Lancashire Local Issue 34 by Lancashire Local

Issue. 34 - August 2017 www.facebook.com/LancsLocal | www.Lancashire-Local.com | www.twitter.com/@lancslocal

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Inside This Issue: Care • News • Schools Out For Summer 2 • Sport

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Pair jailed following murder

of Accrington pensioner Two people have been jailed for a total of 60 years following the brutal murder of an Accrington pensioner. Muhammed Arif, 45, of Washington Street, Accrington, and Rukhsana Bibi, 38, of Wood Street, Todmorden, have both been sentenced today (Monday) at Preston Crown Court for their parts in the killing of 65-year-old Mohammed Yousaf (pictured). Mr Yousaf is believed to have been murdered on September 18th 2016 at his home on Granville Road, although his body was not discovered until September 21st. He had suffered catastrophic head injuries and a slashed throat, believed to have been inflicted while he slept. His death followed months of planning by Arif and Bibi. Arif – married but having a secret relationship with Bibi at the time – colluded with Bibi to exploit Mr Yousaf for financial gain. He and Bibi – who herself was married to Arif’s brother - then set their plan in motion. In March 2016 Mr Yousaf met with a conveyancing solicitor to sign a house he owned on Craven Street, Accrington, into Arif’s brother’s name. He was accompanied to the appointment by Arif. In April 2016 Bibi divorced her then-husband and two days later married Mr Yousaf. Mr Yousaf later reported to a social worker that the marriage had been Arif’s idea. During the course of Mr Yousaf and Bibi’s relationship more than £24,000 left Mr Yousaf’s savings account. Around £22,000 was found by detectives at Arif’s home following Mr Yousaf’s death. In July 2016 Bibi and Arif took out a fraudulent life insurance policy in Mr Yousaf’s name – he was out of the country when he supposedly activated the policy at a bank in Accrington – which would benefit Bibi to the tune of £244,000 upon his death. Mr Yousaf and Arif later visited a solicitor, where Mr Yousaf drew up a will leaving everything he owned to Bibi. On September 17th 2016 Mr Yousaf returned to Accrington following an extended trip to Pakistan. That night was the only full night he ever spent at the rented property on Granville Road. On the evening of

September 18th Mr Yousaf was home alone as Bibi had gone to Ireland with his two grown-up children. However, CCTV from a nearby pub shows Arif’s Volkswagen Passat driving to and from Granville Road three times between 4.54pm and 10.15pm. It is believed the murder was carried out sometime that evening. Mr Yousaf’s body was found three days later by his landlord. He had suffered more than a dozen blows to the head and a slash wound to his throat. A murder investigation was launched and, although no murder weapons have ever been found, enquiries quickly led officers to Arif and Bibi. Analysis of DNA evidence found at the scene and in Arif’s car, as well as analysis of mobile phones, CCTV footage, traffic cameras and financial transactions carried out by the defendants built up a picture of Bibi and Arif being in collusion to manipulate and strip Mr Yousaf of his assets, before killing him to benefit from his life insurance policy and will. The officers in the case also interviewed dozens upon dozens of witnesses, including several in Pakistan. Both Arif and Bibi had denied the charges but were found guilty following a trial. Arif was sentenced to 32 years for murder and Bibi was sentenced to 28 years for murder. A third person, Amna Khatoon Arif, 44, of Washington Street, Accrington, was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years, for perverting the course of justice, after providing a false alibi for Arif for the night of the murder.

Following the verdicts DCI Joanne McHugh, from the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “This murder was ruthlessly planned by Arif and Bibi, who manipulated a vulnerable and gentle member of the community, before taking everything they possibly could from him for their own financial gain. “Mohammed Yousaf’s death is nothing short of the cold-blooded assassination of a wholly innocent man. “While it may have been Arif

who carried out the actual killing, there can be no doubt that Bibi was just as involved in the planning and is as culpable as he is. “I am satisfied with the verdicts and would like to thank the jury for carefully considering all the facts and coming to the conclusion they did. “Our thoughts at this time remain with the family and friends of Mr Yousaf and I hope eventually they will be able to take some comfort from the sentences handed down today.”

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Let’s look out

for each other

child pedestrians being injured on the borough’s roads. Since 2012, 48 children were injured or seriously injured in a road traffic collision on Pendle’s roads. This is one of the highest numbers of child casualties in Lancashire and the Partnership wants to drive this down. It’s joined forces with Lancashire County Council’s Road Safety Partnership to run a campaign to remind drivers and families of the hazards. Eye-catching signs with the slogan ‘let’s look out for each other’ have been put up in hotspots across the borough. And leaflets and posters have been delivered to all primary schools for parents of reception Pendle Community Safety Partnership and year 6 pupils who have been is urging people to ‘look out for each identified as the most vulnerable ages. other’ in a bid to reduce the number of Councillor David Whipp, Chairman

of Pendle Community Safety Partnership, said: “It’s unacceptable that we have one of the highest numbers of child casualties in the county. “But we can all take some simple steps to reduce this figure and ensure our children aren’t hurt on the roads.” Most incidents happen when a child suddenly steps, cycles or runs into a road. And in many cases the children are with a family member at the time. Other common factors include adults losing control of younger children whilst crossing the road, parked cars which reduce visibility and children becoming distracted. Parents and carers are being urged to set a good example to children by always crossing safely. And drivers are being encouraged to play their part by anticipating that

children can behave unpredictably and to give themselves time to stop if necessary. Councillor Whipp added: “We want drivers to take more care when travelling through areas where children may be out playing. “And be mindful that many incidents happen at the start and end of the day as children travel between home and school.” Geoff Whitehead, Manager of Pendle Community Safety Partnership, explained that there are certain times in a child's development when their risk of being involved in a collision as a pedestrian increases. He said: “When children are around aged six, and become very mobile for the first time, they could run into the road while playing or stray from parents or carers when crossing the road. "And when children begin secondary school and gain a bit more independence, walking alone or in groups over longer distances, some may be prone to distraction.” Lancashire Road Safety Partnership has added useful advice and information to its website for parents and carers www.safe2travel.co.uk

Wigan confirmed as gateway

to HS2 in the North West

Business and council leaders have welcomed final approval from Government of the HS2 route which confirms Wigan as the North West’s gateway to high speed rail. The decision to approve the phase 2 HS2 route was announced by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and was hailed by business leaders as a major inward investment opportunity for the borough. Wigan will be the gateway to high speed rail with the west coast mainline joining the high speed network just to the south of Wigan and connecting to Crewe, Birmingham then London Euston. Once completed Wigan will connect to Birmingham in just 35 minutes, London in one hour 23 minutes, and will mean more than 8,000 extra seats for commuters per day. Being a HS2 station will support the regeneration of the town centre particularly around the town’s stations and the Wigan Pier Quarter. Councillor David Molyneux, Wigan Council's deputy leader, said: "Today's announcement by the government is another significant milestone for the borough. "Wigan is one of the best, if not the best, strategically placed boroughs

in the North West for business and HS2 will help us deliver widespread economic benefits for our residents in the years and decades ahead. "Having Wigan North Western as the gateway to HS2 will mean Wigan town centre receives an instant boost as a place to attract investment and as a desirable location for businesses to locate to. "We will be able to transport people quickly to the cities in the south and welcome business quickly to Wigan. "We will use HS2 as a catalyst for the regeneration of our town centre including plans for greater connection between our two town centre stations. "There will also be great job opportunities for our residents in the various stages of design, delivery and operation of the new rail line as well as for local businesses to be involved in the supply chain. "I welcome the government's pledge today to get the new line built as quickly as possible. Avoiding any further delays will support the economies of Wigan, Greater Manchester and the whole of the North." It is estimated the HS2 extension will be completed by 2033. Martin Ainscough, a leading Wigan-based

businessman and chairman of the Ainscough Group said: “Both from a business and tourism perspective this improved connectivity cannot be overstated. “The ability to be in our capital city in just over one hour is amazing. “I think most people still underestimate Wigan’s fantastic geographical location in the heart of the heavily industrialised North West.”

The positive impact HS2 will have on the regeneration of the town centre has also been recognised by the private sector. John Sanson, general manager of Wigan's Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, said: “I am sure a number of Wigan based businesses will see this as a great opportunity and links directly in to the town centre regeneration masterplan making the town a better place to live, work, visit and invest.” Wigan Borough is home to 320,000 residents, has 12,000 businesses and has growth plans to create tens of thousands of new jobs over the coming decades.

Lancashire's new Champion

for Older People

County Councillor Joan Burrows, Lancashire's new Champion for Older People, wants to ensure older people in Lancashire have all the support they need to continue to lead active lives. Her role is to advise the leader and cabinet members on how the county council can support older people to be fit and healthy, and live independently. Councillor Burrows, who lives in Penwortham, previously worked for Preston Council for Voluntary Services for 18 years and for Preston Citizens' Advice Bureau

for five years. She was appointed as Champion for Older People in June. She said: "Times are changing – 70 is the new 50 and older people can now expect to live for many years after they retire. "Older people are wanting to live a much more active lifestyle and get involved with activities such as walking, cycling, learning how to use new technology and studying for different qualifications. I want to do all I can to make sure they have the opportunity to learn and stay active. "I have experience of working with

many community groups from my previous jobs and volunteering, and will work closely with them, the cabinet members and older people in Lancashire, to see if we can make the most of what's on offer. "We want to continue to address older people's concerns , such as preventing falls and support for people living with conditions like dementia. "I also want to focus on what people can do, and ensure people have the support they need to continue to make a positive contribution to life in Lancashire."

Councillor Burrows also has a £10,000 fund for this financial year to support her activities as champion. She is inviting groups who want to apply for grant funding to get in contact. She added: "I will be looking to hand out grants to groups across Lancashire to support them in their work to help older people develop new skills, make a positive contribution and continue to live independently. "We'll also be hosting events, so that local people and groups can find out about the work that's being done, including an event to mark the International Day of Older Persons in October." Any groups wanting to apply for a grant should contact Councillor Burrows by emailing joan.burrows@ lancashire.gov.uk

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Burnley Business

Awards 2017 Winners

Burnley celebrated the achievements of its businesses and their employees at the glittering Burnley Business Awards ceremony, held in the stunning setting of Towneley Hall, in June. With over 600 guests in attendance, the evening was a buzz with celebration and excitement. A champagne reception served guests on arrival and classical performers all the way from London’s Covent Garden played for guests on arrival in the great hall The evening was hosted by Simon Brierley, managing director of local radio station 2BR, with a variety of entertainment throughout the evening starting with a moving musical performance from

Basics Junior Theatre School and culminating on the dancefloor with local singer Gavin Young. There was everything from magic to opera and everything inbetween before the serious business of naming the winners. Burnley Council’s Chief Executive, Pam Smith, welcomed guests with her opening speech: “It’s great to see so many businesses, dignitaries, and support agencies gathered here tonight to show their support for Burnley and its businesses. The ‘tent’ gets bigger every time as the demand for tickets increases! Which is wonderful – we’ll be hiring a circus big top next! Since the last awards evening,

Burnley has headlined in the ‘The Times’ no less, as an oasis of warmth - named the friendliest place in the UK – what an accolade – and so true. We’ve also been named a leading business friendly town. Ranking a fantastic 11th place in the UK as a business friendly town. We are a council that recognises the importance of our businesses and that the success of our businesses impacts on the prosperity of the town and we are becoming well known as a pro-active council when it comes to supporting our businesses. Burnley has a reputation for getting things done and has a strong package to offer investors – a proactive and supportive business environment and

Summer Saturday Takeover

Summer Saturday Takeover – Launches Saturday 29th July at Charter Walk Shopping Centre Take a picture on our GIANT Deckchair on Saturday 29th July. Join the fun, every Saturday from 11am – 3pm with 2BR. We have free to enter competitions, with lots of great prizes to giveaway. Saturday 29th July – Tennis Ace! Race the Clock How fast can you complete our

tennis-inspired obstacle course to WIN a great prize! Plus grab a balloon from our Balloon Modeller. Saturday 5th August – Skittle those Skittles Just how many can you knock over in our fun skittle competition? Plus have a go on our HAND BUZZ WIRE GAME!!! Saturday 12th August – Big Summer Wii Games

Join the fun in our GIANT Nintendo Wii competition to WIN a great prize! Saturday 19th August – Hole in One Crazy Golf Test your putting skills on our crazy course to WIN our final prize giveaway! Plus don’t miss the amazing stilt walking golfer. Make sure you come and join the fun!

a great transport infrastructure, which boasts a direct line to Manchester, making Burnley a fantastic commuter belt opportunity. We are growing above regional trends

and have been named a top 5 Boom Town in the North West by economy experts. And I have to say it we have a somewhat fantastic football team! We are bucking the national trends – we have ambition, strong business partnerships, and the results are there for all to see. Our ambition was to be recognised for growth and a good place to do business; to change how people think and feel about Burnley and to do things differently and get noticed for all the right reasons – and we are achieving all these thing – but we mustn’t rest on our laurels we have to keep being creative, doing things differently and creating new experiences, and we need to continue to work together to take Burnley forward. It’s not just on the business stage Burnley is performing well. Our home grown talent is shining across all spectrums. Our athletes are achieving on a world stage, with Sophie Hitchon returning from the Rio Olympics with Britain’s first ever medal in the hammer throw; we have a local hairdresser chosen to be part of the national L’oreal team as well as being the chosen hair stylist for the England football team; a young dress designer whose clothes have featured in Vogue and at London Fashion week, and a young Endsleigh employee who is

the World Supermodel UK. And the young talent you’ve just seen from Basics Junior Theatre, many of whom end up in the west end in some of the world’s leading shows. I’m passionate about creating a confident, skilled and aspiring up and coming generation and I think we are achieving just that. “ Here are the 2017 Burnley Business Award Winners: Small Business of the Year (5-19 Employees) : Winner - Ian Mankin, Highly Commended - Seriun Small Business of the Year (20-49 employees): Pickup Systems Medium Business of the Year: Crow Wood Leisure International Business of the Year Award: Panaz Manufacturing Excellence Award: Coolkit Ltd Innovation Award: CheckedSafe Young Employee of the Year:Winner - James Wright; Highly Commended - Carrice Dickinson John Kennedy Apprenticeship Award: Paradigm Precision Digital Impact Award: FDM Digital Solutions Employer of the Year: VEKA Chief Executive’s Special Award: Primary Engineer Longstanding Contribution to Burnley Award: Fagan and Whalley Businessof the Year: Birchall Foodservice

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Emilie Taylor’s brand new exhibition, Art & Soul Tattoo Studio Edgelands, has opened at Gallery Oldham.

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, b e f o r e 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.

