The Lancashire & North West Magazine | April 2024 by The Lancashire & North West Magazine

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Bolton Kia Discover what the Fully Electric Kia Ev9 can do for your business.

Checked Safe and MICHELIN Connected Fleet join forces to support Network Rail.

Tracy Boylin Transforming Organisational Culture and Empowering Voices in the Workplace.

Bury Market Eat, Drink, & Shop Local.

April 2024

£2.95

Italian Trade Agency Calling all trade operators, distributors, retailers, foodservice companies!

Mcleod 9 Fine Dining Amidst Lancashire’s Tranquil Woodlands.

Fishers Mobile Farm

Bringing the farm to you!

Mowbreck Park

The ideal location for relaxation and exploration.

CONTENTS...

Features

160

114 Award for the wife of an aid worker imprisoned by the Taliban.

Blackpool’s newest theatre.

Bolton’s first FA Cup Final by Margaret Brecknell.

Spinning Jennies join forces to create PoW Plants in Finkle Street.

The death of the horror film by Geoff Waterhouse.

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126 Jodie Brotherton talks about star gazing. 132 Landscapes by women artists.

There is nowhere like Mowbreck Park.

Your next holiday should be a staycation by Jodie Brotherton.

A snapshot of the past, by Harold Cunliffe.

The hottest shows at Blackpool Grand Theatre.

RSPB, garden birdwatch.

Simon Entwistle at Samlesbury Hall.

Enterprise Mobility and National Literary Trust donate nearly 200 books.

Manchester’s Aviva studios officially opens.

160 A review of Holmes Mill.

Get to know Rossendale Interiors.

170 Where do all the good honeys go?

Vindication Swim: a new Lancashire film.

Hotel Indigo Manchester unveils exciting view suites.

Fishers Mobile Farm, bringing the farm to you.

Family festival at Dukes Theatre.

Blackpool Grand’s 12 Angry Men.

Tracy Boylin: Empowering voices in the workplace.

Page Turner Awards opens its doors to literary excellence for the fifth year.

Fylde Coast Hindu Society finally have home for local Hindu Community of Blackpool and Fylde Coast to meet regularly.

136 Grundy Art Gallery exhibtion about the nations hobbies. 138 Mum fights the feminist fight with book titled ‘Womanhooded’.. 142 Bolton to host global entrepeneurs. 146 Bolton School - never stop learning. 148 World Horse Welfare conference.. 150 An interview with Jason Byrne. 152 The Blackpool Grand listings.

174 Discover the fully electric Kia EV9 at Bolton Kia. 178 Get started on your business idea with Bold Moves Coaching. 188 Pet Shop Boys announce new dates for 2024.

106 Friends of the Lake District.

178

120 Mcleod 9: Fine dining amidst Lancashire’s tranquil woodlands.

112 The unique railway museum in Pietrarsa, Naples, Italy.

190 RSPCA’s best rescues. 198 Australian duo ‘Hollow Coves’ announce first album in five years. 204 The Grand Final of Miss Supranational United Kingdom 2024. 206 The BIBAs, the one they all want to win. 209 Volunteers needed to spread the joy of reading in Lancashire schools.

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...CONTENTS

April 2024 • Volume 47 Number 4

Regulars

158

16 Geoff Waterhouse 30

Harold Cunliffe

Simon Entwistle

110

Denise Mullen

128

The Precious Element - Maurizio Bocchi

158

Dr Mani

167 The Life of Di 168 Grumpy Northern Foodie 182

Colour Me Beautiful Sarah Harris

200 Zodiac Predictions by Manish

182

128

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Bolton Kia Discover what the Fully Electric Kia Ev9 can do for your business.

Checked Safe and MICHELIN Connected Fleet join forces to support Network Rail.

April 2024

£2.95

Italian Trade Agency Calling all trade operators, distributors, retailers, foodservice companies!

Mcleod 9 Fine Dining Amidst Lancashire’s Tranquil Woodlands.

Fishers Mobile Farm

Tracy Boylin

Bringing the farm to you!

Transforming Organisational Culture and Empowering Voices in the Workplace.

Bury Market Eat, Drink, & Shop Local.

Mowbreck Park

The ideal location for relaxation and exploration.

COVER: Tracy Boylin: Transforming Organisational Culture and Empowering Voices in the Workplace

Managing Director: Natalie Christopher natalie@lancashiremagazine.co.uk

Writers: • Denise Mullen

• Max Wiseberg

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• Diane Wade

• Miranda Christopher

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• Geoff Waterhouse

• Norman Wallis

• Harold Cunliffe

• Paul Cusimano

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• Manish Kumar Arora • Sarah Harris

• Margaret Brecknell General Enquiries/Subscriptions: • Jodie Brotherton Tel • 01253 336588 accounts@lancashiremagazine.co.uk • Lucy Newton The Lancashire & North West Magazine Ltd, Seasiders Way Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 6NZ

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• Sarah Ridgeway • Simon Entwistle

Visit our website at www.lancmag.com

Note to contributors:- While every care is taken with manuscripts, drawings, photographs and transparencies, no responsibility is accepted during transmission or while in the Editor’s hands. The contents of this magazine are fully protected and nothing may be used or reproduced without permission.

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In this issue... W

ith this month’s edition of the Lancashire and North West Magazine, we welcome you into April – the month of Spring, sunshine and showers. The face of this month’s front cover is Tracy Broylin, who is transforming organisational culture and empowering voices in the workplace. Drawing upon her extensive 25-year career as a Human Resources expert, Tracy has a deep comprehension of toxic workplaces and how they are detrimental to employees. Tracy and her team mitigate the negative impacts of toxic workplaces on the workforce. We feature Fishers Mobile Farm, a farm experience like no other, brought right to your doorstep! This mobile petting farm is a brilliant attraction for the young and old, for fun or for learning. Covering schools, nurseries, SEN groups, care homes, promotions and events, the Mobile Farm introduces farm life to urban areas in a safe and organised way. Next, we visit McLeod 9, offering fine dining amidst Lancashire’s tranquil woodlands. From the esteemed position of Head Chef at a Rosette-winning restaurant, then onto embracing creativity as a private chef, Joe McLeod has now begun the adventure of owning his own restaurant. Nestled away at Spring Cottage in Rivington, Lancashire, 6

Harold Cunliffe - A snap shot of the past. McLeod 9 is an intimate restaurant which blends fine dining with comfort. Our new columnist Stuart Snowden, known as the Grumpy Northern Foodie online, brings a delicious recipe for Roast Dinner Kebabs for us to tuck into whilst waiting for the April showers to subside. We interview Matthew Dunster, exploring this Lancashire Lad’s life in London, from skipping lessons at the local comp to a nomination for Best Director award at the 2016 Olivier’s for Hangmen and directing Sheridan Smith in Shirley Valentine. Matthew Dunster was born and raised in Oldham, Lancashire and has directed

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or written over fifty shows, and now spends his days living in London. We take a look at some of the RSPCA’s best animal rescues. For 200 years, the RSPCA has been there for animals in need of a helping hand. Every day the country’s oldest animal welfare charity rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes hundreds of animals with very special backgrounds and stories of triumph over adversity and in the last ten years, has found new homes for 111 pets every single day. And as always, we feature, wildlife, history, businesses, events and everything else about life in Lancashire! www.lancmag.com

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Blackpool’s Newest Theatre Launches New Writing Festival B

lackpool’s newest theatre, The Old Electric, launches a festival of activity aimed at supporting new writing for the stage in the town. Supported by Arts Council England and with a host of regional and national parters it is calling for scriptwriters to explore new perspectives of the town. ‘Power Plays’ is a 4-month long festival aimed at establishing The Old Electric as Blackpool’s home of new writing. TheOE already hosts a core programme of participatory activity including an annual playwriting course which has supported 50 new local playwrights over the last 7-years. Power Plays is the next stage in that journey for the organisation, writers, audiences and partners to programme a range of very practical and active ways for people to think about the stories that are important to them, that connect with Blackpool in some way and how they could be brought to life on stage. The programme will be multi-layered, kicking off with a three-month paid writer-in- residence opportunity supported by Factory International as part of their Northern place-based partnership programme. A Primary schools programme involving in- school workshops and Teacher Professional Development led by the National Theatre as part of their Let’s Perform initiative. 16-25s will be guided to connect with peers from Barrow-in-Furness based Theatre Factory as part of their 17-year strong The Apprentices Project. Connections have also been forged across Lancashire, with Lancaster’s the dukes and their new writing programme BlastFest.

working, Power Plays will invite writers to submit scripts to a panel of professional readers. This panel will include individuals from groundbreaking originators Headlong, Manchester-based Cultural Democracy and leading UK producer of queer-led, intersectional performance, parties, heritage and radical community gatherings, Marlborough Productions. The competition will invite writers to showcase themes that have resonance to Blackpool for consideration to be developed into a professional production hosted at The Old Electric as the climax to the festival in July 2024; this piece would be supported to tour in 2025. Melanie Whitehead who is Artistic Director at The Old Electric said: “I’m really interested to see what comes out of this, what new ideas and reflections on Blackpool emerge, how people see the town in 2024 and how that connects with our local residents. This feels like an exciting opportunity to put Blackpool onstage in new ways; to support homegrown artists as well as theatre-makers from across the country to reflect on how the stories we tell in and about Blackpool are important and ever changing. We’re more than a nostalgia kick or a deprivation headline, I can’t wait to read some of the more nuanced reflections of the town.” Following the pre-Christmas news about successful ACE funding application, the participation, professional and audience programme is being finalised and details will be announced before Easter 2024.

Alongside paid roles for directors, actors and an assistant producer, keynote masterclass sessions from internationally acclaimed playwrights and visiting productions that provide dynamic insights to new ways of

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Left: Image Credit: Garry Cook Post Show Q&A at Martha Pailing: Chat Sh*t, Get Hit. From left to right: Melanie Whitehead, Martha Pailing & Jet Vevers

Main Image Credit: Claire Griffiths

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Bolton triumph at Wembley’s first Fa Cup Final 101 years ago By Margaret Brecknell

Above: 1923 FA Cup Final Programme

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embley Stadium is indelibly associated with the FA Cup Final, but the first 47 Finals in the competition’s history were played elsewhere. The first Final to be held at the old Wembley Stadium took place 101 years ago this month, on 28th April 1923, and featured a club from the North-West. However, the game proved as memorable for events off the field as on. If it had not been for the British Empire Exhibition of 1924, Wembley Stadium may well have never existed. Taking as its inspiration the Great Exhibition of 1851, this event was intended to showcase the achievements of the British Empire, particularly in the context of trade and industry. Planning for the Exhibition began as early as 1919 and Wembley Park, in north London, was selected as the location. The chosen site was already in use as a popular public leisure park of some considerable size, offering something for everybody. Attractions included a boating lake, ornamental gardens, theatre and tearooms, as well as football and cricket pitches and an 18-hole golf course. Developed by the railway entrepreneur, Sir Edward Watkin, during the 1890s, Wembley Park’s star attraction was originally intended to be the “Great Tower of London”. This structure was meant to resemble the then recently opened Eiffel Tower in Paris, but to be even taller and more impressive. However, the construction project ran into financial difficulties from the start and the tower was never completed. It became known as “Watkin’s Folly” and was eventually demolished in 1907. Work began in 1921 to transform the existing Wembley Park into a venue suitable for a major exhibition. Plans included the Empire Stadium, a brand-new sports arena, designed to accommodate around 130,000 spectators, which was to be built on the site once occupied by the ill-fated “Watkin’s Folly”. From early in the construction process, the Football Association expressed an interest in using the stadium for its showpiece fixture, the FA Cup Final, and it was agreed the 1923 Final would be played there. Right from the start, it was meant to be impressive. Even before it was even completed, The Sphere newspaper reported that “One of the most important features of the great Wembley Stadium, the future home of the football finals, is its huge size; it will dwarf, in fact, the old Colosseum at Rome – which has so long held the interest and imagination as the arch-type of the arena giganticus.” The giant reinforced concrete stadium was constructed in just 300 days at a cost of £750,000 (equivalent to more than £50 www.lancmag.com

million today). The man in charge of its construction, Sir Robert McAlpine, described it as a “triumph of modern engineering”, adding that “concrete has been used to a greater extent and in a greater variety of ways at Wembley than in any other collection of buildings in the world”. Its iconic twin towers, each standing 126 feet (around 38m) tall, quickly became a feature of the local landscape. Contesting that first Wembley FA Cup Final were top-flight Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United, then in the second tier. Bolton were founder members of the Football League and had appeared in the Cup Final twice previously (1894 and 1904), losing on both occasions. In contrast, West Ham had only joined the Football League in 1919 and had not previously progressed beyond the FA Cup quarter finals. To reach Wembley, Bolton had defeated Sheffield United 1-0 in their semi-final match at Old Trafford. The only goal scorer in that game, Bolton-born David Jack, had started his career at Plymouth Argyle, where his father was the manager, before he was transferred to his hometown club in late 1920. He went on to spend eight seasons at Bolton, scoring 161 goals in 324 first-team appearances, before becoming the first player in world football to attract a five-digit transfer fee when he was signed by Arsenal for £10,000 in 1928. Wembley Stadium was designed to seat around 30,000 spectators, with standing space for a further 100,000 fans or so on the terraces. Days before the Final was due to be played, a novel safety test was conducted, which involved over 1200 men marching around the terraces and jumping up and down to ensure that the structure could cope with the weight. According to one contemporary newspaper report, about 5000 Bolton supporters travelled down from the North-West for the game.

Above: 1924 postcard depiciting Wembley Stadium

If it had not been for the British Empire Exhibition of 1924, Wembley Stadium may well have never existed.

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This figure may be well short of the numbers that a Wembley visit would attract today, but it was highly respectable for the time, bearing in mind that very few people owned their own car and journey times were incredibly long. Down south, the game aroused huge public interest, marking, as it did, the opening of the much vaunted new Wembley Stadium. The FA widely advertised the game, but, remarkably, spectators were not required to purchase a ticket in advance for the Final and on the day a colossal number of people – since estimated to be as many as a half a million – descended on North London. There was little hint of what was to come when the gates first opened some three and a half hours before the 3pm kick-off. By 1pm, with kick-off still two hours away, much of the stadium already appeared full to overflowing, but, one newspaper reported, “a bird’s eye view from the Stadium towers showed that the railway station was still disgorging great masses of people”. The gates were officially closed at 2 o’clock, but that did not deter some. A large group of fans surged through one of the main gates, demolishing it in the process, whilst others gained admission by climbing over iron rails and high fences. Inside the ground the terraces rapidly became overcrowded and fans spilled onto the pitch. Officials called for reinforcements and mounted police officers arrived from nearby Wembley Park Road police station. 12

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They were tasked with the unenviable job of clearing the crowds from the playing area. Photographers famously caught the moment on camera when PC George Scorey, mounted on a grey horse, started to clear the fans from the pitch. As a veteran of both the Boer and First World Wars, the police officer kept a calm head amidst all the chaos. His horse, Billy, also appears to have been remarkably unfazed by events. Although grey, Billy appeared white in the black and white photograph and cut a distinctive figure amidst the large crowd. The image was widely used and subsequently became so associated with the events of the day that the game became known as the “White Horse Final”. Spectators were still occupying large parts of the playing area when King George V arrived in the Royal Box shortly before the scheduled kick-off of 3pm. The band struck up the National Anthem and immediately, the Athletic News reported, “the huge multitude on the ground turned their faces at a word of command towards their Sovereign, and raised their hats in the air, with a mighty shout”. It took a further 40 minutes to clear the pitch before the match could start. One newspaper reported that, “The turf by that time looked in a sorry state, paper and other rubbish being scattered all over it”. A line of policemen guarded the touchline in an attempt to prevent further crowd disruption, but, even then, there was one further minor

Above: Bolton’s winning 1923 FA Cup Final team

There was little hint of what was to come when the gates first opened some three and a half hours before the 3pm kick-off. www.lancmag.com

Left: PC George Scorey on his horse, Billy

encroachment which meant another short delay in play. Bolton started as strong favourites to win the Final and Jack opened the scoring after only two minutes. He was undoubtedly helped by the fact that one West Ham defender, Jack Tresadern, wasn’t even on the pitch. He had become trapped in the crowd after taking a throw-in and was unable to make it back onto the field in time. The Lancashire side had a subsequent goal ruled out for offside, then, soon after half-time, the Scot, Jack Smith, fired home a second. The cross, which led to the goal, came from Welsh international, Ted Vizard, who was a stalwart of the Bolton team. Having made his debut in 1910, Vizard made over 500 appearances for the club until he finally retired, aged 41, in 1931. Around 1000 fans are believed to have been injured at Wembley Stadium that day as a result of overcrowding. It is nothing short of miraculous that nobody was killed, probably helped by the fact that the crowd generally remained calm and good-humoured and the situation was handled sensitively by the police. The chaotic pre-match events subsequently became the subject of a Parliamentary debate and the FA was criticised for the overzealous way in which it had marketed the game without making adequate plans for managing ticket sales. Thereafter the FA changed the way in which it handled ticketing for big games and subsequent FA Cup Finals have been all-ticket affairs, with no sales on the day of the match. The FA Cup Final was again staged at Wembley Stadium the following year, three www.lancmag.com

days after the British Empire Exhibition was officially opened by King George V. The Exhibition attracted more than 27 million visitors before closing its doors for the final time in October 1925. However, although popular with the public, it proved to be a financial disaster. Almost immediately after it ended, most buildings on the site were demolished. Wembley Stadium may well have suffered the same fate if it had not been purchased by a Norfolk-born businessman named Arthur “Ginger” Elvin. He remained at the helm for over three decades and oversaw Wembley’s development into one of the world’s premier sporting arenas. Time was not called on the historic old stadium until 2000, when plans were unveiled for its demolition and replacement by a brand-new arena on the same site. Many older football fans still mourn its passing. Bolton Wanderers returned to Wembley twice more during the 1920s and won both times. They won a fourth FA Cup in 1958, the last occasion to date on which the club won a major trophy. As for Billy, the police horse after whom the “White Horse Final” was named, he continued in active service until his death in 1930. One of his hooves was then mounted in silver and made into an inkwell, which was presented to his rider, PC George Scorey. As a mark of gratitude for his actions in clearing the pitch during that first Wembley game, the policeman was given tickets to every subsequent FA Cup Final, but never attended the match. He eventually died in April 1965 at the age of 82.

Time was not called on the historic old stadium until 2000, when plans were unveiled for its demolition and replacement by a brand-new arena on the same site.

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PoW Pots & Spinning Jennies join forces to create PoW Plants in Finkle St

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Kendal, Cumbria Spinning Jennies is thrilled to announce a collaboration with the wonderful Nathalie of PoW Pots from Hawkshead, to create PoW Plants in one of our shops at 37 Finkle Street in Kendal. Where once the national chains Wallis & Warehouse traded, now spring orchids and houseplants and the most amazingly gorgeous Lake District, hand made & painted by Gracie & Nathalie, Retro-Scandi inspired colourful pots! Geri Ward at Spinning Jennies, expressed her usual enthusiasm, stating, “We couldn’t be more delighted to open one of the shops we created out of the former Beales site in Kendal. Finkle Street, as with many town centre shopping streets across the country, was beginning to look a bit sad with empty shops. We couldn’t let ours look empty after Lakeland Hampers had to pull out – so we went for it, using the in-house skills we already have to make life happen, in collaboration with some of Cumbrian’s huge creative talent and small businesses led quite often by women”.

PoW Plants with PoW Pots is the first Cumbrian makers introduction to the Spinning Jennies range. Soon we shall announce our very own regional version of Body Shop next door, to do as much as we can ourselves to contribute to a new vibrancy for Finkle Street, with local produce as far as possible in order to encourage enterprise and keep our own carbon footprint lowered with crucial support to regional suppliers, who have less travelling distance to deliver stock and overall contribution to our local entrepreneurial economy.”

Hand-painted in the UK with contemporary and colourful designs, each and every Pow Pot is unique.

Natalie, creative talent behind the internationally acclaimed PoW Pots, delivers her colourful pots to major retail names across the UK and the rest of the world too. Nathalie announced “I have something really wonderful to share with you today… Pow Pots is opening its first ever houseplant shop, Pow Plants. The new shop is in partnership with Spinning Jennies in Kendal, the Lake District. While work is underway developing this grand dame of a department store into a contemporary new food, retail and arts space, POW Plants will be taking over 37 Finkle Street, stocking all your favourite Pow Pots, plus a superb selection of houseplants! Jonathan of @shape.furniture, who makes our beautiful Pow Pots oak plant stands, will also be showcasing some of his fabulous mid-century furniture pieces.”

PoW Pots are plant pots with panache! Hand-painted in the UK with contemporary and colourful designs, each and every Pow Pot is unique. Nathalie set up Pow Pots to offer people a cool, colourful and contemporary alternative to traditional plant pots. All Pow Pots are designed and hand-painted in the UK, and feature eye-catching patterns in striking colours, inspired by mid-century, Australian and Scandinavian design. Pow Plants opened the doors for business on Friday 23 February 2024 at 10am. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to unveil the talented vendors who will join us on the Spinning Jennies journey on Finkle Street Kendal.

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 15

The death of a horror film. Geoff Waterhouse recalls A Film Premiere in Blackpool - introducing ‘Emergo’

You’ve probably never even heard of Emergo (pronounced Emerge-O), the socalled, amazing new entertainment wonder, introduced to the British cinemagoer in 1958. Possibly because 1958 was also the year of Emergo’s very predictable, and not surprising - Disappear-O. I was an art student in Blackpool at the time this new ‘cinema sensation’ was to be launched direct from America with a horror film called House on Haunted Hill. Quite a coup for a local cinema to host a premiere, and to publicise the event, the enterprising local manager of the Princess Cinema (now closed), approached the art school with the idea that the graphics department (then known as commercial design) could create poster designs by way of a competition. The Princess Cinema in Blackpool was once something of a luxury affair back in the day, and part of the ABC cinemas chain. The 16

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building itself was originally created as the Swiss roller skating rink and became the Princess Electric Theatre in 1912 and in 1922 The Princess Cinema.

Above: Original US film poster introducing Emergo.

It closed as a cinema in 1981 and after becoming home to various failed business ideas, then a couple of nightclubs. iIt is now sadly, a derelict site and something of an eyesore. Returning to the story of Emergo, getting art students to produce any work at all in that department was a major task, but strangely enough the idea caught the collective imagination of the students and quite an exhibition of appropriately ghoulish designs subsequently adorned the cinema foyer. The winning design featured a grinning scull with a spooky looking silhouette house in the background. It was conceived by my friend Spike but unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) no record exists of Spike’s

Getting art students to produce any work at all in that department was a major task www.lancmag.com

masterpiece. I think this was the pinnacle of his artistic career as he dropped out of art school shortly after and disappeared out of our lives without a trace. That was, until just a few days before writing this, I received an email from the long lost Spike, who was living on the Isle of Skye and running a Bagpipe Museum. Life as they say, is stranger than fiction. It was Spike who reminded me of this whole Emergo film poster competition, telling me his prize was two tickets to see the film. Not much of a prize when you consider all the other poster designers were given a free ticket. On the other hand, he was able to treat a girl to a night out at the cinema, even though the film of choice was rather less than romantic. Still, it was a ‘Premiere’. I have to admit that most of our designs were done with tongue in cheek, probably just as well really. Had we attempted to do something with ‘taste’ in the graphic style of the day, we would probably have failed miserably. As it was, it turned out to be an appropriate display of macabre images to promote the event. The film itself was in my view, completely forgettable, probably because I spent my time laughing all the way through it. I even had to consult a film guide to tell me what it was all about. What did surprise me though, was that it was described as a ‘classic’ and had starred Vincent Price. It had also been awarded three stars. The guide also mentioned that it had introduced Emergo to the American public. This was of course prior to its dramatic British launch in 1958. The American film publicity poster I discovered, described the movie as ‘More frightening than a graveyard on a cold night’ – whatever that means. More bizarrely it advised filmgoers to ‘Consult their doctors’ and claimed - ‘The 13 greatest shocks of all time’. None of this nonsense was available to the student poster designers, even Emergo itself was still under wraps (or shrouds) at the time - but it did unintentionally partially revealed itself as soon as we entered the cinema. To the right of the screen there was a large coffin fixed vertically to the wall. Protruding from over the top were wires strung above the audience. It was pretty obvious that whatever Emergo was, it would emerge from the coffin, and though the surprise element was by now plainly non-existent, the audience waited with excited anticipation. As the film approached its creepy climax, Emergo sprung (well creaked) into action. The coffin lid swung open and a very un-scary skeleton jiggled and jerked its way along the very visible wires above the audience highlighted by a spotlight. Instead of the intended screams, the whole place erupted with laughter and howls of derision. The audience were armed and ready, bombarding the unfortunate skeleton with ice cream cartons, chewing gum, empty fag packets and popcorn. www.lancmag.com

Right: Blackpool’s Empress Cinema, North promenade.

The Princess Cinema in Blackpool was once something of a luxury affair back in the day The operator of the skeleton quickly realised that his charge had simply become the target of missiles and abuse, and switched it into reverse. It scuttled back into its coffin - safe from this scary world, and to great cheers of victory from the audience. It still raises a laugh when we recall it, and only recently when I spoke to another old art school colleague, he told me that he and his mates in the fine art department had made the Emerge skeleton from papier-mâché, wood and bits of wire, all under a cloak of secrecy. Now sixty odd years on, I think the time is right for Re-Emergo. Perhaps this time promoted as an audience participation comedy film. It could become a cult thing like the ‘Rocky Horror Show’ with several skeletons ‘emerging’ and the audience dressing up as skeletons and performing the Emergo dance in the aisles – perhaps to Michael Jackson’s music from his ‘Thriller’ album. On the other hand, perhaps its demise was well deserved and inevitable. It was a ‘first’ for Blackpool though.

Right: It scuttled back, safe from this scary world.

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A Lancashire lad’s Life in London: From skipping lessons at the local comp to a nomination for Best Director award at the 2016 Olivier’s for Hangmen and directing Sheridan Smith in Shirley Valentine.

“There has to be a place for mavericks, Matthew”.

Homecoming at the Young Vic photo by Manuel Harlan

atthew Dunster was born and raised in Oldham, Lancashire and has directed or written over fifty shows. Often with major national companies, including RSC, NT, Royal Court, Young Vic, Royal Exchange, Shakespeare’s Globe, and The Bridge. Matthew has directed on the West End and Broadway. He has been the Associate Director of The Young Vic and Shakespeare’s Globe. He has been nominated for three Olivier Awards, and his Broadway production of Hangman was nominated for five Tonys. Growing up in Oldham Chances were, growing up in Oldham in the 1970s and 1980s and attending your local comp, you would never have heard of the Globe in London or made aware of what’s on in the West End. However, sometimes a teacher can change that for you. “There has to be a place for mavericks, Matthew”, words this young ‘yonner’ from Oldham took to heart. He skipped classes and was often late for registration. Despite this, Matthew’s headteacher noticed he was always on time for drama class. She allowed Matthew to educate himself through the plays he was involved in. He played the bully in Kes, the first play he acted in, and he loved it. Theatre gave him a lifeline as a kid. His English teacher, Mr Colin

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Snell, a legend amongst friends of Matthew, encouraged him and others, including Nicola Stephenson [actor], Jonas Armstrong [actor], Paul Hilton (actor) and William Ash (actor), to pursue the dream. As the famous Bard himself said, “We are such stuff as dreams are made on”. Time to decide. Matthew scraped through his O’ levels with just enough to continue onto A’ level. Failing to make the grades at A’ level, he started a job at Northwest Water. Whilst working, Matthew won the Best Actor award at the National Student Drama Awards. He continued to work for the water board but still felt ‘the pull of that something’. He began taking acting jobs in London, offered by professionals he had met through the National Student Awards. After three years of 9-5, it was time to decide – stability and a regular wage at the water board or an actor’s unpredictable and unstable life. He chose the latter. Matthew went for an audition at Leeds University’s Bretton Hall, buckled down and left with a First-class degree in drama. Matthew has trodden the boards at the Contact Theatre, the Royal Exchange, Bolton Octagon, spent a year with www.lancmag.com

Coming from a working-class background, and let’s say we are now in an era of university-educated arts professionals, is there a golden recipe that can be taught or are directors born into the art? “There is no golden recipe. Lots of directors tend to be English graduates. I’m more excited about the physical side of acting and all the other elements - learning by doing and getting it wrong”. “Theatre is a very unforgiving place; every single thing you do is reviewed, and if you mess up early on, there is often no second chance, but this can build resilience – just keep going.” Is it still possible to climb the ranks from sweeping the stage floor and ripping tickets to assisting directors?

Above: Matthew Dunster in rehersals for The Homecoming

Coronation Street, and made appearances including Casualty and Heartbeat. From acting to Directing Matthew explained that directing came as a natural progression from acting, “It happened so quickly. By instinct, I’m still an actor who directs”.

“Yes, you can still rip tickets and assist the director at the same time, but you don’t get to be a leader for free; you must show a particular aptitude and talent. Keep going, accept the knockbacks.” Are there any moments throughout your career to date that stand out? I’m proud of everything I do. I’ve always been able to teach, act, and direct, but I am very proud of William Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, which I reclaimed and renamed Imogen and directed at the Globe in 2016. It reached a younger, more diverse audience.” What do you do when you are not working?

In 2006, Matthew directed Love and Money by Dennis Kelly at both the Royal Exchange Theatre and Young Vic Theatre, and in 2008, he ran his own work, ‘You Can See the Hills’, at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. It’s a story about an ordinary lad growing up in Oldham, in Matthew’s hometown. It’s a rite-of-passage monologue partially based on his own experience. It’s incisive, awkward, and honest. You can see a clip of the monologue on YouTube, and if you grew up in the North in the 1980s, it’s very familiar.

“My wife is a very successful lawyer, and we have triplets, so life is busy. Being a freelancer gives me big chunks of time off to be present and enjoy my family.”

I asked Matthew a few questions:

“If you want to direct, then just direct. Get two of your mates together on stage and invite twenty people. One of those twenty might be the person who gives you a job or asks you to assist.”

Influences as a younger/supportive family? Even though Matthews’s parents weren’t theatregoers themselves, as soon as they got a sense of what Matthew wanted to do, they were right behind their son. Up until his mum’ passing they never missed a show together. His dad, a retired engineer, is still going along supporting him. Matthew has had a lot of support over the years from outstanding teachers and, The Royal Court and The Young Vic theatre, where he ‘got going’ as a theatre director. He’s still in touch with friends from school who are now in the industry. What are some of the most essential skills for a theatre director? “Working with a huge creative team means you need to be able to manage personalities and treat everyone involved equally”. How do you get to know your actors? How do you get them to gel with each other? “I like to start the day circuit training, maybe some yoga or silly dancing; it’s a great ice breaker and equaliser”. www.lancmag.com

When I’m back in the North, I enjoy Ree Ming fish and chip shop in Oldham, “Best chippy in the world”. Matthew adds, “I love walking in Saddleworth and driving around Oldham. I drive a lot when I’m there. I just find it incredibly evocative as it brings up so many memories”. Any advice for wannabe and young directors?

Matthew added, “Work gets work; get a second job that you enjoy and just accept that you might have to do loads of stuff for free, and while all this is happening, make sure you can support yourself”. Would you ever consider acting again? “Yes! I’m here, available; call me”. What’s next? “I’ll be directing The Hunger Games, which will premiere in London in Spring 2025, and I’m very excited”.

Matthew Dunster is a successful and sought-after theatre director these days living in London, but his feet are still firmly planted in the ground of Oldham’s rich soil. Our differences in our upbringings and experiences are not meant to segregate but to sync us. Matthew Dunster is a wellbalanced product of that. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 19

There is nowhere like Mowbreck Park – and the countless customers that return year on year and loyal holiday home owners will (and do!) vouch for that.

ocated near the quiet villages of Kirkham and Wesham, the Park is in the ideal location for relaxation and exploration. With pubs, cafes and restaurants close, you don’t need to travel far, if rest and relaxation is your goal. Just a short journey by car or train will take you to the bustling seaside resorts of Blackpool and Lytham St Annes. Lytham’s famous annual music festival or Blackpool’s many family attractions, such as the Winter Gardens, Pleasure Beach or Sandcastle, will keep the family entertained all week long. Feeling more adventurous? You’ll find the Forest of Bowland or Lake District National Park a little further afield. Whether you’re looking for a short holiday, to buy your own holiday home or for a residential park home, there really is something for everyone. Many of the park’s customers return year on year and just one visit to Mowbreck will show you exactly why. The location is ideal, and the transport links are second to none with the nearest train station just a mile away and the motorway a short, five-minute drive away. Simply looking for a peaceful get away in the luscious Lancashire countryside? Mowbreck has you covered here too. The park is perfect for a relaxing retreat with many wildlife walks nearby. Whether you are a grandparent, parent, child or grandchild, there are plenty of things to see and do in the area, to make your holiday truly memorable. If you’re a couple looking for a getaway in a peaceful, rural backdrop, an out of season break will deliver exactly that. Mowbreck Park is open 50 weeks of the year, which means you can celebrate here all year-round including summer holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year and create family memories that last way beyond your holiday.

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Why is Mowbreck Park different to other holiday parks? While the location is certainly something to shout about, it’s the team on the park that really sets Mowbreck apart. Passionate about ensuring you have an amazing time – they are friendly caring and committed to helping you get the most out of your Lancashire break. Unusually in the hospitality industry, the park has a team of loyal staff that return to work on the park year after year. Just last year a team member retired after 20 years and then returned to work a few months later, having missed the supportive buzz of the team. One of the most exciting developments for 2024 is the appointment of the new Assistant Manager, Eva Carroll. This is an exciting and pivotal time for Mowbreck. While Shirley is still running the park in the traditional way that has worked well for many years, Eva is focussing on many exciting

The park is perfect for a relaxing retreat with many wildlife walks nearby.

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new developments. You’ll see a lot more activity on social media, with competitions, giveaways and exclusive offers. The park couldn’t be in better hands as it moves forward into a new digital era. Holiday parks are often owned by large corporate businesses and it’s easy to lose the personal touch. Not so at Mowbreck Park. As a small, family-owned park, you couldn’t find a more caring and devoted team. The focus is on making sure the holiday homeowners and guests have an amazing time and they do everything they can to make that a priority. Nothing is too much trouble for guests or their four-legged friends! The park was nominated for Dog Friendly Park of the year in 2023 and it’s not hard to see why. All accommodation is fitted with a dog friendly deck and gate. Even the office is dog friendly and you’ll often find Shirley’s Springer Spaniel and Jack Russell in there. Holiday Home Ownership Now is the perfect opportunity to purchase your own luxurious and modern holiday home, designed with all the latest home comforts and situated in a delightful rural setting. As a holiday home owner, your home from home is available to you anytime you feel the need to escape to your very own rural oasis.

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The focus is on making sure the holiday homeowners and guests have an amazing time and they do everything they can to make that a priority.

The park is open fifty weeks of the year, closing for two weeks in January, which means you can holiday on the park almost all year round. Holiday homes are available from as little as £20,000 for a second-hand caravan, with newer models priced up to £70,000, so there is something for all budgets. Pitch fees range from a very reasonable £2,800 to £3,320 per year plus rates. Leave home with just your keys, when it’s time to go home, just lock up and leave. Your holiday home will be ready for you next time you are ready for a break.

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There are already 150 owners on the park who give glowing reviews about the quiet, peaceful and calm nature of the park and they have created a wonderful community. Every year the owners get together for a summer BBQ and many have become friends because of their holiday home ownership. This year, for the first time, the park has an exclusive opportunity for one lucky future owner to purchase a brand new, bespoke holiday home. This will be double the size of most holiday homes, measuring an impressive 40 ft by 20 ft. If you’re looking to purchase a holiday home with a real wow-factor, this could be exactly what you’re looking for.

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If peace and quiet is what you are looking for, you’ve found the right place! Our holiday homes have all the facilities you need to ensure your stay is comfortable and convenient.

Enjoy A Luxury Holiday Break If peace and quiet is what you are looking for, you’ve found the right place! Their holiday homes have all the facilities you need to ensure your stay is comfortable and convenient. The luxurious and modern holiday homes are equipped with everything you could possibly need to enjoy your stay, including fully equipped kitchen, Smart TV and super-fast WIFI. They also central heating and double glazing. Mowbreck Park is set in a delightful rural location, where we can guarantee you won’t be disturbed by a noisy club house or amusement arcade, but instead will find an abundance of trees, wildlife, and beautiful gardens outside your caravan.

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Residential Homes If a more permanent home is what you’re looking for, Mowbreck also has a residential licence. Due to the popularity of the park, it is rare for a residential pitch to be available. However, in 2024 there will be chance to purchase a single residential home measuring 40 ft by 14 ft for just over £100,000. The accommodation hasn’t been ordered yet, so this is an exciting opportunity for this residential accommodation to be completely bespoke.

In 2024 there will be chance to purchase a single residential home measuring 40 ft by 14 ft for just over £100,000.

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Where Can I Find Out More? Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on our open weekends, which we run throughout the year. Throughout 2024 there will be regular open days, keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on our open weekends, which we run throughout the year. This will give you chance to soak up the atmosphere, view the holiday homes and meet the friendly team. Everyone that attends will have chance to win a holiday at Mowbreck Park, which is well worth the trip. Email info@mowbreck.co.uk to register your interest. Can’t make it in April? Don’t worry, you haven’t missed your chance, there’ll be other open days arranged in summer and autumn.

There are many ways to keep in touch with the park, but to be the first to find out about exclusive offers, head to the website www.mowbreckpark.co.uk and subscribe to their email list. The friendly team are happy to welcome visitors and you are welcome to turn up without an appointment, but to book an appointment simply email info@mowbreckpark.co.uk. You can find Mowbreck Park on Facebook and Instagram, just search “Mowbreck Park”. The park is open 7 days a week.

