Lancashire Local Issue 23

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Inside This Issue: Leisure • Christmas • Weddings • What’s On • Weddings • Sports

Four arrested in war on drugs

Officers from GMP’s Salford Organised Crime Unit have arrested four people in war on drugs. At around 6am, Tuesday 20 September 2016, a number of drugs warrants were executed in connection with ongoing organised crime in Salford.

Three men, aged 27, 28 and 33, were arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A and Class B drugs and a 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

All four men remain in police custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Alan Clitherow from GMP’s Project Gulf, said: “The warrants this morning are a result of months of hard work targeting organised crime.“A large quantity of drugs were seized and we currently have four people in custody for serious drugs offences.

“Drugs destroy lives and have no place in Greater Manchester. We will leave no stone unturned to keep drugs, and those who benefit from them, off our streets.“We will take every opportunity to disrupt criminals and bring them to justice.”

Project Gulf is a multi-agency team made up of police, Salford Council Probation Service and the Youth Offending Service who endeavour to disrupt organised crime groups across the Greater Manchester area.

Issue. 23

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100 new officers

are sworn in

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has welcomed 100 new police officers to the ranks.

The new recruits were sworn in at an attestation ceremony at Harrop Fold School in Worsley last night. It is the first time an event of this kind has been held at a community venue.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, Police

and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd and Magistrates Peter Rogerson and Zahid Maqbool were in attendance at the legally binding event.

Family and friends of the new officers watched on proudly as each of them made an oath to uphold the office of constable with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins chose to hold the attestation at Harrop Fold School, rather than a police building, to emphasise to the new recruits what it means to be a police constable.

He said: “The primary role of each officer is to help and serve the public, therefore it is only right that we

hold this attestation at the heart of community, where it should be.

“I would like to thank Harrop Fold School for allowing us to hold our ceremony here.”

On what lies ahead for the new officers, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Policing is now more challenging and complex than ever before, with significantly more scrutiny now being placed on officers, which is rightly to be expected.

“Due to the rigorous selection process and training involved, plus the emphasis we place on supporting each other at GMP, I have no doubts that these officers will meet any challenges that lie ahead.

“I am sure at the end of their careers they can proudly say that they left the Force and the communities of Greater Manchester in a better place than when they started.”

All of the new recruits have previously been employees with GMP, either as Police Community Support Officers (PCSO), Special Constables, apprentices or police staff, and will build upon their existing skills and knowledge involved with policing.

The 100 new officers joining GMP will maintain the total overall number of officers at current levels

Police believe 13-year-old may have been abducted

Police searching for a missing 16-year-old girl are now looking for her 13-year-old brother and believe they may have been abducted.

Camelia Lupu, 16, was last seen leaving her home address in Stalybridge at around 4:05pm on Wednesday 7 September 2016.

Noevelle Lupu, 13, Camelia’s brother, has also been reported missing and was last seen at 10.30am on Wednesday 14 September 2016 in Kimberley Street in Oldham.

It is believed the pair are with 19-year-old Marius Savin who

is wanted on suspicion of their abduction. Camelia is described as having olive skin, approximately 5ft tall, of slim build with long black hair and may speak with a Romanian accent. She was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, black jeans, navy blue trainers with pink trim, a black t-shirt with white writing and a very red lipstick. Noevelle is described as Romanian, also around 5ft tall with short dark hair. It is unknown what he was last wearing. There was a possible sighting of Camelia in Aldi carpark in Stalybridge at around 4.15pm

on 7 September 2016, however it is at heart and we are extremely believed that they may now be in the concerned for their safety.”

South of England. All the port systems have been made aware.

Sgt Lindsey Curry from GMP’s Phoenix Team said: “Concerns are rising from Camelia and Noevelle, as we believe they could be being taken out of the country.

"Marius Savin does not have their welfare

Page 2. Issue 23. Lancashire Local

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300 new Family Homes for Preston

300 much needed family homes will be built at Eastway, a strategic site on the north side of Preston, following the signing of an agreement between the Homes and Communities Agenbcy (HCA) and Story Homes. Eastway is one of the eleven key sites that were identified as part of the 10 year City Deal signed by Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire Councils in 2013.

Sir Edward Lister, Chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency said: “I am really pleased to be at D’Urton Manor today because it is such a great example of the Homes and Communities Agency leading the way in driving the delivery of homes on surplus public sector land.

“Working closely with our partners Story Homes and Preston City Council we are turning the plans of the City Deal into the reality of new homes and successful places.”

The Site just to the south of the M6/M55 interchange has planning permission to provide 300 family homes which includes 45 affordable homes and a local centre providing shops, a community space and a care facility to complement the new homes. Fred Story, Founder and Chairman of Story Homes said: “This is a significant development for Story Homes and it will deliver our second

scheme in Preston with the HCA and Preston City Council. D’Urton Manor will provide much needed family housing ranging in size from two to five bedroom homes.

“We believe the Story Homes offer is different to that of other developers currently active in the area and we believe our product will be something new, but will be in keeping with the Preston market.”

The development will not only retain existing ponds and trees, but will also create a new road, with a cycleway and improved pedestrian access to ensure that any additional traffic will not create problems for local residents.

Councillor Peter Rankin, Leader of Preston City Council added: “Building new homes for families and future generations is key to Preston’s future success. And this is what City Deal is all about investing in infrastructure and laying firm foundations for new homes, new jobs and a flourishing Preston and Lancashire economy. Story Homes have a fantastic reputation, building award winning homes and we are delighted they are investing in Preston and building new homes for the future. These really are exciting times for Preston.”

Council’s bright idea

to boost income

An innovative solar farm deal by Warrington Borough Council is set to generate millions in vital funds for the authority.

The council has teamed up with and Newham and Thurrock Councils to purchase bonds in Swindon Solar Park. The environmentally-friendly deal – agreed with owners Rockfire Capital - makes Warrington, Newham and Thurrock among the first councils in the UK to invest in ‘clean tech’ bonds. It forms part of Warrington’s ‘invest to save’ programme, finding innovative ways to generate income in the tough economic climate. The deal is expected to deliver £500,000 in returns every year for Warrington Council, which can be ploughed back into council services.

It will also see Warrington taking a leading role among local authorities in investing in technology which protects the environment.

The council’s executive board member for corporate finance, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “In such difficult

times for local authorities, it’s more important than ever that we find new ways of generating income.

That means taking a more creative, commercial approach in our day-today business.

“I’m really proud of how we are doing things differently in Warrington and this deal is a great example of that.

This investment in renewable energy gives us the opportunity to give our own finances a real boost. It’s an innovative way of bringing in vital funds which we can use to protect essential council services.”

Rockfire Capital is a specialist investment management company which has acquired Swindon Solar Park, one of the UK’s largest operational solar PV projects.

Developed by British Solar Renewables, the park has been built on a former RAF airfield now owned by the Science Museum Group, around 6km south of Swindon.

The 172-acre site comprises 231,660 solar panels and has a capacity of

60.9 MW, making the project one of the largest solar assets in the UK. It will generate close to 60 GWh of electricity per annum, enough to supply over 15,400 homes, and save around 35 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Swindon Solar Park has also been constructed to provide additional environmental benefits, including enhancements to habitat and biodiversity for wildlife at the site. Native plants will colonise and thrive, bringing with them many other animals to become a buzzing, colourful haven for a number of under-threat species.

Liam Kavanagh, Rockfire Founder and CEO said: “We have long been advocates of renewable energy and offer a range of ways for both institutions and individuals to invest in the sector.

“Renewable energy assets not only offer investors attractive and reliable yields, but are also a way for them to invest in something which positively impacts the environment.”

Mayor and Mayoress

welcome European

rugby league referees

to the town hall

The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillor Dave and Jeanette Banks, recently had the pleasure of welcoming 32 Rugby League European Federation Referees from 16 nations across the continent to the town hall.

As part of the EU Erasmus+ funded TEP project – jointly funded by the EU and Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) to promote coaching and match officials’ education in rugby league in the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) officials from nations including the Ukraine, Serbia, Malta and the Czech Republic were able to visit St Helens to experience professional sporting facilities at St Helens RLFC and Cowley International College.

It is the second successive year that Cowley, the St Helens Rugby League Referees Society ( RLRS) and Saints have collaborated to host RLEF delegates, and thanks to the RLRS, the group were able to begin the process of an RLEF Level II Match Officials qualification.

Innes Arnold from the St Helens Rugby League Referees Society said: “I’d like to thank the Mayor and Mayoress for their enthusiasm for our project.

“The delegates were all very impressed and delighted to be received as honoured civic guests of St Helens, a town they consider as a Mecca for their chosen sport.

“We hope to make St Helens a centre of excellence for the development of Rugby League match officials.”

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Local children’s centres

celebrating UNICEF recognition

Blackburn with Darwen’s children’s centres are celebrating after achieving a prestigious ‘Baby-Friendly Award.’

The centres achieved Unicef Baby Friendly approval for the first time, one of only five groups of children’s centres in the entire UK to be awarded full Unicef accreditation.

The Baby-Friendly initiative recognises the high standard of skills and knowledge demonstrated by staff.

It was set up by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation as a global programme to provide a practical and effective way for health services to improve the care provided for all mothers and babies.

In the UK, the initiative works with local authorities to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and responsive bottle feeding, as well as to strengthen mother-baby and family relationships. Support for these relationships is important for all babies, not only those who are breastfed.

To achieve Unicef Baby Friendly status, infant feeding staff were assessed to ensure that the mothers they support are given the correct information to help them start and sustain breastfeeding, and build a strong relationship with their babies.

The centres achieved the award with the support of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s Specialist Infant Feeding Team, themselves celebrating a double success after achieving the prestigious Unicef Baby Friendly Accreditation not once, but twice.

In the last two decades, breastfeeding by local mums has increased significantly.

Twenty years ago, just 27 per cent of mums in East Lancashire breastfed but today that figure is up to 76 per cent, meaning more than three out of four local mums start to breastfeed.

And in Blackburn with Darwen, half of all mothers today breastfeed their babies.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: I am delighted at this achievement – this is a brilliant reflection of the dedication and hard work of our Children’s Centre staff. Breastfeeding

protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses and we want to make sure that parents receive highquality support and information at all times.

Susan Henry, Infant Feeding Coordinator, said: We decided to join forces with Unicef UK’s Baby Friendly initiative to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for all mothers in Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire. Health Visitors along with Children Centre

and Infant Feeding staff have worked really hard to gain this international recognition and the comments and praise we receive from breastfeeding mothers are really heartening.

Sue Ashmore, Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative Programme Director, said: We are delighted that Blackburn with Darwen has achieved full Baby Friendly status. Mothers can be confident that their midwives/health visitors will provide high standards of care.

Sir Howard Bernstein to retire as

chief executive of Manchester City Council

Manchester City Council has announced that chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein will retire from his role with the organisation in Spring 2017. Sir Howard, who joined the council as a junior clerk in 1971, has been in the top job since 1998.

He has played a central role in the regeneration and economic growth of the city, including serving from 1996-99 as the chief executive of Manchester Millennium Ltd which oversaw the transformation of the city centre in the aftermath of the 1996 IRA bombing. Since then the city has experienced unprecedented growth and investment including flagship developments such as

Spinningfields, NOMA, First Street, Corridor Manchester and forthcoming investments in St John’s, Airport City, the Northern Gateway and HS2.

He was also instrumental in securing Manchester’s hosting of the 2002 Commonwealth Games – then the largest multi-sports event ever hosted in the UK – and the catalyst to the regeneration of East Manchester and the unparalleled investment in sport and leisure facilities focused around the Etihad Campus.

As clerk to Transport for Greater Manchester Committee -and its predecessor bodies – he has played a leading role in the introduction and expansion of the Metrolink tram network. He was also involved in the establishment of Manchester Airport as a plc in the mid 1980s and the group’s ongoing expansion.

Sir Howard has been a key player in developing collaborative working relationships between the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities. He oversaw the establishment of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in 2011 and the development of the Northern Powerhouse initiative and a series of historic devolution agreements – transferring significant powers and resources from central government to the city region and giving local leaders more scope to shape the economic success of the region

and reform public services to better address Greater Manchester’s needs and priorities.

Building on these groundbreaking agreements, he also led on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Greater Manchester local authorities, NHS England and the Greater Manchester Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) which secured the devolution of all health and social care funding to Greater Manchester. The agreement puts in place new partnership arrangements which will help make services more financially viable while improving outcomes for residents.

Sir Howard, who was knighted in 2003 for his services to the city, said: “It has been a privilege to serve the city during such a pivotal period, working with many excellent people both within the council and in public and private partner organisations. I’m incredibly proud of what the city has been able to achieve in this time and to have played a part in it.