In this new body of work, she explores the lives of the young women who exist on the edge of society, and on the edge of womanhood. They live between the urban and the rural, between childhood and adulthood, which she describes as the ‘Edgelands’. Emilie has previously worked in frontline mental health and drug services for ten years and is acutely aware of the stories which go unheard. The young women depicted in this exhibition are ordinary young women doing the things which ordinary young women do – things that Emilie and her friends did in their youth. In the tale of Persephone and Demeter goddesses become mortal, but the classical forms of Emilie’s ceramics seem to elevate the lives of mortals to the same level of interest as goddesses. Maggie Kufeldt, Executive Director of Health and Wellbeing said: “Emilie has recently been tipped by the Contemporary Art Society as an artist to watch and we are thrilled that she has agreed to develop an exhibition with us at this stage of her career. There are some stunning pieces in the exhibition, which are all for sale.” The theme of fertility also runs through the exhibition in a number of ways - in the story of Demeter the goddess of harvest and fertility and her daughter Persephone, in the fields of corn on the ceramics, traditionally used to decorate harvest jugs, and not least because during the two year preparations for this exhibition Emilie became a mother herself

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New business welcomed

to Blackburn

The Council is welcoming another major business to Blackburn that is sure to add a spring into the step of visitors. Flip Out, the fastest-growing trampoline park operator in the world, has confirmed its new site in Blackburn will open on July 29. The 40,000-sq. ft. trampoline park on Haslingden Road will cater for 250 jumpers at any one time, making it the biggest trampoline arena in Lancashire. The new arena will boast the world’s largest stunt box as well as 140 interconnected trampolines, foam pits, a total wipe out course, a trampoline football zone, ninja warrior course, dodge ball, battle beams, slam dunk basketball hoops, and a designated kid trampoline zone

for children of six years and under. Flip Out will also be the first trampoline park in the North West of England to have a laser maze. The park will also be running fitness classes from September including trampoline training for under 14’s, mini flippers sessions with reduced rates for mother/fathers and toddlers and “After Dark” late night sessions for over 14’. The park also caters for parties and corporate events and host sessions for children with sensory or learning disabilities. Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome this hugely successful business to Blackburn and believe it will not only prove popular

with residents but also attract more visitors to our town. Flip Out will be yet another string to Blackburn’s bow which coupled with the multi million pound regeneration is improving our offer all the time.” Matt Nelson, Flip Out Blackburn Managing Director, commented: “We’re very much looking forward to opening Flip Out Blackburn, having identified a clear demand for a trampoline park in the area. With our opening date falling in the middle of the school summer holidays, we hope to encourage kids and parents alike to get active during the summer break.” For more information, visit h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / flipoutblackburn/ or http://www. flipout.co.uk/locations/blackburn/

Local firm helps

council tackle litter

Oldham Council has a new tool in the fight against litter and waste left on our streets. We’ve teamed up with Werneth-based ePower Trucks and have taken delivery of two Glutton Electric vacuum cleaners. The machines can vacuum up all kinds of waste and hold more than the traditional carts used by our environmental services staff – meaning more rubbish can be collected. Because the Glutton is electric there are no emissions and they are silent which means our staff can visit streets early in the morning and remove

waste while not disturbing residents. Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “It’s good to see that a local firm has come up with an innovative product like the Glutton and we wish them well with it. “The simple truth is if people acted responsibly and didn’t drop litter then there wouldn’t be the need for us to clean up after them. “Our staff work seven days a week to keep our streets clean but the issue does not go away. That’s why we will give fixed penalty notices and prosecute those who think they

can just drop their rubbish where they want and not clean up after themselves.” A spokesman for ePower said: “The Glutton is a full electric vacuum designed to assist the cleansing operatives to keep the town centre and surrounding areas clear of litter. “We are extremely happy to be working with our local council and help make their lives easier when out collecting litter dropped by the public.” You can report litter online via the council website at www.oldham.gov. uk or by calling 0161 770 6644.

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Queen’s medal honour for

devoted community worker Nan

Nan Goodall celebrates her award with Harry Catherall, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

One of the nation’s highest accolades has been awarded to leading Blackburn volunteer Nan Goodall. Nan was given the Queen’s British Empire Medal for her years of community work in Blackburn and Darwen, especially for setting up Blackburn with Darwen Carer’s Service.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community that has made a significant contribution to people’s lives. She became the first trustee of the service in 2004, using her drive and persistence to get support and funding to start it up. Nan became Chair of the Trustees in 2007 up to 2016.

As a carer for and elderly parent and later her husband, Nan knew firsthand the difficulties and struggles that carers face. Over the years Nan has been the driving force in the services ongoing development and growth to become the main provider of support to carers within Blackburn with Darwen.

Nan has been a tireless community stalwart and in the borough for decades. Before founding the Carer’s Service, she set up Ewood’s first Community Organisation in the early 1990s at the same time Ewood Park Football Stadium was being developed. Nan was pivotal in starting and running the group, working with local people, community workers and local councillors. She was also the Ewood Church facilities group founder and caretaker and helped set up Blackburn with Darwen Photography Group, where she is currently treasurer.

Nan was nominated for a UK National Honour by Sam Morris CEO and Michelle Ellis now Chair at Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service. Harry Catherall, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, who has worked closely with Nan over the years, said: Nan is a great inspiration to us all. She has always worked incredibly hard for all the people of this borough, despite her own caring commitments and responsibilities. Her dedication and drive are truly inspiring and I am so pleased she has been awarded this wonderful

accolade. It is truly deserved.” Nan said she was “absolutely thrilled to bits” to be receiving her British Empire Medal, which will be awarded in September 2017 at Lancaster Cathedral. Her five children and their partners will be there to see their mum receive this National Honour. Nan is no stranger to nominations and was nominated by Richard Marshall, Vicar at St Barthlomew’s Church Ewood to be a recipient of Maundy Relief monies for her services. Nan was presented with these in April 2014 from the Queen during her historic visit to Blackburn Cathedral.

Free and cheaper parking

in Chorley town centre

VISITORS to Chorley are being reminded that the town centre now has more free and cheaper parking spaces following the introduction of new tariffs on all council car parks. We have introduced the new parking tariffs to try and change people’s parking habits Chorley Council has introduced the new parking tariffs to encourage drivers to use different car parks in the town centre as well as ensuring people continue to visit and shop in Chorley while redevelopment work takes place on the Flat Iron to extend Market Walk shopping centre. The new parking tariffs will give people up to one hour parking for free on all short stay car parks, except the Flat Iron, and up to three hours free on all long stay car parks. Those who wish to stay longer can park for up to four hours from as little as £1 or all day for just £3.50. A two-hour maximum stay limit has also been introduced on the Flat Iron car park to increase turnover of spaces and encourage people to park on one of the many other car parks in the town centre for free or at low cost. The two-hour maximum stay on the Flat Iron is also applicable during the town’s usual free periods of parking including Saturdays 1pm to 5pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays 8am to 5pm and a time of arrival ticket must be obtained from the car park machine. The Chief Executive of Chorley Council, Gary Hall, said: “We have introduced the new parking tariffs to try and change people’s parking habits in Chorley town centre and to

provide visitors with more free and cheaper parking options. “Because the Flat Iron is the most central car park in Chorley, a lot of drivers head straight for it when they can park just a few minutes’ walk away for free or cheaper and for longer. Yes, there is work taking place on the Flat Iron but we are trying to minimise disruption and it is important for the extension to Market Walk and the redevelopment of the town centre. “Changing the Flat Iron car park to a two-hour maximum stay car park

is helping to free up spaces and it is important that people realise that this is applicable during the free periods on Saturdays after 1pm and on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 8am and 5pm as well. “Our advice is to download one of our parking maps showing where all the car parks are and check the parking tariff board carefully when obtaining a ticket, which you will need to do even in the free periods.” For further information on car parking in Chorley town centre, please visit chorley.gov.uk/parking.

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Proposed consultation on the future of Hameldon Community

College

300 pupils in a school built for 750. The school has also faced challenges in raising attainment, falling significantly below the required national minimum standards. "Schools with falling rolls have reducing budgets which cause staffing problems, reduced subject options and ultimately lower pupil attainment. "These circumstances mean that it is very difficult for Hameldon to provide pupils with the education they deserve, so we have to look closely at all of our options. "We are committed to providing the best possible educational experience to all of our young people. If the proposal to consult is approved I would encourage everyone involved

to let us have their views." Mrs Alex Bird, chair of governors at Hameldon Community College, said: "It is important to understand that at this stage the proposal is to hold a consultation. If it does go ahead, it is a consultation, and not a decision. If the proposal becomes reality we hope that people will share their views with us on how we can provide the best education possible for young people in this area.” If the proposal to consult is approved, full details of the proposal will be published, including information on how existing pupils would be provided with the best possible educational experience. A series of consultation events will also be held.

Join our Memory

Walk for Dementia

Pendle’s Dementia Action Alliance is taking part in the world’s largest event to raise awareness about dementia. Everyone’s welcome to take part in a short 6k Memory Walk on Sunday 3rd September in a bid to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. “Please come and join us on a walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society,” says Gill Dickson who helps to coordinate Pendle Council’s support on health issues including dementia. The charity walk starts at Victoria Park Pavilion, Nelson at 10.30am and will be meeting with Burnley’s group along the way, as they start at Barden Marina, Reedley at 10.30am. Anyone wanting further information can contact Pendle Dementia Action Alliance on pendledaa@gmail.com or www.dementiaaction.org.uk Pendle’s Mayor, Councillor David Whalley who is also Pendle’s Dementia Champion said: “This is a fitting start to the walk. The Pavilion will be the first community venue

recognised for working to become Dementia Friendly in Pendle. “Pendle Council is working to make all our buildings dementia friendly, meeting the Alzheimer’s Society’s criteria” he announced. “Our Contact Pendle Centre was the first building to be recognised as making good progress to become dementia friendly and we’re supporting efforts to create dementia friendly places right across Pendle,” he explained. Dementia friendly places include accessible buildings, public awareness and safe spaces where people with dementia can go should they need help and support when out and about. Paul Gauntlett, chair of Pendle’s Dementia Action Alliance said: “Throughout this year we’re

working with our partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors to make sure buildings used by the general public in Pendle are committed to becoming dementia friendly. The Pendle Dementia Alliance has launched a newly updated guide to local services and a new legal and financial advice leaflet to help people understand what support is available to people living with dementia in Pendle. These are available throughout Pendle, including Victoria Park Pavilion and the Contact Centre.

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

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PHARMACY

brothers Javed and zaheer run an independant pharmacy in the heart of colne town centre. What made you want to become Pharmacists? I have always wanted to commit myself to healthcare, It gives me a chance to make a real difference to the health of others every day. And to make that my job was the most amazing and rewarding thing I could do. I am speaking to patient’s day in and day out on ways to improve their health, help them stop smoking, give them diet and exercise advice, talk with them about mental health problems they may be having, show them how to take their tablets and inhalers and explain to them why it’s important to take them on time. With a Doctor’s time becoming even more limited, now is the time to take full advantage of your local pharmacist as we have a vast amount of knowledge and training and resources to help patients with most for their health questions and worries. I am also in the process of training to work in a Doctor’s surgery and help them out part time. I will be seeing patients with minor ailments, doing medicine reviews, and a whole lot of other exciting and

interesting work in helping the NHS become more streamlined and cost efficient. Experience. I worked in a lot of different pharmacies before I got the chance to run my own, so I have a good amount of experience behind me. But even now I am always seeing new drugs and patients with problems I have never encountered before so it is a good learning curve got me to learn about new areas of medicine, so I am well equipped for the future. Services we provide. Also, we have a wide range of vitamins, minerals, supplements and proteins for optimal health. For those that want optimum sports performance, or for those that want the most valuable nutrients foods have to offer, in a raw and easy to consume form. All our staff are fully trained on what type of supplements to offer in order to meet specific needs, For e.g. antioxidants, heart support, energy, a clear mind, joint support, balancing blood glucose, prostrate health for men, younger looking skin and digestive health. We offer patients a range of free services, some of them are: we do Blood pressure checks for patients, We do the emergency hormonal

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

BROTHERS’ EVERCARE SUCCESS Two brothers are happy to be in business in Colne, where they established their own pharmacy business in the main street. Javed and Zaheer Choksi, aged 29 and 27, from Bolton, are both qualified pharmacists, and worked for pharmacies in the Bolton area before deciding to go it alone. They took over the former Well Pharmacy in Market Street – which had previously been a Co-op pharmacy and a dry cleaner’s shop before that – and established their Evercare pharmacy a year ago. “It was an opportunity to run our own pharmacy and work for ourselves,” said Zaheer. “Colne is a nice little town, although to be honest we hadn’t really heard of it before. It’s a lively town with a lot of potential, and it’s very interesting for us as a business. “We’re very happy with the way our first year has gone, and we want to open another pharmacy later this year or early next year.” The brothers’ Evercare pharmacy offers a full prescription service including home delivery, plus consultations, flu jabs, morning-after pill and methadone specialism. Their team is completed by Rebecca, Sarah and Shawana.

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Have your say on Warrington’s

20-year growth plan

Consultation is officially under way over the plans to ensure Warrington has the jobs, homes and infrastructure it needs to continue to thrive up to 2037. Warrington’s Local Plan has reached the Preferred Development Option stage, and local people are being invited to take part in the eight-week consultation, complete the on-line form and visit one of the eight dropin sessions being held across the borough. The Preferred Development Option sets out how Warrington can meet its development needs of approximately 24,000 new homes and 381 hectares of employment land, over the next 20 years. It identifies four main areas of growth – the City Centre, the Waterfront, the Garden City Suburb and the South West Urban Extension – together with the infrastructure required to ensure Warrington’s long term growth is sustainable. Detailed work carried out by the council has found that it is possible to deliver approximately 15,000 new homes and 129 hectares of employment in existing urban areas. This means that land will need to be released from the Green Belt to deliver approximately 9,000 new homes and 252 hectares for employment. The consultation has now started, running until Tuesday 12 September 2017, and the council is encouraging everyone who has views to have their say. People can get involved by visiting www.warrington.gov.uk and typing ‘Local Plan’ into the search box. There, you can complete an on-line consultation form, get more information and see a full list of all of the sites submitted for consideration by developers. The council is also running a series of eight community drop-in sessions - giving local people the chance to get advice and information, air their views, look at maps and ask questions – as follows: Thursday 20 July - Winwick Leisure Centre, 4pm to 8pm Tuesday 25 July – Bridgewater High School, Lower Hall site, 3pm to 8pm Wednesday 2 August – Village Hotel, 3pm to 8pm Wednesday 9 August – Birchwood Leisure Centre, 3pm to 8pm

Monday 14 August – Penketh High School, 3pm to 8pm Thursday 17 August - Culcheth Library, 3pm to 8pm Tuesday 22 August – Lymm Village Hall, 3pm to 8pm Thursday 7 September – Pyramid Centre , 3pm to 8pm The council is also looking into the possibly of adding another two community drop-in events, in other areas which may be impacted by possible future development. Details of these will be confirmed in the near future. Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Terry O’Neill, said: “Our Local Plan is hugely important because of the central role it will play in guiding our growth and development over the next two decades. That’s why it’s vital that local people have their say. “We know that there will be strong views over locations – urban and Green Belt - where development should happen, over sites which

should not be developed, and over sites which should be developed carefully. Getting involved in the consultation gives you the chance to play your part in shaping the future of our borough, by letting us know what matters to you.” The council will take on-board all consultation responses in working up the formal version of the Local Plan, which it is anticipated will be published in February 2018. About the Local Plan • Under government policy, every local planning authority is expected to deliver sustainable economic growth through up-to-date Local Plans which contain strategies and initiatives to achieve their aims. • Not progressing a Local Plan will mean that the Council risks losing control over the location, amount and quality of new development. There is also a risk that if the Council does not make sufficient progress in reviewing its Local Plan, the Secretary of State

will take over Plan preparation. • In total, the Council received over 150 submissions for its Local Plan ‘Call for sites’. The vast majority of sites are located in the Green Belt. Of these, the predominate land use being promoted is residential, although there are significant employment and mixed use proposal sites. • In preparing the proposals, the Council has worked closely with Council and external service providers to understand the potential implications for existing services and infrastructure – such as schools, health facilities, community facilities and utilities - and to identify the new infrastructure which will be required to support growth.

