Lancashire Local 36

Issue. 36 - October 2017 www.facebook.com/LancsLocal | www.Lancashire-Local.com | www.twitter.com/@lancslocal

FREE

Inside This Issue: Care • News • Christmas • Sport

FREE

Accrington woman jailed for

masterminding assault

An Accrington woman who planned and oversaw a vicious assault has been jailed for nine years.

Nasreen Akhtar, 35, of Spring Street, was sentenced on Tuesday (September 26th) at Preston Crown Court, having previously been found guilty of a section 18 assault.

It follows an incident which occurred at around 11.30pm on July 23rd last year at the rear of Akhtar’s home address, when a 47-year-old man was subjected to a prolonged assault at the hands of a group of five men.

It is believed Akhtar had been the ‘ringleader’ for the attack, not only organising it but watching it from beginning to end.

In the weeks before the attack, Akhtar and the victim had been communicating by text message, which the victim believed was the start of a relationship. However, on July 22nd Akhtar asked the victim to cease contact.

It is thought she had become unhappy with the content of their communications.

However, the following day she claimed to have had a change of heart and invited him round to her house.

When the victim attended her home address he was set upon in the yard at the back of the property by five unknown men.

As a result of the assault – which went on for around ten minutes – the victim suffered a fractured left cheek, which now requires a metal plate, a dislocated left elbow, a broken nose and several broken teeth.

He was in Royal Blackburn Hospital for a week afterwards.

An investigation was launched and Akhtar was arrested on July 24th.

The men who carried out the attack have never been located.

DC Lee Richardson, of Blackburn Police, said: “This was a vicious and entirely unprovoked assault carried out against an innocent man, masterminded by someone he simply made the mistake of trusting.

“I am pleased the courts have taken this incident as seriously as we did and have seen fit to hand Akhtar

a significant sentence. I hope she uses her time in prison to reflect on the consequences of her actions.

“I also hope the sentencing brings some comfort to the victim and enables him to move forward with his life.

He not only suffered terrible injuries, but was later forced to go through the ordeal of a trial, and he has conducted himself with immense courage.

“We have never located the men who carried out the attack and would continue to urge anybody who knows who they are to contact us online, or via 101, quoting crime reference ED1611061.”

Information evening for potential foster carers

Anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer is invited to an information evening in Preston to find out more.

The event will be held on Wednesday 18 October 2017 at County Hall, on Fishergate Hill in Preston, from 6pm to 7.30pm.

Members of Lancashire County Council's fostering team, as well as social workers and current foster carers, will be available to answer questions, talk you through the process, and offer advice.

The county council has recently increased the allowances payable

to new foster carers so now they can expect to receive between £241 and £415 per week for each child they care for. People who have considered fostering before but weren't sure they could afford it are advised to come along to an information evening and find out if it could now be a viable option. County Councillor Susie Charles, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: "With around 20 Lancashire children needing homes each week, we need to recruit new foster carers.

"We have increased our allowances to foster carers this year in recognition

of their valuable role in providing loving homes for the children in our care. There is also a rising demand for placements with more children and young people coming into the care of the local authority each week.

"We are looking for people who can foster all ages of children, particularly siblings who need to stay together and teenagers. No formal experience or qualifications are needed, all we ask is that you have a spare room available and a desire to make a difference to a local child's life." A package of support is available 24/7 to help foster carers in their role, including local

support groups, their own social worker, a dedicated helpline and flexible training. If you're unable to come along on the night, call the fostering recruitment team on 0300 123 6723 or visit the website www. lancashire.gov.uk/fostering There is no need to book for the fostering information evening - you can just turn up, but please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Free parking is available on the Arthur Street car park, next to County Hall, and the Pitt Street entrance is accessible for disabled people.

Page 2.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Doctor in the House for

Blackburn’s Second Comic Con

Organisers of the Blackburn Comic appeared at several Wonky Rocket I’m really looking to meeting the to be a great day!” Tickets are on sale now at www.

Con have announced that Colin Events and always had a great time. people of Blackburn. It’s going blackburncomiccon.co.uk Baker, the sixth doctor in the long running BBC Series Dr Who will be coming to King Georges Hall on Saturday 4 November.

As the sci-fi world braces itself for the first female incarnation of the Time Lord in its eleventh regeneration, the team have announced a bigger and better line up of comic artists and writers, guests from TV and movies. This is the second year that the Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) have sponsored the venue as part of a marketing and events initiative to bring new visitors to the town centre. Organiser, Neil Livesey of Wonky Rocket Events said, ‘It’s been an ambition to establish a comic con in Blackburn for some time and thanks to the Blackburn BID’s support over the last two years we have been able to grow the event across both venues within King Georges Hall offering fans and families even more things to do, see and buy in the run up to Christmas.’

Wonky Rocket Events are the team behind Preston Comic Con, Carlisle Comic Con and St Helens Comic Con as well as corporate events. The event at King Georges Hall will have over 50 stalls selling collectors items and memorabilia, props and models displays. There will be costumed performers and Q&A sessions with actors and experts.

Actor Colin Baker said, ‘I’ve

Discover something new during Libraries Week

Lancashire libraries will be taking part in a week-long celebration of libraries from Monday 9 October to Saturday 14 October. Libraries across the county will take the opportunity during the week to demonstrate the services and activities they offer, including showcasing their digital resources, learning opportunities and family activities. This year's theme of discovery aims to encourage people

to learn something new at their local branch. A number of activities will also take place as part of the event, including a chance to find out about the online Red Rose Collections, where you can explore images of Lancashire people, places and events.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "We're taking part in

the national week to celebrate all that we offer in our much-loved libraries.

"I hope that people see this as an opportunity to take a fresh look at their local library, discover what's on offer and encourage their friends and family to do the same."

You can call in at your local library to find out more information about Libraries Week, and events and activities that are taking place.

Alternatively, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/librariesand-archives or call 0300 123 6703. Libraries Week is supported by the UK's library and information association, CILIP, the Arts Council, the Society of Chief Librarians, the Reading Agency, the School Library Association and the Libraries Taskforce.

Anyone who lives or works in Lancashire can join a Lancashire library, either online or by visiting in person.

Membership is free and there are no age restrictions. For more information, go to www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries or call 0300 123 6703.

Ava Travell produced it's First Holiday Brochure

in March 2016, which has been a huge success.

Director Miles Cassam, together with Alan Clenshaw and Aubrey Glasson (who had all previously worked for John Fishwick & Sons, Leyland, Bus Service & Holiday Tour Operator which finished trading after over a 100 years in October 2015) went into partnership with Paul Tattersall and the AVA Group which includes Avacab Taxis, Leyland Taxis, Avacoach and Avabus. We at AVA Travel operate out of town centre premises at 41 Hough Lane, Leyland, together with the Ava Group we are well on our way to being well established in the town.

Miles Cassam's vision of a hassle fee Door to Door Service within the North West Region is part and parcel of AVA Travel's excellent Customer

Service Policy AVA Travel offer modern, spacious Coach Travel to destinations throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales together with destinations in Europe.

No Overnight travel on long journeys is our policy, so overnight stops are in hand with chosen hotels or in accommodation on board ferries to the Continent. All AVA Travel Tours include Door to Door Service direct from your home to Coach, Airport or Docks and on return from your destination back home, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday without having to worry about anything other than having a good time. AVA Travel also offer a selection of Cruises, together with our own Madeto-Measure Flights & Hotels to Jersey and Guernsey available throughout April to September.

Our Summer 2017 AVA Travel Holiday Tours Brochure programme is now underway and our new October 2017 to April 2018 Holiday Tours Brochure is available to order over the phone just call 01772 622 222 or via our website at www.avatravel.co.uk

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Call for pubs to claim £1,000 relief towards their business rates bill

The relief is being offered as part of a government scheme to help reduce the cost of business rates for pubs in England with a rateable value of less than £100,000. The council has written to all 223 pubs in the city - with a rateable value of less than £100,000 – with details of the scheme but fewer than 50 have so far claimed the relief.

To be eligible for the relief the pubs

must be an occupied property with a rateable value of less than £100,000, be open to the public, allow drinking without the purchase of food, allow free entry other than when occasional entertainment is provided, and permit drinks to be purchased at the bar.

Councillor John Flanagan Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Finance and Human Resources, said:

“I would urge all eligible pubs to take advantage of the scheme. It’s quick and easy to apply and it could save you up to £1,000 from your business rates bill. “ Details of the scheme are available online and applications for the relief can be made here: www. manchester.gov.uk/info/200012/ business_rates/2042/relief_and_ exemptions

Owner who flouted warnings to

microchip dog prosecuted in city first

Margaret Ward, 26, of Metfield Walk, Charlestown, was ordered to pay a total of £614 at a hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.

It is a legal requirement for all owners to microchip their dogs and ensure the details stored on the chip are upto-date. The information contained in a dog’s microchip helps authorities reunite lost or stray pets with their owners. In November 2016 Ms Ward’s French Bulldog was found wandering without its owner and was collected by the council’s Animal Welfare Team. Any dog that is unsupervised in a public place may be taken by the council. Officers were unable to detect a microchip in the dog and the animal was taken to Manchester Dog’s Home, which takes in and cares for more than 7,000 dogs every year.

Ward attended Manchester Dog’s

Home, two days after the animal was picked up, where she identified the dog as hers and took it home.

In January 2017 the council wrote to Ward requesting that she microchip her dog within 21 days and provide evidence that she had.

Microchipping is available at most vets and is quick and painless for the animal. The council work with the Dog’s Trust to offer free microchipping at selected events.

Ward failed to respond to January’s letter or to a reminder letter sent in February, and also failed to attend a scheduled interview under caution to discuss the matter. In September 2017 Ward failed to attend a hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court and in her absence was found guilty of failing to comply with a Notice under the Microchipping of Dogs (England)

2015 regulations. She was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £464 with a £30 victim of crime surcharge.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Our Animal Welfare Team work to keep unsupervised animals off the street as stray animals can pose a danger to themselves and to people.

“When a dog goes missing it can be distressing for both them and their owner. Having your pet microchipped is quick and painless for them and increases the chances of you being reunited if they go missing. That's why, as this case should remind other owners, the law requires owners to do it."

To find out how to microchip your dog, or to report a stray dog visit: www.manchester.gov.uk/environment

Broughton bypass

named after war hero

The official name for the new road in Broughton is James Towers Way, named in honour of a local hero of World War One. Broughton-born Private James Towers was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his actions almost 100 years ago. In 1918, Private Towers volunteered to relay a message as a runner. Five people had already lost their lives attempting it.

Private Towers made his way across No Man's Land, well aware of the fate of the runners who had already attempted the task, relayed his message and brought support for his company. He was serving in the 2nd Battalion, The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in northern France.

The new name was officially agreed

by Preston City Council earlier today.

It was chosen by Lancashire County Council, following a recommendation

by Broughton Parish Council.

The new road, which was known as the Broughton Bypass during construction, opens on Thursday 5 October.

The construction work was carried out by HOCHTIEF UK, on behalf of the county council. Councillor Geoff Driver CBE, leader of Lancashire

County Council, said: "It's almost a century since Private Towers' heroic actions, which makes this a fitting tribute. "He knew the dangers he faced and risked his life to save his comrades. I'm proud that this new road will bear his name, and that more people will be made aware of his heroic actions."

James' granddaughter Glynis Castle, who lives in Preston, said: "We are very proud and pleased with this tribute to my grandfather. It seems very appropriate that it's in Broughton, as he lived and worked here.

"I spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up. If my mum had still been here, I know that she would have been very pleased as well.

"I'd like to thank both councils for this honour, which means a lot to our family."

Councillor Robert Boswell, Executive Member for Community and Environment for Preston City Council, said: “It is with great pleasure that I am able to grant this honour to the memory of James Towers, with a road so significant to the village he grew up in. This tribute will enable us to pass the story of his bravery and

sacrifice onto further generations."

The new road is forecast to reduce the number of vehicles travelling through the centre of Broughton village by up to 90% and improve journey times in and out of Preston.

The road will also create better connectivity to the wider road network, with benefits to the development and economic growth of the local area.

Once the road has opened, work can begin on almost £2million in improvements along the A6 through Broughton village, including early work to tackle flooding issues in the village.

Construction of the road is a key part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, and the £251m Lancashire Growth Deal.

The City Deal will help to create more than 20,000 new private sector jobs and see over 17,000 new homes built across the area, along with new school places, open green spaces and new health provision to cater for the growing population.

For more information, follow City Deal on Twitter @lancscitydeal, visit www.lancashirelep.co.uk/city-deal or email citydeal@lancashire.gov.uk.

Page 3.

Page 4.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Art & Soul Tattoo Studio Walking in Pendle is amazing

Art & Soul Tattoo Studio, a Leyland based, well established studio Nick opened in 2001. Through all the changes Leyland has seen this particular shop has weathered every storm.

With many, many regulars and more clients being added weekly this studio is very well settled. Nick Bleasdale found his passion in art at a young age, influenced by his \father, also a talented artist.

He spent many years travelling most of the country, often requested for personally, he could be on a journey to the top of Scotland at the start of the week and in devon by the end !

He settled in Leyland and attended Preston University of Central Lancashire where he obtained his degree in fine art and illustration.

By 1998 he and a friend were commissioned to paint a large 19ft mural in St. Georges shopping centre, Preston.

Nick’s first passion may well be tattoos, he is also accomplished with various other mediums including - airbrush, paintbrush, pencil or charcoal and loves to do portraits, murals, recently completing a full wall in the local Unicorn pub, Preston.

Nick’s studio is a friendly place, you are more than welcome to drop in for a chat, provided of course he’s not snowed under, as he often is, you can have a brew and get involved in some interesting discussions on many subjects !

In his spare time he enjoys playing numerous instruments, including guitar, mandolin, banjo, drums, penny whistle, flute and will often turn his hand to whatever instrument that has been passed to him. He also has being more than exemplary in the art. piece of art, you are more than a passion for magic and card tricks, So if you’re thinking of that special welcome to pop in for a chat.

it’s crystal clear!

Pendle’s the place for stunning views - as over 1,200 walkers from as far as Sydney, London and France discovered during the area’s annual walking festival in Pennine Lancashire. Pendle’s Countryside Access Officer, Tom Partridge, who co-ordinated over 60 walks said: “Amazing, crystal clear views and dry, sunny weather have been the hallmark of this year’s Festival.

“Walkers could see the Lake District fells from the top of Pendle Hill, looking out over an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“People commented on the beautiful long distance views on all our walks,” he said. “The Pendle Walking Festival, now in its 14th year, got rave reviews from ramblers from far and wide.” explained Pendle’s leader for tourism, Councillor Eileen Ansar.

Bridget Lee from London said: "I was brought up in Nelson in Pendle and always enjoyed the fact that we had the countryside on our doorstep.

“A free walking festival is a brilliant idea and I certainly hope to come back next year.”

Arlette Lebel was one of eight walkers from Pendle’s twin town of Creil near Paris who took part in the Festival. She said: “I have visited Pendle before but I finally got to walk up Pendle Hill!

“It was a great experience and I will definitely be returning to do more walking. Everyone was very friendly and Pendle looked so green!”

Another walker from Creil, Chair of the Creil Twinning Association, Nicolle Saudrais, added: “I really enjoyed the walks in the Pendle countryside which is a very different landscape to Northern France.”

Roger Lee, a local rambler, took part in the Pendle Way Challenge and said: “The Festival showcases our beautiful countryside, with walks led by experienced walkers. I found the Pendle Way a challenging but enjoyable experience.” Pendle

Council asked all the walkers to fill in a short survey on all aspects of the Festival and 87 % rated their enjoyment of the walks as 9/10 or 10/10 with one of the walkers saying it was “the greatest free walking festival in England!”

Pendle’s Tourism Officer Mike Williams said: “We’re all passionate about our beautiful area and it’s open all year! “During our Walking Festival we celebrated the 30th birthday of our 45 mile Pendle Way and have just completed a new short video about it, available on http://www.visitpendle. com/pwvideo “And we have a huge range of walks, from the easy to the challenging, which can be downloaded from our website www.visitpendle.com Councillor Ansar added: “Pendle’s varied open countryside with miles of footpaths is a major asset to our local tourism economy which is worth £106 million to the each year.”

The History Behind Clarion Lodge

Campsite, Menston 1908 – 2010

The clubhouse idea was eagerly adopted in other parts of started an annual camp in Wharfedale in the late 1890’s; the country by Clarionettes who had sampled the delights five second-hand bell-tents in a field between Otley and of Bucklow Hill and Handforth. Bradford CCC members Burley, where cycle runs went every Sunday for a month or more in the Summer. By 1906 Bradford’s annual camp had changed its site several times, but then the newlyformed Yorkshire Union of Clarion CCs began to look for a permanent ‘Countryhouse’. Early in 1907 the Yorkshire Clarion Clubhouse Ltd was registered as an Industrial and Provident Society offering supporters half-crown shares.