“Manchester is firmly established as a confident and dynamic place, recognised as a premier league world city although of course there are still significant challenges to address to ensure everyone who live here has the opportunity to share in, and contribute to, its growing success.

“We have a clear, shared vision for the future direction of the city – set

out in the Our Manchester Strategy which takes the city up to 2025– and a strong platform from which to move forwards. But by definition this is a long-term strategy. I will have been at the Council 46 years next year and this feels like the right time to plan for my succession. There is still considerable work to do in the months ahead and my focus on it will not be diminished. Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Sir Howard is widely recognised as one of the great local government chief executives. Having someone of his talent, vision and drive dedicate his career to the city has been an undoubted plus for Manchester.

Working with him over many years, addressing challenges and attempting to capture opportunities for the city, has been a pleasure.

“He will be a hard act to follow but part of his legacy will be the quality of the team, the strength of relationships and the depth of organisational ambition his successor inherits.

“Our new chief executive will need to be someone with the strategic vision, innovative ideas, partnership working skills and gravitas to help lead Manchester forwards into an exciting new phase.” A special meeting of the Council’s Personnel Committee will be convened shortly to begin the process of recruiting the next chief executive

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Local Event to Help Abandoned vehicles

Parents and Young People face

Plan for their Future

Stockport Council is hosting an information event about the education and training options available for young people when they leave school or college. The event is being held at Stockport Town Hall on Edward Street on Tuesday 11th October, from 4.30pm to 8.00pm for parents, carers and guardians of young people in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Young people are also encouraged to attend and meet face-to-face staff from local colleges and school sixth

forms, Apprenticeships training providers and Higher Education Institutions. Volunteering agencies and organisations offering services to young people with special educational needs will also be there to answer questions about specific courses and what young people can do after leaving school or college.

Services for Young People will be available to offer one-to-one, independent, information, advice and guidance on the night.

the crusher

Warrington Borough Council is putting the squeeze on dumped cars.

The council is stepping up its efforts to consign abandoned vehicles to the scrap heap, following an increase in the problem. And the environmental crime team is pledging to take action against perpetrators whenever possible.

More than 80 abandoned vehicles have been reported to the council since April. The collapse in the price of scrap metal is thought to be a major factor, leading to an increased number of owners simply leaving unwanted

vehicles on the street or on wasteland.

In recent weeks, the council has responded swiftly to a number of reports from residents by removing 10 vehicles from the streets, with six of them being sent straight to the crusher.

Cllr Judith Guthrie, executive board member for environment and public protection, said: “We know that locally and nationally the number of abandoned cars is on the increase.

Dumped vehicles are an eyesore on our streets and can be a real danger to motorists and pedestrians.

“If you no longer want your vehicle, there are numerous contractors that will remove it for free - there is no excuse for dumping it. You must notify the DVLA whenever you dispose of a vehicle, even if you give it away for free, or you may be held liable for any actions committed by the new owner.

“We are working hard to get abandoned vehicles off the streets quickly and efficiently, and we will take action – including the handing out of fines – to people who engage in this irresponsible behaviour

Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Education, said: “I would urge parents and carers of young people in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 to come along to this event.

The aim is for them to leave the event with a greater understanding of the opportunities available post-16.”

For more information about the event, contact Stockport Council on 0161 474 2350 or email 14-19.Services@ stockport.gov.uk

Art & Soul Tattoo Studio

Art & Soul Tattoo Studio is owned by Nick Bleasdale, who is a local man from the Preston area, having lived in Penwortham and Preston all his life.

He has had an interest in tattoos since the age of fourteen, and he gets his talent for drawing and painting from his father, who was an accomplished amateur artist with a wicked eye for caricatures.

Nick and his father did not always see eye-to-eye concerning his determination to be a tattooist, and

he spent some time travelling the length of the country with his tattoo kit in his rucksack, before returning and settling down in Leyland. He attended the University of Central Lancashire and obtained a degree in Fine Art and Illustration to prove that he was serious! If you want to know anything about the history and development of tattooing, Nick is the man to see. You can drop in for a chat any time provided he is not busy with a customer, and you will get a brew and a very interesting discussion on the subject – just be prepared to spend an hour or so!

Although Nick’s first love is the tattoo, he is also accomplished with an airbrush or paintbrush, pencil or charcoal, and any medium will do – your skin is the first choice, but if you have a scooter, motorcycle, sidecar, car, van, fence or wall, (inside or outside) in need of adornment he will be happy to oblige.

In his leisure time Nick is somewhat of a musician; he plays guitar, Mandolin, banjo, drums, penny whistle, flute and probably anything else if you hand it to him.

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 5.

centurion Walter’s birthday CELEBRATING LIFE’ AT

Mayor and Mayoress call in to celebrate

The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillors Dave and Jeanette Banks joined in the celebrations as Age UK hosted a surprise party at the Mansion House to celebrate the monumental milestone of one of its service users.

Walter Davies Pritchard, who has been attending Age UK’s weekly Positive Living Group for around 10 years, turned 100 last Wednesday (14 September).

As part of the celebrations, Walter, a former musician, and his fellow group members were entertained by the St Helens U3A Ukulele Group and the smooth vocals of entertainer Mike Massey, before enjoying a delicious afternoon tea.

But perhaps the biggest treat of all for Walter was a visit from his daughter Susan and son-in-law Robert who made the trip all the way from America

to visit him on his special day.

Born in a small terraced house at 8 William Street, Prescot, Walter went onto attend Beckingfield Street Nursery School, followed by the Board School on Warrington Road, and then the Central School on Delph Lane at the age of 11.

At 14, he started work at Whiston Cooperative Society, delivering milk in a hand cart from 7:00am until he'd finished his round, before joining the Cooperative as a shop assistant at the age of 17.

At 18 he met the love of his life Audrey Boardman. They married on December 21, 1939 during an air raid on Liverpool.

During World War II, Walter worked as a Dispatch Rider for the The Royal Signals before becoming an electrician for the Army after

studying at Bradford Technical College. He repaired transmission sets and phones for the Royal Signals.

After the war, Walter was then taken to Athens, Greece, where he was a part of the First Army to settle the Civil War. He then returned to England by sailing from Greece to Italy, and then caught a train to France before sailing home to England, where he settled back in Prescot.

Following his return from the war, he was a member of The Savannah Band. He took over leadership of the band in 1950.

Walter became a freelance musician playing tenor saxophone, piano and organ.

He travelled throughout the North West taking his Hammond Organ with him and playing in various clubs for many, many years.

He then went onto work at British Insulated Calendar Cables (BICC) in the Power Cables division where he worked right up until his retirement in 1972.

During retirement, Walter continued as a reelance musician.

He was also an avid golfer and a wonderful gardener.

When asked about the key to living a long and healthy life, Walter replied: “Stay out of trouble, eat well – but above all else, be happy.”

BARCHESTER CARE HOMES

Moving into a care home doesn’t mean you have to stop doing amazing things and living life to the full.

Supporting individuals to continue living a full and active life is a very important part of the service offered at Barchester’s care homes in Lancashire, where staff are trained to tailor activities, outings and events to the interests of the people they care for. Whether it’s a trip out to see the Blackpool illuminations, a game of darts with friends or live entertainment at the home, the focus is on providing activities based on what people really enjoy.

For people living with a dementia, it’s equally as vital to remain active and stimulated. For some people, a one to one conversation with a member of staff can be the perfect opportunity to reminisce, while others get a lot of comfort and pleasure from listening to their favourite songs. At Glenroyd Care Home in Blackpool, staff have arranged for residents to attend a specialised dance class at the Tower Ballroom.

Barchester have a number of homes in and around Blackpool and Preston, offering a range of care services from residential and nursing care to specialised dementia care and respite care. Why not visit your local home to see what life there is really like and to ask staff about the care options available?

You can find out more about Barchester’s unique approach to delivering person-centred care and specific information about your local Barchester home by visiting www. barchester.com

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Play Factore

For any child, their own birthday party is the highlight of the year and Play Factore provide the Ultimate Birthday Parties! From our 40ft long indoor slide and exhilarating Zip Wire experience to whizzing around our Go Kart track or mastering the art of stealth in our Laser Quest area; our dedicated team will ensure you and your guests enjoy a party to remember!

Play Factore has incredibly designed party rooms, each fully equipped with iPods providing individual party music, movement sensory LED lights

and a selection of party menus. The ultimate kids’ birthday party at the UK’s leading entertainment arena is for 2 whole hours so there’s plenty of time for your little ones to enjoy the exciting facilities on offer.

Our private party rooms provide the coolest environment for any child’s birthday party, and to make sure

parents remain cool throughout the celebrations too, Play Factore even provide you with your very own party host!

For more information or to book your party give our reception team a call 0844 824 6030 and have a look at our package options at www.playfactore. com/parties.

Time To Change Your Old

Night Storage Heaters

If you've suffered an old-fashioned electric storage heater system for too long, now is the time to change.

And not only will you be warmer and more comfortable in your home, chances are you'll save money too.

North West Heating Solutions are a growing family business serving the North West, Wales and Shropshire. The company supplies special German-made advanced electric storage radiators, which can be used as you wish 24 hours a day, and which, they say, beat old Economy 7 storage heaters hands down, by providing heat on demand all day and night if required. In addition, they are available with a range of controls (high-tech and low-tech) as well as a vast range of sizes and large colour pallet.

Managing Director David Lukeman says: 'The installation of our heating

is quick, clean, makes no mess and is usually completed within one day. Our clients tend to live in apartments or the countryside in outlying areas and villages which are not served with mains gas and therefore have to cope with either Economy 7, LPG or oil fired heating.'

David aims to see every client personally whenever possible to conduct a survey and establish what is needed in order to design an efficient and effective system especially to suit their needs. 'Many of our clients have the entire house fitted in one go and

some buy just one or two radiators,' says David. 'It depends entirely on your needs and circumstances.'

With home heating costs forever on the increase and fossil fuels becoming more scarce, it is prime time to consider upgrading to a modern 21st century heating system.

'We can provide an effective and reliable electric heating solution,' says David. 'Now could well be the time to make the change.'

For more information visit www. northwestheatingsolutions.co.uk or call 01539 303445

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 7.

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Flying Scotsman gives Mayor the perfect gift Bury’s civic ambassador was put in the picture when he received a gift from the town’s famous East Lancashire Railway.

Councillor Mike Connolly, the Mayor of Bury, was presented with a commemorative photograph of the Flying Scotsman, taken when the historic engine visited Bury in January.

The gift, from Tony Holt of North West Photography Courses, was to preview the locomotive’s return – Flying Scotsman is due back in Bury from 13 to 16 October as part of the ELR’s ‘Scotsman in Steam’ event.

Cllr Connolly said: “The Flying Scotsman is one of this country’s

greatest icons, and it was an amazing experience to see the famous locomotive back in Bury after all this time.

It really grabbed the attention of the nation, and I’m sure it will again when it returns in October.

“I’d like to thank Tony for this wonderful gift, which will take pride of place in the mayor’s parlour for all our visitors to see.”

The Flying Scotsman will be the ‘focus of attention’ on its October return for the railway’s dedicated photography courses, which will take place each day of the four-day event.

The half-day courses are led by North West Photography Courses and will

provide a rare opportunity for small groups of budding photographers and experienced shutterbugs alike to access areas that are normally off limits to the public, including lineside, to capture the world’s most famous steam locomotive powering along the line.

For details, go to http://www. northwestphotographycourses.com/ For more information, ticket prices and bookings for “Scotsman in Steam” at the East Lancashire Railway, visit www.flyingscotsmanatelr.com.

Visit www.nrm.org.uk/ flyingscotsman for more information on Flying Scotsman’s return.

Cavendish Park Homes

The Cavendish Group are committed to providing quality and value with a wealth of experience and knowledge of this increasingly popular lifestyle choice. With over 20 parks nationwide we have locations and homes to suit most customers needs. Our dedicated sales team are available 7 days a week to discuss all aspects of park home living and take the strain out of one of life’s biggest decisions.

We always have an extensive range of show homes all of which are available for immediate occupancy.

Alternatively our sales team will walk you through the process of designing your own bespoke home with any of the UK’s leading manufacturers. If you have a home to sell we can assist you by working along side your estate agents or utilising our part exchange scheme wherever possible, subject to contract. All our homes come with

fully landscaped gardens, parking space and garden storage bases as standard, however if you have any particular ideas or requirements our team of workmen are able to carry out almost any kind of landscaping to create an outdoor space truly unique to your home.

Start your journey to a park home life with Cavendish by simply calling our sales team on 0800 756 5623.

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 9.

Page 10. Issue 23. Lancashire Local

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Olympic medal winner Sophie

awarded special honour

Burnley-born Olympic bronze medal winner Sophie Hitchon was guest of honour at a surprise Civic reception to mark her sporting achievements.