A team that always go above and beyond, quality holiday homes and competitive pricing? It’s no wonder that this park has been a finalist in the Lancashire Tourism Awards for two years in a row and receives constant praise from customers and holiday home owners, evidenced in the numerous five star trip advisor reviews you’ll find online. 24

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Why your next holiday should be a staycation By Jodie Brotherton

ne thing that all Brits love is a good holiday - staycations and short breaks inside the UK have been hit with a surge in popularity following the COVID lockdowns. In 2022, a survey by OnePoll found that 50% of Brits were in favour of booking a domestic trip rather than travelling abroad. Here are some reasons why you should consider staying in the UK for your next holiday:

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Planning a holiday abroad can be stressful. There’s so much to consider: arriving to the airport hours early, delayed flights, navigating currency exchange, getting new passports and worrying about the weight of your luggage. These unavoidable stresses that come with holidaying abroad can cast a shadow on the overall experience. With travelling in the UK there are no such worries, you can just hop in the car and go! You don’t even need to book far in advance, allowing for a much more relaxing holiday.

3. Skipping the flights, International trips often come with hefty expenses, so staycations are an excellent option for those seeking a more budget-friendly holiday. Without the added costs of flights, transfers and car rentals, short breaks in the UK become significantly more affordable and cost-effective. If you’re eager to escape home for a few nights but you’re mindful of your budget, a domestic holiday is the way to go!

which can be hugely polluting, presents a more eco-friendly way to travel. Brits are growing more conscious of the effect that their personal choices can have on our climate. Local breaks and exploring nearby destinations can contribute to minimising the negative impact we have on the natural world. The ongoing shift towards sustainable tourism means that more people are prioritising eco-conscious choices, a simple way to do this is by cutting down on air miles. Reducing air miles not only decreases your carbon footprint but also promotes a more environmentally friendly approach to exploring the world.

There are lots of benefits to travelling in the UK as opposed to an unfamiliar country. Whether you’re asking for directions or ordering food, there’s no need to panic because you can’t speak the language. Whilst it can be great to learn new languages and experience different cultures, sometimes having people who speak the same language as you can make everything that little bit easier.

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5. For the animal lovers out there, the idea of bringing your pet on holiday can seem an impossible task. The complexities of air travel and finding a hotel that will accommodate your pet can feel daunting. However, travelling in the UK with your four-legged friend can be a much more feasible option. For example, there are many beautiful pet-friendly accommodations in the Lake District, which is also home to lots of dogfriendly walks and hikes. You and your pet can have a wonderful holiday, plus you’ll miss on paying additional costs for kennels or pet sitters.

6. Staycations can also help to support local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and attractions. It is important to look out for our local businesses and boost the economy as much as possible. At the same time, you can explore and appreciate the parts of your own country that you might have overlooked. Many people are surprised by the hidden gems that they can discover just a stone’s throw away.

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Approximately 31 million tourists come to the UK each year, and there’s no wonder why. In Lancashire alone we have the stunning Lake District and the Forest of Bowland, as well as the sandy beaches of Blackpool and Morecambe. We have the bustling cities of Manchester and Liverpool, as well as quaint towns like Clitheroe and Whalley. Whether it’s the serene countryside, dynamic cities, or charming towns, the UK has something for everyone, making it a compelling holiday destination. The North West is packed full of quality hotels and restaurants, and they are just a few minutes away. So next time you’re planning a trip, maybe look closer to home!

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Over

50 years of

Making Memories

Co a st & Co unt ry Fa m i l y Hol i d ay Pa rk s Harrison Holidays are celebrating 50 years of experience in providing the perfect holiday for you and your family.

www.harrisonholidays.com 01704 215446 www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 29

A Snapshot On The Past By Harold Cunliffe

n the February issue we featured retro images which were captured by reader David Lappin who had lived in the town of Middleton, Manchester almost all of his life. Dave as he is affectionately known related his childhood memories in growing up on the new private housing estate, The ‘Pines’ at Alkrington. This magazine linked up with the professionals where local historical matters are concerned, that being Rochdale Local Studies who produced a Facebook link which featured an additional collection of Mr Lappin’s photographs. It transpires that thousands of readers of this magazine followed the Facebook link to view the images which were enhanced to include contemporary topographical scenes from the locations in which Mr Lappin had captured during the early 1970’s. Since the release of the collection of snapshots I have been looking back to the time when David first donated the albums for use in my weekly newspaper column. Seven images were published on the 21st January 2010, which included a fantastic shot of the town’s former

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Above: Old Hall Farm prior to demolition

“It transpires that thousands of readers of this magazine followed the Facebook link to view the images”

fire station. On a personal note, it was at the time that I as employed by the Epsom Hygrade cabinet works, Green Lane, Heywood that the foreman, Bill Turner commented that near his home at Glamis Ave, they were suffering disruption at the building of a new fire station which was intended to amalgamate the local fire services at one central point. As we sat enjoying our lunch inside the converted cotton mill Mr Turner related how the conversion of the old War Ministry building were disturbing the peace. Many of his neighbours were also suffering the loss of sleep at the noise levels as the old Air Ministry site was being converted into storage facilities which entailed cutting through the concrete of the wartime hanger type buildings. Naturally they were substantially built to withstand enemy attacks. So it was at this point I suppose, January 1967 that the Suffield St Station became redundant. Interestingly following the release of the images in the newspaper a message arrived at the newspaper office regarding the fire station image. An author had been researching www.lancmag.com

the services of the fire fighters in Lancashire and had spotted the picture of the Middleton station, an image he had previously failed to locate; he then expressed an interest in using the image in his book. Without hesitation Mr Lappin gave his consent for its use providing he was credited, this was the reason for capturing buildings which were about to be demolished, to obtain a snapshop of the changing face of his town and social events for future generations. Another reader of my column was ‘Bill’ who was a retried fireman and lived at Saddleworth. Within our telephone conversation Bill related what life was like working at the station just after the Second World War. “During my time at Middleton you could see that the building had once been used to stable horses,” commented Bill, “You could see evidence in the

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Above: To the rescue. The Schwabe Works Fire Brigade

below: The towns horse drawn fire engine

door frames of when the animals were bored and had chewed some of the timber; their teeth marks were clearly visible.” When asked which was the most challenging task his crew had to undertake, his response was not a large fire or some desperate emergency where human life was at risk, he stated that it was the rescue of a horse which had fallen into a river. Bill commented, “This incident aroused so much interest that even the press turned up to photograph the rescue.” He stated that it was one of the toughest things they had encountered due to the weight of the horse, “We all gave a cheer including the bystanders once the animal was out of the water and safe, it was only by manoeuvring it on to its side that we managed to slide its body over the riverbank.” Then, a few days later an envelope arrived at the newspaper office for my attention. I would visit the office twice a week to collect messages, post etc. and I was delighted to receive a letter and photograph from Bill. Inside was a copy of the photograph which was taken by the press at the time of the horse rescue. This was duplicated and returned to him. I discovered that some readers would remove the Bygone page from the newspaper and send it to relatives who lived out of town. In some cases a number of copies would be saved and a collection would be sent at given periods. I realised this when readers would make contact with a query weeks later. Then following an update on the fire station coverage a number of other former officers made contact. Jack Reddicen who once owned an Ironmongers shop telephoned to say that before he became self-employed he was once an officer at the station. He stated that should members of the pubic have any type of emergency they would turn up at the station for help. Jack related the time LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 31

that his crew had to attend the Royton Station for some reason. Jack stated that a parent who lived in the same street as the station came rushing in, it transpired that her child was unwell and had stopped breathing. Leading Fireman Sisson rushed to the house with Jack following behind with resuscitator equipment containing oxygen. Upon arrival the child was showing all the signs of being dead. They thought that all hope of saving the girls life was lost. Fireman Reddicen applied oxygen and Sisson performed the Holger Nielson method for around ten minutes then the child’s eyes flickered and some colour came back to her face. Both firemen continued resuscitation until the Oldham ambulance arrived. The child, Sandra was very poorly and spent a few days in hospital suffering a blockage of the throat, but it was the action and quick thinking of the Middleton crew that saved the young girls life. Mrs. Edith Woodhead, the child’s mother along with her husband visited the station to personally thank the fire brigade.

“Emergency, which services do you require.” The above statement comes as great relief to those requiring assistance in an emergency. Taking a look back to my childhood should you have an emergency you first had the task of finding a telephone, and one which was in working order. At the Middleton fire station, and no doubt others throughout Lancashire, there were dwellings close to the fire station for its staff to reside. A bell was located at the station and should a fire be reported the bell would be sounded which would alert those on duty to respond. In many cases the

message would arrive from outlying districts by a person on horseback. Firemen had certain rights in an emergency. Should they find that they were short of a good horse to pull the ‘Steamer Engine Appliance,’ they had the right to commandeer any animal in close proximity. One incident arose where another horse was urgently required, then in spotting a grocer passing by in transporting his goods from Smithfield Market, Manchester, the firemen decided that his horse was of good stock so ‘borrowed’ his beast of burden. One incident which is of personal interest was when I spotted the report of a fire at a farm near Heaton Park during 1893. Our Main image shows the actual farm, that of Old Hall Farm, Great Heaton, which at the period the photograph was taken was being surrounded by the construction of the M66 motorway, today this section is on the M60 and is close to the Middleton exit where the motorway continues along the route to Oldham, Ashton, Stockport and Manchester Airport. Behind the farm building is the same motorway under construction heading North towards the M62 motorway. Many is the time when I drive past this spot I think about the location of the old farm which would have been on the section of the crash barrier in the central reservation, in fact the concreted area widens out at this point. Also the telecommunication tower at Heaton Park gives an idea to the farms former location. At the time that the farm was compulsory purchased it was farmed by Alfred Heywood, who was a relative to the occupant of the farm in 1893, that of Alfred Greenhalgh. I became friends with Alf Heywood at the time he had moved into a new farm located on the main road to Heywood, not

Left:

Sketch of the proposed Electricity Works

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“Taking a look back to my childhood should you have an emergency you first had the task of finding a telephone, and one which was in working order”

Above:

Photographs by Mr Lappin

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Above:

Alex Herd’s initials in the artwork.

far from his old farm as the crow flies. His new location was bare and required a few trees. It was at this point that the Government had implemented a scheme, “Plant a Tree in 73.” (1973). But with the vandals having a field day, it was, “Plant more in 74.” It was a shame to see all the young saplings broken in half, then being put in landfill, so it was decided to recycle them by offering to people like Alf Heywood, after all it was council owned land they were planted on and would bush out with the leading tip being broken. The trees are fully matured today. Alf was a kindly chap and if you did any work for him he would reward you with a large bag of spuds. At the old farm it was just after midnight during early May, 1893, when a fire was discovered in one of the out buildings, a two story building with the fire starting in the upper story. At first Mr Greenhalgh and his men attempted to extinguish the flames, but the fire took hold and rapidly spread. A messenger was sent to the calico works of Salis Schwabe about a mile away, identifiable by the huge chimney it once sported plus the works had their own highly trained fire brigade. It was 12.45 before the alarm was raised www.lancmag.com

Above:

The terracotta sign today at the entrance to the Old Grammar School

“It took fifteen minutes to gather the fire fighters together due to them being off duty and in bed”

at the Rhodes factory. It took fifteen minutes to gather the fire fighters together due to them being off duty and in bed, but upon hearing the sound of the alarm bell on the engine those firemen who lived in various parts of the village awaited at the roadside to be picked up. Arriving at the farm it was reported that the roof had fallen in and the upper portion of the building was alight. The steam driven pump was placed next to a pit containing water which was 150 yards away and with this action the fire was brought under control. Only the walls were saved, damage was estimated at £140 to £150 which was covered by insurance. Examining the old photographs which Adam Heywood, son of Alf had loaned some years ago, I would say that the outer shell was saved due to the actions of the brigade. As to the start of the fire, it is thought that it was caused by one of the farm labourers who slept in the hay loft. In one of Mr Lappin’s memories he commented that the children in the area could play in the farm outbuildings, the farmer, also named Greenhalgh insisted upon one rule, that they must never take any matches into the hay loft. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 33

In The News. At the same week as the fire at the farm was reported, a shocking case of neglect was related, and just over the border to the farm at Prestwich. Here we discover that the father of four children was brought before the courts charged with neglect. On the day in question the man named as Joseph instructed his eldest child; a girl aged 13 years to inform the next policeman she came into contact with, she should tell the officer that, “Her father is unable to keep her and the infants.” In this case the children would be placed in the care of the Prestwich Union. A warrant was issued for his arrest. Before the bench he pleaded guilty to the charge of neglect and was given a term of two months behind bars. Upon his release he was handed an invoice for the sum of £57.6s.3d, this being the cost of the upkeep of his four children in which the Prestwich Union were keen to recover.

Raining Stones. Another person requiring payment was a landlord who rented out property close to the Fire Station at a place known as the ‘Little Park.’ This area was well known and was not a place to frequent after the hours of darkness or daylight to be honest. A landlord who was requiring payment from a female occupant took drastic action in an attempt to obtain the rent from his tenant who could not or would not pay. The landlord employed a joiner to remove the front door of the house, in which the poor fellow had no idea of the danger he was putting himself into. The woman in anticipation of some form of action had stored a huge pile of bricks and stones along with kitchen utensils in 34

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the bedroom above the front of the building. The landlord and carpenter appeared on the scene, the latter succeeded in removing the door, and then the woman in the room above commenced her bombardment of stones upon the joiner below. Next for his own protection he lifted the door above his head, which provided a target for the distressed women, bricks hitting the door created a loud noise which attracted other residents to gather in the street and in sympathy with their neighbour commenced to collect and throw stones at the tradesman. It was stated that the crowd cheered as the man complete with door did some “tall running” along the street to safety. The landlord had to spend a few bob having the door repaired prior to it being replaced. This reminds me of an incident which occurred when the owner of a factory had his old steam boiler replaced with a new one. The work was carried out by a friend of mine who struggled to receive payment despite several requests for his account to be settled. My good friend’s direct action soon brought the matter to a head. Noticing the factory owners Rolls Royce was not outside his mansion he suspected that he was away for the weekend. So he gathered a small team of workmen and visited the factory on Sunday morning, then gaining entry in informing the security staff that he was carrying out essential maintenance work on the new boiler which is normally carried out at weekends when the boiler was idle. Within two hours he had removed the boiler and returned it to his workshop. Early the following morning the factory owner was on the phone demanding that ‘his’ boiler be returned at once because his factory was now at a standstill.

Above:

Manchester’s Illuminated Tram. 1909.

“The work was carried out by a friend of mine who struggled to receive payment despite several requests for his account to be settled” www.lancmag.com

My old mate replied that the boiler was in fact ‘his’ property until paid for, “now would you like to buy it?” Cash was delivered to settle the account and a few hours later the factory was back in steam.

Septimus and Son. There have been a number of professional people who once lived in this part of Lancashire who made their mark in one way or another and during the course of time have been forgotten or not properly acknowledged. I often wonder why we do not have a significant memorial to V.C. Joel Halliwell within the centre of town. One of the many people I have been researching who made their mark is a gentleman who did so much to bring electricity to our town and pioneered the tramway system, that being Mr. Septimus Pauls. The reason for my mentioning this person is that Mr Lapping capturing on film the Electricity Works building in which Mr Pauls was so passionate about and also the name at roof height moulded from terracotta which was removed from the top of the building in 1995, so much appreciation for capturing that piece of the town’s history while in situ. One of our images show a sketch of the proposed Electricity Works, Townley Street along with a 1970’s shot of the building and a close up of the name photographed by Dave, which was saved for posterity and is seen today being erected at the entrance of the Old Grammar School at Boarshaw Road. This gem is now in private hands so take this into consideration if visiting. My subject, Septimus was born January 1872 at Middlesbrough. He was Chief Assistant at Lacy and Sillar who were consulting engineers at Westminster, and then in www.lancmag.com

Above:

Once a popular village store, life saver, Jack Reddicens’ Ironmongers

“It was Christmas 1902 when the illuminated tram arrived in town from Manchester”

1900 he gained a position as Chief Engineer at the Railway Lighting Ltd. Shortly afterwards (1901) he was engaged as Chief Engineer by the Borough of Middleton to oversee the implementation of the tramways scheme. Its history starts in 1896. Middleton Council obtained consent from the Board of Trade granting the right to produce electricity for a new tram system, and out of hours the electricity could be used for domestic purposes. 1899 a loan of £22,000 was obtained to build the power plant and set up the tramway system. Mr. Pauls serving 1901 until his death in 1923. A shy and timid man who was connected to a number of social institutions, being a Mason, a member of the Conservative Club, Cricket Club and Tonge Bowling Club, in which a number of old photographs were unearthed a few years ago, so maybe he is to be seen on one of the pictures. Initially Septimus was engaged to set up the tramway scheme, then council officials realised what a great asset the man was, his intelligence in the field of electricity was second to none so he was retained. It was Christmas 1902 when the illuminated tram arrived in town from Manchester stopping in the centre of town where many hundreds of people had turned out to witness the event. The local newspaper commented, “The general opinion was that a more gorgeous spectacle has never been seen in town, and all who went to the trouble to turn out were amply repaid.” Mr Pauls kept abreast of developments in the electrical industry and respected council finances, but when funding was available he would advise the committee members upon investing in new technology. I could well imagine his excitement LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 35

Above: Mr King, Jointing the new power supply

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when news arrived at the Electricity Works that the new trams had arrived at the Railway Station; which was only a short walking distance away. Once the tram system was up and running you can imagine the residents looking on as the cars passed their homes, shedding light upon their homes as they clattered along during the hours of darkness. No doubt householders wanted some of that new electric light in their homes, the reason being, it soon became the time when the power plant at Townley Street was unable to cope with the increasing demand. Mr. Pauls then entered into an agreement with Manchester City Council for the supply of Electricity and the Middleton Works would be converted to transform the high voltage from Manchester. This was the best option other than extending the generating plant. One of our images featured was a lucky find. This photograph being over 100 years old was taken at the time that the power cable was being laid at the boundary of Middleton and Manchester; it shows a workman, Mr King in a trench jointing the 33,000 volt cable which would deliver the power to the town. This small snapshot, one of two was purchased many years ago at a postcard fair Pudsey, Yorkshire, and shows the three phase cable being jointed. The cable was supplied on drums measuring 200 yards in length.

“No doubt householders wanted some of that new electric light in their homes, the reason being, it soon became the time when the power plant at Townley Street was unable to cope with the increasing demand”

Sad Loss. It was with regret that the two local newspapers announced the death of Mr. Septimus Pauls during November 1923. He was aged 51. His widow was the only daughter of Alderman Walker of Southport, formerly Middleton. They had two sons, Willie and Charles. The latter son however followed in his father’s footsteps, he possessed knowledge of electricity and its generation. A patent (452,522) was taken out by Charles Pauls of Archer Park detailing the improvements relating to Electric Generators for Bicycles. His invention provided protection of the generator from the weather which was fitted to the hub of the cycle. His drawings show the generator and a friction drive which gave an improved performance. A copy of the patent is held at Local Studies Library, Rochdale.

Final Time. At Long Street it was counter staff member Mr. Dennis Berry of Higher Broughton who performed the closing of the double old oak doors to the public for the final time. Press reporters were in attendance standing outside the old Post Office, interviewing the last few customers, recording their reason for visiting plus their thoughts and feelings which was to be quoted in the following week’s newspaper. At the given time the doors were closed, no ceremony, no announcement, the only item to record in the notebooks was the thud of the bolts being thrown, then a voice from inside was heard to say, “Well, that’s that.”

Post Office in the News. At the time of writing the media are having a field day following the airing of “Mr Bates v The Post Office,” which highlighted the scandal of a faulty accounting system. Dave Lappin captured on film the town’s second Post Office building, which was a loss to the town when it was demolished to make way for a by-pass road. The first Post Office was located almost opposite the new building at Long St, next to a public house known as the New Inn. Then in 1905 a new building was opened which was larger and more efficient than the previous building which was the size of a two bedroomed terraced house. The official opening was carried out by Lord Frederick Arthur Stanley, the Postmaster General. He arrived in Manchester to be met by the Mayor of Middleton, Alderman www.lancmag.com

Bentley, who was a keen horticulturalist. A group of council officials also gathered to welcome Lord Stanley. The route taken was via the pleasurable district of Cheetham Hill and through the village of Rhodes, and in passing the vast Salis Schwabe print works and huge chimney. A large crowd had gathered outside the new Post Office to witness the opening ceremony. Lord Stanley in making his remarks regarding the new facility commenced to officially open one of the substantial double doors at the corner of the building, but it was at this point that things did not go according to plan. The building was designed to be accessed from the rear, with large bolts securing the front doors. In fact no lock or key hole was fitted to the door. As he waved the solid gold key announcing the opening an official inside pulled the bolt and door without the aid of a key magically opened. The press made good use of this incident and the affair was related in the newspapers. To mark the opening Lord Stanley desired to send a telegram to his London office, this being the first telegram to be sent and also in recognition of the duty he had performed that day. Once again things went pearshaped; the office at that time was not ‘on-line. Lord Stanley, seen in our Post Office image, which was kindly digitally manipulated by Mrs. Helen Stubbs, was the 16th Earl of Derby. 1841-1908. The Stanley family was known to be one of the oldest in England. Lord Stanley entered his official political life in 1868 as Lord of the Admiralty. On the 1st September 1961 the building closed to be replaced with a new building and sorting office located in the centre of town. The post office counters are now closed.

Right: The keyless Post Office showing Lord Stanley

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Take the Plunge… Dive into this year’s hottest shows at Blackpool Grand Theatre! Blackpool Grand Theatre announces a shimmering new season that’s swimming with top shows including the must-see musical parody Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch - a wickedly camp tale from under the waves that’s not to be missed…

Blackpool Grand Theatre is making a real SPLASH with a spectacular new season of shows for 2024! Don’t miss out on this year’s hottest tickets! Taking a top spot in a treasure trove of theatrical jewels is the delightfully outrageous musical parody Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch starring Shawna Hamic (Orange is the New Black, 1776 on Broadway) as ‘Ursula’ and River Medway (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) as ‘Ariel’. Wave goodbye to everything you thought you knew about Disney’s favourite Diva… Ursula the Sea Witch is back and she’s bigger, bolder and sexier than ever before and more than ready to give her take on what really happened all 38

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Above: Unfortunate at Blackpool Grand Theatre

those years ago under the sea. This critically acclaimed parody musical sweeps into Blackpool’s Grand fresh from sensational sell-out runs and rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe and around the UK. Cruella told her side, and Maleficent had her moment. Now the legendary queer queen is ready to spill all in a titillating tale of sex, sorcery and suckers that’s bursting with an original hot pop soundtrack and trademark filthy humour. Don’t be the poor unfortunate soul that missed out. It’s time to take the plunge and dive into this year’s hottest night out!

Above: My Beautiful Laundrette (Previous Cast) Photography by Ellie Kurttz

visually stunning and deeply moving musical satire Oh What A Lovely War, and celebrated playwright Joe Orton’s final, most ambitious play What The Butler Saw – a riotous black comedy and a masterclass in fearless writing.

Above: 2.22 A Ghost Story - Jay McGuinness

The boldest, biggest and best shows will continue to thrill and chill at The Grand all through this season, with an upliftingly powerful production of Hanif Kureishi’s iconic Oscar-nominated screenplay My Beautiful Laundrette; the smash-hit, supernatural stage phenomenon 2:22 A Ghost Story starring Vera Chok (Hollyoaks, Cobra), Jay McGuiness (The Wanted), Fiona Wade (Emmerdale, Silent Witness) and George Rainsford (Call the Midwife); gripping courtroom thriller Twelve Angry Men starring Jason Merrells (Casualty), Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street), Tristan Gemmill (Coronation Street), Michael Greco (EastEnders), Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier) and Gary Webster (Minder, Family Affairs), and Onjali Q. Raúf’s award-winning The Boy at The Back of The Class, which perfectly balances humour and compassion to tell the heartwarming tale of the power of friendship and kindness. Celebrity names you won’t want to miss include Loose Women’s very own Coleen Nolan opening her first ever one-woman tour at The Grand; top stand-up comedian Jack Dee hosting a hilarious stage production of BBC’s muchloved radio panel show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue; cheeky comic Joe Pasquale stopping by on his brand new solo tour; a unforgettable date with the inimitable Count Arthur Strong, and the debut of global podcast sensation and rising comedy star Adam Rowe straight from Live at The Apollo! And the comedy continues with a darkly funny and dramatic new production of cult favourite Bouncers from awardwinning playwright John Godber; the wildly satirical, www.lancmag.com

There’s a whole lot of family fun too! Excite young minds with enchanting new stage adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s much-loved tales The Gruffalo’s Child and Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book; the irrepressible Peppa Pig returns with an oinktastic brand new live show; CBBC’s Andy and The Odd Socks are rocking out with a madcap mix of songs, slapstick and silliness, and the explosive new production Science Museum Live on Tour from London’s world-renowned Science Museum will ignite curiosity, fuel imaginations and inspire everyone in new and exciting ways! Looking for something a little different? Herman Melville’s seafaring masterpiece Moby Dick is gloriously captured on stage by Simple8; ThickSkin bring three fast-paced, funny stories about consumer culture with the dynamic new drama Peak Stuff; and do you dare to miss Jo O’Byrne’s fabulous foursome of creepy Tales from Paradise Heights?

Above: 12 Angry Men

And, of course, any new season at The Grand wouldn’t be complete without Blackpool’s number one magical family pantomime Cinderella starring everyone’s favourite comic and Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Steve Royle as Buttons with Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph returning as the incredibly gorgeous Ugly Sisters, Melody and Harmony Hard-Up; PLUS an all-star cast, soon to be announced. And of course, the Sensational Shetland Ponies… LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 39

Above: Jurassic Earth Live

Blackpool Grand Theatre Chief Executive, Adam Knight, said: “This thrilling new season of shows are coming to The Grand hot on the heels of another record-breaking pantomime season, and I would like to thank all our patrons for continuing to make such magical memories with us here at this beautiful theatre. We are also celebrating the New Year with two major award wins: the UK Theatre Award for Excellence in Arts Education and the Children & Young People Now Award for Arts & Culture, which recognise our groundbreaking work with children, young people, and families in Blackpool and beyond. This work will continue throughout this year and will accompany major touring productions of The Boy at The Back of The Class and WonderBoy, which are both sure to fire the imagination of all those young at heart! “I’m very excited to announce some brand-new productions for this season which include My Beautiful Laundrette - which features original music from the Pet Shop Boys featuring Blackpool’s very own Chris Lowe – along with daring new dance from James Wilton and Motionhouse and an all-star cast for the courtroom thriller Twelve Angry Men.” “Everyone can get involved at The Grand this year with new projects including our first professionally produced Summer Youth Musical Bugsy Malone, our playwriting project with Northern Broadsides and a major new community venture with the internationally renowned Gary Clarke Company with Pride in Motion. 40

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Above: The Gruffalo’s Child

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Above: Unfortunate 2 at Blackpool Grand Theatre

“None of this would be possible without our brilliant team of staff, volunteers and Trustees, including our two outgoing Chairs Anthony Stone and Roger Lloyd Jones, who’ve given so much time, expertise and energy to championing The Grand. I shall miss them and their encouragement greatly. However, we have talented successors in Alistair Armit and Bryan Lindop to continue supporting the growth of this wonderful theatre as we enter our 130th birthday year! “Take the plunge and let Blackpool’s beautiful Grand Theatre be part of your world in 2024. We look forward to welcoming you and wish you all the best for a very Happy New Year!” Adam also made an extra special announcement at the season launch! “The winner of 6 Tony Awards®, the Grammy® Award and the Olivier Award for Best Musical, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, will be coming to Blackpool Grand as part of its first No. 1 UK tour from Tue 20 to Sat 24 May 2025,” he said. “A deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it, DEAR EVAN HANSEN has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere. The New York Times calls it ‘a breathtaking knockout of a musical’ And NBC Nightly News declares the musical ‘an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.’ “DEAR EVAN HANSEN features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony, Olivier and www.lancmag.com

Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman) and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal). Directed by Adam Penford (Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse) and produced by the Ambassador Theatre Group, the production is packed with some of the biggest musical theatre songs of the decade. “An EXCLUSIVE ‘FIRST ACCESS’ to seats to this incredible show will be open to the theatre’s 1894 Club members in February, with a General Public on sale 1 March 2024. For PRIORITY ACCESS join the 1894 Club now! Call 01253 743333.”

Look out for the new Grand Theatre brochure popping through your letterbox soon or pick one up at the Box Office. All shows are also listed on the website. Visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full show listings and bookings or call the box office on 01253 290 190 for bookings and further information.

Listings Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT Box Office 01253 290 190 blackpoolgrand.co.uk Facebook - @blackpoolgrand • Twitter - @Grand_Theatre Instagram - grandtheatrebpl LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 41

Right: Adam Crook, Partner at Goldman Sachs, delivers the 51st Tillotson Lecture at Bolton School. Credit: Bolton School Boys’ Division

Lessons to His Younger Self from Goldman Sachs Partner Former pupil Adam Crook, now a Partner at Goldman Sachs, returned to Bolton School to deliver the public 2023 Tillotson lecture.

olton School Boys’ Division former pupil Adam Crook, now a Partner at Goldman Sachs, returned to his alma mater to deliver the 51st public Tillotson lecture. Adam opened by saying: ‘It’s great to be back at Bolton School. Thank you to all those who have hosted me during the day - in Economics, Business Studies and History lessons and all around the School. It really brought home to me the extremely high quality of young men and women that this school educates and sends out into the wider world.’ He also praised the important work of the School’s Development Office in bringing in former pupils to inspire the next generation. Success, Adam said, is not a straight line. He argued that if you have the right mindset, there is no limit to how high you can climb. Addressing the students in the Great Hall audience, Adam predicted that there will be some fantastic opportunities for their generation. He explained how there has been phenomenal change in the world since he left school 31 years ago. However, he said, the world is now changing at a level unknown in human history and there will be even more transformational and disruptive change during the audience’s working careers. Reflecting this positive outlook, Adam played several short film clips from colleagues and friends. George Lee, Head of Applied Innovation at Goldman Sachs, advised the audience to get engaged with technology, particularly AI, and that although the pace will be terrifying, it will create a world of opportunities. Jan Hatzius, Chief Economist at Goldman, also predicted exciting times ahead and revealed how the state of the economy when you enter the job

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market plays a significant part in determining your career trajectory. Ben Wallace, the former Secretary of State for Defence, advised students to never let anyone tell them that they are not good enough and that there’s always more than one way to achieve your goals. John Waldron, President of Goldman Sachs, was equally upbeat about the future and reminded the audience that we are living in the best time in human history. Telling his own story, Adam shared how he attended Bolton School from 1985-1992 before reading Political and Economic History at the University of Edinburgh. Reflecting on his 30-year career since leaving the Boys’ Division, he spoke of navigating a world of continuous, disruptive change. He undertook Officer Training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before joining the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment as an infantry officer. His years in the Regiment – as a Platoon Commander and then Company Second-inCommand – were spent in Northern Ireland, during the final years of The Troubles, including dealing with the Omagh bombing and inter-community riots around Drumcree. After leaving the army as a Captain, Adam self-financed an MBA at London Business School before moving into Banking. After four years at Barclays Capital, he moved to Goldman Sachs in 2008, where he has remained to date. He is a Partner in the Global Banking & Markets Division at Goldman Sachs and is involved primarily with the trading floor business, especially around currencies and emerging markets. Reflecting on his career, he said it had taught him five key lessons. Lesson one – and possibly the most important – was to have the courage to back yourself, to believe in your www.lancmag.com

abilities and to not let imposter-syndrome hold you back. Bolton School, he thought, had taught him resilience and perseverance, and that there is no hack in life to hard-work, especially when the going gets tough. ‘Lead from the front and by example’ was Adam’s second lesson. He referenced Northern Ireland and the defining day of his time there in August 1998 when he witnessed the Omagh bomb attack, the worst atrocity in over 30 years of terrorism in the Province, which killed 29 people and injured 300 more. After this, he said, he became less intimidated by people, big decisions and by stressful situations. He knew, after this, that he could lead from the front. Adam’s third lesson was that it is never too late to alter the course you are on. He cited the example of him swapping his army uniform for that of the City of London. He recalled how he undertook an MBA at London Business School, having always been fascinated by economics, finance and current affairs. He reminded the audience that you own the narrative of your life. His fourth lesson was to find a mentor. Adam recalled how, when he joined Barclays Capital straight out of Business School, the Head of his Business Unit, who was himself a former Army Officer, had hired him without any experience, pushed him out of his comfort zone when he was ready and mentored him. Always be intellectually curious, Adam said, and be sure to self-correct when needs be and to make yourself coachable. Adam’s final lesson was that you cannot have success without failure. It is, he argued, an inevitable part of your www.lancmag.com

climb to the peak. If you fail, learn from this, was his advice. He recalled his own failures in promotion processes through his career at Goldman Sachs and how - by being coachable, analysing what from his performance had led to those setbacks and coming back a better version of himself – he had ultimately been successful. Adam concluded by telling the audience that “The learning is in the climb… Enjoy your climb!” School Captain Alexander McKie closed out the evening by offering a Vote of Thanks to the speaker. Established in 1971, the prestigious Tillotson Lecture series was begun at the behest of the late Marcus Tillotson, a former Chairman of The Bolton News. The series has attracted eminent speakers over the years, including Michael Portillo, Sir Ian McKellen, Ralf Little, Lord Coe and Sir Philip Craven, who have delivered thought-provoking lectures to the School and local community. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 43

Garden birds Lancashire are counting on you! Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 Together, let’s make it count •

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, which returned in January, is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and provides a snapshot of how garden birds are faring in the UK.

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In 2023, over half a million people across the UK took part, counting more than nine million birds.

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With birds now facing so many challenges due to the nature and climate emergency, every count matters.

The world’s largest garden wildlife survey returned in January, with hundreds of thousands of people watching and counting the UK’s Garden birds over the last weekend in January for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. Over half a million people took part in 2023, counting more than nine million birds. In Lancashire 10,628 people took part, with the House Sparrow taking the top spot as the most commonly seen bird, followed by the Starling and Blackbird.

This year’s event took place on 26, 27 and 28 January 2024. People in Lancashire were asked to spend an hour watching and counting the birds in their garden, balcony or local park, then send their results to the RSPB.

Robin Erithacus rubecula, sitting in grass, March... Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) 44

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This year’s event marks 45 years since the first Big Garden Birdwatch. Starting in 1979, it has since become a muchloved annual citizen science event, that gives the RSPB a valuable snapshot of how garden birds are doing in the UK. Over that time, 185 million birds have been counted and nearly 11.5 million hours spent watching and counting garden birds. Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said: “By taking part in the Birdwatch you are joining hundreds of thousands of people from across the UK, united in a love of nature, to play an important role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing. Big Garden Birdwatch demonstrates the power that people have when they come together for nature. Join us for Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 and together let’s take action to help birds and other wildlife thrive for generations to come.”

RSPB bird care product. Medium Premium seed feeder Nigel Blake (rspb-images.com) Across the UK, House Sparrows celebrated their 20th year as the number one bird spotted in gardens in 2023. While nearly 1.5 million were spotted across the January weekend, these birds have sadly suffered severe declines. In fact, the number of House Sparrows spotted in gardens has dropped by nearly 60% since the Big Garden Birdwatch first began in 1979. Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. The Long-tailed Tit, a much-loved species, rose five positions in the rankings last year, with numbers 39% higher than in 2022. However, Long-tailed Tits are susceptible to harsh weather conditions, with the numbers recorded fluctuating since the Big Garden Birdwatch began.

Above: Greenfinch, Carduelis chloris, male perched on blossom... Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)

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Above: RSPB bird care product. Buggy nibbles food in peanut feeder ... Nigel Blake (rspb-images.com)

Meanwhile, Greenfinches and Chaffinches have been badly affected by a disease known as Trichomonosis. As a result, the UK Chaffinch population has declined by 37% over the last decade, while Greenfinches have declined by 62% over the same time frame. The Birdwatch was first to alert the RSPB to the decline in Song Thrush numbers, which are down 80% compared to the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979. This species was a firm fixture in the top 10 in 1979 but by 2009, its numbers were less than half those recorded 30 years beforehand. The Song Thrush scraped in at number 20 in the rankings this year, seen in just 9% of gardens. Beccy added: “The birds we see in our gardens, from our balconies, and in our parks, are a lively, colourful and endlessly fascinating part of all our lives. By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands like you, play an important role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing. With birds and other wildlife now facing so many challenges due to the nature and climate emergency, every count matters.”

To take part in the next Big Garden Birdwatch, sign up at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch Then simply watch the birds on your balcony, in your garden or in your local green space for one hour. Only count the birds that land, not those flying over. Log the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour, and then send your results in to the RSPB. Find out more at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 45

Simon Entwistle’s monthly column

from the ghost tour expert

Way back in 1998 I received an e mail from a marvellous lady called Sharon Jones, Sharon to this day manages the fabulous grade 1 listed Samlesbury hall. This beautiful building is not only a Lancashire gem but a national treasure. Sharon very kindly invited me to conduct some talks at the hall all ghostly related, as an event. The talk seemed to have gone down quite well and as a result I was invited to join their team of tour guides. Well, here we are in the 21st century and I am still conducting tours at the hall. I can not give you an actual number but over the years I have met and greeted thousands of tourists and film crews from across the planet. The hall does provide many events weddings being very popular, Fairs are very common all year-round Xmas and Mother’s Day autumn. Car and coach parking excellent, The hall has its own restaurant and the fabulous waffler café. Now all the tours are themed, I run what’s called spooky tours, The main reason being Samlesbury hall in its seven centuries has experienced acts of murder, Witchcraft suspicious deaths and suicide. You put all these stories together and you have a tour guides dream. Every tour I conduct I will put the same enthusiasm in to as I did in 1998 why you may ask well I love the job, but I have also fallen in love with Samlesbury hall, the building has become part of me. I have told the staff when I pop my clogs I am definitely going to haunt the hall and join all those other characters I have talked about these past decades. By far from the tourist’s perspective the biggest draw to the hall is its ghost stories, there are many to bring to life So lets turn the clock back in time to 1923 the hall has been earmarked for demolition, local builders 46

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gathered like a flock of vultures to take the stone and timber away and use the material for buildings outside the area.

of the third owner of the hall ,Mr Harrison. The boy shouted you should not be here Mr Harrison will not like it.