The aim was to build a ‘Bungalow Clubhouse’ for £200.00 in some convenient centre in Wharfedale. The following year they took a three-year lease on one of their previous camp sites, a four acre field at Chevin End near the village of Menston. There was an option to purchase outright, but they needed to raise a total of £500.00 to make this possible. At first they made do with tents, and then they put up ramshackle sheds and lean-tos until they had gathered enough money from the half-crown shares to have a proper Clubhouse built in stone. Even then they had to proceed slowly, adding architect –designed wings as funds became available. Next to the Clubhouse, while leaving space for camping, volunteers levelled the ground for tennis courts and made a ‘Carriage-drive’ planted on both sides with forest trees. Soon, a separate two-storey timber building had to be erected to provide forty more beds. Sadly, the latter was later razed to the ground by fire, but the stone buildings remain to this day as the only providing-surviving Clarion Clubhouse, used still

by Clarion Cyclists and other’s until its present owners bought and converted it in December 2010

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 5.

Sensory service helps Brian back on his feet

hear the doorbell ringing. When a rehabilitation officer from the council’s sensory service visited Brian to fit a specialist doorbell they noticed the eviction letter in his flat along with further letters from debt collectors.

Brian struggles to understand written English so he didn’t understand the letters and couldn’t communicate with the landlord.

Brian said: “My wife used to help me with bills but when she left me last year I struggled to keep up. I couldn’t pay for food and was visiting foodbanks. One week I would pay for food and the other week I would pay for bills. I couldn’t cover my rent.

“I needed help with simple things and was in urgent need of repairs to my property but I couldn’t communicate with my landlord, because of my Deafness. I felt like nobody could help me and I didn’t see the point of anything. I started to think I would have been better off in prison where I would have a roof over my head, food and not have to worry about bills.”

Wigan Council’s sensory service offers support to residents across his private landlord when he the borough who have any type of A Wigan man who is profoundly Deaf the help of a council service. has described how he would have Brian Quinn, aged 54 from Worsley missed a mandatory safety check hearing or sight loss. been made homeless if it wasn’t for Mesnes, was facing eviction from of the property because he couldn’t As part of The Deal for Adult Social Care, rehab officers will carry out a full holistic assessment when visiting a resident to try and understand what further support they need to remain independent in their homes.

Rehab officer Sue Porter, interpreter Holly Jones and Brian Quinn.

Local firm helps

council tackle litter

Oldham Council has a new tool in the fight against litter and waste left on our streets. We’ve teamed up with Werneth-based ePower Trucks and have taken delivery of two Glutton Electric vacuum cleaners.

The machines can vacuum up all kinds of waste and hold more than the traditional carts used by our environmental services staff – meaning more rubbish can be collected. Because the Glutton is electric there are no emissions and they are silent which means our staff can visit streets early in the morning and remove waste while not disturbing residents.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “It’s good to see that a local firm has come up with an innovative product like the Glutton and we wish them well with it.

“The simple truth is if people acted responsibly and didn’t drop litter then there wouldn’t be the need for us to clean up after them. “Our staff work seven days a week to keep our streets clean but the issue does not go away.

That’s why we will give fixed penalty notices and prosecute those who think they can just drop their rubbish where they want and not clean up after themselves.”

A spokesman for ePower said: “The Glutton is a full electric vacuum designed to assist the cleansing operatives to keep the town centre and surrounding areas clear of litter.

“We are extremely happy to be working with our local council and help make their lives easier when out collecting litter dropped by the public.”

You can report litter online via the council website at www.oldham.gov. uk or by calling 0161 770 6644.

They will support with the emotional difficulties of hearing or sight loss and also look at the practical ways to help day-to-day which can be anything from helping them to hear better on the telephone to fitting specialised door bells or loop systems to help alleviate difficulties with the TV, along with any support highlighted during an assessment for visual impairment or dual sensory loss.

Rehab officer Sue Porter has been supporting Brian for the last year and has helped him to avoid eviction, spoken to the utilities companies on his behalf to resolve his debts, arranged the repairs to his property and referred him for a full benefits assessment where he has discovered he is eligible for further support.

Brian worked as a forklift truck driver for 30 years before battling a brain tumour two years ago and is now unable to work.

Brian said: “Without Sue I would be begging on the streets with a cup.

Other Deaf friends have support but I have no family or friends around me.

Sue has been my private secretary!

“Now I have had a full assessment and I will receive enough money each week to pay for rent, food and bills and I am so relieved.

“I say Sue is my angel.

“I want to raise awareness to other people with hearing or sight loss because they might not know that

support is out there. They don’t know the right path or how to go about getting help with things. It would be good for a Deaf person to be able to ask for help, how and where would this happen?

“I also want to raise awareness of how hearing people should treat Deaf people – when I walk into a building it would be nice to be properly dealt with.

There needs to be clearer signs and information.”

Stuart Cowley, director for adult social care at Wigan Council, said: “By focusing on each individual resident and looking at what practical support they need on a daily basis we can make a massive difference.

Small things are all some people need to feel stable and the help is out there.

“Enabling independence and ensuring an improved quality of life, thereby reducing demand on other public services, is a key element of The Deal.”

Anyone who feels that they are struggling with their sight or hearing can request support from the sensory service, they will initially be contacted by our Duty Officers who will gain further information.

For more information about how to contact the service visit https://wigan. gov.uk/Resident/Health-Social-Care/ Adults/Community-support/Hearingand-vision-support.aspx

Page 6.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 7.

Spotlight On The

Fylde Coast

From Lytham to Fleetwood, a short break on the Fylde coast has all the ingredients for the perfect escape.

Take your pick from these indulgent

breakaway ideas. Fresh Air and Fantastic Views in Fleetwood and Cleveleys Relax – Wrap up and walk to

Rossall Point for great views across Morecambe Bay. Explore – Potter around Fleetwood Market and catch the Knott End

Morecambe Lytham

Morecambe offers you the chance to enjoy the many pleasures of the seaside, whether it’s flying kites, building sandcastles or enjoying the views across the bay. Stroll along Morecambe’s award winning promenade with an ice cream or have fun seeing it on two wheels, before grabbing a picnic and heading on down to the beach for a spot of sandcastle making or kite flying.

Don’t forget to visit the Eric Morecambe Statue, which looks out across the promenade, and The Tern Project, a series of public art installations inspired by the birdlife of Morecambe Bay. And, of course, there’s the 1930s Midland Hotel, the art deco masterpiece which has been lovingly restored in recent years. Enjoy an afternoon tea overlooking the panorama of the Bay, treat yourself to a glass of wine in the Rotunda bar, and visit the stunning Eric Gill artworks on display in the foyer and at the top of the sweeping staircase.

Time to eat? There’s plenty of scope for ice cream, fish and chips and other seaside fare whilst you amble along the seafront, but if you prefer to eat indoors then there’s an array of cafes and restaurants to tempt your taste buds.

Just up the road lies Happy Mount Park, where familyfriendly attractions complement the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity of a traditional park. Swingboats, mini golf, trampolines, a miniature train, a splash park and a zip wire will keep the kids amused whilst you enjoy the park’s landscaped surroundings.

Regent Park and the West End Gardens also offer places to walk, relax and have fun.

For rainy-day entertainment, visit Morecambe Superbowl or the Reel Cinema, both conveniently situated right next to the seafront. In the evening, The Platform is the place to go to take in a theatre show, comedy gig or concert.

If you’re in the mood for shopping, visit the boutique stores and gift shops along the Promenade. The town centre offers high street shopping whilst Central Drive Retail Park offers clothing, sportswear, gardening and homeware stores plus a large supermarket.

Just six miles from the bright lights of Blackpool, Lytham and St Annes, Fylde, are worlds apart in both character and atmosphere. The dual seaside towns are nestled along a picturesque stretch of coastline lined with well tended lawns, a boating lake and pretty parks.

With an expansive sandy beach, Victorian pier, historic windmill, a ‘royal’ golf course and stylish independent shops, the dual seaside towns of Lytham and St Annes continue to remind us why we all love the British seaside so much.

Since 2012 the now award winning St Annes Beach Huts, including an award at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2015, have given us another reason to spend more time on this part of the Fylde coast.

Whether you rent for the day, week or year; it’s the ideal beach side base for all the family to relax or celebrate in.

We especially love the chic interiors and practical touches (fridge, kettle, microwave, deck chairs, cutlery and crockery) so you can concentrate on the really important stuff like relaxing with your friends and family whilst gazing out across the sands. Even if the weather is less than ideal, there are heaters and double glazing so you stay snug and warm in your beach hut making this a great experience whatever the weather.

Ferry across the Estuary. Lookout for wildfowl and wading birds.

Stay – Enjoy 5 Star luxury at the Gold standard Breck Apartments in

Poulton-le-Fylde Dine –Twelve Restaurant and Lounge Bar in Thornton holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and two AA rosettes for its mouth-watering menu.

Heritage & Entertainment in Blackpool Relax – Choose from a variety of theatre at The Grand Theatre or the Opera House & Winter Gardens in Blackpool Explore – From the breathtaking tower ballroom, Victorian piers and much celebrated theatres, explore the town’s rich history on specialist heritage tour.

Stay – Number One South Beach is still one of the best for 5 Star accommodation in the resort

Dine – World famous for its fish and chips, Harry Ramsden's offers indoor and outdoor seating for over 150 diners Pure Indulgence in Lytham St Annes Relax – Escape to the award winning The SPA Hotel at Ribby Hall Hotel to experience their amazing Aqua Thermal Journey. Explore – Walk through the grounds of Lytham Hall, the finest Georgian House in Lancashire. Stay – The Villa Country House Hotel at Wrea Green, an elegant 4 star country retreat complete with deliciously cosy open fire.

Dine – Drive out to Little Eccleston to The Cartford Inn, a 17th century coaching house on the banks of the River Wyre.

Fleetwood Blackpool

Fleetwood is a beautiful, Victorian seaside resort boasting a stunning promenade, Art Deco Theatre, a beautiful harbour yacht marina, traditional shops and the Famous Fleetwood Market.

Having undergone recent regeneration used to improve buildings, upgrade facilities and encourage business in the town, Fleetwood is now at the forefront of being the perfect holiday destination.

Enjoy a walk along the promenade and see some of the most magnificent views in Lancashire, have some family fun at Marine Splash or see some top flight events at the historic Marine Hall. There are a number of award winning fish and chip shops in Wyre, it’s certainly one of our specialities. A must for any visitor to the district, and you’re guaranteed the famous Lancashire welcome too!

Did you know you can go crabbing at Fleetwood Boating Lake. On a good summers day children can be seen all around the Lake with pieces of bacon, a line and rod and a bucket. Great family fun, but don’t forget to be kind to the crabs and put them back into the water afterwards!

You can walk or Cycle the length of the Fylde Coast along the promenade from Fleetwood on to Cleveleys and to Blackpool which is approximately 11 miles.

The walk is very flat in the main with stunning views across the Irish Sea

Blackpool is Britain’s most loved holiday destination, which should come as no surprise when you think about the huge range of attractions available all year round, as well as the new seafront, world class events and spectacular lighting shows.

If you are feeling adventurous take a trip up the famous Blackpool Tower, which soars 158 metres above the town or get your adrenaline pumping at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, where you can ride the UK’s tallest rollercoaster, the Big One. Quieter adventurers can appreciate Blackpool’s calmer side by strolling down the newly renovated South Promenade, where they will discover contemporary artwork by pop artist Sir Peter Blake and the glittery spectacle that is the world’s largest Mirror Ball in the Great Promenade Show. Marvel at the gag-tastic Comedy Carpet which includes the work of over 1000 comedians and comedy writers from the days of music hall right up to todays stand up greats.

The magnificent Winter Gardens have a fantastic programme of unmissable events from award-winning West End to big name music concerts, as well as the Blackpool Grand Theatre offering the stunning design of Frank Matcham. Coming in the Autumn? Don’t miss the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations, that turn six miles of promenade into a glittering festival of light and magic. Whether you are nine or 90, there are plenty of things you can do in Blackpool and with a wide range of accommodation from hotels to self-catering; there is something for every pocket.

Page 8.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 9.

Basketball players, bosses, actors, park wardens

- and even a llama ‘drop everything and read’

Basketball players, bosses, actors, park wardens - and even a llama joined children and adults across the city this week to take part in Read Manchester's challenge to ‘drop everything and read’ for ten minutes in a bid to help improve literacy levels and feelings of well-being.

Everyone in Manchester was

encouraged to join in by reading at the same time on Thursday - which was also National Poetry Day - in their homes, schools, or workplaces, and show their support by posting on social media using #ReadMCR. Pupils, teachers and employees from local businesses joined the Lord Mayor of Manchester Eddy Newman,

Chief Executive of the Council Joanne Roney, and the Strategic Lead for Libraries Culture and Leisure Neil MacInnes, in St Peter’s Square on the day to read and enjoy poems, magazines, newspapers and more.

The challenge was also supported by other businesses and individuals who couldn't make it to the square but took

Lancashire County Council supports

National Adoption Week campaign

Helping brothers and sisters to stay together is the theme of National Adoption Week in Lancashire this year.

Lancashire County Council is always looking for adopters, but from 16 to 22 October there's a special focus on finding people who would be willing to keep families together by adopting siblings.

Brothers and sisters are among the children who wait longest to be adopted, as there are not enough people coming forward who are able to give them a safe, permanent and loving family.

County Councillor Susie Charles, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: "We realise that when people first start to consider adoption, they don't usually envisage adopting two or more children. But I'm hoping that we can encourage people to at least think it over.

"We keep brothers and sisters together whenever we can. For children who cannot be brought up by their own parents, those sibling relationships take on extra importance. In the midst of the trauma and losses these children experience, being placed with a brother or sister can be an important source of comfort and support, and give them the opportunity to grow up together.

"Adopting more than one child takes a special kind of commitment, and a willingness to accept a big change in circumstances. But we know it can work, because we already have some very happy families here in Lancashire which were created when

people adopted siblings. "Our focus this National Adoption Week is to find homes for these children.

"However, we know that adopting siblings might not be for everyone, and we still need adopters to come forward to look after children of all different ages and circumstances."

Consideration is given to anyone who wishes to adopt, regardless of their age, marital status, sexuality or gender. There are no strict rules about whether people should have jobs, their own homes or have their own children.

Among the 100 Lancashire children ready to be adopted, there are 13 twosibling groups and five three-sibling groups.

The county council is keen to hear from a broad range of prospective adopters, including single people and couples, same-sex and heterosexual, from all religious backgrounds or none.

It is also happy to consider people who have already adopted, already have a family, or are looking into adoption because they are unable to have children of their own.

The only legal requirements are that adopters must be over 21 and live within Lancashire or nearby.

Not everyone is able to adopt more than one child and there are many single children who need a family too.

Adoptive parents are also needed for children from young babies up to eight years of age, and particularly for the following groups: • Children aged over four, either gender

• Children with special needs, disabilities or unpredictable medical issues • Boys of all ages • Mixed-heritage children of all ages Anyone interested in finding out more about adoption can contact the county council by calling the friendly adoption team on 0300 123 6723, visiting the website at www. lancashire.gov.uk/adoption and filling in the enquiry form or attending an information evening. More details are available on the website.

People can help spread the word about adopting with Lancashire County Council on their online channels. This can be done by following the county council on Twitter @LancashireCC and searching for #LancsAdoption for messages to retweet, and Liking the county council on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lancashirecc and sharing the posts about adoption.

By doing this people can help to spread the word to their friends and family, their colleagues and maybe the organisations they work with.

Lancashire County Council is part of Adopt North West, a regional adoption recruitment project that is funded by 22 local authorities in the North West. During National Adoption Week and into early November, the county council will be supporting the regional initiative, as well as running their own campaign aimed at recruiting adopters for the children in their care.

Promotional activity will focus on finding forever homes for these children.

time out where they were to stop what they were doing and have a short read.

The Manchester Giants, staff from the Royal Exchange Theatre, the cast of Uncle Vanya at HOME, leisure centre staff, litter pickers, wardens from Heaton Park, and even a llama all paused for ten minutes and rose to the reading challenge.

The event was part of the Read Manchester campaign from Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust.

Read Manchester promotes reading for enjoyment through a year-long programme of activities and aims to raise literacy levels in the city.

The ‘drop everything and read’ challenge was supported by research which shows that reading for as little as just ten minutes every day has an important impact on how well a child does at school. Evidence also show that reading can help adults to relax, relieves stress, and improves empathy.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure, Manchester City Council, said: “Literacy levels have been steadily improving across the city over the last few years but we want to improve them still further.

“Reading for pleasure is key to helping with this, and I’m calling on everyone, young and old, to join me and give it a go by taking ten minutes out of their day - every day- to stop what they’re doing, pick up a book, a newspaper, or whatever else they’ve got to hand and just read.

“It’s not just about improving literacy

skills - all the research shows that ten minutes is all it can take to help you relax, slow down, and help relieve stress by focusing on what you’re reading instead of any external pressures.”

Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, said: “When it comes to reading, we know that little and often is best and can have a huge impact on both children and adults."