More than 50 friends and family gathered, with Civic guests, at Burnley Mechanics Theatre to celebrate Sophie’s success in the Rio Games and to mark her commitment to grassroots sports, especially in encouraging girls and women to get involved.

Sophie was presented with a Certificate of Honour on behalf of the borough by the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Jeff Sumner. She also received a bottle of Champagne and engraved glasses, as well as a bouquet of flowers given to her by eight-yearold Lily Berry, a pupil at Wellfield Primary School where Sophie was a pupil as a youngster. Lily, who takes part in a number of sports and

activities including ballet, which is where Sophie started, was delighted to be chosen to present the flowers.

The Mayor said: “This event was to recognise and celebrate the achievements of a real Burnley star.

Many of us watched the Rio Games and we were rooting for Sophie as the hammer event began. When she became the first British woman to win an Olympic hammer medal her delight was plain to see.

“Sophie’s achievements provide further inspiration to encourage participation in physical activity.”

Sophie works with Burnley Leisure and Calico as an ambassador for the Girls Up and Active campaign which encourages girls and women to take up sport Although Sophie knew she was going to the Mechanics, she didn’t know what was happening so it was

a surprise when she walked into the theatre foyer and was greeted with cheers from the gathered guests.

After the presentations Sophie was inundated with requests for photographs and requests to see her Bronze medal.

Boundary proposals go on show in Burnley

People are being encouraged to take part in a consultation to help shape the future of Burnley’s Parliamentary boundary.

The 12-week consultation is part of a national review of Parliamentary areas – those which an MP represents rather than borough or other boundaries.

Maps showing the proposals affecting Burnley and surrounding areas, plus further information and booklets, are available to view at Burnley Town Hall reception.

In Lancashire it is proposed to reduce the number of constituencies by two, to 14. In the borough of Burnley the proposal is to move Gawthorpe, Hapton with Park (covering Padiham) and Coalclough with Deerplay wards into what is now Hyndburn, but change the constituency name to Accrington.

The Burnley constituency would expand northwards, taking in eight wards currently in Pendle and stretching up to, and including, Brierfield and Nelson. The changes would not affect the borough boundaries or representation on Burnley Council.

The Boundary Commission for England is considering constituency areas across England as part of a periodic review of the boundaries of all Parliamentary seats. The overall aim is to have constituencies that have between 71,031 and 78,507 people eligible to vote living in them.

The consultation will run until 5th December and anyone with an interest and/or views on the proposals is encouraged to use the opportunity to help shape the future constituencies.

The Boundary Commission is due to make its final report in September 2018. Any changes would come into effect at the next scheduled general election in 2020.

The website www.bce2018.org.uk has more information about how to respond as well as details of where and when public hearings will be held. You can also follow the Boundary Commission on Twitter @BCE2018 or using #2018boundaryreview

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 11.

Page 12. Issue 23. Lancashire Local

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Compassionate Care National

Accolade for Hospital Porter John

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is celebrating its first ever nomination in the NHS England Kate Granger Compassionate Care Awards for porter, John Jackson.

John, 57, who lives in Oswaldtwistle and works as a night porter at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, has been nominated in the ‘individual’ category for the difference he makes to patients’ lives in hospital and the role he plays in the Trust’s new bereavement service, having been awarded the first ‘bereavement champion’ title back in October last year. John is well known within the hospital for his interaction with patients, ensuring others follow his example which he sums up simply

– treat others as you would like your family to be treated. As part of his role, he takes deceased patients to the mortuary and ward staff have been consistently impressed with his attitude and the way he shows the utmost dignity to patients and their families, accompanying them to the mortuary and reassuring them that he will take good care of their loved one.

John said: I am so honoured to be shortlisted for this award but I really believe that I am only doing my job. I believe that everyone is an individual whether living or not and I move and talk to every patient like I would my own mother – compassion, dignity and

respect are of the utmost importance to me. I will always introduce myself to patients, chat to them and if I’m moving someone to a new ward, I’ll offer to make them a drink and make sure they are settled. I see it as a privilege to be able to make a difference when people are ill and at their most vulnerable.

The Kate Granger Compassionate Care Awards are named after the late Dr Kate Granger who worked tirelessly to raise awareness around compassion in the NHS through her #hellomynameis campaign.

Kate was able to select the shortlisted nominees shortly before she died last month and this year saw a leap in the rise of entries with the winners in the individual and team category announced at the Health and Care Innovation Expo in Manchester on 7th September.

Graham Urwin, Director of Commissioning Operations for NHS England – North (Lancashire) said: I was delighted to read John’s nomination for the Kate Granger Compassionate Care Award and would like to personally thank him for the wonderful work that he does.

John demonstrates genuine care and compassion in his work, supporting patients and their families during one of the most difficult times of their lives. These are exactly the kind of qualities that we value the most highly and want to see even more of in our

NHS. His kindness, consideration and dedication to patients, and his natural ability to put their needs and feelings first, is an inspiration to us all.

The awards honour an individual, team or organisation whose compassion has made a particular difference to patient care, and

demonstrate innovation, approaches that can be easily replicated elsewhere and make a difference in the long term to patients and carers.

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 13.

Kids enjoy a champion time

at holiday sports camp

A summer sports camp for children in St Helens has proved to be a smash hit.

Held at Selwyn Jones Sports Centre

by Inspired Sports, the five week long camp saw over 200 boys and girls aged 4-11 try their hand at various indoor and outdoor activities including hockey, tennis and football under the guidance of fully qualified coaches.

With the camp taking place during the 2016 Rio Olympics, the children could also take part in a mini Olympics as part of an introduction to athletics session.

St Helens Council’s portfolio

holder for leisure services, Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “It’s great to see so many children turn up and try out new sports, with as many as 60 children attending each day.

"The Inspired Sports Holiday Camp is a fun way to keep your children active over the school holidays and will have a great impact on their health and wellbeing, for it promotes metal and physical fitness, social behaviour and encourages team spirit and fair play.”

Spaces can now be reserved for the October half term sessions at Selwyn Jones Sports Centre commencing Monday 24 October.

For just £10 per day, children can

enjoy a week of activities resulting in competitions and challenges, with a trophy presentation on the final day that parents can attend.

For children who enrol on the full week, family discounts are available and Go Active members will receive £5 off the overall price.

For more information, or to book a place on the sports camp, please call Selwyn Jones Sports on telephone number 01744 677970.

ST HELENS’ ARTS STARS SHINE ON TELEVISION

The team behind the success of St. Helens Libraries’ Cultural Hubs can be seen celebrating as being voted the nation’s Best Arts project in this year’s National Lottery Awards on TV in front of a star-studded audience.

They were joined on the red carpet by celebs such as John Barrowman, Kimberly Wyatt, Katie Derham and many of Team GB’s National Lottery funded Olympic heroes as they accept their honour.

Millions of TV viewers saw the project recognised for its inspirational work using £249,600 of National Lottery funding to run a series of arts, music and drama sessions in libraries for more than 4,000 people across St Helens.

A short film featuring a visit from actor Ralf Little was also be shown on the programme, The National Lottery Stars 2016 on BBC One. Sue Williamson, Head of Libraries at St Helens, said: “Thanks to everyone who voted for us, we are thrilled to win this award. Participants in this project have helped us bring so much great

art to people in St Helens through our libraries. It wouldn’t have been possible without National Lottery funding, so I’d like to thank Lottery players.”

John Barrowman, who will presenting the show for the seventh year, added: “The National Lottery Awards celebrate the UK’s favourite Lotteryfunded projects as voted for by the public. They recognise the legends behind these amazing organisations – ordinary people who do extraordinary things with National Lottery funding.

“We have had a golden summer in 2016 with the success of Team GB. It is fitting that we carry on the celebrations by honouring other people and projects who are making a life-changing impact with National Lottery funding throughout the UK. “This year’s winners have raised the bar, yet again, and National Lottery players can be very proud to have contributed towards their fine work.”

There are seven categories in the National Lottery Awards, reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, education, environment, health,

heritage, sport, and voluntary/charity.

St. Helens Libraries’ Cultural Hubs beat off six other challengers in a public vote to win the Best Arts Project.

It will receive a £3,000 cash prize to spend on the project as well as a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy. National Lottery players have

been changing lives for 21 years they currently raise over £36 million every week for projects across the UK. The National Lottery Awards recognise and celebrate the difference that Lottery-funded organisations, both large and small, make to local communities the length and breadth of the UK.

Page 14. Issue 23. Lancashire Local

Local people in need

helped by donation

St Helens Councillors Charlie and Lisa Preston have been helping to coordinate the distribution of thousands of pounds worth of family, personal and household care products to local people in need.

The items were donated by Proctor and Gamble through the In Kind Direct programme - a charity setup HRH The Prince of Wales to provide manufacturers and retailers with a new way to help the communities where they live and work by donating surplus goods.

Local organisations to benefit include the council’s Children Services team, a women’s domestic violence unit, Holy Trinity Church and the Teardrops homeless charity.

Councillor Lisa Preston, who is Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “These are the sort of items that most people take for granted – but for those who are desperate or in crisis they are often in extremely short supply.

“We are delighted that Proctor and Gamble have been able to donate so many of their products – which will go a long way to helping people in need in our borough.”

Captain Tuck’s

Pirate Parade is a roaring success

Families didn’t let the wet weather dampen their spirits as they joined St Helens Council’s Healthy Living team for a Captain Tuck Pirate Parade in Taylor Park.

Over a dozen children and their families coloured in and donned Captain Tuck masks before warming up with exercises and embarking on a walk around Taylor Park, led by Captain Tuck himself. Some children even went the extra mile by dressing up as the Healthy Living mascot.

The day was rounded off with a healthy picnic to encourage children, young people and families to drink water and eat healthy foods – while park games were also played to encourage families to get 60 minutes’ activity every day.

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New traders set up shop

at St Mary’s Market

St Mary’s Market has received a much welcomed boost following the arrival of six new stallholders to the premises.

Recent arrivals include Jay Max school and work ware; Market Health Foods; Hills textiles; Reflections hair extensions, accessories and cosmetics; Union Jack Flooring, and ‘The Shoe Place.’ Since moving to the market just over a month ago, Jo Elson, who runs Union Jack Flooring with husband Michael, says their carpet, rug and flooring business is already experiencing an increase in sales.

While Ishtiaq Ahmed, owner of Hills textile, netting and bedding, has every confidence his stall will a success.

With the wedding season in full swing, Lesley Johnson, who took charge of fashion footwear stall ‘The Shoe Place’ at the end of May, is enjoying a busy period, pointing out that little girl’s sparkly shoes are currently the latest must have.

Welcoming the latest stallholders to St Mary’s, Markets Manager Kevin Gavin believes there has never been a better time to set up a business in St Mary's Indoor Market thanks to two rent incentives to new business with unique commodities to the market.

Kevin said: “It’s always a pleasure to welcome new businesses to the St Mary’s Market family and I would like to wish them all the success in the world.

“We are currently offering two rent

incentives to new business with unique commodities to the market.

“Bakers, greengrocers, fishmongers, florists, key-cutters and cobblers - or anyone wanting to sell paint, wallpaper, electrical and hardware will qualify for a three month rentfree period in addition to a six month incentivised rent period, which we’re confident will attract even more businesses to St Mary's Market.”

Situated in the heart of St Helens town centre within St Mary's shopping arcade, St Mary’s Market is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and is complete with baby changing facilities. Free Wi-Fi is also available.

For more information, including details of incentive packages, please call 01744 677155 or email themarketsteam@sthelens.gov.uk

Dog owner convicted under anti-

social behaviour legislation A St Helens dog owner has been convicted under anti-social behaviour legislation.

Daniel Grounds, 25, of Howard Street, Thatto Heath, St Helens, was fined £320 after being found guilty at the Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday 12 September) for nonpayment of a Fixed Penalty Notice after breaching a Community Protection Notice.

The court heard evidence from St Helens Council’s Dog Welfare and Enforcement Service of how Grounds’ conduct had been deemed to be persistent, of a continuing nature and having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality.

Over a four month period between February and May 2015, he had allowed two

Lurcher type dogs to stray in a public place and enter private properties where they were not permitted.

The Dog Welfare and Enforcement Service , at the time, resorted to the newly created Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 as a way of resolving the matter.

Grounds was issued with a Community Protection Notice in March 2015 after failing to act on warnings issued by the service.

When the dogs again caused a nuisance in May of the same year, he was issued with a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice - which was not paid within the prescribed time limit.

He was fined £200, with costs of £100 and was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Green, Smart and Sustainable Borough, Councillor Seve GomezAspron said: “Our Dog Welfare and Enforcement Service promotes responsible dog ownership - and this owner had been given ample opportunity to respond to the advice and warnings he was given.

“However, he chose not to do so and the service had no option but to use the anti-social behaviour legislative powers to resolve the matter for the benefit of the community."