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Burnley parks are flying the

flag as UK’s best green spaces

Burnley’s parks are, once again, amongst the best in Britain, according to Keep Britain Tidy. Towneley, Scott, Ightenhill, Queen’s, and Padiham Memorial parks have all retained their Green Flag status for the eighth year running after impressing judges. An application for Thompson Park was not put forward this year due to the implementation of Heritage Lottery Fund restoration work. The award, handed out today by Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities. Burnley Council’s executive member responsible for parks and green spaces Councillor John Harbour said: “We are

absolutely delighted to receive Green scheme manager Paul Todd said: Green Flag Award scheme. who work tirelessly to maintain of the scheme, especially in these Flag Awards for the eighth year in a “We are delighted to be celebrating “Each flag is a celebration of the the high standards demanded by challenging times, demonstrates just row recognising and highlighting that another record-breaking year for the thousands of staff and volunteers the Green Flag Award. The success how much parks matter to people.” people in Burnley and Padiham are benefiting from green spaces of the highest quality. “To have not one but five awardwinning parks in a relatively small town is a great achievement. The borough’s parks have something for everyone and I’d encourage people to make the most of the summer weather and visit their local park.” The parks are owned and managed by Burnley Council, which looks after 511 hectares of parks and open spaces in total. The parks include bowling greens, nature trails, cycle track, skate park, playgrounds, beautiful gardens, sports pitches and much, much more – and most residents are within easy reach of at least one of the parks. International Green Flag Award

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History of the NGS

In 1859 William Rathbone, who was a prominent Liverpool merchant & philanthropist, paid a nurse named Mrs Robinson to care for his sick wife. He was greatly impressed by Mrs Robinson’s work & it struck him that while he was capable of hiring a nurse because he was a wealthy man, there must be thousands of poor people in Liverpool who could not afford this & yet still had that need. He therefore paid Mrs Robinson to go into the city to nurse the poor. Before long Mrs Robinson returned to tell Mr Rathbone that because conditions were so terrible there was no way she could make any impression on them on her own. William Rathbone set up a school of nursing & sent nurses into the city in groups. Later this resulted in the creation of district nursing. District nursing spread through the length & breadth of the land. Among those who were actively supportive of this were Florence Nightingale & Queen Victoria, who were both deeply interested in the work. It is extraordinary to us today to recall that the NHS did not come on the scene until 1948, so all this work had to be funded by charity. The organising body for district nursing was the Queen’s Nursing Institute. In 1927 Miss Elsie Wagg, who was a member of the QNI Council, had the idea of inviting people with fine gardens to open them to the public with a view to raising funds. The first gardens opened in 1927. A total of 609 gardens opened at a standard charge of one shilling per head & a total of £8,191 was raised – a considerable sum of money in

those days. It was considered a great success, undoubtedly assisted by the active support of his Majesty King George V, who opened the gardens at Sandringham in Norfolk, & these gardens have been open every year since. When the NGS was born in 1927, visiting private gardens was a well established pastime, but only for the privileged few. So asking owners of fine gardens to open them once a year to the general public was a radical, but

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

Cumbria raised £55k in 2015, & the NGS scheme donated £2.7m to the following charities last year (up from £2.6m in 2014): MacMillan Cancer Support £500,000 Marie Curie Cancer Care £500,000 Hospice UK £500,000 Carers Trust £375,000 Queen’s Nursing Institute £250,000 Parkinson’s UK £100,000 Perennial £150,000 The Multiple Schlerosis Society £100,000. Horatio’s Garden £130,000 Contact Details Website address www.ngs.org.uk Follow us on Twitter – CumbriaNGS Like us on Facebook – Cumbria NGS Buy the annual bestseller ‘Yellow Book’ at newsagents everywhere, which gives details of all gardens open across the country for the NGS. Pick up the County Leaflet free in ‘What’s On’ shelves across Cumbria. This gives details of all NGS gardens open across the county. County Organiser – Diane Hewitt 015394 46238, dhewitt.kinsman@ gmail.com. Publicity – Carole Berryman 0153954 443649, carole@ caroleberrymangardens.co.uk Open gardens. 65 gardens will be open across Cumbria this year, of all shapes, styles & sizes. In addition to seeing some wonderful gardens, many not normally open to the public, there are often teas & cakes, & plant sales – a wonderful day out for garden lovers in aid of good causes. Average price £3.50. 10 New gardens in 2016 including: Broom Cottage Long Marton, Appleby-in-Westmorland CA16 6JP

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

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

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Lakes water safety call

With sunshine dappling lakes, tarns and rivers and summer water treats beckoning the message has gone out to keep safe. And it is not just swimmers targeted in a Water Safety Campaign launched by the Lake District National Park (LDNP) this week. Power boat

owners are urged to be vigilant in their awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning dangers. To help visitors and locals alike enjoy some of the area’s most spectacular waterways, LDNP is giving invaluable information in its protection mission.

Following a fatal incident of CO poisoning on Windermere in 2013, the LDNP has taken action to make boat owners aware of the risks and dangers by sharing vital tips through videos and social media content. This year LDNP, alongside its general safety advice, is also introducing free

W H O ARE WE ? The Alabaster Jar is an independently run paint-your-own-pottery shop in Chorley, Lancashire. We provide a relaxing and friendly atmosphere where you can come and spend some quality time making bespoke pottery products for your home or loved ones. W HAT W E D O ? Come in during our opening hours to create from a wide selection of

pottery. All of our pottery is painted in glaze and fired in a kiln, which makes it waterproof and fully useable. We have all sorts of pottery blanks for different tastes and plenty of selection for both children and adults. Prices start from 50p up to £70 WHAT ELSE ? You paint it, We fire it! Simply drop into our studio, select a piece of pottery from a wide range of items. Paint your item however you

like and we will fire it for you in our kiln, then pop back a week later to collect your finished creation. There's no need to book but recommend ringing ahead for groups of 6+ WHY CHOOSE US? Unlike some other paint-yourown-pottery shops, we have no appointment system or studio fee. Why not you ask? Call us on 01257 274690 to find out or call in at 180 Pall Mall, Chorley, PR7 2LH

GET DOWN TO THE ALABASTER JAR

life jacket clinics as Lake Ranger, Jack Holmes, explained. He said: “Getting it right isn’t as easy as you might think and I would urge everyone on the water to learn how to use and wear suitable personal flotation such as a life jacket or buoyancy aid. “Our waterways are some of the finest and most popular

in the country, especially during the summer. We want people to enjoy the water, whether they plan to be on it, or on the shores. “We’re looking forward to talking to as many people as possible and sharing some extremely important and potentially life-saving details. Come along to our Water Safety

launch event on Thursday 20 July 2pm – 4pm at Ferry Nab, Bowness on Windermere, LA23 3JN to learn how to wear a flotation and to pick up a free swim cap.” Keep an eye out for water safety tips at www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/water. Photo shows boats on Lake Windermere.

Cycle across the new Brecon Beacons route

Brecon Beacons National Park, allowing visitors to take in even more of the beautiful scenery in the area. It spans all the way from Llandeilo in the west to Abergavenny in the east. The route is divided into five sections, leading cyclists alongside a Roman road with panoramic views of the Central Beacons, gentle country lanes and a pretty tow path. Section 1: Llandeilo to Talsarn This 13-mile journey winds through the side streets of Llandeilo town before crossing the river Towy. From here, there's a climb towards Trapp that lets users take in great views of the Towy Valley and the Black Mountains, plus a steep descent and climb either side of Pont Newydd. It's better suited for experienced cyclists who like a challenge rather than novices and families, but the views will be worth it!

Section 2: Talsarn to Sennybridge Also for confident cyclists,this 11mile section begins with open views over fields that expand into a stunning exposed area near the Roman Camp. Continuing east through a forest with Usk reservoir to the north, the path then undulates into the army town of Sennybridge. Section 3: Sennybridge to Brecon This 9-mile route along the north of the River Usk, is a lovely stretch for those used to road cycling. The hedge-bound route along country roads gently rises and falls, providing great views of the Brecon Beacons. Section 4: Brecon to Llangattock/ Crickhowell This 15-mile part of the journey can be used to get to Llangattock and Crickhowell. It leaves Brecon on the towpath that runs alongside the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal,

then passes though the picturesque village of Talybont-on-Usk. From here, there's a climb up and over the Ashford canal tunnel and onwards to Llangynidr, crossing the canal a few times before passing the site of the famous Green Man Festival and the villages of Dardy and Llangattock. Alternatively, you can just stick to the family-friendly towpath as long as your bike can handle the varied road surface. Section 5: Llangattock/Crickhowell to Abergavenny For this 8-mile section, follow the towpath until Govilon Wharf, from which there is a route to the heart of Abergavenny. It's family friendly up to the village of Llanfoist, just outside of Abergavenny. If you fancy dipping in to any part of these routes, tweet or Instagram us your pics with #Findyourepic

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Land of legends: places to see

What makes a legendary place? It’s more than just people and buildings. Just about every lake, rock and hill in Wales comes with its own legend attached. Over the centuries, history and mythology have become intertwined - and that’s the way we like it. We make no apologies for having legends around every corner; we’re swimming in legendary people and places! But if you’re thinking ‘Well…

where do I start?’ here’s a snapshot of places where you can start your Welsh adventure. 1.) Yr Ysgwrn (Hedd Wyn’s birthplace). Hedd Wyn was the pen-name of the great poet Ellis Evans, who died in battle in World War 1. In 2017 the National Eisteddfod, held in Anglesey, remembers the centenary of his death and his birthplace ‘Yr Ysgwrn’ in Snowdonia unveils its new look and visitor centre. Visitors can also see

‘Y Gadair Ddu – The Black Chair’, the Bardic chair which was famously draped in a black cloth when it was revealed that he had been killed in battle some weeks before the chairing ceremony. 2.) Caernarfon Castle. This huge Norman fortress in North Wales was designed to evoke the romance of the Roman Empire and Macsen Wledig (Magnus Maximus), the 4th-century warrior who dreamed of (and later married) a Welsh princess.

Step Aboard FLOATING GRACE and join the Skipper Peter Kenny and his wife Carol for the warmest of welcomes. Our 50 Passenger floating restaurant and licensed bar is available for business events and family occasions including birthdays, anniversarys, weddings & christenings. FLOATING GRACE is berthed right in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, at the Famous Albert Dock. After a short safety brief, we depart our berth and set sail, whilst out top chef Alan Wafer is busy preparing your food we head east then south under Gower Street Bridge into Wapping Basin, passing the Big Wheel and Duke’s Dock entrance. Then we cruise into Wapping Dock; on the east side, you can see the beautiful East & West Quay apartments, which were originally dock warehouses when the docks were operational. Looking west, we pass Staybridge Hotel and the Jurys Inn; we can also see Liverpool’s Echo Arena and the BT Convention Centre. As we proceed under Queens Wharf Bridge

into Queens Dock, to the east we pass the Campanile Hotel, Leo’s Casino and the Dolby Hotel, to the west, we see the recently closed Customs & Excise VAT and Tax Office, now exclusive apartments. A bit further along to the west of Queens Dock is the Liverpool Watersports Centre, where waterborne sports like Canoeing, Dragon Boat Racing, competitive rowing and wakeboarding take place. Heading south and passing under Mariners Wharf Bridge, we enter Coburg Dock, the start of the Liverpool Marina; here you see some of Liverpool’s amazing Yachts and Cruisers, fantastic boats of all shapes and sizes. Full steam ahead… past the Yacht Club Bar and Restaurant into Brunswick Dock, where the rest of the 500 Boats & Yachts are berthed; this is also part of the Liverpool Marina. Continuing south, we pass the Brunswick Lock entrance, that leads to the famous River Mersey, and to the east we can see HMS Eaglet, the Royal Naval Reserve and

Royal Marine Reserve. We then turn about, and head north through the Docks at a leisurely cruise, returning to Salthouse Dock, where our journey started. For the Finale, we sail under Hartley Bridge into the famous Albert Dock, home of some of Liverpool’s finest Bars and Restaurants: PanAm, The Smugglers Cove, Revolution, Blue Bar, Circo and the Pump House. On board we have a PA System, playing light background music, whilst one of our crew provides a historical account of our Seven Docks Cruise. Why not try a Sunday lunch at £25 per head or an evening three course meal at only £35 per head. Booking is essential as the fresh ingredients are sourced locally to order! We are now taking bookings for Christmas office parties, Association cruises and Christmas meal cruises. For all enquiries and bookings please call Peter on 07540 373838. “What A Way To See All of South Liverpool’s Amazing Docks… A Truly Fantastic Unique Experience To Be Enjoyed…”