Page 10.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

THE ANTIQUES ROADSHOW presenter Fiona Bruce has revealed some of

the most surprising items she’s

brought into the programme

The 53-year-old - who has hosted the BBC series for a decade - spoke about the strangest artefacts she’s ever encountered on the programme.

She explained that there were several antiques during her time on the series that had left her stunned including a Nazi-themed potty and a dried placenta.

Reflecting on the most shocking

antique, the host and BBC journalist said: “If I had to pick the most unusual thing that’s turned up in the time that I’ve been working on the show – could it be the man that turned up with an Attache case full of loo chains, just a small sample of his collection?”

She continued: “Could it be the man that turned up not once, but twice

with a foetal membrane dried onto a piece of A4 paper that had belonged to his great-grandfather? It’s called a “core” and it used to be a talisman against drowning and it used to have some value!

“Or could it be the lady who brought along a potty that had a picture of Hitler on the bottom and when you did a little ‘tinkle’ into it, it played its

own little tune? And because it was rare, I think it was worth over £1000 from memory.”

Her words come as a new series of The Antiques Roadshow airs tonight, marking the programme’s 40th anniversary on television screens after its first broadcast back in 1977.

Speaking about the enduring appeal of The Antiques Roadshow, Fiona

said it was a winning format that hadn’t changed over the course of four decades.

Fiona said: “What makes it eternally popular is probably what I love about it – that we all hope that we could have something gathering dust on the

mantelpiece or in the attic that either turns out to be very valuable, or has an amazing story.”

She added that the show’s experts were still finding “amazing things” each week as they toured the country high and low for antiques.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 11.

Page 12.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Manchester working hard to get ahead of the

game on school readiness for youngsters

In 2012/13 less than half of all children in the city (47 per cent) were assessed as being 'school ready' by the time they started full-time school.

Five years on and this figure has gone up significantly so that now nearly seven out of every ten children in the city (66 per cent) are classed as ready for school when they start.

This local rate of improvement mirrors the rate nationally and reflects the hard work going on across the city in all childcare and early years settings to ensure children have the skills necessary to give them the very best start when they begin full-time school. 92 per cent of all childcare settings in the city in the private and voluntary sector have now been judged Good or better by Ofsted and outcomes continue to improve.

School readiness measures how prepared a child is to succeed in school - not just in terms of their learning, but also in terms of their social and emotional development. It actually starts at birth with the support of parents and carers, when young children start to develop the social and emotional skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for success in school and life. Children are assessed as being school ready if they have reached a 'good level of development'.

This is defined as achieving at least the expected level in a number of early learning goals. These include communication and language skills, physical development, personal social and emotional development - having self confidence, managing feelings, making friends; reading and writing; early maths work - numbers, shapes, space and measures; understanding the world; and creative expression through the arts and using

their imagination. School readiness at age five has a strong impact on future educational attainment and life chances. It isn't however just better for the child - there are clear benefits not only for children themselves but also for society at large through improved educational outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, reduced crime and increased taxes paid due to increased future earnings as adults.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure, Manchester City Council, said: "The figures speak for themselves - far more children are school ready now in the city than five years ago. Although our rate of improvement during this time is the same as that nationally, we have set our sights much higher and are determined to do everything we can, as quickly as we can, to ensure every single child is school ready at the point at which they go to primary school for the first time.

"This is not just about teaching children the basics of counting, reading, writing and numbers - it's far more than that, and is as much about a child's social and emotional

development as it is about learning the alphabet and writing their name.

"The importance of school readiness can't be over-stated. School ready children have a greater chance of success, not just in school but also in life.

I'm sure there isn't one parent anywhere in Manchester who, like me wouldn't want that for their child."

School readiness is also at the heart of the council's early years delivery model that has been rolled out across the whole city during the last two years. Councillor Rahman and Council Chief Executive Joanne Roney visited Martenscroft Nursery School and Children's Centre in Hulme this week to see the work being done there to ensure all children get the very best start in life and are school ready by the time they start full time school. Joanne Roney OBE, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: "It was great to visit Martenscroft and to meet children there and talk to staff about the fantastic work they do and to see for myself what a difference excellent early help like this really can make to children."

Partners mark ‘topping out’ of new Darwen housing with care scheme

Representatives from Blackburn with Darwen Council, Together Housing Group and Keepmoat Regeneration, part of the ENGIE group, gathered to celebrate a milestone in the development of Riverside Heights housing with care scheme in Darwen.

Construction of Riverside Heights is progressing at pace with tiling of the development’s roof nearly complete.

Known in the building industry as a ‘topping out’ ceremony, the event marked the final phase of work on the highest point of the scheme.

Opening in spring 2018, the £12million Riverside Heights housing with care scheme is for local people aged over 50 and comprises 85 selfcontained apartments, with a range of additional facilities including a residents’ lounge, restaurant, hair and beauty salon and secluded gardens.

These superb facilities will be open to the local community as well as residents.

Housing with care provides highquality accommodation with on-site care services tailored to individual needs. The aim of this safe and secure scheme is to enable older people to live independently for longer.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: I believe that this exciting development will meet the needs of older people across the Borough for years to come. I hope it will have a positive impact for the whole area, helping older people enjoy their lives in new, purpose built homes within the community. We will work closely together with our partners to make sure good quality services are readily available for residents of the scheme.” Councillor Mustafa Desai,

Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: It is great to see such rapid progress and the scheme is looking fantastic, I want to give huge thanks to all partners who are working incredibly hard on this.

These are going to be wonderful homes for people over 50 with some fantastic facilities, which will let people keep their independence and have control over their care, which we know is of great importance to people. I am looking forward to seeing the developments over the coming months. Sue Lewis, Together Housing Group Head of Supported Housing, added: Together Housing are delighted to be celebrating another key stage in this development with our partners Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Keepmoat Regeneration.

This special project means we will be able to offer a fantastic range of new homes for older people in Darwen as the development includes our housing with care scheme, Riverside Heights, and bungalows too on Shorey Bank Way. Meeting the housing needs of our ageing population is all about providing a range of great choices, tailored to different requirements.

We are so looking forward to the project being completed and being able to welcome our customers into

their new homes.” Frank Mondino, Area Director in the North West for Keepmoat Regeneration commented: We are pleased to celebrate this key milestone with our partners Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Together Housing Group. This unique development addresses the increasing need for supported living in the UK. The scheme is designed with longevity and accessibility in mind to ensure that it adapts easily with people’s changing needs as they grow older. With the impending challenge of 100% more people over the age of 85 by 2030, at Keepmoat Regeneration, we are actively working with local authorities and our partners to improve the quality of life for people approaching retirement, and for those with specific needs. We believe that this housing with care development will bring much needed quality homes to the area of Darwen and we look forward to celebrating its completion.”

Riverside Heights housing with care scheme is open to local people aged over 50 with an assessed need for care and/or support. People interested in applying should contact The Housing Needs Team, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. Tel: 01254 585444.

E-mail enquires: housingneeds@ blackburn.gov.uk.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 13.

Page 14.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Former Mayor shortlisted

for national award

A long-standing Burnley councillor has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of his work.

John Harbour was nominated in the “Place Shaping and Environment” category of the national LGIU councillor of the year awards for his work on environmental improvement schemes and for his “hands on” involvement in initiatives to boost the borough’s housing market.

Councillor Harbour is the council’s deputy leader and executive member for housing and environment, a portfolio that includes responsibilities for parks and green spaces. He also served as the borough’s Mayor in 2009/10.

Coun. Harbour was keen to reflect on the fact that being shortlisted by the LGIU highlights the hard work and dedication of others, as much as himself.

“It’s an honour to be shortlisted for this award,” he said. “This is as much a recognition of the hard work of council staff, volunteers and others to improve our communities as it is of my contribution.

"I’m proud of my town and I want to see it prosper. Providing good quality homes and attractive parks and green spaces are the most basic of building blocks that will help ensure our future.”

Among the projects he has overseen as executive member are the empty homes programme which sees longterm vacant houses bought by the council, refurbished, and sold on to bring “problem properties” back into use; the creation of the Padiham Greenway which transformed a disused railway track into a popular foot and cycle path; and innovative changes to the way the borough’s

parks and green spaces are managed, working with nature rather than trying to control it.

Over the years, Councillor Harbour has also worked with Padiham Town Council and many volunteers from the community on such projects as the river side walk in Padiham, and an initiative which sponsored scores of hanging baskets to brighten up Padiham town centre.

Council leader Mark Townsend said: “This is very good news. As well as acknowledging John’s achievements as a councillor, it is national recognition for great work by officers in our housing and green spaces services in their work to improve our neighbourhoods, and for the volunteers and community members who have worked with John on a wide range of environmental projects.”

New centre set to help prevent homelessness

Manchester City Council will shortly submit a planning application for the Longford Centre in Chorlton which would provide emergency temporary accommodation to prevent people becoming homeless and help them move forwards in their lives.

The centre, subject to approval, will be one of around 50 different housing and accommodation offers for homeless people in Manchester, with each providing support to different groups of homeless people and meeting different needs.

Subject to planning approval, the centre will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and created to help single people and childless couples who are new to homelessness by providing a safe and welcoming environment in which they can receive intensive support.

Services at the centre are being co-designed by the Council with voluntary sector and public sector organisations who work with homeless people and with people who have experienced homelessness themselves. The centre will provide accommodation (including food) and support services under one roof plus planned activities to help people who have recently become homeless to rebuild their confidence and move on into independent accommodation, and employment, training or other opportunities. There are many reasons why people become homeless and this support will be flexible and tailored to

the individual. For some it might be mediation with their family to help get them back home. For others it might be help sorting out health or debt problems. Other organisations will be asked to help at the centre to provide appropriate activities for residents during the day, for example gardening, cooking or art.

The centre will be available for people who are new to homelessness and have low to medium – rather than the highest – support needs. It is intended to supplement the range of existing accommodation and support services and people who need it will be referred to the centre

by Council homelessness services and other organisations working with homeless people. Councillor Bernard Priest, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This new centre will be just one part of Manchester's ongoing response to the challenge of homelessness but it is another important ingredient and it's a key component of the Greater Manchester framework being championed by Mayor Andy Burnham. “By bringing a range of services together under one roof and giving people a safe and welcoming environment in which to receive support and move forward in their lives, we aim to help prevent people ending up on the streets.

“This is not a substitute for helping rough sleepers and other homeless people, which we and our partner organisations will continue to do,

but is intended to provide early help to those on the very edge of homelessness. It’s something we’re keen to have in place for when colder weather sets in which is why we are about to bring forward a planning application. “There will also be opportunities for local people, many of whom we know are concerned about the issue of homelessness, to volunteer if they would like to do something practical to support and work with homeless people themselves.”

Stephanie Moore of Chorlton-based Reach Out To The Community, which works with homeless people in South Manchester, said: “If somebody is at risk of becoming homeless their problems are only going to get worse unless they can be nipped in the bud. Prevention is an important part of dealing with this difficult issue and stopping people ending up on a downward spiral. We are totally behind this centre.”

A consultation on the proposals has been opened with Chorlton residents.

One drop-in session has already taken place and people in the area are also invited to attend another between 6pm and 8pm on Thursday 5 October at The Longford Centre to give their views and find out more about how the centre will be managed. There will be further opportunities for Chorlton residents to input as part of the planning process once the application has been submitted.

Page 15.

Page 16.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 17.

EVERCARE

PHARMACY BROTHERS’ EVERCARE SUCCESS

Two brothers are happy to be in business in Colne, where they established their own pharmacy business in the main street. Javed and Zaheer Choksi, aged 29 and 27, from Bolton, are both qualified pharmacists, and worked for pharmacies in the Bolton area before deciding to go it alone.

They took over the former Well Pharmacy in Market Street – which had previously been a Co-op pharmacy and a dry cleaner’s shop before that – and established their Evercare pharmacy a year ago.

“It was an opportunity to run our own pharmacy and work for ourselves,” said Zaheer. “Colne is a nice little town, although to be honest we hadn’t really heard of it before. It’s a lively town with a lot of potential, and it’s very interesting for us as a business.

“We’re very happy with the way our first year has gone, and we want to open another pharmacy later this year or early next year.”

The brothers’ Evercare pharmacy offers a full prescription service including home delivery, plus consultations, flu jabs, morning-after pill and methadone specialism.

Their team is completed by Rebecca, Sarah and Shawana.

brothers Javed and zaheer run an independant pharmacy in the heart of colne town centre. What made you want to become Pharmacists? I have always wanted to commit myself to healthcare, It gives me a chance to make a real difference to the health of others every day. And to make that my job was the most amazing and rewarding thing I could do.

I am speaking to patient’s day in and day out on ways to improve their health, help them stop smoking, give them diet and exercise advice, talk with them about mental health problems they may be having, show them how to take their tablets and inhalers and explain to them why it’s important to take them on time. With a Doctor’s time becoming even more limited, now is the time to take full advantage of your local pharmacist as we have a vast amount of knowledge and training and resources to help

Older people in Blackburn and Darwen will be celebrated as part of a special

international event in October

International Day of Older Persons will take place on Sunday, October 1st, at Blackburn Town Hall with community groups, civic dignitaries and an opportunity to meet other people.

The International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the issues and challenges of ageing in today’s world.

The theme of International Day of Older Persons 2017 is “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.” This focuses on enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies at large.

The event was announced to run every year by the United Nations General Assembly. The event is facilitated

by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in support of the Borough’s older person’s forum. It will be attended by Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Also in attendance will be Sayyed Osman, Director for Adult Services, Neighbourhoods and Community Protection, Age UK, Interfaith Forum, Care Network and is supported by many voluntary and community groups including Transdev who have made a donation to support the event.

Local Scouts groups have been invited – part of the aim of the event is to work with different age

groups to promote understanding and cooperation between generations.

Sayyed Osman, Director of Adult Services, neighbourhoods and Community protection at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: ” The aim of this event and this day is to be a celebration of the contributions that older people make to our society and the economy and their ongoing achievements, which don’t stop as people get older. We are supporting the campaign’s aim to challenge negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes.’ – Leader of Council We want everyone – young, middleaged and older – to come along and enjoy themselves, and find out that older people are still very full of life and have a lot to contribute to all of us.”

patients with most for their health questions and worries.

I am also in the process of training to work in a Doctor’s surgery and help them out part time.

I will be seeing patients with minor ailments, doing medicine reviews, and a whole lot of other exciting and interesting work in helping the NHS become more streamlined and cost efficient. Experience.

I worked in a lot of different pharmacies before I got the chance to run my own, so I have a good amount of experience behind me. But even now I am always seeing new drugs and patients with problems I have never encountered before so it is a good learning curve got me to learn about new areas of medicine, so I am well equipped for the future.

Services we provide.

Also, we have a wide range of vitamins, minerals, supplements

and proteins for optimal health.

For those that want optimum sports performance, or for those that want the most valuable nutrients foods have to offer, in a raw and easy to consume form. All our staff are fully trained on what type of supplements to offer in order to meet specific needs, For e.g. antioxidants, heart support, energy, a clear mind, joint support, balancing blood glucose, prostrate health for men, younger looking skin and digestive health. We offer patients a range of free services, some of them are: we do Blood pressure checks for patients, We do the emergency hormonal contraception for women.

We offer the finger prick test for patients who are worried they may have high blood glucose (diabetes).

We offer clean and sterile needles for those who inject for a variety of reasons. We order and deliver patients medications so they don’t forget, so

once less hassle for the patients. And because were late night, we can offer delivery when it’s convenient for the patient. We do medicine review for patients who feel they may benefit from having their medications checked professionally. We offer to put patient’s medication in a 7-day blister pack so all the tablets are ready popped and put into the correct time slot. All the patient needs do is check the time and take the pills in the right slot (AM, LUNCH, TEA and BEDTIME) There are a lot of services we offer, so I believe there is something for everyone there, and if there isn’t just give us a call or pop in, we can always work something out, Flexibility is the key in our business, especially these days, with people’s lives becoming more active and busier than ever. I mean even my grandma has emails to check and reply to every day now!!

Page 18.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Northlight welcomes £1.75m

Lancashire Adult Learning Centre

Funding organisations and partners who’ve made the new £1.75m centre possible saw behind the scenes on Wednesday 27 September, before the official opening in October.

Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) provided a total of £1.4m to support the relocation of Lancashire Adult Learning’s (LAL) from Chorley to Northlight thanks to LEP’s £750,000 of Growth Deal Skills Capital and £650,000 from

Lancashire County Council.

The LEP has also invested £4.2million of Growth Deal funding into the overall Northlight scheme.

And Lancashire County Council is providing a total of £2.15m for Northlight including improved access from the M65 and re-developing part of the canalside for leisure.

Leader of Pendle Council, Councillor Iqbal said: “Thanks to the massive support we’ve had it’s been full speed ahead since October 2016.

“I’m delighted this fantastic facility has found a new home in Pendle in the beautiful Victorian office buildings of our iconic mill. What a location!”