Friends of Colliers Moss group

to launch later this month

A group which seeks to continue delivering long-term improvements to the Colliers Moss area of St Helens is set to launch later this month. Having received a grant from the Woodland Trust and backing from the Mersey Forest, the Friends of ‘the Moss’ group hopes to get more community engagement and events underway over the next few years. Colliers Moss is a great place to explore, with a wealth of natural and heritage features including woodlands, lagoons and wetland areas, artworks and an amphitheatre. A number of people are already on-board with taking the group forward, but a meeting will be held at 6pm on Wednesday 28 September at the Derbyshire Hill Family Centre to allow residents to find out more and get involved.

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 15.

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Twopence to Cross

the Mersey at Preston

A new stage play about the life of acclaimed author Helen Forrester heads to Preston this Autumn as part of a new tour.

Twopence to Cross the Mersey comes to Preston’s Charter Theatre at Preston Guild Hall from Wednesday 19 October to Saturday 22 October for six performances, including two matinees. Tickets are on sale now.

The seven-venue tour across England’s North West and North Wales follows the hugely successful premiere of the new stage play version of Helen Forrester’s Twopence to

Cross the Mersey, which wowed audiences at four Merseyside theatres last Spring. And now due to popular demand, the play returns with a new and extended tour for Autumn 2016.

The play opens in September with a three-week run in Liverpool, before heading to Rhyl, Preston, Southport, Warrington, Stockport and St Helens throughout October and November.

Loved by millions, see Helen’s dramatic, moving and heart-warming tale come to life as she and her family are forced to survive in the slums amongst the streetwise working class.

In its earlier format, the musical version of the show had four hugely successful runs at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre, firstly in 2004 and then returning in 2005, 2007 and 2009 under the helm of Rob Fennah and production company Pulse Records Ltd. Rob worked closely with Helen on the original stage production, which she did get to see for herself.

The new version is staged by Pulse Records Ltd in collaboration with producer and stage writer Rob Fennah and producer Bill Elms. They are joined by director Bob Eaton.

Rob Fennah said: “I got to know Helen very well during the last 20 years of her life and, during the writing of the original script, she would often send faxes and letters of encouragement together with all sorts of additional information that didn’t appear in her books. Helen and I often talked about a touring production of Twopence to Cross the Mersey so I am really pleased to finally see it happen.

“I had always visualised Twopence to Cross the Mersey as a straight play and was thrilled when audience and reviewers alike gave the new adaptation a big thumbs up. We’re excited and delighted to take the play on the road so greater numbers of Helen’s readers can see her most

famous book come to life as a stage play. “We cannot wait to bring the show to Preston’s Charter Theatre in October with a very strong cast, who will do justice to Helen’s story.”

The new stage adaptation is fully endorsed by the Helen Forrester estate – and even has the blessing of her son who saw the play for himself last Spring.

Rob continued: “Helen’s son Robert Bhatia and his family flew in from Canada especially to see the new stage play when it was premiered last year. Robert told me he could feel his mother’s presence on the stage and was so captivated by the performance that he was moved to tears. With Helen not being with us anymore, it is really important to know the play has Robert’s blessing.”

Helen Forrester’s son Robert Bhatia added: “The play is great. I saw it last year and Maria Lovelady was utterly convincing as my mother.”

Helen Forrester’s Twopence to Cross the Mersey tells the true story of a young girl and her formerly wealthy family as they are suddenly thrown into poverty during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Leaving behind the nannies, servants and comfortable middle-class life in the South West of England, they uproot their shattered lives and choose Liverpool as the place to start again to rebuild their dreams and fortune. Unbeknown to them however, a terrible shock awaits them. The play features an 8-strong ensemble cast. The line-up features Emma Dears (Judy & Liza, Les

Miserables) as Mother; Christopher Jordan (Moving On, Coronation Street) as Father; Maria Lovelady as Helen; and with Tom Cawte (Witless, The Lone Pine Club) as Alan, they make up the Forrester family. Eithne Browne (Brookside, Brick Up The Mersey Tunnel); Jake Abraham (Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Game of Thrones); Roy Carruthers (Night Collar, Tales from Haunted Liverpool); and Phil Hearne (Good Golly Miss Molly, Blood Brothers) all take on lead roles, as well as supplementary characters throughout.

The Salvation Army is the charity partner of Twopence to Cross the Mersey. All monies raised will help to fund the work of the church and charity, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Preston Swimming Club – Two British

champions and Top Club award

Head Coach and Preston Swimming Club Members Meeting Mayor Preston, Clr John Collins

Preston Swimming Club took nine of their top swimmers to the British Summer Championships in Ponds Forge, Sheffield in August - one of the top events in the swimming calendar.

Only the top 24 ranked swimmers in each event / age category in Great Britain are invited to attend. Preston also won the ‘top club’ honour, awarded to the club who fielded the most improved swimmers, based on their entry times. The Head Coach and team met the Mayor of Preston, Councillor John Collins, on Thursday 9 September to celebrate their success. The Mayor said: “This is a magnificent achievement for one of Preston’s top sports clubs. “The hard work and dedication of all those involved with Preston Swimming Club is paying off and I, for one, am very proud of them all.”

Head Coach, Samir Ahmed, added: “I am pleased with all the swimmers’ performances and this is one of Preston’s most successful swimming championships ever – getting two new National Champions, a total of five medals and making eight finals.

“British Swimming staff were very complimentary about our performances throughout the week.

It was an outstanding achievement for us to win the top club award and the first time in the club’s history this has been achieved. Nearly all swimmers saw big improvements in their personal best times.”

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 17.

Green Eco Living Make your Extension Fit For Purpose

Having a traditional built extension can mean lots of hassle, with frustrating red tape and all the building mess over 3 or 4 months. But with our Extensions Plus Range you can avoid all that.

Green eco living specialise in the design, manufacture of eco-friendly rooms from traditionally brick built to Conservatory Extensions, but unlike traditional Conservatories we

supply extensions that come with a pre-approved Building regulation and perform to the lowest u value (a measure of heat loss through building walls, roof and floor). This means the build puts value on your property where a traditional conservatory doesn't why is this? It has a Building Control Certificate.

Our Extensions plus range take a different more advanced approach to

extending your home. Our Surveyor will take you through the three primary designs in our Extensions plus, Harlington Plus – and show you all the finishing and roofing choices available to make your extension just as you want it.

We will produce a 3D image so you can see exactly how your extension will look, in addition to this we have our virtual reality Goggles so you can see how your extension will look in a 360 degree view in your own home.

The difference between a conservatory and one of our extensions is the door separating it from the rest of the house, and that's all to do with the manufacture of a well-insulated design. No more “Hot in Summer, Cold in Winter” problems, you will have a structure that has the best possible thermal performance or U Values, in order to meet the current building Regulations; Up to a 15% increase in the value of your home! As our building can be classed as a domestic extension with no need for internal doors, unlike a conservatory it will add 15% to the value of your existing home. So don't delay, book your Survey today and have your new room extension built to enjoy within 4 weeks.

In addition to this if you already have an existing Conservatory and don't

want to go to the hassle of changing to a full extension, then we advise you take a look at our Living Roof section to replace your old polycarbonate or

older glass roof structure.

Green Eco Extensions Built to add value to your property and to stand the “Test of Time!”

Call for your FREE survey today 01257 453791 or download our free brochure on www. greenecoextensions.co.uk

Page 18. Issue 23. Lancashire Local

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LICENCE AMNESTY

FOR DOG BOARDERS

The council’s Animal Welfare team has become aware of an increasing number of unlicensed dog boarding establishments operating within the city.

A time-limited amnesty is being granted by the council, so any unlicensed premises can come forward and apply.

Unlicensed premises can often be badly run, with poor conditions, little control over the dogs that are kept there, and without any insurance cover.

Cabinet member for planning and regulation, Councillor John Swindells, said: “All dog owners have the right to expect that boarding premises where they leave their beloved pets satisfy basic standards relating to their health, welfare and safety and that the licensee is a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.

“By using licensed establishments dog owners can be confident that the premises comply with strict licensing conditions and the proprietors strive to guarantee the highest standards of animal care.

“The council is already aware of a number of unlicensed premises in Preston and if they do not come forward within this amnesty period, they may face criminal charges, and be taken to Court.”

The team urges all dog owners to check that they are leaving their pet dogs with a licensed animal boarding establishment. Licences have to be prominently displayed at the premises in the public area and available on request. We would also urge members of the public to report any unlicensed dog boarding establishments that they become aware of.

If you are receiving payment for looking after other people’s dogs are but are unsure if you require a licence please contact our Animal Welfare team for more information and advice. Every person who boards somebody else’s dog and

receives payment for doing so must be licensed. This means that anyone operating as hosts for well-known home boarding organisations, such as Barking Mad, Digs for Dogs, and UK Holidogs are likely to need licensing.

Other premises that might need licensing include businesses that ordinarily work with dogs such as dog walkers or dog groomers, who build a rapport with their clients and then look after their clients dogs when they go on holiday etc.

The Animal Welfare team can be contacted online: www.preston.gov. uk/animalboarding or call 01772 906907.

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 19.

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 21.

Page 22. Issue 23. Lancashire Local

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Rossendale is home to 3 markets

Rossendale is home to 3 markets, situated in the town centres of Bacup, Haslingden and Rawtenstall.

The markets are easy to get to by bus, car or on foot and they each offer free parking facilities.

Each market has its own character and is home to a variety of specialist stalls. Not only will you find fresh local produce, gifts, clothing, household goods and services, there's

also haberdashery, recycled goods, kitchenware, curtains, blinds, fancy dress, cosmetics, plants and specialist foods, to name but a few!

There are cafes serving drinks and hot and cold food at both Bacup and Rawtenstall.

Our traders pride themselves on providing a personal, friendly service to our valued customers. Some of our traders now also offer payment

by debit /credit card - see individual stalls for more details.

It is well established that markets provide a fantastic base for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.

Becoming a market trader on one of Rossendale Markets is easy, and we provide excellent financial incentives for new traders bringing a new line to our markets.

If you haven't visited one of our

markets recently, take a look!

Market days and opening times are;

Christmas cheer at

Burnley Market Hall

· Bacup Market- Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9am-4pm · Haslingden Market- Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 9am-4pm · Rawtenstall Market- Thursday and Saturday 9am-4pm

There’s a sense of seasonal magic at Burnley Market Hall in the busy run-up to Christmas. Of course the market offers great bargains from enterprising small traders all year round. But as Christmas approaches and excitement builds, the pressure to make sure you’ve got all the presents and festive food in place grows too.

Burnley Market Hall offers fresh fruit and vegetables, great cuts of meat for the Christmas table and a wide range of ideas for presents for all ages – all at great value prices.Christmas shopping in Burnley officially starts on the weekend of November 19/20 when a Christmas Festival will be held in the town centre, including the annual Christmas lights switch-on party on Sunday 20th.

As the big occasions gets nearer, the market hall is transformed with seasonal decorations and Father Christmas sets up “shop”, with a special grotto “stall” of his own to welcome younger visitors. There will also be the traditional annual Christmas party for younger children. Christmas is all about tradition – and what could be more traditional than a bustling market hall with busy stalls?

Burnley Market Hall – it’s a Christmas cracker.

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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 tailor-made 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."

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Where can I meet Father

Christmas in Wales?

Meeting Santa is one of the experiences that makes the festive period so magical so why not visit him at one of our special places across Wales. Don't forget to check the details. You may even need to book in advance - he's a very busy man.

Chirk Castle, near Wrexham 12/13 and 19/20 December. Father Christmas returns to Chirk Castle to take up residence in his Adam Tower grotto once again. He's brought presents for some very special visitors, so we hope you've been good! Tickets for the Father Christmas grotto this year are pre-book only. Tickets are £5 each, including a visit with Father Christmas and a present. Normal admission also applies.

Powis Castle, near Welshpool Bring your family along and meet Father Christmas in the spectacular setting of our ballroom. Your children will be able to visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto every Saturday and Sunday from 28 November to 20 December, 11am to 1pm or 2pm to 3.30pm. Visits to Father Christmas cost £4 per child and each will receive an early Christmas gift. Normal admission also applies.

Tredegar House, Newport Father Christmas will be visiting Tredegar House every weekend from 28 November to 20 December. He'll have a gift for all the (good!) children and we know he's going to be so

pleased to see you. He's a popular man so we'll give you a timed ticket for entry when you visit our welcome team at reception. There's no need to pre-book and it costs £2.50 per Father Christmas visit. Normal admission also applies.

Penrhyn Castle, near Bangor 12 and 13 December. Don't miss having a special visit with the jolly man himself - Father Christmas while he is staying at Penrhyn Castle.

Visits to see Father Christmas are £5 per child. Tickets will be available from the Visitor Centre from 11.45am on the day, on a first come first served basis. Normal admission also applies.

