (8) 2 Retaliation (6, 4) 3 Duty; obligation (4) 4 Slow the car down (5, 3, 6) 5 Friend; partner (4) 6 Reward; Ship mutiny in the South Pacific (6) 8 Revised allocation (14) 13 Concepts (5) 14 Romantic; fantasizer (10) 18 Replied (8) 19 Winning suit in cards (6) 21 Ale (4) 22 Reverse an action; revoke (4)
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67
GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 75) 1. Where would you find General Melchet and Captain Darling?
Hart & Billy Flynn?
2. On which Japanese island is Tokyo?
22. What is the only letter in the alphabet with more than one syllable?
3. By which other name is the Pleiades star cluster known?
23. Which historical leader introduced the leap year and his own calendar?
4. Which organisation has the corporate mantra ‘Don’t be evil’?
24. What are the male reproductive organs of flowers called?
5. From what is a Bellini cocktail made?
25. What kind of tree grows in the land where the Owl and the Pussycat arrived after sailing away for a year and a day?
6. Cleopatra is reputed to have bathed in what? 7. What colour are the ‘black boxes’ required on all large commercial aircraft?
26. On which Egyptian peninsula is the city of Sharm el-Sheikh?
8. In the Sidney Lumet film how many Angry Men were there?
27. Which country does heavyweight boxing champion Wladimire Klitschko represent?
9. Eliptic, lance, palmate, spear or trifoliate describe what? 10. Which writing system could be deciphered thanks to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone? 11. Penguins are hemisphere?
native
to
which
12. Who wrote the lyrics for West Side Story? 13. Which artist created the temporary summer themepark ‘Dismaland’?
28. What is the deepest spot on Earth? 29. What is the only continent without native reptiles? 30. What part of the body does a podiatrist specialise in? 31. What activity are you engaged in if you are performing a ‘downward dog’? 32. What are explosions on the sun’s surface called? 33. Which apostle doubted the resurrection?
14. Which continent was once know as the ‘Dark Continent’?
34. In what sport compete?
15. Which hero of epic poetry killer Grendel?
35. What Andrew Lloyd Webber rock musical is performed on roller skates?
16. According to the proverb, what does a rolling stone not gather? 17. A velodrome is a specially built arena for which sport? 18. What is both a type of moustache and part of a bike? 19. What were the first names of the notorious gangsters the Kray twins? 20. To which religion do the Copts of Egypt belong? 21. In which musical would you find Roxy
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did
Robin
Cousins
36. What body of water does the River Nile empty into? 37. What flammable ‘Hindenburg’?
gas
fueled
the
38. Which American city is known as the ‘City of Angels’? 39. Which bird lays its eggs in other birds nests? 40. Which galaxy is closest to the Milky Way?
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BEN WALLACE MP I understand that this is a worrying time for many of us because as I write this Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread. Although we are being told that for most the risk of becoming seriously ill is low, we are all concerned about the more vulnerable in our society. The best way to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus is by social distancing. Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading. It is particularly important for people who are 70 or over, have a longterm condition, are pregnant, or a weakened immune system.
DO NOT •
do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
•
do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family
The Prime Minister is giving daily updates as the stages of the outbreak progress. The NHS, local councils and all supporting agencies involved are working together actively. I am sure we have all witnessed great acts of kindness from groups and individuals within
DO •
wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
•
always wash your hands when you get home or into work
•
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
•
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
•
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
•
avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
•
only travel on public transport if you need to
•
work from home, if you can
•
avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
•
avoid events with large groups of people
•
use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services
Knott End
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wyreviewopticians.co.uk
wyreviewknottend@btconnect.com
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69
BEN WALLACE MP (cont) our communities, some offering to shop for the vulnerable or just being on the end of a phone. I know the supermarkets in the area are making it easier for the elderly to shop and they are keeping shelves well stocked. Of course we must all play our part by not panic buying. It is always through adversity that we see the best in our communities and you only have to go on to social media to see the amount of people offering to help the elderly and those at most risk. I would urge everyone to keep up to date with the advice being provided around health and financial support. Please see some useful links below: •
•
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www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronaviruscovid-19gov.uk/governmentwww. lancashire.gov.uk (from homepage click on Coronavirus at top) www.wyre.gov.uk
(from homepage
click on Coronavirus update) I have recently been in touch with Highways England and I have asked them to provide an update on the Windy Harbour to Skippool scheme so we know where it is up to. Many of you will have kept up to date with the scheme’s progress and attended the drop-in sessions but I know not everyone can get to them. With this in mind, please see statement below from the scheme’s Project Manager: The A585 is the main road in and out of Fleetwood and surrounding areas. It is heavily congested between Windy Harbour and Skippool, where drivers frequently experience delays, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. The scheme will reduce the impact of traffic on the local community, facilitating economic development.
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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) The scheme proposal is an offline bypass of the section of the current A585, known as Mains Lane/Garstang New Road (between the junction with A586 at Windy Harbour and the junction with the A588 and B5412 at Skippool). The scheme will bypass the two congested junctions at Little Singleton and Shard Road, reduce the impact of traffic on the local community and remove a major bottleneck on this route. Initial works comprise of site compounds set up, archaeology and ground investigation works, fencing, topsoil stripping and devegetation. All works will initially be contained within land owned by Highways England, or land for which it has been possible to agree access under licence. The project has completed the DCO Examination. It is now awaiting the Secretary
of State (SoS) for Transport’s decision on the application, which is expected to arrive anytime from Thurs 9th April. The activity that is planned to be undertaken in the coming weeks is preparatory and reversible work only. Doing this type of work now will ensure that we are in a position to move forward in the most efficient and least disruptive way possible, should the scheme be granted full consent. The scheme is planned to be completed by Summer 2023. If I can be of any assistance to you please ring my Office at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5804 or my Constituency Office on (01995) 672976, email me at wallaceb@ parliament.uk or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Ben Wallace MP
LIVE OUTSIDE OUR DELIVERY ROUTE? SUBSCRIBE & RECEIVE A COPY OF FOCUS MAGAZINE THROUGH THE POST EACH MONTH If you or someone you know would like to receive Focus Magazine but currently live outside the areas in which we deliver, sign up for our new subscription service.