“The fast pace of development on our ambitious project proves it has a great future,” explained Councillor Iqbal, who also chairs Pendle Enterprise And Regeneration (PEARL).

PEARL is the joint venture company of Pendle Council and Barnfield Investment Properties which owns Northlight and more details on this

and other transformational projects are on www.pearlpendle.co.uk “It’s fantastic to see Northlight taking shape to create a new learning, living, working, leisure and cultural destination for the North West,” Councillor Iqbal stated.

The new LAL Centre will support a staggering 22,000 adult learners in Lancashire across 120 venues in the county. An official VIP launch event will be held in October.

Amanda Melton, Principal of both

Lancashire Adult Learning and Nelson and Colne College, said: “The facilities at Northlight are of the highest standard and I am extremely impressed with the transformation that has taken place here over recent months. “I’m delighted that Lancashire Adult Learning is part of such an exciting project, one that will really enhance adult learning.

“Our base will now be at Brierfield, but our provision will remain the same – providing adults across the county with an opportunity to rediscover a love for learning in one of our many community venues across Lancashire. “We have an extensive and exciting programme of courses designed to meet the needs of the local community.”

County Councillor Graham Gooch, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Lancashire County Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the investment into the redevelopment of Northlight and improved access from the M65 will make it a prime site for the area.

“I am equally pleased that Lancashire Adult Learning will be the first centre to open as part of the complex, offering a wide range of courses and learning opportunities for the local community.

“As Lancashire Adult Learning is one of the UK's largest adult education providers it is great for the people of Pendle to have this centre on their doorstep,” he said.

Tim Webber, Managing Director of Barnfield and a PEARL board

member said: “We’ve worked intensely and with great care to sensitively restore and refurbish this elegant building for a new purpose.”

Tim Webber announced the next new developments for Northlight at the preview as work continues on the rest of the site to transform the whole complex. These include a residential planning submission in for 52 apartments.

“As Pendle developers with our HQ within sight of Northlight, it’s been a labour of love for us and we’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved so far.

“It’s full speed ahead with Burnley FC in the Community which opens fantastic facilities here in the spring and In-Situ opening their innovative garage site as an arts and culture hub,” he said.

Graham Cowley, Chair of the LEP Growth Deal Management Board said: “The £5million Growth Deal investment in the Northlight scheme reflects how the LEP supports projects which add real value to the county’s economy at both a local and regional level.

“Brierfield Mill is gradually being transformed into a thriving hub of education, leisure and residential services, which will benefit the whole of the local community, while the new LAL office will be able to deliver vital adult learning provision more effectively and efficiently across all of Lancashire.

“It’s a great example of how the Lancashire Growth Deal can help unlock investment and drive regeneration,” he said.

David Graham, Site Manager at Northlight for Barnfield described how his team has created the new modern and accessible LAL Centre whilst protecting some elegant period features.

“Luckily for us the Victorians built it very robustly so there were no challenges to overcome!

“We’ve restored the curved oak staircase and the main feature window with its stunning view over the northlights of the weaving shed to the historic clock tower,” he said.

“We’ve kept parts of the vaulted ceiling intact, reconstructed curved windows and plaster work,” he explained.

“It’s been wonderful to see how delighted Amanda Melton and her team have been with their new centre!”

For anybody interested in joining LAL or finding out more about what we offer, please visit our website at www.lal.ac.uk and download our latest course guide.

Built in 1838 by Henry Tunstill alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Brierfield Mill, in a commanding position looking out over Pendle Hill, was one of the first steam powered cotton spinning mills in the area. It now has a new future as Northlight.

The beautiful Victorian office buildings which are the new home of Lancashire Adult Learning were first completed in 1885.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 19.

History of the NGS

In 1859 William Rathbone, who was a prominent Liverpool merchant & philanthropist, paid a nurse named Mrs Robinson to care for his sick wife. He was greatly impressed by Mrs Robinson’s work & it struck him that while he was capable of hiring a nurse because he was a wealthy man, there must be thousands of poor people in Liverpool who could not afford this & yet still had that need.

He therefore paid Mrs Robinson to go into the city to nurse the poor. Before long Mrs Robinson returned to tell Mr Rathbone that because conditions were so terrible there was no way she could make any impression on them on her own. William Rathbone set up a school of nursing & sent nurses into the city in groups. Later this resulted in the creation of district nursing.

District nursing spread through the length & breadth of the land. Among those who were actively supportive of this were Florence Nightingale & Queen Victoria, who were both deeply interested in the work. It is extraordinary to us today to recall that the NHS did not come on the scene until 1948, so all this work had to be funded by charity.

The organising body for district nursing was the Queen’s Nursing Institute. In 1927 Miss Elsie Wagg, who was a member of the QNI Council, had the idea of inviting people with fine gardens to open them to the public with a view to raising funds. The first gardens opened in 1927. A total of 609 gardens opened at a standard charge of one shilling per head & a total of £8,191 was raised – a considerable sum of money in

those days. It was considered a great success, undoubtedly assisted by the active support of his Majesty King George V, who opened the gardens at Sandringham in Norfolk, & these gardens have been open every year since.

When the NGS was born in 1927, visiting private gardens was a well established pastime, but only for the privileged few. So asking owners of fine gardens to open them once a year to the general public was a radical, but

wonderful idea. The charity has gone from strength to strength ever since, with thousands of privately owned private gardens & suburban plots opening for the NGS, in addition to large gardens belonging to stately homes. Beneficiaries. Although many people associate the NGS with Open Gardens, surprisingly few people are aware of the the fact that it is the largest beneficiary of the nursing charities. Through the support of the garden owners & visitors, NGS

Cumbria raised £55k in 2015, & the NGS scheme donated £2.7m to the following charities last year (up from £2.6m in 2014): MacMillan Cancer Support £500,000 Marie Curie Cancer Care £500,000 Hospice UK £500,000 Carers Trust £375,000 Queen’s Nursing Institute £250,000 Parkinson’s UK £100,000 Perennial £150,000 The Multiple Schlerosis Society £100,000. Horatio’s Garden £130,000 Contact Details Website address www.ngs.org.uk Follow us on Twitter – CumbriaNGS Like us on Facebook – Cumbria NGS Buy the annual bestseller ‘Yellow Book’ at newsagents everywhere, which gives details of all gardens open across the country for the NGS. Pick up the County Leaflet free in ‘What’s On’ shelves across Cumbria.

This gives details of all NGS gardens open across the county.

County Organiser – Diane Hewitt 015394 46238, dhewitt.kinsman@ gmail.com. Publicity – Carole Berryman 0153954 443649, carole@ caroleberrymangardens.co.uk Open gardens. 65 gardens will be open across Cumbria this year, of all shapes, styles & sizes. In addition to seeing some wonderful gardens, many not normally open to the public, there are often teas & cakes, & plant sales – a wonderful day out for garden lovers in aid of good causes.

Average price £3.50.

10 New gardens in 2016 including: Broom Cottage Long Marton, Appleby-in-Westmorland CA16 6JP

open Sun 3 July 6&8 Conyers Ave Barrow-in-Furness LA14 4JT Open Sun 24 July Eden Place Kirkby Stephen CA17 4AP Open 3 July Fern Bank High House Rd St Bees CA27 0BZ Open Sun 10 April Grange Fell Allotments Fell Rd Grange-over-Sands LA11 6HB Open Sun 3 July Grow West Allerby Aspatria Wigton

CA7 2NL Open Sun 22 May Highlands High Knott Rd Arnside Carnforth LA5 0AW Open Sat-Sun 11-12 June Mirefoot Burneside Kendal LA8 9AB Open Sun 5 June Sandhouse Burnhill Scaleby Carlisle CA6 4LU 39 Outbarrow Rd Ulverston – part of Ulverston Open Gardens Open Sun 26 June

Page 20.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 21.

Page 22.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 23.

Transforming our town

We all want St Helens Town Centre to be a success, so we’ve developed a strategy together with our partners, to ensure our town transforms and grows into one that can rival the best and instil pride among local people.

Our strategy is highly ambitious. If all the proposals set out in the documents below were to be delivered, it would cost in the region of £300 million to achieve. This money would be realised through a combination of public and private funding streams.

There can be no denying that this is a substantial amount of money, and comes at a time when St Helens Council, like many others across the country, has to make changes to services in light of the significant

cuts made to our budget by the Government. However, we feel that in order to best serve local people and the borough, we need to invest some of the money we do have and work together with private investors to fund the town centre’s transformation.

But we can’t do this alone. We want to hear the views of residents, businesses and our partners about our long term plans for the future.

Share your comments and feedback

by Friday 27 October. Email us at hello@investinsthelens.com Write to us at ‘Freepost: YOUR VIEWS’.

Find out more about our plans at www.investinsthelens.com or enquire at Town Hall Planning Reception, Victoria Square, WA10 1HP

GoTRI event is a

sporting success

Go Active recently teamed up with St Helens Sports Development to host a successful mini triathlon event for adults with additional needs.

The event, called GoTRI, took place earlier last month and saw 14 competitors complete a 100m swim in the Queens Park Health & Fitness swimming pool before saddling up for a 3k cycle on the gym’s spinning bikes - and rounding the day off with a 1k run around Queens Park.

All triathlete participants received a T-shirt and a goody bag for their efforts - while group members who

didn’t want to compete still got involved by making flags and banners to help cheer and encourage their friends along the course.

The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillor Joe and Sylvia Pearson were among those in attendance to cheer the participants over the finishing line.

GoTRI, which will now become an annual event, was adapted for Queens Park Health & Fitness' weekly sessions for adults with additional needs and follows on from a successful sold-out launch event in July this year where

people with varying abilities; from complete beginners to experienced triathletes; took part in a 200m swim, 5km cycle on a spin bike and a 2km run at the sports and leisure facility on Boundary Road.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, Councillor Sue Murphy, said: “The idea of GoTRI is to provide an opportunity to help people with additional needs accomplish something that wouldn’t even be thought about outside of a health and fitness environment.

“Feedback from the event has been

Protect yourself and your loved

ones against flu this year

Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch. While flu can be a short-lived illness for the majority of people who catch it, for some it can be much more serious.

Health leaders in St Helens are encouraging those who are at much greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if they catch flu, to get themselves protected by getting their free flu jab. Those at greatest risk include people aged 65 and over, those who have a long term health condition, those with a weakened immune system, residents of longstay care homes, carers and pregnant women. Those eligible should contact their GP, local pharmacist or midwife to get their flu jab. The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last year you need another one this year to be protected.

Building on the success of last year,

children aged 2-3 are being offered a free nasal spray from their GP to protect them against flu and children in reception and school years 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be offered the nasal spray at school.

Sue Forster, St Helens Council’s Director of Public Health said: “I would urge everyone who is eligible to get the flu jab. The flu jab is completely safe, and it can’t give you flu. The sooner people have the jab the better.”

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Gill Neal added: “Flu symptoms can come on suddenly and sometimes severely. The most effective way to help protect yourself and your loved ones against flu is to get vaccinated. For most children it is not even an injection, it’s just a quick, easy and painless nasal spray.”

NHS St Helens Clinical

Commissioning Group and St Helens Council Public Health are encouraging everyone in St Helens who knows anyone who may be at risk from flu to tell them how important it is that they get protected.

People who are carers and frontline health and social care staff are also encouraged to get a free jab to protect themselves and those around them.

Younger children are being encouraged to ‘Fight the Flu Monsters!’ - a campaign designed by local children that will promote the free nasal spray and encourage families to ensure their children are protected. The best time to be vaccinated is at the start of the autumn before flu is circulating: you can get the jab now, so it’s good to get in early and get flu safe in time for the winter.

For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit www. nhs.uk/flu

fantastic, with many participants commenting on how it has helped them achieve something they didn’t think they could do. “I’m proud that we are able to offer events like this in St Helens and I’d like to thank staff, carers and the participants for ensuring the event was a huge success.”

If you missed out, another GoTRI event is scheduled to take place at Parr Swimming and Fitness Centre on Saturday 14 October.

For more information on this event, or to find out about the Adults with Additional Needs sessions, held every Thursday at Queens Park Health & Fitness, please call 01744 671717.

Page 24.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 25.

Page 26.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Celebrating Christmas abroad is becoming

more popular, research reveals

∙39% of Brits have made the choice to spend Christmas outside of the UK previously ∙Almost a quarter of those escaped the British Christmas to avoid family or traditions A study* carried out on behalf of Travelbag.co.uk, the tailormade long-haul holiday specialist, shows that 39% of UK adults have spent Christmas abroad with almost a quarter admitting they did so to escape their families, traditions such as cooking and even the idea of Christmas altogether. While 37% leave the UK to visit family who live abroad, a further 18% follow the sunshine as they leave the UK because of the weather. 15% like the idea of spending Christmas in a different country to experience different traditions. Interestingly, almost a quarter of those spending Christmas abroad travel by themselves, while 40% take their partners with them. A further 28% bring the whole family while only 4% travel with their friends. Over a third of those surveyed admitted avoiding Christmas in the UK every year, followed by a third who escape every other year, and 22% who say they've spent Christmas abroad a couple of times.

When asked what people miss the most when travelling, almost half said they wish they were with their families, followed by 27% who miss the festive TV programs.

Interestingly, just over 10% claim to miss the British weather. This might be why over two thirds of those who spend Christmas abroad decide to keep taking part in Christmas

traditions. A further 12% are not so fond of traditional activities as long as they exchange presents, and 12% always adopt the traditions of the country they are visiting. On the other hand, there are other elements of the holiday season that the public don't miss. Cooking Christmas dinner was voted to be the least favourite aspect of the whole festive season, while

second place goes to family visits, followed by Christmas advertising.

Commenting on the results, Travelbag's spokesperson Paul Hopkinson, says: "It's interesting to see how many people are travelling abroad over Christmas to either visit their families, discover new countries or just to make sure they are not spending Christmas in the UK as

some feel the festive season is getting too commercial." Spending habits When it comes to spending cash to celebrate the festive season abroad, people from Northern Ireland and those aged 55+ don't seem to mind turning their wallets inside out.

The findings show that respondents based in Northern Ireland invest on average £1,039** into celebrating

Christmas outside the UK. Compared to, for example, savvy Scots who pay only £704. Looking at the age groups, those aged 55 and over don't mind forking out almost £1,000. On the other hand, young professionals (aged 25-34) are more careful and spend just £663.

Women are keen to take £798 out of their budget, while men are

prepared to splash £882 during the winter holidays. Hopkinson adds: “It's interesting to see the different attitudes towards spending money when travelling. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself when celebrating Christmas abroad, but everyone should make sure they won't struggle financially and spend within their means."

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 27.

Revealed: 1 in 3 Brits find

Christmas Stressful

The lead up to the festive period can be emotionally and financially demanding, often having serious implications in people's health and wellbeing. Leading bingo comparison site bingosites.co.uk conducted an independent survey of over 2,000 UK residents to find out how people really feel about Christmas.

The independent survey looked at individual's attitudes, priorities and behavioural changes regarding the Christmas period, with some revealing insights.

The findings include: 1. One in Three people find Christmas Stressful (Stoke-on-Trent is the top place within the UK where people

find the lead up to Christmas stressful and feel anxious during the 3-day event) 2. One out of 6 Brits find Christmas “depressing” (We asked 2,000 people to describe the festive season in one word) Over 33% of families will use shortterm loan companies such as Wonga to cover their festive expenditure,

How to pick the best bottle

of bubbly for Christmas

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without bubbles. But with 10 zillion options vying for a place in your festive fridge, which bottle should you take home? 2015 was the year that our collective zeal for Italian prosecco reached its zenith (Brits spent £41m on own-brand versions of the stuff last year). But it was also when bright, fresh English wine started to be taken seriously (HMRC has seen a 41% increase in applications to produce English sparkling wine this year).

And let's not forget the original. The fanciest. Bone-dry, golden-toned champagne.

First up, let's talk basics. Prosecco – This is a lovely lighter style of fizz. It's fresher and fruitier than champagne and cava, which makes it easier to drink and therefore great for parties. It's also the fizz of the moment, very trendy and obviously a cheaper alternative to champers. Cava – From Spain, cava is a great all-rounder. It’s much cheaper than champagne (about £6 a bottle) but made in exactly the same way, so the flavour profile is similar with those yeasty notes that come from the second fermentation in the bottle. Champagne – Naturally, the king of fizz, and the price reflects that. It can only be made in the Champagne region of France, and only from certain grape varieties. It has delicious brioche notes from its extended time ageing in bottle. English Sparkling – The home-grown stuff is having a great time at the moment as consumers are coming to realise its excellent quality. It tends to have similar traits to champagne as the climate of southern England, where most of the vineyards are, is very similar to that of the Champagne region in France – although the notes are more appley rather than lemony.

And buying it helps the English wine industry, which is a good thing.

And which fizz is best for which occasion​? For Christmas nibbles and antipasti platters: prosecco wins Shellfish starter or any fried fish: try cava – the acidity cuts through the oiliness. Smoked salmon: perfect with blanc de blancs champagne. The citrus notes work beautifully with the strong flavour. For pudding: try asti, the sweet sparkling white Italian wine.