Dyffryn Gardens, near Cardiff Father Christmas will be making a very special stop at Dyffryn on 28, 29 November, 5, 6, 12 and 13 December.

He will be meeting each child and giving them a specially chosen gift. You can pre book your tickets by calling our visitor reception on 02920 590813. £4 per child. Normal admission also applies.

Erddig, Wrexham Meet Father Christmas in the elves' workshop, every weekend from 5 to 20 December, to enjoy the gift of giving and leave a donation for our local food-bank. The Elves and Father Christmas will be thrilled that you’re trying to help them in their quest to help the less fortunate this Christmas time. Normal admission also applies.

Plas Newydd, Anglesey

5 and 6 December. Our woodland cabin has been decorated especially for Santa's visit to Plas Newydd.

Timed ticket entry on the day. £2 per visit (includes gift). Normal admission also applies.

Aberdulais Tin Works & Waterfall, Neath Enjoy Aberdulais at night. Take a candlelit walk to the waterfall, listen to stories from Mr/Mrs Claus, make some Christmas crafts and enjoy a festive treat in the Old School House

tea-room. £4.50 Adult, £2.25 Child, £11.25 Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire Santa will open the Llandeilo Edwardian Fayre on both days at 11am.

After that, he'll head down to his magical grotto in the basement of Newton House where he'll await all of the excited children and adults.

Each child gets a wrapped gift and all our kids activities are free. £3

per child to meet Santa in his grotto.

Normal admission also applies. Did you know that Newton House at Dinefwr will also be arranging 'Write a letter to Santa' activities throughout December?

Plas yn Rhiw, Llŷn Join us on 5 and 6 December, 11am3pm, for a weekend full of Christmas activities.

Father Christmas will arrive with his horse at 12pm each day, with an opportunity to meet him in his grotto

and receive a gift. £4 per child. Enjoy seasonal games and crafts, enjoy a mince pie or two in the tea-room, or grab some gifts from the shop.

Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion Father Christmas will be stopping by the Llanerchaeron Christmas fair on 5 and 6 December and he’ll have a small gift for every child he meets.

No booking necessary.

There will also be a kids treasure hunt in the garden. Normal admission applies.

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Events in Wales

during December

December, we all know its all about family and the magic of Christmas.

But this year, set 'It's a Wonderful Life' to record. Put that 2nd (or is it 3rd?) box of chocolates down and as a certain TV programme used to say 'switch off your television set and go out and do something less boring instead'. So here's some great ways to do just that in Wales.

Planet Rockstock 04 - 06 December An action-packed weekend of live music and entertainment with over 25 bands including head-liners Rival Sons, The Darkness and FM. Caerphilly Christmas Fayre Caerphilly Town Centre 10 – 11 December. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a town and castle preparing for Christmas with traditional funfair rides, smells of mulled wine, captivating street theatre and over 100 food, craft & gift stalls.

Foodies will be in their element as stalls are stacked high with delicious fresh produce including indulgent chocolates and mouth watering

tipples...the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas feast!

Browse the market and discover an array of wonderful jewellery and interesting gifts to fill up those stockings and purchase that perfect Christmas gift.

There’s also a Farmers Market complimenting the town’s mixture of independent & high street stores.

Why not enter the castle for a medieval twist to this event, with lots of fun entertainment and attractions.

Normal admission applies.

Real Ale Train 10 December All aboard The Real Ale Train! Enjoy a selection of real ales on a real steam train while taking in the scenic surroundings of this part of North Wales.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway Various dates in December: Santa Trains December 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd: Welsh Highland Railway - Santa Trains. Santa certainly comes to town when he and his elves aboard the festive trains

from Caernarfon. These trains are as good as going to the pantomime!

December 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 22nd: Ffestiniog Railway - Victorian Santa Trains. A traditional Victorian family Christmas with carol singing on the platform, sherry and mince pies and, of course, Santa will be handing out presents to all the kids.

The Beaches Hotel

We are a large, modern hotel on the beautiful North Wales coast.

We offer free parking, an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, steam room and gym. A large reception area is on offer to our guests with comfy sofas where free Wi-Fi can be accessed.

Because of our unique position on the sea front, all our rooms have views of the beaches and sea, or the

Prestatyn hills. Every room has an en-suite bathroom with either a bath or shower and all the usual home comforts, television with Freeview, free Wi-Fi internet connection, desk/ dressing table, tea and coffee making, and hairdryers.

For a very special break you may prefer one of our Sea View bedrooms, available with either double or twin

beds. Sea View rooms are larger bedrooms with special features.

Our Promenade Bar serves bar meals and has an outside patio with a decking area, where guests can enjoy beautiful sea views and sunsets. Or you may prefer to dine in our Bryn Restaurant which serves the best local produce.

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Traditional Keswick

Christmas Fayre

The 30th Keswick Traditional Victorian Christmas Fayre takes place this year on Sunday 4th December in Keswick town centre. There's always a tremendous festive atmosphere with around 30 decorated charity stalls, live music and superb stage and street entertainment.

The stalls will sell Christmas crafts, gifts, local produce, fashion accessories etc., along with hot and cold food and drinks. It really is not to be missed, with the

Christmas tree and shops displaying colourful lights, along with equally colourful local characters providing free entertainment.

There is also Santa's Grotto with Santa arriving with six Cairngorm reindeer around 12 noon and remaining in the market square until 3pm. Wearing Victorian costume is optional but encouraged.

There will be free parking in all Keswick Allerdale Borough Council owned car parks on the Sunday.

The Keswick Traditional Christmas Fayre first began in 1988. It is organised by Keswick and Bassenthwaite Rotary Clubs, Keswick Lions Club, Keswick Inner Wheel and other local volunteers. The Fayre provides stalls for charities and local organisations to raise funds for their own good causes.

None of the stalls are commercial and the Keswick Traditional Christmas Fayre is run on a non-profit making basis.

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Ulverston Dickensian

Christmas Festival

The 18th annual Dickensian Christmas Festival takes place in Ulverston over the weekend of November 26th and 27th 2016. It's one of the most popular Dickensian Festival events in the country and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Why not savour the wonderful atmosphere of a traditional market town in the Dickensian era? As well as visiting Ulverston's specialist shops, great pubs and cafes and cobbled streets and sampling the great atmosphere, you

can enjoy a huge variety of free entertainment. There'll be costume competitions, free events for children, horse drawn carriages, balloon modelling, music and dancing. Plus a traditional fairground, complete with Helter Skelter and a variety of music from folk to brass bands.

There will also be a Christmas market, with lots of unusual gifts and festive food, providing plenty of opportunity for Christmas shopping in a great atmosphere.

Why not go in costume and enter into the spirit of the event and take part in the period dress competition?

A grand parade around Ulverston takes place on both Festival days.

A printed programme with town centre map will be available costing ÂŁ1.

You can obtain it from local shops, from the Festival Office (at the lower end of Market Place) and the Information Centre in the Coronation Hall.

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Cumbria Christmas

Lights Switch-On

Ambleside Christmas Lights 2016 The annual Ambleside Christmas lights switch-on involves a Father Christmas cruise followed by a parade through the Lake District town at dusk, featuring hundreds of paper lanterns. Young and old turn out to witness the spectacular procession and the Christmas street lights throughout Ambleside town centre are switched on, as if by magic, by Santa Claus! There is also a family fun zone, local entertainers & musicians, stalls throughout the town and a firework display.

Grange Christmas Lights Switch-On The 70th Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Saturday 3rd December 2016 from 6:00pm at Yewbarrow Terrace opposite Hazelmere Bakery. Father Christmas will arrive to meet the children and the Mayor of Grange will switch on the town's Christmas lights at 6:30pm, followed by carol singing to the music of Flookburgh Band. People of all ages come together to sing carols, see Santa and join in the fun! Grange's Christmas tree is a 100 feet high Wellingtonia and is said to be the tallest living Christmas tree in England.

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Argos reveals its top toy

predictions for Christmas 2016

Mattel's Codeapillar, Hasbro's Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike and Worlds Apart's SelfieMic all crack the list.

Argos has revealed its top toy predictions for Christmas 2016.

The toys that Argos believes will gracing Christmas lists this year are: Zoomer Chimp (£119.99) - Spin Master Paw Patrol Air Patroller (£39.99) Spin Master LEGO City Volcano (£79.99) - LEGO VTech Toot-Toot Drivers Goldmine (£52.99) - VTech Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike (£59.99) Hasbro Tiny Treasures Baby Doll (£39.99) Chad Valley SelfieMic (£19.99) - Worlds Apart Design a Friend Tiffany (£49.99) Chad Valley Snuggles My Dream Puppy (£49.99)

- Character Options Fisher-Price Codeapillar (£49.99) Mattel BB-8 (£59.99) - Hasbro “This year’s list shows just how much toys are evolving – lots of our top toys have their roots in parents’ Christmas past," said Linzi Walker, chief toy buyer for Argos.

"Now they’ve truly moved on, with more sophisticated tech, realistic life-like functions and up-to-date pop culture references. We’ve progressed from the toy caterpillar that toddlers could pull across the floor, to one that starts infants on the road to clever coding. Where once there was a baby doll that simply looked like the real thing, we now have one that smells as sweet as a newborn. And while past festivities might have featured a karaoke machine, 2016’s budding

Beliebers will be making and sharing their own pop videos with a SelfieMic. “With cross-generation appeal toys from LEGO, Nerf and Star Wars, households are expected to be lively and fun across the UK this Christmas.”

All toys will be available to buy via www.argos.co.uk from July 2016 onwards.

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FESTIVE GIFT FAIR AT THE NEC

10 -13 NOVEMBER 2016

YOU WOULD BE CRACKERS TO MISS IT!

Join in the fun for our 21st year at the fabulous FESTIVE GIFT FAIR! The biggest and best Christmas shopping Fair returns to the NEC for four days from 10-13 November.

The run up to Christmas Day involves a lot of planning and the hardest and often most time consuming part is buying the presents, so get it all done in one day at the Festive Gift Fair and make it FUN! Christmas starts here with plenty of choice, unique gifts, and a fun and easy shopping day out. For our 21st year we have a whole NEW line-up of fantastic LIVE music to entertain you through the day. So easy to visit, all in one hall, all on one level and there’s even a courtesy shuttle service to and from Birmingham International station.

When your bags are full, you can drop them off at the Present Creche and continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy all the great entertainment.

350 stalls overflowing with fabulous decorations for the home and present ideas for all –from babies to teenagers, parents to grandparents, for Him, for Her and even the pets!

COME ARMED WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST AND EXPECT TO GO HOME TRIUMPHANT. There’s something for everyone at the FESTIVE GIFT FAIR

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Christmas at Pantomimes in

Hoghton Tower 2016 Lancashire 2016 - 2017

We thought that seen as Summer has seemingly abandoned us, you might be interested in hearing our plans for Christmas 2016! Early I know, but bookings will start soon and you wouldn’t want to miss what we have going on! As is tradition, we will be running 4 Twilight Tours in December. These tours will be around the ground floor of the house, you will hear from various members of the de Hoghton family as you learn about how the house was preparing for Christmas throughout the ages. The tour will be followed by a festive

tea in the tea room. The house will be open each weekend in December until the 18th December for festive tours and the tea room will be offering its Winter Menu at weekends. In addition, the tea room will be offering Christmas lunches Monday – Friday from 5th December – 21st December, giving you the perfect opportunity to treat yourselves, family and friends to a festive dinner in fantastic surroundings.

Pre-booking is essential.

We will also be offering a festive tour and afternoon tea for groups

throughout December, ideal for an alternative Christmas party with work colleagues, or as an opportunity to gather the extended family and do something different.

We will be opening the festive period with a Christmas Meat & Drink festival followed by our annual Christmas Craftacular and finished off with our Christmas Farmers Market.

We will be releasing dates for all the Christmas events shortly so please do keep your eye on our website and events pages for more details!

Dick Whittington and his Cat King George's Hall Northgate, Blackburn, BB2 1AA 10th Dec 2016 to 31st Dec 2016 Many years ago lived a very determined and ambitious young boy called Richard Whittington, known as Dick to all his friends.

Believing that all the roads in London were paved with gold he decided to travel there and claim his fortune.

Website http://www. kinggeorgeshall.com/ Aladdin Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, Darwen, BB3 3BU 10th Dec 2016 to 24th Dec 2016 A young, poor boy, Aladdin, lives with his mum Widow Twankey and brother Wishee Washee in a Chinese City (thought to be Peking) who is recruited to find a Magic Lamp by his mysterious Uncle Abanazer - a sorcerer and generally all round bad guy.

Website http://www. d a r w e n l i b r a r y t h e a t r e . c o m / Great Expectations - The Musical Blackpool Opera House Winter Gardens, 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 1HL 10th Dec 2016 to 7th Jan 2017 Magwitch is being pursued by soldiers; as Young Pip appears through the mist he encounters the gross Magwitch and so begins the

tangled tale of the young gentleman, the beautiful Estelle, the jilted Miss Havisham and of course, the convict.

