The Lancashire & North West Magazine | January 2023

www.lancmag.com

January 2023

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ROZANNE KAY Spiritual Life Coach, Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner

EV CHARGE CLEVER

Installing vehicle charging points for your home and business

TOPLINE POOLS

Bespoke Swimming Pools, Luxury Spa and Wellness Solutions

MYTTON FOLD

Find Your Perfect Wedding Venue at Mytton Fold Hotel

SARAH LAYTON

Selection of Jewellery to Make You Sparkle on your Special Day

KILHEY COURT

A Fairytale Beginning to Married Life

HPA ARCHITECTS

Creating remarkable built environments that make a positive, lasting impact

New products for 2022 now in store!

Ce l e b r a t i n g 1 5 ye a r s o f b e a u t i f u l l i v i n g PAD showroom exhibits the best in good quality, beautiful designed, well-crafted European furniture.

Showcasing pieces from Connibia-Calligaris, German bedroom manufacturer Nolte, Italian leather sofa’s from Nicoletti and fantastic bed ranges with a wide range of mattresses and more, shipped from some of the finest manufactures on the continent.

The clean lines and smooth edges make up a collection of pure design classics which are all hand picked by owner and interior stylist, Paula Baxter.

PAD offer a free design service from rooms to a full house including bed design, lighting and fitted wardrobes.

‘At pad we don’t sell we provide a stress free and friendly environment to buy’

LIVING | SLEEPING | DINING | GARDEN | LIGHTING

Our Service: • Advice with soft furnishings and wallcoverings • Source individual furniture and lighting • Tailor made service to suit clients’ exact requirements small or large • Creating imaginative and business environments for corporate and commercial clients including show homes.

Poulton Business Park, 4 Millennium Court, Furness Drive, Poulton-Le-Flyde, FY6 8JS 01253 893334 PADCL.CO.UK

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CONTENTS...

80

Features

32 104

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Antrobus Electrical

142 The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2022

12

Grand Theatre: Around The World in 80 Days

146 Cauda Equina Syndrome

20

Wedding Ideas

148 Sir Richard Owen

22

Confetti Rain Wedding Dresses

154 Create Homes’ Chapel Mill Development

32

Mytton Fold

36

What to do when your BFF becomes a Bridezilla

160 Mum Kelly Brown Launches Colourful Mural For Knife Crime Teen

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Sarah Layton Jewellery

162 Redrow Helps Light Up Egerton Youth Club In Knutsford

46

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort

164 Little Voices Award

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Windermere’s Historic Wooden Row Boats

54

Kilhey Court Hotel

166 Soul Legend Lee Fields Plays Manchester Gorilla

58

Middleton Clocks (time to go home)

66

HPA Architects

72

Lancashire’s Historic Churches

80

EV Charge Clever

84

Adventures Inspired By Children’s Books

92

Topline Pools

96

North West garden Village Development Wins UK Property Award

98

Rozanne Kay Coaching and Astrologist

170 Blue Skies

104 Gracie Fields 108 Public Underestimating Microplastics Problem 110 Volunteering for Good Causes 114 Stonyhurst College - Inspirational Pupil Honoured With British Citizen Youth Award 116 Farming with Trees Across Arable and Grassland

122

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172 Prime Ministers - Spencer Perceval to The Viscount Goderich 176 Commons Speaker Addresses Local Students 180 Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Grand Theatre 182 Major Funding Boost for Blackpool Illuminations’ Lightpool Festival 184 Ambitious New Climate Change Project Launched By Foodfutures

102 Lancashire Walking Guide

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168 Royal Leaders in Men’s Mental & Emotional Health

188 Unblocktober’s Manchester Canal Clean-Up Event 190 EFSA: European Horse Transport 192 Kurt Schwitters 196 Feeling tired? Your Diet Might Be Lacking These Key Nutrients 198 Lakeland Moter Museum

120 Mace Fund Manchester Biodiversity Boost

200 New Homes Sell Out In Clayton-Le-Woods

122 Filmmaker’s First Feature Film is love Letter to Lancashire

202 Stonyhurst Tennis Stars Become Champions Of The North

126 Flourish Therapy Clinic

204 Lakeland Hampers Christmas Shop in Kendal

132 Top 10 Ranking For Windermere Lake Cruises 134 Christmas Retrospective

206 Herdwick Distillery and Friends Open Dedicated Shop

140 Welsh Pyrotechnic Wizards Take Blackpool’s World Fireworks Title

208 Cumbria: Winter Marketing Campaign Launched to Boost Seasonal Tourism

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

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...CONTENTS

January 2023 • Volume 46 Number 1

Regulars 152

Aiming Higher

156

Book: Bertazzoni Family Recipes

158

Book: White Wolf Within

86

Colour Me Beautiful

130

Denise Mullen

52

Haymax Column

186

Life of Di

5

Zodiac Predictions by Manish

172

PMs - Spencer Perceval to The

52

152

Viscount Goderich

172

158

130

January 2023

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£2.45

ROZANNE KAY Spiritual Life Coach, Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner

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

Writers: • Alijan Kirk

• Margaret Brecknell

Editorial: 01253 336580 editorial@lancashiremagazine.co.uk

• Denise Mullen

• Max Wiseberg

• Diane Wade

• Miranda Christopher

• Harold Cunliffe

• Sarah Harris

• Manish Kumar Arora

• Sarah Ridgway

Design Manager: Stephen Mellows-Facer Sales Enquiries: 07918 685673 EV CHARGE CLEVER

Installing vehicle charging points for your home and business

TOPLINE POOLS

Bespoke Swimming Pools, Luxury Spa and Wellness Solutions

MYTTON FOLD

Find Your Perfect Wedding Venue at Mytton Fold Hotel

COVER: ROZANNE KAY

4

SARAH LAYTON

Selection of Jewellery to Make You Sparkle on your Special Day

KILHEY COURT

A Fairytale Beginning to Married Life

HPA ARCHITECTS

Creating remarkable built environments that make a positive, lasting impact

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

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UK Only Subscription Rate: 1 year £25 – saving of £4.40 2 years £48 – saving of £10 3 years £73 – saving of £15 5 years £115 – saving of £32

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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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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 You will be able to take your whole life to a new level, for the power of your dreams will be magnified. It’s a fortunate time, when the world will appreciate you for your unique abilities.