FLOATING GRACE

The castle, sits grandly in a harborside position, a short stroll from the epic ‘Black Boy Inn’, a historic Caernarfon coaching Inn where you can sup a pint and listen to the melodic Welsh language all around you. 3.) Beddgelert. This is the name of one of Snowdonia’s prettiest villages, meaning ‘Gelert’s grave’, after Llywelyn the Great’s trusty dog Gelert, who saved Llywelyn’s baby son from a wolf. The faithful old dog was slain in an unfortunate case of mistaken identity. You may wish to take a hankie when you read the full story. 4.) Bardsey Island. Bardsey is said to be the resting place of 20,000 saints, who share this beautiful North Wales island where grey seals bask on rocks and wildlife is abundant. The Welsh name for Bardsey (Ynys Enlli) means ‘island of the currents’ and it’s a great place for day trips. Just hop on a boat from Aberdaron or Pwllheli and sail to the place where Christians have been travelling to since the 6th century, when St Cadfan established a monastery on the island. 5.) Cantre’r Gwaelod. At low tide the remains of an ancient sunken forest appear in the sands of Borth and Ynyslas in Ceredigion. Situated at the gateway of Dyfi National Nature Reserve, the sight of 4,000 year old oak, pine and birch trees peeping through the sand is an arresting sight. According to legend, this is the lost land of Cantre’r Gwaelod. The poet J.J Williams wrote of this legendary place: ‘And as the sandy silence stays with me till I sleep, the bells of Cantre’r Gwaelod are ringing in the deep…’ 6.) St Davids. The 12th century cathedral, built from dusky purple sandstone, is

one of Wales’ most iconic religious sites and sits tucked away near the River Alun. So legendary is this site, that in the 12th century the Pope decreed that two pilgrimages to St Davids in Pembrokeshire were equal to a trip to Rome, and three matched one to Jerusalem. The legacy of Saint David (the man) lives on every 1st March in Wales – a day of concerts, eisteddfodau (festivals of literature, music and performance) and parades. 7.) Twm Siôn Cati’s Cave. Twm Siôn Cati was a 16th century folk hero, trickster and con-artist similar to Robin Hood. Born in Tregaron in Ceredigion, his exploits led to him hiding from the long arm of the law before eventually being pardoned by the queen. During his bandit career, Twm hid himself and his booty in this cave half way up a steep hillside overlooking the beautiful RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas nature reserve. You can see a copy of his will at the Red Kite Centre and even follow the Twm Siôn Cati trail in Tregaron. 8.) Pennard Castle. Swansea is chocfull of legendary smugglers tales and creepy castles. At Pennard, there are whisperings that the castle lord made the fatal error of annoying the local fairies, who took their revenge by swamping the fortress in sand. The castle ruins now perch on the edge

of Pennard Pill, which leads down to stunning Three Cliffs Bay. You may have to scramble up sandy hills to reach the top but it’s hands down one of the finest views you will see at any castle in the UK, with sweeping sea and bay views across to Penmaen Burrows. 9.) Llyn y Fan Fach. Llyn y Fan Fach lies at a lake below the peak of Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It's home to the beautiful Lady of the Lake, who married a local farm lad. Their sons became the first of many generations of herbalists and healers, know as the Physicians of Myddfai. It’s thought the myth of Llyn y Fan Fach inspired another famous tale – the Arthurian legend of the Lady of the Lake and Excalibur. Nowadays the lake is a great spot for wild swimming and paddling. 10.) Llanddwyn Island. St Dwynwen was unlucky in love. So she went to live as a nun on Llanddwyn Island, North Wales, where she prayed for true lovers to have better luck than she did. And so St Dwynwen became the Welsh patron saint of lovers, whose day we honour every year of 25th January, very much like Valentine’s Day. Her home, Llanddwyn, is one of the most wildly romantic spots in Wales and a great stop-off spot for an Anglesey adventure.

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Enjoy the Lakes!

A predominantly rural county, Cumbria is considered one of the most beautiful regions of the UK and includes the whole of the Lake District, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, the Eden Valley, the North Pennines, the Furness Peninsula, and part of the Yorkshire Dales. A hideaway just for two for a special occasion in the Lakes; anniversary, birthday, Valentine’s Day, proposal, engagement or honeymoon, or just to spend quality time with the one you love on a romantic short break. It might be a secluded holiday cottage for two with a cosy woodburner or open fire, a swish town centre

apartment with a deep roll top bath and luxury cottages with four poster beds that you're after. Accommodation in Cumbria are usually available by the week and also offer short breaks. From the national award-winning restaurants to gastro pubs and cafes, Cumbria offers the best in food and drink, day or night. From the clear Lakeland water in local beer to the renowned Lakeland lamb and beef, an abundance of excellent local food combines with global influences to provide for even the most discerning foodies. Cumbria has a good variety of places to cater for lovers of animals in Cumbria, from the specialist

centres for birds of prey and fishes, to Lakeland’s only Zoo at Dalton-in-Furness where tigers and other rare animals can be seen. Visitor centres, such as Brockhole and Whinlatter cater for children, and some attractions, such as the Beatrix Potter attraction are aimed especially at children. Cumbria has three historic steam railways, with children especially welcome. The many museums in Cumbria will offer plenty of interest to all the family.

Council gets to work on construction

of new cycleway in Kendal

The first phase of construction of a shared use cycleway along Burton Road from Kirkbie Kendal School to Asda in Kendal has begun. The 3m-wide cycleway will be available to use by cyclists, pedestrians, and wheelchair users. The second phase of works, beginning in April 2018, will further

extend the cycleway from Asda to the railway bridge at Natland. Cumbria County Council is carrying out this work on behalf of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership with funding from central government, with the aim of the project to enhance Kendal’s infrastructure and make the town more accessible for more

people. With 60% of all journeys that start or end in Kendal being made wholly within the town, it is also hoped that enhancing cycling infrastructure will encourage people to use their bikes rather than their cars - which will reduce congestion and improve air quality within Kendal, as well as promoting an active and

healthier lifestyle. A large number of daffodil bulbs discovered during the initial construction works have been replanted in the nearby Kendal Leisure Centre. The council wishes to thank local residents and businesses for their understanding and patience during this period of construction.

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Explore the country’s biggest

adventure playground this summer

Whether you’re looking for a mountain scramble, a coastal gallop or a downhill challenge, the Lake District, Cumbria has a dramatic landscape of lakes, mountains, countryside and coast to explore this summer. Check out our top tips for outdoor adventures, or visit the GoLakes website for more ideas and inspiration: Take in the sea air on horseback: Enjoy stunning views across the Irish sea and the Western Lake District on horseback with Cumbrian Heavy Horses. Canter from the Duddon Estuary on the Cumbria coastline along endless miles of beautiful sand dunes and tranquil scenery. Ride on a majestic Clydesdale, Shire or Ardennes horse and make it a trip to remember. Prices start from £70 per person. Enjoy a quintessential Lakeland cruise: Windermere’s unique scenery and atmosphere make spring the perfect time of year to get out and discover some spectacular natural wonders. Travelling by Windermere Lake Cruises is a unique way to see the famous Lakeland fells, wooded shoreline and rolling countryside along the lakeshore. The 45 minute ‘Blue Islands Cruise’ is at £8 per adult and £4 per child, other cruises are available. Get in a spin: Explore the grounds of a country house estate or have an adventure on a race track on Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Tourism Experience of the Year’ Lakeland Segway. Feel the exhilaration as you whizz along tracks and trails whilst taking in the glorious sights and sounds of Cartmel Racecourse and The Holker Hall Estate. With professional training, safety instruction, and lots of practice included, you’ll be well equipped to

set off on a thrilling mini adventure. Prices start from £40 per person. Feed your need for speed: Challenge yourself whilst having an epic day out over endless miles on one of Cumbria’s fantastic man made mountain bike trails. The Altura Trail at Whinlatter Forest Park is a 19km red grade challenge with some superb flowing sections of single-track, huge sweeping berms, technical forest sections, and optional black graded features. This awesome trail rewards success with outstanding views, making it one of the best places for thrill seekers this spring! Free Entry. Walk the wall: Discover the northern frontier that is Hadrian’s Wall from Carlisle Castle and follow in the footsteps of a mighty Roman empire to the historic Birdoswald Roman Fort. Witness the longest surviving stretch of wall and extensive remains of Roman settlement while spotting fort milecastles, turrets, a Roman bridge, and Cumbrian wildlife as you look out towards the Lake District and North Pennines. With the unique 2017 celebration of Hadrian’s Cavalry kicking off from 8th April, there has never been a better time to have your very own historical adventure. Carlisle Castle entry at £6.40 per adult and £3.80 per child and Birdoswald Roman Fort entry at £6.10 per adult and £3.70 per child. Look up to the sky: Head outdoors to witness the dark night sky in all its glory. Head away from the bright lights of towns and villages and up to Church Fell near Sizergh Castle

in Lake District National Park where, on a clear night before a full moon, you can see infamous constellations the Plough and Orion’s Belt. Just remember to take your binoculars and a flask of hot chocolate. Free Entry to Church Fell. Sizergh entry from £6.50 per adult and £3.25 per child. Zip through a forest: Think you, your friends, and family could handle three hours of tree top adventure? Are you wild enough to climb 30ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan Swing into a giant rope net, then zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels, and tackle high wire rope bridges? If so, try out GoApe at Grizedale Forest where you will be guaranteed hours of fun whilst unleashing your inner ape. The Tree Top Adventure starts from £33 per adult and £25 per child. Descend a clifftop… backwards: A popular and thrilling activity for the brave – walking off a cliff backwards and living to tell the tale! Try your hand at a gentle abseil, push yourself with a mega abseil of 120ft, or really up the adventure stakes with a canyoning experience at Mere Mountains. Set amongst spectacular caverns and gorges, this exciting opportunity will make for a truly memorable day. Activities start from £35. Experience views like no other at 15,000ft: Get your adrenaline pumping, face your fears, and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience skydiving the Lake District this spring with Skydive Northwest. After the exhilarating 120mph freefall, it’s time to catch your breath whilst you enjoy a tranquil parachute ride through stunning landscapes. What better way to go ‘sightseeing’ than from thousands of feet above it all? Tandem Skydive at £230 per person. Put yourself in the driving seat: Experience the exhilaration of a real 4X4 off road driving adventure and discover the Lake District National Park from behind the wheel of a specially prepared KANKKU vehicle. These tough and capable exarmy Land Rovers allow you to go off the beaten track as you are expertly guided on challenging rough and rocky terrain on a gripping journey with a spectacular lake and mountain backdrop. Prices from £45 per person.

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Welcome to Yorkshire It’s been described as God’s Own Country, boasts seven great cities, three National Parks, miles of golden beaches and two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The well coined phrase ‘whatever you want, we’ve got it’ is all too often used, but in Yorkshire’s case it is true. A long weekend won’t be long enough to sample the huge array of food hailing from the county’s award-winning restaurants and eateries. Whether it’s locally sourced pub food or high end

dining, Yorkshire has it covered. Did you know the county has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other area outside London? World-class attractions are visitor magnets and Yorkshire is home to several national museums. These include the National Media Museum, National Railway Museum, National Coal Mining Museum, Royal Armouries and Eureka! National Children's Museum - you’ll need a few repeat visits to enjoy them all. Other great attractions include

Yorkshire's

Historic Past

Yorkshire - a county with a history unsurpassed in Britain For more than 2000 years, history has written a proud and fiercely independent story across the landscape, from the mighty castles of medieval England to the mills which mark the birth of the Industrial Revolution. This was once the kingdom of the woad-painted warriors, the Brigantes, whose capital is now marked by the Roman town at Aldborough. The conquering Romans made their base at Eboracum which in its turn became the Vikings' Jorvik and later, medieval York. The Middle Ages left their legacy standing in stone - a wealth of ancient abbeys and castles. Seeking solitude in the wilderness, the monks gave glorious settings to

their abbeys, among them Bolton, Jervaulx and Rievaulx Abbeys and incomparable Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage site. For centuries, "he who held the north held the kingdom", a stark truth which speaks from the stones of castles such as Skipton, Helmsley, Conisbrough, with its mighty Norman keep, Castle Bolton, and tranquil Middleham in Wensleydale, once the power base of the infamous Richard III. More peaceful ages poured their wealth into lavish country homes, among them, Nostell Priory near Wakefield, palatial Harewood House near Leeds and the Baroque splendour of Castle Howard, near Malton, made famous by the television series "Brideshead Revisited". Excellent city museums include those in Leeds, Hull and the

Yorkshire Museum in York, with its superb Middleham jewel. Lively smaller museums include the awardwinning Hornsea Museum and Scarborough's distinctive Rotunda Museum, and museums with a special appeal such as Holmfirth Postcard Museum, Ripon's Prison and Police Museum and Wilberforce House in Hull, dedicated to the fight against slavery. More intimate but no less beautiful are the region's many smaller historic homes. They reach back through time from Edwardian Lotherton Hall near Leeds to the Elizabethan warmth of Burton Agnes Hall on the Wolds and the medieval memories of Shibden Hall near Halifax, the West Yorkshire Folk Museum. Remember, too, Yorkshire's dynamic industrial museums

capturing centuries of working pride in textiles, mining, fishing and steel. See how people lived and worked at the Colne Valley Museum, Golcar, the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Sheffield and the Museum of South Yorkshire Life, Doncaster. Visit Worsbrough Mill Museum, Barnsley, Thwaite Mills and Armley Mills in Leeds, Bradford Industrial and Horses at Work Museum, the Calderdale Industrial Museum and the Hull Town Docks Museum - all harnessing the power of the past in a unique experience.

The Deep in Hull, Sea Life Scarborough, Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, Tropical World in Leeds, Lightwater Valley near Ripon and Flamingo Land near Malton. All are great for making memories and filling up the photo album. Must see rolling green hills and stunning vistas are all on offer. Make sure you see the Yorkshire Dales, The

Wolds in East Yorkshire, the Pennines including Bronte Country, the Peak District and the North York Moors. If you like the sea, then see some of the UK’s best along Yorkshire’s stunning coast taking in gems like Whitby, Staithes, Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington among many others. For more information check out www.yorkshire.com

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Scottish tourism still

punching above its weight

VisitScotland Chief Executive, Malcolm Roughead, responds to the release of the International Passenger Survey (IPS) tourism statistics by the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS). He said: “These latest figures show that Scotland continues to punch above its weight in a hugely competitive global market, with our country seen around the world as a ‘must-visit’ destination. “In the 12 months from April 2016 to March 2017, we saw a 3 per cent increase in trips and a 9 per cent increase in spend among our international visitors. “This was driven largely by a 19 per cent increase in trips and a 40 per cent rise in spend among those coming from North America, who are showing an ever-growing appetite for our history, culture and our stunning landscapes. Favourable exchange rates during this period also played a part. “We will, of course, not rest on our laurels. We need to think bigger about Scotland as a tourism destination to ensure we fulfil our potential – every visitor must get a quality experience every single time. “Our industry is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy, causing a ripple effect which touches every industry and community, creating employment and economic growth.” The ONS data can be viewed here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/releases/ overseastravelandtourismprovisionaljantomar2017 To view the Scottish Government’s press release, click here: https://news.gov.scot/news/rise-ininternational-tourist-spend

Three Lochs Holiday Park

When you become a holiday home owner at Three Lochs Holiday Park, not only will you get the keys to your caravan or lodge, you will also open the door to a fantastic new lifestyle and automatic entry to a world where family bonds are strong, friendships endure and kids enjoy a childhood where bikes rule and getting dirty is law. At Three Lochs, everyone is so busy having fun that electronic devices, mobile phones and social media don’t rule the roost. Three Lochs offers a healthier lifestyle in a breathtaking environment where you can enjoy peace and relaxation or action and adventure, depending on what you are looking for. Three Lochs is situated in a quiet corner of Dumfries and Galloway at the edge of the famous Galloway Forest. Set against a dramatic backdrop of fishing lochs and sprawling woodland, Three Lochs is the perfect destination for those

looking for a holiday home of their own with so much going on, you’ll never have to have a dull moment! There’s a huge range of activities available including, three fully stocked fishing lochs, archery, airgun and clay pigeon shooting, nine-hole golf course, cycle hire, horse riding, indoor swimming pool, jet-ski, two children’s playgrounds, sandpit and beautiful marked walking trails in and around the park. If you don’t want to venture far you don’t have to as everything you need is on site. There’s a shop, laundry and our ‘Duck or Grouse’ family bar/a la carte restaurant serving home cooked meals and a great range of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. However if you do fancy a change, the nearest town of Newton Stewart, is a twenty -minute drive away with shops, cinema, restaurants, bars and plenty of tourist attractions. So if you’ve been thinking about a holiday

home of your own, don’t think any longer, just come and see us! We have a range of fantastic pre-owned and new caravans and lodges from £12,995 with site fees included until March 2018 and various finance plans available. All holiday homes come with a deck – perfect from which to enjoy the stunning views, relax with a morning coffee or watch the sun go down. With a season stretching for eleven months including Christmas and Hogmanay, you get enormous value for your site fees and if you want to, you can rent out your caravan or lodge and make it pay for itself. So if we’ve tickled your taste buds and you want to find out more, give us a call for details or to arrange a visit to see the park and the facilities. Don’t delay it could be the best phone call you ever make! Three Lochs – 01671 830304 or call Pete – 07787 298061 or by email enquiries@3lochs.co.uk. www 3lochs.co.uk. If you aren’t looking to buy a holiday home why not come and stay with us? We welcome holiday guests in our fleet of static caravan and luxury lodges. Tents, tourers and motorhomes are also welcome. Give us a call for details or to book your next break.