Website http://www. wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/ Alice in Wonderland on Ice Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 1EZ 11th Dec 2016 to 27th Dec 2016 Alice in Wonderland on ice is brought to you by BIDCA Children Helping Children. A cast of 75 skaters aged from 4 18 bring to life this magical story. Raising money for local children. Tickets £10 on sale now.

Website http://www. childrenhelpingchildren.co.uk/ Jack & The Beanstalk Preston Guild Hall Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HT 12th Dec 2016 to 5th Jan 2017 Following the huge success of our first in house pantomime Sleeping Beauty, we're excited to announce that our 2016 pantomime will be Jack and The Beanstalk!

Website http://www. p r e s t o n g u i l d h a l l . c o m / Jack & The Beanstalk Lowther Pavilion Theatre West Beach, Lytham St Annes, FY8 5QQ 14th Dec 2016 to 30th Dec 2016 The Lowther Pavilion pantomime is a real story with real characters - not just a string of variety acts.

There will be some fantastic singing and dancing and a large dose of comedy, sparkle, magic and spectacle thrown in for good measure!!

Website http://www. l o w t h e r p a v i l i o n . c o . u k / Hansel and Gretel The Met Market Street, Bury, Lancs BL9 0BW 22nd Dec 2016 to 24th Dec 2016 A musical theatre version of this classic brother and sister tale of adventure and magic where we'll have you humming along throughout and cheering as the witch slides down into our flaming oven.

Website http://www.themet.biz/

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.”

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Elderly Olympics' sees care homes compete in walking frame slalom

Never mind Rio 2016 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, eager competitiors from care homes across the Swedish region of Jura have battled it out in their own Olympics. Some of the wellseasoned competitiors may have struggled to walk unaided but they set an impressive pace in the walking frame slalom. Far from shrinking back from this challenge, the silverhaired athletes’ eyes shone with a steely resolve that yelled ‘bring it on’ as they pushed their walking frames along the track. If they were silently praying for a break, their ‘game’ faces gave nothing away as they passed one another during the slalom.

No less than 120 care home residents competed in five sports with teams from 12 care homes participating in

Bassecourt, Jura on 13 September.

Wheelchair basketball, giant darts, stacking blocks and the more quirky game of hammering nails into a block of wood were among the sports played, but it was the determined and steady pace of the games that seemed to capture the zeitgeist of the event.

And when the races were done, it was the turn of the Olympian Eric Hanni to hand out the medals.

Eric Hanni from Jura, won a silver medal for Judo at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and was hugely impressed by the efforts of the men and women, some of whom were more than triple his age when he competed in Tokyo.

The care home residents completed a period of training to prepare them for the event. Competitors take part in the hammering nails on wood event

The society JURAncien, responsible for care homes in the area, organised the games to increase older people’s confidence and their feelings of selfworth by giving them a chance to challenge themselves and others.

Audrey Kohler, activities coordinator at la Residence Claire-Fontaine in Bassecourt said: “They [the residents] realised through the training that they were gradually making progress in everyday life and daily gestures/ movements can also help, so I think its beneficial to them.“ And as the games drew to a close, unlike the younger Olympians of Rio 2016, the victorious did not opt for a victory lap or any showboating to the crowd. Most, it seems were just happy to have a sit down and a nice cup of tea.

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Alexandra Park nominated for

Green Flag People’s Choice Award

Oldham’s Alexandra Park has been nominated for the Green Flag People’s Choice Award.

The park already boasts a Green Flag Award, but it is now in the running for this additional and prestigious accolade.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the Green Flag Awards and to celebrate this milestone there will be 10 People’s Choice winners, all voted for by the public, as opposed to the usual single winner.

Voting is now open and will close at noon on Friday, September 30, with the winner announced in October.

The 25-hectare Alexandra Park, opened in 1865, was built by the people of Oldham during the cotton famine sparked by the American Civil War, which prevented the export of raw cotton from America to Oldham.

The green space was named in commemoration of the marriage between the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra of Denmark, and is one of only 30 parks in the North West to have a Grade II* listing due to its national importance and special interest. The park offers a range of facilities, including crown green bowling, tennis courts, orienteering and a play area. It is also home to The Hub, a community allotment, which is part of the Get Oldham Growing programme – a resource for those people and groups wanting to learn more about food growing.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, said: “The Green Flag awarded to Alexandra Park recognises Oldham Council’s commitment to providing high

standard green spaces for our residents. “For the park to have now been nominated for this award is testament to the hard work and dedication of staff, and it demonstrates the park’s importance in the community. “Alexandra Park is the jewel in the borough’s crown.

It provides great leisure opportunities and its many facilities draw people to visit it from across the borough and beyond.” Paul Todd, Green Flag Award manager said: "We all have a favourite park, whether it's our local green space or a special park we'll travel miles to visit.”

Any park that holds the Green Flag Award can be nominated for a People’s Choice Award, so it’s important people vote in their thousands to give Alexandra Park the credit it deserves.

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October 2016 event listings for King George’s Hall, Blackburn

The Hallé Tchaikovsky Fantasy Overture: Hamlet Liszt Piano Concerto No. 2 Beethoven Symphony No.6, ‘Pastoral’ Sir Mark Elder conductor • Benjamin Grosvenor piano Sir Mark and the orchestra are joined by one of the finest young pianists in the world, Benjamin Grosvenor who performs Liszt’s dazzling Piano Concerto No. 2, a piece in which lyric and dramatic elements battle it out for supremacy. ‘No one can love the countryside as much as I do’, wrote Beethoven, and this love was eloquently expressed in his timeless ‘Pastoral’ symphony. With its depictions of the ‘happy song of the birds’, the ‘sweet murmur of a brook’, the ‘dreaded storm’ and much more, it never fails to delight and inspire. The concert begins with Tchaikovsky’s tone poem inspired by Shakespeare’s brooding Prince of Denmark, Hamlet.

DATE: Friday 14th October 2016 TIME: 7.30pm PRICE: from £17, concessions available including £3 for students in full-time education BOX OFFICE: 0844 847 1664 or www.kinggeorgeshall.com Puppetry Of The Penis: The Vegas Show Puppetry Of The Penis has now played to most of the Western World, having been hosted in over 35 countries and performed in 6 languages. 2 near naked men (they wear shoes) manipulate their nether regions using the Ancient Art of Genital Origami, providing the

audience with a hilarious array of shapes and impersonations which will be projected onto a huge video screen.

This latest incarnation comes fresh from sin city itself, Las Vegas, where the show has been thrilling audiences.

This is a non-sexual show and does contain full frontal male nudity.

DATE: Saturday 15th October 2016 TIME:8pm PRICE: £20 of £15 for groups 10+ BOX OFFICE: 0844 847 1664 or www.kinggeorgeshall.com Ghost Town to Strange Town: Audience with Rick Buckler & Neville Staple For the first time, 2 guys from 2 legendary bands are on the same stage talking about their lives and loves.

Neville Staple, also known as The Original Rudeboy, continues to be a forerunner of the ska movement, thrilling audiences with his own excellent band, Rick Buckler, was a member of one of the UK’s b i g g e s t and most influential b a n d s , The Jam. Spearheaded by the songwriter Paul Weller, the rhythm section, of Rick Buckler on drums and Bruce Foxton on bass guitar

were an integral part of The Jam’s sound and success.

DATE: Wednesday 26th October 2016 TIME: 7pm doors PRICE: £15 adv / £17 doors BOX OFFICE: 0844 847 1664 or www.kinggeorgeshall.com UB40 UB40 have over forty UK Top 40 hit singles and achieve sales of over 100 million records, making UB40 one of the most successful British groups of all time. The band’s latest Top 30 album ‘Getting Over The Storm’ was awarded BBC Radio 2’s ‘Album Of The Week’ accolade and received 5-star reviews from the UK’s music press on its release in September 2013.

DATE: Saturday 29th October 2016 TIME: 7pm doors PRICE: £32.50 standing, £35 seated BOX OFFICE: 0844 847 1664 or www.kinggeorgeshall.com

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A new way to discover the wonders of Welsh wildlife

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 hot-spots, 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

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Boost for charities as first Asda

Foundation Bury 10K hailed a success

The first Asda Foundation Bury 10K has been hailed a fantastic success as more than 1,000 people hit the streets – running up a major boost for charity.

Enthusiastic spectators helped create an amazing atmosphere as they cheered the runners around the route, which started and finished near The Rock retail and leisure venue.

First across the finish line was Danny Collinge in 32mins and 59secs. He was followed by Ben Coop who clocked 34mins 28secs with Daniel Bird taking third place with a time of 34mins 38secs.

Katie Geelan was the first woman home in 39mins 48secs. Second was Sophie Whittaker with a time of 39mins 55secs and Emily Carr took third place in 40mins 45secs.

The winning wheelchair athlete was Chris Nash who finished in 29mins and 23secs.

Other runners included Helena Ridsdale, from Heywood, who transformed her health after shedding seven stone by taking up running and Kelly Hayes, from Ramsbottom, who took part to raise funds for Bury Hospice that cared for her inspirational sister who died in July this year.

But the biggest winners were the

many charities who are set to benefit for the event. Many runners were supporting a good cause of their own choice or one of the event’s partner charities - Jigsaw, HomeStart Bury, Bury Hospice, the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Trust and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. A popular feature of the day was the Arena Group Family Fun Run, which followed the 10K and was free for children aged between three and 14. Each of the runners who crossed the finish line of the 1.4K route were rewarded with a goody bag and medal to show the world they did it!

Adrian Fitzpatrick, Arena Group Managing Director, said: “The fun run certainly contributed to the great community feel that surrounded the event. It was wonderful to see so many families getting involved in what was a great day.”

Those taking part in the Family Fun Run were encouraged to raise money for Buddy’s for Children with Autism, the event’s partner charity.

The Bury 10K was organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in partnership with I Will If You Will (IWIYW), a fitness movement in Bury that’s helping women, girls and their families to be more active, more often. IWIYW is delivered by Bury Council with National Lottery funding form Sport England.

It was the latest addition to the Asda Foundation 10K Series, which features runs in Lincoln, Nottingham, Hull, Burnley, Leeds, York and Sheffield. Asda Foundation senior

manager Julie Ward said: “We are delighted with the success of the first Asda Foundation Bury 10K. It was clear that runners of all abilities took the opportunity to get involved, many of them managing to raise money for good causes while improving their fitness as well. Well done to all the finishers.”

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “Everyone that took part in either the Bury 10k or the family fun run is a winner in my book.Many, many heroes were made in Bury this weekend and it was fantastic to see such a lot of people turning out to support the work of some great causes.

“Delivered in partnership with the National Lottery funded I Will if You Will fitness movement, this amazing event has certainly helped to get our community up onto their feet and more active, more often.It’s also been a great opportunity for some running tourism and I hope that those who joined in from further afield enjoyed what Bury has to offer.

“And last, but by no means least, I’d like to thank all the terrific volunteers for giving up their own time to help make this event a big success.”

Charlie Tatman, Run for All Event Manager, said: “A big thank you must go to everyone who has worked hard to make the first Asda Foundation Bury 10K so memorable, particularly the brilliant volunteers who gave up their time to ensure the runners had a safe and enjoyable event.”

The Bury 10K was supported by the Asda Foundation, I Will If You Will, Bury Times, Key 103 and ViiSana.

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Microbead ban announced to protect sealife

Government announces plans to ban microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products.

Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom has announced plans to ban

the sale and manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products containing tiny pieces of plastic, commonly known as ‘microbeads’.

Each year billions of tiny beads end up

in our seas from a range of products such as face scrubs, toothpastes and shower gels. These beads build up in the marine environment and can be swallowed by sea life, including

fish and crustaceans. The ban follows the successful introduction of the 5p plastic bag charge – which has led to six billion fewer bags issued this year – and is the next step in government action to tackle plastic in our oceans.

A consultation will launch later this year with the intention to ban the sale and manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products containing microbeads that harm the marine environment.

At the same time, evidence will be gathered on the extent of the environmental impacts of microbeads found elsewhere, such as in household and industrial cleaning products, before considering what more can be done in future to tackle other plastics, for example microfibers, which enter the marine environment. Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said:

Most people would be dismayed to know the face scrub or toothpaste they use was causing irreversible damage to the environment, with billions of indigestible plastic pieces poisoning sea creatures.

Adding plastic to products like face washes and body scrubs is wholly unnecessary when harmless alternatives can be used.

This is the next step in tackling microplastics in our seas following the success of the 5p plastic bag charge, and I look forward to working with industry and environmental groups.

This government is committed to its promise to be the first generation ever to leave the environment in a better state than it inherited, and together we can bring an end to these harmful plastics clogging up our oceans.