Birmingham is the top city within the UK where these adjustments are made.

3. Over 85% of parents said they can't afford to give their children everything they ask for.

4. 75% of people said they do NOT enjoy the company of their own family during Christmas day. Uncles and in-laws are the top two family members to cause animosity while

tucking into your Christmas turkey.

5. It's not all depressing! 80% of parents said their most enjoyable moment was seeing their children unwrapping their presents on Christmas morning.

6. 80% of single men aged between 18-55 said the most enjoyable thing during the festive period was watching the English Premier Leagues busy festive football fixtures

on TV. Alex Hammond, Commercial director said: “It's time for people to start thinking about their Christmas preparation; whether that is buying presents and decorations, organizing family reunions or planning the iconic Christmas dinner timings. The run up to the holidays can be emotionally and financially demanding, often having implications in people's health and wellbeing."

Page 28.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 29.

Page 30.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Share the magic of Christmas

with Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

A festive hideaway Get wrapped up in the true magic of Christmas this season in our festive hideaway, where you will be welcomed by blazing log fires and tantalising decorations, oozing

with an unmistakeable traditional charm.

Our enchanting location offers idyllic country walks and is the perfect place to indulge on gourmet food, seasonal beverages

and spellbinding entertainment, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a festive family gathering this Christmas.

If you’d prefer to enjoy the Christmas period

at home, why not join us as we welcome in the New Year? Or, simply immerse yourself in luxury between the two dates with a mid-festivity break.

Each of our carefully

tailored packages boast an unforgettable programme of activities including clay pigeon shooting, black tie dinners, ‘meet the hawk’ sessions and much more!

For more information

on our festive breaks, contact Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa via the details below: H o t e l Telephone: 017687 76551 The Spa Telephone: 017687 88900

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Christmas Breaks in the Lake District

Thinking about having a Lake District Christmas break? The warmest of welcomes awaits at any of our seven Lake District Hotels this Christmas.

Get into the festive spirit as you walk through the doors to one of our hotels in the Lake District adorned with traditional decorations and the aroma of mulled wine lulls you into a feeling of pure relaxation.

Enjoy the cosy atmosphere and delicious food, combined with our friendly service you will feel at home from the moment you arrive for Christmas in the Lake District. The only hard part is deciding which hotel to choose!

Lodore Falls Hotel Unwind by the roaring fires before spending the rest of the Christmas break indulging in the delicious feasts, such as the famous Gala Buffet, whilst relaxing in beautiful surroundings or enjoying the variety of entertainment.

Inn on the Lake For a magical and memorable Christmas break in the heart of the Lake District the Inn on the Lake is the place to be. Feel relaxed and at ease amongst the courteous staff, abundance of entertainment and fantastic festive local fayre.

Borrowdale Hotel What could be better than roaring fires in the cosy lounges whilst sipping hot Winter Punch with a mince pie, before spending the rest of the Christmas break relaxing

and unwinding in the comfort of the Borrowdale Hotel.

Inn on the Square. Indulge yourselves this Christmas in our brand new hotel and make the most of the jolly season with a luxury stay at the Inn on the Square. Whether you’re planning a relaxing quiet one or some fabulous festive fun with family and friends – we’ll make you feel welcome from the moment you drop your bags.

Skiddaw Hotel Situated in the centre of the beautiful market town of Keswick and adorned with traditional decorations, this hotel has enjoy delicious food, attentive staff and great entertainment -

everything you need for a special Christmas break.

George Hotel Trees adorned with twinkling lights, decorations that illuminate the rich wood panelling in the lounges and roaring fires - not forgetting all the delicious food, the warmest of welcomes awaits you at the George Hotel.

Kings Arms Hotel. Throughout your Christmas break at the Kings Arms Hotel you can enjoy a delicious variety of festive fayre, awardwinning ales and an abundance of entertainment and the opportunity to take Christmas at your own pace.

Page 31.

Page 32.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 33.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Santa

Specials – the original and best.

Harrogate

Christmas Market

Now in its 6th year, the Harrogate Christmas Market has won several awards and is now recognised as one of the best in the UK. It has a strong Yorkshire theme and features many goods not normally found on the High Street. Hand-crafted gifts made in or near Yorkshire are favoured whilst locally produced food and drink feature on several very popular stalls. Harrogate Christmas Market is a great day out for all the family. In addition to about 200 unique trade stalls, you can visit Santa in his Grotto with real reindeer outside, enjoy the children’s funfair at just £1 a ride, and listen to the festive music provided by local performers in our busking area. Whether you’re looking for fantastic high street shopping, exclusive gift boutiques, a quiet corner for a relaxing coffee break, or a top class restaurant with an extensive menu, Harrogate has it all. Explore the town centre and outlying areas for amazing independent businesses you won’t find anywhere else, with unique products and friendly Yorkshire service. Take your time with a stay in one of our many hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, and enjoy the beautiful attractions right on your doorstep. Add in the variety of attractive Christmas Lights and decorated Shop Windows in

our unique town centre and the result is a fantastic destination for all your festive needs. Join us for the Opening Ceremony: Thursday 16th November, 10am, when Santa arrives on his sleigh drawn by real live reindeer, to officially open Harrogate Christmas Market together with the Mayor of Harrogate! If you wish to avoid the crowds, the best times to come are Thursday and Friday any time and Saturday evening. All the paths through the Market are had tarmac, so disabled visitors are able to get around it. To secure parking space in Harrogate Town Centre come early and look for the Jubilee, Victoria and West Park car parks – all only a short walk from the Christmas Market. The market location is near Bettys, just down Montpellier Hill opposite the War Memorial.

Why not use the flagship No. 36 bus to get to Harrogate? Running to Harrogate from Ripon and Leeds, it offers regular services seven days a week from early morning until late evening. Regular bus services also run to Harrogate from Boroughbridge, Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge. www.harrogatebus. co.uk Alternatively try our direct rail services from Leeds and York to Harrogate’s bus and rail interchange. www.northernrailway.co.uk

As soon as you board our Santa Special, it feels like Christmas with specially decorated coaches and festive music to get you into the mood.

You will be greeted by your steward, who will check your tickets and show you to your seat, before explaining what will happen during the journey (and where to find the bar!) Join the Santa Special at Oxenhope, Haworth or Keighley Stations for a ten-mile return journey on our steam train, lasting around an hour. Experience nostalgia and the magic of Christmas

in our specially decorated coaches, with festive music to get you into the mood. Santa and his pixies visit each child during the journey, delivering presents and the grown-ups are served with a mince pie and seasonal drink: the perfect way for you and your family to start the Christmas season.

All our Santa Specials have a buffet car serving real-ale, hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks, with entertainers on board to make sure you get the most out of your day. Your ticket also allows you free travel on

our connecting diesel services. Our hugely popular Pixies Pantry Cafe and Winter Wonderland display will be available in Oxenhope Exhibition Shed throughout the Santa Special period.

Saturdays and Sundays November 25th/26th December – 2nd / 3rd December 9th / 10th December 16th / 17th December 23rd & Christmas Eve (Sold Out) You may book to travel from Keighley,

Haworth or Oxenhope stations at the times below. Whichever station you choose, your Santa Special train will take you on a return journey over the whole railway.

When booking please specify your chosen station and the time you wish board. NOTE: the last train of the day, marked *, is not available on the first weekend of November and will not run on Christmas Eve to give Santa enough time to get his sleigh and reindeer prepared for the night’s work ahead.

Page 34.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Annandale distillery

Annandale distillery has opened the doors of its new Distillery Shop.

The distillery shop offers a striking collection of Annandale Distillery branded clothing, accessories and bespoke ‘Made in Scotland’ Gifts.

Perfect for all occasions, why not see what we have to offer for the perfect Christmas gift this year.

Also perfect for a Christmas gift is one of our distillery vouchers that can be used in our shop, for tours and within our award winning Maltings coffee shop.

We will also be taking reservations for Christmas lunches within our award winning Maltings coffee shop where our new Head of Cusine Jonathan

Brett has created our rather distinctive Christmas menu.

By Christmas of this year, we are also excited to announce the sale of our first production early release single malts which will also be available and will be an extra special gift this Christmas.

Check out our website for more details on how to reserve one of our first production bottlings. keep up to date with what we have to offer this Christmas by checking out our website as well as following us on facebook.

Unusual Christmas

Gifts for Couples

When it comes to Christmas, it is often difficult to find gifts that will surprise and impress those special people in your life! When buying for a couple, perhaps you most often opt for wine, chocolates or perhaps a tin of shortbread, however, at The Great Gift Company they have a range of unusual gifts that will be perfect for couples this Christmas.

Here is Just a few. For more ideas and gifts visit www.thegreatgiftcompany. co.uk Christmas gifts for couples from The Great Gift Company. All You Need is Love Wooden Sign Price: £42.00 The All You Need is Love Wooden Sign is a super gift for a loved up couple this Christmas.

The vintage-looking large wooden plaque will look great in any kitchen, dining room, lounge or bedroom, and features the famous words from The Beatles: "All you need is love, love is all you need". The Wooden Sign is practical for fixing onto the wall since it has two holes in the back, or you may prefer to stand it on the floor or on

a large shelf. Belle Tea Set From: £15.00 - £30.00. Although the Belle Tea Set definitely has a touch of feminine charm, here at The Great Gift Company, we think that it will also make the perfect gift for a couple this Christmas, particularly if they’ve recently moved into a new home. The gorgeous Belle Tea Set will work well with a variety of décor and will definitely make teatime even better (and prettier!). The tea set makes the perfect gift, since each item is beautifully boxed in a circular, re-useable gift box.

Gift Box for Foodies Price: £45.00. The Gift Box for Foodies is not only beautifully presented and exclusive to The Great Gift Company, it also contains gourmet and sophisticated goodies that food fans will love!

An unusual gift for a couple who loves their food and/or cooking, inside the gift box, they’ll find a stylish Oil and Vinegar Set, as well as 250ml bottles of olive oil from Italian olives and a separate bottle of balsamic vinegar.

Wine O’Clock Price: £75.00. If you know a couple who simply love wine, perhaps they’ve got their own wine cellar, are partial to a Chardonnay or two, or throw parties showered with Prosecco, then you simply have to give them the Wine O’Clock to put up in their kitchen. As well as being humorous, the clock most definitely has a touch of elegance and style. It has the words "Wine O'Clock" spelt out across the front of the frame in vintage playing cards.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 35.

Page 36.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

FIERY CHRISTMAS FOODIE

GIFTS FROM FLAMING LICKS!

What do you give someone who’s looking for excitement, adventure and daily stimulation in their lives?

This Christmas sign them up to a world of flavour and creativity with a subscription from Flaming Licks, the world’s premier fiery foods club.

The UK company delivers the best from quality British and European producers, not readily available in supermarkets, straight to your door anywhere in the world. Each monthly subscription box will ensure spicy food addicts are never without their fix! Chilli fans will discover how variety is truly the spice of life. Each month your delivery will contain exciting secret delights to unravel to ensure you are fully stocked with thrilling new discoveries to provide inspiration and flavours for a more creative cooking and food experience.

Sign up to a choice of subscriptions

to include one, three, six or twelve deliveries during the year. Choose the best matched subscription box for your foodie companion to best tingle their taste buds: Snackers can get their chompers around the Munch Box subscription (from £8.99 per month including free shipping to the UK) with its range of four spicy treats which includes a combination of snacks including knock out nuts, dips and salsas, dried meats (UK subscribers only) or a veggie option, and sweet treats such as extra fiery brownies. Keen to try new things but the kitchen is cluttered with half empty bottles? Featuring in the Taste and Crave boxes, the newly launched Hot Shots pack means you’re never caught short when it comes to flavour.

Each month one selected hot sauce producer will pick their finest top three products to fill a triple pack of

41ml shots – a staple for any dinner table and easy enough to take around with you adding a dash of excitement to any meal. The original Taste Box subscription (from £13.49 per month including free shipping to the UK) has received a serious upgrade and is perfect for the sauce fiends and adventurous cooks. Bursting with flavour the box contains a Hot Shots triple pack, a mix of two full sized sauces, condiments or cooking products and recipes cards to collect.

And finally, the monumental Crave Box subscription (from £19.99 a month including free shipping to the UK) is for the truly committed spicy food addict, cramming no less than nine fiery foods into one epic box. Every month, you’ll receive a Hot Shots triple pack, a mix of four snacks, dips, dried meats (UK only and with an alternative veggie

option), and confectionery. The box will also include a mix of two full sized sauces, condiments or cooking products as well as recipe cards providing inspiration and ideas around the products.

Subscribers can join the Facebook community for reviews, share recipe ideas and learn more about the producers and their creations. Plus, they will also receive a further 15% discount for the online shop.

Sign up, subscribe and enter a world of fiery flavour by visiting www. flaminglicks.com For further media information, more hi-res images and samples to review please contact Kristel Valaydon at KV Communications Tel: 07884 335734 (preferred)/ 0203 239 7959 Email: kristel@kvcomms.com

GET DOWN TO THE

ALABASTER JAR

W H O ARE WE ?

The Alabaster Jar is an independently run paint-your-own-pottery shop in Chorley, Lancashire.

We provide a relaxing and friendly atmosphere where you can come and spend some quality time making bespoke pottery products for your home or loved ones.

W HAT W E D O ?

Come in during our opening hours to create from a wide selection of pottery.

All of our pottery is painted in glaze and fired in a kiln, which makes it waterproof and fully useable. We have all sorts of pottery blanks for different tastes and plenty of selection for both children and adults. Prices

start from 50p up to £70 WHAT ELSE ?

You paint it, We fire it!

Simply drop into our studio, select a piece of pottery from a wide range of items. Paint your item however you like and we will fire it for you in our kiln, then pop back a week later to collect your finished creation.

There's no need to book but recommend ringing ahead for groups of 6+ WHY CHOOSE US? Unlike some other paint-yourown-pottery shops, we have no appointment system or studio fee.

Why not you ask? Call us on 01257 274690 to find out or call in at 180 Pall Mall, Chorley, PR7 2LH

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 37.

Give something special

this Christmas

This year the Lake District National Park is offering a Christmas present with a difference giving you the chance to sponsor a piece of the spectacular landscape. A new online sponsor system where you can sponsor bridges, gates, signs and other work within the National Park has just been launched.

Photo shows a fingerpost at Howtown in Glenridding which was installed using sponsorship money.

National Park Project Ranger, Phil Clague explains the benefits of the new scheme: “We maintain more than 3,100km of paths and bridleways. Millions of visitors, combined with our Cumbrian climate, means we are constantly carrying out improvements and maintenance.” “This new, online system will allow you to choose a location or item which is special to you, with an option to have a small plaque, showing initials and dates. Alternatively, you can sponsor one of our larger projects, or the valuable work of our apprentices and rangers. You can pay for your donation online, and choose a message that will be shared on our website’s message wall.” “It is easy to use, and will provide people with the opportunity to sponsor something in a place which might be special to them, perhaps in memory of a loved one, to celebrate a special event such as a wedding or birthday – or even as a unique Christmas gift.” By making a donation today, you can help us look after this spectacular place now and in the future. If you would like to find out more about donations, please visit www. lakedistrict.gov.uk/donations

Page 38.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 39.

Page 40.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Is Ravenglass England’s

most special village?

Hopes for tourism boost as Cumbrian village now boasts TWO World Heritage Sites

Something special has just happened to the Lake District’s only coastal village… It’s now part of TWO World Heritage sites, and tourism businesses are hoping this unique claim to fame will entice new visitors to explore this hidden gem on Cumbria’s west coast. With both the Hadrian’s Wall

and Lake District World Heritage sites, Ravenglass is now officially part of two globally recognised areas of cultural importance and local businesses say the Western Lake District more than deserves this double accolade. Cumbria Tourism Chairman, Eric Robson, says: “For

one county, let alone one village to have two World Heritage Sites is fantastic. I hope the inscription of the Lake District opens more opportunities for people to experience Ravenglass and Cumbria’s west coast.

“The draw of Hadrian’s Wall already attracts thousands of visitors to the

north of the county, so this additional boost can only reinforce Cumbria’s strong reputation as a world class visitor destination, and we hope it encourages more people to extend their visits and discover this largely undiscovered gem.” Ravenglass Railway Museum Project Manager, David Rounce, says “We’re all very proud of the Ravenglass area and its many attractions and are delighted that we’ve been recognised in this unique way. Tourism forms a vital part of the local economy and we’re confident that being part of two world heritage sites will bring new and returning visitors to the area and provide a

welcome boost to local businesses”.

The village was previously best known as the home of the awardwinning Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, which winds through seven miles of spectacular scenery to the foot of England’s highest mountains.