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Parents to spend £468 entertaining

their children this summer

• UK parents set to spend £6.2 billion entertaining their children over the summer break • Over half of parents (52 per cent) are worried about covering the cost of entertaining their children during the school holidays • A third (33 per cent) of parents spent more than they had budgeted for last summer • One in three (33 per cent) used a credit card to cover their increased spend last year With the summer holidays looming,

parents across the UK are expecting to spend £468 on entertaining their children, according to the Post Office Money annual Parents’ Summer Spending report1. The costs associated with the summer break have decreased by 14 per cent compared with last year – although remain almost a fifth (17 per cent) higher than in 2012, when Post Office Money first conducted the research. With a third (33 per cent) of parents admitting they spent more than expected last summer, the anticipated

fall in costs this year may suggest that many plan to keep a closer eye on their spending over the coming weeks. Summer expenditure year-onyear2 2017 - £468 2016 - £546 2015 - £600 2014 - £492 2013 - £460 2012 - £400 With the recent heatwave sweeping the country many parents will

already have kicked off their summer spending; 27 per cent of parents spend more as a result of good weather, as they look to make the most of the sunshine. When it comes to entertaining, two in five (40 per cent) parents expect to spend the most money visiting attractions, while 37 per cent of parents say family meals out will be their biggest cost. Just over a quarter (28 per cent) expect to spend the most money on treats for their children, with 22 per cent stating a holiday abroad will be their biggest expense. There are also additional costs, aside from entertaining their children, which bump up the overall cost for mums and dads. Parents expect to spend an average of £43 on other people’s children in addition to their own, as well as expecting to pay £78 on childcare and £97 on fuel – pushing the total potential summer expenditure to £686. While their children will be excitedly counting down the days until summer, many parents are busy planning how they’ll cover the increased cost of summer, with over half (52 per cent) worried about how they will afford the summer costs – 41 per cent also feel under pressure to compete with other parents’ spending. Owen Woodley, Managing Director at Post Office Money, said: “There can be many hidden costs over the summer months and while two in five parents we spoke to have the cash to cover these additional costs, many do

not. 13% of parents told us they are planning on dipping into their savings, 9% will draw on their credit card and some families are even saying they’re likely to miss bill payments or even take a mortgage holiday to help manage this overspend. “Planning in advance to find the best ways to cover any shortfall now can help relieve financial pressure and avoid negative financial implications further down the line.” Some ‘savvy’ parents would even consider making little sacrifices now to help fund this summer’s spend – with 26 per cent saying they would consider sacrificing buying new clothes and 21 per cent prepared to give up going out during the evenings and at weekends. Some parents would also consider sacrificing saving during the summer period (22 per cent). Owen Woodley continues: “If parents do plan to use credit, they should review their credit services to ensure they have the best value product to suit their needs. Avoid going into an unapproved overdraft to avoid unnecessary fees and penalty charges and review if your credit card offers the most competitive rate of interest. Some credit cards offer 0% interest rates, allowing you to spread the costs over a number of months, without incurring interest on the balance until the interest free period ends. These cards can also provide balance transfer facilities where you can transfer existing

credit balances to another card that charges less interest. By using the next couple of weeks to consider the different options available to them, families can help relieve themselves of the worries connected with their upcoming summer spending.” Post Office Money’s top five tips to prepare for the costs of summer: • Plan ahead – outlining your intended weekly spend during the summer months can help you stick to your outlined budget and avoid any unanticipated overspend. • Where you spot a shortfall and are likely to need to rely on credit, make sure you have the right credit product for your needs. Don’t risk going into an unapproved overdraft. • If you’re going to use a credit card – do you have a 0% card so you have longer to repay and are not caught out with interest charges. • Track down deals online in advance, e.g. 2 for 1 offers can be found for theme parks, the cinema, family days out and restaurants. • If travelling by train you can keep the costs down if you book tickets in advance and avoid travelling at peak times. Post Office Money offers the Matched Credit Card, which gives customers 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for 30 months and is currently joint first in the bestbuy tables for cards offering both interest-free purchase and balance transfer periods.

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Ava Travell produced it's First Holiday Brochure

in March 2016, which has been a huge success.

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

the Ava Group we are well on our way to being well established in the town. Miles Cassam's vision of a hassle fee Door to Door Service within the North West Region is part and parcel of AVA Travel's excellent Customer Service Policy AVA Travel offer modern, spacious Coach Travel to destinations throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales together with destinations in Europe. No Overnight travel on long journeys is our policy, so overnight stops are

in hand with chosen hotels or in accommodation on board ferries to the Continent. All AVA Travel Tours include Door to Door Service direct from your home to Coach, Airport or Docks and on return from your destination back home, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday without having to worry about anything other than having a good time. AVA Travel also offer a selection of Cruises, together with our own Made-toMeasure Flights & Hotels to Jersey and Guernsey available throughout April to September. Our Summer 2017 AVA Travel Holiday Tours Brochure programme is now underway and our new October 2017 to April 2018 Holiday Tours Brochure will be available from 23 May to order over the phone just call 01772 622 222 or via our website at www.avatravel.co.uk

Based on the lovely Lancaster canal in the Northwest of England. Water-babies provides holidays afloat allyear round. Our fleet of steel hull narrow boats have full central heating, luxurious soft furnishings and everything you could want for a comfortable and cosy cruise even in the coldest times of the year. Operating from landscaped private moorings, Waterbabies is ideally located to cruise north to the medieval City of Lancaster and beyond to where sea, canal, mountains and the forest form the perfect backdrop. The City of Lancaster offers culture in the historic castle and Cathedral. Lancaster offers an abundance of venues to enjoy a pub lunch or something a bit special. There is an opportunity to see the wildlife from a different position, Kingfishers , Herons and many more can be seen along the canal as it meanders ,following the contours of this land. You can feel miles away from the hustle of modern life. For those whom enjoy fishing, there is the opportunity to relax on the quiet banks of this canal.

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North Wales Named One of

Top Regions Globally for 2017

There’s cause for epic celebrations in Wales as North Wales has made it on to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2017 list – the only destination in the UK to do so. A playground for thrill seekers, a haven for foodies, a hideout for stargazers and a goldmine for heritage seekers, North Wales has a holiday for every kind of traveller. But what caught the eye of the Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel authority, is the way the former industrial landscape has been reinvented and repurposed to create a series of truly world class attractions, from high speed zip lining and inland surfing to underground trampolining in a 176-year-old disused slate mine. Alongside UNESCO World Heritage Sites as Conwy, Beaumaris, Harlech and Caernarfon Castles, North Wales is home to some of the best walking

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

Jo Denison. It’s not hard to see why North Wales is becoming known as the adventure tourism capital of Europe. With enough to keep even the most hardcore adrenaline junkies quiet, North Wales has a full range of accommodation and services to complete its tourism offer, from five star Chateau Rhianfa to yurts and cabins at Graig Wen, and for the extra brave, cliff camping suspended high above the sea with Gaia Adventures. And if it’s food you’re after, North Wales now has two Michelin-starred restaurants: Sosban & The Old Butcher's on Anglesey, and Tyddyn Llan in Denbighshire, not to mention the multitude of local producers, delis, cafes, restaurants, farm shops, markets and micro breweries who ensure that north Wales is full of excellent places to eat and drink.

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Blists Hill stop for Llanfair

Line’s African Train Tour

Hunslet 2-6-2T locomotive No. 85, built in 1954 for service in Sierra Leone and purchased from a scrap dealer by the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (W&LLR) in 1975, will now be a feature exhibit in the summer-long festival of ‘Fire, Furnace and Steam’ at Blists Hill Victorian Town, one of the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums in Shropshire. The loco will be on display at Blists Hill Victorian Town until Friday 25th August. The locomotive, which last ran on the mid-Wales heritage railway in 2010, has spent six years on display at the Locomotion Museum in Shildon, an outpost of the National Railway Museum. Since leaving there in April, it has visited the Armley Industrial Museum in Leeds, the city where it was built, then Hull, the 2017 City of Culture, the Museum of Water and Steam at Kew, and the 50th Anniversary Weekend of Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham. At Blists Hill Victorian Town, the locomotive has been placed beside the London and North Western Railway goods shed, where visitors will see it as soon as they enter the Town. Displays created by the Friends of the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum (FoSLNRM) accompany No. 85, telling the stories of slavery and freedom, colony and independence, and the special story of the Sierra Leone Railway. The grand tour of UK heritage sites, funded by a £22,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, celebrates the

many links between the UK and Sierra Leone. The Tour has been organised by the W&LLR in partnership with the FoSLNRM and is helping to promote the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum and to raise funds for the building of a new workshop at the W&LLR’s Llanfair Caereinion base. It is intended that No. 85 will be the first locomotive to be restored in the new facility. When restored the loco will be able to form the African Train, running with two Gloucesterbuilt Sierra Leone Railways bogie carriages that the railway also purchased in 1975. Steam will be featured throughout the summer at Blists Hill Victorian Town,

from the Steampunk Festival on July 1st and 2nd through to the ‘Blists Hill in Steam’ event on the weekend of 19th-20th August. Throughout the summer visitors will be able to see many of the Blists Hill engines in steam, with different engines running on different days. While No. 85 is of mid-20th-century construction, its technology is thoroughly Victorian. At the end of its stay at Blists Hill Victorian Town, No. 85 will travel to the Shrewsbury Steam Rally on 27th-28th August before a triumphant return to the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway a week later as part of the line’s annual Steam Gala on 1st3rd September.

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

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GreenWood Forest Park, North Wales. Set in 27 magical acres, discover for yourself why it’s an award winning full day out

Jump aboard the world’s only people powered roller coaster, zoom down the longest sledge run in Wales, enjoy the Jungle Boat Adventure, discover the super bouncy Giant Jumper or

aquaplane down SolarSplash (the brand new water ride for 2016!). Plus, explore the turrets of TreeTop Towers, take off your socks and shoes for the BareFoot Trail or take

a ride on the zippy MoonKarts. Smaller tots will also find adventure in the Little Forest PlayBarn, Toddler’s Village, Tunnel Warren and the LittleGreenRun. In the Forest

Theatre during holidays and Peak Season, you’ll find extraordinary entertainment including Ricardo the Pirate, Harley’s Showtime & Smarty Marty’s Kiddies Challenge – they

just can’t wait to make you laugh. Or get creative in the craft area where you can see local crafts people and make something unique to take home with you! Other events include; Face Painting, Nader’s Pyro Art, John the Wood Turner, Crafty Bugwug, Lookachu body art and hair braiding as well as the ever popular Donkey Rides. With so much to do on a day out, you’ll need a break! So let the little ones discover the Enchanted WoodBarn - this indoor play area will keep your young explorers happy while you sit down and relax in our spacious and comfortable GreenOak Café which serves a wide range of appetising hot and cold meals and snacks. Or if you don’t want to miss out on all the outdoor fun, grab a bite to eat from one of our five snack bars. For up to date information including all times and dates of events please see: www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk

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Make the most of Wales this year... Lloyds Caravans and

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

2017 is here and it’s the perfect time to discover Wales! Explore one of our historic castles, take a city break or relax in a luxury spa. So you may have decided where you are going to visit in Wales and what

type of accommodation you will be staying in, and you’ve more than likely got a pretty good idea what great activities will fill your days, but there is so much more great stuff to learn about Wales before you set off. Wales is a place of natural drama,

from the country’s beaches to walking its mountain ranges. The nation’s history is told through its ancient monuments and museums. While the bold 21st century Wales is there for everyone to enjoy on a short break in one of Wales’ cities to explore

Roy Kellett Caravans

No1 authorised dealers for

or getting active in this wonderful natural playground. Find out about the practical stuff, like the weather companies, Three Showgrounds… forecast or how to get to Wales, or working together to give you more choice! delve a little deeper and learn about Lloyds Caravans and Roy Kelletts to help and advise customers through the history of Wales, literature, music have been selling new and preowned every step of the buying process or the Welsh language. static caravan holiday homes in North in a relaxed and non-pressured Wales for over 50 years and in this environment. So when it comes to time we have been firmly established finding your ideal Caravan Park and as the NO.1 choice when it comes to location, Lloyds Caravans and Roy static caravans holiday homes. Kellett Caravans can suggest many We take pride in helping families find areas and parks that you may not their ideal park and holiday home. even know exist – and there are 100’s Lloyds Caravans and Roy Kellett of them! Our first-hand knowledge Caravans, have the largest collection of the areas and parks themselves, of caravan holiday homes in North means we will find the one that’s right Wales and offers all the leading for you. manufacturers including ABI, Atlas, Boasting the largest showground’s Carnaby, Regal, Swift and Willerby. of new static caravans North Wales There is a huge choice of new and has to offer, along with excellent preowned holiday homes on display customer service, we really are the that will suit all requirements and only place to buy static caravans! budgets and not to mention the North Wales Showgrounds are open 7 ‘Exclusive Designer Collection by days a week, so call in today Lloyds Caravans and Roy Kellett Roy Kellett Caravans – Towyn Road, Caravans’ which includes holiday Towyn, Conwy, North Wales LL22 homes that offer quality and style at 9NW – 01745 350043 affordable prices. enquiries@roykellettcaravans.com – The exclusive range includes www.roykellettcaravans.com ‘Willerby Impression’, ‘Willerby Lloyds Caravans – Pensarn Brenig’, ‘Regal Venture’ and ‘Swift Showground – Pensarn Industrial Snowdonia’. Estate, Pensarn, Abergele, Conwy, North Wales is blessed with some North Wales LL227PW – 01745 of the best Caravan Parks in the 832050 UK and as the dealer for the area, Lloyds Caravans – Talacre we have proudly supplied new and Showground – Main Coast Road, Tan used caravans for the parks and Lan, Talacre, Flintshire, North Wales their customers with the same high CH8 9JY – 01745 560224 standards of service and after sales enquiries@lloydscaravans.co.uk – care year after year. We are conscious www.lloydscaravans.co.uk

North Wales and Cheshire Two

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Diversion leads way in Keswick Railway Path Route Restoration

Work on a 3.5km diversion means walkers can now use a new section of one of the Lake District’s most popular routes following serious flood damage. Keswick to Threlkeld railway path was devastated by 2015’s Storm Desmond, which washed away two major bridges, over 200 metres of track and affected other structures. Although these sections are cordoned off, the newly completed deviation takes users off the old rail line via a ramp and on to a 45m causeway crossing an area of wet woodland.