However, you will be trying too hard to impress other people, mainly through grandiose gestures and attempts to seem more important. January turns your attention to your financial situation and can see you spending more than might be wise, perhaps in an attempt to show off. Nevertheless, excellent opportunities will present themselves during these heady weeks.

Favourable Dates: Jan 6, 7, 15, 16, 24, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Purple TAURUS 20 Apr - 20 May You are creating your own sense of success or failure. If you want more than you have received prove it and create a new path for yourself. Help is on the way.

Financial good news will come soon. Hard work, material progress.growth, money, rewards are due, make your last minute adjustments to ensure profit. You are responsible for your life, and your determination and stamina will keep your life and business fruitful. You’ve sown your seeds, now you can rest and see what begins to sprout from all of your effort. You shall reap what you have sown.

Favourable Dates: Jan 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20, 29 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue GEMINI 21 May - 20 Jun Look for the positive in what you are experiencing now. A great strength is found as you let go of that which you hold on most to. Release the negativity, so that new trust may be found. Detach from the unsolved issues and look for new inspiration.Bitterness during a struggle to release.making a mountain out of a molehill will not help.

Only the weak spots are gone, you still have much to be grateful for. Love the one you are with. A relationship or partnership may not fulfil its potential. Turn to self for the love and sympathy that you are searching for.

Favourable Dates: Jan 1, 3, 11, 14, 18, 20, 29 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

CANCER 21 Jun - 22 Jul You are paving the way for a smoother road ahead by thinking really hard about where you are and where your current path is leading. Take a modest or reticent approach with dignity and unassuming grace. You would be looking for a reason to celebrate with loved ones. Trust is restored. Tender moments would be enjoyed. You would feel dancing beneath a waterfall.

Dreams would get fulfilled and positive feelings would be all around. This is a good time for sorting out anything which has been bugging you.Romance holds some the hottest potential for singles.

Favourable Dates: Jan 1, 3, 11, 14, 18, 20, 29 Favourable Colours: Red & Purple

LEO 23 Jul - 22 Aug There would be practical journey in professional growth.

Seeds of successful business adventure and professional communications would be laid.

You would be perfectly knowing what you want to do now and how you are going for it. This is a good time for sorting out anything which has been bugging you. Don’t count on others—especially partners, older people, financial types and father figures—to be of much use. It may be best to resist some promising new must-have and hang on to what you’ve got, at least for the time being.

Favourable Dates: Jan 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24, 28 Favourable Colours: Red & White VIRGO 23 Aug - 22 Sept The month is ideal for making bold decisions regarding who you are and where you will be heading in the months ahead.

It’s definitely the time to make decisions about relationships, especially if you have been enjoying a passionate dalliance with an exciting mysterious figure in the preceding weeks. A delightfully exciting time may be expected discovering or rediscovering the mysteries of life and death, romance and sex, among other things.

This period will present a powerful mating phase, but those already mated may find trouble on the home front, so tread carefully.

Favourable Dates: Jan 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22, 29 Favourable Colours: Purple & Yellow LIBRA 23 Sept - 22 Oct The flow of physical energy can make you more aggressive or competitive concerning work, co-workers, or employees. Be ready to confront problems and seek a solution, but don’t fall for the tendency for angry outbursts or rash actions. Borrowed money and partnership funds will be a big part of the picture, along with mystical or occult investigations. Avoid conflict and argument with co-workers, as violence and accidental injury, particularly burns and cuts, are bubbling beneath the surface. Intense passionate emotions, and a love of sensation, luxury and pleasures will be the flavour of the month.

Favourable Dates: Jan 7, 8, 16, 17, 25, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow SCORPIO 23 Oct - 21 Nov

SAGITTARIUS 22 Nov - 21 Dec A lot of issues from the past are likely to emerge , concerning your hopes and dreams and relationships with friends and associates. Be sure to make your position clear, lest some misunderstanding get you in deeper water than you’d like. Nothing more than a bruised ego, but you’ve learned valuable lessons and won’t make the mistake again. Plan travel well in advance, and be sure to have the agendas confirmed in writing.A secret affair is in the wind for some – this may be the igniting of a new flame, or a resparking of an old one.

Favourable Dates: Jan 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22, 29 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue CAPRICORN 22 Dec - 19 Jan Unstable conditions surrounding your income and finances suggest that money may be gained and lost, and even gained again. This is not necessarily negative. Losing money in one enterprise may inspire you to make it up in another. Expenditures need to change as new or unexpected situations develop. The major influence during this period is not concerned solely with money and material wealth; it encompasses whatever you value—and that includes relationships. The loss or gain of an important relationship can cause you to establish new values, or shift old priorities.

Favourable Dates: Jan 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25, 30 Favourable Colours: Purple & Green AQUARIUS 20 Jan - 18 Feb You will be more likely to spend at least as much as you receive during this period, probably on status-related items.

Circumstances will make you more aware of freedom and independence. This can mean physical freedom as well as independence of thought, or both. Your approach to dealing with people will be more egalitarian and outgoing. You should find success if you are in finance, fund-raising, computers, technology, astrology, travel, and group activities. Now is the time to look for love or let love find you and that you need to make a point of taking self-responsibility.

Favourable Dates: Jan 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27, 29 Favourable Colours: Green & Blue

Your own personal charm will cause you to shine during the month ahead, so make the most of it. You are naturally lucky, and money should come your way.

The key will be hanging onto it.

You will be concerned with what does or does not make you happy, but group activities will turn out to be rewarding. The idea of money coming through dealings with institutions and anything concealed or behind the scenes is supported.Your approach to dealing with people will be more egalitarian and outgoing, as you seek more understanding of your role in the lives of others: as friend, parent, lover, or associate.

You will be very fluid and all over the place with your thinking and ideas. Also your creativity and wit will be at an all time high. You will be able to be center of attention without being obnoxious and, people will gravitate towards you to help with possible future projects. Focus on improving your love life and being open with your partner during this time. A time of things being up in the air and a quick change in direction. It is all about manifesting your desires and really going after what you want.

Favourable Dates: Jan 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21, 29 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue

Favourable Dates: Jan 3, 10, 12, 18, 22, 27, 31 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue

PISCES 19 Feb - 20 Mar

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

IN THIS ISSUE...

W

e start off this month with a fabulous weddings section including a range of dresses from confetti rain, beautiful jewellery from Sarah Layton Jewellers and we have a selection of ideas to make your wedding day truly unique including advice on how to cope if your best friend becomes a bridezilla.