1 Month - £4 3 Months - £11 6 Months - £20 12 Months - £36 For more details or to register, please contact e: cassie@focusmags.co.uk t: 01253 342992 Please note: monthly door-to-door deliveries will continue as usual & will not be affected by the subscription service
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71
GARSTANG UKULELE GROUP The Tale of Syrup the Witch Once upon a time in the far-off land of Garstania there lived an old witch. No one in the village was quite sure of her real name as she was very fierce and unfriendly, but the children nicknamed her Syrup as she wore a hideous wig. For much of the time Syrup remained outside of the village, brewing up her potions, practicing her spells and dreaming up evil deeds.
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Meanwhile, many of the villagers enjoyed playing sweet and happy music on their ukuleles. They formed themselves into bands to entertain each other and the rest of the community. Each weekend all the villagers joined in the merriment, with singing and dancing all day and all night long. Syrup could hear the music from her cave by the sea and she became very bitter that she was never invited to any of the parties. So one Sunday night when everyone was asleep she crept into the village and stole a newborn baby from the queen of Garstania. This upset all the villagers, which pleased Syrup as she enjoyed making people sad. Syrup took the baby back to her cave where she fed it on the most gruesome potions, all the time casting spells to make the baby cry whenever she heard music. Then after three long months Syrup crept back to the village and left the baby by the Market Cross. When the villagers heard her cries they were delighted to see the baby had returned and decided to have the biggest party ever. But as soon as they started to play their ukuleles the baby screamed and wailed like a demon. It was so bad the whole village had to stop singing and playing music. This made all the villagers very sad, but it pleased Syrup who sat happily in her cave brewing her potions and dreaming up more evil deeds. The whole summer and autumn
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GARSTANG UKULELE GROUP (cont) passed by without any music in the village. It was a very sad village. The queen offered a reward of a golden ukulele to anyone who could make her daughter better and restore happiness to the village. Many tried, all failed, until one dark and windy night a stranger arrived and said she could release the child from the spell. Once the stranger had told the villagers she could release the princess from Syrup’s evil spell, they took her to see the Queen. ‘What is your name?’ asked the Queen to which the stranger replied, ‘I have many names in many lands, but here in Garstania I would like to be called Cherry.’ ‘Well Cherry’ said the Queen, ‘here is my daughter, please help us if you can.’ The stranger began to perform a ceremony which involved summoning the spirits of the musical otherworld, Crochet, Breve and Quaver. Each of these appeared as apparitions in the sky, swirling around the child and removing Syrup’s evil from within her. Then all was calm and the stranger invited the villagers to play their ukuleles. As they tentatively began to strum first in the key of C, then D and even E, the princess simply smiled and gurgled. Soon the playing got merrier and merrier as the villagers realised that the child had been cured by the stranger. The Queen commanded that all the villagers would be invited to an evening of musical entertainment at her palace, she would host an Open Mic and her favourite performers of the evening would all be rewarded with honours. And there would be a special presentation for the stranger who had saved her daughter. On the next Saturday evening all the villages came with their ukuleles and mandolins to the Queen’s palace, a grand castle on top Tell them you saw it in the “Green Book”
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GARSTANG UKULELE GROUP (cont)
CROSWORD ANSWERS
of Garstania’s only hill. After an evening of music, dancing and hot pot in baskets (which pleased the palace dogs) the Queen announced the winners and made them all Members of the Ukuleles of Garstania.
Across 7 Easter 9 Napoleon 10 Deli 11 Displaying 12 Queen’s Birthday 15 Asia 16 Reeve 17 Year 19 Take by surprise 20 Dumbstruck 23 Amen 24 Spheroid 25 Scenes
Then she called for Cherry to come forth and receive her reward, a golden ukulele. But when the villagers saw the golden ukulele, it was little more than a gold-plated brooch which the Queen pinned on to the stranger’s coat. The room went quiet with shock and Cherry stank and fumed at this insult. She summoned forth all the spirits of the musical otherworld and led all the children out of the village and took them to Syrup’s cave. …The final episode (promise) of ‘The Tale of Syrup the Witch’ will be in next month’s Focus. Bob Sapey w: www.garstangukulelegroup.co.uk
Down 1 Fadeouts 2 Strike back 3 Onus 4 Apply the brakes 5 Ally 6 Bounty 8 Redistribution 13 Ideas 14 Daydreamers 18 Answered 19 Trumps 21 Beer 22 Undo
SUPPORTING YOUR NEIGHBOURS If you are currently fit/healthy and not showing symptoms of COVID-19, you can use the below slips to offer help to your neighbours...
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GREY MATTER ANSWERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
In Blackadder (Goes Forth) Honshu The Seven Sisters Google Champagne and Peach Puree Milk Orange Twelve Leaves Hieroglyphics Southern Stephen Sondheim Banksy Africa Beowolf Moss Cycling Handlebar Ronald (Ronnie) & Reginald (Reggie) Christianity
21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.
Chicago W Julius Caesar Stamens A Bong Tree The Sinai Peninsular Ukraine The Mariana Trench in the West Pacific Antarctica Feet Yoga Solar flares Thomas Figure skating Starlight Express The Mediterranean Sea Hydrogen Los Angeles Cuckoo Andromeda
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