Linking to an existing permitted footpath, the route leads to the Brundholme road and on to Threlkeld village. Lake District National Park’s projects ranger, Scott Henderson, said the diversion established an invaluable connection for locals and visitors alike. He added: “Unfortunately, the terrain makes it unsuitable for cyclists and wheelchair users, but will be warmly welcomed by walkers. “We all look forward to the entire pathway being fully reinstated and are

working hard to achieve this. “In the meantime, significant parts of one of our best-used routes can be enjoyed, but we would ask that people stay away from the cordonedoff areas.” Work was funded by the Lake District National Park and carried out in partnership with Eden Rivers Trust apprentices. Scott said grateful thanks went to the landowner and Cumbria County Council for their help with the project. More information - www.lakedistrict. gov.uk/keswickrailway

Bowland opens its doors

for Brewery Tours

Bowland Brewery has officially opened its doors to the public for brewery tours. The brewery, based at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe and owned by James’ Places, offers visitors a chance to see a fully operational brewery as well as an opportunity to share enthusiasm for beer. Scheduled tours run on Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesday at 11am and 1.30pm. Tours for groups of eight of more at other times (MondaySaturday during the Beer Hall opening hours) can be organised by prior arrangement. Said sales manager, Angela Edney: “We’re delighted to be able to offer these tours to the public in the Bowland Brewery’s new home as part of a £10 million transformation. “Between them, our guide, sales manager and head brewer have 80 years brewing expertise under their belts. They are excited to share their passion for real ale, and brewing with others. Visitors can also enjoy The Beer Hall afterwards if they wish.” Tour tickets include a 45 minute guided tour, tasters of Bowland Ale and the option of food, and start from £10.00 per person. To purchase a ticket, please call Angela on 01200 443 562 or email sales@bowlandbrewery.com Beer buffs can also join the Bowland Beer Club which grants access to special offers and exclusive discounts on Bowland Ales at Holmes Mill, The Shireburn Arms and the Waddington Arms. Members are also informed of events taking place at Holmes Mill and the latest beers available in the Beer Hall. To join the Beer Club, visit www.bowlandbrewery.com/beer-club and fill in your details. James' Places is currently conducting the £10m redevelopment of Holmes Mill, a previously derelict, former textile mill. As well as the brewery, Holmes Mill houses a Beer Hall, café, bakery and multi-use function room. Further phases of the rejuvenation of the mill will include a hotel and gym. James' Places portfolio includes The Emporium, Clitheroe, Waddington Arms and Lower Buck in Waddington, Mitton Hall at Mitton, The Royal Hotel at Kirkby Lonsdale, Eaves Hall, West Bradford, Shireburn Arms at Hurst Green, Falcon Manor, Settle and the Bowland Brewery. All share the same service values and ethos for beautiful surroundings with exceptional food and drink.

Emma Atkinson from nearby Low Briery caravan park and dog Togo on the newly created Keswick to Threlkeld path’s diversion.

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Keighley & Worth

Valley Railway

Travel on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway through Brontë Country, where you can take in the beautiful views and landscapes. Sit back and witness the landscapes that inspired the classic works of the Bronte sisters. The Railway has also appeared in many TV and film productions including most recently Swallows and Amazons and Peaky Blinders. For those of a certain age

the Railway is particularly famous as the location for the classic 1970 film The Railway Children. For those that like the great outdoors the railway has plenty of spectacular walks and nature trails. Every stop offers a walk, whether it’s a moorland walk or one of The Railway Children walks - make sure you have your walking boots at the ready. Try the Top Withens Walk,

which takes you out of Haworth, the village where the Brontë sisters lived and wrote, along pathways they walked and through the moorland that inspired them. Much more than just a railway, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway offers a great day out for all ages. You can hop off the line at Ingrow West, which is home to Rail Story; two award winning transport museums. Here you can view the vintage carriages and learn about the history of rail travel. Throughout the year the Railway hosts a number of events from Steam Gala’s to Curry Trains and Beer Festivals. If you are looking for an evening of entertainment then don’t miss the Haworth Haddock

and Keighley Korma. You enjoy two round trips, whilst being served with fish and chips or curry, alight at Keighley to enjoy live music to end the evening. If you are looking for something more traditional we run our Pullman Afternoon Teas throughout the year. Relax in the

luxurious Pullman Carriages, eating traditional Afternoon Tea while the beautiful countryside passes by. A fantastic treat for that special person. Finally our biggest and best event of the year are the Santa Trains. Running every weekend from the end of November to Christmas Eve, these

trips create magical memories for all the family. Climb aboard and Santa comes to visit all the children and gives them a special gift, while mum and dad get a mice pie and a glass of sherry. All our events sell out fast so visit the website for more information and to book.

The History Behind Clarion Lodge

Campsite, Menston 1908 – 2010

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

‘Countryhouse’. Early in 1907 the Yorkshire Clarion Clubhouse Ltd was registered as an Industrial and Provident Society offering supporters half-crown shares. The aim was to build a ‘Bungalow Clubhouse’ for £200.00 in some convenient centre in Wharfedale. The following year they took a threeyear lease on one of their previous camp sites, a four acre field at Chevin End near the village of Menston. There was an option to purchase outright, but they needed to raise a total of £500.00 to make this possible.

At first they made do with tents, and then they put up ramshackle sheds and lean-tos until they had gathered enough money from the half-crown shares to have a proper Clubhouse built in stone. Even then they had to proceed slowly, adding architect –designed wings as funds became available. Next to the Clubhouse, while leaving space for camping, volunteers levelled the ground for tennis courts and made a ‘Carriage-drive’ planted on both sides with forest trees. Soon, a separate two-storey timber building had to be erected to provide forty more beds. Sadly, the latter was later razed to the ground by fire, but the stone buildings remain to this day as the only providing-surviving Clarion Clubhouse, used still by Clarion Cyclists and other’s until its present owners bought and converted it in December 2010

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Unusual Wedding Venues

If you’ve never considered yourselves to be a conventional couple, check out our list of top alternative wedding venues in the U.K. Some are fun and quirky, some are downright odd. The Gherkin. Boasting the best views over the city of London, The Gherkin is the capital’s most iconic modern building. The London landmark also offers a very high standard of hospitality with some the biggest companies choosing it as the venue for their lavish parties. The Gherkin can be seen for miles around so your guests certainly won’t have any difficulty finding your wedding venue. A Cave. Wookey Hole in Somerset, who recently appointed a new resident witch, offer couples the opportunity to exchange their vows deep underground in one of their spooky caves. There are a selection of caves to choose from, the largest can accommodate 120 guests, all of which are fully licensed for civil ceremonies. A lighthouse. West Usk Lighthouse is situated halfway between Newport and Cardiff in South Wales.

The lighthouse is privately owned and has been restored to a very high standard with a hot tub, four-poster beds, an exquisite spiral staircase and a beautiful roof garden with views across the Severn Estuary. Your ceremony can be conducted on top of the lighthouse in the open air. The building is steeped in history being over 180 years old and grade ll listed; keeps your eyes peeled as many of the local farmers have spotted UFO’s in the area. Editor’s Office. We’re not sure why, but the offer is there. Media enthusiasts (if there is such a thing) can choose to commit themselves to each other in the Editor of The Daily Mirror’s office in Canary Wharf, London. Aaah, the romance! If you’re a busy career couple, this maybe the perfect venue as you can tie the knot during your lunch break; even better if you happen to work at The Daily Mirror. Theatre It’s expected that the newlyweds are the centre of attention on their big day, however privately owned Clonter Opera Theatre in Cheshire

offers couples the opportunity to wed live on stage. They have a selection of 5 separate reception rooms to choose for your reception. The theatre enjoys an idyllic setting surrounded by bluebells woods and lush parkland. London Eye. Climb aboard your own private capsule with your family and friends and hold tight. A full revolution takes half an hour and by the time you’ve reached the highest point of the wheel 135 metres above the city, you’ll be married. If you choose the Platinum Package you’ll also be treated to a complementary ride on the Eye to celebrate your fist wedding anniversary. Absolut Ice Bar. Set in the heart of London this sub zero venue will certainly give your guests an occasion to remember. The aisle is constructed out of the purest ice harvested from a river in Sweden. This bar is far from being a novelty venue as they also offer a very high standard of catering courtesy of their award winning chefs.

Kefalonia

Weddings

Kefalonia Weddings offers a comprehensive wedding planning service covering all aspects of organising your event: from the initial planning stages of finding the perfect venue, to sourcing all suppliers, creating the design concept through to making sure every last detail is in place on the day. We offer this to our Kefalonia Weddings clients so they can experience the full support of a professional planner. This ensures that the special day far exceeds expectations without stress and distance constraints of organising an over-seas event entirely alone.

Kefalonia Weddings approaches each wedding with a fresh, enthusiastic outlook, focusing on the individuality and uniqueness. A warm relationship is formed through the months of working together, developing trust and creating a special bond. We can schedule a convenient Skype appointment to discuss your plans in person as well as full email response. The warmth of the Greek sun, hospitality and ambience makes getting married abroad a simple solution - contact us now so we can start your wedding planning journey together.

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YOUR SPECIAL DAY AT Fairytales ROLLS-ROYCE LEISURE,

Castles for your

dream wedding Barnoldswick

Edinburgh Castle. The jewel in the crown of the Edinburgh skyline. It’s difficult to imagine a more dramatic venue for your wedding. Tie the knot in one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks and have a magical wedding day. Choose from a variety of packages and suites; all of the function rooms are immaculately restored and offer sumptuous surroundings with breathtaking views over Princes Street and Frith of Forth. If you choose to exchange vows in The Gatehouse Suite you’ll also benefit from a private terrace which looks out onto the historic Royal Mile. Pendennis Castle. This

enchanting Castle in Falmouth, Cornwall, commands panoramic views across the sea. Your ceremony will take place in the Tudor Castle Keep surrounded by candles, ancient tapestries and flowers of your choice. Dinner can be served in the impressive Royal Artillery Barracks before which guests can take champagne and canapés on the grassy “chemise.” This magnificent building is at its most striking when it’s floodlit after dark. Warwick Castle. Warwick Castle is a truly majestic venue. Framed by mature sweeping trees and an idyllic lake, you really couldn’t hope for a better backdrop for your

wedding photographs. The venue is also renowned for its high standard of hospitality and excellent catering facilities. Drinks can be taken in the Peacock Gardens surrounded by fountains. Your reception can take place in either The Great Hall or the State dining room. Leeds Castle. Despite its name this Castle is actually in Kent. It enjoys a secluded location as it’s marooned on its very own private island in the middle of the River Len. The Castle is exquisitely decorated and also has an aviary, small golf course and even a maize to keep your guests amused.

Situated in picturesque surroundings on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border, Rolls-Royce Leisure is the perfect location for your special day. We specialise in Wedding Receptions and it is our aim to take care of you, your family and friends to ensure that your day is very special and memorable. It is our intention that you relax and enjoy your special occasion knowing that everything will run smoothly on the day. At Rolls-Royce Leisure each wedding is tailor made to suit the individual budget, style and taste of the Bride and Groom. Civil Ceremonies Rolls-Royce Leisure has a licence to hold marriages and civil partnerships

in the Trent Restaurant which is suitable for more intimate gatherings of up to 50 people and the Merlin Suite which is a spacious room with lots of natural light and can accommodate up to 150 people. Wedding Breakfasts. We have a reputation for providing superbly presented delicious food for every occasion. We have designed our Menus for balance and value with a selection to suit most tastes and budgets. The charming grounds offer plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs. Evening Wedding Receptions The Merlin Suite which can accommodate up to 220 guests is

completely self-contained with its own private bar and dance floor. The food we offer for an evening reception ranges from a Traditional Cold Buffet to a Hot Supper Buffet including things like Homemade Meat and Potato Pie and Peas to Lasagne or Chiili or lighter options such as Hot Bacon or Beef Rolls. Anthony Burniston, has many years’ experience of organising and coordinating weddings at Rolls-Royce Leisure and prides himself on going out of his way to ensure your day surpasses your expectations. Why not call Anthony today and arrange to come and take a look around.

Phenomenal Fireworks

recognized that many venues and Wedding Fireworks & Civil are now becoming increasingly Fireworks were one of the pioneers many years. We have had the pleasure special and finish with a bang. Partnership Celebration Firework popular and a must have addition to of wedding fireworks and have been of providing the fireworks for many Our expertise in the wedding party organisers recommend our Displays. Wedding fireworks displays any wedding celebration. Phenomenal offering our services in this field for couples wanting to make their day fireworks area has become so highly fireworks for weddings service to their clients in the knowledge that they will be receiving excellent service and true value for money. Low Noise Displays With more and more venues now asking for ‘low noise firework displays’ we are pleased to say we can offer a wide range of low noise display options, which can either be with or without music. Whatever your budget, we can create a unique, intense and spectacular display for you that will create an unforgettable fireworks display to celebrate your big day and also keep your venue happy! Using our specialist low noise fireworks such as gerbs, display candles, waterfalls and spectacular multi-shot barrages – we can create a spectacular fireworks display, without the need for loud bangs and crashes and filled with vivid colours and intense effects. Our low noise firework displays really are something special. We have low noise firework displays starting from only £595 inc VAT. Every show staged is unique and will be crafted to your individual needs, and with wedding fireworks displays starting from only £595 including all operator charges, Isn’t it time you thought of adding that touch of class to your wedding day?