We also look at the venues in Lancashire you may like to consider for your wedding day, honeymoon or vow renewal ceremony.

With all the buzz about going electric, we talk to Ben Fox of Lancashire based, EV Charge Clever.

With the UK moving towards an all-electric future, Ben tells us now is the perfect time to invest in an 6

electric vehicle. EV Charge Clever installs charging points for your home and business.

air more, it may be a good time to

As we look to this New Year, Sarah Harris from Colour Me Beautiful helps us to add interest and Sparkle to our New Year outfits whatever your style and also take a look at Cumbria’s new winter marketing campaign launched to boost seasonal tourism in the region.

children’s books.

While we look beyond the festive season, Harold cunliffe takes a retrospective look at Christmases long since past as well as a visit to Middleton and St Leonard’s church clock tower, home of the ‘Nowster’ curfew bell.

If one of your new years resolutions is to get out in the open

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

release your inner child with four thrilling adventures inspired by

In the last of his series, Alijan Kirk takes a look at four Prime Ministers, from Spencer Percival to the Earl of Rippon, Viscout Goderich.

Margaret Brecknell looks back at the Life of Rochdale’s Gracie Fields, Lancaster’s Sir Richard Owen - The Man who named the Dinosaurs and then takes us on a tour of ten of Lancashire’s historic Churches.

And of course, as always, we have features on homes, health, wildlife and more - all in our January issue. www.lancmag.com

SPECIALISTS IN COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & DOMESTIC WORK Based in Southport, with over 18 years’ experience, we specialise in creating, updating and renovating electrical systems in commercial, industrial and domestic settings.

Antrobus Electrical is a friendly, family run business. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality service at competitive prices with absolutely no hidden costs.

KEEPING YOU SWITCHED ON We offer an extensive range of electrical installation, design and maintenance services.

Lighting

Reports / Surveys

General Household

Electric Vehicle Charging

www.antrobus-electrical.com

Antrobus Electrical guarantee a professional, reliable and fully accredited service.

Contact us to arrange a quotation visit or to discuss your project.

Trusted trader

01704 651955

0751 2271 570

Antrobus Electrical

Countdown to completion: Liverpool’s Clock Tower Park renovations in the final phase Ongoing renovations to Liverpool’s iconic sandstone Clock Tower are ramping up as the structure nears completion and the clock continues to tick into its second century.

T

he final phase of the Clock Tower development started in October 2021 when work began on the three-storey building, dubbed Phase 26. When complete, the Grade II listed building will house 80,000 sq ft of prime office space within an original stone shell, preserving its look and feel.

The team at Antrobus Electrical were appointed by the developer’s Next Big Thing in June 2022 to manage the installation of the electrics across all three floors, from essential lights, sockets, and consumer units through to state-of-theart CCTV, data points, access control and alarm systems.

Clock Tower Park first opened in 1890 as a philanthropic project that today remains an integral part of Liverpool’s social history.

The Clock Tower stands surrounded by two lines of cottages on either side – 24 in total, known as the Fazakerley Cottage homes. The Fazakerley Cottages once operated as an orphanage and children’s home located in Liverpool, England. A relic of the Victorian era, the homes were

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

built to accommodate up to 600 children at its peak in the 1960s and 1970s. Now, after falling into disrepair following their closure as an orphanage in 1977 and being purchased by local developers Next Big Thing Developments in 2014, these cottages have been rediscovered as an exemplar of how you can breathe new life into abandoned structures while staying true to the original purpose they served. The cottages gained a new lease of life when Next Big Thing renovated them; there is an overall vision for their future development which will see it become an extended living community where families can live, work, play, shop and socialise together and thrive in a sustainable way.

As the development heads into the final phase, local contractors, including Antrobus Electrical, are working towards completing the heart of the project - The Clock Tower.

During the project, Antrobus Electrical brought their expertise and attention to detail, working within the challenging environment of a Grade II-listed building.

‘Antrobus Electrical have been, at all times, very aware that the listed building is protected. With this in mind, extra care has been taken to ensure that the building retained its integrity and appearance that led to it being listed

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in the first place, with any damage being kept to an absolute minimum during the course of completing the work. Given that older buildings may have unusual wiring configurations, it has been a task that required a lot of time and patience with additional care taken along every step of the project. It is crucial to install the right equipment when working on a listed building, as requirements will differ greatly from what would be generally encountered in any other property type. For example, light switches, external wires, brackets and so on all need to be in keeping with the overall aesthetic of the building.

Antrobus Electrical was established in Leyland in 2019, relocating to Southport in 2021. The team has extensive experience working on domestic, commercial, and industrial projects, with a varied portfolio highlighting a broad knowledge and excellence within their field. With a consultative approach and firstclass customer service Antrobus Electrical has worked locally over the years to support other businesses and developers; their exceptional reputation has been the driver of organic and exponential growth. To

date, the business has the capabilities and resources enabling them to work on several commercial and industrial projects, which reflects wide-ranging expertise and skillset.

‘Antrobus Electrical are proud to have been part of this fascinating project. It’s been great to see this rundown historic building returned to its former glory, bringing it up to modern standards. This enviable office facility will put this landmark back on the map.’ Phil Antrobus – Technical Director and Approved Electrician

Any decisions made were always in close consultation with the project team to ensure we stayed on budget and within the timeframe.’

Phil Antrobus – Technical Director and Approved Electrician

Photography by Steve Heatherill My Day Photography 10

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

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About Antrobus Electrical Antrobus Electrical is a friendly, family-run business, and they pride themselves on delivering the highest quality service at competitive prices with no hidden costs.

With over 18 years’ of experience, the team specialise in creating, updating and renovating electrical systems in commercial, industrial and domestic settings, provided to homes and businesses throughout the North West.

Contact the team to arrange a quotation visit or to discuss your project.

Tel: 01704 651955 www.antrobus-electrical.com

www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 11

Race Around The World In 80 Days In This Gloriously Funny Family Show!