But on the 11th hour the Samlesbury hall preservation society was formed, consisting of entrepreneurs and historians, they purchased and saved the hall. The preservation society are still with us today. In 1923 they couldn’t let any builder restore the hall it had to be someone who understood medieval buildings. One such person who fitted the bill came from Darwin a chap called Michael Palin, no relation to are monty python hero . He arrived at the hall in June 1923 with his four apprentices. He gave each apprentice a different part of the hall to work on ,He chose the parlour. He climbed a ladder to inspect the roof joists ,He carefully with a chisel and hammer removed an old and eroded stone, as the stone fell to the floor, he was horrified to notice a little boy with curly black hair at the base of the ladder.

Look said Michael I have been commissioned to restore this building you stand back ,Michael climbed up the ladder, and then suddenly noticed the little boy had gone, Strange he said to himself, must be a quick runner. For the next five months the team of restorers worked there socks of getting new timber and tiles, and the hall was beginning to look like its former self once again. They arrived as usual for another days hard graft on a bitterly cold December day, Michael looked out of the window and noticed the blue sky had disappeared, Being replaced with large dark clouds full of snow,

Michael shouted look out lad as the stone grazed his nose and landed at the boys feet. Michael came down the ladder at great speed to tell the lad off he could have been killed or badly injured, Bit the role was reversed the little boy pointed at a painting on the wall www.lancmag.com

Left and above: Samlesbury Hall

A howling wind encircled Samlesbury hall and heavy snow came down from the heavens. Michael assembled the apprentices and told them, I doubt we will get home tonight lads that snow is getting deeper by the minute. The apprentices were very concerned as it was getting towards Christmas. Michael looked at his time piece, It will be dark in an hours’ time, right boys I suggest we go in to the forest and bring back as much firewood as we can and get the main halls fire working, LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 47

We will have to spend the night here I am afraid . The four boys complained ,But they had never witnessed a blizzard of these proportions. Michael and the four boys made there way outside in to the biting freezing artic winds. They made there way in to the near by forest and came back with a variety of branches logs twigs, and then got a fire starting in the main hall. By 4.00pm it was totally dark outside and the only light they had came from the fireplace . Now this is 1923 so no tv no radio no mobile phone, so the only entertainment is a good nights sleep, so the four apprentices got the bed roles and laid them out in front of the roaring fire and they fell in to a deep sleep. Michael got his bed roll out and sat on it, to pray to the good lord, half way through his prayers he noticed by the door entrance a very bright yellow light. This light really did get his attention, and seemed to grow in its intensity. Suddenly from the light ,the shape of a women appeared Michael watched in shock as he took in the women’s incredible beauty but also slender figure. She made her way to the fireplace the light illuminating the Tudor dress she was wearing and her feminine shape. She put her hand on the Southworth family crest situated on the fire place ,Michael heard her utter the words, I pray my husband will survive this war, she suddenly vanished but left a very sweet scent in the air. Michael’s heart accelerated in his chest his mouth went dry as his brain took in what he had just witnessed. Suddenly from the corner of his eye another bright yellow light appeared in the doorway again, and out of the light appeared a civil war soldier an officer a goatee beard, bandoleers across his chest, he walked straight through Michael as if he wasn’t there, the soldier also walked to the fireplace crest touching it as had the Tudor women before him. Michael heard the ghostly character say I pray this conflict will be over soon, then he to vanished. By now Michael was getting severely traumatised he had witnessed something very paranormal. He gingerly nervously gazed at the doorway for the third time that night and to his horror noticed a much smaller light emanate from the door frame, a much smaller figure appeared, Michael recognised him as the little boy with the curly hair he had seen him in June that year, the boy that nearly got hit by the masonry. The boy ran past Michael and straight threw the sleeping apprentices, as you can imagine he did not sleep well that night, but quite surprisingly when the boys woke up the following morning he did not tell them. When he got back to his family he also did not tell them either. However some years later 48

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Suddenly from the light ,the shape of a women appeared Michael watched in shock as he took in the women’s incredible beauty but also slender figure

at the hight of world war 11, as an elderly gentleman Michael had a walk past the hall just to admire his handy work. He noticed parked outside the main entrance a military vehicle belonging to the royal air force, RAF what are they doing here he said to himself ,he walked across the manicured lawns, as he got to the door entrance through the glass in the doors he could see two RAF personal one a women the other a male both in officers uniforms. Michael entered the room, and just starred at the women in uniform in a very shocked expression. He took in the fact that he was looking at the same beautiful young lady in the Tudor dress that he had seen in 1926. She looked very embarrassed as Michael just starred at her, can I help you she said, her companion the other officer ,Intervened can we help you, Michael told the young women in RAF uniform that he had seen her double in the Tudor dress 1923. She burst in to tears ,I don’t disbelieve a word you have said, but I am from Leicestershire I have never been www.lancmag.com

She informed him that she had met young de Houghton her father was furious and shouted we are Catholics he is a protestant, you will never see him again if you do I promise you I will send you to Marsille to live with the nuns, I will never give you permission to marry a protestant he is not welcome in this house. If anything, this threat seemed to fuel their love and she continued to meet de Houghton behind her parents back. Her father heard about the continued meetings with de Houghton and told her if she did not stop her relationship then the south of France would be her destination. He then told her two brothers do what’s necessary .In the dead of night Dorethea left her bed and tip toad past what she thought were her sleeping brothers and parents .She made her way across the lawns towards the forest ,And there on the fringe of the forest was young de Houghton illuminated in bright moonlight .

to Lancashire in my life before, She then explained as we drove past the hall in the staff car, I shouted stop stop I have been here before and you Mr Palin, have just answered my anxieties. By far the most famous ghost to roam the hall is the legendary white lady, who was she well let’s turn the clock back to the early seventeenth century and the story of lady Dorethea. Apparently she was a very bonny young lady blond hair blue eyes ,On a may morning she woke up in the long gallery ,And noticed bright sunlight emanating from the window, she dressed and made her way down stairs, across the lawns, over the bridge across the moat and in to the nearby forest. She then heard the sound of a horse galloping, On the horse was a handsome young man called De Houghton, He gazed in to Dorethea’s eyes and her eyes met his it was love at first sight, they conversed and agreed to meet again, However on coming back to Samlesbury hall her father asked where she had been. www.lancmag.com

Soon after Dorethea’s passing a string of sightings of her ghostly figure were witnessed on the road next to the hall

On seeing her he gently bowed ,he kissed her hand and then hugged her ,He proposed to her ,Dorethea gratefully accepted the proposal of marriage knowing full well that her family would ostracise her . He placed a beautiful ring on her finger studded with gems from that period of time, He kissed her with genuine love and affection. Then they both heard hysterical shouting and swearing coming from the forest, There standing in front of them were the two brothers both armed with very sharp knives, They maliciously murdered young de Houghton right in front of Dorethea she screamed in deep emotional pain the tears streamed down her cheeks. Her brothers took her back to the hall, there she was placed in the chapel under house arrest. The following morning, she made the long journey to the south of France and the nunnery, On arriving the poor girl never ate again or slept or drank and she died of a Brocken heart on arrival, All she had on her lips was the name of de Houghton, his only crime was to fall in love with a catholic girl that cost him his life. Soon after Dorethea’s passing a string of sightings of her ghostly figure were witnessed on the road next to the hall, And on occasions the long gallery. In the nineteenth century a colonel on riot duties witnessed her in 1878 in between the yew tree and horse chestnut still there today ,he was woken by sobbing in the early hours having been billeted at the hall. He looked out of the long gallery window and there in the moonlight he noticed a figure between the trees. Being an officer and a gentleman, he got dressed very quickly, And ran across the lawn shouting madam may I be of service , The female figure turned to look at the colonel ,But where there should have been a face was a dark cavity .The colonel screamed he was no coward having taken the life’s of many a Russian LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 49

soldier in the Crimea, But he was shocked and ran back in to the building and searched desperately for his British army regulation hip flask and consumed the contents. In 1926 a very important find took place at the hall, When a herringbone drainage system was built across the lawns. One drainage ditch went in between the yew and chestnut tree, And just two feet beneath the surface the foot of a skeleton was discovered, Preston police removed a lot more soil and the report from the sergeant in charge of the dig ,It’s a male definitely a murder but I don’t think we will catch the culprit he has been lying here for at least 400 years. A ring was found on the finger studded with gems, on close inspection after cleaning you could make out an engraving inside the ring, Where the words Dorethea De Houghton, it was indeed the body of young de Houghton who had fallen in love with Dorethea and paid for this love with his life .I have never seen the white lady ,But I have met many people who have including police personal, staff at the hall.

any affection. I have over the years joined paranormal film crews mainly from north America, who have tried to capture her on film, sadly she has never made an appearance for me or the camera. I Would like to meet her and invite her to join the ribble valley tourism association as she has made a huge contribution to tourism in the area and is definitely a huge star in terms of her contributions over the centuries. I do have a series on you tube called tales from the graves. There are two films I have made at the hall, the latest is TGF at Samlesbury hall, This film does indeed capture some very unusual activity in the long gallery I can assure you nothing was rigged.

Over the centuries of course there have been many sightings, She will make her way to the grave of young de Houghton the only boy who ever showed her any love and

Simon Entwistle: simon413entwistle@btinternet.com

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New homes across Lancashire How very Redrow We pride ourselves in building quality homes throughout Lancashire

Images typical of Redrow homes. Details correct at time of going to press.

Redrow strive to create environments that will stand the test of time, where people can appreciate and enjoy their surroundings. We create homes that are designed for the way we live today, yet are rooted in the time-honoured traditions of craftsmanship and care.

Discover more about the new homes in Lancashire

Visit: redrow.co.uk/lancashire

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CheckedSafe and MICHELIN Connected Fleet join forces to support Network Rail CheckedSafe, the UK’s leading provider of vehicle compliance and fleet management solutions, are proud to announce their collaboration with MICHELIN Connected Fleet, a move set to improve their service offerings to Network Rail.

ast August, CheckedSafe revealed that they had secured a monumental partnership with Network Rail, which sees them responsible for managing one of the largest fleets in the UK. This partnership is anything but ordinary. But how could it be? Considering the vast scale of Network Rail’s operations, which includes over 10,000 vehicles and 44,000 unique drivers, CheckedSafe dedicated months to developing bespoke software solutions to meet their requirements. However, the journey to revolutionise fleet management for the firm had only just begun. CheckedSafe and MICHELIN Connected Fleet The recent partnership with MICHELIN Connected Fleet, a leader in fleet telematics systems, takes their services to the next level. The integration of both technologies facilitates real-time tracking and reporting on vehicle usage, ensuring adherence to the highest safety standards. 52

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Specifically, MICHELIN Connected Fleet’s system generates comprehensive reports on vehicle movements. These reports are then cross-referenced with CheckedSafe’s data, identifying which vehicles are moved without a check, which are moved with a check, and those already marked Vehicle-Off-Road (VOR). This ultimately provides Network Rail with complete visibility over their fleet at all times, ensuring vehicles are easily identifiable and compliance is meticulously maintained. Not only this, but the data can be used to inform Network Rail’s decision-making process allowing them to optimise their fleet and reduce costs. How does the partnership benefit Network Rail? Before this partnership, ensuring that each vehicle was properly checked before use posed a significant challenge for Network Rail. The reliance on driver honesty made it difficult to monitor and guarantee pre-use checks across such a vast fleet. Now, the integrated systems of CheckedSafe and MICHELIN Connected Fleet allow for efficient identification of discrepancies, streamlining the compliance process and reinforcing accountability in fleet management. In addition to this, the new collaboration has further bolstered Network Rail’s commitment to road safety and accountability, supporting its www.lancmag.com

vision of maintaining one of the safest vehicle fleets in the UK. With over 10,000 vehicles under its management, CheckedSafe are honoured to contribute significantly to Network Rail’s safety objectives. CheckedSafe’s Darran Harris, comments, “This has always been an ever-evolving partnership for us. At it’s core, it’s about fundamentally changing driver behaivour to help make our roads safer. The recent collaboration has mean we’ve been able to amp up our efforts and ensure Network Rail really are leading the way when it comes to safety.” “It’s been great to collaborate with the team at MICHELIN Connected Fleet on this project. There’s a special satisfaction in devising these tailored solutions that truly work for our clients. Whether that’s from the customised API software or developing new app functions, we’re very proud of our involvement so far. Afterall, it’s a testament to our SaaS platform that it’s at the forefront of Network Rail’s vehicle compliance!” What inspired the creation of CheckedSafe? “Prior to CheckedSafe, compliance was a difficult area for many fleets to get right,” explains Darran, “Of course, it isn’t always a priority for busy businesses, either. What’s supposed to happen is that the driver would check the windscreen and the tyres before setting off on a journey, but the truth is that he can sit in his cab and tick every box - and you’re none the wiser. We wanted to be able to say with integrity whether drivers were doing this properly or not. And so, CheckedSafe was born.” “When drivers use CheckedSafe, they login to our app to complete their checks. We then date and timestamp this, as well as gelocating where they are.” “Every time they press a button we record the time so you can see if they’ve raced through the checks in two minutes; and the clever bit is we also use the accelerometer in the device to make sure they’re walking around the vehicle and not just sitting in the cab because it’s raining!”

Streamline your fleet management and workload all for £1 per vehicle, per week! Visit checkedsafe.com

Real-time tracking and reporting

Keep track of VED renewal dates

Unlimited users for the same cost

Vehicle & trailer MOT lookup enhancement

Come & visit us at the 2024 CV Show, we’ll be on stand 4A 21!

For more information regarding the bespoke streamlined compliance solutions from CheckedSafe, contact us at: 01282 908429 info@checkedsafe.com www.checkedsafe.com www.lancmag.com

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Enterprise Mobility and National Literacy Trust donate nearly 200 books to children across Rochdale as book ownership falls to five-year low.

• Children at five Rochdale schools will receive copies of Onkyeka and the Academy of the Sun. • Young people from less advantaged backgrounds twice as likely to not have any books at home. • Part of larger initiative distributing 25,000 books across the UK

nterprise Mobility and the National Literacy Trust launch their third year of partnership by donating 175 books to children at five schools in Rochdale. This donation is part of a larger initiative distributing 25,000 books across the UK. Recipient schools in Rochdale include Delph Primary School, Milton St John’s CofE Primary School, Micklehurst All Saints CofE Primary School, Livingstone Primary School and Brownhill School. This comes amid findings from the National Literacy Trust that book ownership is at a five-year low among

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children and young people, with those from less advantaged backgrounds twice as likely to not have any books at home. Tolá Okogwu’s Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun was chosen for this book drive. This captivating tale featuring a Black protagonist aims to promote diverse representation in children’s literature, allowing young readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and providing a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who may be from different backgrounds. Accompanying the book donations are free classroom resources and videos hosted by Cbeebies presenter Gyasi Sheppy and actress Sarah Lewis Obuba. Jason Vit, Head of Local Areas at the National Literacy Trust, emphasised the importance of fostering a love for reading among children: “Engaging children in the joy and fun of reading is an essential part of building those key literacy skills that will help them thrive at school, and for the rest of their lives. At the National Literacy Trust, we work across the UK in places facing the biggest challenges, including literacy levels. Through our partnership with Enterprise Mobility, we can reach more children who need the most support and fire their imaginations and love of reading with thrilling books like Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun.” www.lancmag.com

Ryan Johnson, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at Enterprise Mobility, said: “At Enterprise Mobility, we’re committed to supporting the communities where we operate, and we recognise the profound impact that access to books can have on a child’s development and future opportunities. Through our partnership with the National Literacy Trust, we are addressing the concerning decline in book ownership among children across the UK. Together, we are working to inspire young minds, promote diversity in literature, and empower children to unlock their full potential through reading.” Through their partnership, Enterprise Mobility and the National Literacy Trust have now donated approximately 75,000 books to children across the UK, fostering a brighter future through the power of literature. This project is made possible by Enterprise Mobility’s global ROAD Forward initiative, a £43 million commitment over five years aimed at advancing social and racial equity in communities worldwide, launched in 2020.

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Visit Bury’s Award Winning Market

Eat, Drink, & Shop Local B

ury’s multi award winning market (including Britain’s Favourite Market 2022 and Best Market Attraction 2023) is located at the heart of Bury Town Centre and is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the North West. This shopping venue attracts coach visitors from all across the UK; and with the majority of the markets’ 300 stalls being undercover, makes it a great place to visit all year round. The market is all on one level and accessible to all, with disabled facilities centrally located in the modern Market Hall and on the Open Market.

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It offers 19 free coach parking spots, and excellent facilities for group comforts, a free £7.50 coach drivers’ lunch voucher which can be used at eight cafes on the market, and a drop-off/pick-up point for coach passengers which is situated on the edge of the Market and is free to use by all coach companies. Situated off Junction 2 of the M66 on the borders of Lancashire and Greater Manchester, Bury’s Award Winning Market is situated at the heart of the town centre; just follow the brown tourist signs for Bury’s Famous Market. The best days to organise trips are Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, when over 500 retailers are open in Bury. Visitors wishing to come to Bury for a day out should also leave time to visit some of the Town’s other attractions including; The East Lancs Railway, Fusilier Museum, MET Theatre or Bury’s Art Gallery.

For further information and to receive free leaflets, contact Bury Markets Management. Tel: 0161 253 6520 Postcode: BL9 0BJ Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk Web: www.burymarket.com Twitter: @burymarket Facebook: Bury Market Instagram: burymarket www.lancmag.com

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Manchester’s new cultural landmark Aviva Studios officially opens Manchester’s landmark new cultural venue, Aviva Studios, the permanent home of Factory International, officially opened on 18 October 2023 with the world premiere of Free Your Mind, a large-scale immersive performance based on The Matrix.

Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International

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ringing together a world-leading creative team and 50 professional dancers, this dramatic reimagining of the classic 1999 sci-fi film has been designed especially for Aviva Studios and takes place throughout the building’s ultra-flexible spaces. Directed by Danny Boyle, Free Your Mind brings together the visceral movement of choreographer Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy with a powerful score from renowned composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante (co-founders and artistic directors of the Olivier award-winning Boy Blue), set design by world-leading artist and designer Es Devlin and the work of the acclaimed writer Sabrina Mahfouz.

Arts Council England. It is supported by Aviva, the UK’s leading Insurance, Wealth and Retirement business, as principal partner to the venue. The design of the 13,350-square-metre building is based around large, open, flexible spaces that can be constantly reconfigured, enabling artists to create large-scale ambitious works of a kind not seen anywhere else in the world, and providing a canvas to make, explore and experiment. The 21-metrehigh Warehouse is the ultimate flexible

Above: Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International

Below: Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International

Designed by Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), Aviva Studios is a global destination for arts, music and culture located at the heart of the new St John’s neighbourhood in Manchester, a burgeoning city centre hub for creativity and digital innovation. The development is led by Manchester City Council, with backing of £99.05m from HM Government and £7m National Lottery funding from 60

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performance space with capacity for up to 5,000 people standing. It is taller than four double decker buses stacked on top of each other and just under the length of a Boeing 747 aeroplane, and can be divided by a movable, full-height acoustic wall. The Hall features a flexible stage and can house an audience of up to 1,603 seated or 2,000 standing. The Warehouse and the Hall can also work together, with the proscenium capable of opening fully into the Warehouse and allowing the stage to run deeper into the building. The design of Aviva Studios has been led by OMA Partner Ellen van Loon and is the practice’s first major public project in the UK. Programmed and operated by Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester International Festival, Aviva Studios will host a year-round programme of original productions and special events across all artforms – from major exhibitions and concerts to intimate performances and immersive experiences. 2024 programme highlights, announced today, include original live performances by world-renowned artists. Visionary director Robert Wilson teams up with surreal folk duo CocoRosie to retell Kipling’s renowned

Below: Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International

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Above: Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International

novel Jungle Book (March 2024), their fourth theatre collaboration; Maxine Peake, Sarah Frankcom, and Imogen Knight join forces with Gazelle Twin and Daisy Johnson to present a feminist theatrical reimagining of John Bowen’s Robin Redbreast - first broadcast as part of the BBC’s Play for Today series in 1970 and widely regarded as a precursor to The Wicker Man (Robin/ Red/Breast, May 2024); award-winning dance artist and cultural innovator Ivan Michael Blackstock presents the Olivier award-winning TRAPLORD (Sept 2024), a dance performance meditating on life, death and rebirth; and a new music and multi-media theatrical experience by Laurie Anderson, ARK (Nov 2024) will explore how the world needs to change in order to be saved. Other highlights include a visual feast for the senses by the award-winning Marshmallow Laser Feast (July to Aug 2024), a stage spectacle combining Chinese and South Asian dance, data and video from multi-disciplinary artist Keith LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 61

Khan (May 2024) and an interactive symphony by Chinese composer Huang Ruo and BBC Philharmonic (June 2024).

23 – 6 Jan 24) from BAFTA awardwinning director Will Brenton with music from Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals will close out the year.

Following Free Your Mind, Aviva Studios will host The Welcome (11-19 Nov 23), a nine-day programme of music, circus, art and fashion developed by Greater Manchester residents – an invitation from local people to celebrate the new cultural space, Johnny Marr presents two nights of music with an orchestra made up of northern musicians (7-8 Dec), and a stage adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ awardwinning book Lost and Found (13 Dec

Aviva Studios will also add to the city’s thriving music scene, presenting a rich selection of gigs, including in-house concerts and collaborations with local and national promotors. More details of these and other programme will be announced over the coming months.

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As one of the most important cultural developments in Europe, Aviva Studios is predicted to add £1.1 billion to the economy of Manchester and the surrounding region over the next decade, creating or supporting up to 1,500 direct and indirect jobs and providing skills, training and creative opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Below: Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International

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Through the Factory Academy, Aviva Studios will become a major training centre for the creative workforce of the future, providing opportunities for careers in creative industries, Manchester’s fastest-growing sector, while talent development initiatives will create opportunities for artists from the North of England, particularly those most underrepresented in the sector. New opportunities, which have just opened for application, include Artist Takeover, a new Factory International programme which offers artists from any discipline the chance to experiment in Aviva Studios’ flexible spaces, alongside guidance from industry experts; the annual Factory Fellowship which gives emerging artists the chance to work and learn alongside international creatives; and Factory Sounds which provides opportunities for creatives involved in Greater Manchester’s music scene.

an affordable pricing strategy that will see discounted and Aviva £10 tickets for Manchester communities across its year-round programme.

Above: Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International

Reflecting Factory International’s commitment to ensuring access to the widest possible audiences, 5,000 tickets have been made available for Free Your Mind at £10 or less as part of

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Today is a landmark moment for culture not just in Manchester but the North of England and indeed the UK as a whole. This internationally-important venue, extraordinary in its scale and ambition, will open up a world of possibilities for Above: Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International

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John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “I’m so excited and proud to be welcoming audiences to the official opening of our magnificent new home. At every stage in imagining and building this extraordinary space, we have focused on creating new possibilities – for artists to let their imaginations fly, for citizens of Manchester and the world to meet and dream, and for people of all ages and backgrounds to build skills and gain experience. Our official opening production, the Matrix-inspired Free Your Mind has been created especially for this moment by an incredible team, alongside an extraordinary mix of dancers, creatives and local participants, and is uniquely designed to showcase the versatility and ambition of the space. We can’t wait to welcome you all to experience it!”

Below: Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International

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people in this city – inspiring creativity and nurturing careers in the arts. As a major new visitor destination, Aviva Studios will also create and support a great many jobs and add to the vibrancy which makes Manchester such an exciting city. It’s a unique venue, a real asset for the future which will stimulate minds and spirits as well as acting as a catalyst to economic growth and opportunities.” Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “Aviva Studios is set to make a huge difference to the social, economic and cultural life of people across Greater Manchester and the North, as well as attracting national and international visitors to the city. Manchester International Festival has demonstrated that ambitious projects can stretch our imagination and that there is a need for a space of this size and versatility in Manchester. This extraordinary building will allow Factory International to build on its international reputation for developing and delivering world class artistic activity and will enable young people to forge a career in the arts. None 64

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of this would have been possible without the public funding invested in the development nor without the commitment of Manchester City Council and its belief that culture really can transform lives. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this landmark achievement.” Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “From dance and theatre to concerts and exhibitions, there will be something for everyone at this stateof-the-art new venue, which was made possible through nearly £100 million of government funding. Aviva Studios will maximise the potential of the creative industries in Manchester and beyond, creating opportunities for local talent and bringing more world-class culture to the city. The Government’s support for this venue demonstrates our commitment to increasing access to arts and creativity across the country and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it brings to Manchester, both culturally and economically.”

Top: Aviva Studios. Photo by David Levene. Installation from Manchester International Festival 2023 exhibition ‘Yayoi Kusama - You, Me and the Balloons’ at Aviva Studios Top left: Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International Top right: Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International

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Visit Our Award Winning Market Free Coach Drivers Lunch Voucher - £7.50 Situated Just off Junction 2 of the M66 Free Dedicated Coach Parking Coach Drop Off/Pick Up Point Disabled Facilities 0161 253 6520 - 1 Murray Road, Bury BL9 0BJ

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Get to know: Rossendale Interiors

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Rossendale Interiors, the retail division of J & J Ormerod PLC, have been providing quality bespoke kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms for over 40 years.

erving Bacup and the Lancashire region for generations, they have established a reputation for their exceptional products. Impressively, 50% of their business comes from referrals or returning customers, which is a testament to the satisfaction and trust that they have cultivated over the years. In conversation with Mike, who runs the Bacup showroom, we delve into the details of this family business and the extensive offerings they provide.

The kitchen is the heart of the house, and with Rossendale Interiors, creating the perfect design is made effortless. The kitchen is the heart of the house, and with Rossendale Interiors, creating the perfect design is made effortless. Traditional or contemporary, Rossendale can craft a bespoke kitchen that perfectly suits your tastes and preferences. With their free planning and design service, delivered by one of their four experienced interior designers, your dream kitchen can be brought to life. Mike commented, “Inspired by customer feedback, we have released six new colours; charcoal, mint, moss green, rose, Tuscan and Elizabethan red. This is in conjunction with the neutrals, grays, blues and greens that we already offer. We have also released three new ranges that are modern twists on the timeless shaker kitchen – Hawkshaw, Bowland and Appleton.” www.lancmag.com

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Hawkshaw is Rossendale’s newest slim frame shaker kitchen, blending the traditional with the contemporary. Featuring a slim frame of 68mm, this modern interpretation exudes sleekness and sophistication. You can choose from a carefully curated palette of 20 colours, making your home truly yours. Bowland is the perfect fusion of classic and contemporary, showcasing a painted finish and integrated handle design. This design is ideal for open-plan living, as the handle-free minimalist look blends effortlessly between kitchen, dining and living areas. Appleton, featuring super slim framed cabinets in five classic colours, utilises glazed units to maximises storage and brings timeless elegance into any home.

Rossendale Interiors now have 15 stunning kitchens that can be completely customised to your liking.

Rossendale Interiors now have 15 stunning kitchens that can be completely customised to your liking. At times it can be difficult to identify the best kitchen option from the seemingly endless array of possibilities. However, Rossendale have plenty of resources available to make the process easier. For instance, the Bacup showroom boasts 65 displays and is continuously improving, allowing you to see and feel the kitchens firsthand. This immersive experience aids in envisioning how the designs would seamlessly fit into your own home. Mike added, “Whilst the style of your kitchen is crucial, we also focus on functionality and maximising your space. Simple things like placing the pan drawers near the kitchen hob can make a massive difference when you are actually using your kitchen.” One thing that sets Rossendale apart is that they use their own products, manufactured just a mile down the road. Their kitchens are perfectly crafted and are designed to last for decades to come. JJO PLC is one of the UK’s leading kitchen, bedroom and bathroom manufacturers, and were established in 1868. They build premium quality products and have won many awards including the 2009 Gold Award ‘Green Apple’ for being environmentally friendly. With Rossendale Interiors, you can relax in the knowledge that you will receive the highest quality products with a realistic price tag.

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We are no obligation and don’t do highpressure sales. We talk to the customer and offer our advice and expertise, and then will work with the designers to style their kitchen.

Rossendale’s professionalism and customer journey is key to their business. “We are no obligation and don’t do high-pressure sales. We talk to the customer and offer our advice and expertise, and then will work with the designers to style their kitchen. Using the CAD software, we create a realistic 3D image so the customer can really see what their kitchen will look like. We are currently looking to incorporate VR headsets into this feature. Then we go onto measuring the room and will use our preferred self-employed tradesmen for installation.” Rossendale support their customers throughout the entire process, from the initial idea to the fitting of the final tile. They also offer a wide selection of home accessories and finishes such as kitchen lighting, handles, internal fitments, pull out storage and waste bins. Whether it’s Karndean flooring or Bosch kitchen appliances, Rossendale ensures to supply outstanding products to enhance and complete your home. So, if you’re looking to elevate your home without breaking the bank, Rossendale Interiors is for you. Visit your local showroom in Bacup, Ulverston or Oswaldtwistle to begin the transformation of your home. 70

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352-358 Newchurch Rd, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 0LD. Tel: 01706 252122 www.rossendaleinteriors.net

Oswaldtwistle Mills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DE. Tel: 01254 304068 Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street Ulverston. LA12 7AH. Tel: 01229 581828 www.lancmag.com

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“Vindication Swim”: Pioneering swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze, returns to Lancashire with new film almost a century after incredible endurance swim.

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Actors Kirsten Callaghan and John Locke Photogrpaher Janet Brown

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n celebration of International Women’s Day, the much-anticipated biopic Vindication Swim is hitting cinemas across the UK on the 8th of March, which dives into the extraordinary life of Mercedes Gleitze, who in 1927 became the first British woman to swim the English Channel. The film depicts Mercedes’ upstream struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of 1920s England. However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into battle to retain her record and her legacy. Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Elliott Hasler, Vindication Swim, stars British-Irish actress Kirsten Callaghan in her debut role as Mercedes Gleitze, who trained for months in the English Channel before filming began. The film also stars John Locke (Darkest Hour, Poor Things, The Favourite) alongside James Wilby (Maurice, Gosford Park, Howards End) and Douglas Hodge (Joker, The Great, Black Mirror).

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Director Elliott Hasler in the English Channel Photographer Stewart Weir

Left: Director Elliott Hasler and Actor Michael Cronin - Photographer Ivor Knox Right: Director Elliott Hasler in the English Channel Photographer Janet Brown

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Mercedes Gleitze, a name that has been largely lost to history, also became the first person to complete many of other incredible swims around the world, including the Straits of Gibraltar, the Dardanelles and distance between Robben Island and Cape Town. Mercedes also made waves in Lancashire itself, completing a remarkable 14-hour endurance sea swim in Blackpool on the 17th of September 1928, which saw hundreds of residents flock to the beachfront to see her swim. Two years later, Mercedes returned to the county to undertake a mammoth 31 hour endurance swim in Liverpool’s iconic Westminster Road Baths, witnessed by many hundreds of people. The inclusion of Lancashire within the legacy of Mercedes Gleitze adds a local touch to this global narrative, celebrating the resilience and spirit of a woman who dared to challenge the status quo.

Above: Actors Kirsten Callaghan and John Locke - Photographer Stewart Weir

Above: Kirsten Callaghan and Boatmen Photographer Martin Tomes Above: Victoria Summer and David Aitchison Photogrpaher Janet Brown

Above: Victoria Summer as Edith Gade Photographer Martin Tomes

Left: Kirsten Callaghan as Mercedes Gleitze Photographer Studio Essy

Kirsten Callaghan as Mercedes Gleitze By Relsah Films

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Vindication Swim serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of a woman who dared to dream beyond the confines of her era. The film’s release on the 8th of March invites Lancashire residents to join the nationwide audience in commemorating International Women’s Day while paying homage to a local connection that shaped Gleitze’s remarkable legacy. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a sports fan, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Vindication Swim promises a cinematic experience that celebrates not only the achievements of Mercedes Gleitze, but also the collective strength and determination of women who have left an indelible mark on our world. Details for screenings can be found at www.vindicationswimfilm.com or @vindicationswimfilm on social media.

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Discover Manchester’s hidden gem: Hotel Indigo’s city view suites Nestled next to Victoria Station on the edge of the Northern Quarter, Hotel Indigo Manchester offers a truly unique experience for both locals and tourists.

ith its 187 rooms spanning thirteen floors, the spotlight is on their magnificent suites. As you step in, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of relaxation and comfort. Each suite includes a coffee machine, complimentary robes, and breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows.

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The real showstopper? The wrap-around balconies that provide panoramic views of Manchester’s city centre. The hotel stands apart as one of the only hotels with this unique offering, ensuring an experience you won’t find anywhere else! From the heights of these suites, guests will be treated to a breathtaking view. Gaze out of your window, and you’ll have the privilege of overlooking some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks, including Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Arndale, and the rich history of the National Football Museum, all the way to the vibrant Deansgate area. 78

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Hotel Indigo Manchester understands that true relaxation lies in the details. That’s why each suite features walk-in rainfall showers, ensuring a rejuvenating experience for every guest. If you’re a dedicated shopper, you’re in luck. The hotel is conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from the Arndale Centre, making it the perfect base for shopaholics looking to explore Manchester’s retail haven. Whether you’re a visitor seeking a memorable stay or a local looking for a unique weekend getaway, Hotel Indigo Manchester’s City View suites offer an experience like no other.

From the heights of these suites, guests will be treated to a breathtaking view. Hotel Indigo 6 Todd Street, Manchester, M3 1WU United Kingdom For more detailed information or reservations, please visit: www.manchestervictoria.hotelindigo.com or Contact Front Desk: +44 161 3597499 Email: admin@manchestervictoria.hotelindigo.com

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Fishers Mobile Farm: Bringing the Farm to You!

Fishers Mobile Farm brings a farm experience like no other right to your doorstep! This mobile petting farm is a brilliant attraction for the young and old, for fun or for learning. 80

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overing schools, nurseries, SEN groups, care homes, promotions and events, the Mobile Farm introduces farm life to urban areas in a safe and organised way. If you’re in the North West, including Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Merseyside, why not get the farm brought to you – which is significantly less expensive than transporting your groups to the farm, and with less organisation required! Inspiration struck in 2011, when the farm’s formerowner thought: “We have all these fantastically friendly animals that we keep collecting, why don’t we let everyone meet them? Instead of schools taking their pupils to the farm, the farm could go to them, and the animals can help earn their keep.”

“We have all these fantastically friendly animals that we keep collecting, why don’t we let everyone meet them?

This simple yet brilliant idea had uncovered a gap in the market. Whilst there were similar businesses in the South, the North West had nothing like it. So, the team rolled up their sleeves and set out to create something special out of this unique www.lancmag.com

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opportunity. Drawing on their diverse skillset, they invested time, effort and resources into bringing their mobile farm idea to life. Posters, a website, information sheets, insurances, cars and trailers laid the groundwork for Fishers Mobile Farm. Fishers Mobile Farm invested in sheep hurdles, gazebos, and a plethora of equipment for feeding, cleaning, crowd control, and everything in between. The process was no small feat, considering the complexities of creating a mobile farm on wheels. During the creation of Fishers, the former owner’s friend Ben Heaps played an integral role. He not only shared some fantastic ideas, but also lent them some of the animals that became the stars of the show during their school visits. Ben was instrumental in creating this new concept and took on the helm soon after. Teamwork makes the dream work, and with Ben’s support, Fishers Mobile Farm was born.

Primary School. It was a fantastic day; the animals were on their best behaviour and both the children and staff couldn’t get enough of it. Afterwards, the team had a field day adding heaps of photos and even some complimentary testimonials to the website, capturing the joy and excitement that Fishers Mobile Farm had brought. Fishers was soon short listed for the Farm and Countryside Education ‘Farm to the Classroom’ Award and they also obtained the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Award. By 2016, the Mobile

It was a fantastic day; the animals were on their best behaviour and both the children and staff couldn’t get enough of it

The team organised a Mobile Farm open day, inviting family and friends and taking many photos of the animals in action to make their website shine. To kickstart their bookings, they began to reach out to schools, and soon had their first event – a private party in November 2011, who met Jam the pony, two pygmy goats, chickens, rabbits and ducks. The business also proved popular with schools, the first being Atherton St Georges

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Farm had visited hundreds of schools, bringing smiles to over 30,000 children as they met and connected with the friendly farm animals. The Mobile Farm didn’t just stop at schools, it hit the road to attend countless public events. From town centres and country fairs to scout camps, pubs, garden centres, wildlife parks, country fayres, museums, public parks, mosques and cathedral grounds – you name it, the farm was there, spreading joy everywhere. Noteworthy encounters include sharing a hangar with the Concorde at Manchester Airport and mingling with celebrities like TV Chefs, Soap Opera Stars, English Football and Rugby players. The animals made appearances on radio stations, including BBC Lancashire who featured a live broadcast from one of the farm’s school events. Hello! Magazine, the Manchester Evening News and many local papers also featured the farm. It was a whirlwind of excitement for our furry friends! With Ben Heaps taking over, the farm had grown to include donkeys, cows, pigs, llamas, chickens, sheep, goats, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, a miniature pony, and many more. Cedar Farm in Mawdesley approached Fishers Mobile Farm and asked Ben to take over running the animal farm. Ben saw this as an opportunity to create seasonal experiences, the first of these events being the Magical Festive Farm in 2023. This event was a huge success and went beyond all expectations! Alongside the day-to-day running of the animal farm, Fishers Mobile Farm also creates amazing animal experiences at the Cedar Farm site, And here’s the best part – entry to Cedar Farm is absolutely free! Don’t forget to purchase a bag of feed from The Gallery, which not only adds an extra touch of fun into your day, but also supports the farm in the process.

The Mobile Farm didn’t just stop at schools, it hit the road to attend countless public events.

Fishers Mobile Farm is also available for birthday parties, so you can make your child’s party extra special by adding these lovely farm animals into your celebrations! With years of experience running Mobile Farm events, customers can be sure that the team have learnt how to do it right – they know what works well and what doesn’t. Fishers Mobile Farm make every effort to ensure your group has an incredible time. For example, they have gazebos to protect your group and the animals from the often-unpredictable English weather. The staff are well-versed in creating enjoyable experiences for the elderly and those in Special Educational Needs (SEN) groups. The staff are there to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, answering all questions and introducing the group into the world of the animals, ensuring a memorable experience for them.