Twenty-five UK cosmetics and

toiletries companies, such as Unilever, have already taken steps to voluntarily phase out microbeads from their products. Waitrose has announced they will stop stocking such products by the end of September.

Government action will create a level playing field for industry, tackle inconsistency and stop new products containing tiny pieces of plastic from being sold in the UK. Manufacturers are exploring natural alternatives, including nut shells, salt and sugar, which have the same exfoliating properties but do not pose a threat to the environment.

The government will consult industry, environmental groups and other relevant parties to establish how and when a ban could be introduced, aiming to change legislation next year.

WARM HOMES OLDHAM WINS NATIONAL AWARD

An Oldham Council employee has won a national award for her dedication and hard work in delivering the Warm Homes Oldham scheme. Angela Broadhurst,

Oldham Council’s Principal Housing Energy Officer, was responsible for developing Warm Homes Oldham, and now coordinates this groundbreaking scheme.

Over the last year Warm Homes Oldham helped nearly 600 households out of fuel poverty, saving them around £600,000 off their energy bills and ensuring they can afford to keep their heating on in winter.

Thanks to Angela’s leadership, drive and enthusiasm, over 3,600 people were lifted out of fuel poverty in the first three years of the nationalaward-winning scheme. Angela’s efforts have not gone unnoticed and this month she won a Heat Heroes Award 2016.

The Heat Heroes Awards scheme is run by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) in partnership with Scottish Power.

Angela said: “Looking at how many people’s lives have been changed through this remarkable scheme is the only incentive our team needs.

“It’s very humbling to receive personal recognition but I wouldn’t have received this award without such an incredible team behind me and such supportive partners.

“The work we’re doing here in Oldham is really making a difference so, naturally, our focus is to continue our efforts to ensure people in our town do not suffer in fuel poverty.”

The pioneering scheme was launched in 2012 by Oldham Council, NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Oldham Housing Investment Partnership (OHIP).

In 2015/16 they invested £300,000 in the scheme, and attracted £1,283,853 of external funding.

This has paid for home improvements, such as boilers and insulation as well as support from qualified advisors in saving energy and maximising income. Partners have agreed to continue funding the scheme for future years and the scheme has won a number of national awards.

Cllr Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “Warm Homes Oldham is a great example of how the council is working cooperatively with its partners to improve the lives of residents.

“We are improving lives and also saving money for the council and the NHS that would otherwise be spent on treating cold-related illnesses and other related issues.”

For more information about Warm Homes Oldham, or to book a free, no obligation survey, visit www. warmhomesoldham.org or call 0800 019 1084.

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 43.

Couple Travel to Their Wedding Venue in Dodgem Car!

When choosing you wedding car many place focus on how smooth the ride will be, wanting to hire a wedding car then offers a relaxing journey. However, for Mr and Mrs Ward this was not case, arriving at the venue in a fairground dodgem.

Mr Ward, 54, said it was a source of much amusement among the guests. He said: “No one had seen anything like it. “There was another wedding going on and they had a big Hummer. All the people in there were just looking over at the bumper car.

“All the hotel staff and guests had a go in it after all the speeches and dinner.”

Claiming to be a symbol of their relationship the dodge was successful

in stamping a bit of personality on the big day Jackie, now the wife of Mr Ward laughed that she and her new husband

had been “dodging relationships” all their lives, having both come from failed marriages. For this reason the dodgem car was pretty appropriate,

signifying the struggles they had both faced to find love.

Having a collection of Dodgems Peter Ward shows an eagerness to shock people with his collection, proving to be a huge ambassador of these unique vehicles.

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Most played song at weddings

revealed as Black Eyed Peas hit

A survey into the most played songs at wedding receptions has revealed that the Black Eyed Peas hit record, I Gotta Feeling, is the most popular choice for brides and grooms in the UK beating the usual cheesy tunes more typically associated with weddings to clinch the number one spot.

Digital music service, Spotify, studied 78,000 wedding playlists as part of their quest to track down the country’s most popular wedding song. While the usual offenders including Abba’s Dancing Queen and the Jackson 5’s Blame it on the Boogie all appeared in the top 20 most played wedding songs, the results signal a definite shift towards modern hits as brides and grooms look to shun the golden oldie hits.

While Black Eyed Peas with I Gotta Feeling came in at number one on the Spotify wedding playlist top 20, in at number two was another up tempo number, Sex on Fire from The Kings of Leon, followed by The Killers and Mr Brightside at number three.

The reigning queen of the ballads, Adele, did appear in the top 20 list, coming in at number 10 with her cover of the Bob Dylan classic, To Make You Feel My Love, however former wedding favourites such as Celine Dion and Mariah Carey failed to appear in the list at all. Beyoncé appears in the Spotify list twice but it’s her up tempo hits which are favoured on the wedding playlist with Single Ladies and Crazy in Love both featuring.

Celebrity DJ and a regular on the

wedding circuit, DJ Sam Young, believes that couples these days are more concerned with throwing a great party for their guests hence the popularity of party tunes such as I Gotta Feeling in wedding playlists.

Spotify also noted that 70% of wedding playlists are compiled by men; so ladies, are you handing over the reins to your other half when it comes to creating your wedding playlist? Let us know your plans for music at your wedding reception and see if any of your choices appear in the Spotify top 20 most popular wedding songs below.

Top 20 track list: 1.The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling 2.Kings of Leon – Sex On Fire 3.The Killers – Mr Brightside 4.Stevie Wonder – Superstition 5.Abba – Dancing Queen

6.Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ 7.Beyoncé – Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) 8.Billy Idol – White Wedding 9.OutKast – Hey Ya! – Radio Mix/ Club Mix 10.Adele – Make You Feel My Love 11.Jason Mraz – I’m Yours 12.Stevie Wonder – Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) 13.Jackson 5 – Blame It On The Boogie 14.Beyoncé – Crazy In Love feat.

Jay-Z 15.Al Green – Let’s Stay Together 16.Take That – Greatest Day 17.The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) 18.Barry White – You’re The First, The Last, My Everything 19.Dolly Parton – 9 To 5 20.Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes – (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 45.

Page 46. Issue 23. Lancashire Local

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GET OLDHAM WORKING MOVE IS GOOD NEWS FOR JOBSEEKERS

Oldham Council’s Get Oldham Working (GOW) programme is making it even easier for residents to access employment opportunities.

The Enterprise and Skills team – which lead on the programme and supported the creation of 3,750 employment opportunities in less than three years - is moving out of the Civic Centre into a new home on the first floor of Metropolitan House, Hobson Street, Oldham, OL1 1TT – across the road from the Job Centre Plus.

The short hop across the town centre is good news for those looking for work, apprenticeships, traineeships and work experience because the new base is operating an ‘open door’ policy.

This means residents of working age can go along – without an appointment – and speak to a careers advisor, weekdays 9am until 4pm.

The move comes as Phase 2 of

GOW is launched – showing the commitment of the council and its partners to creating more jobs.

After smashing the original target to help create 2,015 employment opportunities in nine months, the programme now has a number of new aims.

Over the next four years GOW is looking to engage 6,000 residents and fill 5,000 work-related opportunities.

This October GOW will also launch the Career Advancement Service, which aims to help 400 Oldham residents currently in employment to understand what additional support they might need to get a promotion; including advice and support to increase their skills and salary levels.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Since Get Oldham Working was launched in 2013 the council and our partners have created 3,750 job and work related opportunities – helping to

reduce unemployment and support local businesses. “Last year we smashed our target of 2,015 job and work-related opportunities with nine months to spare – but we were never going to stop there. We are continuing the good work despite the budget challenges we still face. “These are exciting times for the borough as our regeneration projects, like the Old Town Hall and the Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps will bring large, medium and small-sized businesses to the borough, boosting the local economy and bringing in more jobs.”

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Employment and Skills, said: “Our Get Oldham Working team is dedicated to helping the careers of residents and we’d urge you to go along and meet them and see if they can help. “In the past some people may have thought this initiative was for just 16 to 24 year olds but that isn’t the case – the door is open to

everyone: young people and adults alike.”

The team are also responsible for Skills for Employment, which gives residents access to a dedicated learning mentor through one-to-one

support, access to training, work experience and assistance in finding sustainable employment.

Those seeking work or support should visit Metropolitan House or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/gow or send

an email to employability@oldham. gov.uk. Alternatively, you can call 0161 770 4674. Local businesses and organisations interested in providing traineeships, apprentices or jobs for local people can also get in touch.

Students Crime Prevention

Freshers 2016

For many students it is their first time away from home and they will now be faced with not only getting to grips with lectures and making friends, but also the added responsibility of looking after both themselves and their property – away from the watchful eyes of parents.

Students are being given the following advice so that they can avoid becoming a victim of crime and fully enjoy their university experience – Student Halls Halls are communal buildings, so there are a lot of people coming in and going out at all different times of day. This can create opportunities for passing thieves. Following a few simple steps can help prevent crime.

• Always lock your room’s doors and close windows, especially if on the ground floor.

• Be aware of who lives around you – challenge people you don’t know trying to enter your corridor, or contact security if you are have any concerns.

• Don’t leave flat doors open so that friends can come in – thieves can then come in too.

Living off campus Once you move out of halls, you leave a monitored environment and the onus is now well and truly on you to make sure your belongings are secure.

• Make sure doors and windows are locked when you go out.

• Keep valuables away from windows.

• Use a light timer switch to give the impression that someone is in the property, even when you are out.

• Ask your landlord to fit a door chain and use it every time someone knocks at the address.

• Don’t let anyone into your digs unless you know who they are, even if they are claiming to be from an official organisation. Ask to see identification and check it out – if in doubt, call the police.

Personal property Laptops, ipods, mobile phones – these days students can have a lot of valuable equipment and property.

This can make you a tempting target for thieves.

• Lock property in your room when you are not using it. Do not leave it out on display near windows.

• Mark your postcode on to your property with an ultra violet marking pen. This will make it easier to return if it is stolen.

• Mobile phones are regularly reported stolen every week – most frequently from pubs and clubs. Keep them in a safe – preferably zipped up – place while you are out and about.

• Make a note of your phone's unique IMEI number - you can get this by tapping in *#06#. Write it down, keep it safe (but not on your phone!) and

give it to the police and your network supplier if your phone happens to be stolen.

• Property also goes from cafes and other public places such as the library –don’t leave items unattended, even for a short time.

Identity theft. This is possibly the fastest growing crime in the country and messy student accommodation can be the perfect place for criminals to find bills and other personal items left lying around.

• If property such as credit cards, passports and personal address details are stolen, you can find yourself the victim of identity theft. Report them as missing to the relevant authority as soon as possible.

• Destroy any item that has your name and address details on it, particularly bank statements or credit card bills, before disposing of them in the bin.

• Ideally use a shredder, or make sure that your details cannot be identified Alcohol Alcohol is a traditional part of student life - but remember, it isn’t a compulsory part of your university education!

Drinking excessive

amounts of alcohol can affect your judgement, cause a health risk and leave you vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime.

• Pace your drinks and consider alternating alcoholic drinks with a soft drink or water - you will last the night out and you’ll save a bit of cash too.

• Drink spiking is rare (the amount of alcohol consumed is more often the problem.) Keep hold of your drink and don’t leave it on the side of the dance floor. Always watch your drink being poured – if someone offers to buy you a drink, go to the bar with them.

• Remember that drink lowers inhibitions and makes you more vulnerable to theft or assault. If something happens to you, report it to the police.

• Your behaviour may come at a cost – police officers take a zero tolerance attitude to drunken criminal behaviour. Penalty notices for disorder cost £80 - a fairly hefty fine for a student pocket – and a criminal record is not the kind of result you want to leave university with.

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 49.

De La Salle students ‘Get Set’ for Community Action across the UK

Four years on from London 2012, young people across the UK are harnessing the power of the Olympic and Paralympic movements, turning inspiration into action

within their local communities.

Over 500 community projects have taken place across the UK in the run up to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games showcasing the

work of more than 18,500 young people ‘Action Leads’ aged 1419 who are working to make their communities better and healthier places to live. It’s all part of Get Set

for Community Action, a year-long UK-wide programme created by the British Olympic Foundation and British Paralympic Association, made possible thanks to a £2.1 million award from the Big Lottery Fund.

Students from De La Salle were one of six teams to recently take centre stage at the renowned Podium venue at the Olympic Park to celebrate how Get Set for Community Action has changed their lives over this past year.

De La Salle worked alongside Age UK Merseyside on a variety of projects, initially by giving out ‘winter warm packs’ to elderly residents at St Mary’s Market and St Mary’s social club in Billinge.

These packs provide elderly people in hair and beauty demonstrations, with recipes, hot chocolate sachets, fashion shows, dance performances, gloves, hats, socks, a torch and other music performances and DJ sets.