Go Around The World In 80 Days with amazing acrobatics and silly circus antics joining the joyous journey at Blackpool Grand Theatre in February 2023

O

h what a circus! Fly Around The World in 80 Days in a marvellously madcap new telling of Jules Verne’s famous tale at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 28 February to Saturday 4 March 2023. Book your seats in the Big Top now!

each mode of transport as fact

Juliet’s Forster’s thrilling adaptation

journey?

of Jules Verne’s Around The World In 80 Days is Phileas Fogg’s incredible journey across the globe as you’ve never seen it before! It’s a rip-roaring romp for the whole family that’s not to be missed…

A raggle-taggle band of highly skilled travelling circus performers embark on their most daring feat yet as they recreate Fogg’s famous adventures as he sets off on his race Around The

clashes with fiction in this highly entertaining gallop around the globe.

It’s an epic family adventure!

We all know the name Phileas Fogg from Jules Verne’s novel Around The World In 80 Days, but what do we really know about the intrepid adventurer and his world-famous

Run right now to follow in Fogg’s famous footsteps and snap up your seats for the circus!

Your Around The World In 80 Days adventure awaits!

Around The World in 80 Days is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 28 February to Saturday 4 March 2023. Matinee and early evening performances available.

Tickets from £15.50.

World In 80 Days.

For ages 7+

But wait? Who is this Nellie Bly

Book the very best seats now before it flies into Blackpool Grand!

biting at his heels? We can’t have an actual real-life woman win this race!

Sit back and enjoy as skilled performers traverse every country, embrace each character and navigate 12

LISTINGS: Around The World in 80 Days Tue 28 Feb to Fri 3 Mar 2023 at 7.30pm Sat 4 Mar at 1pm & 5.30pm Thu matinee at 2pm M Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT N 01253 290 190 D blackpoolgrand.co.uk F @blackpoolgrand T @Grand_Theatre I grandtheatrebpl

Please call the Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit www.

BlackpoolGrand.co.uk for full listings, bookings and further information.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

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Here’s five fascinating Phileas Fogg facts:

1.

Around the World in 80 Days is a novel by French writer Jules Verne that was first published in 1873 and is one of Verne’s most acclaimed works.

2.

The lead character Phileas Fogg of London attempts to circumnavigate the world in 80 days with his French valet Passepartout on a £20,000 wager (roughly £2 million today).

3.

Fogg and Passepartout start their epic journey as passengers on the Orient Express train.

4.

The route he took was from London to Egypt by rail and steamer across the Mediterranean Sea (7 days), Suez to Bombay

by India steamer across the Red Sea and the

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Indian Ocean (13 days), Bombay to Calcutta

by India rail (3 days), Calcutta to Hong Kong by steamer across the South China Sea (13 days), Hong Kong to Japan by steamer across the South China Sea, East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean (6 days), Japan to San Francisco, USA, by steamer across the Pacific Ocean (22 days), San Francisco to New York City by rail 7 days and New York to London across the Atlantic Ocean and by rail (9 days) = 80 days!

5.

Jules Verne’s Phileas Fogg never travelled in a balloon! This fictional balloon comes from the Academy Award- winning 1956 film adaptation of the novel starring David Niven and it has been firmly fixed in our collective consciousness since then!

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 13

Tilted Wig presents York Theatre Royal’s Production

‘BEST FAMILY THEATRE...

CAPTIVATES YOUNG AND OLD’

by

JULES VERNE Adapted & Directed by

JULIET FORSTER

TUE 28 FEB TO SAT 04 MAR 2023

Book online blackpoolgrand.co.uk Box office 01253 290 190 Groups/Schools 01253 743232

A ThickSkin and Traverse Theatre Company production, supported by Theatre Royal Stratford East. Commissioned

by ThickSkin and Lawrence Batley Theatre.

‘…ITS POWER SPRINGS FROM IT'S ABSOLUTE AUTHENTICITY’ WHAT’S ON STAGE

WED 15 TO FRI 17 MAR 2023 Book online blackpoolgrand.co.uk Box office 01253 290 190 Groups/Schools 01253 743232

Making memories to last a lifetime

DREAMVENUES.CO.UK Photographers: David Scholes, James Jebson, Emilie May, Kerry Woods, Mark Tattersall & Nick English

W E D D I N G S • EV E N TS • R E T R E ATS

Award winning venues across the Ribble & Lune Valleys, Lancashire & Yorkshire Classic or chilled, large or small, outdoor or indoor, church or civil ceremony, a tailored package or fully bespoke... It’s your day your way!

WEDDING SHOWCASES & OPEN DAYS Throughout December 2022, January & February 2023.

For more information and late availability offers, please visit the website.

DREAMVENUES.CO.UK

DANIELLE TARENTO, STEVEN M LEVY AND VAUGHAN WILLIAMS IN ASSOCIATION WITH MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON PRESENTS...

TUE 21 TO SAT 25 MAR 2023 Book online blackpoolgrand.co.uk Box office 01253 290 190 Groups/Schools 01253 743232

TUE 16 TO SAT 20 MAY 2023 Book online blackpoolgrand.co.uk Box office 01253 290 190 Groups/Schools 01253 743232

WEDDING FEATURE | IDEAS

10 Ideas For Your Special Day

1.

Minimalist bouquets can make a chic and classy statement in a way that the traditional bountiful bouquet can’t—it’s the perfect way for a bride to channel her own unique style and personality.

2.

Can you say something about choosing local suppliers and delights, fun favours from the area either where you and partner are originally from or where you are getting married.

3.

Customise as much as possible, wine, biscuits little trinkets and do a party bag for guests to take away with mementos

4.

Guest book with a difference - From signing the table cloth to tying message tags to a decorative tree, there’s no end to the imaginitive ways you can have your guests share their best wishes. let your imagiantion run wild

9.

Include a Ring warming ceremony - a tradition that involves passing around the wedding bands to guests. Upon receiving the rings, guests “warm” them up with a prayer, good wishes, or positive vibes for the couple’s future together.

5.

Make use of the wedding planner at the venue where you are getting married. They are usually full of knowledge, very experienced etc etc with all those weddings they have done before, great to pick their brains too.

6.

7.

Let guests make their own cocktails and also personalise the cocktail napkins.

Photos : If you can have a station with some props as well as a usual wedding photographer. Booths go down a treat. Also an artist is something to consider so you end up with beautiful sketches of the day. An extra special momento.

8.

You are only doing this once (fingers crossed) so instead of just staying the one night before at the hotel bridey, stay 2 nights before and spend some time with friends and family getting in to the party mood and easing on in to the occasion.

10.

Name your tables instead of numbers, it can say a lot about you as a couple.