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Church Versus Registry Office

Many women dream about their wedding day from childhood. Not only is it one of the biggest days of a person’s life, it is also likely to be the most romantic. Given the momentous nature of the all-important wedding, it

should therefore come as no surprise that a lot of thought goes into the planning involved. And one of the most significant aspects of that is the wedding venue. While most people associate a wedding with a church

and minister, tying the knot in registry offices has become increasingly popular over the years. Ultimately, however, the decision between church and registry office depends on the individuals in question. A bride and groom-to-be could think about whether they want a traditional wedding versus modern. There is nothing more traditional than donning a lavish white wedding dress and walking down a long aisle flanked by scores of family and friends to the tune of Here Comes the Bride. The tradition of having the father of the bride accompany his daughter and give her away at the altar is one that many dads dream about. Having bridesmaids at the side of the wife-to-be is another comforting aspect of traditional weddings that is so engrained in our cultural identity. But such strict adherence to tradition is not everyone’s cup of tea — particularly those who are in no way religious. Ultimately, marriage is a legal contract and what better way to seal that than by having a more

official and straightforward ceremony in a registry office? As opposed to having passages from the bible recited and old religious hymns sung by guests, registry office weddings can incorporate a more modern set up consisting of clear and concise vows - that are not necessarily devoid of romance — along with songs that again, are not strictly religious. At the bones of the comparison between church and registry office is just how lavish you want your wedding to be. For example, at a church there will be room for more guests, in which case a big and extravagant ceremony is a possibility, but in an official office, only a handful of people can be present. Brides feel more

A1 Bridals

Boutique

A1 Bridals Boutique formerly known celebrated 80 years in the bridal which to choose from. www.alfredangelo.com as A1 Bridals has relocated to 68A industry. The bridesmaid collection Choosing your gown should be an enjoyable and exciting Warrington Road, Platt Bridge, boasts an amazing 62 colours from experience. Appointments are always advisable. Wigan, WN2 5JA (next door to original shop). The move is a natural progression in our development and has not impacted in any way on the service we provide and collections that we stock. It has a complete new boutique look with fresh clean lines. According to current brides it looks and feels more intimate and personal which is how a modern bridal boutique should look and feel. The ‘Brides Room’ is specifically for the bride to change in privacy and where attendants are invited to view the bride in full attire as she chooses. The bride does not go in the main body of the shop with a wedding dress on thereby keeping it personal and individual to each bride. A1 Bridals is a main stockist of the award winning Callista Collection specifically designed for brides with curves. www.callistabride.com We carry at any one time around 30 plus size Callista gowns from size 16 – 30 Always keeping up with new trends in the bridal industry we always look to take on new labels that are well established and sit well within our shop. The Ladybird collection was launched in the UK in September 2015 and is massive throughout Europe. Beautifully styled using a variety fabrics and colours, this collection has really made an impact on the UK market. Need to be tried to fully appreciate the supportive structure of these gowns. A look at www.ladybird. nl will give you a glimpse at the diversity of the collections. We also have a great selection from the internationally acclaimed Alfred Angelo collection which has recently

comfortable wearing a fabulous traditional wedding gown in a church, but in a registry office, a smart dress and jacket seems more apt. A church wedding undoubtedly provides men and women — regardless of their religion - with the ultimate fairytale setting that is often considered more romantic and magical. But, on the plus side of the registry office, it can be an awful lot cheaper. There is also less wedding

planning and stress involved, meaning that the bride and groom can focus solely on each other and the reasons why they are tying the knot, instead of being distracted by the drama surrounding the spectacle that is their big day. There is a lot to be said for couples who do not need to profess their love to the world by spending thousands of pounds on an over-the-top ceremony. Clearly all they need is each other.

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How to Choose a Wedding Venue:

What You Need to Consider

Finding the perfect venue is likely to be at the top of any newly engaged couples list. With the venue playing a vital role in the success of your day it’s the big decision you really need to get right. Just like viewing a new property it is easy to become overexcited and fall in love with a place without checking the venue can cater to your requirements, so hitched.co.uk are here to answer that question - how to choose a wedding venue? Wait until you get the feeling Much like finding your dress, the shoes, a new home, it is true that when you view venues you will know if it is right for you. You need to be able to

picture yourself there on the day and ensure the style of the building both exterior and interior will work with the theme of your wedding. Finding the right venue in our opinion is the most important factor, once you fall in love with somewhere before rushing in to anything at the very least check the following match your criteria: Is it the right location? Where will your guests be coming from? If they are not local, choosing a venue that is easily accessible, has accommodation on site or hotels in close proximity is desirable. If you have guests coming from abroad how far is the closest international airport?

These factors may play a role in your decision making. Is the capacity right for you? Think about whether you need a large capacity wedding venue or a smaller and more intimate wedding venue. The size of the venue is just as important, too small for your number of guests and the room will feel stuffy and overcrowded, too big and guests will feel lost and the space will feel cold. When a space is empty it is hard to imagine how it will look when filled with tables. For this reason we would always advise viewing a venue when it is set up for a wedding. If this is not possible ask to see photographs, most venues should have a photo

book or slide-show. Another tip is to ask for a seating plan of the room at capacity, this will give you a good idea of how much space there is and how comfortably your guests numbers will fit. Ask about the flow of the day Make sure the venue representative talks you through how a typical day runs. The flow of the day is crucial, any long pauses or delays and your guests will become bored. If your ceremony and reception is in the same room how long does the turnaround take, where will the guests be and what will they be doing? This is also relevant between the reception meal and the evening dancing. The weather in the UK can be unpredictable to say the least! If it does rain does the venue have indoor space for the reception drinks? Do they provide a master of ceremonies/manager? This takes the stress off you and is the best way to make sure all your guests are where they are meant to be at all times. Check the timings Planning the time of your ceremony is a big decision; when do the venue advise? In our experience weddings of 8-9 hours work well, any longer than this and the atmosphere dwindles towards the end, you want your wedding to end on a high! Also bear in mind where the majority of people will be coming from on the day, leave plenty of time for people to get ready and arrive.

Also ask, what set up time is included in the hire fee, when will your suppliers have access to the room and when do things need to be collected? Think about the lighting Lighting plays an important part in any event, if your ceremony is during the day does the room have lots of natural daylight? During the evening do they provide/ let you bring in candles? Cameras will be a big part of your day so practise your smiles! Bearing this in mind what is the surrounding area around your venue like? Where will your photographs be? If you are looking at a central town hall where will you take outdoor photographs? The view from the venue and any outdoor space is also a massive plus not only for photographs but for your guests enjoyment. Does the venue have grounds or ample outdoor space – this is useful if you have children attending and for guests to stretch their legs for ten minutes after the reception meal. Check the finer details At the venue viewing stage you will not know every detail of your day however you must ask the venue what is not permitted…. If you envisage a romantic candlelit winter ceremony check the venue permits candles! If you are having your ceremony at the same venue can you throw confetti? Finding these details out early in the planning stage before you book is

essential, you are likely to have an idea of what your day will be like and the venue needs to be able to live up to this, for this reason write a list of….. Make a list of your non-negotiable's Before viewing any venues sit down with your partner and discuss any non-negotiable's these could include: Budget – will the venue be able to provide everything you need within your budget, is VAT included in the price, are staff gratuities added and if so are they optional? Catering – What type of cuisine would you like? Can the venue provide this? Suppliers – do you have artistic friends that want to bake the cake or take the photographs? If so check the venue will permit this or do you need to use their recommended suppliers? Live music – if you would like a band does the venue permit this? If you would like a string quartet during reception drinks do the venue allow music outside? Fireworks, sparklers, flame eaters etc. – if you have any different entertainment ideas check your venue will allow it. Finding your venue will be one of the big milestones in your wedding planning and will determine your date, location and therefore will impact a lot of your other wedding planning decisions. You may even want to consider finding a wedding dress that perfectly suits your venue.

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Booking A Church Wedding Ceremony:

Everything You Need to Know

Saying your vows in a church is a traditional part of planning a wedding, and a quarter of couples plan on getting married in a religious ceremony. www.hitched.co.uk have put together the ultimate beginner’s guide to church wedding ceremonies, so you know exactly what you need to do. What are the legal requirements for a church wedding? You can marry in a church wedding ceremony from the age of 18 onwards in a church wedding ceremony in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you’re aged 16 or 17, you will need your parents’ approval in England and Wales, but not in Scotland where it’s legal without consent providing there are two witnesses. Church wedding ceremonies must take place between 8am and 6pm and be witnessed by at least two people. You’ve probably heard about ‘having your banns read’ in connection to a church wedding – this is required before the marriage takes place as it signifies your intention to marry. Your banns will be read out in the parish where each of you lives as well as in the church where you’re planning on marrying for three Sundays during the three months leading up to the wedding. If you’re marrying in a hurry it is possible to skip having your banns read, but you will need to apply for a common licence for this. They cost from £200. You may also need a licence if one of you isn’t a British citizen or currently lives outside of

the UK. In Scotland you’re required to give 15 days’ notice with the local registrar. Do the rules differ depending on where in the UK the church is? Depending on where you are in the UK and what kind of church you want to marry in will impact what you need to do. Scotland has different rules relating to church weddings that England and Wales, as explained above, and there are stricter residency requirements for those planning a church wedding in Northern Ireland. A Catholic church ceremony is different to book compared to a Church of England wedding too – for example, you will need a dispensation to marry in a Catholic ceremony if one of you is not Catholic, but you don’t have to have the banns read out beforehand. Do I have to attend the church to get married there? The Church of England gives all British citizens with no former partner still living the right to get married in the parish church of the town where they live, or where either of the couple are on the church’s electoral roll. You can also get married in church to which you have a connection, such as: - Either of you lived in that church’s parish for six months or more - One of you regularly attended worship in that parish for six months or more - Either of you were baptised or prepared for confirmation in the parish - One of your parents lived in the parish/regularly attended

worship there for six months or more in their child’s lifetime - Your parents or grandparents were married in the parish If you attend services at your chosen church for six months – even if you only attend a single service a month – that can help your case. Do I have to be religious to have a church wedding? You don’t have to be religious to have a Church of England wedding, however for a Catholic wedding at least one of you must follow the faith and you’re required to get a dispensation to marry there for the one that isn’t Catholic. Anyone is welcome to have a Church of England wedding, regardless of their beliefs as the vicars understand that 'spiritual beliefs are complex and varied'. How far in advance should I book my church wedding ceremony? It works the same way as booking a civil wedding ceremony in that places will get booked up months in advance. Talk to your vicar or the church office as soon as possible, particularly if you’re hoping to marry in peak wedding season. Bear in mind most Church of England churches won’t host ceremonies during Lent, although this isn’t usually the case for Catholic ceremonies. How much does a church wedding ceremony cost? It costs around £500 to get married in a church in England and Wales, so make sure you factor this into your wedding budget. This cost covers the expense of reading of the banns, the certificate, the

vicar and the use of the church itself. Extra details such as flowers, having the bells rung or making use of the organist or choir will incur additional costs. It’s worth noting in Scotland and Northern Ireland there is no fixed cost for a church wedding. Can we use our own vows in a church wedding ceremony? If you’re planning on writing your own wedding vows, a church ceremony might not be for you. In England and Wales you cannot change any part of the wedding vows, however in Scotland you can vary the traditional vows or write your own as long as the minister approves them.

You can include poems, readings or songs in your vows as long as your vicar is okay with it. Can I decorate the church with my own flowers? Most churches will be able to recommend someone from the parish who can decorate the church for you, but it shouldn’t be a problem to bring in your own floral displays. Just check with your vicar where you can have the flowers as you wouldn’t want a large arrangement to get in the way during the ceremony. What is a wedding rehearsal? Lots of churches offer the chance to have a wedding rehearsal – this allows you, your partner and your

bridal party to run through the service ahead of the big day so you know what to expect and when. Can we have confetti at our church wedding? This varies from church to church so check with your vicar and let your guests know in advance. If wedding confetti is not allowed, find out if they’ll allow you to use a natural or bio-degradable type of confetti instead. Can we have the reception in the church hall? Usually you can – check with the church office to find out. You can also have your reception at a different venue if you wish.

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The Importance of Choosing the Right Colours for your Wedding

70% of the brides have no idea what colour theme to have for their big day, so if you fall into that 70% of the bridal population, you’re definitely not on your own. So the next time someone asks you, “which colour do you have in mind for the wedding theme?” there’s no need to jump at the first colour that springs to mind, take your time and above all, take advice from experts such as those from Chaircover Depot, who will be able to guide you through the task of wedding colour coordination for your big day. Colours – Cool, Warm & Neutral. Colours have the ability to have a dramatic impact on our psychology, hence it is important to choose the right colours for the weddings. Cool

colours that are associated with water convey a calming effect. Moreover warm colours lead to excitement whereas neutral colours express unity and harmony. And there you were thinking that choosing the right wedding colour for your big day would be a piece of cake?! As well as choosing a colour theme which reflects the right qualities for your occasion, the colour you end up choosing should compliment everything from your groom, right through to your venue (be it indoors or outdoors), the decor, the season you’re getting married and even your bridesmaids! Choosing a Colour Palette

The foremost thing to be done is picking up a palette that will help bring the guests and you in the same colour zone. For example, red colour speaks out loud for itself symbolizing passion, love and strong affection, whereas pink symbolizes femininity and sensuality. Blue stands for calmness and tranquillity, whites can prove to be jaw dropping and of course, white is a very traditional colour for weddings as it signifies purity and innocence. The list of possible colour combinations of course, endless, however a good place to start is to consider the tones and colours which you are most drawn to in your everyday life, as first and foremost, you want your wedding

to reflect you and your partner as a couple. Good palette selection will tie together all the decorating choices you make for your wedding, which is why it’s so important to choose a colour your really love as it will filter through into every area of your big day. Contrast is the new trend that has taken the limelight these days. People prefer a smart yet classy contrast like mint green with lavender, red and cyan. The idea remains that the effect of these combinations should be stunning and eye popping in addition to having the right colour psychology. This contrast can be developed further with mapping many things you have in your wedding scene. Your chosen colour scheme can be

Combining beautiful architecture with picturesque Cheshire surroundings, Inglewood Manor, nestled within 38 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens makes for the perfect venue to hold your wedding ceremony or reception. Situated between the historical cities of Liverpool and Chester, this delightful Grade 2 listed building retains all the charm and warmth of a lavish Edwardian family home, remaining almost unaltered since it was built in 1915.

Depending on the time of a year, a roaring log fire greets our guests in winter, and in summer elegant oakpanelled rooms lead out onto spacious sunlit terraces, creating a memorable backdrop for this most special of days. Wisteria clad walkways, formally planted gardens, pretty ponds and shimmering lakes all contribute to an unforgettable setting for photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime. The beauty of the building is matched only by the quality of the food and service from your champagne

reception, to dancing long into the night. Our spaces include luxury dining rooms and a bar that can all be specially transformed for your wedding day. The team here at Inglewood Manor see every wedding as a unique opportunity to make your dreams come true. Offering a number of wedding packages, we simply could not try any harder to ensure that every single detail has been meticulously taken care of. Our award-winning chefs and experienced banqueting team ensure that every

meal is prepared with care, presented with pride and served with the friendliest of smiles. From start to finish, our aim at Inglewood Manor is to create from your ideas and dreams a magical ceremony day for you and your guests.

Love at First Sight…

reflected in your wedding invitations, decors, flowers, wedding cake, chair covers, candelabras, favours, and even lighting. The use of colour can be subtle in many of these elements, with just a hint of your chosen colour theme carried through to create a perfectly coordinated impression without being overpowering. Linking your colour scheme with the destination or theme of your wedding is a very popular option, with many couples using their wedding venue as inspiration for their colour theme. However choosing the right colours for destination weddings is extremely important. Choosing some non-contextual colours for a beach wedding wouldn’t go down well with the theme. Thus, a beach wedding

would compliment well with sunset colours like orange. Or a wedding on an island should preferably infuse hues of blue and turquoise. If being different is your agenda then colours like hot pink, yellow may dominate the ceremony. Your wedding memories, and also the all-important wedding snaps, will last a lifetime so don’t take any risks when it comes to choosing your colour scheme – make sure you take expert advice to ensure your wedding is picture perfect. So seek the advice of the wedding planners and consider the colour that will make your wedding the most colourful occasion of your life. Just trust yourself and your wedding planners and you really won’t go wrong with this.