Other key attractions include the newly opened Ravenglass Railway Museum, the majestic Muncaster Castle with its amazing Hawk & Owl Centre and breathtaking views of the Lake District mountains and Drigg Dunes Nature Reserve, which is home to various rare and endangered species of plants and animals including a thriving colony

of natterjack toads.. But the history of Ravenglass actually spans back to the 2nd Century Romans. Evidence of this is Ravenglass Roman Bath House. Established AD130, its remains are among the tallest Roman structures surviving - the walls stand almost four metres high. It is thought the fort guarded the harbour, and there is evidence that soldiers stationed here served in Hadrian's fleet. So it’s the perfect way to start exploring the Frontiers of the Roman Empire…

For more information about visiting Ravenglass and Cumbria’s west coast, or to book your stay visit www.golakes.co.uk

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 41.

There has been a market

in Nantwich since 1500.

The present building, at the junction of Market Street and Churchyardside, dates from 1867 and offers over 50 stall with a wide variety of fresh food, fashion, gifts, art, cards, essentials and bespoke services.

Open weekly on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays, the present market building is located in the centre of town and sits next to the lovely St Mary's church (the "cathedral of South Cheshire").

Stallholders sell a wide variety of goods including fresh produce and household items. The cosy Tea Chest cafe serves hot and cold snacks, drinks, breakfast and lunchtime

specials.

Complementing the traditional town market, Nantwich boasts a number of ‘pop-up’ markets in the Town Square, each featuring over 35 stalls. On the last Saturday of every month you will find the town’s Farmers Market stocked with an array of fresh, local produce and dotted throughout the year Artisan, Antiques and Collectors and Seasonal markets are not to be missed.

Opening times for Nantwich Market are: Tuesday 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Thursday 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Saturday 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Page 42.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

There’s Go Nuts for a more to Healthy Heart

Lancashire

than hotpot!

DISCOVER the diversity of Lancashire's food and drink on a visit to this scenic county and you won't be disappointed. Dine on succulent seafood in Morecambe Bay, purchase award-winning sausages in Clitheroe's famous sausage shop and find local produce at farmers markets and farm shops. Indulge in a gourmet feast of food and drink in Lancashire’s highly acclaimed restaurants, relax in cosy pubs. What could be more appealing than a piping hot pot of tea accompanied by a slab of chocolate cake in a café or tea room?

You can always be confident in finding quality. Food is now one of the nation's favourite pastimes and as the Ribble Valley has some of the finest producers and restaurateurs in the country. The recipe for traditional Lancashire cheese known as Creamy & Tasty is unique in Britain in that it blends the curds from different milkings which creates a cheese with depth of flavour, added complexity and a texture that gives an ideal melting consistency.

Crumbly Lancashire is the most recent addition

to the family of Lancashire cheeses.

It was created in the 1960s as a lighter more acidic cheese and, unlike Creamy and Tasty, is made from the curds of one day's milking. Farmers Markets have grown in popularity over the past few years, and are noted for the quality of their fine locally produced stock, cheeses and meat products. Lancashire's farm shops sell local produce which often has been grown, picked, reared or made on the farm where the farm shop is located.

Discover the delights of Lancashire's food at one of Lancashire's many exciting food festivals and events throughout the year.

Coupled with visits to some of the most scenic countryside in the UK Lancashire has a fine feast to offer.

Dine in our out, relax and enjoy!

It all started in the early ’80s with a wheelbarrow full of baked spuds being sold around the town, whilst the shops stayed open late to catch any last minute Christmas shoppers.

The atmosphere, with the Christmas lights on the High street and the town’s Christmas tree, was festive but low key.

Move the clock forward over thirty years and what is now known as the Garstang Victorian Christmas Festival is a huge community event attracting local residents and hundreds of visitors from around the region. The town’s Christmas lights are better than ever, and the wheelbarrow full of spuds has been replaced by stalls and carts supplying everything from German sausages to burgers, candy floss to roasted chestnuts. Visitors can also enjoy a glass of mulled wine as they stroll around the town.

Although still a traditional Christmas Festival with a Victorian theme, more modern entertainment is also on offer alongside the traditional. There is usually a Punch and Judy show, morris dancers, and brass bands, whilst stilt walkers and drumming bands often add a touch of polished

21st century entertainment. The exact programme of events varies from year to year, so there is often something new to make it an ever improving festival.

And let’s not forget the main man of the night, Santa Claus! He arrives in style led by a band and paraded down the High Street to his grotto, where he settles down to welcome the children.

There is a great selection of small, independent shops in Garstang, and many of them stay open throughout the evenings so you can pop in to purchase those last minute presents.

In many you are even welcomed with a glass of wine and a mince pie!

There is always a special welcome to anyone who dresses up in Victorian costume for the night – it all adds to the atmosphere!.

When the Festival is over, and the seasonal celebrations out of the way, around the middle of January, the planning for the next Victorian Christmas Festival gets underway!

There is no rest for the volunteer organising committee, as fundraising events have to be organised to pay for next year’s Festival, and plans are put together for the following December.

It’s that time of year when supermarkets are displaying an abundance of nuts which provide many of the nutrients and goodness that support a heart-healthy diet.

Unsalted nuts are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and eating them regularly has been shown to reduce ‘bad’ LDL-cholesterol levels.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, studies suggests that nut eaters are likely to have healthy lifestyles, including being less likely to smoke or be overweight and more likely to exercise and during the study showed that people having a daily handful of nuts cut their death rate by 20%.

Other research published in Diabetes Care found that replacing carbohydrate foods with two ounces of nuts daily also improved blood sugar control and blood lipid levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, a risk factor for heart disease.

Nuts are incredibly versatile so, unless you have a nut allergy, try out these great nutty tips: • keep your taste buds ‘salt-tamed’ by choosing unsalted versions and remember that dry roasted contain salt, whilst the honey-roasted types

are high in sugar too; • snack on nuts mixed with dried fruit for extra taste and to give your body even more vitamins and minerals and a convenient fruit boost; • walnuts go nicely with chopped orange and chicory leaves and are a good source of omega-3 so sprinkle them on your salads or add them to apple, raw cabbage and carrot for an alternative coleslaw; • add chopped or flaked almonds to your cereal, porridge or low-fat yoghurt. Give your crumble toppings or cakes a nutty twist by using ground almonds and use less sugar and fat as ingredients; • make your own muesli packed with pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and walnuts; • a nut-based sauce will make a nice accompaniment to chicken or turkey or you could go one step further and rustle up a filling nut roast; • add sweet chestnuts to stuffing or stir them with Brussels sprouts sautéed in olive oil and garlic; look out for the hot chestnut stalls at the when out shopping or at your local Christmas market; • to keep that waist trim, chomp on nuts instead of less healthy snacks – nuts will also help keep you fuller for longer than sugar confectionary;

• stir cashew nuts into stir-fry, curries or risottos for an added crunchy dimension Eating a handful of mixed nuts per day is a simple step towards a

healthier heart and makes a perfect healthy alternative to crisps and chocolate bars whichever way you choose to eat them.

garstang victorian festival

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 43.

Page 44.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 45.

Page 46.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Nearly 50% of employees do their

Christmas shopping whilst at work

spending on average 72 minutes of company time

As the Christmas shopping season starts an online voucher code website looked into when and where people do their Christmas shopping, they were particularly interested in looking at shopping during working hours. 48% of employees in the UK admitted to Christmas shopping on work time, spending on average 72 minutes doing so. There is a lot of planning and

organisation that goes into Christmas, with time in short supply to do these tasks. With experts predicting more shopping will happen online this month than ever before an online voucher code website investigated if people do their Christmas shopping at work whilst on company time. w w w. m y v o u c h e r c o d e s . c o . u k surveyed 2157 men and women in

the UK aged over 18 who were in full time employment (not self-employed) asking: “Have you ever shopped for Christmas presents whilst at work during work time?” They found that 48% of respondents admitted they had, whilst 2% would prefer not to say and 50% stated they never had.

The results also showed that men were more likely to spend work time

shopping for Christmas presents than women, with 50% admitting to doing their Christmas shopping when they should have been working.

As many companies opt for policies which restrict which sites can be viewed online at work, My Voucher Codes investigated further to see what device people were using to shop on in work. They asked those who had answered yes to the first question: “Did you shop via your computer or mobile device?” They discovered 59% of people used mobile devices such as their phone or tablet, whilst 38% used their work computer. To work out how much time employees spent online shopping for Christmas on work time they asked: “On average per shopping session how

long did you spend shopping for Christmas presents?” The majority of respondents (28%) only spend around 20 minutes Christmas shopping in work time, however 17% admitted to spending nearly 2hrs shopping and 10% admitted to spend over 3hrs shopping for Christmas presents. This meant the average the amount of time workers spent Christmas shopping online during work time was 73 minutes.

Mark Pearson said: “At Christmas there doesn't seem to be enough time to do everything we need, from planning and shopping to visiting friends and family, so it's no surprise that people try and sneak some time at work to reduce some of the stress of the festive period. Taking

into consideration being able to do shopping away from a spouse, you may need to shop for them at work, however as a business owner I would suggest using the lunch break for that!”

He added: “Obviously for businesses, shopping during work hours can be a concern. Some will have taken matters into their own hands and ban access to many unessential websites including retail, but combatting access on mobile devices is harder.

This may lead employers to be even more vigilant, checking that their employees aren't on their mobiles or tablets, however perhaps it is up to the employee to be better organised and perhaps taking time off work with their holiday allowance to do these tasks.”

Open your eyes to the

wonders of wintry

Windermere

Windermere’s unique scenery and atmosphere make winter the perfect time of year to get out and discover some spectacular natural wonders in the Lake District.

Travelling by boat is a unique way to arrive at one of the many festive markets taking place across South Lakes in the run-up to Christmas.

Of course, scheduled sailings on the lake provide a unique perspective of the lakeshore throughout the winter.

The ancient woodlands at Claife Heights and – perhaps snow-capped – peaks of the Langdale Pikes are a

sight to behold from the cosy cabin of a Windermere Lake Cruises vessel gliding through the tranquil waters of England’s longest lake.

Although Windermere is home to well over a thousand ducks, geese and swans all year round, the winter months see many more birds flying in from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe - that’s more any other lake in the region. It’s a treat for anyone with a love for nature! Head down to the south end of the lake and it’s just a short journey to the Lakeland Motor Museum, so why not make the

most of Windermere Lake Cruises’ convenient links with this leading allweather attraction. More than just a museum, this trip down memory lane takes in a unique collection of 30,000 exhibits carefully assembled over 50 years, including 150 classic cars and motorbikes,. Star exhibits include the Isle of Man TT Tribute Exhibition and the Campbell Bluebird Exhibition.

Open 7 days a week, the Motor Museum also has a riverside café just next door – ideal for some rest and refreshment after a day out exploring this special part of the North West.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 47.

Page 48.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 49.

Page 50.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 51.

Phenomenal Fireworks

Wedding Fireworks & Civil Partnership Celebration Firework Displays. Wedding fireworks displays are now becoming increasingly popular and a must have addition to any wedding celebration.

Phenomenal Fireworks were one of the pioneers of wedding fireworks and have been offering our services in this field for many years. We have had the pleasure of providing the fireworks for many couples wanting to make

their day special and finish with a bang. Our expertise in the wedding fireworks area has become so highly recognized that many venues and party organisers recommend our fireworks for weddings service to their clients in the knowledge that they will be receiving excellent service and true value for money.

Low Noise Displays With more and more venues now asking for ‘low noise firework

displays’ we are pleased to say we can offer a wide range of low noise display options, which can either be with or without music.

Whatever your budget, we can create a unique, intense and spectacular display for you that will create an unforgettable fireworks display to celebrate your big day and also keep your venue happy!

Using our specialist low noise fireworks such as gerbs, display candles, waterfalls and spectacular multi-shot barrages – we can create a spectacular fireworks display, without the need for loud bangs and crashes and filled with vivid colours and intense effects. Our low noise firework displays really are something special.

We have low noise firework displays starting from only £595 inc VAT. Every show staged is unique and will be crafted to your individual needs, and with wedding fireworks displays starting from only £595 including all operator charges, Isn’t it time you thought of adding that touch of class to your wedding day?

Page 52.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

BISHOP BACKS SWEET TREAT WITH

A MISSION THIS HALLOWE’EN

CHURCHES in Lancashire holding an alternative celebration to the increasingly popular Hallowe’en festivities are being offered a new Treat Pack by the company that produces Christian Fair Trade Easter Eggs.

And today the Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, Bishop of Blackburn, gave his support to the new initiative.

The Meaningful Chocolate Company’s ‘Treat Pack’ is a new resource for churches of all denominations that the company says is designed to help with mission work among children and families on, and leading up to, the eve of All Saints (Hallowe’en).

It is suitable for church light parties, outreach events, schools or to give to children who call to trick or treat on October 31. The new product is also a major sponsor of the new ‘Jesus Light’ installed earlier this year in Blackpool and currently shining bright until the world-famous illuminations are switched off on November 5.

Inside each pack there is a bag of Fairtrade chocolate buttons and a Challenge Activity Poster.

The poster has eight challenges, including a quiz, maze, word game, a call to buy Fairtrade, a prayer suggestion, a national competition with a prize, and a challenge to treat someone less well off by donating to a children’s charity.

The packs come in boxes of 30, working out at just £1 per pack.

Each box also includes an ideas sheet for church leaders. The Meaningful Chocolate Company is offering free delivery for orders made up to September 30. Packs could still be ordered after this date, although there may be limited numbers. Orders can be made via the company website: www.realhalloween.org Bishop Julian says: “Isn’t there an alternative to the increasingly

common Hallowe’en attempts to scare and frighten?

"Well there is - and The Meaningful Treat Box is a way for adults to challenge kids to learn about Jesus in an accessible way; do a bit of good by giving to a charity and enjoy some great Fairtrade chocolate at the same time. "I encourage people to share the chocolates at ‘light parties’, which

many churches hold instead of traditional Hallowe'en events, or give them away on the doorstep to trick or treaters."

David Marshall, from Meaningful Chocolate, added: “The word Hallowe’en actually means ‘The night before All Saints Day’. All Saints Day is the time when we celebrate good winning over bad and light over darkness.

“We also remember friends and family members and I hope people appreciate this new way they can join in with Hallowe’en while staying focussed on mission work.”

Page 53.

Page 54.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 55.

Independent report finds no evidence

of code of conduct breaches

Seven councillors have been cleared by an independent investigation of breaching the council’s code of conduct. The complaints arose from a meeting of Lancaster City Council’s planning committee on March 6 2017, during which Coun Roger Sherlock was alleged by the complainants to have fallen asleep. Allegations were also made against members of the committee’s Labour group, following comments reported to have been made by one of its members, Coun Margaret Pattison. The allegation was that Coun Pattison’s comments suggested that members of the Labour group decided in advance how they would vote on planning applications However, following an investigation

carried out independently by CAP Business Solutions Ltd, no evidence was found that the council’s code of conduct had been breached. The extensive investigation involved the interviewing of 26 councillors and members of staff, in addition to reviewing practices and procedures involved in the planning process.

In relation to Coun Sherlock, the investigation found that at the time of the meeting he was suffering from a serious illness, due to which he had been slipping in and out of consciousness. The report notes: “This was out of his control; he did not realise how ill he was and it is accepted there was nothing he could have done to avoid the situation.

In these unique circumstances, the conclusion is that there was no breach of the code of conduct (by Coun Sherlock).” The investigation also found he had abstained from voting during the item which he was alleged to have fallen asleep and both the chair of the meeting and other councillors had behaved appropriately. Everyone was concerned about the health and wellbeing of a fellow councillor and their actions did not compromise the integrity of the planning meeting.

The other allegations stemmed from alleged comments made by Coun Pattison, suggesting the Labour group members of the committee decided in advance how they would vote on planning applications. The

New CCTV system set to be installed

A new and improved state-of-the-art CCTV system is to be installed in Lancaster and Morecambe.

The new system will replace the district’s existing CCTV cameras but will be more advanced, allowing secure remote viewing via any device connected to the internet.

Installation will cost £100,000 and is due to start in the next few months and be completed by March 2018.

In addition to providing vital evidence to the police in the event of a crime, the council will use the system to monitor public areas to assist in managing events and identifying issues relating to litter, vandalism and dog fouling. The system was recently trialled at the Vintage by the Sea festival in Morecambe where it was used to monitor of crowd movements, which then helped to manage services like cleansing. As well as replacing

CCTV systems in the town and city centres, two mobile CCTV cameras will be used at fly-tipping hotspots to help catch offenders. Initially one of the cameras will be based in Morecambe and another in one of the district’s rural areas, but will move around known problem areas.

Proposals for the new system were developed by a working group consisting of representatives from the Lancaster and Morecambe Business Improvement Districts (BID), the Chamber of Commerce and the police.

Morecambe BID and Lancaster BID have committed to contributing to the annual £35,000 running costs of the system to a total of £9,000 per year and Morecambe Town Council have allocated a contribution of £5,000 per year. Coun Brendan Hughes, Cabinet member with responsibility

for community safety, said: “The world of technology has moved on significantly since the district’s CCTV system was installed back in the 1990s. “Rather than replacing like-for-like, we’ve decided on a system that will allow us to do more than we’re currently able.