Here Comes the Bride

TIMELESS

DRESSES for Every Style of Wedding By www.confettirainbridal.co.uk

M 62 Red Bank Road, Bispham, Blackpool FY2 9NW | N 01253 357083

D www.confettirainbridal.co.uk | F @confettirainbridal | I @confettirainbridal

M 62 Red Bank Road, Bispham, Blackpool FY2 9NW | N 01253 357083

D www.confettirainbridal.co.uk | F @confettirainbridal | I @confettirainbridal

M 62 Red Bank Road, Bispham, Blackpool FY2 9NW | N 01253 357083

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.

Discover more about the new homes in Lancashire

Visit: redrow.co.uk/lancashire

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.

D www.confettirainbridal.co.uk | F @confettirainbridal | I @confettirainbridal

M 62 Red Bank Road, Bispham, Blackpool FY2 9NW | N 01253 357083

D www.confettirainbridal.co.uk | F @confettirainbridal | I @confettirainbridal

Forever and Ever scan me

to download your Wedding brochure today

Say "I Do" at Mytton Fold Hotel - dates still available for 2023

Join us At our Wedding Fairs 15th January 2023 - hosted by Mytton Fold 5th February 2023 - hosted by Little White Books Tie the knot at our luxury wedding venue. Mytton Fold Hotel is located in the heart of the Ribble Valley, set in picture-perfect grounds, offering a flawless setting to create unforgettable moments on your magical day.

Stay, Dine, Celebrate, and more at Mytton Fold.

Call us: 01254 240 662 | Book a walkaround: events@myttonfold.co.uk Visit us: Mytton Fold, Whalley Road, Langho, Blackburn, BB6 8AB

Find your perfect wedding venue at Mytton Fold Hotel ‘We are very proud this year to be a finalist of The Wedding Industry Awards ‘Hotel Venue’ 2022 and shortlisted for both The Lancashire Tourism Awards ‘Hotel Wedding Venue of the Year’ and ‘Large Hotel of the Year’ 2022/23’

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ytton Fold Hotel, located in the heart of the Ribble Valley has been recently renovated throughout, providing a luxury-wedding venue within picture perfect grounds. A flawless setting to create unforgettable memories.

Every aspect of the venue has been meticulously refurbished whilst still maintaining the character of the original buildings. All elements of your wedding day are considered at Mytton Fold Hotel, from the serene ceremony spaces down to the landscaped grounds and plush accommodation.

Your Ceremony At Mytton Fold Hotel, we know that every ceremony that takes place is completely unique to each couple, which is why we offer a range of indoor and outdoor ceremony areas, so that you can say ‘I do’ in a way that feels special to you.

Both the Abbey Suite and Dunsop Suite offer sophisticated settings for you to say your vows in the presence of your loved ones. The Ribble Suite can seat up to 100 guests for your ceremony, with the adjacent Abbey Suite accommodating up to 250 guests for a wedding breakfast.

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The stunning Abbey Suite, flooded with natural light, simply makes the perfect setting to dine in style. With a neutral colour scheme, clear space and beamed ceiling it allows you an opportunity to bring your dream wedding décor to life.

If the great outdoors is more your style, discover our picturesque ceremony pagoda set across an enchanting footbridge, nestled within gardens and surrounded by countryside views, a stunning backdrop for your forever photos.

Your Wedding, Your Way At Mytton Fold, your personal Wedding Specialist will work with you to tailor your day. Whether it be a small intimate celebration or a larger event, we can cater for up to 250 guests.

The personal service delivered from start to finish will ensure that your wedding planning process is both exciting and memorable, providing you with knowledge and guidance at every step of the journey, and on the day itself.

Our friendly team will support you with every detail of your big day. www.lancmag.com

• A range of venue styling options

Wedding Breakfast

• Evening entertainment options

We care passionately about catering and so at Mytton Fold Hotel we offer a whole host of different menu options to suit your taste. If you prefer you can work alongside our banqueting chef to develop a bespoke menu comprising of your favourite dishes and flavours.

We will, of course, discuss any special dietary requirements.

• A full variety of wedding stationery • The bride and groom receive a complimentary accommodation in one of our suites on your wedding night The list goes on!

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Accommodation Mytton Fold Hotel have 35 en-suite rooms plus two suites available for guests at a preferential wedding rate.

There are family rooms, pet friendly rooms plus rooms with disabled facilities available.

The Fold Restaurant and cosy lounge bar areas allow plenty of options for dining and our extensive food offerings can be found on our website.

If you would like to say “I do” at Mytton Fold Hotel there are dates still available for 2023 Book a venue walkaround with one of our dedicated Wedding Specialists by visiting www.myttonfold.co.uk or download your brochure by scanning the QR code below.

Or why not join us at our Wedding Fayres which are being held in the Abbey Suite: 15th January 2023 – hosted by Mytton Fold Hotel 5th February 2023 – hosted by Little White Books Enjoy browsing the venue and grounds, meet our dedicated Wedding Specialists, and check out our lovely list of preferred suppliers, on hand to make your big day special.

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What To Do When Your BFF Becomes a Bridezilla

Don’t take it personally It’s not you - it’s her! Sometimes wedding planning brings out the worst in people, the bride may snap and bark orders, and it’s easy to get offended and wonder if you’ve done something wrong. Try not to get upset about it, it’s almost certainly not your fault, and probably not you the brideto-be is mad at.

Talk to her Wedding planning is an incredibly stressful time, and stress can make people behave in ways they normally wouldn’t. If your bestie strays toward the bridezilla territory, maybe consider letting her know, she may not even realise that she’s turning nasty.

The Bridezilla - it’s every bridesmaid’s nightmare. And regardless of how well you think you know your bestie, you can never predict how the pressure of planning a wedding will make them feel and act.

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ut your role as bridesmaid is not just to plan her the best hen party of all time, but to be there for the bride-to-be during the stressful wedding planning moments and of course, walk beside them on their big day. So, how do you deal with a Bridezilla?

Lisa Forde, wedding expert and founder of leading stationery favourites Tree of Hearts, is on hand with her top tips.

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“Whether it’s your sister or childhood bestie, we know you want what’s best for your bride-to-be and for her to have her dream wedding, but it can often be really tricky being a bridesmaid,” Lisa explains. “Of course, you have your own life at the end of the day, which understandably doesn’t revolve around this upcoming wedding, but you’ve been given and accepted a very important role and need to act accordingly to prevent any major friendship fallouts!”