The Mobile Farm is also an exciting opportunity for schools to blend fun with learning. Without even leaving the school grounds, the children meet the farm animals and learn more about them in a way that has links across the National Curriculum. From discussing what each animal eats, where they live and sleep, how to look after the animals, and where our food comes from, the children will come out of the event with a whole new knowledge about animals and how the world works. Through engaging interactions with the animals, the children’s minds will also be opened to sustainability and the broader impact of their choices on the environment. A creative package of worksheets and ICT resources are included to boost the children’s learning and reinforce the knowledge taught on the visit. So, if you and your group would like the chance to meet the adorable and friendly animals, please contact Fishers Mobile Farm. 84

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For enquiries about the Mobile Farm, including schools, nurseries, SEN groups, care homes, promotions or events, please contact info@mobilefarm.biz or the phone number 07714 917979. For enquiries about Birthday Parties or for any information about the Animal Experiences held at Cedar Farm, please contact minifarm@mobilefarm.biz or call 07976 947063. You can also keep up with the farm on Instagram and Facebook! Instagram - @fishersmobile • Facebook - Fishers Mobile Farm

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The Dukes announce a new Family Festival full of theatre, cinema, workshops and more! The Dukes Unveil Exciting Family Festival: A Two-Week Extravaganza of Theatre, Cinema, Workshops, and More! The Dukes Family Festival will run from March 31st to April 13th 2024

he Dukes, Lancaster is thrilled to announce a new Family Festival, promising two weeks of laughter, wonder, and creativity for families of all sizes. The festival’s magical lineup boasts a tonne of family favourites, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for everyone. From Spot’s Birthday Party to The (Not) So Big Bad Wolf, Claytime, Club Origami, Les Enfants Terribles, and Shark in the Park, the festival is designed to cater to everyone in the family. In addition to these magical performances, families will be able to enjoy an exciting selection of cinema screenings and participate in ongoing creative arts workshops throughout the week.

promising two weeks of laughter, wonder, and creativity for families of all sizes.

Embark on an adventure with Little Red, a world-renowned “True Grimm” podcaster, on a mission to demystify the myths surrounding her so-called nemesis. With a red invisibility cloak, music, mayhem, and magic tricks, Little Red brings her captivating story to life. Claytime Saturday 6th April: http://tinyurl.com/39scnu4m Come to a place where the earth’s natural material meets with children’s imaginations: a world of fabulous forms, amazing animals and morphing monsters.

You can see the full theatre programme below, with more cinema screenings and creative workshop announcements to come soon:

Each Claytime is totally unique - creating its own world, its own characters and its own stories drawn directly from its young audience. Truly, interactive theatre at its most engaging.

Spot’s Birthday - Based on the books by Eric Hill

Club Origami

Sunday 31st March: http://tinyurl.com/muw49pbt

Wednesday 10th April: http://tinyurl.com/yckb69dn

Spot is throwing the ultimate birthday bash, and everyone’s invited! With lively party hats, catchy songs, and interactive games, join Steve the monkey, Tom the Crocodile, and Helen the Hippo to wish Spot a joyous HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Unleash your creativity with Club Origami! Immerse yourself in an interactive dance show that encourages families to create, imagine, and explore through the art of origami. Dance, fashion, and live music merge in this spirited adventure set in a land made entirely of paper and play.

The (Not) So Big Bad Wolf Wednesday 3rd April: http://tinyurl.com/yc65s2tz 86

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Les Enfants Terribles A Gameshow For Awful Children Thursday 11th April: http://tinyurl.com/cyy7j8p6 Laugh out loud as the UK’s favourite Frenchman hosts a family gameshow, pitting children against adults to find the most “awful” child. With acerbic humour and quick-witted banter, this award-winning show promises a hilarious experience for the entire family. Shark in the Park Friday 12th & Saturday 13th April: http://tinyurl.com/mu92743w Join Timothy Pope on three exciting adventures with his trusty telescope in this fin-tastic, family musical. From the creative minds behind ‘The Hairy Maclary Show’ and ‘You Choose,’ experience all three of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ books live on stage!

Scan here to learn more!

dukeslancaster.org | 01524 598500

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Stay tuned for additional announcements as more shows are unveiled. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary celebration of family-friendly entertainment! Tickets can be booked visiting www.dukeslancaster.org, by contacting the Dukes Box Office at 01524 598500 or emailing tickets@dukeslancaster.org. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 87

Famous faces join Twelve Angry Men at The Grand this Spring Blackpool Grand Theatre welcomes a bench full of household names to star in the gripping courtroom thriller Twelve Angry Men including top TV stars Jason Merrells, Tristan Gemmill, Michael Greco and Gray O’Brien

The riveting courtroom thriller Twelve Angry Men is back in session at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Monday 29 April to Saturday 4 May following rave reviews and it’s packed full of famous names! Reginald Rose’s famous knife-edge drama will see top TV stars Jason Merrells (Casualty, Emmerdale) leading the jury alongside Tristan Gemmill (Coronation Street, Casualty), Michael Greco (EastEnders, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier, Doctors), Gary Webster (Minder, Family Affairs) and Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street, Peak Practice) 88

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Above: 12 Angry Men

Seasoned stage actors Paul Beech, Samarge Hamilton, Jeffrey Harmer, Mark Heenehan, Kenneth Jay, Paul Lavers, Owen Oldroyd and Adam Phillip Bloom complete the talented cast of this iconic play, which has been hailed as ‘the classiest, most intelligent drama playing on the West End’. The 1957 three-time Academy Award nominated film starring Henry Fonda is also considered one of the great ‘must-sees’ of all time.

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An all-male jury has murder on their minds and a life in their hands as they decide the fate of a young delinquent accused of killing his father. But what appears to be an open and shut case soon becomes a huge dilemma, as prejudices and preconceived ideas about the accused, the trial, and each other turn the tables every which way, until the nail-biting climax… Ladies and Gentleman – It’s time to bring in the jury... JASON MERRELLS Screen credits include Agatha Raisin; Emmerdale; Waterloo Road; Cutting It; Clocking Off; Queer as Folk; Happy Valley and Finding Alice. TRISTAN GEMMILL Screen credits include Coronation Street; Casualty; The Crown; Poirot; Atlantis; Where The Heart Is; Grass, Death in Paradise and Call the Midwife.

GARY WEBSTER Screen credits include Real Women; Hollyoaks; The Bill; EastEnders; Family Affairs; Minder; Dream Hacker and Bermondsey Tales: The Fall of the Roman Empire. GRAY O’BRIEN Screen credits include The Loch; Shakespeare & Hathaway; Titanic - Blood and Steel; Coronation Street; Doctor Who; Peak Practice; River City; Taggart; Bad Boys and The Daniel Connection. OWEN OLDROYD Stage credits include The Shawshank Redemption; Blithe Spirit; Betrayal; INK; How The Other Half Loves; The Two Worlds of Charlie F; Mamma Mia!; Blood Brothers; Don’t Dress For Dinner; Fab Four and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

MICHAEL GRECO Screen credits include Queen Cleopatra; Chasing Shadows; Murder In Mind; Absolutely Fabulous; Eastenders; Revenge; Hatfields and Mccoys and Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes. BEN NEALON Screen credits include Soldier Soldier; The Bill; Between the Lines; EastEnders; The Northern Lights; The Loneliest Boy in the World and Wirecard.

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PAUL LAVERS Stage credits include Les Blancs; Network; The Sound of Music; Catch Me If You Can and Murder Trial Tonight. MARK HEENEHAN Stage credits include The Shawshank Redemption; Stairs to the Roof; Of Mice and Men; Arsenic And Old Lace; Evita; Jersey Boys; On the Town; Fiddler On The Roof; Guys And Dolls; The Mikado; Sweeney Todd and Grand Hotel. SAMARGE HAMILTON Stage credits include The Shawshank Redemption; Abandon; Albatross; Interruptions; On the Line and Sweet Dreams and a Beautiful Nightmare.

What’s the verdict? It’s time to approach the bench and book your tickets for this classic courtroom thriller! Reginald Rose’s Twelve Angry Men is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Monday 29 April to Saturday 4 May with evening and matinee performances. Age guidance 12+ Tickets from £17.50 with group rates available and concessions for 1894 Club members. And don’t forget! You can pre-book bottles of ice-chilled sparkling Prosecco, fragrant fresh flowers and delicious chocolate truffles to treat your loved ones to the theatrical experience of a lifetime!

PAUL BEECH Stage credits include Death of a Salesman; The Alchemist; Close to The Coalhouse Door; The Seagull; The Collection; The Long and the Short and the Tall; The Signalman’s Apprentice; The Promise and Coriolanus.

Please call the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit www.BlackpoolGrand.co.uk for full listings, bookings and further information.

KENNETH JAY

Listings

Stage credits include Witness for the Prosecution; Noises Off; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Measure for Measure; The Odd Couple; Waiting for Godot; Clara; It’s a Wonderful Life; Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; Cool Hand Luke; Death of a Salesman and Woman in Black.

Reginald Rose’s Twelve Angry Men – Mon 29 Apr to Sat 4 May at 7.30pm

Twelve Angry Men is a masterclass in suspense as a dozen ‘ordinary’ men hold the fate of another human’s life in their hands. Will they allow their own hidden prejudices to cloud their judgement? This fascinating insight into human nature is as relevant today as it ever was. 90

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Thu & Sat matinee at 2.30pm Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT Box Office 01253 290 190 blackpoolgrand.co.uk Facebook - @blackpoolgrand • Twitter - @Grand_Theatre Instagram - grandtheatrebpl

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Tracy Boylin: Transforming Organisational Culture and Empowering Voices in the Workplace

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racy Boylin, CEO of Organisational and People Genetics, focusses on helping business leaders to promote excellence through team engagement. Drawing upon her extensive 25-year career as a Human Resources expert, Tracy has a deep comprehension of toxic workplaces and how they are detrimental to employees. Tracy and her team mitigate the negative impacts of toxic workplaces on the workforce. Through the use of hitech live technology, they assist companies in managing risk, reducing harm and promoting respect. Tracy’s commitment is geared towards creative healthier and more productive work environments, utilising modern tools to address organisational challenges proactively. Unfortunately, Tracy has experienced the effects of bullying first-hand. As a whistleblower determined to highlight a damaging culture of enforced silence, she was threatened, persecuted, and eventually driven out of her job. And it didn’t stop there. But what Tracy learnt from these horrendous experiences and her subsequent campaign for justice was that she was not prepared to turn away. She was determined to fight for the truth – for justice – and to help others in similar situations. More importantly, she wanted to prevent them from ever happening again. As a result, she has created systems to make raising concerns easier and that can also support the work of independent, external bodies. Tracy’s work aids organisations to create a more open reporting culture, preventing individuals from being victimised or suffering retribution and ensuring that a talented, committed workforce is retained. Nicknamed ‘The Employee Whisperer’, Tracy works to empower every employee with a voice. Tracy has worked as an HR Director for over 25 years spanning the private, charity and public sectors, during which time she was commended by Ofsted for resolving the longest running strike in Educational History and won a National Training Award. A commercial professional, she is also Chair of Turton High School and Sixth Form College, expert witness, www.lancmag.com

mediator, and coach. She is a Visiting Research Fellow for Middlesex University, specifically assigned to the Whistleblowing Research Unit run by David Lewis and holds an Honorary Industry Fellow contact with Salford Business School. The Healing Process which Tracy was heavily involved with in Scotland is now the subject of a UKRI funded case study for its innovation being led by Professor Jonathon Lord at Salford Business school as a potential model for the future but could also inform future policy and development.

and in December 2020 won the Shero award for her work in transforming Organisational Culture. She has been named as one of the great leaders in Healthcare by the author, in the book “Brainy Neuroscience for Engaged People” and in December 2020 won the Shero award for her work in transforming Organisational Culture. Tracy Boylin is also an Ambassador for Sleepout Manchester, an initiative that’s working tirelessly to provide a positive social impact and tackle issues such as homelessness. Tracy explained: “Being able to make a difference to people is what drives me. Kindness, compassion, integrity, transparency and honesty are what matter and needs to be at the forefront and integral to all the work I do. See the person first in front of you.” Tracy Boylin’s story is a testament to resilience, advocacy for justice, and a relentless pursuit of creating workplaces where every person is seen, heard, and valued. Her contributions underscore the importance of measures to address organisational challenges and foster environments that prioritise the wellbeing and empowerment of every individual. Tracy’s personal experience as a whistleblower, facing threats and persecution, has fueled her determination to fight for justice and prevent similar situations for others.

If you want your organisation to be at the leading edge of truly transformational culture please contact Tracy at tracy.boylin@orggen.co.uk LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 93

Page Turner Awards Opens Its Doors to Literary Excellence for the Fifth Year

London, UK, 24 January 2024 The renowned Page Turner Awards, an international writing competition that celebrates exceptional storytelling, proudly announces its opening to submissions for the 2024 season. The commencement of its annual writing competition invites wordsmiths from every corner of the globe to submit their captivating narratives. Now in its fifth year, Page Turner Awards extends a warm invitation to cultural storytellers and enthusiasts. Whether you’re sharing traditional tales that resonate globally, exploring the rich tapestry of customs, or delving into the nuances of diverse societies, Page Turner Awards welcomes the stories that emerge from cultural interests, providing a platform for your exceptional tales. With the introduction of the Culture Award, they invite you to submit your narratives and be part of a literary celebration that embraces the depth and diversity of cultural storytelling. The competition encompasses three distinct categories: the Book Award for published works, the Writing Award for unpublished manuscripts, and the Screenplay Award for unproduced scripts.

Pramudith Rupasinghe, a psychosocial expert and a humanitarian for over 25 years, said, “What an incredible piece of thought! This is a humanitarian dream come true. I am wholeheartedly with you in this endeavour. It fills a significant void I have been noticing in writing contests around the world. Entering the Page Turner Awards is a great opportunity for writers to get their work noticed and to take their writing careers to the next level, said Paula Sheridan, founder of the Page Turner Awards. The judging panel is always impressed by the high quality of submissions we receive. With our new Equality Awards, the Culture Award and the Phoenix Award, both reflect our commitment to amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. We are excited to see what new and exciting stories this year’s competition will bring. Writers, irrespective of their background or experience, are encouraged to submit their entries and vie for the chance to be recognized on a global stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your work recognized by a prestigious panel of judges.

A distinguished judging panel, comprising different industry experts, including literary agents, publishers, and film producers, looking for scripts to option, will meticulously assess each submission, ensuring that the highest standards of literary excellence are upheld. Once reviewed, they will select the winners, who will receive a range of valuable prizes, including book deals, literary consultations, and more. In its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity, Page Turner Awards is introducing two new Equality Awards: the Culture Award and the Phoenix Award. The Culture Award will recognize a work that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding between different cultures. The Phoenix Award will honour a writer who has overcome adversity and emerged with stronger writing. 94

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Are you a writer with a captivating story to tell? Submit your work today online at www.pageturnerawards.com and let your voice be heard! www.lancmag.com

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BACKUP invites you to our Black Tie Gala Ball

march 7pm Pre-dinner drinks 16th 1am Carriages 2024 Dress code Black Tie

Tickets from £85.00 / £850.00 per table £120.00 Premium tables of ten

scan qr for booking info or email laurapendlebury@backup-charity.org.uk

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Fylde Coast Hindu Society finally have home for local Hindu community of Blackpool and Fylde Coast to meet regularly.

n partnership with Community Hub Blackpool we have place where we meet once a month for prayers, gathering and various activities. With our central focus on community cohesion, respect each other and share common values, we host range of activities such as monthly get together where everyone is welcome to attend, there is FREE warm meal and chance to meet others and make friends. FCHS has invited local councillors and local PCSO to our monthly get together which was very well attended by Local Hindu community and local community. Chirag Khajuria Chair of Fylde Coast Hindu society said: Finally we have home for local Hindu community to come together. It is start of new era for Fylde Coast Hindu society where we promote positive values of love, respect, care and community cohesion. With several projects such as Indian cultural festival, Holi and Diwali festival, Bollywood dance class, art workshops, working with schools, local community, various local organisations, Fylde coast Hindu Society is becoming an integral part of local community. Fylde Coast Hindu Society is run by volunteers, who believes is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam” – World is one family.

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Meet The Boy at The Back of The Class at The Grand this May J

oin the thousands of families who love Onjali Q. Raúf’s heartwarming tale of The Boy at The Back of The Class as the exciting new stage show comes to Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 May. It’s the must-see show for all the family this Spring. Told from a child’s perspective and perfectly balancing humour and compassion, this award-winning story highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home. After learning that he has fled his own war-torn country, Ahmet’s new school classmates have ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ – a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family. An unexpected and often hilarious adventure follows, all topped off with a terrific twist! ‘There used to be an empty chair at the back of the class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!’

Book now for Onjali Q. Raúf’s The Boy at the Back of The Class at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 7 May to Saturday 11 May with matinee and evening performances available. Tickets from £18.50 with concessions, 1894 Club discounts and school group rates available. Age guidance ages 7+. A free teacher’s resource pack is also available containing lots of practical activity ideas, using creative, active approaches to explore different themes. Visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full show listings of all the fantastic family shows and much more at the Grand in 2024! Or call the box office on 01253 290 190 for bookings and further information.

Onjali Q. Raúf’s ‘warm-hearted celebration of courage and friendship’ scooped both the Blue Peter Book Award and the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize and has received rave reviews across the children’s literary world, with Book Trust saying: ‘This is a beautiful, open-hearted debut that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.’ Onjali Q. Raúf is a best selling children’s author and activist. Her books are especially noteworthy for helping the children of today understand and deal with a range of issues in a narrative that they can relate to in an engaging way. Her debut book, The Boy at the Back of the Class, was met with huge critical acclaim. Her other book titles include The Star Outside My Window, The Night Bus Hero, and a follow-up to The Boy at the Back of the Class, called The Day We Met the Queen.

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WHAT’S ON

MON 29 APR TO SAT 04 MAY

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Take the Plunge… Dive into this year’s hottest shows at Blackpool Grand Theatre!

lackpool Grand Theatre announces a shimmering new season that’s swimming with top shows for 2024 including the delightfully outrageous musical parody Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch. This wickedly camp tale from under the waves stars Shawna Hamic (Orange is the New Black) as ‘Ursula’ and River Medway (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) as ‘Ariel’, it’s not to be missed! Wave goodbye to everything you thought you knew about Disney’s favourite Diva… Ursula the Sea Witch is back and she’s bigger, bolder and sexier than ever before. The legendary queer queen is ready to spill all in a titillating tale of sex, sorcery and suckers that’s bursting with an original hot pop soundtrack and trademark filthy humour. Don’t be the poor unfortunate soul that misses out! The biggest and best shows will continue to thrill and chill, with an powerful production of Hanif Kureishi’s iconic Oscar-nominated screenplay My Beautiful Laundrette; the supernatural stage phenomenon 2:22 A Ghost Story starring Vera Chok (Hollyoaks), Jay McGuiness (The Wanted), Fiona Wade (Emmerdale) and George Rainsford (Call the Midwife); gripping courtroom thriller Twelve Angry Men starring Jason Merrells (Casualty), Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street), Tristan Gemmill (Coronation Street), Michael Greco (EastEnders), Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier) and Gary Webster (Minder, Family Affairs), and Onjali Q. Raúf’s award-winning tale of the power of friendship and kindness The Boy at The Back of The Class. There’s a whole lot of family fun too! An enchanting new stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book; the irrepressible Peppa Pig returns with an oinktastic new live show; CBBC’s Andy and The Odd Socks are rocking out with a madcap mix of songs, slapstick and silliness, and the explosive new production Science Museum Live on Tour will ignite curiosity !

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Looking for something a little different? Herman Melville’s seafaring masterpiece Moby Dick is gloriously captured on stage by Simple8; a masterclass in fearless comic writing with Joe Orton’s riotous black comedy What The Butler Saw, and Jo O’Byrne’s fabulous creepy Tales from Paradise Heights. Any new season at The Grand wouldn’t be complete without Blackpool’s number one magical family pantomime Cinderella starring everyone’s favourite comic and Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Steve Royle as Buttons with Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph returning as the incredibly gorgeous Ugly Sisters; PLUS an allstar cast, soon to be announced. And of course, the Sensational Shetland Ponies… Blackpool Grand Theatre Chief Executive, Adam Knight, said: “This thrilling new season of shows are coming to The Grand hot on the heels of another record-breaking pantomime season, and I would like to thank all our patrons for continuing to make such magical memories with us here at this beautiful theatre. “I am also thrilled to announce that the winner of 6 Tony Awards, the Grammy Award and the Olivier Award for Best Musical, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, will be coming to Blackpool Grand as part of its first No. 1 UK tour from Tue 20 to Sat 24 May 2025! “A deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it, DEAR EVAN HANSEN has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere. The New York Times calls it ‘a breathtaking knockout of a musical’ and this exciting new production is packed with some of the biggest musical theatre songs of the decade. “Today is Going to Be a Good Day! Take the plunge and let Blackpool’s beautiful Grand Theatre be part of your world in 2024.” Visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full show listings and bookings or call the box office on 01253 290 190 for bookings and further information.

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Lake District Diary Friends of the Lake District is an independent landscape charity based in Cumbria, dedicated to protecting and enhancing the most popular destination for a wild escape for many of us.

All of its efforts are put towards sustaining the rich, diverse, living pattern of landscape, wildlife and culture that makes Cumbria and the Lake District such a unique and popular place.

It campaigns against inappropriate developments, is an outspoken advocate for open access, attracts thousands of members and a volunteer workforce to care for and enhance land in its ownership across the Lake District and Cumbria. The membership charity is a great advocate of putting its money where its mouth is and getting its hands dirty!

It calls on the services of a volunteer workforce that gets stuck in at weekly ‘workparties’, co-ordinated by its Land Manager, Jan Darrall. Jan publishes a weekly diary of life in the Lake District, the up and downs, the flora, the fauna and the challenges of land management. We thought we’d start a regular feature, clueing you in on work underway, the successes and lessons learned by this remarkable charity on some of its many properties.

Jan Darrall, Land Manager’s Diary Cumbria continues to excel itself with the range of weather it throws at us, continuing well into 2024 as we get buffeted by Storm Isha and Jocelyn in late January. Temperatures of -9, heavy snow, rain and flooding all add to the mix and require volunteers of hardy stock. Many of our workparties were cancelled over the recent period but we braved many. Our volunteers were out in force at Gillside and Tongue Gill Woods at Grasmere, the woods we manage for Friends of the Lake District members Bev and Jo Dennison. We are BIG fans of trees and always encourage people to plant trees and appreciate the beauty and importance of trees in our environment and life. As we know, trees can help store carbon, provide valuable habitats, slow the flow of water, enhance our landscapes but also are key to our mental health and wellbeing.

beetle, as the majority sold will be small and healthy trees, whereas Ips typographus prefers to infest dying and stressed spruce trees that are greater than 8cm in diameter. We all have to remain vigilant for the increasing number of diseases threatening to kill off our beloved trees. Our landscapes would be so much poorer without them, as well as all the positive impacts above.

Below: Crab Apples

But sadly, every week we seem to encounter a new tree disease threatening our glorious woodlands. Did you know that there is even a disease affecting Christmas trees – Ips typographus. Luckily spruce Christmas trees are considered to be at low risk to Ips typographus, the eight-toothed spruce bark 106

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So it is always a delight to be back in Gillside and Tongue Gill woods, perhaps one of the greenest valleys in Lakeland with its healthy native woodland and hydro-electric power scheme. We were joined by a gang of nine volunteers including helpers from the Field Studies Council, Environment Agency and RSPB. (Don’t forget if your employer gives you the chance to have ‘give back days’ to work with local conservation charities, we would love to have you along!) It is often hard to get motivated at this time of year with long hours of darkness and not much happening outside. But look a bit further and there are things to notice. Catkins close up

We introduced conservation grazing onto the Helm some years ago. Cows and ponies eat differently to sheep, both in terms of how they eat the grass but also what they eat. They are much better at eating rank grass or vegetation sheep would ignore and the way they rip off the grass is better for the grass and other plants. Nicola Evans grazes native fell

Atmospheric view Gillside

The owls are noisy right now as they are calling to attract mates and there is some bird song. The male foxes are widening their territories as they look for ladies. The red squirrels are at their most tuftiest if that is even a word, and the early bulbs of snowdrops and daffodils are pushing through the wet and frosty ground. At Gillside whilst we did not see any red squirrels about even though they live in the woods, we did notice many of the trees were budding and the catkins were out. We were blessed with a fine day for a visit to the Helm near Kendal. It followed a week of winds, rain, flooding, power loss and so on... It had us debating just how you make candles from rushes and reeds and how many you would need to get any light worth having! A day on the Helm with little wind, a great collection of new and old volunteers and some very cheeky fell ponies was just what was needed to lift the spirits. We certainly did some laughing with the antics of our four-legged friends, and quite a bit of work got done too! We have just about finished rabbit wiring new tree enclosures so next time we can begin planting them up with seed and fruiting trees to help the wildlife. www.lancmag.com

Fell Ponies and Tiggy the Dog

We certainly did some laughing with the antics of our fourlegged friends, and quite a bit of work got done too!

ponies which she breeds, and John Atkinson has hardy native cattle. They have to be animals that won’t be spooked by people or dogs given the use of the land by local people for walking. The ponies have a reputation for being nosey, quite often nibbling a bobble hat or rucksack. They excelled themselves on our visit. We were just unloading the kit when our first pony visitor arrived, next minute he legged it with a bag of cable ties in his mouth! We retrieved those and it soon became apparent that everything was up for grabs. Lunchtime was like a smash and grab raid, trying to have some food whilst defending ourselves from five fell ponies looking in our bags, wanting apples, and they even fancied a cup of coffee and tried to steal a flask... LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 107

Fell Ponies spy a free lunch

The cake bag was just irresistible and came home at the end of the day with only one handle, but then again so did the cable tie bag! But it was fun and they were fun, we achieve a lot and can add another story to tell of our adventures on Friends of the Lake District workparties. More fun coming up in the next update as we gear up to build willow dens at Dam Mire Wood with the children from Threlkeld Primary School near Keswick.

The volunteers on workparties alone gave us over 1400 hours of time over 36 workparties on our land in 2023 and 2024 is already shaping up to beat that. We have achieved so much, from wall building, coppicing, tree tube removal, new enclosures on the Helm, tree planting and other fun things such as wetland plug planting, bridge and watergate repair. Hopefully that work has helped create new habitats for wildlife, more access for people, and helped with carbon storage for future generations. Any tea on offer?

Hard at work on the Helm

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You’ll find lots of information about the charity, its work and volunteering opportunities on its website at www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk as well as checking back here for its monthly Land Manager’s Diary entry. www.lancmag.com

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‘That’s not my bowl!’

Importers & stockists of exceptional tiles, stones & wood flooring

Denise Mullen Denise Mullen is a journalist, writer and entrepreneur

The Lost Boys

We had to attend a sad farewell to a much-loved and very elderly female relative recently. What was particularly heartwarming was the amount of people who joined the service simply to support the family. My husband’s ‘Adventuring’ friends confirmed they would be coming along and would see us at the crematorium. More and more people arrived, and Johnny and I split up to mingle and say hello to those who had journeyed from afar. That small band of his thrill-seeker friends, who were 110

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travelling together, had still not turned up by the time we filed in for the service and, of course, all mobile phones were switched off. It was a celebration of a life well-lived and a personality wellloved. The eulogy ranged from early years romance through a long marriage to her adorable husband, challenges, triumphs and comedic interludes that evoked warm memories and even laughter. A lovely celebration of that huge personality, and she would have approved we think. www.lancmag.com

What’s on my plate? After the wake buffet we went for a contemplative brew instead. Freshly ground coffee in a big mug.

What’s in my glass?

On heading out to the wake at a nearby pub we switched our phones back on, to a staccato string of bleeps.

A warming glass or two of Sea Change Malbec. I love Malbec and this felt like a warm, soft, reassuring cuddle in a glass. Heady with dark fruits and a lovely complex symphony of flavours. Perfect for drinking on its own or with something slow-cooked and comforting (around £13).

The texts ranged from ‘we’re at the crematorium’, to, ‘where’s the crematorium’ and then ‘are we at the right crematorium’ and finally, ‘are you at the crematorium or the service’. We answered ‘We’re at the pub.’ Johnny’s little band of brothers (from the dads and dogs’ group – epic dog treks with mountain climbing involved) finally hove-to. They had been to the crematorium and realised the service had already started (early, apparently), so they crept in quietly at the back. Once the dearly departed was addressed in the eulogy as ‘Jim’, they realised they were at the wrong funeral. But it would have been so disrespectful to leave. So, they sat through the service, including piper and bag pipes, before nodding their respects and heading for the car to get to the correct crematorium. Having driven nippily, following new instructions, they arrived a little late at the crem by now, so snuck in at the back and sat down. The funeral was for a lovely man called Harold. His nearest and dearest had clearly also booked the same piper. Oh, and it was at the same (still wrong) crematorium; they’d just driven in through a different entrance and walked into the chapel of rest from the other side of the covered atrium. Following another rendition on the pipes they nodded their respects, slunk out and made their way to the pub. Funnily enough, they could find the pub. And that other crematorium. It was in a different town. www.lancmag.com

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Pietrarsa, record numbers for a unique Railway Museum in Europe 2023 was a record year for the Italian National Railway Museum in Pietrarsa, Naples, with 265,000 people visiting the exhibition run by Fondazione FS Italiane. The record turnout coincided with the tenth anniversary of Fondazione FS, the body founded on 6 March 2013 to restore, conserve and enhance the legacy of the Italian railways, Ferrovie Italiane. The National Railway Museum in Pietrarsa, whose collection of historic locomotives and carriages is unique in Europe, is located on the first railway track line built in Italy: an outstanding location that opened its doors to the media for a guided tour with the General Manager of Fondazione FS and CEO of Treni Turistici Italiani, Luigi Cantamessa, who knows every secret concealed there. Mr Cantamessa explained the key role of the Pietrarsa museum not only in highlighting the splendours of the past, but also as the nerve 112

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centre of experiences focused on the present and future of Ferrovie Italiane: a perfect link between the world of Fondazione FS and the world of Treni Turistici Italiani. He also talked about the open “belvedere” carriages that will travel on special lines through nature: the first journey is planned during 2024, through the Franciacorta vineyards.

Above: Steam locomotives on display in Pavilion A of the National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa

The National Railway Museum in Pietrarsa is Ferrovie Italiane’s memory lane. Located in the place where it all began, it really is unique among railway museums in Europe. A marvellous building with its architecture from the Bourbon Restoration period, located exactly at the centre of Italy’s first railway line, the Naples-Portici. In front of it is the sea, and behind it Mount Vesuvius. Ingredients that together make Pietrarsa the most attractive railway museum in Europe. But this isn’t a static vision. A dusty museum where you look at trains that no longer operate. No, Pietrarsa today boasts perfectly restored and well maintained rail structures, with high-level www.lancmag.com

services and trains with shining brass fittings which visitors can board to go back in time. So it is the natural link with Treni Turistici Italiani. You have to come to Pietrarsa by train: it has a small internal station built from Vesuvius lava stone. Think of one of our historic “treni azzurri” trains leaving from Rome, from Reggio Calabria, and you have a complete railway experience culminating in Pietrarsa. The past, present and future of Ferrovie dello Stato are unmistakeably bound together by this wonderful, unique creation. An indissoluble binomial of Fondazione FS, with its museums and historic trains, and FS Treni Turistici Italiani, with its new tourist routes. I think this new sector will have a huge market in the future and will make a significant contribution to raising our national GDP.

carriages. “Belvederes”, in railway jargon. These are carriages without roofs, fitted with wooden seats and side panels up to elbow-height, which will travel on lines immersed in nature. The first service will begin operating in 2024 on a small railway in Lombardy, the Palazzolo Paratico Sarnico. This is a 12 km branch of the Bergamo-Brescia line, and travels through the first Franciacorta vineyards. It runs close to the river Oglio, the main tributary of Lake Iseo. A unique adventure in 12 kilometres, a 30 km round trip in an open carriage breathing in the scents of nature. It will be the first open-air railway, but we are sure it won’t be the last.

Located in the place where it all began, it really is unique among railway museums in Europe.

Through Fondazione FS’ ten years of activity, we have built up important restoration knowhow to return these old trains to efficient service. The ultimate and most exciting goal of this adventure will be the construction of completely open www.lancmag.com

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Wife of British aid worker imprisoned by Taliban receives ‘Most Inspirational Student’ award at her graduation

Kelly Cornwell, a newly-registered Mental Health Nurse, has faced a year like no other. Her husband Kevin, a humanitarian aid worker, was taken captive by the Taliban in January 2023 whilst working in Afghanistan. Two weeks later Kelly, 49, had to undergo emergency surgery, spending five weeks at home in Lancashire recovering from her operation. This forced her to put on hold a professional placement working on acute wards of a mental health hospital which she had to complete to be eligible to successfully complete her nursing degree. She then went on to fight for her husband’s release at a time that his 114

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own health was rapidly deteriorating during his imprisonment in Afghanistan. All of this whilst Kelly has been in her final year of a three-year BSc (Hons) Registered Nurse: Mental Health Nursing degree at the University of Cumbria, a course that she had delayed enrolling upon for years due to family commitments.

Her husband Kevin, a humanitarian aid worker, was taken captive by the Taliban in January 2023

Post-op, and with the support of her university lecturers Louise Corless, Charlotte Pearce, and Lisa Smith, Kelly focused on her dissertation whilst recovering from her surgery at home in Fleetwood. www.lancmag.com

Once well enough, Kelly began clawing back the 170 placement hours she had missed in addition to the 500 hours of a final professional placement she had to do to complete her degree. During this period, Kelly’s hopes of her husband’s release were raised twice, only to be dashed before he was eventually freed just a few weeks ago, on 10 October after 272 days of arbitrary detention. Now, just weeks after his return to the UK, the Cornwells are able to celebrate as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Kelly and Kevin have seven children in total.

lecturers and the universal information and skills I’ve learned on my course that have enabled me to challenge and question what was happening to Kevin and help to fight for his release. “When Kevin was taken, we were used to him working away but upon hearing he had been taken I think it made me even more determined to finish my course so when he came home we could focus on us, our family and move forward and focus on the future together.”

Kelly, is one of the 1,100 students to have graduated from the University of Cumbria in a series of formal ceremonies held at Carlisle Cathedral. A former teaching assistant, Kelly was also the recipient of the Jim Cox Prize, a special award for the ‘most inspirational student’ selected by academics within the university’s Institute of Health. Recognised for its high levels of graduate employment, the University of Cumbria is delighted that Kelly is a Mental Health Nurse, registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and is working at The Pavilion, a substance misuse detox facility in Lancaster. Kelly said: “As well the support from family and friends, I also could not have done any of this without the support of my www.lancmag.com

Above: Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell greets graduating prize winner Kelly Cornwell.

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She added: “I’d originally planned to do this degree around 10 years ago after my Access to Higher Education qualification, but family commitments at the time meant I wasn’t able to. Therefore, I think once I’d started it I was determined to finish not thinking something as extraordinary as this would happen. When it did, I think I compartmentalised everything which has allowed me to focus well.” Kelly and Kevin have seven children in total. Along with her proud husband Kevin, Kelly was joined at her graduation by their teenage son, Kelly’s two grown-up sons, and her mother. Kevin said: “This is a moment of exceptional pride for me as I come home knowing Kelly had continued her studies despite the challenging circumstances she faced and completed her degree with honours. “In addition, as I found out that Kelly had been nominated for the Jim Cox Award, I was overwhelmed. Many people from various walks of 116

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Above: life approached me and spoke highly Kelly Cornwell and of Kelly’s efforts and dedication. her family during her Throughout the negotiations for my release, she maintained cohesion within graduation ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral our family. She fought tirelessly to push the boundaries of the government’s talks with the Taliban to secure my release. Kelly triumphed over adversity and never gave up.”

Lisa Smith, Principal Lecturer within the University of Cumbria Institute of the Health, said: “As academics, this was not a difficult decision for us because we have been truly inspired by Kelly’s strength of character and resilience in the face of great personal difficulties that she has faced with her husband being detained in Afghanistan. “Kelly had maintained a high level of focus and dogged determination throughout, completing the course alongside competing demands on her time and emotional strength and therefore it is our pleasure and privilege to award her our institute’s Jim Cox Prize for Most Inspirational Student.”

The University of Cumbria Institute of Health delivers a range of nursing, midwifery and allied health professional programmes across campuses in Carlisle, Barrow, Lancaster and beyond. To find out more, visit: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/events/ for details of upcoming open days and similar events. www.lancmag.com

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McLeod 9: Fine Dining Amidst Lancashire’s Tranquil Woodlands

From the esteemed position of Head Chef at a Rosette-winning restaurant, then onto embracing creativity as a private chef, Joe McLeod has now begun the adventure of owning his own restaurant. Nestled away at Spring Cottage in Rivington, Lancashire, McLeod 9 is an intimate restaurant which blends fine dining with comfort.

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Left: Collette, Will, Joe and Kirsten on their final service before Christmas.

“Joe shared his artistic vision with the world, bringing his unique flavours directly into people’s homes.”

t just age 14, Joe McLeod had already fell in love with cooking. The course he studied at college allowed him to have two days off a week so he could gain vital work experience in the hospitality industry. This marked the start of his exciting career. Joe honed his skills in the kitchen and creating exquisite dishes through his time working at Northcote Manor, Stanley House Hotel and Michelin-starred Manor House. Most recently, Joe worked as Head Chef at the Rosettewinning George’s Dining Room in Worsley, which is owned by former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs. These hospitality experiences provided a strong foundation for Joe and contributed to his culinary expertise and high standards of quality. www.lancmag.com

Transitioning to a private chef was a pivotal role in Joe’s career. Catering for a family of five for six days a week meant that Joe had the opportunity to experiment more extensively with flavours, ingredients and textures. This personalised setting enhanced his culinary craft with a focus on individual tastes and preferences. With the introduction of lockdown, Joe utilised these skills and adapted to the changing circumstances. He ventured into a takeaway service, which initially started with just one order of five pies. However, the response was swift and enthusiastic, and this small-scale takeaway service cooking from a modest kitchen soon became a local favourite. Joe shared his artistic vision with the world, bringing his unique flavours directly into people’s homes.