“I’m particularly excited about the new mobile cameras and the potential to help crack down on fly-tipping.

“Fly-tippers are notoriously difficult to prosecute because you almost have to catch them in the act – now we’ll be able to.”

On October 3 the city council’s Cabinet will consider a further report on developing a strategy to expand the use of technology in areas such as providing pay on foot car parking, measuring how full litter bins are in select locations and providing virtual tourist information for visitors.

investigation found no evidence that this was the case and that “In her eagerness to defend an ailing colleague, it is probable that (Coun Pattison) did not express herself clearly and her words were taken out of context.”

While some consistency was found in the voting patterns of the Labour group, there was not sufficient evidence to demonstrate predetermination. The report notes: “It is pertinent that most of the Labour group members are long standing members of the committee, are very experienced and that with the exception of one item… all decisions followed officer recommendation.

Members also demonstrated that they were aware of the need to give sound planning reasons for their decisions.”

The report concludes that there were

no breaches of the code of conduct.

The council is required by law to appoint an Independent Person to oversee standards complaints. The position is currently held by Jackie Waring, who said: “This was a very thorough investigation with a clear outcome, which demonstrates the robustness of the procedures the council has in place to deal with any allegations that the code of conduct has been breached.”

Susan Parsonage, chief executive of Lancaster City Council, added: “These were serious allegations and it was only right and proper that they were investigated independently.

“The independent report found that there were no breaches of the code of conduct and should restore confidence that the council’s planning processes and procedures are sound

and follow Government advice.”

Coun Oscar Thynne, chairman of the council’s Standards Committee, said: “The issue of predetermination is extremely serious and it is vitally important that the public has confidence in the planning system.

“By investigating the complaints independently and thoroughly, the council has been able to demonstrate that its procedures are sound.

“However, this case should act as a salutary lesson to all councillors of the need to avoid any actions which may lead people to perceive the contrary. “Even the merest hint of predetermination can have serious consequences and lead to planning decisions potentially being subject to judicial review, which would be an even more expensive process than the cost of this investigation.”

Page 56.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Fairytales Castles for your dream wedding

Edinburgh Castle. The jewel in the crown of the Edinburgh skyline. It’s difficult to imagine a more dramatic venue for your wedding. Tie the knot in one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks and have a magical

wedding day. Choose from a variety of packages and suites; all of the function rooms are immaculately restored and offer sumptuous surroundings with breathtaking views over Princes Street and Frith

of Forth. If you choose to exchange vows in The Gatehouse Suite you’ll also benefit from a private terrace which looks out onto the historic Royal Mile. Pendennis Castle. This enchanting Castle in Falmouth,

Cornwall, commands panoramic views across the sea. Your ceremony will take place in the Tudor Castle Keep surrounded by candles, ancient tapestries and flowers of your choice. Dinner can be served in the

impressive Royal Artillery Barracks before which guests can take champagne and canapés on the grassy “chemise.” This magnificent building is at its most striking when it’s floodlit after dark. Warwick Castle. Warwick

Castle is a truly majestic venue.

Framed by mature sweeping trees and an idyllic lake, you really couldn’t hope for a better backdrop for your wedding photographs. The venue is also renowned for its high standard of hospitality and excellent catering facilities. Drinks can be taken in the Peacock Gardens surrounded by fountains.

Your reception can take place in either The Great Hall or the State dining room. Leeds Castle. Despite its name this Castle is actually in Kent. It enjoys a secluded location as it’s marooned on its very own private island in the middle of the River Len. The Castle is exquisitely decorated and also has an aviary, small golf course and even a maize to keep your guests amused.

YOUR SPECIAL DAY AT ROLLS-

ROYCE LEISURE,

Barnoldswick

Situated in picturesque surroundings on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border, Rolls-Royce Leisure is the perfect location for your special day. We specialise in Wedding Receptions and it is our aim to take care of you, your family and friends to ensure that your day is very special and memorable.

It is our intention that you relax and enjoy your special occasion knowing that everything will run smoothly on the day. At Rolls-Royce Leisure each wedding is tailor made to suit the individual budget, style and taste of the Bride and Groom.

Civil Ceremonies Rolls-Royce Leisure has a licence to hold marriages and civil partnerships in the Trent Restaurant which is suitable for more intimate gatherings of up to 50 people and the Merlin Suite which is a spacious room with lots of natural light and can accommodate up to 150 people.

Wedding Breakfasts. We have a reputation for providing superbly presented delicious food for every occasion. We have designed our Menus for balance and value with a selection to suit most tastes and budgets. The charming grounds offer plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

Evening Wedding Receptions The Merlin Suite which can accommodate up to 220 guests is completely self-contained with its own private bar and dance floor. The food we offer for an evening reception ranges from a Traditional Cold Buffet to a Hot Supper Buffet including things like Homemade Meat and Potato Pie and Peas to Lasagne or Chiili or lighter options such as Hot Bacon or Beef Rolls.

Anthony Burniston, has many years’ experience of organising and co-ordinating weddings at Rolls-Royce Leisure and prides himself on going out of his way to ensure your day surpasses your expectations.

Why not call Anthony today and arrange to come and take a look around.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 57.

Page 58.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 59.

Want to own your own

piece of tranquility?

Based on the lovely Lancaster canal in the Northwest of England. Water-babies provides holidays afloat allyear round. Our fleet of steel hull narrow boats have full central heating, luxurious soft furnishings and everything you could want for a comfortable and cosy cruise even in the coldest times of the year.

Operating from landscaped private moorings, Waterbabies is ideally located to cruise north to the medieval City of Lancaster and beyond to where sea, canal, mountains and the forest form the perfect backdrop.

The City of Lancaster offers culture in the historic castle and Cathedral. Lancaster offers an abundance of venues to enjoy a pub lunch or something a bit special.

There is an opportunity to see the wildlife from a different position, Kingfishers , Herons and many more can be seen along the canal as it meanders ,following the contours of this land. You can feel miles away from the hustle of modern life. For those whom enjoy fishing, there is the opportunity to relax on the quiet banks of this canal.

Open all year round Penpont Park is offering you the opportunity to purchase your own holiday home in one of the most picturesque parts of the U.K Set in the beautiful Dumfriesshire countryside,Penpont has just 26 beautiful homes to offer which you can either buy or why not test the water by booking a holiday in one of the stunning lodges?

It is just 2 hours 30 minutes from Preston so your tranquil holiday home is well within reaching distance and with prices from as little as ÂŁ18,000 your dream of owning your own idyllic holiday home can soon be a reality, part exchange is even welcome!

Owning your own holiday home at Penpont Holiday Park gives you and your family the perfect opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle

of daily living to enjoy a gentler pace of life whenever the mood takes you.

The park has Security gate access for added security as well as free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities.

So weather your looking to invest

or need a well deserved break from the every day world please contact 07512123321 or 01848330470 Penpont Holiday Park, Penport, Scaurside, Dumfries & Galloway DG3 4BH

Page 60.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Pennant Park Golf Course

Surrounded by the stunning Pennant Park Golf Course, the Pennant Holiday Lodges will delight those looking to relax and enjoy some of North Wales’ picturesque countryside.

The park boasts spellbinding views of the Dee Estuary, Hilbre and the Wirral.

On a clear day you can see as far as Blackpool and the Cumbrian Hills.

Pennant Park is perfectly situated between Conwy and Chester, making it the ideal location for exploring the North Wales coast and all the area has to offer.

Within just a short walking distant you can enjoy nature trails, rambling, horse riding and fishing. If it’s something more adventurous you’re looking for then you won’t be disappointed. North Wales is fast becoming a Mecca for adventure sports.

Of course, if you’re a keen golfer then this is the perfect place to own a holiday home. Set in 110 acres of stunning parkland Pennant Park boasts a superb 18 hole golf course with greens of the highest quality and truly breathtaking signature holes.

The course also has a practice putting green and a six bay driving range.

You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at the clubhouse with its friendly atmosphere and fully licensed bar and

restaurant serving food daily.

The luxury holiday homes are finished to the highest of standards and complete with interiors that are unique, elegant and fully customisable, so you’re sure to find one that you’ll love. Each lodge comes with a large decked veranda and parking for two cars.

The small, exclusive development of 15 holiday lodges are sold with an amazing 75 year agreement and a full 12 month holiday licence, meaning they can be used all year round, as often as you like. This quiet retreat is filling up fast, with the park currently having one brand new lodge for sale and only one empty base left.

However, work had now commenced on a second holiday park.

This will be home to a further 18 lodges with all the amenities of our first park plus the benefit of being able to sub-let. To truly appreciate the beauty of this park seeing really is believing! Spend a day at Pennant Park, viewing the lodges, have a bite to eat and maybe a round of golf, you won’t be disappointed! Pennant Park Golf Club & Holiday Lodges. a: Whitford, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 9ER Junction 32 off the A55 t: 01745 563000 e: info@pennant-park.co.uk w: www.pennant-park.co.uk

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 61.

Page 62.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

HSBC UK guided rides launched in Cumbria Enjoy the Lakes!

A predominantly rural county, Cumbria is considered one of the most beautiful regions of the UK and includes the whole of the Lake District, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, the Eden Valley, the North Pennines, the Furness Peninsula, and part of the Yorkshire Dales. A hideaway just for two for a special occasion in the Lakes; anniversary, birthday, Valentine’s Day, proposal, engagement or honeymoon, or just to spend quality time with the one you love on a romantic short break. It might be a secluded holiday cottage for two with a cosy woodburner or open fire, a swish town centre apartment with a deep roll top bath and luxury cottages with four poster beds that you're after. Accommodation in Cumbria are usually available by the week and also offer short breaks.

From the national award-winning restaurants to gastro pubs and cafes, Cumbria offers the best in food and drink, day or night. From the clear Lakeland water in local beer to the renowned Lakeland lamb and beef,

an abundance of excellent local food combines with global influences to provide for even the most discerning foodies. Cumbria has a good variety of places to cater for lovers of animals in Cumbria, from the specialist centres for birds of prey and fishes, to Lakeland’s only Zoo at Dalton-in-Furness where tigers and other rare animals can be seen.

Visitor centres, such as Brockhole and Whinlatter cater for children, and some attractions, such as the Beatrix Potter attraction are aimed especially at children. Cumbria has three historic steam railways, with children especially welcome. The many museums in Cumbria will offer plenty of interest to all the family.

Carlisle-born Great Britain Cycling Team rider Ellie Dickinson has urged Cumbria’s residents and visitors to take advantage of a new initiative designed to get people into cycling.

British Cycling and HSBC UK have recently launched HSBC UK Guided Rides, rides which are led by trained British Cycling ride leaders, and organised into three levels – easygoing, steady and challenging - with each level designed to appeal to riders of differing levels of ability, confidence or experience.

A key part of British Cycling and HSBC UK’s wider ambition to get two million people on a bike by 2020, around 1,000 HSBC UK Guided Rides will be rolled out across the UK. Dickinson, who was recently crowned European under-23 Madison champion, believes that HSBC UK Guided Rides are the perfect way for newcomers to cycling to develop their confidence.

“The growth in the popularity of cycling over recent years has been great to see, but we know that there are still many people who maybe don’t have the confidence to get out on the bike by themselves.

HSBC UK Guided Rides are a great way to build your self-belief and skills on a bike in a supportive, welcoming environment, and I’m sure the people of Cumbria, as well as visitors to the county, will really With the Lake District having just embrace the opportunity.” gained World Heritage Site status, there are 13 special rides in the overall programme of 60 guided rides, the first of which takes place this Sunday.

Lake District National Park Authority staff will be on hand to explain why it deserves such an accolade.

Dave Robinson, Lake District National Park adviser for recreation and sustainable transport, welcomed the return of the free cycle rides to Cumbria: “Partnering with British Cycling to bring a progamme of free, HSBC UK Guided Rides across the Lake District is the

perfect opportunity for visitors and local people to explore more of this spectacular National Park and find out why it was recently designated a World Heritage Site.

Whatever your age or ability, there will be a cycle ride for you!” Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities: “We know that our support for cycling continues to make a lasting difference for the better and improves the health and wellbeing of people across Cumbria.”

“The partnership with British Cycling

and HSBC UK will ensure that we can provide an increased number of cycling opportunities for the county in 2017 and beyond, and are committed to getting more people on their bikes than ever before.”

HSBC UK Guided Rides are taking place in Cumbria thanks to a partnership between British Cycling, Cumbria County Council, Active Cumbria, the Lake District National Park Authority, South Lakeland District Council, Eden District Council, Allerdale Council, Carlisle City Council and the National Trust.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 63.

Page 64.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Make the most of Wales this year...

Looking for holidays in Britain? Wales has so much to offer.

2017 is here and it’s the perfect time to discover Wales!

Explore one of our historic castles, take a city break or relax in a luxury spa. So you may have decided where you are going to visit in Wales and what type of accommodation you will be staying in, and you’ve more than likely got a pretty good idea what

great activities will fill your days, but there is so much more great stuff to learn about Wales before you set off.

Wales is a place of natural drama, from the country’s beaches to walking its mountain ranges. The nation’s history is told through its ancient monuments and museums. While the bold 21st century Wales is there for

everyone to enjoy on a short break in one of Wales’ cities to explore or getting active in this wonderful natural playground. Find out about the practical stuff, like the weather forecast or how to get to Wales, or delve a little deeper and learn about the history of Wales, literature, music or the Welsh language.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 65.

A new way to discover the North Wales Named One of wonders of Welsh wildlife Top Regions Globally for 2017

Wales is one of the world’s best places to watch wildlife, if you know where - and when - to look. So we’ve teamed up with Wildlife Trusts Wales to create an interactive guide to help you explore Wales’ wonderful wildlife, whether it’s amazing ospreys, a feeding frenzy of red kites, the world’s largest Manx shearwater colony, or the best place in Britain to see puffins and porpoises. Why not go for a relaxing stroll through an

enchanting Welsh rainforest carpeted in bluebells and daffodils? Or simply sit in a field full of orchids, or by a brilliant waterfall, and admire the view?

The magic isn’t just restricted to spring and summer – there are amazing wildlife displays in autumn and winter with seal pups aplenty, the return of thousands of birds to our estuaries, and wonderful autumnal woodland colours with

golds, bronzes and foxy reds. Wales has an abundance of wildlife hotspots, including 216 Wildlife Trust nature reserves, 11 RSPB sanctuaries, over 2,485sq miles (4,000sq km) of National Park, and an 870-mile (1400 km) Wales Coast Path for wildlife to, well, go wild in. Wales has it all – but knowing where to go is the key to unlocking its secrets. Wildlife of Wales helps visitors to explore Wales’s wonderful natural world

There’s cause for epic celebrations in Wales as North Wales has made it on to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2017 list – the only destination in the UK to do so.

A playground for thrill seekers, a haven for foodies, a hideout for stargazers and a goldmine for heritage seekers, North Wales has a holiday for every kind of traveller. But what caught the eye of the Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel authority, is the way the former industrial landscape has been reinvented and repurposed to create a series of truly world class attractions, from high speed zip lining and inland surfing to underground trampolining in a 176-year-old disused slate mine.

Alongside UNESCO World Heritage Sites as Conwy, Beaumaris, Harlech and Caernarfon Castles, North Wales is home to some of the best walking

and cycling in Britain, as well as a range of industry-leading attractions, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains. On the flanks of Snowdonia National Park, Zip World boasts 11 different attractions in total including the everpopular Bounce Below, a colourful underground world of bouncing nets, slides and rope bridges. Zip World Velocity in Bethesda is the world’s fastest zip line with two 500 ft. (152 m) high courses that enable riders to exceed 100 mph (161 km/h), while Zip World Titan in Blaenau Ffestiniog offers Europe’s first four-person line – perfect for thrill seeking families. A short drive east is Surf Snowdonia, a world-first man-made lagoon where amateurs and professional surfers alike can surf a powerful 6.5 ft. (2 m) wave, under the watchful eye of Welsh National Surfing Champion,

Jo Denison. It’s not hard to see why North Wales is becoming known as the adventure tourism capital of Europe.

With enough to keep even the most hardcore adrenaline junkies quiet, North Wales has a full range of accommodation and services to complete its tourism offer, from five star Chateau Rhianfa to yurts and cabins at Graig Wen, and for the extra brave, cliff camping suspended high above the sea with Gaia Adventures.

And if it’s food you’re after, North Wales now has two Michelin-starred restaurants: Sosban & The Old Butcher's on Anglesey, and Tyddyn Llan in Denbighshire, not to mention the multitude of local producers, delis, cafes, restaurants, farm shops, markets and micro breweries who ensure that north Wales is full of excellent places to eat and drink.

Page 66.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Wildlife project is great for young people’s health

Young people in Lancashire can get involved in an exciting project that will boost their mental health and physical wellbeing whilst improving green spaces in the local community.

Myplace is an exciting and innovative collaboration between Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust and The Lancashire Wildlife Trust and is funded by close to £1m in Big

Lottery Funding that is administered by the national ‘Our Bright Future’ campaign for young people.