Keep calm and carry on In true British style, you need to stay calm and carry on. Be patient with your bride - even if you want to strangle her and try to give her the benefit of the doubt when she’s having a Bridezilla moment.

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Plan something away from wedding planning Maybe it’s worth planning a day out to distract the bride-to-be from her wedding planning duties and remind you of the bestie she once was. Maybe invite the rest of the bridal party but explain it is a wedding-planning free zone. Let her take her hair down and relax.

Step away…

If it’s all getting too much and impacting your own life and mental health, don’t be afraid to remove yourself from the situation. You need to give your reasons and be clear so they are able to understand. It might be an emotional conversation, but try to remain confident in your decision and remember why you have made it.

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M 71 King Street, Whalley, BB7 9SW | N 01254 822062

D sarahlayton.co.uk | F @SarahLaytonJewellers | I @sarahlaytonjewellers

M 71 King Street, Whalley, BB7 9SW | N 01254 822062

D sarahlayton.co.uk | F @SarahLaytonJewellers | I @sarahlaytonjewellers

M 71 King Street, Whalley, BB7 9SW | N 01254 822062

D sarahlayton.co.uk | F @SarahLaytonJewellers | I @sarahlaytonjewellers

LOOK NO MORE...

Multi-award winning Crow Wood Hotel has become the wedding venue of choice for style-conscious couples.

It has all the grandeur of a bygone era in an ultra-modern setting, with a breathtaking panorama.

Arrange your visit to our National Wedding Industry Award-Winning Venue

crowwoodhotel.com

VENUE FEATURE | BURNLEY

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort We discover what makes Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort one of the best wedding venues in Lancashire, and why they are scooping up multiple industry awards What makes your venue stand out from the rest?

Crow Wood Hotel has world-class facilities including The Woodland Spa where our couples can relax and prepare before or after the big day.

The Lakeside Suite is the perfect wedding setting and boasts panoramic views of our private estate gardens and surrounding countryside.

With 76 fabulous bedrooms we also have the option to stay the night before and/or after the wedding day and indulge in one of our AA rosette restaurants.

We have won a plethora of awards since opening including having being named Lancashire Tourism’s Hotel Wedding Venue Winner 2021 and Regional Best Newcomer at The 2022 Wedding Industry Awards.

What steps do you take to understand the personality, style and aspirations of each of your wedding couples?

We love hearing about everyone’s dream wedding plans and how we can adapt the space to match each couple’s dream. The wedding planners

have regular meetings with each and every couple to assist them in creating their vision and to support them on their wedding planning journey. We also have regular open days and evenings with different themes so that everyone has the chance to visualise how their special day at Crow Wood Hotel might look, no matter what the colour scheme or décor.

How many guests can you cater for?

The Lakeside Suite is extremely flexible and, depending on requirements, can comfortably seat 300 for the wedding breakfast. However, we do have sleek purpose-built partitions which provide for more intimate receptions too.

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What’s included in your package?

Your best spot for photographs?

At Crow Wood Hotel our couples

The Lakeside Suite at Crow Wood

are always guaranteed exclusivity

Hotel is surrounded by an idyllic

and therefore, theirs will be the only

private garden, beautiful lake, our

wedding taking place on their date.

wedding pavilion and picturesque

Our

woodland – perfect for ever lasting

packages

eventuality

cater

whether

for a

every couple

would prefer us organise the venue dressing, flowers and entertainment or, if they’d prefer to make their own

memories!

It enjoys unspoilt views of the historic Pendle Hill too. It’s quite breathtaking.

arrangements, that is just fine with us.

A satisfied customer says:

It’s their day after all so it should be

‘There aren’t enough words to

done their way.

describe how perfect our wedding

Of course, we just love to help wherever and whenever we can! www.lancmag.com

was.’  crowwoodhotel.com LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 47

VENUE FEATURE | BURNLEY

Our Beautiful Wedding Day HAPPY COUPLE: Alana Tennant & Ryan Wright VENUE: Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort PHOTOGRAPHY: Gail Secker Photography

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ur wedding at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort was absolutely perfect, a day we will cherish for a lifetime.

I was never once stressed during the planning because Paige and the team were so supportive and accessible from the start. Regular emails, calls and in person meetings meant every detail was thought through.

They have a fantastic wealth of knowledge and experience which made planning our wedding so easy and most of all, enjoyable.

We always knew we wanted our beloved dog Alfie to be involved in the day and I was initially worried that a fancy, modern hotel wouldn’t allow dogs.

However as soon as we suggested it, Paige’s face lit up! Everything was done so smoothly with him on the day and he was our adorable ring bearer.

On the morning of the wedding Paige came up to the suite and was just the calm and organised presence I needed as a nervous bride! She even sent me photos of how everything looked downstairs.

The hotel itself is absolutely stunning. From the moment you enter and look up at the dazzling chandelier, to the luxurious suites and bedrooms, everything is elegant and sleek. The gardens are gorgeous and it feels so tranquil walking around the water.

Throughout the entire day all the staff at Crow Wood were amazing, nothing was too much trouble, and everything was done efficiently and with a smile. Even the night porter setting up a speaker in the bar at 3am! All of our guests had high praise for the hotel and its staff and most said it was the ‘best wedding they had ever been to.’

So, to Paige, and everyone at Crow Wood, a massive thank you for making our wedding so magical.  48

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Behind the Scenes Work Helps Preserve Windermere’s Historic Wooden Row Boats

Windermere’s iconic wooden row boats are about to be lifted from the water for the annual work which ensures the historic vessels are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

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his Half Term week is the final chance this year for boat lovers to take to the water in the row boats which have been a quintessential Lake District fixture since Victorian times.

Windermere Lake Cruises has a fleet of around 55 wooden row boats

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and many of them date back to the 1930s. But the traditional clinker-built boats have been a popular attraction on Windermere since Victorian times.

Russell Bowden, Operations Manager at Windermere Lake Cruises, says: “Rowing boats used to be very much a first-class way of travelling on the lake. Victorian ladies would be rowed across Windermere to the area known as Strawberry Gardens to enjoy an afternoon tea.

“The boats were very plush and had lovely cushions to make the ride luxurious,” explains Russell: “We still call the buildings that house our

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information centre in Bowness Bay the “cushion huts” because that’s where the cushions used to be stored!”