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This entrepreneurial move connected Joe with the community, beyond the confines of a traditional restaurant setting. Joe began to offer McLeod 9 Private Dining, serving gourmet meals in the comfort of his client’s homes. His clients could choose from a five, six or eight course tasting menu, creating a bespoke menu that was completely tailored to their preferences. The private dining clients could sit back and relax whilst a talented chef cooked for them, which is an utterly unique fine dining experience. Joe McLeod had already excelled very far in his career, however one of his biggest dreams was still not met: having his very own restaurant. Spring Cottage reached out to Joe, and the journey began with six pop-up evenings to test the waters. Each event sold out in less than an hour! It’s needless to say that Joe’s stay was extended, and the McLeod 9 restaurant was born. McLeod 9, tucked away in a beautiful woodland, promises an unparalleled culinary journey that exceeds all expectations. Joe strives to create a unique dining experience for every customer, curating an entire culinary experience from the moment you walk through the door to the last bite of dessert. On top of the usual allergy and intolerance questions, Joe will take into account any food dislikes, and will personalise the set menu to your preference. 122

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Joe McLeod had already excelled very far in his career, however one of his biggest dreams was still not met: having his very own restaurant. www.lancmag.com

The menu is divided into five segments: snippets, the ground, the sea, the land and the forest. Snippets, a feature unique to McLeod 9, are two different bite-sized canapé’s served on a wooden log. Guests are encouraged to eat this dish with their fingers, which mixes relaxation and comfort with high-end dining. The ground is a vegetarian dish, the sea is a fish-based course and the land is a meat dish. The forest is a playful and imaginative dessert inspired by the natural beauty of the restaurant’s surroundings. One of the most distinctive of the dessert dishes is The Peach; white chocolate creme pat, diced peach, creme de peaches peach purée finished with salted crumble crumb. The melange of flavours, paired with the impeccable presentation of this dish, is a testament to Joe’s passion to his craft.

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Joe works hard to use local produce wherever possible, and guests are greeted with a map alongside their menu, detailing where each ingredient was sourced from.

The menu is changed monthly based on a produce report from the restaurant’s supplier, meaning that only the very best produce is being used. For example, if pumpkins are in season, then Joe will create a dish to accommodate this. The ever-changing menu offers a variety for customers who come back regularly to see Joe’s culinary creations. Joe works hard to use local produce wherever possible, and guests are greeted with a map alongside their menu, detailing where each ingredient was sourced from. In addition to the menu being changed monthly, the wine pairings are also altered to complement each dish. In conjunction with the ‘Killer Wine Menu’, Joe works with sommelier Richard Bracken and Master of Wine Miles Corish to perfect the flavourful notes that accompany each dish. The thoughtfully crafted pairings elevate the dining experience, which is only added to by the staff’s knowledge and training on all things wine.

Opening Hours: Thursdays 7pm – 11pm ● Fridays 7pm – 11pm Saturdays 7pm – 11pm Keep an eye out on the McLeod 9 social media to stay up to date with Joe’s adventures, and use the QR code to book your table! Our tables sell out very quickly as we only release 2 or 3 months worth of bookings at a time.

Joe McLeod at McLeod 9 is making waves in the hospitality industry, offering a truly unique dining experience. Owning a restaurant ties together his accumulated gastronomic experiences. In the cosy setting of Spring Cottage, (currently a residency/ pop up and our ambition is to have a more permanent venue in the future), Joe can share his harmonious fusion of flavours with the whole of Lancashire. 124

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Extending the adventure of childhood

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The Precious Element

Maurizio Bocchi - Agrichef at La Locanda, Gisburn

s an Agrichef, the quality of the ingredients and their heritage is essential to the success of my dishes. Extra virgin olive oil is a key ingredient in my cooking and I select the EVOO I use in a dish just as I would any other ingredient. Our journey of discovery continues as we explore EVOOs from different Italian regions unveiling a palette of tastes that enrich culinary experiences and celebrate the country’s long standing olive oil tradition. Italy boasts a rich tapestry of extra virgin olive oils, each hailing from distinct regions, with its unique qualities. At La Locanda, we use only the best EVOO from small, certified producers across the regions. They are dedicated to making a high quality EVOO, using traditional sustainable methods and techniques, whilst respecting the heritage of the land and the ancient olive trees* from which this precious oil is produced. Garda Bresciano DOP Costaripa Brescia, Lombardia. This EVOO is known for its highquality attributes, including a fruity and well-balanced flavour profile, often with notes of green or ripe olives. It typically boasts a 128

low acidity level, a golden-green colour, and a harmonious, lingering aftertaste. This extra virgin olive is works well with white fish, salad, vegetables soups, breads Laudato Gabrielloni Recanati, Marche. Gabrielloni are located in the gentle hills of Recanati, in the Marche region. Their olives are harvested early on, just as they begin to take on their final colour. This ensures that the olive oil is full of aromas hinting at fresh fruit and greenery, with heightened levels of polyphenols, low acidity and exceptional taste and scent. Try with pasta, risotti, meat, cakes Organic Col D’Orcia Montalcino, Toscana. In the sunny landscapes of Tuscany, EVOO is celebrated for its robust flavour profile, characterised by its clear green colour with golden hues. It has a decidedly olive perfume, which is delicate and a fruity taste, moderately spicy, with rennet hints, and medium high fluidity. This oil goes well with red meat, meat carpacci, beans soups, game

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Pianetto Organic Baglio di Pianetto Palermo, Sicilia. From the clay soils of the Pianetto Estate comes a delicate 100% organic oil with a surprising organoleptic richness. These characteristics make it perfect for enriching traditional Mediterranean dishes and for use on grilled vegetables and fresh fish. If you are interested in learning more about EVOO why not join us for one of our Olive Oil tasting events. Sign up to our newsletter to find out more. www.lalocanda.co.uk/ Ciao Maurizio

*DID YOU KNOW An olive tree reaches senescence at about 40-50 years old (senescence is a process by which a cell ages and permanently stops dividing but does not die).

Join me on my adventure as Agrichef on Wheels at https://agrichef.co.uk/agrichef/ La Locanda, Main Street, Gisburn, Lancashire, BB7 4HH 01200 445303 eat@lalocanda.co.uk All photographs courtesy of Sarah Valentine Photography

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Above: (L to R) Katie Cuerden, Total Foodservice (award sponsor), Sarah Valentine, Jo Ogle, Chef Maurizio Bocchi, Cinzia Bocchi, John ‘Gilly’ Gilmore – former BBC Radio Lancashire presenter, Phil Keenan, Amanda Oldroyd.

It’s a WIN for must-visit food destination, La Locanda in Gisburn, Lancashire I talian restaurant La Locanda were among the star businesses that gathered this week at Blackburn’s iconic King George’s Hall for the 2023 Lancashire Tourism Awards ceremony; Winning their category for the Taste Lancashire Award. Visit England Awards for Excellence 2024. As winners of the 2023 Taste Lancashire Award category, La Locanda will now be entered into the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2024; a national competition, representing Lancashire in this category. La Locanda’s cosy restaurant resides in Lancashire’s wonderful Ribble Valley. Full of original, rustic charm, the husband-and-wife team Maurizio and Cinzia Bocchi take their customers on a journey to the heart of Italian cuisine, serving authentic, seasonal recipes that go back generations. 20 years of culinary excellence. The award marked an extra special www.lancmag.com

night for La Locanda as they also celebrate their 20th Anniversary year. Chef Maurizio Bocchi said:

“For 20 years, my promise has been to create and serve a menu of Italian dishes passed down through generations allowing our customers to immerse themselves into a truly Italian dining experience. We are proud to receive such recognition in Lancashire – a home to award winning chefs and some of the best restaurants in the UK. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Chef Maurizio also represents the Lancashire region as ‘Taste Ambassador’ for Marketing Lancashire, joining a stellar line-up of the county’s most celebrated chefs.

Above: (L to R) Cinzia Bocchi and Chef Maurizio Bocchi– La Locanda owners.

La Locanda, Main Street, Gisburn, Lancashire, BB7 4HH 01200 445303 - eat@lalocanda.co.uk www.lalocanda.co.uk LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 129

International Food & Drink Event 2024

London - ExCel 25th - 27th March 2024

Italian Pavilion 36 Italian exhibitors ready to network with UK food business operators Come Visit Us! For more info: londra@ice.it

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Calling all trade operators, distributors, retailers, foodservice companies!

he Italian Trade Agency’s (ITA) recurring participation at the International Food & Drink Event is fast approaching at the ExCel centre in London, this year with an impressive line-up of 36 fantastic companies ready to shed light once again on the variety, heritage, quality and value of Italian agrifood products across all sub-sectors. ITA is the Governmental agency that supports the business development of our companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy. Using the most modern multi-channel promotion and communication tools, it acts to assert the excellence of Made in Italy in the world. The London Office oversees operations across the UK and Republic of Ireland, organising or participating in numerous promotional initiatives for Italian SMEs such as The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, “Real Italian Food and Wine” exhibition, Plant-Based World Expo Europe, Imbibe, Borsa Vini Londra, Borsa Vini Dublino, and of course IFE. Our office is particularly committed to helping Italian companies following the creation of a new EU border regime, by providing specific assistance via its Brexit Helpdesk, fully cooperating with British institutions on Brexit-related issues. ITA’s pavilion at this year’s IFE will take you all across the whole country showcasing specialities from Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Umbria, Lazio and coming along down to Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Apulia, Basilicata and Sicily. The products on display range from the following: classic Italian charcuterie, hard and soft cheeses, coffee beans, pods and capsules, pasta, rice, baked products and patisserie, gluten free dry products, sweet and savoury sauces, spreads and jams, olive oils, vinegars, condiments, preserves, canned products, ready made and frozen meals, fresh produce, truffles and olives. The appeal and ardour towards Made in Italy products is ever so present and alive in UK consumers and it’s an interest that goes beyond just London and Greater London which are renowned for their familiarity and appreciation for Italian

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products, dishes and beverages. The curiosity that they evoke is also perceived in other neighbouring cities as well as other regions in the country where the desire to savour and gain a deeper understanding about the culture and heritage of Italian products is clearly tangible. The export data that’s recently been published for the full year 2023 shows a 6.75% increase YOY in the value of Italy’s exports of agrifood products and beverages towards the UK, reaching £3,822,412,250. In terms of value, in 2023 Italy remained the main supplier of fresh tomatoes, tomato based products and pasta (raw, cooked, prepared dishes), the second largest supplier of wine from fresh grapes and olive oil, and the third largest for cheese and curd to the UK. On the other hand, in terms of volume Italy is the UK’s main supplier of wine of fresh grapes, fresh tomatoes and tomato based products, pasta (raw, cooked, prepared), and the second largest supplier of olive oil. ITA has a packed event-line up for the rest of 2024 in the agrifood and beverage sectors. On the 30th April we’ll be taking part in the B2B event ‘Real Italian Wine and Food’ with a cohort of companies from Confartigianato, the most representative organisation of Made in Italy craftsmanship and micro and small businesses. On the 4th June we’re hosting the Borsa Vini Italiani in London as our largest annual event centred predominantly around wine. The following month on the 1st and 2nd of July we’re organising “Bar all’Italiana” at the Imbibe exhibition which is one of the key events in the UK catered to the spirits and mixology sub-sectors. One of our year long projects and marketing campaigns will be in collaboration with the Italian sector association ‘Assica’ that is the representative body of the Italian companies producing cured meats and products derived from other meat preparations, with the aim to develop the understanding, curiosity and taste of the UK market towards the highest quality Italian meat derived products. We’ll be hosting promotional activities in Cardiff and Manchester. While the countdown for the long awaited International Food & Drink Event has well and truly begun, email us at londra@ice.it to familiarise yourself with the 36 exhibitors in ITA’s pavilion LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 131

Another View landscapes by women artists

Above: Blackberry Gathering, first exhibited 1912, Elizabeth Adela Forbes (née Armstrong) c. National Museums Liverpool

Work by Vanessa Bell, Ingrid Pollard and Ethel Walker on show

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new exhibition at the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight, Wirral, will present a different perspective on British landscape art, focusing on work by women. Another View: Landscapes by Women Artists (20 April to 18 August 2024) will showcase around 40 works dating from the early 1800s to the 1980s.

They explored and interrogated the landscape around them, developing important networks and experimenting with new mediums and techniques in the process.

Presenting work by artists such as Vanessa Bell (1879-1961), Ingrid Pollard (b. 1953) and Dame Ethel Walker (1861-1951), the exhibition considers how artists have used their practice to explore the issues of their day, asking questions about class, gender, politics, and more through their depictions of landscape.

Left: Meadowland, printed before 1908, Elizabeth Christie Austen-Brown c. National Museums Liverpool

In concentrating on work by women, the exhibition interrogates the term “lady amateur,” which was often used in contrast to the “professional” artist title usually reserved for males, before exploring how women pushed for greater recognition as artists, particularly in the 19th century. Melissa Gustin, Curator of British Art at National Museums Liverpool, said: “Far from just painting pretty watercolours, this exhibition shows how women landscape painters used their art to express their individual gazes, representing multiple viewpoints along the way. “They explored and interrogated the landscape around them, developing important networks and experimenting with new mediums and techniques in the process. We’re looking forward to sharing their stories and celebrating their work, which has perhaps been overlooked historically within the narrative of British landscape painting.” Presented chronologically, the paintings provide an insight into the lives and travels of the artists, many of whom travelled internationally. They worked outdoors, or “en plein air,” as well as in studios. Their work documents the way they viewed and responded to the natural environment and social world surrounding them. A painting by Harriet Gouldsmith (1787-1863), hailed as the first professional woman landscape painter, features, as does work by Dame Ethel www.lancmag.com

Walker, who was only the second woman to receive a damehood for her services to the arts. These artworks show how women began to embrace “messier” oil paints, previously reserved for male landscape painters while women worked with watercolours.

Above: Garden, Vence, inscribed 1965, Elizabeth Blackadder c. National Museums Liverpool

The exhibition charts the development of women’s landscape painting as women began to train in professional schools and their work became more commonplace in exhibitions. Elizabeth Forbes’ (1859-1912) painting, Blackberry Gathering, notably places women within the landscape itself. Forbes founded an art colony in Cornwall, exhibiting and selling work to major exhibitions internationally. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 133

Above: Seascape, circa 1925-1950, Ethel Walker c. National Museums Liverpool

Above: Falling Plane, about 1913, Anna Airy c. National Museums Liverpool

Right: View from Vence, first exhibited 1933, Emily Beatrice Bland c. National Museums Liverpool

Another View shows how, in the 20th century, artists used landscape to explore and critique the modern world through art. Their work reflects developments in art, politics and social issues. A painting by Vanessa Bell, for instance, captures a quiet moment in France between the wars, while paintings by former war artists Mary Kessell (19141977) and Katerina Wilczynski (1894-1978) present more abstract views of the landscape. Visitors will also encounter the muted abstracts of Prunella Clough (1919-1999), alongside cropped landscape views by Winifred Nicholson (18931981). Meanwhile, works by Sheila Fell (1931-1979) and Ingrid Pollard interrogate the landscape of the Lake District in relation to themes of race and class. For both women, art could explore the impact of industry, capitalism and tourism as subjects within the landscape. Another View also considers how landscapes presented opportunities for experimental art making, including etching and print making. 134

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The artists represented used a wide range of innovative media. Etchings by Anna Airy (18821964) and Constance Mary Pott (1862-1957) are among those featured. Many works on show draw from Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery collection, accompanied by key loans from galleries including the Atkinson, Southport, the V&A, London, and the Whitworth, Manchester. Entry to Another View: Landscapes by Women Artists and the Lady Lever Art Gallery is free, with donations welcome.

liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/anotherview www.lancmag.com

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Range figures are determined according to the standardised EU measurement procedure (WLTP) for the models shown: Combined not applicable for Kia EV9 GT-Line S AWD, CO2 emissions 0 g/km and electric combined range of up to 313 miles, to a city range of 415 miles.

MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The EV9 is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Range based on test conditions and may vary. Individual driving style and other factors, such as speed, outside temperature, topography and the use of electricity-consuming devices/units, have an influence on the real life range and can possibly reduce it. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Models shown: Kia EV9 ‘GT-Line S’ 99.8kWh 378bhp AWD Auto (6 Seat Swivel) at £78,775.00 including Pacific Matt Blue paint at £1,750. Kia EV9 range available from £65,025. Specification varies across the range and is subject to change without notice. Business users only. Quote valid from 14/02/2024 - 13/03/2024. *Offer available on Business Contract hire with advance rental of 6 months rental + VAT (£5537.76 + VAT), followed by 35 monthly rentals of £922.96 + VAT. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 8,000 miles per year (24,000 total contract mileage) over 36 months charged at 19.23 pence per mile (+VAT). Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Kia Contract Hire. The total P11D value of the vehicle includes options, extras, manufacturer’s delivery and VAT. Total Effective Rental (applicable to cars only) is £1,015.26 (this assumes a 50% VAT disallowance on the Finance Rental and VAT). Contract Hire Customer Maintenance (inc. RFL). Package includes Vehicle Excise Duty for the agreement duration, we reserve the right to pass on future increases in the cost of Vehicle Excise Duty. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specification and T&Cs contact your local retailer. Kia reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time without prior notice. You will not own the car. ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Kia Contract Hire, BS16 7LB. All quotations are for guidance only and are subject to credit approval. ALD Automotive Limited trading as Kia Contract Hire reserves the right to amend quotations in the event of changes to manufacturer prices, interest rates and volume related bonus. ALD Automotive Limited reserve the right to amend quotations in the event of any change to VAT/RFL or any other statutory charges or taxes which may become appropriate from time to time. All figures provided are for guidelines purposes only. 7 year / 100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty. For Cars registered from 01/01/2024 - The Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery warranty covers a minimum capacity for a period is 96 months (84 months for PHEV) or 100,000 miles from the date of first registration, whichever comes first. For full terms and exclusions visit kia.com/uk/owners. Kia UK Limited trading as Bolton Kia are a broker (not a lender) for the purposes of this financial promotion and can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

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Grundy Art Gallery and Artangel invite public to take part in largest ever exhibition of the nation’s hobbies Members of the public are invited to take part in The Hobby Cave, the largest ever exhibition of the UK’s hobbies.

rom makers and modifiers to crafters and collectors, Grundy Art Gallery, alongside award-winning artist and Spider-Man enthusiast Hetain Patel and Artangel, is inviting audiences to share details of their hobbies to inform a nationwide project that will take place in 12 locations across the UK from Summer 2024, including at the Grundy. Thousands of unique hand-crafted objects loaned by hundreds of people will go on display, with contributions invited from hobbyists such as costume and cosplay makers, crocheters and knitters, wood carvers and model makers, ceramicists, robotics engineers, origami specialists, augmented car enthusiasts and many more. The Hobby Cave, which has been commissioned by arts organisation Artangel, will celebrate the millions of people across the UK who dedicate their spare time to activities they are passionate about. It will explore how individuals express their identity, 136

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character and creativity through their favourite pastimes. The inaugural exhibition will open in London in July 2024, followed by curated presentations at partner venues across the UK throughout 2025. At the heart of the project is a new film by Patel, which explores the outstanding creativity and passion that people put into their hobbies. The film adopts the artist’s trademark style of combining high-end cinematic production with scenes from the everyday to showcase ephemeral pastimes and handcrafted objects in a visual language usually reserved for Hollywood films and luxury advertising. Hetain Patel said: “I’ve always been obsessed by handmade things. Growing up in Bolton, in a working class culturally Indian household, we ate with our hands, and many of my relatives worked as part of the manual labour force in local factories. The empowering thing about hobbies is choice and

Above: Hetain Patel, c. Oliver Parker

At the heart of the project is a new film by Patel, which explores the outstanding creativity and passion that people put into their hobbies www.lancmag.com

Above: Mosaics by Gill Aitken (Lancaster), c. Gill Aitken

Below: Puppets by Bee Daws (Gloucester) c. Esme Buxton

Above: Miniatures by Lee Smithson (Sheffield) c. Lee Smithson

doing something on our own terms. The creative act is really hopeful, with huge benefits to us individually and something that connects us to others regardless of our differences.” Director of Artangel, Mariam Zulfiqar said: “Hetain Patel’s work has always invited us to reflect on identity as multidimensional and complex. For The Hobby Cave he generously extends an invitation to people around the country, asking them to share the objects, activities and pastimes that form part of their identity. The ambitious presentation of hundreds of objects loaned by as many hobbyists creates a new kind of picture, where people and their identities are seen beyond national, racial, gendered or age related categories that conventionally categorise who we are. “Artangel is working with a network of leading arts and cultural organisations to realise this ambitious project across the UK and supporting one of our most exciting artists working today to create an exceptionally memorable and inclusive project.” Hetain Patel is an award-winning British-Gujarati artist and filmmaker. Much of his practice is derived from his childhood hobbies and interests, www.lancmag.com

including his lifelong passion for Spider-Man. In 2013, the artist created his first sculpture, Fiesta Transformer, when he converted his car into a real-life Transformer robot with the help of his father. The Hobby Cave is Patel’s most ambitious and far-reaching project to date. National partners include, Factory International, Manchester; Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea; Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool; Museum of Making, Derby Museums Trust; National Festival of Making with Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery; Wolverhampton Art Gallery; Barnsley Civic; Inverness Museum and Art Gallery; Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sunderland; CCA Derry~Londonderry; Hospitalfield, Arbroath and Tate St Ives. The public can submit details about their hobbies via www.thehobbycave.org.uk LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 137

Altrincham-based Marketing Director and Mum Fights The Feminist Fight With Debut Book ‘Womanhooded’ A 53 year-old Altrincham-based, Marketing Director and mother of two teenage daughters, this week kicks off 2024 by making one of her resolutions come true in a spectacular way - as she releases her passion project ‘Womanhooded’, a book which brings together her passions, desires, experiences and social commentary on womanhood - a topic which has captured the hearts of many as the book continues to climb the bookcharts.

Joanna Lambe with her daughter Zoe - Womanhooded Launch - Photographer Aga Mortlock

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etting herself the goal last year to bring this book to life, after the onset of Menopause and an Ovarian cancer scare, releasing it in January sees Joanna Lambe start the year as she means to go on - as a fierce advocate for women’s voices and a champion for the next generation. As a woman who has experienced sexism within her career, being told she belonged in ‘the typing pool’, being made redundant when pregnant, and struggling to find flexible part time work after having kids, Joanna feels she has lived the stereotypes. Looking back reflecting on how she set up her own feminist magazine, which she grew to an audience of over 30K and a team of 10 writers, interviewing the likes of Janet Street-Porter, after she was made redundant, she also sees her fight was always there. But giving this up when she became pregnant with her second child, as she ‘couldn’t do it all’ brings a huge sense of regret and sadness, and a feeling she subscribed to what she is now fighting against - women holding themselves back due to societal pressures.

The book invites a conversation about women’s lives from childhood to adulthood and provides actionable strategies for reclaiming identity and potential that is often diminished and untapped in the journey of womanhood. “I am frustrated that in 2024 we are still debating and pushing for equality and equity for women”, she says, “but this is still the reality we’re living in”. A devoted mother of two teenage daughters, Joanna draws inspiration from her own experiences and observations, fuelled by the desire to create a better future for the next generation. Lambe delves into the lifecycle of women and outdated ideas, addressing how societal norms impede progress at various life stages, including marriage, motherhood, and menopause, and she shares her own stories and experiences along the way.

“I am frustrated that in 2024 we are still debating and pushing for equality and equity for women”

Having hit Menopause she has found a new fire at this new turning point in her life. She said; “This book has been in the making for many years, but it’s Menopause that has brought it out of me, as I feel re-ignited, with a new sense of urgency, also driven by a frustration around many elements of my life path so far.” Designed to ‘reinvigorate the movement for women’s fulfillment and potential, challenging the status quo of women’s social roles’, with this book Joanna says she; “is encouraging a seismic shift in perceptions and actions regarding women’s roles both at home and in the wider world” - and she asks; “Ever wondered who you are and what you’re here for? Is it to collect crumbs or pick up pants? Do you want to change your world?.....” Key concepts explored within the book include: ● Women’s educational achievements not being proportionally reflected in their societal roles ● Internalised socialisation causing women to support others while losing their own identities

Above: Joanna Lambe Womanhooded Launch Photographer Aga Mortlock

● Actions to empower women – what women can do to empower and reconnect to their true selves to help them reach their true potential Joanna’s personal journey, marked by health challenges and a commitment to self-discovery, started a wake up call that culminated in the creation of ‘Womanhooded’ including an ovarian cancer scare that turned out to be endometriosis. Above: Joanna Lambe Womanhooded Launch Photographer Aga Mortlock

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She said: “When my doctor told me I had two satsumas on my ovaries, one on each, I pictured them in my head, then she said don’t worry, one LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 139

“Women are routinely expected to put up and shut up about most female issues. It’s time to use our voices on this and many other women’s issues, so I am hoping this book is a catalyst for change in many areas of women’s lives.” Lambe’s call to action is clear: women must lose any guilt, delegate household responsibilities, and actively participate in decision-making processes to achieve personal fulfillment and contribute to societal progress - “We don’t want to destroy more, we want to build more!”

is only a small one! It made me think how this was expected to be accepted - and made me reflect on what else I had just been expected to accept, as part of being a woman, over the years and find out what else was inside of me. That’s when I decided to dig deep to find out what I wanted to do about fighting this - and this book and the campaign are the result!”

Above: Joanna Lambe Womanhooded Launch Photographer Aga Mortlock

Joanna adds: “I want to change women’s lives for the better so they reconnect with their individual identity, feel more personally fulfilled and help them reach their true potential to improve society for us all.”

“I also took these health scares as my body trying to tell me something and I thought if I was going to die “what would I regret I didn’t do?” this book is the result!” “I have two determined daughters with huge potential and there is no way that I want them to be held back by what society expects” In her current role as a Marketing Director at a cosmetic surgery clinic, Joanna regularly witnesses women who lack self-confidence and have an identity crisis. She says: “I have heard the same pattern of personal stories many times over and noticed how the personal struggle of each woman in her own box, is actually a political problem as most women struggle with the same issues in society today.”

Joanna Lambe’s book ‘Womanhooded’ aims to inspire women of all ages, starting from 15 onwards, to break free from societal constraints and embrace their uniqueness. She says; ”The book signals a transformative movement to address issues such as identity crisis, lack of confidence, and early socialisation that hinder women’s progress.’Womanhooded’ is not just a book; it’s a catalyst for change, a manifesto for women’s empowerment, and a roadmap towards a more equitable and just society.”

“We don’t want to destroy more, we want to build more!”

“I have always adored books since reading Enid Blyton and Aesop’s Fables as a child. As a teenager I focussed more on the school curriculum books such as; Pride and Prejudice and now that I’m an adult, I devour self-help, empowerment and feminist books. I’ve been thinking of writing a book since university and started a few times throughout my life, but I was compelled to write this book now, as I kept seeing the same pattern of unfulfilled women who had lost their identity and were being “seconded” in their own lives so had to do something about it!”

Joanna shares that after becoming a mother, she spent many years focusing on her household and bringing up a family. The book identifies how women are socialised to prioritise others, leading to a loss of identity through life stages like marriage, motherhood, and menopause. Joanna explained: “Like many people I reassessed my life during the pandemic, looked at the “motherload” of work it took to keep the house ticking over and hit the menopause at the same time. I hit a brick wall in my life in that I could not and would not face another day of domestic drudgery in the kitchen without the help of my other family members to share this load.” 140

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Joanna hosted her book launch party in January at The Bowdon Rooms, Altrincham. You can follow Joanna’s mission at https://www.instagram.com/iamjoannalambe/ And buy the book on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/ftibwDw www.lancmag.com

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Dani Wallace - Simon Hunt at AltStudios

Bolton to Host Global Entrepreneurs Next Month… and the Focus is on Inclusion Local Entrepreneur & Ally For Diverse Communities Expands To Bolton Inviting Those Often Excluded To ‘Come To The Party’ “We’ve Outgrown Manchester United” - Bolton To Host Fastest Growing Inclusive Entrepreneurial Event Local Entrepreneur Invites Others To ‘Come Home’ To Bolton In Event Making Waves For Inclusion

rom startups to 7 figure founders, entrepreneurs are coming together from across the globe to learn and connect in Bolton next month, as Bolton Stadium plays host as the new home to the fastest-growing inclusive personal and business development event, The BIG Festoon on 21st and 22nd March. Attracting celebrity keynote speakers, business owners both from the local area and from across the globe, and connecting people who are working on their side hustles while still employed, The BIG Festoon is an event focused on sharing knowledge, inspiring action and creating opportunities, particularly for those in self-employment. 142

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Created by North West based International Speaking Coach, No.1 Best-selling author, and mum of 3, Dani Wallace, the event now in its fourth year has grown from an initial 40 people at The Impossible in central Manchester, to selling out the 350 people event space at Manchester United, to now expanding into Bolton Stadium to double the size. With this expansion comes a greater focus on inclusion, so that the event really is open to all. Dani, 40, said: “I remember reading about a survey (from the British Association for the Advancement of Science) which said that Boltonians are the friendliest people in Britain.

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This is the vibe I am bringing to this event - open arms - where people can ‘come home’ no matter where they are from.”

space -especially on speaking circuits, which I had experienced myself. As I have grown my business and grown as a person, I have been introduced to, and indeed immersed in, other cultures and communities which I recognise need support to be heard and celebrated. Having grown up singing in clubs and pubs and travelling the world as a professional singer, I have always been an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. Making my events a safe space for all has become a key focus in helping people from underrepresented communities be seen. Helping them see other people like them take up space, be well-received and welcomed with open arms is part of my mission. Last year I was delighted to give my stage to Alex Jay Lynam of Beyond The Binary, who shared their non binary journey as a keynote speaker. Alex, from Manchester, has now become a part of my consultancy team who has helped me create an event that feels genuinely safe for all - and this is a joy to be able to achieve.”

Left: Dani Show Stopper Alt Studio UK Simon Hunt

One of the keynote speakers on this year’s lineup representing the LGBTQIA+ community is the incredible transgender singer songwriter and former X-Factor star Dylan Holloway, winner of music show Project Icon, which saw him hit the charts making music with Jason Derulo. Dylan will be sharing his story of self-discovery, encouraging everyone to connect with their authentic selves, no matter what gender they are. Sponsors for the event also include Queer Business Club - a

Above: Dani Wallace Bee Inspired Sept 22 Manchester United©vickiheadHighRes-FirstLook-3 (1) (2)

Committed to providing a ‘safe space for conversations that matter’, The BIG Festoon is an example of an inclusive event, which is actively inviting people from diverse backgrounds and marginalised communities, who often feel excluded from big mainstream events ‘to come to the party’, reassuring them it’s safe for them to do so, having made inclusion and accessibility a huge priority in their planning process. Part of the rapid expansion of the event has been due to Dani, who grew up on the council estates of Preston and who is a survivor of domestic abuse, embracing wider communities of entrepreneurs as the event has grown. She said: “I have always felt ‘different’ throughout my life. But my strength and success has come from embracing my difference and having a strong voice, so this is something I am passionate about helping others to do. Initially I set this event up to celebrate the voices of female entrepreneurs - to give them a platform as many were still not being heard in the business

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Dani Wallace photo credit_ Amanda Hutchinson

community which offers collaboration + content for queer business owners. Being a mum to a neurodivergent son and having ADHD herself, Dani is also a huge champion for inclusion around neurodiversity. Jo McMeechan, a SEN mum and founder of SENStory, who is a former speaker at this event who braved sharing her message of challenges and triumph in this area, has also joined The BIG Festoon accessibility team. Jo is on a mission to build inclusive environments where everyone can thrive, has supported Dani to help create an event which is accessible to those with additional needs. “From Sensory Breakout Spaces, to pronouns on badges, to captioning the talks and trigger warnings when it comes to sensitive topics, to accessible seating, to venue information being supplied to help reduce overwhelm, and a ‘flight squad’ - our team of volunteers, which includes certified therapists and health and wellness practitioners, there are an abundance of measures that have been put in place to open this event up to people who often feel ‘they are not invited to the party, because the party is ‘their worst nightmare’. It’s not right that people with additional needs or psychological safety challenges should be excluded from vibrant, empowering events - there is a way for them to be a part of these experiences, in a way that suits them, where they feel safe” - said Jo. 144

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The BIG Festoon takes place during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. A further piece of the inclusion jigsaw is being looked at in partnership with Manchester born and bred Samantha Lubanzu, who with over two decades of HR experience, is currently the ViceChairperson of the CIPD Manchester. Samantha is working with Dani shining a spotlight on black-owned businesses that often face underrepresentation and is hosting a table for black owned business owners - she said: “When you’ve got somebody who is white and straight presenting, running a business event, the general consensus is that it’s going to be attended by a lot of straight white women, and that isn’t the case for The BIG Festoon, so I want to show black business owners that there is a place for them here”. Set within the backdrop of inclusivity, the talks within the event are set to appeal to all business www.lancmag.com

owners. Bringing in speakers who have already achieved great success, like event Headline Sponsor Lisa Johnson from That Strategy Co who has made £16million over the last 7 years, whilst working around her twins, and keynote Speaker Laurie Burrows who started her business whilst pregnant and now celebrates turning over up to 100K a month by the age of 30, the event is set to inspire, educate and motivate ambitious entrepreneurs looking to achieve the same. Also sharing the stage is world-renowned speaker Daniel Priestley - an awardwinning entrepreneur, and best-selling author who started with nothing, then built successful multi-million dollar businesses in Australia, UK and Singapore. These experts will be sharing knowledge on how others can also scale, whilst working flexibly, and still enjoy life.

they can slay their own dragons, so that they can grow, and walk away more confident and more ready to take their place in the world”.

Top Left: Dani Wallace Throne - Simon Hunt at AltStudios

“With talks spanning topics from education to energy, mindset to mental health, and sales to self-sabotage, this event creates conversations that matter. We see so many lightbulb moments year on year, and we’ve had people quitting their jobs live on stage and committing to following their dreams - it’s powerful stuff!”

Above: Dani Wallace - Vicki Head photography credit ©vickiheadfirstpeek-58Dani Wallace Bee Inspired 2022 - Vicki Head photography credit

Local entrepreneurs from the North West taking to the stage include; Nicola Parker, of Stronger Than Your Mind, a Mental Fitness Mentor for business owners from Oldham; Janine McDonald founder of Clear the Clutter from Swinton.

But the majority of the lineup is curated from entrepreneurs earlier in their journey - who will be taking to the stage at Bolton Stadium, in front of 800 people, to share their stories and messages as part of their commitment to overcome their fears of glossophobia, and as part of their mission to create bigger ripple effects with their work. Dani said: “This isn’t your usual business event - what we explore here are subjects that matter on a very human level - not just on a business level. We talk fears, and limiting beliefs, money blocks and marketing and we also talk about what it takes to succeed and over these 2 days it’s my job to help everyone in that audience to see how www.lancmag.com

Tickets are available via https://www.thebigfestoon.co.uk/ and there are a couple of sponsorship slots left if any businesses would like to be a part of this too. For more info email bookings@iatqb.com

Above: Flyaway Foundation. credit - Emma Holt

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Never Stop Learning Along the Way Year 10 girls at Bolton School were delighted to welcome back former pupil Anisha Mohammed who returned to offer career advice and her reflections on working in tech, buying, e-commerce and fintech. with fraud prevention. Within the same company she moved to Vendor Management in a buying role which she really enjoyed. After 3 years with Amazon, Anisha decided that she wanted to do the selling not the buying and, when approached by Hasbro, the second biggest toy company in the world, she moved again. She enjoyed her time there as an E-commerce manager selling their products to retailers.

Anisha recalled how she started at Bolton School in the Junior Girls’ School and left the Sixth Form with A levels in English Language, History and Spanish in 2009. She shared how, whilst at school, she enjoyed a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including netball and lacrosse and volunteering and how she worked in the school’s Arts Centre as a waitress as well as for local MP Brian Iddon She went on to study English Language and Linguistics at Queen Mary’s in London. Upon graduation and keen to learn more about human rights and NGOs, Anisha told how she took an internship with Minority Rights Group International before moving to Madrid where she worked for The British Council. Upon her return to the UK, Anisha then undertook a Master’s degree in International Relations at Cardiff University whilst working at Lush Cosmetics. When a job came up that involved using languages – she speaks seven - at Amazon, she took up a position in the Risk Management Department, which saw her dealing 146

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Anisha said she had always been interested in beauty products and was delighted to take up a role at Charlotte Tilbury as a National Account Manager, selling to digital stores and in store. This, in turn, led to her securing a role at Revlon as Senior Business Development Manager, before she was promoted to Regional Head of E-Commerce. Moving back to Manchester from London, she secured a position with Karna, a Swedish financial tech company, which she referred to as a ‘buy now, pay later’ business and a registered bank in Europe. She told how, she started out as Commercial Manager before being promoted to Head of Partnerships and then Head of Partner Success, her current position. She said she really enjoys the fast-moving pace of the job, although it can be quite stressful at times. Anisha shared with the GCSE pupils some of the lessons that she had learnt along the way: don’t underestimate volunteering, internships and work experience whilst you are at school; developing soft skills are important; you don’t have to have a plan, you can figure it out as you go; always learn from those around you whatever level you are at; never stop learning; network and seek guidance along the way. The session ended with the pupils asking a number of questions including what is the longest time you have been in one role, what is your favourite job so far, what additional perks have you received, did you find it challenging re-locating back to Manchester, what A levels did you take and what does your normal week look like? www.lancmag.com

Cuddington Primary School scores a new sports kit A PRIMARY school in Cuddington, Cheshire, has a new sports kit thanks to an £800 donation from housebuilder Redrow. Right: Cuddington Primary School pupil Beatrice.

Far Right: Cuddington Primary School pupil Josh

Above: Cuddington Primary School pupils in the new sports kits

Above: Cuddington Primary School pupils

The new kit, which includes weatherproof jackets, shorts, and socks will be used by Cuddington Primary School’s sports team whilst out competing.