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The latest wedding

catering trends

we’ve compiled a list of the top wedding catering trends sweeping weddings this year. Read on and be inspired by these inventive ideas, guaranteed to provide a talking point at your big day. Grazing Yes, grazing is the new buzz word in the catering world; it’s a buffet, but not as we know it. The idea is to create a more sociable dining experience so guests aren’t restricted to sitting on a table surrounded by a handful of people. Everyone is free to mingle whilst they munch creating a more relaxed ambiance. Food stations are set up around the room as opposed to one specific area forcing guests to explore the room and make new acquaintances along the way. Outrageous cakes It’s your big day, have your cake and eat it! If you have a colour theme extend that to your food too. Perhaps you can’t get enough of pink? Have a giant pink marshmallow wedding cake as the centre piece for your reception. Monochrome theme wedding? How about a chequered cake decorated with white and dark chocolate pearls? One bride even went as far as having a life size replica of herself for her wedding cake; it goes to show, there really are no boundaries. Self-service cocktail bars Present your guests with a range of liquors, fruit juices and mixers and let them loose with their imagination. It’s worth having a professional cocktail waiter on hand to assist your guests and offer them some tips. Cocktail

waiters are generally more than happy to show off their skills adding a great spectacle to your reception. Organic menus Have a wedding breakfast with a conscience and use only fair trade, local, organic and seasonal produce to create your menu. Your insightful choice of ingredients won’t go unnoticed by your guests and many will appreciate the effort you’ve made. Clavelshay Barn in Taunton is a wedding venue set on a family run

farm. They offer a menu using locally sourced produce, with their speciality being their organic beef reared on their farm. Banquet style Instead of segregating your guests off onto separate tables, arrange to have two or three long tables alongside each other and enjoy a medieval style wedding. For an added feature consider having your meat carved at the table for guests to watch whilst they wait to be served.

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A PORTAL TO THE PAST

FOR PEOPLE LIVING

WITH DEMENTIA

People living with dementia in Oldham can now return to yesteryear in a nostalgic 1950s-inspired room which helps trigger old and new memories. Thought to be the first of its kind in Oldham, the memory room is decorated exactly as a home would be over sixty years ago. It is located at Trinity House on Godson Street – an Oldham Council Extra Care housing scheme which is independent living flats for people with some care and support needs. The room is full of 1950s memorabilia and decor; including a black and

white television, newspapers and posters from yesteryear and a record player playing familiar music. The time-warp room helps people living with dementia relax and feel comfortable through triggering memories from their past. Cllr Jenny Harrison, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, said: “Dementia is such a difficult condition for those who have it and it’s heart-breaking for their families and carers. We must do everything we can to help those with this cruel condition have the best quality of life they can.

Improved provision of child and adolescent

mental health services in

Lancashire and Cumbria

There are now more beds available for young people with mental health issues in Lancashire following a relocation of Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust’s inpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Tier 4 into a single site. The service, which provides inpatient assessment and treatment for children and young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties, was previously provided over two sites in Preston and Lancaster. This is now offered from a single location at The Cove, Heysham following the move in May and provides care for up to 16 young people from the age of 13 years up to 18 years. The change in the way the service is provided follows on from a review that Lancashire Care carried out last year with NHS England (NHSE) which commissions its CAMHS Tier 4. Dr Elizabeth Crabtree, Clinical Director for the Children and Young Peoples

Wellbeing Network at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our Tier 4 CAMHS was previously split over two sites in Lancaster and Preston and, following on from a review that we carried out last year, it was decided that to improve the care that we offer, services should be moved into a single site at The Cove. This is also in line with the recommendations of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the health industry’s independent regulator. This now means that there are more beds available for young people aged 13 to 18 with mental health issues. NHSE has agreed to fully commission these beds, which should reduce the number of young people who travel outside of Lancashire to access Tier 4 services.” As part of the move, the Trust has been working with young people and their families, staff and other health professionals to develop effective models of care based on clinical best practice and stakeholder feedback.

“That’s why I’m so impressed with this memory room. The amount of time and effort that has gone into it is remarkable and if this gives someone just one precious memory back then it has been well worth it.” The room was made possible through donations of both money and old artefacts from staff, members of the public and Oldham Masonic Hall and Horton Lodge. It is available to anyone affected by dementia locally and can be booked by contacting Jodie Ashton on 03701924286. For more information on dementia and the support available locally for those affected, email donna. atherton@ageukoldham.org.uk or call 0161 622 933.

MR Iraj Zeynali Consultant Vascular surgeon Owner of North West Clinic How did you get started in your business? Having been trained as vascular surgeon, I have been actively involved in surgical treatment of the patients suffering from different vascular conditions since age of 25. I always had a special interest in treatment of varicose veins and very soon I recognized that there was a lack of a place where the patients could be treated at their convenient time using latest technology and surgical techniques. This was my biggest motivation to open my own clinic. What are your companies values? Listen to clients and their complaints and provide a holistic service so that they are happy with the care that

they receive at North West Clinic. Providing a high standard of care in a friendly, safe environment is our fundamental value . To exceed expectations and give all clients the highest quality of care. Why do customers select you over

your competitors? In the words of one of my patients” Mr Zeynali operated on my problematic varicose veins with Keyhole surgery. From arriving at the clinic to leaving the theatre after surgery everyone was brilliant. Mr Zeynali talked me through the procedure and he and the staff made sure I was at ease with it all. I have got my leg back at last. I cannot thank Mr Zeynali and his team enough. I would totally recommend him to all. A.B Free Phone: 08000430464 Mobile:07458607070 www.northwestveinclinic.uk

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All you need for

summer holiday fun

Schools are getting ready to break up for the summer – so get ready to set ‘Off for Fun’. Blackburn with Darwen Council’s summer programme of activities for children and young people to enjoy is now available. It is filled with lots of fun and exciting activities for children and young people aged 5 to 19 years throughout the summer holidays including

residential trips, watersports, fun days and centre based activities. Activities include magic shows, animal events, arts and crafts, swimming and water fun sessions, cycling, youth clubs, park events, fun days and much more. The colourful brochure is filled with fun activities for all children and young people to enjoy. It is available from all leisure and community centres, libraries and both town halls.

Executive Member of Leisure and Culture, Councillor Damian Talbot said: There really is something for everyone in the borough this summer and I hope our young people will enjoy themselves at these activities during the summer. I hope everyone will come and join in the fun and have a great summer.” For more information contact Young People’s Services on 01254 298622.

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Proposed consultation on

the future of Hameldon

Community College

Lancashire County Council has announced a proposed public consultation on the future of Hameldon Community College in Burnley. If approved by the county council's cabinet at its meeting on 10 August, the consultation would begin on 11 September 2017 and run until 20 October 2017. Views would be sought from all interested parties. County Councillor Susie Charles, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: "Despite considerable efforts over many years to support Hameldon College, it has faced significant challenges. The number of pupils has reduced year on year, and there are now fewer than 300 pupils in a school built for 750. The school has also faced challenges in raising attainment, falling significantly below the required national minimum standards. "Schools with falling rolls have reducing budgets which cause staffing problems, reduced subject options and ultimately lower pupil attainment. "These circumstances mean that it is very difficult for Hameldon to provide pupils with the education they deserve, so we have to look closely at all of our options. "We are committed to providing the best possible educational experience to all of our young people. If the proposal to consult is approved I would encourage everyone involved to let us have their views." Mrs Alex Bird, chair of governors at Hameldon Community College, said: "It is important to understand that at this stage the proposal is to hold a consultation. If it does go ahead, it is a consultation, and not a decision. If the proposal becomes reality we hope that people will share their views with us on how we can provide the best education possible for young people in this area.” If the proposal to consult is approved, full details of the proposal will be published, including information on how existing pupils would be provided with the best possible educational experience. A series of consultation events will also be held.

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Treble-shooting Gray

is hungry for more

Andre Gray targets prolific campaign

after teeing off with a hat-trick

Andre Gray is determined to improve on his first taste of the Premier League when the Clarets launch their second successive crack at the top flight. Gray bagged an impressive nine goals last season as he completed his journey from nonleague football to England’s elite level. But the former Luton Town and Brentford striker wants to deliver even more to help Sean Dyche’s men build on last season’s 16th-place finish when Burnley kick-off their Premier League campaign at champions Chelsea next month. Gray told Clarets Player HD: “I want to do better than I did last year, a lot better. “Hopefully the experience I had last year and the things I learned will stand me in good stead and I can kick on and do better. “Everyone in the dressing room is hungry. “I think you can see, especially in Jonny and Corky and the way they are putting themselves about, they are hungry for success. “No-one has come here for a pay-day or to rest on their laurels. We’re here to be successful and be better.” Gray continued his build-up to the new campaign with his first pre-season goals in the Clarets’ 3-2 friendly win at Alfreton Town on Saturday. And he did in style, claiming a hattrick with classy finishes from assists from new boys Jon Walters and Jack Cork either side of a penalty he ‘won’ himself when tripped in the box. "I have scored goals here before, so it had a familiar feeling," added Gray, who bagged a brace as Luton won 5-0 at Alfreton on their way to winning promotion back to the Football League in 2014. “All the boys have come back fit and we are flying in training. “I think everyone will say we are one step ahead and it’s showing. “Saturday was about doing the right things and trying not to take liberties because of who we are and where we are and I think we did that.”

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Spieth sensational bounce

back to become Open champion

Have you ever in your life seen anything like that? Jordan Spieth is the 2017 Open champion but even he may not know how he managed to achieve it. He began the final round at Royal Birkdale with a three-shot lead over fellow American Matt Kuchar, but for 13 holes he tried everything he knew to hand the Claret Jug to his playing partner. Jordan Spieth It was bad enough that he dropped three shots in the first four holes to find himself tied with Kuchar, but what happened at the 13th hole defied belief. With Kuchar in the middle of the fairway, Spieth let rip with a driver, fell back onto his right side and sliced the ball fully 120 yards wide of his intended target. For a while it looked like he may have to wander back to the tee and reload but eventually his ball was located. However, there was no chance of him moving the ball so he declared it unplayable. There then followed a long debate with a rules official about where he could drop it and whether he could claim line-of-sight relief. While all this was going on, Kuchar hit a superb approach to the heart of the green. And waited. And waited. And waited. Eventually, he found a spot to his liking and, playing his third shot, gouged the ball towards the green. It came up short and his next shot wasn't one of his best either. There was the prospect of a three-shot swing, but Kuchar missed his birdie putt and Spieth somehow managed to force the ball into the hole for a remarkable bogey. It took them almost 30 minutes to play the hole, and Spieth apologised to Kuchar for

keeping him waiting so long. Kuchar was one in front. But not for long. At the par-three 14th, Spieth hit a stunning iron shot that nearly found the bottom of the hole. Kuchar parred and when Spieth holed out they were level again. Where the 23-year-old found the mental fortitude to produce such a shot after playing so poorly for so much of the round is difficult to fathom. But he wasn't finished yet. The 15th is a par five. Kuchar duly rolled his ball to tap-in range for a routine birdie. Spieth was on the front of the green in two and faced a long, snaking putt. He holed it for an eagle. The man who had taken 37 shots to Kuchar's 34 on the front nine was back in front again. Next up was the 16th, a difficult par four that had caught out players all week long. Once again, Kuchar made par. Spieth was fully 30 feet from the hole in two. You've already guessed it. In it went for another birdie. Then came the parfive 17th, where both players missed the fairway with their drives and were unable to find the green in two. Kuchar hit an average pitch to about 15 feet, while the 23-year-old Texan left his third seven feet away. To his eternal credit, Kuchar somehow managed to force in his birdie putt. And Spieth followed him in. Naturally. He had played four holes in five under par and stood on the 18th tee with a two-shot lead. Kuchar was forced to go for broke and hit a glorious drive, while Spieth hit an iron. Spieth duly found the green in two and Kuchar, going for the flag, hit his approach into a greenside bunker. He had to hole it to have any chance at all, but the ball was plugged and he had a

horrible stance, with one leg outside the trap. When his ball rolled 35 feet beyond the cup the engraver was able to start his work, and the name on the trophy, the Champion Golfer for 2017, is Jordan Spieth. But how did he do that? How did a man who, for much of the final round couldn't hit a barn door, manage to turn it round in such sensational style? He is now just one title away from a career Grand Slam, having won The Masters and US Open in 2015, and only Jack Nicklaus has achieved such a feat at an earlier age. He will now head to the US PGA Championship next month believing that he can become the youngest man in history to win all four of golf's majors. Rory McIlroy was meant to be the next man to win all four, but it seems certain that Spieth will beat him to it.

The Open was yet another nearly story for the Northern Irishman. A horrific front nine on Thursday and a series of shots that were frittered away in the third round did the damage. He shot a 67 to finish on five under par, in a tie for fourth place with Rafa Cabrera Bello. But McIlroy is not interested in fourth place. And yet again, just when it looked like he might be ready to mount an unlikely challenge, his hopes came undone when he lost a ball at the 15th and walked off the green with a six. He did eagle the 17th but by then it was all a case of too little, too late. For much of the day it had looked like Haotong Li, of China, might be the unlikely champion. With Spieth frittering shots away like confetti, Li produced a stunning final round of

63 to move to six under par. He was advised to hang around, just in case, but when Spieth eagled the 15th, he knew his chance was gone. And the fairytale continues for England's Matthew Southgate. He played brilliantly at the Irish Open to secure his place at Birkdale and the man who beat testicular cancer carried on where he left off at Portstewart, shooting a final round of 65 to finish tied sixth with Alex Noren, Marc Leishman, Branden Grace and US Open champion Brooks Koepka. Defending champion Henrik Stenson was a shot further behind, and applauded the gallery as he walked from the 18th green. The giant Swede has enjoyed every single moment of his time as Open champion. Afterwards, Spieth said: "I don't know how I made five on 13, I don't

think I'll ever know, it's like I got away with murder. What a class act Matt is. I took about 20 minutes to play one of my shots today, and Kuch is such a champion that he smiled and took it all in his stride. Thank you very much, what an incredible honour it is to win. "This is a dream come true for me, absolutely. I was able to drink some wine out of it when Zach Johnson won it a couple of years ago, and I was told that was bad luck â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was looking like that for a while there." Kuchar paid tribute to his fellow American. "Leading with five holes to play, I then played the next four in two under and lost two shots to Jordan. It was impressive stuff and when someone does something like that, you just have to tip your cap and say well done."

Each Edition of the Lancashire Local has a print run of 10,025 copies. Published by JAC Media Ltd, Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, Nottingham, NG7 6LH.