Modern day row-boat lovers can continue to take a trip in the wooden boats until the end of Half Term week on Sunday, October 30. Then, they are taken out of the water to begin their annual conservation treatment.

“First they are stripped of their oars and fixtures and fittings,” explains Windermere Lake Cruises’ Boatbuilder Mark Fleming.

“Then they are cleaned with a power washer and small brushes before they are taken to our boat yard www.lancmag.com

to be dried out. Repairs are made to any planks or timbers that need work and the boats are varnished and painted.”

They will be kept in dry storage over the winter months before being brought back into action for Easter 2023.

“If we put them straight back into the water from dry storage they would just sink immediately,” says Mark. “All of the wood contracts when it dries so we have to put them through a process called “swelling up” before they go back into service.”

rowing boats go into storage for winter, its fleet of larger passenger vessels operate every day of the year apart from Christmas Day. And for those who like to explore the lake at their own pace – the popular self-drive electric-powered boats remain available for hire throughout the winter months.

That can involve putting them in and filling them up with water, so the planks re-absorb the moisture and the wooden structure becomes water tight once more ready for a new season of delighting visitors.

Windermere Lake Cruises is one of the top ten most visited “paid for” attractions in the country. While the www.lancmag.com

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HOW DUST CAN MAKE US ILL

By Airborne Allergens Expert, Max Wiseberg

www.haymax.biz • Damp dust surfaces and vacuum regularly, including fabrics and upholstery. It may also be beneficial to install ‘Allergy Friendly’ flooring.

• Consider using an air filter/purifier with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filter to capture the dust particles and circulate the air.

• Use allergy friendly mattress covers and bedding. Keep cuddly toys and blankets in a cupboard to prevent the build-up of allergens on them.

• Don’t dry clothes inside over a radiator as this increases the humidity in your home and can result in mould, which releases tiny spores into the air that you breathe. Mould and dust mites thrive in moist environments. Keep the humidity in your house between 40% and 20% to control allergens.

Many people may be unaware that their Winter sneezes may be down to a dust mite allergy. This allergy is in fact a reaction to proteins in the excretion of the dust mites. Yes, that’s right, you’re allergic to dust mite poo!

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ll homes in the UK have dust mites, but due to their tiny size, around 0.25mm, and translucent bodies, they are almost invisible to the naked eye.

But don’t worry – unless you have a dust mite allergy, they are harmless. When the allergenic proteins are breathed in or make contact with the skin of an allergic person, their body reacts with symptoms – wheezing, sneezing, runny nose and soreness and redness of the skin and eyes.

minimise the allergens around you and getting in your body. Here are some simple, easy to implement tips: • Use an organic, drug-free allergen barrier balm such as HayMax, applied to the nostrils and bones of the eyes in the morning and throughout the day.

HayMax is proven to trap dust allergens (as well as pet allergens and over a third of pollen particles) before they enter the body, where they can cause symptoms[1]. Less pollen, less reaction!

• Keep pets off sofas and beds (and out of the bedroom altogether if possible).

• Be careful when using harsh chemicals for cleaning. The fumes can exacerbate breathing problems (a common trigger for asthma) and cause skin irritation.

• You could also try using a saline nasal rinse, antihistamines which are available over the counter as well as on prescription, a steroid nasal spray or eye drops.

And if this is not enough try combining products and create your own dust allergy first aid kit. One or more natural product, such as an allergen barrier balm, one antihistamine, one nasal spray and eye drops.

Dust mites thrive in warm humid environments, our beds being one of their favourite spots. We spend about a third of our day in bed, shedding skin cells and creating moisture with our breath and bodies which the microscopic mites need to live on.

So what can we do to help? Well if there’s less allergen, there’s less reaction. What this means is that prevention is key with allergies. No home is 100% allergen free, but there are some simple ways to REFERENCE: [1] Chief Investigator: Professor Roy Kennedy, Principal Investigator: Louise Robertson, Researcher: Dr Mary Lewis, National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, 1st February 2012.

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Weddings at Kilhey Court Hotel &

Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa, a four-star hotel set i of landscaped grounds with a beautiful Victoria is truly a picture-perfect wedding venu

WithinWeddings a 30 minute drive Court from Manchester at Kilhey Hotel & Spa and Live luxurious accommodation, excellent food and drink Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa, a four-star hotel set in 11 acres wellness facilities and photo location of landscaped grounds withpicturesuque a beautiful Victorian building, is truly perfect a picture-perfect wedding to host yourvenue. special day.

Within a 30 minute drive from Manchester and Liverpool, our luxurious accommodation, excellent foodaand drink, spa Offering tailored packages and range of and suites, we wellness facilities and picturesuque photo locations will be for both intimate weddings lavish perfect to host your or special day. celebrations for

guests.

Get in touch with our dedicated wedding coOffering tailored packages and a range of suites, we can cater for both intimate weddings lavish celebrations up to 300 toorarrange your for visit. guests. Get in touch with our dedicated wedding co-ordinators to arrange your visit.

Find out more and enquire today by emailin Find out more and enquire today by emailing: specialeventskilheycourt@macdonald-hotels.c specialeventskilheycourt@macdonald-hotels.co.uk.

Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa, Chorley Road, Standish, Wigan WN1 2XN • 0344 879 9045 macdonaldhotels.co.uk/KilheyCourt Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa, Chorley Road, Standish, Wigan WN1 2XN • 0344 879 9045 Find us on:

macdonaldhotels.co.uk/KilheyCourt Find us on:

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Your Dream Wedding Awaits at

Kilhey Court Hotel and Spa - A fairytale beginning to married life

Back in the Victorian era, this beautiful house was built as a wedding gift from a husband to his new bride and the fairy tale continues today.

are on hand to help. The dedicated wedding team boast industry awards and are passionate about providing the best possible celebration and an unforgettable beginning to married life for each happy couple.

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The lavish Victorian home is perfect for an indoor or outdoor wedding, which includes special views overlooking the Worthington Lakes.

our-star Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa has hosted countless wedding ceremonies and receptions over the years, and the history embedded within offers the best of both worlds for intimate and luxurious wedding celebrations.

The specialist wedding and events team can take care of all elements of the big day from venue hire, catering and personal touches, making sure to support a couple every step of the way. Whatever makes the day special whether it is a four-course dinner or a family style BBQ, a glittering dance floor or a four-legged furry friend as a ring bearer, the team 54

Located just 30 minutes by car from Manchester City Centre or Liverpool, and just 10 minutes from Wigan train station, it is a convenient North West venue for guests to travel to.