School purchase new sports kits. They look great andwe hope they bring the team lots of luck!”

“We aim to enter as many sports events as we can, including gymnastics, basketball, hockey, cricket and netball,” said Mrs Mills, headteacher at Cuddington Primary School. “We’re grateful to Redrow for this funding. The weatherproof jackets will really come in handy through our winter sports season and we have also purchased staff jackets, so we are now easily identifiable at outside events.” Anna Evans Kerr, sales director at Redrow NW, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to help Cuddington Primary www.lancmag.com

Redrow is currently building nearby at Redrow Hartford, which has two phases – Weaver Park and Water’s Reach. Both located on Woods Road. They currently have a selection of three and four-bedroom properties for sale.

For more information call the sales team at Weaver Park on 01606 369800 or visit www.redrow.co.uk/weaverpark or www.redrow.co.uk/watersreach LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 147

World Horse Welfare conference on what horse racing and equestrian sports can learn from other industries on public trust, draws over 150 sports leaders from across the globe. Lessons from the agricultural, mining and fast-food industries demonstrate they become stronger when they address public concerns. Attendees advised to respect opposing views, proactively engage with critics and use ‘radical transparency’.

n 24 January, World Horse Welfare hosted a virtual conference to bring horse sport leaders together to learn about the strategies that leaders of other industries have used to address public concerns about their activities – often emerging stronger as a result. World Horse Welfare, a leading global horse charity that works to improve welfare through care, research, education and influence, convened the event as part of its work with horse sport, governments, academia and institutions to ensure the welfare of the horse is better prioritised in the horse-human relationship. The invitation-only event titled Maintaining public acceptance of equestrianism: What can we learn from other industries? was attended by more than 150 leaders from racing and equestrian sport globally, and featured presentations by President of the FEI, Ingmar de Vos; Dr. Chris Riggs, Director, Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation; Bob Langert, Sustainability Consultant and former Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability at McDonald’s Corporation;

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Charlie Arnot, Founder and President, Look East and Chief Executive, Center for Food Integrity; Dr. Kieren Moffat, Co-founder and Chief Executive, Voconiq; and Toby Park, Head of Energy and Sustainability, The Behavioural Insights Team. The most consistent theme of the day was the central role of public trust in the ongoing sustainability of any industry – trust that must be earned and continually negotiated to be maintained. Strategies such as proactively inviting critics to the table, as practiced by McDonald’s, using ‘radical transparency’ to demonstrate your industry’s openness and honesty and ensuring you are aligned with the values of the public were highlighted as being key to building trust. The importance of these recommendations – which were so eloquently articulated by the speakers, all of whom have walked this path before – is underscored by the results of a survey conducted for World Horse Welfare by You Gov in May, 2023. The data indicated that while around 30% of the UK public broadly trusted horse sport www.lancmag.com

regulators to put horse welfare first, around a quarter did not and almost 50% did not know or were not sure – suggesting much more could be done to build trust on the extent to which equine welfare is prioritised in equestrianism. One strategy that was used – with great success – by McDonald’s, was to work with the company’s critics, and to collaborate with independent scientists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). As Bob Langert said, “Rather than being on the defensive, we reached out to our critics and collaborated … We had spectacular results …We went from being the enemy to becoming a leader. We did good for the world, and, most importantly, we found these changes worked for our business model. These one-time critics went from being enemies to collaborators and praising our work and the changes we had made. That’s worth so much!” Describing the pursuit of public trust as “enlightened self-interest”, Charlie Arnot was clear in his recommendations for attendees: “STOP persuading, correcting and winning; START listening, asking and sharing”. These recommendations and many others, all provided by industry experts who have walked this path before us, gave attendees invaluable insights into what has worked – and what has not worked – in other industries as they charted their journey into the future. The presentations were followed by a lively discussion panel which highlighted the need for internal acceptance of the necessity for change, the importance of building sustainability and trust into an organisation’s strategy and the role of using human behaviour change principles in developing solutions. Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare said: “As part of our commitment to ethical horse sport we hosted this event for sport leaders to help them learn lessons in building public trust from other industries that involve animals, and how making changes to build trust is not only possible but essential for equestrianism to grow. I truly hope that guests will take what they’ve heard back to their communities and challenge the status quo. They will not be alone, as we are all part of team equestrian, and World Horse Welfare will continue to work with sport regulators to support them on this journey. We will also continue to measure public acceptance and trust in horse sport, and if just a couple of the strategies discussed are made use of, I have no doubt this measure will improve.” About World Horse Welfare: Visit our website: www.worldhorsewelfare.org

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Jason Byrne Syndicated Interview – Ashley Davies

ason Byrne’s body has been patched up so many times you’d think he was a fan of doing extreme obstacle courses while blindfolded. But the reasons behind his many medical interventions are less extreme than that, even if, in some cases, they sound more ridiculous.

“I’m full of fecking gadgets,” laughs the 51-yearold, explaining the name of his new live stand-up show, The Ironic Bionic Man which kicks off on 15 th of September for a 31-date UK tour after a highly successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe. “Now, at this stage in my life, I have ironically become bionic. I have six stents in my heart, I’ve got a wonky eye (it used to turn in when I was a kid so they fixed it and my dad used to call it my bionic eye), and had cartilage taken out of my knee because I ripped it on the toilet.” “My left arm was dislocated fully in Australia. I’ve got staples on my lungs and my balls don’t work anymore because I got the snip as well.”

monthly check-ups, plus quite a lot to think about.

It’s natural to wonder how all this will affect his stage performance, given that he’s not exactly known for being If you haven’t yet heard about the inelegant loo calm and still up there (fans will remember him appearmishap, sit tight: it’s coming. But the most recent ing to cut a man in half as part of a magic trick, swing– and significant – episode concerns Byrne’s heart. ing on a wrecking ball like Miley Cyrus in vest and He’s always been very fit and active, but in the pants, not to mention dragging audience members middle of training, just after lockdown, he felt a about the stage). little pain in his chest and got it checked out. Interestingly, the medical advice is less about movement (which he’s been less frenetic about in recent years Following several inconclusive tests, an invasive anyway) than it is about vocals. angiogram revealed three semi-blocked branch arteries (charmingly known as “widowmakers”), “What really does your chest in is shouting,” says Byrne. caused by hereditary cholesterol issues. “Now I make sure the “When I was told I had a 90% blockage of the microphone’s really loud. I don’t do much running on artery I thought they’d operate on me immediate- stage nowadays anyway. ly, but the doctor said no,” he recalls. “I asked him One of his ways around this is getting a “Jason Byrne why and he said: ‘I’m going reserve” up on stage “just in case golfing.’ And I said: ‘Am I dying?’ And he goes: anything happens”, he laughs. “It’s such a funny piece of ‘Yeah, we’re all dying, Jason.’ These the show. I stay on stage with surgeons are so funny and dry. They should do them with a mic and I get them to run up and down the stand-up.” stage asking people questions. I’ve seen really funny impressions of me. I go: ‘I don’t do Byrne was given blood thinners and beta blockers that,’ and the crowd go: ‘Yeah, you and the pain dissipated. Then came the do.”’ stents – put into three arteries in his wrist, all while he was awake – and the promise of six150

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There’s even a bit where he has his blood pressure taken in the middle of the show and the Jason sub has to get up and do something to keep everyone entertained. It’s not just the dialling-back on physicality that’ll make The Ironic Bionic Man a bit different for Byrne: it’s also his most personal stand-up show to date. This is partly down to all the material about his own health and mortality, but it’s also because he talks about his beloved father, Paddy, who died just before the pandemic. Like many other members of Byrne’s family, his father has been a great source of comedic inspiration. True to form, there was more laughing than crying at the old fellow’s wake – an event he’ll be telling lots of funny stories about in this show, which he insists is not going to be miserable. “My dad was cremated because he didn’t want anybody ‘looking into a hole, pissing and moaning,” says Byrne, recalling his father’s candid instructions. Inspired by his dad, the stand-up has written a play called The Paddy Lama Shed Talks. He plays his dad, sitting in his shed, and we, the audience, are Jason, listening to him chatting and giving advice. “My dad was always very funny and he is always in my shows,” says Byrne. “He was called the Paddy Lama because he was always in the shed, always full of good advice, even though it was full of cigarettes and whisky and Perry Como. He was a calm, laid-back man and he always said that if you don’t talk about somebody after they die, they die twice.” He’ll be putting that on at the Smock Alley Theatre as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival (1120 September, fringefest.com/), and hopefully further afield after that. Byrne grew up in Dublin and got his first experience of showbusiness through his mother, who was a ballroom dancer, and even followed in her footsteps for a few years, enduring a great deal of piss-taking from his pals in the process. He had his mind blown by Billy Connolly after sneaking in to see him at the Olympic Theatre when he was 16, and, in his late teens, while working at a cabaret venue in the city, he got to watch all sorts of acts, from stand-ups to singers. www.lancmag.com

Before long he was doing it himself, and hit the ground running, thanks to a natural gift of the gab and a wealth of stories from which to draw. He was a So You Think You’re Funny finalist in 1996 (he lost out to Tommy Tiernan), and was shortlisted for the Edinburgh Comedy Award (then known as the Perrier) in 1998 (newcomer category) and 2001. He’s done so much else besides, including judging on Ireland’s Got Talent, multi award winning radio shows, writing couple of memoirs (Adventures of a Wonky-Eyed Boy: The Short-Arse Years and Adventures of a Wonky-Eyed Man: The Dad-Knows-Best Years, the latter coming out on 21 September) and a children’s book series, The Accidental Adventures of Onion O’Brien. If you’re desperate to know about his injuries, you’ll have to see The Ironic Bionic Man for the details, but here’s a summary. His lung collapsed when he was 21 because he was so tall and thin (though he’s currently an inch shorter than his sons, who at 23 and 16 are 6’3”, the latter heading for 6’5” – “It’s just because we look after them too well,” he jokes. “We shouldn’t be looking after our children this well.”). His left arm was dislocated by a boogie board (not even a surfboard, for shame) in Australia, and the poo incident happened about 15 years ago when years of exercise and on-stage back-and-forth damaged them without him realising. He sat down too quickly on the loo and ripped the cartilage in his left knee. It locked and he had to call his then wife to try straighten it and help him put his trousers on. “It was so humiliating,” he recalls. “Even the doctor was laughing.” Jason Byrne will always be one of the funniest storytellers we’ve got, and it’s hard to imagine him slowing down, but that does seem inevitable. And he’s aware that it’s time to listen to the Paddy Lama’s advice. In the play, he quotes his dad saying: “Jay, maybe you should stop running around so much on the stage. Maybe you should sit on a chair and tell jokes like Dave Allen.” “It’s like my own dad telling me from the grave saying that I can’t keep doing this,” he smiles. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 151

March 2024 – Blackpool Grand Theatre Show Listings Oh What A Lovely War

The Gruffalo’s Child – Tuesday 12 March at 1.30pm & 4.30pm (relaxed ‘chilled’ performance) and Wednesday 14 March at 10.30am &1pm. An enchanting new stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s much-loved tale. One wild and windy night The Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood... Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103. Tickets £16.50 with concessions available.

Oh What A Lovely War – Friday 1 March at 7.30pm & Saturday 2 March at 2.30pm & 7.30pm. A wildly satirical, visually stunning and deeply moving musical, bringing to life the folly, farce and tragedy of the First World War. Brimming with timeless songs, razor-sharp wit and high jinks, Oh What A Lovely War is a hilarious, heartbreaking snapshot of life for those caught in the crossfire of conflict. Tickets from £17.50 with concessions and group rates available. Something About George – Sunday 3 March at 7.30pm. West End actor and musician Daniel Taylor brings a musical tribute of music’s most understated icons. Featuring a fivepiece band performing beautiful George Harrison songs such as My Sweet Lord, Something, Got My Mind Set On You and Handle With Care, the show includes his incredible solo material, and more than a few Beatles’ classics along the way. Tickets £30.50 with concessions available. Whittaker’s World At Your Feet – Thursday 7 March to Sunday 10 March at 7pm. Saturday & Sunday matinee at 2pm. Whittaker’s Dance and Drama Centre presents the entertainment extravaganza World At Your Feet including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, riverdance and musical theatre all performed by elite students aged from 2–80yrs from the renowned local dance studio. A show for all the family! Tickets from £17. Concessions and Early Bird booking offer available. 152

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Gruffalo’s Child

Sophie McCartney -Tired & Tested – Thursday 14 March at 8pm. Join award-winning comedian, writer and social media star Sophie McCartney as she ventures into the perilous world of parenthood in this rollicking new stand-up show set to test pelvic floor muscles to the max(i) pad. ‘Instagram’s funniest mum’ is best known for her wickedly accurate insights into adulting, laugh-out-loud relatability and close-to-the-bone calamitous charm. Tickets from £24.50 Tim Vine – Breeeep! – Friday 15 March at 7.30pm. Come and enjoy a mountain of nonsense, daft one-liners, joyful songs, wobbly props and ridiculous humour (plus utter drivel) as Tim Vine comes back to Blackpool for one night only with a brand-new stand-up show! Witness the stupidity. Then leave. Tim switched on the Christmas lights in Cheam two years on the run! Tickets £29.50 www.lancmag.com

Let’s Dance by Blackpool Symphony Orchestra – Saturday 16 March at 7.30pm. Blackpool Symphony Orchestra make a welcome return to the Grand with a whirlwind journey through music inspired by dance in all its many and varied forms. Enjoy everything from Abba to Irish, Ballet to Broadway and Latin American to the Waltz under one roof. An evening for all the family to enjoy. Tickets £21 with under 18s concession available. NOBODY – A Dance-Circus Adventure - Motionhouse – Tuesday 19 March at 7.30pm. Top contemporary dance company Motionhouse present a dazzling new piece showcasing raw physical strength and gravity-defying choreography. Nobody follows seven characters on a journey to discover who they are through an emotional, but ultimately uplifting story, packed with visual magic. Tickets from £14.50 with concessions available. Nobody-Motionhouse

Daniel O’Reilly – Friday 22 March at 8pm. Controversial comic Daniel O’Reilly is still boasting one of the largest, strongest, most loyal and fastest-growing social media followings in the UK. He is well known for many characters, but for this new live show he’s going ‘Out Of Character’ to bring all the laughs and look back on the mischief, the mistakes and the madness of his career so far. Tickets £29.50. Madama Butterfly – Saturday 23 March at 7.30pm. It’s One Fine Day as Puccini’s award-winning opera is back by overwhelming public demand in an exciting new production featuring extraordinary stage sets. Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Tickets from £38 with concessions available. Sunday Night at The Grand – Sunday 24 March at 7.30pm. Blackpool’s best-loved variety show returns for its seventh year to take you on a journey of laughter with the North West’s funniest comedians, astonishing vocalists and an array of show-stopping dancers. Featuring Grand Theatre favourite, comedy legend and BGT finalist Steve Royle, Ben Nickless and outstanding vocalist Benjamin Moss (The Voice) plus many more! Hosted by Gaz Jenkins. Tickets from £18.50 with senior concessions available. Singin’ In The Rain – Blackpool Operatic Society – Wednesday 27 March to Saturday 30 March at 7.30pm. Friday & Saturday matinee at 2pm.

The Roy Orbison Story – Wednesday 20 March at 7.30pm Barry Steele will take you on a musical journey from ‘The Black and White Night’ right through to The Traveling Wilburys. You’ll be dancing in the aisles as you experience the unforgettable sound of a generation alongside an extraordinary ensemble of talented musicians and singers paying homage to the timeless music of Roy Orbison and his many friends. Tickets £33. Irish Annie’s – Thursday 21 March at 7.30pm. Sip Whiskey in the Jar with TV favourite Ricky Tomlinson as the popular actor and comic joins fellow Liverpudlians Catherine Rice and Asa Murphy in this smash-hit musical comedy. Meet landlady Annie and all her regular madcap customers for a fun night out celebrating the very best of Irish culture. Tickets £30.50 with concessions available.

Blackpool Operatic Society will make a real splash this Easter with a showstopping production of the iconic Hollywood musical. Filled with every memorable moment from the much-loved film, snappy dialogue, a downpour of unforgettable songs and even an onstage rainstorm! Tickets from £19 with concessions available. The Sooty Show – Sunday 31 March and Monday 1 April at 2.30pm. Izzy Wizzy, Let’s Get Busy! Sooty, Soo and Sweep are planning a very special birthday party and you’re all invited. However, in true Sooty style nothing will go to plan… With buckets of audience participation and gallons of giggles, this spectacular celebration of the longest-running children’s television show in the world will delight Sooty fans old and new and is a must-see treat for the whole family. Tickets £21 with an under 18s concession available.

Visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full show listings and bookings or call the box office on 01253 290190 for bookings and further information.

Asa Murphy and the band Shenanigans in Irish Annie’s - credit David Munn

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Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT Box Office 01253 290 190 blackpoolgrand.co.uk Facebook - @blackpoolgrand • Twitter - @Grand_Theatre Instagram - grandtheatrebpl LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 153

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Dr Mani Introducing Dr Mani of Lancashire GP Private Practise in Blackpool, who answers your questions in our new regular medical advice column. Q - I am having blood pressure tablets and my BP doesn’t seem to be much lower. I feel like they are doing me more harm than good. What are your thoughts on this please Dr Mani?

A - High blood pressure is defined as persistent raised blood pressure 140/90 mmHg or higher. Treatment of high blood pressure include lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes include stop smoking, lose weight, regular exercise and reduce salt intake. Single medication is usually prescribed to control high blood pressure, however if high blood pressure is not controlled using a single medication, your doctor might want to prescribe a combination of tablets. I advise that you see your doctor for assessment and management of your persistent high blood pressure. Q - I came off the pill 9 months ago

and we have been trying for a baby but so far no luck. How long does the pill take to come out of your system and how long should you try for before deciding to get some help?

A -I am sorry to hear you have been having a difficult time to conceive. Medical guidelines advise a woman of reproductive age who has not conceived after 1 year of unprotected coitus should be offered referral to specialist’s fertility clinic along with her partner. Earlier referral is warrened in women aged 36 years or over or if there is a known clinical cause for failure to conceive. I advise you to see your doctor to start the process of assessment and management. Good luck and all the best!

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Q - I am considering taking Viagra,

are there any side effects you as a professional person can make clear to me?

A - Reported side effects of Viagra include flushing, headache, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness, diarrhoea, rashes, and cystitis. There have been six reports of deaths related to heart attacks. However, it is unclear whether Viagra reacted with prescribed heart medication, or the deaths were the result of sexual exertion. Please speak to your doctor to ensure that Viagra is not going to affect your other medical conditions and medications that you might already be taking.

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Q - I have started getting a lot of

slimy discharge in my vagina and surrounding area, I am 45. I have obviously written in anon, I feel too embarrassed to go to a GP. Is this anything to be concerned over?

A - There are many possible causes for vaginal discharge. Normal vaginal discharge is normally clear or white. Infection is the most likely cause in reproductive life. An infected discharge is usually purulent and coloured. There is no need to feel embarrassed. You need to see your GP or attend Genitourinary Medicine Clinic to have assessments such as full history including sexual history, examination with a sample of the discharge to be collected and sent off to laboratory for culture and microscopy. Q - I have tried eating really well

for 12 months and my constipation has not improved, I previously had a poor diet of a lot of junk food and high sugar and really believed once I sorted this out I would be a lot better. What should I try next?

A -National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends the person’s diet should contain whole grains, fruits such as apples, apricots, grapes (and raisins), peaches, pears, plums (and prunes), raspberries, and strawberries. It also recommended to drink plenty of fluids and increasing activity and exercise levels. If despite the above measures constipation is still a problem, it is important to see your GP to have necessary assessments and consider further investigation to find potential cause for constipation.

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Q - I don’t believe in this pre

menopause but I do think the real one has hit as I am having hot flushes and forgetfulness and irritability in buckets, what are my options and should I have made plans before it actually started?

A - The loss of ovarian function and drop in hormone levels associated with menopause contribute to the development of menopausal symptoms. Your doctor might consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, there are alternative therapies to HRT in the management of symptoms of menopause. Lifestyle measures such as getting regular exercise and cutting down caffeine and alcohol can help improve hot flushes. There is some evidence that complimentary therapies such as isoflavones or black cohosh may improve hot flushes, however their safety is uncertain, and they can interact with other medications. Therefore, one treatment of menopause does not fit all! I suggest that you see your doctor to discuss your options and decide which treatment suits you the best.

Q - My teenage daughter has started

obsessing over food and eating less, I don’t want to be over the top if it is just a phase, but she is making more and more excuses at meal times, when is the time to seek professional help?

A - You could speak to her school to find out if they have any concerns. If you are still concerned, I advise you to arrange for her to be assessed by her doctor as most eating disorders can be successfully managed by your GP who can provide support such as Evidencebased self-help programmes. Your GP can also refer her for cognitive behaviour therapy if it is available, or for secondary care support via an eating disorders clinic.

DR Mani will start maternity leave in March but plans to return to her duties in June, however she will be based at Spire Fylde Coast, St Walburgas Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 8BP, from June in replacement of Garstang clinic. Please email us at: info@lancashiremagazine.co.uk to put your questions forward. Lancashire GP 01995 238081 lancashiregp.co.uk

Lancashire GP - Beat the NHS waiting lists. - Face to Face and Video call options. - Appointments Promptly Scheduled and On Time. - Blood Tests. - Health Screening. - Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Checks.

- Depression and Anxiety. - Menopausal Symptoms and Treatments (Inc HRT). - Medical Examinations: Pre-employment, Driving and Insurance. - Speedy Referrals to Specialists. - Personal Quality of Care

Dr. Farzaneh Mani MBChB (Hons), DRCOG, MRCGP, IMMOFP Dr. Farzaneh Mani is the founder of Lancashire GP Private GP surgery which is based at Fylde Coast Hospital. She also works as a GP in the NHS and is fully covered by the CQC. Dr. Mani is on the GP performer’s lists and undertakes full NHS yearly appraisal. The Lancashire GP Practice specialises in general family medicine. We also offer a prescription service, health screening, and referrals for tests and scans. Our easy connections to local hospitals mean that we are able to refer you for any necessary follow-up treatment. www.lancmag.com

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A review of Holmes Mill

Arriving on a cold and dark evening, we enter a building that is nothing short of enchanting.

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he elegant English design, featuring original beams and walls of exposed brick, is utterly beautiful. Holmes Mill is a popular venue for weddings, which is no wonder as it exudes romance, charisma and sophistication. The interior styling of the restaurant is impeccable - tall goldembellished ceilings, hints of teal and greenery, with a large grand piano in the centre. We were invited to have a drink at the bar, which looks gorgeous, however I was driving so we headed to our table. Our server for the evening, McKenzie, proved to be an invaluable asset to Holmes Mill. She was lovely and helpful, and very knowledgeable on James Places. She shared insights about the Beer Hall next door and her expertise in crafting cocktails. McKenzie’s accommodation of my picky eating was much appreciated, and her reccommendations for starters were spot-on.

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We decided on having five small plates for starters: king prawns, chicken katsu, deconstructed chicken katsu, tempura broccoli and patatas bravas. The tempura broccoli with ponzu dipping sauce was delectable, the initial resistance of the crispy coating giving way to a burst of flavour. The tempura batter, with its light and airy consistency, serves as a perfect complement without overpowering the natural taste of the broccoli. Meanwhile the patatas bravas consisted of goldenbrown potatoes bathed in a spicy tomato-based sauce, with a drizzle of aioli. The fresh tomatoes worked great in combination with the crispy potatoes, creating a vibrant and delicious dish. The tomato sauce was not overly spicy, so would not be a problem for anyone who doesn’t like too much spice.

“The elegant English design, featuring original beams and walls of exposed brick, is utterly beautiful.”

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The chicken katsu featured succulent chicken in breadcrumbs, deep-fried to perfection. The mixture of Asian slaw and Thai dressing added layers of flavour, creating a feast for the tastebuds as well as the eyes. The deconstructed version of this dish, with the same mouth-watering chicken accompanied by tasty chips, is a great option especially for young diners. The highlight of the starters for us was the king prawns, tender and succulent prawns in a flavourful sauce, seasoned perfectly with chilli and garlic. This starter was also paired with fresh grilled sourdough. We were delighted by the starters, and the beautiful presentation of these dishes only heightened the experience for us. For the mains, we opted for the gammon cutlet, grilled cauliflower, grilled artichoke hearts, paired with sides of roasted vegetables. With the grilled artichoke every bite is an adventure, the plate featuring giant couscous with pomegranate and molasses dressing. The impeccable consistency and infusion of herbs was a culinary masterpiece. (I have since tried to make this dish at home, and whilst I am known to be a good cook, I have found it impossible to recreate!)

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The grilled cauliflower dish includes a grilled and charcoaled outer edge that adds a delightful crunch, contrasting with the tender and succulent core. Combined with miso butter, a sprinkling of herbs, and a refreshing side salad, this dish was a lovely light yet satisfying meal.

“The gammon cutlet, a thick, good-cut, was juicy, cooked on a state-of-the-art Esse Charcoal Grill.” The gammon cutlet, a thick, good-cut, was juicy, cooked on a state-of-the-art Esse Charcoal Grill. It is typically served with grilled mushroom, scorched tomatoes, rocket salad and chunky chips. Due to personal preference, we asked for no mushrooms or tomatoes, in which the staff were very accommodating. The plentiful portions meant that our stomachs were full, the staff were very understanding and allowed us to take the rest home. As always there was still room for dessert, which was a Bowland Cheese Board and dark chocolate fondant. The cheese board included four cheeses from the onsite Food Hall, with the addition of crackers, chutney, celery and sweet pickled grapes. The rich, indulgent dark chocolate fondant was paired with cherry ice cream, a refreshing companion that cleanses the palette. The juxtaposition of warm chocolate with the cool, fruity ice cream is absolutely delicious. The ambiance of Holmes Mill throughout the meal enhanced our entire dining experience. The gentle, laidback music created a soothing atmosphere, adding a touch of intimacy to the meal. The grand piano, skillfully played by other customers, provided a lively and enjoyable backdrop to our meal. www.lancmag.com

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The combination of the incredible food, charming ambiance and the delightful service made our visit to Holmes Mill a memorable one. Next time we will definitely be leaving the car at home and trying something from the extensive wine and cocktail list. I am most excited to try the Zombie cocktail, which was described to us as “a smooth and fruity blend, concealing a powerful kick of rum”! 164

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Holmes Mill Greenacre Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 1EB www.jamesplaces.com/holmes-mill/ www.lancmag.com

The one they all want to win

“The BIBAs is part of our plan every year”, says last year’s Medium Business winners

Every winner of the BIBAs will tell you the same thing – be prepared for anything!

ast year’s Medium Business of the Year winners, Service Care Solutions, are experienced professionals when it comes to the “one they all want to win” as they’ve bagged a few BIBAs trophies back-to-back.

we spend a lot of time focussing on what we can do better or where we can improve but the BIBAs applications really provide a rare opportunity to take look at what we have done well and where we have improved.

But even their achievements haven’t stopped them from wanting more, in fact it’s become part of their plans every year when the annual awards are announced.

“We love the challenge of working to improve our BIBAs submission each year and it is very much part of our ongoing thoughts.”

“The BIBA Awards has become very much part of our calendar each year,” says associate director, Paul Bradley, “Entering 2023, we had enjoyed back-to-back wins at the BIBA Awards for Employer of the Year, as well as winning Apprentice of the Year in 2022. We were keen to build on these achievements in 2023.”

MHA have been long-standing advocates of the BIBAs, and this year they are relishing the prospect of sponsoring one of the most sought-after accolades.

Medium-sized businesses, often the unsung heroes of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, embody the perfect blend of agility, resilience, and ambition. These businesses are the driving force behind economic growth, job creation, and community development, making a significant impact on the business landscape. The Medium Business of the Year award – sponsored by MHA - celebrates their ability to thrive in a competitive environment, adapt to evolving market trends, and innovate to meet the needs of their customers. Despite being veterans of the BIBAs journey, the Prestonbased business has always prepared diligently when it comes to applying for their chosen categories. Paul added: “As part of our desire to continuously improve, www.lancmag.com

Danny Houghton, partner at the firm, said: “SMEs are the very lifeblood of the Lancashire economy so we are proud to sponsor what we are confident will be a very much sought after award. “Given the level of applications over the past few years, Medium Business of the Year is a category which encompasses all manner of sectors from across Lancashire. We are sure the competition will be as varied as always and look forward to announcing the winner on the big night!” LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 165

DEAR EVAN HANSEN at Blackpool Grand! The multi award-winning musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN will make a very welcome stop at Blackpool Grand Theatre in 2025! truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him... DEAR EVAN HANSEN features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony, Olivier and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman) and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal). This exciting new production is directed by Adam Penford (Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse), produced by the Ambassador Theatre Group and is packed with some of the biggest musical theatre songs of the decade including You Will Be Found, Anybody Have a Map? and Sincerely, Me. ‘Don’t be on the outside looking in...’ Book your tickets now for this timeless musical about the struggle to connect in a hyperconnected world. DEAR EVAN HANSEN is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 20 May to Saturday 24 May 2025 with evening and matinee performances. Age Guidance 12+ Tickets from £27.50 with no concessions available for this show. On general sale from Friday 1 March 2024. Today is Going to Be A Good Day! And here’s why... The smash-hit stage musical phenomon DEAR EVAN HANSEN will visit Blackpool Grand Theatre for ONE WEEK ONLY from Tuesday 20 May to Saturday 24 May 2025! Blackpool Grand Theatre Chief Executive, Adam Knight, said: “I am thrilled to announce that the winner of 6 Tony Awards, the Grammy Award and the Olivier Award for Best Musical, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, will be coming to Blackpool Grand as part of its first No. 1 UK tour in 2025! “A deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it, DEAR EVAN HANSEN has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere. The New York Times calls it ‘a breathtaking knockout of a musical’ and NBC Nightly News declares the musical ‘an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond’. Don’t be Waving Through a Window! Book your seats now!” Meet Evan: an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. The thing is, on his way to fitting in, he didn’t tell the whole truth. And now must give up on a life he never dreamt he’d have. As events spiral and the 166

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Please call the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit www.BlackpoolGrand.co.uk for full listings, bookings and further information. And don’t forget! You can pre-book bottles of ice-chilled sparkling Prosecco, fragrant fresh flowers and delicious chocolate truffles to treat your loved ones to the theatrical experience of a lifetime!

Listings DEAR EVAN HANSEN – Tue 20 May to Sat 24 May 2025 at 7.30pm Wed & Sat matinee at 2.30pm Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT Box Office 01253 290 190 blackpoolgrand.co.uk Facebook - @blackpoolgrand • Twitter - @Grand_Theatre Instagram - grandtheatrebpl www.lancmag.com

The life of Di

A monthly column by Di Wade, the author of ‘A Year In Verse’

Magical Distraction

I’m a traditionalist. Well what can I say, if it doesn’t involve shopping, sheep-sh.gging, or shoe-talk, I’m game - and I can certainly live with a bit of piped-in haggis, pancake-splattered ceiling, or pulverized egg down a handy hill - if I’ve nothing else on of course. I’m not dependent on weird customs for my happiness. On the contrary, I famously find magical distraction all over the place these days – sitting by the pond near Moor Park, watching a plane looping-the-loop over Fleetwood, a family game of scrabble on a rainy afternoon, or catching up with friends at Bispham Kitchen on a winters Monday teatime – you name it. On the other hand, there’s still the business of everyday life to be got over: Already today, I’ve fed an entire packet of batteries into my electric toothbrush, and still not got it working, (though it did spit a fair few out - which I found only after nearly breaking my neck falling over the dratted things). Then I’d a major row with my non-charging phone - and lost a further half hour trying to get into a packet of bin-liners, (which you’d have sworn was me trying to break into Fort Knox) - while my attempt to reinsert the glass plate into the microwave was worthy of an Olympic wrestling match – from which I ultimately emerged the clear loser: Which is nothing, as the programme for the rest of the week screams all the fun and gaiety of a long weekend down a flooded mineshaft. So yes, if it were 31 October, I’d definitely be thinking pumpkins, carvings, tea-lights, and gingerbread bats right around now. I’ve even come up with the odd tradition of my own over the years, albeit mostly of the order of a romantic pizza for one on Valentine’s Day, and inhaling Elgar while waving English flags on St George’s. One more original however sees a friend and I attending the ballet at the Grand in January - all the more enjoyably for there being precious little else going on then -

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unless one counts furniture sales, raging post-Christmas blues, or a spot of pigeon-fancying. This year, preceded by what’s also become the customary lunch at Quilligan’s,--and a glance in one or two shops,--we saw the enchanting Swan Lake - so tripped off into the cold and dark afterwards with a head full of prettily twirling tutus and Tchaikovsky. I was also swinging a Platform 9 and 3/4 bag I’d got from the Works, and which’d seemed to have my name on it – so while my destination was firmly home, hearth, and a whole new series of Gladiators, (as opposed to the great hall at Hogwarts), there was no denying the day’s magical disposition. Better yet, this unlooked-for factor, it seemed, hadn’t anywhere else immediately to be. This became clear after I’d such a successful trip to Freeport next day, I was back, laden with shopping bags, in ample time to see GB’s hockey women win - while if a bunch of ballet dancers have become an integral part of January, a winter’s Sunday night is surely not a winter’s Sunday night without Ski Sunday, followed by Dancing on Ice. And by way of the icing on the cake, the Australian Open had kicked off. OK so this naturally said barbies on the beach to me – and no, I couldn’t find the kangaroo burgers, while for sure, my brass monkey wasn’t in the finest fettle right now - but one can’t have everything. The weekend had definitely attested to the power of a good tradition, so now I’m thinking maybe a Blackpool day at some point in the year? Meantime, happy Mother’s Day to the best mum in the world ever – and Easter to everyone else.

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April Showers: The Miserable Reality Behind the Cliché

pril showers bring May flowers, or so the saying goes. But let’s talk about the reality behind this supposedly charming idiom. April showers are not some romantic prelude to a beautiful spring. They’re a miserable, wet, and cold reminder that winter is not quite done with us yet. First of all let’s talk about the rain itself. It’s not just a light drizzle that gently waters the flowers. No, April showers are more like a torrential downpour that leaves you soaked to the bone and shivering. And don’t even get me started on the wind. April showers always seem to come with a side of gale-force winds that make umbrellas useless and leave you clinging to your coat for dear life. And then there’s the mud. Oh, the mud. April showers turn everything into a muddy mess, from the sidewalks to the roads to your freshly washed car. It’s like a cruel joke that Mother Nature is playing on us, as if to say, “I’ll give you a

Roast Dinner Kebabs (serves 4) Ingredients 4 Med Chicken Breasts 4 large baking potatoes 4 large carrots 1 large broccoli 500ml Gravy 60g Grated Cheddar Cheese Spices – (I prefer Just Spices meat & Roast seasoning and Roast Potato Seasoning – both can bought via my social links below)

Stuart Snowden is the Grumpy Northern Foodie - a dad of 3 and a homecook – check him out on TikTok, Instagram & Facebook @grumpynorthernfoodie I have teamed up with Found, a pioneering publishing company to bring you My recipe book – Quirky Kitchen – Available now – www.found.us 168

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taste of spring, but first you have to slog through the mud.” And let’s not forget about the cold. April showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring a bone-chilling cold that makes you wonder if winter will ever truly end. It’s like Mother Nature is playing a game of “just when you think it’s safe to put away your winter coat, I’ll hit you with another cold snap.” April showers are not some charming harbinger of spring. They’re a miserable reminder that winter is not quite done with us yet. So let’s stop pretending that April showers are anything other than what they are: a wet, cold, and miserable reality that we have to endure until the real spring finally arrives While you are waiting for the April Showers to disappear heres another recipe for you to get your mouth around Roasties ● Peel the Potatoes, chop in half and then each half into quarters ● Bring the potatoes to a boil, testing to see when they are slightly soft. ● Drain the potatoes, toss in cooking oil and the Just Spices Roast Potato Seasoning. ● Cook in the Airfryer at highest heat until crispy Chicken ● Dice your chicken into med size cubes ● Roll in the Just Spices Meat & Roast seasoning ● Grill the chicken until lightly brown and cooked though Veg ● Peel the carrots & slice into thick circles ● Boil until slightly soft and drain ● Chop the broccoli into heads, removing only part of the stems ● Boil until slightly soft and drain To Finish ● On your kebab Skewers, start adding one by one the carrots, broccoli, Chicken & Roast potato ● Repeat until all the ingredients are used up (approx. 8 kebabs) ● On a Baking tray, line with kitchen foil, spray with cooking oil, place the kebabs on the tray. ● Sprinkle over more of the Just Spices Roast Seasoning ● Place under the grill for 4 minutes each side ● Serve with a pot of gravy to dip www.lancmag.com

planning for

success in

2024

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Where do all the Good Honeys go? Honey Heaven!