You’ll also be able to have a go at a wide range of activities from gaming to changing a car tyre.

The Manchester College Open Days 6 October 2016 5-8pm Skills Show, Manchester Central 7 October 2016 10am-4pm Skills Show, Manchester Central 13 October 5-7pm A Level open evening, Shena Simon campus 17 November 5-8pm School Leaver open evening, Various campuses Start your journey to amazing and call us now on 03333 444 222 (lines are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm) www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk

Start your journey to amazing

with The Manchester College

The Manchester College is the largest further education college in the UK and the number one provider of 16-19 and adult education in Greater Manchester. More students at The Manchester College go on to university, work or further study than from any other institution in Greater Manchester. We offer high quality degree-level courses and 9 out of 10 of our higher education graduates are in a job or further study within eight months.

Where better to start your journey than in Manchester?

Manchester is a great city to live in and it’s full of opportunity. It’s a hive of business, creativity, sport and education with exciting developments

like Media City. The Manchester College is working with leading employers to launch careers for a work-ready Greater Manchester.

By joining us for your studies, you become a part of that exciting story.

Study at The Manchester College is focused on getting you into a great career and we’re helping to ensure there are the right careers in the city for the talented people who study with us.

We have a series of open days and events where you can come and meet our tutors, discuss your career goals and view our facilities. Why not join us at the Skills Show on 6-7 October at Manchester Central. Our current students will be performing on stage

items to help them keep warm over the winter months. The pupils enjoyed working with Age UK so much, they then held a hot dog sale in school to raise money to put on a coffee morning for the elderly at their Age UK Headquarters, The Mansion House.

The pupils and elderly enjoyed talking together during this event, getting to know each other and playing games such as dominoes. The pupils noticed that the kitchen garden at The Mansion House was overgrown, so planned another ongoing project to weed an area and plant vegetables, which could then be used to make some of the recipes from the warm packs.

Over 450 schools and youth groups have delivered 500 community projects and reached more than 50,000 members of their local

communities. The young people organised a range of activities which included Brazilian food tasting with the elderly in Glasgow, a Riothemed games night with adults with disabilities in Carrickfergus and tackling the regeneration of green spaces at Chelmer Valley local nature reserve. The GSFCA initiative will run until November 2016.

Claire Bullock, lead teacher of the projects, said: “Working alongside the elderly has given the pupils a different perspective on life. They have improved their communication skills, talking and sharing activities with the elderly, and I have seen the pupils grow in confidence. They have thoroughly enjoyed their projects and are already planning their next ones.”

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 51.

Page 52. Issue 23. Lancashire Local

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THE WEST LANCASHIRE LADIES GOLF CLUB

CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF LADIES' GOLF

Ladies at West Lancashire Golf Club are delighted to be celebrating their 125th Anniversary in 2016 and many events have already been hosted by the Ladies' Section. These include The Lancashire County Senior Ladies Championship, The Lancashire Ladies County Championship and The English Women's Amateur Championship. Off the course, the occasion was marked by the hosting of a Special 125 th Celebration Dinner, which took place on Friday 2nd September with over 150 members and guests attending.

The Principal Guest, Mrs Marian Rae, President of England Golf, proposed the toast to the “Ladies of The West Lancashire Golf Club”. Mrs. Jackie Bickerstaffe, Lady Captain of West Lancashire, responded and Mrs Susan Forbes, Captain of Formby Ladies' Golf Club replied on behalf of the Guests.The West Lancashire Ladies Golf Club, founded in 1891, was

one of the first Ladies golf clubs in England and was one of the founder members of the Lancashire Ladies County Golf Association.. Mrs. J. W. Fowler, a founder member of the Club, became the first elected Lancashire County Captain, one of seven from this historic Club.

West Lancashire boasts one of the most natural and testing links found anywhere in the British Isles.

Overlooking the Mersey Estuary, it

offers breathtaking views and equally spectacular vistas towards the Welsh Hills. The links are situated on the largest dune complex in England with abundant wild life and flora thriving on the dunes and sandy terrain. It has been used several times as the final qualifying course for The Open Championship and will be hosting Regional Open Qualifying in 2017, when The Open returns to Royal Birkdale

Dean Butler serves up top golfing tips

Davyhulme Park Golf Club's long serving professional Dean Butler is looking forward to his new challenge after joining the team of PGA professionals at the Trafford Driving Range.

Dean said: “I came into golf at the young age of 14 starting at Gatley Golf Club, beginning with a handicap of 28.

“I got down to four within 18 months and won an array of prizes in the Manchester and District Junior Golf Alliance.

“At the age of 15 I helped out with John Trafford at Northenden Golf Club and then moved to Withington

as assistant pro to Bob Ling in 1980 and passed my PGA exams in 1985.

“My next move was to Dunham Forest as assistant to Ian Wrigley before moving to Fairfield for the next six years, I then made the switch to Davyhulme park where I served for almost 24 years.

“The best part of my Davyhulme experience were the members who are great to work for. Everyone is so friendly towards each other, its like being part of a big family.

“For over 20 years I represented DHP in North Cheshire League and also in the Alliance Dunham Forest team which I loved. Dean went on to say

“ My reason for leaving was that I wanted to get back to what I enjoyed most about being a PGA professional which was coaching others to play the game and better themselves and after giving my all for 24 years I also wanted time for myself and my wife.

“My teaching method has always been to make the information I give to pupil's simple to understand and to get them to try and work with what they have without fearing that it will be a case of evething has to change. I am thrilled to now be part of a great team of professionals who all bring something to the table with their knowledge and experience.”

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Hendrick Is Getting

Along Just Fine!

Record signing Jeff Hendrick insists he is getting along just fine at Burnley!

The Clarets midfielder has spent his first week being teased by new team mates regarding the fines system in place at the training ground for minor misdemeanour's.

The Friday fines’ ritual is all a part of the incredible team spirit engendered by staff and players.

And despite several attempts to catch him out, the Republic of Ireland ace has been given a welcome helping hand by international

team mate Stephen Ward to keep on the right side of the line!

“There’s been a few rules around with fines for doing certain things, such as leaving bottles lying around and silly little things like that, but luckily I’ve had a week’s grace and they have let a few things slide,” Hendrick laughed.

“I’ve been using that to test the water to find out what is a fineable offence and they’ve been waiting to catch me out.

“Wardy has been helping me to be fair, which is nice, but a few of the others have been making me worry! “I’m on

top if it now, but there was no rule book there for me to read!

“I’ve had to pick up the rules as I’ve gone along with Pat (Bamford)!"

Hendrick is now facing a challenge of a different kind ahead of the Clarets trip to Leicester City this weekend.

New players are usually asked to perform a song in front of the squad of their first away game.

But the former Derby County midfield ace is happy to go with the flow ahead of what he hopes will be a full debut at the King Power Stadium.

He said: ““If the lads want me to sing a song, I’ll do that.

“It won’t be good, but I’ve done it before and they don’t expect you to be good. That’s just the way it is, so I’m sure it’ll be fine!”

Preston North End second year scholar Tom

Barry has said that the U18 team were too sloppy

during their 2-1 home defeat against Port Vale

Barry got the Lilywhites’ only goal in the defeat, but it came after the visitors had already gone 2-0 ahead in the first half and the young PNE players couldn’t quite score an equaliser.

After the defeat, Barry said: “I thought in the first half we were a bit sloppy and maybe a bit tired, but we managed to pick it up a bit in the second half.

“I could have been better, especially in terms of keeping the ball, but I was just trying my best to make something happen. We’re a team,

though, and the whole team could have been better today.

“I was disappointed to be brought off, but obviously it’s the manager’s decision and I respect that.”

On scoring the goal – a well-taken effort from inside the area which found the bottom right corner – Barry also said: “I’ve just seen the defender scrambling a bit so I knew I could intercept it off him and when I did, I got it on my left foot, struck it and it was in.” Before he was taken off after 65 minutes, Barry had been playing a slightly less familiar left-

wing position. On playing in that role, he added: “I’m comfortable playing there, I feel like I can beat players one on one, so I’m confident anywhere I play.

“I like getting on the ball and turning and running at players to try and make something happen, so I don’t mind where I play. I’m easy, I’ll play anywhere really.

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PEPPER APPOINTED ACADEMY MANAGER

Burnley Football Club confirm Jonathan Pepper as Academy Manager.

Jonathan, whose previous role was a project manager for the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) audits within Academies, will initially drive the club’s ambition to achieve Category Two status this season.

The 43-year-old’s role is also to oversee the Academy and raise standards with the department with the overall aim of progressing young players through to the first team.

Jonathan explained: “My job for the last four and a half years has been going around the county doing

the independent EPPP audits, from Category 1 to 4.

“I was part of the process of writing the audit tool, so I am very familiar with what’s needed to meet the EPPP and Premier League requirements.

“The role here is to oversee the movement towards Category Two Status, which is a big thing for the club.

“It has been operating at a Category Three level and pumping money in at a reasonable level above that level, but the facilities in place didn’t meet that criteria.

“Naturally the development work being undertaken at the Barnfield

Training Centre will see that put in place early next year.

“That will enable us to meet Category Two, possibly even Category One, and then my work will be to start raising the standards in the Academy in all different departments.”

EPPP, a result of consultation between the Premier League and its clubs, representatives of the Football League, the Football Association and other key football stakeholders, is a long-term strategy with the aim of developing more and better homegrown players. Within the plan there are four categories; one being the highest. The higher the category the more investment is required and the standard of the games programme, at all levels, is higher.

Jonathan, who was previously Academy Coach at Nottingham Forest (2008-12) and Academy Manager at Bradford City (2002-2008), added: “It’s quite a big operation now here at Burnley, including Sports Science, Medical, Education, recruitment, and a big coaching department.

“We have 20+ full time staff, plus a number of part time staff, so it’s actually one of the bigger departments within the club and we need to be working effectively and raising the standards, which will eventually, hopefully, start a production line of players coming through the system.”

Attaining Category Two status is

crucial to the Clarets’ ambition to raise the level of games’ programme for younger players.

The £10.6m development of the club’s training centre will help provide the infrastructure for improvement.

And Jonathan, who also carries a UEFA A Licence and is currently studying for a Masters’ Degree in Sports Coaching, appreciates the work already underway in looking to secure a bright future.

He said: “I’ve been made to feel very

welcome and the staff in the Academy are eager and keen to gain knowledge and guidance in best practice.

“Some of it requires simple knowledge and some requires investment. Obviously the club are investing heavily in that facility at Barnfield, when that could quite easily have been put towards a couple more players for the first team, so you have to commend the strategic approach from the Board to wanting to leave a legacy from the Premier

League years, however long that may be. “Hopefully, it’s for a long period of time, but if you do fall out, you have then used that money wisely and the infrastructure is there for years to come. “There are lots of examples of other clubs where that hasn’t happened and the money hasn’t been used wisely, but I think here there is a lot of learning from other club’s mistakes that we need to have that infrastructure in place and support the work of the first team.”

Hameed joins Buttler and Anderson with Test call-up

Lancashire batsman Haseeb Hameed has been named in England’s 17man Test Squad for the autumn tour of Bangladesh starting next month, alongside fellow Red Rose team-mates Jos Buttler and James Anderson. In his first full season in First Class cricket, Hameed has hit four centuries and seven half centuries for Ashley Giles’ side.

Earlier this week he was been awarded his Lancashire County Cap, the youngest Red Rose player to awarded thee honour since the war.

Lancashire wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler returns to the Test squad for the first time since October 2015

and will Captain the England ODI side during the three-match series, whilst James Anderson has been named in the Test Squad. England have selected four spinners in the Test party. The uncapped Surrey left-armer Zafar Ansari is included alongside his county captain Gareth Batty, who will be looking to play at this level for the first time since 2005. The 38-year-old has played seven Tests for England including three against Bangladesh. The quartet is completed with Worcestershire’s Moeen Ali and Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid.

Commenting on the squad, National Selector James Whitaker, said: “After

a summer of progress at home across all formats, we can expect another test of our credentials this autumn.

“The challenge we face will be very different and the structure of our squads reflects the conditions we expect to encounter in Bangladesh.

“Haseeb Hameed, for someone so young, has had an impressive season in the Specsavers County Championship with Lancashire. He has been a consistent performer and his four centuries, against some of the best bowling attacks in the country are testament to his outstanding temperament and attitude. We feel he fully deserves an opportunity to

compete for a place at the top of the order in our Test side. Lancashire’s Head Coach and Cricket Director Ashley Giles added: “We are absolutely delighted for Haseeb to receive his first England callup. It’s a great honour for anyone, particularly at his age to achieve what he has done for Lancashire this year and to get the call-up for Bangladesh, it’s pretty special. “He constantly surprises us because of the level of maturity and consistency he has shown for his age. He’s not let any of the success get to him and for him to achieve what he has done in Division One is incredible.”

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