The Myplace project encourages young people aged 13 – 24 years

old to explore the environment by offering opportunities to participate in eco-therapy based activities where they can develop new skills, increase their self-esteem, build resilience and

improve their own self-confidence.

By getting involved in activities outdoors young people can reduce their stress levels, prevent mental health problems and improve their concentration and mood.

Sue Moore, Chief Operating Officer at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust said: "There is evidence to suggest that getting outdoors has a positive impact on mental health and physical wellbeing and the Myplace project is all about embracing that.

“We really want to give young people the opportunity to connect with each other and their local environments to explore the outdoor elements of childhood that are often missed out on. This partnership is extremely special and I'm really looking forward to watching it develop."

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust has also secured an additional £630k in funding from the European

Social Fund, that has resulted in the Myplace project being able to increase employability prospects for those members of the community that are currently furthest away from the jobs market, including some young people, women and members of ethnic minority communities. The expanded project will also include the establishment of two new ‘Men in Shed’s’ projects that enable older men to work together on practical projects, such as furniture restoration or creating garden ornaments in order to develop new skills and build selfconfidence. Mike Winstanley, Health and Skills Project Manager at the Lancashire Wildlife Trust said: “By working with local communities through Myplace, we have a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference to many people’s future health and employability prospects. Our partnership with the Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, assisted by the generous support from our funding partners offers the potential to develop long term solutions to a number of social issues, by utilising the local natural environment and offering local communities accessible opportunities to participate in the Myplace project”.

The Myplace project is delivered throughout Chorley, Preston, Blackburn, Skelmersdale and East Lancashire running a variety of environmental activities to improve urban community greenspaces. For more information about the Myplace project visit www.lancashirecare.nhs. uk/myplace or www.lancswt.org.uk/ myplace-project.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

The Road to Success with Adult

and Community Learning

Do you want to gain qualifications, find a job or become a volunteer?

St Helens Council’s Adult and Community Learning Service (ACL) can help you take the first step.

From your first contact, ACL will support you along the road to achieving your ambitions. An initial advice and guidance session will ensure that your first step is right for you, whether it’s a small step into taster sessions or a leap into a qualification route.

Held in a variety of venues, the small class sizes mean that you’ll get plenty of support from your tutor throughout your studies. Impartial advice will help you decide on your next step.

Courses include maths and English, digital skills, customer service, skills for employment, preparing to work in care, preparing to work with children, volunteering workshops, supporting teaching and learning in schools (teaching assistants). Many courses are FREE. Commenting on Adult and Community Learning courses, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Library Services, Councillor Sue Murphy, said: “For many adults, the thought of going back into education can be a very daunting one. But with our Adult and Community Learning courses, there is absolutely nothing to fear, as our experienced and dedicated team will soon put minds at ease.

“Those who are unsure which route to take or don’t feel ready to enrol on a longer course needn’t worry, because short confidence building and personal skills courses - as well as a variety of vocational taster courses - are available to help you to take that first step in the direction of an exciting future.”

If you are interested in any of the courses above or would like information on other courses on offer, contact ACL’s Park Road Centre by calling 01744 677315/01744 677328, or email adultlearning@sthelens.gov.uk

More information is also available on the service’s website ( h t t p s : / / w w w. s t h e l e n s . g o v. u k / libraries/adult-and-communitylearning/) and Facebook page (http://www. facebook.com/StHelensACL)

Manchester working hard to get ahead of the

game on school readiness for youngsters

Latest figures show that Manchester is working hard to get ahead of the game nationally in terms of getting youngsters 'school ready' before they start primary school.

In 2012/13 less than half of all children in the city (47 per cent) were assessed as being 'school ready' by the time they started full-time school.

Five years on and this figure has gone up significantly so that now nearly seven out of every ten children in the city (66 per cent) are classed as ready for school when they start.

This local rate of improvement mirrors the rate nationally and reflects the hard work going on across the city in all childcare and early years settings to ensure children have the skills necessary to give them the very best start when they begin full-time school. 92 per cent of all childcare settings in the city in the private and voluntary sector have now been judged Good or better by Ofsted and outcomes continue to improve.

School readiness measures how prepared a child is to succeed in school - not just in terms of their learning, but also in terms of their social and emotional development. It actually starts at birth with the support of parents and carers, when young children start to devlelop the social and emotional skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for success in school and life. Children are assessed as being school ready if they have

reached a 'good level of development'.

This is defined as achieving at least the expected level in a number of early learning goals.

These include communication and language skills, physical development, personal social and emotional development - having self confidence, managing feelings, making friends; reading and writing; early maths work - numbers, shapes, space and measures; understanding the world; and creative expression through the arts and using their imagination.

School readiness at age five has a strong impact on future educational attainment and life chances. It isn't however just better for the child there are clear benefits not only for children themselves but also for society at large through improved educational outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, reduced crime and increased taxes paid due to increased future earnings as adults.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure, Manchester City Council, said: "The figures speak for themselves - far more children are school ready now in the city than five years ago. Although our rate of improvement during this time is the same as that nationally, we have set our sights much higher and are determined to do everything we can, as quickly as we can, to ensure

every single child is school ready at the point at which they go to primary school for the first time.

"This is not just about teaching children the basics of counting, reading, writing and numbers - it's far more than that, and is as much about a child's social and emotional development as it is about learning the alphabet and writing their name.

"The importance of school readiness can't be over-stated. School ready children have a greater chance of success, not just in school but also in life. I'm sure there isn't one parent anywhere in Manchester who, like me wouldn't want that for their child."

School readiness is also at the heart of the council's early years delivery model that has been rolled out across the whole city during the last two years.

Councillor Rahman and Council Chief Executive Joanne Roney visited Martenscroft Nursery School and Children's Centre in Hulme this week to see the work being done there to ensure all children get the very best start in life and are school ready by the time they start full time school.

Joanne Roney OBE, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: "It was great to visit Martenscroft and to meet children there and talk to staff about the fantastic work they do and to see for myself what a difference excellent early help like this really can make to children."

Page 67.

Page 68.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

CALL FOR YOUNG TO BE INVOLVED IN FIRST DIOCESAN YOUTH COUNCIL

The Church of England in Lancashire is to set up its first Youth Council; an opportunity for young members of the church across the County to champion the voice of the younger generation.

The Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education is proposing a 16-strong group of 13 to 18 year olds, recruited by direct application, that will raise awareness of youth culture and how this might be harnessed and engaged

with by churches.

The Council will also collate and discuss the key issues affecting young people across the Diocese; act as an advisory body for the Board of Education on matters relating to youth work in churches and act as an advisory body for the Diocese on new initiatives and their impact on young people in parishes.

Members will also be asked to support churches in creating youth-accessible

worship, and developing a voice for young people at parish level.

And a big challenge will be to create and assess an approval system for churches similar to The Child Friendly Church Award.

The Board of Education has put together an application form and criteria, as well as the ‘terms of reference’ for the new group.

Through the Director of Education, Stephen Whittaker, members of the DYC will also be able to advise and give feedback to the Bishop’s Leadership Team, the Bishop’s Council, the Board of Education, the Diocesan Synod and Diocesan Youth Committee.

Members of the DYC aged 16+ will also have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education and the Youth Committee. One will serve as Vice Chair of the committee.

Members will be expected to attend six meetings in a year, including one overnight residential meeting, and additional meeting times may be needed. Meetings will usually take place on a Monday evening from 6.30-8.30pm, and will be held at different venues across the Diocese.

Stephen Whittaker said: “The DYC

is an amazing opportunity for young people to champion the voice of their generation. It creates a forum in which they can raise awareness of key issues for young people and constructively challenge and advise the Diocese on how best to respond.

“One of the big hopes for the DYC is to be a catalyst for seeing change in worship to increase its accessibility for young people within the context of a multi-generational church, regardless of tradition.”

Ben Green, Diocesan Youth Adviser, added: “It will be exciting to see the impact that such a group of young people can have when given the tools to effect change in the Diocese. With the right members, the DYC can be a positive influence in helping the Church of England in Lancashire adapt to meet the needs of young people, and those of all ages, both in and outside the church to reveal God’s love, grace and hope in local communities.

“The Board of Education hopes to support the members of the DYC in their desire to offer something of value and benefit to Blackburn Diocese with integrity and credibility.

If you would like to know more about the new Youth Council, please contact youth@blackburn.anglican. org, or visit the Youth Council page on the Board of Education website for more information and an application form.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 69.

Page 70.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Page 71.

National charity serves up free

tennis sessions in Prestwich

National sports charity Tennis For Free has served up an ace for Prestwich, starting this Sunday (24 Sep, 2-4pm) at St Mary’s Park.

The charity is working with Bury Council and the LTA to provide a full year of coach-led tennis sessions for all the family. You don’t need a racquet or a tennis ball, as all equipment is provided free of charge.

The timing of the launch couldn’t be better, as the courts were refurbished only a few weeks ago.

Local tennis coach and lead site organiser Paul Jepson said: "We are all very excited to welcome Tennis For Free to St Mary’s Park. It is a fantastic opportunity for all members of the local community to get into the spirit of trying tennis for either the first time or to dust off the cobwebs and try again. The new courts look great and we look forward to welcoming local people to the sessions.”

Tennis For Free is a registered charity founded by comedian Tony Hawks and fashion executive Patrick Hollwey. It aims to create healthy, vibrant local tennis communities for free on public park tennis courts creating new tennis players of all ages and backgrounds, and showing

that tennis can be enjoyed by all.

Tennis For Free supporters include Judy Murray (mother of World No.1 Andy), BBC tennis commentator Andrew Castle and ex Grand Slam winner Pat Cash.

Paul Jessop, Tennis For Free CEO, said: “With support from the LTA and local partners, St Mary’s is just one of hundreds more schemes we are planning within the next five years including many more across the North West. All of our sessions are very well suited to the whole family coming down and all playing tennis at the same time. There are no catches, and all equipment is provided.”

Samuel Foakes, LTA Regional Tennis Participation Manager, said: “We are very excited about the free activities being created for people to play tennis in Prestwich through the Tennis for Free programme. The park has really accessible facilities in the heart of the community. Having easy access to local good park facilities where you can play informally with your family and friends is really important in encouraging people to play. And with Tennis for Free offering free sessions every weekend, people will be able to meet and make new friends, get

Football

fixtures

Accrington Stanley Sat 7th October – Luton Town (home) – League Two Sat 14th October – Coventry City (home) – League Two Tue 17th October – Stevenage (away) – League Two Sat 21st October – Crewe Alexandra (away) – League Two Sat 28th October – Barnet (home) – League Two Blackburn Rovers Sat 14th October – Oldham Athletic (away) – League One Tue 17th October – Plymouth (home) – League One Sat 21st October – Portsmouth (home) – League One Sat 28th October – Wigan (away) – League One Tue 31st October – Fleetwood (home) – League One

fit and have some fun and all for no cost.”

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Bury Council, said: “The Tennis for Free programme is a great way for families to try out the sport. It’s free, it’s fun and it gets people out into the fresh air in one of our welcoming local parks. With all the benefits that getting moving brings, like feeling

fitter and stronger and boosting our wellbeing, I hope that lots of families sign up to this free scheme.

Come along and give it a go – there’s nothing to lose and so much to gain.”

You can register for Tennis For Free at:www.stmarysparktennis.co.uk For more information visit www. tennisforfree.com.You can also follow Tennis For Free on twitter @ tennisforfree and on Facebook.

Bolton Wanderers Sat 14th October – Sheffield Weds (home) – Championship Sat 21st October – QPR (home) – Championship Sat 28th October – Fulham (away) – Championship Tue 31st October – Sunderland (away) – Championship Burnley Sat 14th October – West Ham (home) – Premier League Sat 21st October – Man City (away) – Premier League Mon 30th October – Newcastle (home) – Premier League Preston Sat 14th October – Fulham (away) – Championship Sat 21st October – Wolves (away) – Championship Sat 28th October – Brentford (home) – Championship

Page 72.

Sales E: sales@jac-media.com | T: 0115 8456423

Caps off to Sam as Wales honour Clarets’ striker

Sam Vokes has been honoured by Wales for winning 50 caps for his country. The Clarets’ striker reached the landmark in a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw in Serbia in June. And he was presented with a special gold cap by the Football Association of Wales to mark the achievement before the Clarets’ Premier League game against Huddersfield Town at Turf Moor last Saturday. “It was fantastic to get that 50th cap and this is a really nice way to mark it,” said Vokes – one of 38 players to reach the milestone for.“I’ve been going nine or 10 years now with the international scene and it’s a massive thing for myself and my family to get that 50th. “I never dreamt of it really. “As the years go on and you start being involved more, it’s something I aimed for and to tick that off away in Serbia was a massive achievement and one I’m very proud of.” Southampton-born Vokes is able to represent Wales through the birth of a grand-parent, with his eligibility discovered by former Burnley midfielder Brian Flynn, who first selected the then-Bournemouth player for the Welsh under-21 side when he was 17. Vokes – whose total of appearances for his country has now reached 52 to lift him to joint 28th-place on Wales' all-time list - scored on his debut after just 36 seconds and after being elevated to the senior squad, won his first full cap in May, 2008.

His first goal for Wales secured a World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan in September, 2008. Vokes has since scored seven times more, most famously a wonderful headed goal against Belgium in Lille to seal Wales’ quarter-final victory at the finals of Euro 2016.

That was Wales’ first appearance in a major tournament for 58 years and Chris Coleman’s side may follow it up with a place at the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

Wales are second in qualifying group D with two games to go – away to Georgia on 6 October and at home to the Republic of Ireland on Monday, 9 October when the two countries look likely to be going head-to-head to secure a play-off place.

Nominate Now! It’s the time to celebrate Cumbria’s Sporting Achievements.

The Cumbria Sports Awards nomination period opens today (Friday 29th September 2017).

The prestigious annual event will be held on Friday 24th November at The Low Wood Bay Hotel, Windermere.

The event recognises the outstanding talents, commitment and successes of teams and individuals throughout Cumbria who are involved in sport.

The awards also highlight the dedication and commitment of the vast number of volunteers who make sport happen across the county.

The event has attracted many high profile guest speakers over the years and this year is delighted to welcome England Under-20 World Cup winning manager Paul Simpson.

Simpson, former Carlisle United Boss

led the first England team to win a football World Cup since 1966 after defeating Venezuela 1-0 in the final in Korea in June this year.

This November he returns to his home county to share the secrets of his World Cup success in a questionand-answer session hosted by BBC Radio Cumbria's Mike Zeller as Guest Speaker at the Cumbria Sports Awards. Paul Simpson said: “It’s a huge honour to be invited to celebrate all of the fantastic sporting achievements and great work done by many people across the County whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.

It’s always great to come back to Cumbria, my career has taken me away for some time but it’s always

a pleasure to come back home and catch up with family and friends.

I’m really looking forward to the night and sharing some of the many stories from my career” Last year, the county’s top sporting honour of 'Cumbria Sports Personality of the Year' went to Lauren Smith, who had a truly outstanding 2016 in her sport of Badminton representing Team GB in the Olympics.

The Performance Award for People with a Disability went to Simon Lawson Cumbria’s solo Paralympian in the 2016 Rio Paralympics who competed in the men’s marathon.

The Special Award was awarded to Raymond Watson for his commitment of almost 50 years in a number of roles within the Kendal Amateur

Swimming Club. Community Club of the Year went to Kendal Cycle Club who had grown the club from nothing to over 300 members in 12 months.

There were many more awards given out for Volunteering, Coaching, Services to Sport, Performance, Teams and Rising Star awards.

Awards organisers Active Cumbria, the Sport and Physical Activity Partnership are asking Cumbrian clubs, governing bodies, sports fans, parents, coaches or teachers to submit their nominations.

But it is not only the headlinegrabbing professional stars they are looking to honour.

In total, fourteen categories recognise various levels of sporting success, in addition to the support services

of volunteering, administration, and coaching. It could be your child's teacher who coaches after school and works tirelessly to train a team for the next sports championships.

Or it could be a coach at your local sports club who has spent hours doing voluntary coaching, and you feel it is time they got the recognition they deserve.

Nominations can be made for: Sports Personality: Finest Individual Achievement Team: Best Team Achievement Performance: Best Individual Performance Special: Extra Special Achievement Service: Extra Dedicated Service Community Club or Group: Quality Local Opportunities Young Volunteer/Leader: Extra

Dedicated Young Person Junior Team: Best Team Achievement Rising Star (five awards): Best Young Talent Coach: Delivering Exceptional Impact Junior Personality: Exceptional Rising Star Volunteer: Greatest Volunteering Contribution Disability Performance: Excelled Beyond Barriers Be Inspired: Creating a Legacy from London2012 The deadline for nominations is Friday 20th October 2017 nominations can be made on-line at www.activecumbria. org/cumbriasportsawards For more information on any of the award categories or the nomination process please contact: Michelle Young on 01228 226885.

Each Edition of the Lancashire Local has a print run of 6,000 copies. Published by JAC Media Ltd, Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, Nottingham, NG7 6LH.