Honey Heaven exclusively sources small, artisanal Hungarian beekeepers for their range of outstanding Organic honeys.

ungarian countryside is an area of unspoilt natural beauty, with stunning landscapes, criss-crossed by a network of springs and rivers, untamed Acacia forests and lush wild-flower and lavender meadows which the bees call home. The organic honey they make is extracted using traditional methods which are sustainable and work in complete harmony with nature. Honey Heaven was established in 2015 by brother and sister team, Robert & Silvia Mocsari who were keen to share the incomparable honeys of their homeland. Brought up on these, together with a knowledge of the medicinal benefits of herbs and spices passed down the generations, the range of 170

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organic honeys on offer reflect this wisdom and passion for health-giving, natural products that taste great. Honey has been used as a folk remedy for thousands of years but most of the honey found in grocery stores is pasteurized, a process which destroys many of the beneficial nutrients. In contrast, organic honey is packed full of healthy compounds including amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Honey Heaven has used this as the base for all their honeys and then blended a raft of natural ingredients to give them a health and taste impact second to none! www.lancmag.com

Newest to the range (and unique in the UK) is their Mushrooms in Honey providing a delicious and healthy way for anyone to add medicinal mushrooms to their daily diet. It is made using Honey Heaven’s organic Acacia Honey and a freeze-dried mix of seven organic mushroom varieties: Reishi, Chaga, Shitake, Maitake, Lions mane, Cordyceps, Tremella all grown in Hampshire. The fresh mushrooms are freezedried, powdered and blended into a smooth, easy to use form. Most other products featuring mushroom use just two or three varieties and have been dehydrated prior to freeze drying and being made into a powder. In contrast, the seven mushroom varietals used in Honey Heaven’s Mushroom Honey are not dehydrated and so retain 90% of the goodness of the raw mushrooms. The resultant product is delicious; the sweet flavour of the honey is enhanced by an exquisite rich ‘cocoa’ taste from the mushrooms. There’s no savoury or vegetative note, as might be expected, but it’s smooth and sweet with rich, dark chocolatey undertones. www.lancmag.com

Mushrooms in Honey can be spread on toast, added to porridge or smoothies, or stirred into a cup of tea or coffee as a natural sweetener. Medicinal mushrooms are adaptogens* which may help balance the body’s cortisol levels and manage stress. This means that someone sensitive to caffeine can enjoy a cup of coffee, reaping the benefits of caffeine without experiencing the jitters and heart palpitations they are normally prone to, if a spoonful of Mushrooms in Honey is added. In addition, the honey and the powdered mushrooms work to boost each other’s nutritional properties as both are classed as a superfood being high in nutrients and reputed to have many health benefits; the polysaccharides in the mushrooms help support the immune system and boost energy levels, while the organic acacia honey contains trace vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and Vitamin C and several antioxidants that can help to protect against chronic conditions, such as heart disease as well as help with brain function and skin health.

“Mushrooms in Honey can be spread on toast, added to porridge or smoothies, or stirred into a cup of tea or coffee as a natural sweetener.”

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But if the Mushroom’s in Honey doesn’t grab you, there are plenty of others in the Honey Heaven range to choose from and there’s bound to be one to suit you: ●

Cinnamon in Honey - 95% Organic Creamed Honey and 5% Ceylon cinnamon (400g)

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Ginger in Honey - 95% Organic Creamed Honey and 5% Ginger (400g)

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Cardamom in Honey - 98% Organic Creamed Canola Honey and 2% Cardamom (400g)

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Honey with Bee Pollen - 95% Organic Creamed Honey, 5% Bee pollen, 0.1% Propolis (400g)

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Winter Spice in Honey - 95% Organic Creamed Honey, 5% Winter Spice (ginger, cloves, coriander, cinnamon, vanilla) (400g)

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Black Seed in Honey - 95% Organic Creamed Honey, 5% Black seed (400g)

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Turmeric in Honey - 95% Organic Creamed Honey, 5% Turmeric (400g)

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Organic Hungarian Acacia Honey - 100% Pure Acacia Honey (250g, 500g, 950g)

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Organic Hungarian Honeydew Honey - 100% Pure Honeydew Honey (250g, 500g, 950g)

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Lavender in Honey - 100% Organic Lavender Honey (250g, 500g)

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Organic Amor Honey – 100% Pure Amor Honey (250g, 500g)

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Organic CBD Infused Premium Honey - 1500mg CBD infused Organic Hungarian Acacia Honey (250g)

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Organic Black Seed & CBD Infused Honey – 1500mg Black Seed & CBD infused Organic Hungarian Acacia Honey (250g)

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Organic Mushroom Honey - 300g

Some of the range is also available in miniature 40g jars Honey Heaven’s honeys aren’t just great for spreading on toast but are delicious in recipes too. For inspiration, we’ve provided a couple here – ideal for bright spring days!

Salmon in Ginger and Honey Salmon and ginger have to be one of the classic pairings in Asian cuisine. This recipe takes it one step further by blending our fabulous ginger honey in a marinade, so the salmon benefits from a subtle sweetness too. Perfect for a filling lunch or for a satisfying family supper.

Serves: 2 | Prep time: 30 min | Cooking time: 30 min Ingredients: •

2 fillets of salmon

•

1 1/2 cups of cooked white rice

•

Spring onions, avocado and sriracha for serving

•

1 tbsp of Honey Heaven ginger set honey

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1 tbsp of olive oil

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1 tbsp of soy sauce

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1/4-1/2 tsp of chopped chilli

•

1/2 tsp of rice vinegar

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Method: •

Mix all the ingredients for the salmon marinade, brush your salmon and let marinade 20-30 min - save the rest of the marinade for the end

•

Cook rice, chop spring onions, slice avocado

•

Bake your salmon for 10-15 min at 180C

•

Serve salmon over white rice and drizzle with the remaining marinade, top with avocado, spring onions and optional sriracha

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Serves: 2 | Prep time: 20 min | Cooking time: 35 min Ingredients: •

2 sweet potatoes

•

2 cooked beetroots

•

120g of rocket

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130g of cooked quinoa

Dressing: •

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

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3 tbsp yoghurt or mayonnaise

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3 tbsp of Honey Heaven CBD honey

Toppings: •

Handful of walnuts or almonds

•

Handful of cranberries

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Handful of pumpkin seeds

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Handful of edamame beans

•

Pomegranate seeds

•

Pear slices (optional)

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CBD Honey Super Salad This salad is made with all good things – beetroot, potato, quinoa and rocket with a generous sprinkling of nuts and seeds to add texture. The finishing touch is a mustard dressing sweetened by our very own CBD honey – delicious!

Method: •

Mix all the ingredients of the dressing and set aside

•

Chop sweet potatoes and beetroot, put on a tray, drizzle with olive oil and salt. Bake for 30 min at 180C. Let cool.

•

Assemble salad by mixing rocket and quinoa, layer on a big dish and add sweet potatoes, beetroot, all the toppings you’re using and finish up with a drizzle of dressing.

Enjoy! You’ll be in Honey Heaven! The full range is available from www.honeyheaven.co.uk, and the Mushrooms in Honey and Organic CBD Honey can also be found at Selfridges, instore and online. *Adaptogens are herbs, roots and other plant substances (like mushrooms) that help our bodies manage stress and restore balance after a stressful situation. People take adaptogens as herbal supplements in capsule form, drink them in teas or in a powder added to soups, smoothies and other foods.

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Discover what the Fully Electric Kia EV9 can do for your business with Bolton Kia Businesses are already making the switch to electric cars thanks to attractive whole life costs, reduced running costs and maintenance, as well extra benefits such as emission zone entry and more.

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ith a large choice of electric vehicles (EVs) on the market, choosing the right car is vital. Range, charging, practicality and price each deserve careful attention, but it can be a bewildering task deciding which car is right for you. On hand to help is the dedicated Business User and Fleet Team at Bolton Kia, who are happy to conduct site visits and demonstrate Kia’s electric vehicles directly at a business’ premises – even taking advantage of a 48-hour test drive to truly experience how an EV can fit in. Businesses are then equipped with the knowledge they need in how a Kia’s electric car will meet their specific requirements. Introducing the Kia EV9 The Kia EV9 is a car that has it all. Fleet News calls it, “big, bold and rather brilliant”, whilst Carwow’s titled its video review of the EV9, “Cancel your Range Rover”! The hotly anticipated fully electric 7-seater is now available to order from Bolton Kia, offering an array of features and benefits for you and your business.

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The EV9 is capable of travelling up to 349 miles* on a single charge of its 99.8kWh battery, which can be recharged from 10-80% in as little as 24 minutes** when using the fastest charge points, or topped up in 15 minutes to add 154 miles of range – all thanks to its 800V electrical architecture. As Kia’s first three-row electric flagship SUV, the spacious and striking EV9 is a rugged, sophisticated, and technologically advanced electric vehicle – the second car to be based on Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The EV9 is offered in a choice of ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’ or ‘GT-Line S’ specifications in the UK, with ‘Air’ featuring rear-wheel drive, and the ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ versions fitted with all- wheel drive as standard. In addition, the flagship ‘GTLine S’ model is offered with a choice of 7- or 6-seats.

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Every EV9 features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which allows you to power pretty much anything with a 3-pin plug. Real world uses of this could include anything from lighting rigs in a remote field to power tools at job sites that are yet to be connected to the grid, and everything between. The EV9 is one of the only full-size 7-seater electric SUV available to new car buyers in the UK – and it comes with a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty. Safety as standard The Kia EV9 was awarded the maximum five-star safety rating following extensive testing by Euro NCAP, Europe’s leading independent safety testing organisation. The fully electric 7- seater SUV achieved the highest possible rating, further demonstrating the vehicle’s impressive safety credentials.

The EV9 is one of the only fullsize 7-seater electric SUV available to new car buyers in the UK – and it comes with a 7-year/100,000mile warranty.

the driver able to choose to allow the limiter to be set automatically by the system. Awards galore An award winner before it had even begun production, the EV9 won the What Car? Readers’ Choice Award in January 2023, but it wasn’t long before motoring publications took note of the EV9’s numerous attributes – it was named the TopGear.com Awards ‘Family Car of the Year’ last November and then the winner of the SUV category at the prestigious 2024 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) Awards in January 2024. DrivingElectric added to the awards roster by giving the EV9 its coveted ‘Car of the Year’ 2024 title, as well as winning the ‘Best Premium Electric Car’ category.

When testing the EV9’s safety assist technologies, Euro NCAP highlighted the performance of the vehicle’s Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, which responded well to other vehicles and avoided impacts in most test scenarios. Other safety features highlighted by Euro NCAP were the EV9’s Lane Keep Assist (LKA) that gently corrects the vehicle’s path if it is drifting out of lane and also intervenes in more critical situations. The speed assistance system was also found to do well in identifying the local speed limit, with 176

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Savings that matter Attractive whole life costs, reduced running costs and maintenance – the EV9’s service intervals are every two years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes soonest – and the ability to power tools or ancillary items from the car’s useful 3-pin plug sockets are just some of the many benefits of investing in the fully electric EV9. Electric car benefits are wide and varied for both business and driver. Company car drivers will benefit from low Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax. With the introduction of Ultra-Low Emission Zones, Clean Air Zones and Zero Emission Zones around the country, Kia’s EVs offer businesses the perfect opportunity to not only reduce costs of entry into paid zones, but also ensure EV-driving employees are able to visit clients without incurring penalties for doing so. In addition, businesses will appreciate £0 Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and reduced service, maintenance and repair (SMR) costs, thanks to an EV’s simplified powertrain with few moving parts and the use of regenerative braking. This technology is able to recover energy that would otherwise be lost when slowing down, and instead of wearing down brake pads. Kia’s EVs can also save businesses fuel costs, with a full recharge costing less than £10 (based on the average electricity tariff costing 14 pence per kWh) thanks to special EV charging tariffs.

Supporting electric vehicle charging, the Kia Charge app provides access to 673,360 charge points across 28 European countries, including simple and convenient access to popular networks such as BP Pulse, Pod Point and IONITY – all from just one simple account. Kevin Howard, Dealer Principal at Bolton Kia added: “Businesses need support before going electric to make the choice that’s right for them. Bolton Kia’s Business, Fleet and Genius teams are all on hand at the dealership to help ensure a smooth and satisfying switch.”

Electric car benefits are wide and varied for both business and driver.

Bolton Kia are proud to be Europe’s No.1 Kia Dealer and the only dealership in the UK to be wholly owned by Kia UK. Bolton Kia are also a recognised Business Specialist Dealer with a dedicated Business User and Fleet team on-hand. (Pictured right).

Helping you along your EV journey With all this and more available from just one model, business and fleet customers can benefit from expert advice before deciding. Happily, you need look no further than Bolton Kia to answer any query you may have. Alex Grindrod, Fleet and Business Manager at Bolton Kia commented: “Companies and drivers can benefit from going electric with Kia, thanks to the reassurance of our established reliability, reduced running costs and state-of-the-art technology, all at a compelling price.” www.lancmag.com

Contact Bolton Kia on Middlebrook Retail Park, Horwich (BL6 6JA) today to find out more about Kia’s exciting electric range, including the 7-seater EV9. Call the dealership on 01204 664800 or visit the showroom to discuss your requirements. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 177

Getting started on a business idea before you feel ready

At the end of 2022, I knew I wanted to create a safe space to help women to grow their confidence speaking about themselves and their businesses with zero judgement and bags of laughter, growth, inspiration and motivation. But I didn’t feel ready. I knew what I wanted to create, but it wasn’t all clear and perfect in my mind. And this is what holds so many of us back. Wanting perfection. But that’s not what it’s about. It’s always about progress not perfection. So, you’re on the edge of something big, but making it happen is a whole other story. Maybe the fear and overwhelm are crippling you and that all too familiar feeling of being frozen to the spot, unable to move forward has taken over yet again! You’ve had enough. Is this really worth it? Totally get it. Been there, got the T-shirt, the cap and the hoody to match. Growing your business on your own is tough - no doubt about it. But throwing in the towel after all you’ve been through is not an option. You are not a quitter! So let’s dive into some no nonsense simple strategies that will empower you to make those bold moves:

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Starting before you’re ready? That’s where the magic happens. Step 1: Start Before You’re Ready You know what — waiting until everything is perfect is complete bull - it’s a trap. Starting before you’re ready? That’s where the magic happens. You don’t need a blueprint to show you how it’s done; stop wasting time, just grab the courage to take that first step. Trust me, the rest sorts itself out along the way.

Step 2: Say Yes and Freak Out Later Knock knock Who’s there? Opportunities - so many of them. But you’re so crippled by fear you often miss them and if they do appear in your face, fear creeps in and presses the mute button. Start saying yes, it’s totally fine to freak out later. Jump into those scary challenges; they’re your secret weapon for growth. It’s like saying, “Sure, fear, you can come along for the ride, but you won’t stop me.”

Step 3: Set Your Stall Out Once you’ve started it will be a whole lot easier to make those goals loud and clear. Setting your stall out is like putting your game plan on the table. Yes, the journey might be a rollercoaster, but committing to it? That’s what will keep you on track and motivated, even when it gets tough.

Step 4: Play to Your Strengths Your strengths are your super powers that are unique to you. Embrace them, use them, and suddenly the journey feels less like a mission and more like a fun adventure. Self Awareness is your secret weapon to make things a bit easier and a lot more enjoyable. Don’t know your own strengths? I can help you with that, contact me to arrange a coaching session (details at bottom of the next page)

Sure, fear, you can come along for the ride, but you won’t stop me www.lancmag.com

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Remember, start small and tracking your wins each week

Step 5: Manage Your Chimp Okay, ladies we know it’s going to happen at least once during the month right? So let’s be prepared. Emotions? They’re valid. But here’s the thing: they don’t have to be your driver on this journey. Managing your chimp is about keeping those emotions in check. Stay calm, stay focused, even when things get a bit crazy. You’ve got this.

Step 6: Focus on Progress, Not Perfection Perfection is seriously overrated (refer back to number 1). Let’s lighten up a little and focus on progress, no matter how small. Every step counts, and inching forward beats standing still. In his book “Black Box Thinking” Matthew Syed talks about Marginal Gains and the secrets of high performance. It’s a great book with lessons from how Sir Dave Brailsford used this principle to convert a mediocre British Cycling

team into gold medal winners. Remember, start small and tracking your wins each week - monitoring your progress is a great way to boost your confidence.

Step 7: Remember to Rest Last but not least, don’t forget to hit the pause button. Rest isn’t a weakness; it’s a power move. Take those breaks, recharge, and watch how it boosts your energy and keeps burnout at bay. Prioritise mini breaks throughout your year. Your business journey is a marathon, not a sprint.

To get in touch with Liz, please visit boldmovescoach.co.uk or call 07896 950017

Liz Boswell is the founder of Bold Moves Coaching Ltd, an award winning Lancashire based business coach specialising in helping women overcome their fear of public speaking. Having spent years training leaders and managers of global businesses, Liz felt that small business owners were the ones who really needed public speaking skills so she set up her own Academy to provide affordable and accessible coaching to small business owners. 180

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07896 950017 liz@boldmovescoach.co.uk www.boldmovescoach.co.uk Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire UK www.lancmag.com

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Colour and Style

www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

OUR SECTION ON COLOUR AND STYLE WITH S A R A H H A R R I S F R O M ‘ CO LO U R M E B E AU T I F U L’

April and time to Refresh and De-Clutter your Skincare and Make-up Well we’re stepping into spring with sunshine and showers! I hope you’re all enjoying this month and if you have some time off why not spend some of it looking at your Skincare and Make-up routine. Last month we looked at De-cluttering our wardrobes but this month I feel it’s time to look at what’s inside our make-up bag and on our dressing table!

How about a make-up refresh?

I’m Sarah Harris and I’m a Colour and Style Consultant who trained with Colour Me Beautiful the world’s leading Image consultants. My background is in fashion and after leaving school at 16, I travelled to London to work as a Fashion/Photographic Model, I enjoyed the life and it allowed me to travel the world, during my career I also worked in wholesale/retail within the fashion industry. I learnt all about fabrics, business, international companies and trying all those clothes on – the quality, cut and fabric. I took a break from the business when I married and had our two children. I retrained as an Image Consultant with Colour Me Beautiful who have been changing the lives of women and men for over 40 years. I’d like to inspire you with Colour, Style and Skincare tips every month, I’m hoping to give you an interesting read. If there is something that you would like to know about please email me and I will do my best to help. E sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk D www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk 182

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Are you in need of a make-up refresh? Do you feel that your make-up no longer suits you or perhaps you’ve been wearing the same make-up since you were a teenager?! I find with many clients that they haven’t looked at their make-up routine for years!! Of course I can relate to this as there was a time that I myself had found a routine that I was comfortable with and certain products that I felt where right for my skin. However, after having a make-up refresh many years ago it made me realise that just like the clothes in our wardrobes need decluttering so does our make-up bag!! And don’t forget your make-up brushes, sponges etc. they need to be cleaned weekly. If they are left they carry germs; there are more germs in many make-up bags than on the bottom of your shoe!! I bet that shocked you!!

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All about the base

Did you know that if your make-up has been opened for a few years it most probably has gone off!! Products have sell by dates just like food, especially the creams and liquids like mascara, lipsticks and cream based blushers, eye shadows etc. Mascara should be changed every 6 months and all make-up once opened has a sell by date and can last 6, 12 or 24 months depending on the product. If you look on the packaging it will say 6m, 12m or 24m. The same applies to all skincare products. Our skin is the largest organ of our bodies and it deserves to be treated well. If you take good care of your skin it will repay you every day and especially in years to come. I have spent a good part of my life trying all sorts of products on my skin from very expensive to cheaper ranges! I’ve seen women and men with all types of skin who, like me, have tried many products. I also learn a lot from each person who walks through my door. Working with clean fresh products and applicators is key in keeping your skin in good condition. There is no point putting a luxurious skin cream on your face only to apply make-up that is out of date with brushes that haven’t been cleaned for months!! So have a really good think about hygiene. Have you ever had your make-up prescribed? Well every client that walks through my door will have their face individually assessed and I will advise the best products for that person. For example If you have a warmer undertone I will be advising you wear colours with a yellow base and likewise if your undertone is on the cooler side you’ll be wearing blue based colours. Or perhaps you have a very fair complexion and fall into our Light dominant palette I will show you the lighter shades that will compliment your look. I will find what suits you by looking at your hair colour, eye colour and skin tone. Let’s have a look at CMB’s skincare and make-up..... www.lancmag.com

I don’t like to apply too much make-up to a skin that has spots, flaky skin, very oily skin etc. Even though we have products that can conceal these skin issues it is always good to address them first. Our skin changes through the different stages of our lives and of course these are natural changes but we can do something to look after our skin through these times. I remember when I was about 14 my face was covered in spots, I had really bad acne. I saw the doctor who prescribed a cream that miraculously cleared them – to my relief! However, I was also told to drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet and cut out some of the sugar! If your skin has any issues have a good think about why and if you need to see a dermatologist for advice it is well worth the trip.

Skin Wisdom The secret to beautiful skin is partly genetic, a healthy lifestyle and looking after it; gently cleaning you face and not overloading it with products, giving it chance to breath and protecting it with a sun screen, believe it or not even in winter we need a sun protector. I use the Colour Me Beautiful skincare range as I like the fact that they are Organic, Vegan, Cruelty -Free, manufactured in England and are packaged in recyclable bottles/airless pumps. I also love the natural oils that are used……. the smells really help me feel relaxed and refreshed. Of course there are many products on the market but please read the labels and think about where they are made and are they being kind to animals.

Cleansing is the most important step in skincare Exfoliate – if your skin looks tired and dull, you would benefit from a little extra help by cleansing once or twice a week with a gentle and nourishing facial scrub/exfoliator. The CMB Mandarin and Natural Bamboo will stimulate blood flow to your LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 183

face, remove dead skin cells, improve the surface texture giving you brighter skin. The beautiful aroma of the mandarin oil refreshes and awakens your senses whilst you exfoliate. Purify – cleanse and purify your skin with the amazing properties of Rose Kaolin clay face mask. Apply to your face and neck leave for 1015 minutes, once dry cracking appears wash with lukewarm water and pat dry. The clay removes excess oils and leaves your skin naturally balanced. Use once a week. It smells like fresh cut roses!

Cleansers for Make-Up Removal Hydrating Cream Cleanser (Grapefruit, Lavender & Frankincense) – Lavender oil not only boasts potent and anti-inflammatory properties but also soothes the skin. Frankincense stimulates the growth of new cells. Gently apply to face and neck and wipe off with either damp flannel or cotton wool. Good for Normal/Dry skin. Balancing Cream Cleanser (Lemongrass & Bergamot) – Famous for its therapeutic and antioxidant properties, lemongrass stimulates the senses and is perfect for thoroughly cleansing your skin. Bergamot , from the Bergamot Orange, with its sharp sweet-smelling tones and antiseptic qualities, is particularly good for normal/combination skin and numerous skin conditions. Gently apply to face and neck and wipe off with a damp flannel or cotton wool. Cleansing Micellar Water – The deep cleansing micellar water effectively removes make-up and the build up of skin pollutants to reveal a clear, fresh and radiant complexion. Infused with Rose essential oil which naturally contains vitamin A (retinol), which helps refine the skins texture and reduce the visible signs of ageing. It can also be used as a refreshing spritz to cool and calm skin. For all skin types.

Cleanser for everyday use (use instead of soap) White Grapefruit Revitalising Cleansing Gel – This effective and sensitive cleansing gel is ideal for all skin types. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Grapefruit extract can provide an array of anti-ageing benefits whilst the naturally anti-bacterial coconut oil moisturises the skin. Leaving a fresher, brighter complexion.

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Before Moisturising skin apply Illuminating Facial Serum ( Grapefruit & Orange) – a citrus infusion with avocado and strawberry which deeply penetrates to restore vitality to the skin, rich in collagen restoring vitamin A, C and beta-carotene. This wonderful serum cleanses and regulates pore activity to unclog residue and prevent unsightly blemishes. Increasing skin luminosity and brightening with fruit enzymes. Papain, the enzyme found in papaya, promotes skin regrowth and lightening activities create softer more even skin. The serum is healing and appealing designed to contain everything you need for a healthy and balanced complexion. Great for post-holiday skin to replenish lost moisture and help repair possible sun damage. Apply directly to cleansed skin and massage over face and neck every morning and evening, before day or night cream. Avoid delicate eye area.

Moisturise for hydration Age - Defying Facial Oil – Lavender & Frankincense – apply this wonderful facial oil to deeply nourish and hydrate your skin. Lavender oil not only boasts potent and anti-inflammatory properties but also soothes the skin. Frankincense (liquid gold) used cosmetically helps reduce appearance of wrinkles and imperfections such as discolouration. It also stimulates the growth of new cells. Apply after the face mask for a deep moisturising treatment. Co-Enzyme Q10 Anti-Ageing Rose Day Cream (SPF25) – This luxurious moisturiser has been developed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. CoEnzyme Q10 assists skin repair and rejuvenate, whilst the rose essential oil helps to tone and tighten. Maximum hydration is achieved and the skin appears brighter with increased luminosity. Geranium Moisture Boost Day Cream – Ideal for soothing sensitive skin, blended with aloe vera, shea butter and oat kernel for long lasting moisturisation. Shea butter is rich in Vitamin A which helps soothe challenges such as dry and itchy skin. This combined with oat kernel creates ann effective formula for keeping skin hydrated and reducing inflammation. Neroli Moisturiser Anti-Ageing, Co-enzyme Q10 (SPF25) This energising moisturiser has been developed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Neroli essential oil helps give energy needed to repair the skin from damage and has anti-scaring properties. Ideal to rub on age spots and scars. www.lancmag.com

Replenishing Night Cream (Frankincense) – This elite formulation draws on ancient wisdom of frankincense to catalyse your skin’s nocturnal transformation. Our frankincense night cream aspires to elevate the very texture and health of your skin. It’s ultra-absorbent formula vanishes into your skin, leaving not a trace of greasiness, only a feeling of supple, nourished excellence. For all skin types. Green Tea Eye Cream Ideal for normal, dry and tired looking eyes. Our eye cream contains natural oils and extracts to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark under-eye circles. Protective Vitamins A, E and Green Tea extract all rich in antioxidants help combat the signs of ageing and fight cell damage caused by free radicals. Rose Balancing Toner/Facial Spritzer – This gentle toner helps rebalance and rejuvenate skin leaving it soft and supple. Its antiseptic properties have a soothing and calming effect. A quick spritz during the day will give an instant fresh feeling to the skin. Neroli Hydrating Toner/Facial spritzer – This nourishing toner helps revitalise and moisture skin, leaving a radiant and hydrated complexion.

How to Dress your face…… Once you have used the skincare range for protecting your skin it’s time to look at what you dress your face with! Do you wear foundation or skin tint? What colours do you use are they wearing you or lifting and lightening your complexion? I prescribe make-up to my clients so the colours suit them naturally and they work in harmony with their look. It’s not only the colours of our clothes that enhance our image but also the colours we wear on our face!

Foundation

Let’s look at foundation – do you know if you are wearing the right shade for you? A simple test that will help when choosing foundation:-

Stand facing a window with natural light apply a small amount of foundation on clean skin from jawline to neck. Leave on for a few seconds to let it adjust to your skin, it usually takes sometime to settle and can change colour. If the colour is the nearest to your natural skin tone then it is right for you. Do not wear a make-up that is any shade lighter or darker than your natural skin tone as it will be obvious and as you know there is nothing worse than having a darker line at your jawline! Foundation not only evens out your skin tone but it acts as a barrier against pollutions and toxins. Applying with downward strokes is the best way to apply as it won’t clog the pores and will prevent fuzzy facial hair from lifting and spoiling the flawless look. Colour Me Beautiful Morning Light foundation contains light diffusing properties that deflect light from the surface of the skin, thereby minimising the visibility of fine lines. Giving the face a natural radiant glow.

Morning Light Foundation – A technically advanced treatment foundation that gives a flawless and natural finish. It contains a light-diffusing complex that deflects light from the surface of the skin thereby minimising the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. This is one of CMB’s best selling products and my favourite as it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing any make-up! If you’d like any advice on selecting the best colour for your skin please contact me for a consultation. Tinted moisturiser – A lightweight moisturising tint is the perfect alternative to foundation. Packed with conditioners it hydrates the skin whilst its light diffusing properties unify the skin tones and corrects imperfections. www.lancmag.com

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Powders & Highlighters

Blushers - Highlighters - Bronzers

I only use powder to take down the shine, of course many use it to set their make-up but I find if you put too much on it can exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles, don’t overdo it!

Cream Blush/Lip Gloss Refill, Highlighter Refill, Blush Powder Refill by www.colourmebeautifuldirect.co.uk

Translucent Loose Powder and Pressed Powder Refill www.colourmebeautifuldirect.co.uk

Translucent powder that has jojoba seed oil and Vitamins C & E which condition the skin and provide an antioxidant protection, and its light-weight texture creates a soft, natural matte finish for all skin types. Pressed powder refills are handy for retouching when required. They are smooth and easy to apply and have a filter to provide some protection from the damaging effects of the sun. Great in the magnetic compacts.

Kaleidoscope Bronzing powder, Bronzing Powder Refill www.colourmebeautifuldirect.co.uk

Eye-Up

Lucious Lips

Eye make-up is a game changer! 1. I usually advise wearing an eye base under eyes shadow, this will hold the eye shadow in place and helps to prevent creasing. 2. Apply the lightest colour all over the eye from lash to brow. 3. Apply eye pencil, I apply from the outer edge to half way across the centre, however, it depends on eye shape. 4. Choose one or two accent colours, depending on your eye shape. 5. Blend your eyeshadows to create the look that you desire. 6. Finish with mascara. 7. Check eyebrows and if they need enhancing use either a brow pencil or eyeshadow in a colour that is nearest to your natural. 186

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1. Start with and lip base, this will help keep the lipstick in place and controls ‘feathering’ 2. Apply a lip pencil all over the lips 3. Apply a lipstick or gloss

Cream or Sheer Lipstick, Lip Gloss by www.colourmebeautifuldirect.co.uk

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Magical Magnetic compact

Knowing whether your undertone is Cool or Warm is key in finding the colours that work in harmony with you!

Magnetic compact with eyeshadows and blushers

Eyeshadows, Blushers, Highlighters, Bronzers and face powders can all be kept in this fabulous magnetic compact. The beauty is that there is no waste as everything has been prescribed to you by a qualified Colour Me Beautiful consultant. You don’t purchase a readymade compact with four eyeshadows and only ever using one or two! Please get in touch if you would like any make-up advice. www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

I hope you enjoy refreshing your make-up bag and skincare routine and it gives you a fresh approach to your skin. Please do get in touch if you need any advice on Colour, Style or would like a make-up prescription.

Look after yourselves and each other, Warm Wishes, Sarah x

www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk email. sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

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Style

PET SHOP BOYS ANNOUNCE NEW 2024 DATES FOR ‘DREAMWORLD: THE GREATEST HITS LIVE’ TOUR AFTER A CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AND SOLD-OUT 2022/2023 TOUR AND FESTIVAL DATES, THE DUO WILL PLAY MORE UK SHOWS NEXT SUMMER Fabulous!” ***** - The Guardian “Clever, stylish, sometimes poignant, often euphoric.” ***** The Times “A sleek, nostalgic treat.” ***** - The Telegraph “An utterly joyous celebration.” ***** - Metro “Colourful, bombastic, hit-packed and buckets of fun.” ***** Evening Standard “A two-hour joyous celebration … holding pop to a higher standard.” ***** - NME

et Shop Boys have today announced new 2024 UK dates for their critically acclaimed and sold-out tour, ‘Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live’, with tickets available this week.

and dates in Latin America still to come, Pet Shop Boys have also announced that they will headline the Saturday night at next year’s Isle of Wight Festival on 22 June with tickets on sale now.

Bringing their incredible live show to cities across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the new 2024 tour dates kick off with a show in Glasgow on June 4, before heading to the Midlands with shows in Nottingham and Birmingham, then Manchester and closing in Belfast on June 11.

The 2024 ‘Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live’ UK dates in full are:

‘Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live’ tour is Pet Shop Boys’ first ever greatest hits tour and has seen them play shows in the UK, across Europe and North America. The tour has received outstanding reviews with The Guardian describing the Manchester date as “fabulous”, while The Times said the London show was “clever, stylish, sometimes poignant, often euphoric”, and NME praised the Hull performance, describing it as “a two-hour joyous celebration of their decades of holding pop to a higher standard”.

8 June – Utilita Arena, Birmingham, England

Following headline festival performances this year at Primavera Sound in Barcelona and Madrid,

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4 June – OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland 6 June – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, England 9 June – Co-op Live, Manchester, England 11 June – SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland Tickets for the new 2024 tour dates are available from 9am GMT this Thursday, November 9, via a pre-sale on the AEG website. General sale tickets are available from 9am GMT on Friday November 10 via the same site.

petshopboys.co.uk

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Pet Shop Boys Biography

Pet Shop Boys (Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe) are listed in The Guinness Book of Records as the most successful duo in UK music history. Since signing to Parlophone Records in 1985, they have achieved 42 Top 30 singles in the UK including 22 Top 10 hits and four number ones. They have released 14 studio albums all of which have made the UK Top 10 as well as album charts around the world and are currently working on their 15th studio album due for release Spring 2024. As writers, producers and remixers, Tennant and Lowe have collaborated, remixed or written for a wide range of artists including Dusty Springfield, Lady Gaga, Liza Minnelli, Blur, Madonna, David Bowie, Yoko Ono, The Killers, Girls Aloud, Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher. In their live shows, Pet Shop Boys have created an original style of pop musical theatre, collaborating with directors, designers and artists including Derek Jarman, David Alden and David Fielding, Zaha Hadid, Sam Taylor-Wood, Es Devlin and Tom Scutt. PSB to date have performed shows in 63 countries to an audience of millions. They have headlined many of the World’s leading festivals, including Roskilde, Corona Capital Mexico City, Electric Picnic Ireland, Sonar Barcelona, Primavera Barcelona, Madrid and Porto, Latitude UK, Way Out West Sweden, Bestival and Summer Sonic Japan. In the summer of 2019, PSB headlined

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BBC’s Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park, a performance that was watched by a record-breaking 1.6 million people on TV. In 2022 they headlined the Other Stage at the Glastonbury Festival in front of a huge audience. They’d previously headlined the same stage in 2010. Pet Shop Boys first-ever greatest hits tour, Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live kicked off in Milan in May 2022 and subsequently toured arenas in Europe and the UK to great acclaim. The London Evening Standard described their London O2 Arena show as “an ecstatic presentation of 40 years of brilliance”. In September that year, PSB co-headlined with fellow British electronic band New Order on their Unity tour with special guest DJ Paul Oakenfold. Unity saw them perform in 11 cities across North America including two sell-out nights at the Hollywood Bowl. In June this year, Pet Shop Boys released ‘SMASH - The Singles 1985-2020’ – the complete collection of their singles from across 35 years of releases. SMASH reached number 4 in the album charts. And in June and July, Neil and Chris toured the second cycle of Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live in the UK and Europe. Their yet-to-be-named, 15th studio album is being produced by James Ford and scheduled for release in April 2024 which also marks 40 years since the first Pet Shop Boys record was released.

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RSPCA’s best rescues- just the tonic to banish the Blue Monday blues! RSPCA lifts the gloom of Blue Monday with heartwarming tales of animal rescue Blue Monday (January 15) is reportedly the most depressing day of the year - but in a bid to banish the blues, the RSPCA is revealing some of the most uplifting stories of animal rescue. For 200 years, the RSPCA has been there for animals in need of a helping hand. Every day the country’s oldest animal welfare charity rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes hundreds of animals with very special backgrounds and stories of triumph over adversity - and in the last ten years, has found new homes for 111 pets every single day. Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner from the animal charity’s frontline rescuers, said: “We know that many believe Blue Monday to be one of the days people find most difficult. But we hope showcase how animal lovers have helped us help so many animals over the last year and beyond will put a smile on people’s faces this Blue Monday.

Missing cat rescued from 30-metre mine shaft in Cornwall RSPCA animal rescue officer Stephen Findlow attended a large mine shaft in Callington, Cornwall, where it was discovered that a cat called Mowgli had fallen 30 metres down to the bottom. Stephen said: “The owner had been missing the cat for four days and was constantly brought to the location by her dog, as it sniffed the cat out! This is when the owner heard the calls from Mowgli and alerted us.” After a tricky rescue, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service made it to the bottom of the mine to help Mowgli back to the surface. After a quick visit at the local vets who examined Mowgli, he was given the all clear from injuries despite losing 2kg (4.4lb). He was reunited with his sibling and was very happy to see his owner.

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“For 200 years, the RSPCA has been working tirelessly to bring animals to safety and give them the expert treatment and compassion they deserve - but we can’t do that without the support of fellow animal lovers. We’re asking animal lovers to join the winter rescue by donating to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.” Here, the RSPCA shares some of its most heartwarming tales from 2023 to distract you from the gloom of Blue Monday… Here is the RSPCA round-up of some of the top rescues from 2023:

Fence fix fox cub is rescued by RSPCA in London The curious young cub had got his head jammed and couldn’t escape before being rescued by the RSPCA in Teddington in May. He was released back into the wild unharmed. RSPCA animal rescue officer Jade Guthrie said: “This little chap’s head was completely stuck between the fence post and the loose fence panel. I suspect he had been trying to jump through the gap, but missed, slipped down, and got trapped around the neck as the gap narrowed nearer to the ground. I could see he was not going anywhere without some help. “We weren’t sure how long he had been there, so I was keen to get him out as soon as possible. Luckily, I was able to pull back the panel and gently ease him out. He was clearly very relieved as he dashed away into the bushes to be reunited with his family.” www.lancmag.com

Fox cub rescued by RSPCA after having discarded litter round neck for 3 WEEKS This remarkable photograph of a fox cub highlights what a hazard litter can pose to wildlife. The RSPCA hopes that it has acted as a reminder that rubbish is harmful to wildlife. The animal charity was contacted by members of the public who reported that the cub had been struggling for three weeks in June. RSPCA animal rescue officer Cara Gibbon said: “It is so sad and heartbreaking to know that this poor fox wouldn’t have been in this situation if someone had disposed of their litter correctly in the first place. “Thankfully we were able to safely catch him and remove the litter and we transferred him to a wildlife centre where he was checked over. He was emaciated and dehydrated, likely because he hasn’t been able to eat or drink properly for three weeks - but thankfully recovered.”

Adder rescued from 8ft drop outside Surrey manor house An adder was safely rescued and released back into the wild by the RSPCA after dropping more than 8ft (2.4m) into a lightwell in Guildford. The snake was discovered by a basement window at a manor house on Cobbett Hill Road in Normandy, Guildford in September. Animal rescue officer Louis Horton: said: “This rescue was quite exciting for me as I’ve handled loads of exotics over the years, and rescued plenty of our native grass snakes, but never had the fortune to rescue an adder. I’ve always wanted to see one and he didn’t disappoint. “I used my snake handling kit to rescue him safely. Adder’s are venomous so the callers were right to call us out. “I assessed the adder first to make sure he didn’t require treatment at a wildlife hospital, thankfully he had no injuries and looked healthy. “Overall the snake was surprisingly well behaved, I think it helped that I’m experienced and didn’t upset him too much! www.lancmag.com

Oh nuts! Stuck squirrel rescued from bus shelter The RSPCA and firefighters rescued a trapped squirrel from inside the panel of a bus shelter in Plymouth in October The charity was called to Paradise Road where a grey squirrel’s tail could be seen poking out of the bottom of the metal panel of the bus shelter. RSPCA inspector Ellie Burt attended the bus stop near Stoke Damerel Church to try and free the poor stuck squirrel. She said: “All I could see was his tail hanging out of the bottom of the bus shelter. The poor squirrel had got himself well and truly stuck inside the metal panel and was really lucky that someone spotted him and phoned us. “I tried to carefully release him but the gap was too narrow to get him back out so I contacted the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Services for help. I was very grateful that they could arrive and open the side panel of the bus shelter which was enough to dislodge the squirrel and bring him to safety - it’s a great reminder what we can achieve together for animal welfare. “I checked him over but he thankfully didn’t have any injuries and he scurried straight off and into the trees.” The grey squirrel - which is considered an invasive alien species - cannot legally be released back into the wild if taken into care for rehabilitation or treatment. They can only be legally released in situ - as was the case here. “I managed to successfully release him into a nearby wooded area, he slithered away with no issues!” Adders (Vipera berus) are native to the UK and prefer open habitats such as heathland, moorland and open woodland and hunting small mammals and lizards. They are rarely found in gardens.

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Swan Song A worldfamous recording studio where the likes of Oasis, Muse, The Stone Rose, Robert Plant and Jessie J have recorded music was the location of a swan rescue in July. RSPCA inspector Paul Kempson was called to The Sawmills in Golant to rescue an injured swan with a wound to his wing. Set in a picturesque Cornish creek, it is one of Cornwall’s most iconic properties where some very famous bands have recorded chart-topping albums. There is no road access to the property, it is only accessible by boat, so Paul made a ten minute journey up river to rescue the swan and rushed him to a vet.

Not moving anywhere: poor fox got head stuck in car wheel A fox was wheely lucky to be spotted after getting his head trapped in a car wheel in south west London. The poor fox was rescued after a member of the public spotted him struggling in October outside a storage yard in New Malden. RSPCA animal rescue officer Sam Matthews managed to free the fox. She said: “The poor fox had almost given up and was resigned to his fate. The tyre had only been put there the night before, but he was quite exhausted. “I think the young fox was just being inquisitive - he was possibly looking for some food hiding under there. But who knows why he went looking in there! “His head was right in the middle of the wheel. I managed to get the fox and the wheel into my van. At no point did the fox put up a struggle. When I got to Wildlife Aid, rescue centre staff were ready and waiting. They managed to manipulate his ear out of the hole. He didn’t have any injuries - just a swollen face. “This was a brand new tyre that had only been put there the night before. It’s always worth thinking about storing equipment out of reach of wildlife.” The fox was released back into the wild near where he was found three days later.

RSPCA comes to the aid of stricken sheep

removing a whole fence panel to free her.

An RSPCA rescuer demonstrated some neat carpentry skills as she rescued a sheep stuck in a fence in January.

“The sheep’s head was stuck so tight as it was such a small gap. I realised we’d have to improvise and the fence panel would have to be taken out,” said the animal rescue officer.

The ewe was trapped by its head in the wooden livestock fence on remote grazing land in County Durham. Had the animal not been spotted by a passing lorry driver it was likely she would have starved to death. The driver contacted the RSPCA and animal rescue officer Ruth Thomas-Coxon embarked on a mission to search for the stricken sheep. When it proved impossible to prise the ewe’s head clear of the fence safely, Ruth, assisted by her colleague, inspector Heidi Cleaver, resorted to 192

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“I went to get a hammer, a saw and some other tools to help with the job. I managed to bash the panel off, and Heidi and I were able to free the ewe. We then reattached the fencing we’d removed.” Fortunately, apart from some superficial marks on her neck and the loss of some wool, the sheep was in good health after her ordeal and the officers were able to release her back into the field. www.lancmag.com

RSPCA water rescue team called to help horses in flooded field near M1 The owner of the horses reported that they were unable to reach the animals due to rising flood waters caused by the severe rain during Storm Babet. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service contacted the RSPCA for their help to try and rescue the horses who were stuck in the flooded field after the River Erewash burst its banks. The team of rescuers were able to access the field from a nearby railway track which had been closed due to floods. But once in the field they were faced with five foot (1.5m) high flood water which was fast flowing. They were also unable to see dangers lurking beneath and the conditions were too dangerous to launch a boat. A rope rescue was attempted with animal rescue officer Steve Wickham and chief inspector Mark Gent approaching the horses. But as they got closer the animals became distressed and it was feared they would move into

faster flowing and more dangerous waters. Steve said: “The force of the water was immense and we were really struggling against the current but we managed to get into the field with ropes attached to us for our own safety. But the horses were frightened when we approached and we were really concerned that they could move into more dangerous flood waters or even into the river. “We consulted with the Met Office and were told that the floodwaters were due to subside so - along with the fire service - we took a decision to leave the horses in situ but to closely monitor them, in case they needed further assistance. I am delighted to say the waters did go down as forecast and the horses were later led to safety and enjoyed a good feed - a happy ending.” Steve added that the incident highlighted the importance of animal owners following important advice to keep animals and livestock safe - and if a weather warning is issued move animals to higher ground.

Fox in a fix! RSPCA frees early morning visitor wedged into a metal gate A fox caught up in a metal gate at a house in South London was freed by the RSPCA in November. The adult fox was discovered by a resident at a property in Sutton trapped in between the bars of a side garden gate. After his head and front end became wedged, in a desperate effort to break free the mammal only succeeded in entrapping his rear leg in the ornamental curl of the gate. RSPCA animal rescue officer Louis Horton was able to cut the fox free, using a towel to protect the animal. Fortunately, the fox was uninjured and ran off back into the wild through the back garden of the property. Louis said: “This poor fox was absolutely wedged in by both his front and back end. His body ended up being bent in a U shape between the metal bars and while he was uninjured there was some blood on the floor where he had been scratching with his claws but otherwise he was uninjured.”.

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A lock-y escape! Swan rescued after getting trapped in canal gate

Two-metre long boa constrictor found in Plymouth car park A boa constrictor was helped to safety by an RSPCA volunteer after being found in a car park in Plymouth in September. The two-metre long snake was collected by animal rescue volunteer Dawn Lapthorn and taken to a specialist reptile centre after being found in a car park. RSPCA volunteer coordinator, chief inspector John Atkinson, said: “We’re so grateful to all our volunteers for everything they do to help animals. Dawn is a shining light of animal welfare and has helped rescue all sorts of animals. She has great experience with snakes so knew just what to do after getting the call about the boa constrictor. “We’re always keen to welcome more volunteers to help our charity help as many animals as possible, but don’t worry, you don’t have to know how to handle snakes! “From dog walking to van driving, from data entry to campaigning on animal welfare issues the RSPCA offers a tremendous variety of roles for aspiring volunteers to get stuck into.”

Trapped deer lifted to freedom Animal heroes helped a trapped deer to safety after she found herself stuck down a deep hole in Hampshire. The complex rescue - which saw a team of the charity’s rope and water rescue officers working as one to help the distressed deer - ended in joy as the deer ran back into the wild where she belongs. RSPCA rescuers were called in to lend their specialist skills after the distressed deer was 194

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A swan was rescued in November after getting trapped in a lock in Leicester. The distressed bird was spotted by a member of the public, who contacted the animal welfare charity for help in November RSPCA animal rescue officer Jack Curran went to help the bird who’d become trapped at the Freemens Meadow Lock, on the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line in Watkin Road. Unfortunately, the swan was trapped between the lock gate and a stone wall and would have been crushed if the gates had been opened - and the bird was so water-logged that he couldn’t fly or move easily. Jack said: “The swan was in quite a predicament and we needed to rescue them before the gates were opened. The fact that he was water-logged meant he couldn’t move around well, let alone fly away.” The safest way to rescue the bird was with support from the fire service, who arrived after Jack contacted them. The fire and rescue crew were able to get near the swan in an inflatable raft and bring him to safety. After being given a quick checkover, Jack took the swan to a wildlife centre for rehabilitation. discovered in a deep hole in the grounds of a property in Romsey, in August. RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson, one of the team who helped the deer to safety, said: “It was great to be able to see her get up and safely run free. It’s these special moments that makes the rescue work we do to help animals so rewarding. “It was a confined space beside a large pond so we knew we had to act carefully and quickly because deer can become easily stressed and this has a huge impact on their health and wellbeing. She was darted with a tranquilliser before being carefully lifted out and placed in a safe area to give her the time she needed to recover.” www.lancmag.com

Panicked buck caught in terrible tangle runs free after ordeal The RSPCA rushed to the aid of a deer who had got himself tangled in a tree. The animal welfare charity was contacted by a concerned member of the public who found the animal struggling after getting his antlers caught in some fencing, which had then become tangled round a tree. RSPCA inspector Kristy Ludlam attended the incident, in Quarry Road, Morley, Derbyshire in November.

Heartwarming moment RSPCA officer releases badger she rescued A lucky badger leapt back to his natural habitat in July thanks to an RSPCA officer who rescued him from a four foot hole in the ground. RSPCA animal rescue officer Cara Gibbon was called to a field in Solihull after the charity received reports that a badger was stuck at the bottom of an uncovered four feet deep manhole in the ground.

Kristy said: “The deer seemed to have got himself caught upside down in the tree and was thrashing around so much trying to free himself. In these situations, our main priority is to calm the animal down so we can try to rescue them. It was lovely to see him dashing back into the trees where he belongs! “Sadly, when wild animals get themselves stuck they sometimes panic which can make the situation worse. It’s really important that if you see a wild animal in this situation to get in touch with us so we can try and help as quickly as possible.”

The badger had fallen down into the hole which contained plastic piping that he could hide inside. The RSPCA advised the caller to place a piece of wood in the hole as a ramp and monitor the badger in the morning to see if he could free himself, but it became clear he had no way of escape. Cara said: “This beautiful badger was in a real fix and there was no way he could have got himself out without my help. If a wild animal isn’t in immediate danger, it can be best to monitor them first to see if they can free themselves, but in this case, intervention was the only way to save him. “After blocking the pipe that the badger was hiding in, I was able to lie on the ground and reach down wearing my gloves, and lift him up safely out of the hole. I popped him into a secure carrier to check him for injuries, and because I was a little concerned that he was underweight, I took him to a local wildlife specialist for a second opinion. “Thankfully, after a few days of being monitored and fed, we were satisfied he could be safely released back to the wild. I transported him back to where he was found and made sure the manhole was covered over. Watching him scuttle off back to his home was such a joy for me - it’s moments like this that really make my job worthwhile.” www.lancmag.com

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Unbeaverlievable! Two beavers arrived at a specialist RSPCA wildlife centre after being saved from drowning in an overflow drain. The beavers were brought into RSPCA West Hatch centre by Secret World Rescue who had responded to a phone call about an animal trapped in Frome, Somerset. The caller thought it might have been an otter.

Around 18,000 animals are admitted at our four wildlife centres annually, rescued by members of the public

Seal pup found on farm 18 miles inland is rescued and returned to the sea A seal pup had to be rescued from a farmer’s field in Lancashire after it went for a wander from a nearby river in January. The grey seal was spotted about a kilometre (0.6 miles) away from the River Ribble near the Capitol Centre in Walton-le-Dale, Preston. It seems the seal had wandered across three farmers fields before he was spotted by a member of the public who alerted the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and the RSPCA as well as the practice manager from the nearby Vets4Pets. RSPCA animal rescue officer Kelly Nix, was sent to the scene and assisted the BDMLR in safely containing the seal in a cage and then sought advice from the charity’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire. She said: “The seal had come from the river which is 18 miles (29km) inland from the coast - but this is not unusual and seals are spotted in our waterways and will happily find their own way back to the sea. “I spoke to specialists at our centre who were concerned that about putting him back in the river due to the amount of dog walkers in the area as their pets could spook the seal causing him to travel further inland “So we took the seal, who looked really healthy, to the RNLI base in Fleetwood and we released him into the sea there. The seal was a bit reluctant to go in the water at first so had to gently encourage him.

Upon arrival, the rescue team discovered not one but two beavers trapped in around a metre’s worth of dirty water and at risk of drowning. The very unusual guests arrived at RSPCA West Hatch wildlife centre near Taunton in October where they were given supportive care as they regained strength. After careful transportation from the wildlife centre, the beavers were released back into the wild.

“Then off he went into the sea - it was so heartwarming to see. I am not sure why he came so far inland but seals have been spotted in the river here before. It seems he then got out for a wander and must have lost his way so it was a good job his predicament was spotted.”

Dr David Couper, who has been a specialist wildlife vet at RSPCA West Hatch for around 20 years, added: “Around 18,000 animals are admitted at our four wildlife centres annually, rescued by members of the public, the RSPCA inspectorate and other animal welfare charities. We deal with around 200 different species, from pygmy shrews, to grey seals. While all of these animals are interesting in their own right, there is an added buzz to dealing with a rare species. We’ll certainly never forget welcoming the beavers. It was an honour to be able to lend a helping hand at a time of need.” 196

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Sheep saved after getting trapped

Deer trapped between fencing posts rescued by RSPCA

RSPCA rescuers were called to free a sheep who had fallen down a manhole in a field in Surfleet in February.

A deer was rescued by the RSPCA after getting herself wedged between two fencing posts at Standen House and Gardens in West Sussex in November.

RSPCA inspector Justin Stubbs said: “It was a huge bit of luck for this sheep that a walker had been curious about the manhole and looked inside and saw the sheep looking back up at them! “They called us and I attended - I looked in the hole and saw the sheep about five feet down - however it was not possible to remove the broken cover on my own so I requested the help of the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service. The firefighters were brilliant and were able to remove the manhole cover using their release equipment - before scooping the sheep out. I can’t thank them enough for all their help. “Fortunately, when I checked her over she wasn’t injured but she certainly looked a bit sheepish when she returned back to the flock.” Garden nettingentangled fox freed by the RSPCA A fox had to be rescued after being spotted tightly entwined in plant-support netting in a garden in Hertfordshire. RSPCA animal rescue officer Jane Folly, who helped him free, said: “This poor chap had got himself completely entwined in some garden netting. His struggles to free himself had only tightened the netting around him. I needed to free him as soon as possible as he had been trapped there all night. “After donning a pair of strong gloves to protect me from potential bites, I used my grasper to gently hold him in position. It was then safe for me - and him - to start cutting the netting away. It wasn’t long before I was able to loosen, then remove the netting. I checked him over and as he was thankfully uninjured, I released him and he quickly dashed off. This entanglement incident thankfully had a happy ending, but it could have been very different.” www.lancmag.com

The unlucky deer managed to get herself trapped in the small gap, but was thankfully spotted by National Trust staff when they came on shift in the morning. They called the animal welfare charity. RSPCA animal rescue officers Sam Matthews and Louis Horton found the poor animal stuck between two posts. With the help of a car jack they managed to widen the gap between the posts and lifted her up to the widest part and were able to release her. Sam said: “It looked like she tried to leap over the fence but didn’t quite make it. She slid down between the posts and got caught between her hips and ribs. “She didn’t put up much of a fight when we arrived. We popped a towel over her head to keep her calm. The staff were very good at calming her and kept visitors away until we managed to free her. Thankfully we managed to release her by using the car jack to widen the gap, before lifting her out. She seemed absolutely fine and bounded off back into the wild. “We often hear of deer getting tangled in the netting itself, but not trapped between the fencing posts! Staff are going to place wood in the gap to prevent it happening again. Deer can get stuck in quite small spaces so it’s always worth checking fencing to make sure it’s safe for wildlife.”

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Hollow Coves

Australian duo announce first album in five years:

‘Nothing to Lose’ +UK/EU Tour dates in Spring 2014 Australian indie/folk duo - HOLLOW COVES - have announced their eagerly awaited new album: ‘Nothing To Lose’.

An ode to preserving, cherishing, and appreciating amidst the oversaturation and ephemera of the digital age, Hollow Coves explain of the song’s genesis:

Slated for release on 1 March 2024 (via the Nettwerk label), the announcement is heralded today with the release of the sublime new single “Photographs”.

“We ended up having a conversation in the studio about how photographs used to be something special that people would keep in a photo album. However, now that we can take photos with our phones, it seems like photos will most likely just get lost amongst the sea of photos. Matt (Carins) brought up that his mum has kept a photo album for him and his siblings since they were born. We all thought that was pretty special and kind of a lost art in this day and age. So we decided to write a song about her and the lost art of the photograph.”

On the closing lines of their new song “Photographs”, the ascendant Brisbane duo offer something of a mission statement for their next chapter and upcoming album: “She loved taking photographs / I love the way she never let the moment pass…” they sing.

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It was in the pages of this childhood photo book that Hollow Coves’ Matt Carins and Ryan Henderson would find the initial ideas for their first new album in five years. Looking to overcome the anxiety and burnout that accompany the relentless pace of the modern world, ‘Nothing To Lose’ takes its inspiration from re-learning to appreciate our day-today: early morning surf trips on Australia’s Gold Coast, getting lost in the expansive national parks of the American West, the slow-and-steady craftsmanship of film or vinyl or woodworking. The resultant album is one that touches on all aspects of our path through life, from silver linings and feelings of moving on (“Milk & Honey”, “Letting Go”), to the importance of family (“Photographs”) and following your dreams (“On The Way”, “Let’s Go”), or just having that faith to be yourself (“Harder To Fake It”, “Nothing To Lose”). Teaming-up with many collaborators from their close-knit, beach-town musical community, ‘Nothing To Lose’ serves as a striking reminder of the often-underestimated powers of gratitude, perspective and simplicity as we navigate the modern world. Produced by fellow Aussie songwriter and ARIA-winning producer Matt Corby at his Rainbow Valley Studio with the assistance of Alex Henrikkson, Chris Collins - plus Matt Carins’ wife Molly and brother Ryan - the band’s second album finds Hollow Coves honing their sunshine gilded melodies and poignant lyricism to create ten buoyant, and often beautiful, new songs. Of its evocative title, ‘Nothing to Lose’ the band add: “After spending a bit of time with the title track and the name of it, we realised that “Nothing To Lose” had a common thread over the whole album and it would work perfectly for the album title. It was just so iconic that none of it was planned and that name just ended up being the one.” ‘Nothing To Lose’ will include new single “Photographs”, alongside well-received 2023 singles “On The Way”, “Milk and Honey”, “Letting Go” and “Harder To Fake It”. The full tracklist for the album can be found below. In 2024, Hollow Coves will return to the UK, Europe and North America to play to larger crowds than ever before - bringing their “stunning harmonies” (Billboard) to “songs that belong on the same shelf as Jackson Browne, Arcade Fire and early Ben Howard” (The Sunday Times). The UK and European dates are listed as follows: www.lancmag.com

Hollow Coves - UK + European Tour 2024 March 26 - Gebäude 9 - Cologne, Germany March 28 - Muziekgieterij - Maastricht, Netherlands March 29 - TivoliVredenburg, Ronda - Utrecht, Netherlands March 30 - Zeche Carl - Essen, Germany March 31 - Uebel & Gefaehrlich - Hamburg, Germany April 2 - Columbia Theater - Berlin, Germany April 3 - MEETFACTORY - Prague, Czech Republic April 4 - Simm City - Vienna, Austria April 5 - Technikum - Munich, Germany April 7 - Magazzini Generali - Milan, Italy April 8 - Komplex 457 - Zurich, Switzerland April 9 - Les Docks - Lausanne, Switzerland April 11 - halle02 - Heidelberg, Germany April 12 - Opderschemlz - Dudelange, Luxembourg April 13 - Le Trabendo - Paris, France April 14 - AB Ballroom - Brussels, Belgium April 16 - O2 Forum Kentish Town, London, United Kingdom April 17 - Brudenell Social Club - Leeds, United Kingdom April 18 - Academy 2 - Manchester, United Kingdom (early + late show)

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MANISH’S ZODIAC PREDICTIONS

Manish Kumar Arora is a renowned KP Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Reader & Vastu Consultant. He has been rendering professional advice to clients with a reasonable degree of success. He has been conferred with the title of ‘Jyotish Varahamihir’ and ‘Jyotish Aryabhatt.’ He has been writing monthly astrological columns for many international magazines. ARIES 21 Mar - 19 Apr

LEO 23 Jul - 22 Aug

You will have the willpower and initiative to succeed in whatever you do. You will be able to think on your feet and bluff through any difficulties. You should trust your instincts, let your intuition guide you. This period also heralds unexpected good news and represents self reliance and belief in your abilities. This could mean a job offer, promotion or business idea brought forward. Change and travel are also indicated. It can indicate the chance of a new money stream flowing to you or a gamble or risk paying off.

It would be wise to keep your ideas, plans and intentions to yourself at this time as you are to have complete faith in your own abilities, rather than taking on the advice of others. This month indicates the importance of using this time wisely to acknowledge inner changes and wait until one’s energies are released. This month requires you to maintain faith even through the hard times you may face during life’s journey. There will be a renewed interest in religion and the spiritual, metaphysical realm.

Favourable Dates: April 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27 Favourable Colours: White & Yellow

Favourable Dates: April 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22 Favourable Colours: Green & White

TAURUS 20 Apr - 20 May You must be more confident with your traditional beliefs no matter how much certain individuals will try to convince you otherwise. If you’re currently thinking about starting a new project, then use the skills that you already have and look into your past, as what has worked well before will work equally well now. If you feel as if you need advice, seek it from someone with whom you have no connection, as they’ll clear your mind of the negative thoughts implanted by people who want to trick you. Romance will likely be moving along wonderfully, though traditionally. Favourable Dates: April 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow

VIRGO 23 Aug - 22 Sept It is a time to reap the benefits of a bountiful harvest. Expect happy conclusions. It is an excellent time to begin new projects because they have a high potential for success. Abundance flows into your life with love, beauty, good health and domestic stability this month. It is an indication of plans coming to fruition. This is a time when new opportunities will present themselves, and if these opportunities have solid foundations, they should bring success. The focus is on co-operation and business opportunities. This indicates a time of activity and moving forward. Favourable Dates: April 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & White LIBRA 23 Sept - 22 Oct

GEMINI 21 May - 20 Jun Now is a time to take positive action to get what you want. The planning stage is over and you should take steps to put any plans into action to shape your future. Be determined to make your dreams a reality. Your focus should be in having faith in yourself and your abilities. Your talents are many and you should use them to the full. You will be making plans for your future, making fresh starts and putting your ideas into action. This month can show someone is ready but reluctant to express their love for you. You may need to make the first move. Favourable Dates: April 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: Purple & Yellow

SAGITTARIUS 22 Nov - 21 Dec Your blooming confidence could lead you to seek out challenges for their own sake. These could involve intellectual pursuits or anything related to communication, such as writing or media studies. Your communication skills are likely to be honed to perfection. You are able to use your mind over your emotions to see things clearly and in order to come to a rational conclusion; in other words, your head now rules your heart. You can handle any situation with logical mind without being too emotional as over reacting with your emotions may cloud your judgment. Favourable Dates: April 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red CAPRICORN 22 Dec - 19 Jan This period represents not only physical strength but also the profound ability to cope with extreme pressures. You can be assured that you will win whatever battle you are facing. If poor health is an issue, this month indicates a rapid recovery. The period signifies triumph over most things. Challenges in your relationships, professional life and even mental challenges will be overcome. Your emotions are likely to be based on reality, but you have added irrational fears into the mix, and these are what you need to avoid. Favourable Dates: April 4, 8, 13, 17, 22, 26 Favourable Colours: Yellow & White

AQUARIUS 20 Jan - 18 Feb

You have been enjoying the products of your labours, but now these could be under threat. Something in the past could lead you to discover that your castle was built on shifting sand. Make sure that investments and paperwork are in order to avoid difficulties in the future. The opportunities this month brings can make your dreams come true - but nothing will be handed to you on a plate. You could also find yourself working as a peacemaker between two opposing factions, or weighing up two alternatives to make a decision.

You have gained an awareness of your true purpose, and you are committed to pursuing it. Your new-found understanding of the greater, cosmic order has drastically changed your outlook on everything. You no longer have the same priorities as others. When it comes to romance, you may find old emotional ties unravelling, which, although disconcerting at first, can turn out to be truly liberating. Such feelings are reasonable, but keep the beacon of hope glowing in your heart and you will come through the storm.

Favourable Dates: April 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 Favourable Colours: Red & Grey

Favourable Dates: April 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

SCORPIO 23 Oct - 21 Nov

CANCER 21 Jun - 22 Jul

PISCES 19 Feb - 20 Mar

This month can show a need to change your budgeting process. You may need to cut back and decrease your spending and find new ways to bring in more money. Treat this time as a blessing as you will have the ability to make major changes in your life. A need for balance and harmony is very strong for you and you should seek out the power of nature to balance your mind, body and soul. You need to gain back some sense of control and to feel that life is flowing in the direction you want it to again.

This month encourages you to feel passionately about life, whether this concerns your career, a relationship, your home or an educational endeavour. It will ask you to grasp any opportunities that come your way rather than dismissing them out of hand. You can shape your own destiny, but you need to think clearly and be pro-active. The time may have come for approaching the world in a different way; releasing old values and customs which, although they have served you well in the past, are becoming outmoded.

Your dreams can allow you to tap into enormous reservoirs of resources you may not have known you had. The downside is that all this energy can overwhelm you. Instead of using them as tools for enriching your life, you may decide to give in to temptation by using them as an escape from the challenges of the real world. You may often find yourself fantasizing about love and marriage. If a relationship do enters your life, you may be involved with someone who is different but complements you in every way.

Favourable Dates: April 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow

Favourable Dates: April 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Blue & White

Favourable Dates: April 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

Manish Kumar Arora, 91-9871062000 | K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant www.facebook.com/manishastroconsultant | manish@manishastrologer.com 200

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From luxury glamping to the Dragon’s Den – an amazing BIBAs journey!

ho knew that winning a Be Inspired Business Award could lead to a meeting with some dragons?

Collecting a BIBA can lead to getting more momentum behind your business, but entering the Dragon’s Den and pitching to some of the most-respected entrepreneurs is a whole new level. And when Derry Green, owner of The Secret Garden Glamping – winner of last year’s Leisure & Tourism Business of the Year – casually strolled into the den last month, little did he know the impact would be on his award-winning Skelmersdale glamping site. The Secret Garden Glamping has revolutionized the glamping landscape, blending the serenity of nature with the indulgence of upscale amenities. With exciting plans for expansion after winning last years iconic BIBAs trophy, Derry says he was thrilled to use the awards as a platform for his plans. He added: “Receiving the award was a dream come true for the team, it’s a validation of our passion for crafting unforgettable experiences and our commitment to showcasing the best of our region. This award fuels our drive to continually exceed expectations and set new standards in hospitality and tourism. “As the UK’s most viewed, followed, and booked glamping destination, our success speaks to our dedication to delivering amazing experiences. “We have lots of exciting plans for the future and with the help of both the BIBAs win, and our experience on Dragon’s Den, we are thrilled to continue sharing our vision of luxury

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in nature and adventurers nationwide.” From the tranquil beauty of the countryside to the vibrant energy of its coastal communities. Lancashire offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors seeking relaxation, adventure and everything in between. Sponsors Smooth Radio North West are excited about this year’s competition, given the calibre on show last year which featured WW2 planes, family-run restaurants, golf academies and top-class hotels. Jamie Griffiths, Content Director for Smooth Radio North West, said: “Given the diverse nature of Lancashire’s leisure and tourism offering, we are sure to have a real competition on our hands again this year. “As a county we should be rightly proud that we have something for everyone on offer, from beaches to bars, hotels to horticultural excellence and we are delighted to sponsor one of the BIBAs most soughtafter accolades.”

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blossoms @ WYTHENSHAWE PARK, MANCHESTER w/ SPECIAL GUESTS: INHALER // SHED SEVEN // THE K’S // SEB LOWE // TTRRUUCES THE BAND’S BIGGEST HEADLINE SHOW TO DATE THE 30,000 CAPACITY SHOW TAKES PLACE ON THE SUNDAY OF THE AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY

25TH AUGUST 2024 -

TICKETS ARE ON GENERAL SALE NOW HERE: https://tix.to/BlossomsWythenshawe In 2024, BLOSSOMS will take on their biggest headline gig to date at Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park. The 30,000 capacity gig takes place on the Bank Holiday Sunday of 25th August 2024. A stellar line up curated for the day will see Blossoms supported by Inhaler, Shed Seven, The K’s, Seb Lowe and Ttrruuces. Tickets for the gig are on sale today (10 November) and expected to fly. Grab yours here: https://tix.to/BlossomsWythenshawe

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Speaking about the show, Blossoms’ Tom Ogden says: “Headlining our biggest show yet at Wythenshawe Park is going to be THE moment of our career so far for us. It makes me think of me and Joe going to watch Oasis and The Stone Roses at Heaton Park back when we were teenagers and how important these big summer Manchester shows are to people. It made us want to be in a band, affected what we wore and changed our lives forever. To misquote Dorothy, ‘Lads, I’ve a feeling we’re not on Oldham Street anymore!” Blossoms recently released their new single “To Do List (After The Breakup)” featuring Findlay and produced by longterm producer James Skelly. The single is inspired by Rupi Kaur’s poem of the same name, taken from her book Milk and Honey. To Do List (After The Breakup) has received great support at press (NME, Rolling Stone UK & DORK) and at radio with BBC Radio 1, including a Future Sounds play with Clara Amfo, and at BBC Radio 2. “To Do List (After The Breakup)” is the first song to be released on Blossoms new record label ODD SK, in partnership with The Orchard. The new label takes cues from the band’s surnames, as well as their hometown of Stockport. Blossoms are supporting Inhaler at their 3 Arena show in Dublin on 11th November before they play a small number of US dates that month, including a support slot with New Order in Los Angeles. The band are also supporting Tom Grennan at Finsbury Park in London in August 2024. For more information, visit the band’s website www.blossomsband.co.uk Since forming in 2013, Blossoms have enjoyed widespread success and acclaim. Their 2016 debut ‘Blossoms’ topped the album charts for two consecutive weeks and went on to earn the band BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominations, while 2018’s ‘Cool Like You’ charted at Number 4 in the UK album chart, spawning the anthemic singles “I Can’t Stand It”, “There’s A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)” and “How Long Will This Last?”. Their third studio album, 2020’s ‘Foolish Loving Spaces’ was the band’s second UK Number 1 album, while their fourth studio LP ‘Ribbon www.lancmag.com

Around The Bomb’ gave the band their third UK Number 1 album, with the record’s standout tracks “Ode To NYC”, “The Sulking Poet” and “Care For” well established as fan favourites. Blossoms have had five top 5 albums in the UK, including their ‘In Isolation/Live From The Plaza Theatre, Stockport’ release. Blossoms’ Wythenshawe Park gig is on sale on Friday 10th November from SEE Tickets & Ticketmaster and the band will be releasing further new music in the coming months.

FOR MORE INFORMATION - Instagram TikTok - Twitter - Facebook Official Website. Or please contact: thom@sonicpr.co.uk LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 203

Above: Supra director Kat Simpson with winner Joanna Johnson

It was a clean sweep for the North-East in the grand final of Miss Supranational United Kingdom 2024, says head judge Sally-Ann Fawcett. Two former Miss Blackpool titleholders took the top two spots in February’s final, a first in the history of pageants.

oanna Johnson, who was crowned Miss Blackpool in 2014, proved that perseverance pays when she competed in Miss Supranational UK for the third time, beating 31 other contestants to the title. In an emotional evening it seemed as though the entire audience

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was behind the beautiful 32-year-old model and hair salon owner, who has previously held the titles of Miss Galaxy International and World Supermodel UK.

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It looks like 2024 is going to be Joanna’s year: her boyfriend of ten years, Wez Hague, proposed last month, just weeks before her crowning glory in Leicester.

Above: Supra Winner Joanna Johnson with the judges

Joanna will now spend a year as brand ambassador for the pageant’s sponsors, including Billion Dollar Smile tooth whitening, Rock Luggage, and 123 Flowers, as well as jetting to Poland in July for the international final of Miss Supranational 2024. The runner-up to Joanna was a lady who is actually the reigning Miss Blackpool. Brittany Feeney, from Liverpool, won the 2019 Miss Blackpool contest but, due to the pageant not having been held since, still holds the title. Brittany, a professional dancer who appeared at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest, was second runner-up to Miss Great Britain 2023. Preston’s Niamh Taylor scooped the second runner-up prize, having returned to the pageant for a second time. The glittering finale was held at The Venue at De Montford University, Leicester, under the auspices of the pageant’s director, former Miss England Kat Simpson. The evening, which was live-streamed on YouTube, combined glamour, music and fun to a sell-out audience. As well as myself, the judging panel included Miss England 2010 and now lawyer Jess Linley, director of the Miss Gibraltar pageant Kelvin Hewitt, Miss Wales 1982 Caroline Tooby, Miss Great Britain 2020 Jen Atkin, and Dr Anika Walia MBE.

Above: Supra left to right Niamh Taylor (3rd), winner Joanna Johnson, runner up Brittany Feeney

If you would like a chance of keeping the crown up north in 2025, check out the entry requirements and application form at www.misssupranationaluk.co.uk/enter. All photographs credit - Brian Hayes Photography www.lancmag.com

Above: Supra The line up of contestants

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Philip Britton to Chair HMC Left: Philip Britton will be the HMC Chair from 2025-26. Credit: Bolton School

Philip Britton, Head of Foundation at Bolton School, has been announced as the 2025-26 HMC Chair. Philip Britton, Head of Foundation at Bolton School, has been announced as the 2025-26 HMC Chair. Philip Britton, Head of Foundation at Bolton School, has been announced as the 2025-26 Chair of the HMC. The HMC is a professional association of heads of the world’s leading independent schools. Philip will step down from his role as Chair of the Communications Committee and join the HMC Board as Chair Elect in September 2024. Looking ahead to his appointment, Philip said: ‘I am delighted to be nominated as Chair of HMC for the 2025-26 academic year. ‘I look forward to working with the Board and Council, as well as all the colleagues who work for HMC, on all that they do for us to support our work as members in schools. One of the great strengths of HMC is the variety of schools in membership, each with a 208

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distinctive history and purpose, but collectively just focused on doing our best to give our pupils a great start in life. ‘I am conscious the next few years will bring challenges to HMC in representing us all in some very significant national discussions as well as the very important role we will all have collectively in supporting one another in what may be difficult times in leading our schools. I am very happy to be able to do what I can to help that endeavour, as we share our wisdom and also share the empathy we can have for one another. We must always take what we do very seriously, but we must never take ourselves too seriously, and the camaraderie of the HMC is our great strength.’ Philip Britton was educated at Blaydon Comprehensive School, took a first in physics at Oxford and did teacher training at Cambridge, winning the Charles Fox prize. He worked as physics teacher, Head of Physics and Deputy Head at Leeds Grammar School. Philip has been very much involved in the Institute of Physics over the years and in 2010 was awarded an MBE for services to physics. He has been a governor at Stockport Grammar School and is currently one at the Grammar School at Leeds. He took on the new overarching role as Bolton School Head of Foundation in 2021, having been Head of the Boys’ Division at Bolton since 2008. As a large and successful school, Bolton School has often played a part in national leadership of the Heads’ Associations. In 1985 Dr Spurr was President of the Girls’ School Association and in 2019 Miss Hincks followed in her footsteps. Mr Baggley, the Head of Boys’ Division at the time, was Chair of the HMC in 1978. www.lancmag.com

Volunteers Needed to Spread the Joy of Reading in Lancashire Schools their reading age2. Partner schools also reported that volunteers had a positive impact on pupils with 95% improving their reading confidence and 87% their reading enjoyment. Additionally, children benefit enormously from the volunteers as positive role models in the classroom.

hildren’s literacy charity Schoolreaders is looking for volunteers who can help spread the joy of reading to children in primary schools in the North West and Lancashire. Every year, 1 in 4 children leave primary school unable to read to the expected standard1. . Schoolreaders recruits volunteers to listen to children read in primary schools, focusing on schools where children require the most support. Volunteers are asked to listen to children read once a week in term time and to commit to an academic year. 95% of children supported by a Schoolreaders volunteer improve www.lancmag.com

Jane Whitbread, founder of Schoolreaders, comments “Children who leave primary school unable to read well can’t access their secondary schooling fully which will compromise their life opportunities. One in seven adults in England (7.1 million) are functionally illiterate3 and cannot read instructions on a medicine label, sit a driving theory test or fill in a job application form. Working together we can change this. “Our Schoolreaders volunteers provide a crucial supplement to classroom teaching and are welcomed by schools and the children. If more children gain pleasure from reading from an early age and their reading fluency and confidence improves too, communities and society will reap the benefits.” Sheena, retired, and a Schoolreaders volunteer, explains her experience, “For me, establishing a rapport with each child and recognising their uniqueness by making the sessions relevant and fun is what counts and

the earlier we can do this the better. Reading skills and developing a love of books from the earliest age will hopefully aid children to become confident, interested and engaged readers who read for pleasure. I thoroughly enjoy my time listening to readers and look forward to returning to school after half term.”

To find out more about Schoolreaders visit www.schoolreaders.org or call 01234 924111 New volunteers will be matched as quickly as possible to a partner school and be ready to start once they have completed a mandatory DBS check and virtual safeguarding training.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 209

Our magazine has been writing about Lancashire for over 50 years. We cover everything from people to places, Parkinson’s UK’sLancashire’s Over history to Lancashire’s future.

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“That’s why our local groups and networks have an important part to play for those people in Over Wyre. It is vital that we can support everyone affected by Parkinson’s, so that together, we can move towards everyone with the condition feeling empowered to take back control of their life with Parkinson’s.”

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Th e UK ’s La rg Ki tc he es t In de pe nd n Sp ec ia lis t. en t Be

Around 153,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s UK is here for everyone affected by the condition. It funds research into the most promising treatments, and fights for fair treatment and better services.

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Clare Root, Network Support Officer at Parkinson’s UK, said:

“Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a shock and volunteer, Rita Nelson via email Email: info@lancashiremagazine.co.uk or call: 01253 33 65 88 adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the ritanjim@outlook.com or call her for ones rates and to that reserve your placement person involved and their loved too. But we know on 01253 702464. getting the right information and support at the right time

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