Hosting up to 300 guests in its event suites or outdoors, Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa is an ideal venue to accommodate all. The hotel presents a fairytale wedding experience, with a highly experienced team overseeing the journey all the way to the big day.

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The Lakeside and Tennyson Suites offer stunning views of the gardens and lakes beyond and can cater for all styles of celebrations. Some of the current package options at Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa are titled Carolean, Worthington, Arley and Luxury Intimate. All of these include a red carpet welcome, ceremony room hire, crisp table linen and chair covers with a variety of sash colours to match the event scheme, cake stand and knife as well as a range of food and drink packages.

Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa can also provide a picturesque base for a selfcatering or evening reception only celebrations and further details of all packages can be found via the brochure online. Bespoke packages including exclusive use options are also available, all customisable to suit all seasons, budgets and timelines. www.lancmag.com

For example one of the more unique wedding offerings at Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa is the Vintage Afternoon Tea wedding package. This includes a chilled glass of Pimm’s or prosecco to toast the occasion and a traditional afternoon tea served in tiered silver cake stands with vintage crockery including mismatched tea cups and saucers.

Whether it’s a traditional meal, afternoon tea or more relaxed buffet, quality is assured from canapes to wedding breakfast and late night dining. The Head Chef sources the finest seasonal ingredients and best produce available, and where possible incorporates local and organic elements. Couples can also book full menu and wine tastings ahead of the wedding day.

While Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa has provided the stunning and picturesque backdrop for many traditional wedding ceremonies and receptions indoors, modern-day couples are exploring open-air concepts, and this venue is perfectly placed for this alfresco style.

Wedding and events specialist Wendy O’Farrell has helped couples plan their perfect day for seven years in Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa observing various styles, themes and trends. The

latest, increasingly popular, requests have been around more relaxed running orders with later ceremonies and informal wedding breakfasts as well as a surge in interest for hosting outdoors.

She said: “The wedding sector is getting back on track and currently thriving. For several months, couples had no choice but to host some parts of the special day outside due to the restrictions, but this trend is continuing post pandemic. With over

It’s essential all the family can enjoy the special day and that includes the little ones. Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa caters for this with a children’s offering of not just food and drink, but an activity pack of colouring and puzzle sheets suitable for those up to 12 years of age.

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a decade of experience working in the weddings and events industry, I have seen many trends come and go, but I think the outdoor wedding trend is one that is here to stay for some time.

“It’s always fantastic to see all our newlyweds and their friends and family happy on their wedding day which really does make this industry a joy to work in.”

With 11 acres of landscaped grounds, breathtaking gardens and fine facilities, the gardens at Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa can now be used for more than just a photo opportunity with the introduction of a new pergola providing the perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony. Additionally the pathways leading to the gardens have also been upgraded with further investment ongoing to the Lakeside and Tennyson suites alongside the spa.

At Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa, the wedding celebrations don’t need to be restricted to just one day as the talented Head Chef and hotel team can cater pre-wedding day dinner options within a private dining room setting. Whether it’s a traditional sit down meal or informal buffet, it’s the perfect opportunity to cherish time with friends and family who may have travelled from afar, and also settle some of those nerves ahead of the big day.

Another option to help settle prewedding jitters and de-stress or ease into married life post-wedding would be with a soothing ELEMIS spa treatment at Kilhey Court Spa. As one of the leading spas in Wigan, it offers everything from rejuvenating facials 56

to indulgent deep tissue massages, and spa guests also have access to the pool and relaxation room.

Couples can also take advantage of a 20% discount on pre-booked spa treatments the day before or day after the wedding dependent on their package. Additionally the spa facilities make Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa an excellent location to host a luxurious stag or hen party celebration.

One of the top perks of a hotel wedding is that once the party is over, guests don’t need to travel far to rest their dancing feet once the bar license concludes at midnight.

Steeped in history, Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa offers comfortable room and suite accommodation in idyllic, rural surroundings.

All standard, deluxe and suite options include high end rooms boasting views overlooking the gardens and the expansive suites feature living areas with plush carpets.

Accessible bedrooms are located on the ground floor with handrails in the bathrooms and reachable alarm facilities linked to reception.

Suppliers present at the showcase often include florists, clothing boutiques and entertainment providers. Couples holding their wedding at Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa are also entitled to additional offers from local wedding suppliers.

Advance booking is recommended, and details of all upcoming events can be found on the Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa website and social pages.

Additionally, newly engaged couples and their wedding parties can book private visits for a tour with one of the dedicated wedding coordinators.

Mr & Mrs McKnight recently hosted their special day with Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa. They said: “We had the best time and have received lots of lovely comments about our venue choice, the food and all the finishing touches.”

Another happy couple, Mr & Mrs Smith added: “We had our fairytale wedding at Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa. Wendy was our wedding coordinator, who was wonderful from day one, going above and beyond. It was an incredibly well organised and beautiful day, thank you so much for making it so special.”

Depending on the package arranged, wedding guests can enjoy preferential overnight stay rates.

For the chance to see the stunning gardens and room setups firsthand, Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa regularly hosts wedding showcase events.

These events bring together suppliers to stage possible themes and services, as well as provide a great opportunity for couples to see the venue dressed.

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For further information visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/kilhey-court

and book your dream wedding today!

Wedding enquiries can also be sent to our wedding coordinator at

specialeventskilheycourt@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

or by calling 0344 879 9045.

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 57

Time to go Home

By Harold Cunliffe

A message arrived from a contact I have known for many years, Jeremy, who lives in the London area. He and his son have been documenting their roots in this part of Lancashire for a number of years.

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iddleton is prominent in their research and the interesting findings may well be put into print. During his research Jeremy found a reference to the “Nowster bell.” He mentioned in his message the fact that this bell was rung at St Leonard’s church each evening at 9.50p.m. for a duration of ten minutes as a consequence of the Luddite riots of 1812, and the attack on Daniel Burton’s mill and the destruction of Parkfield House. He and I wonder what the people of Middleton thought about this bell being rung so long after the event. Another question was the name, why was it called the “Nowster?”.

The sounding of the curfew bell and the name is in fact aimed at those who were out and about, away from home, loitering the streets, then the sound of the bell acted as a reminder that they had to ‘Now Stir’ themselves and make their way home before the curfew of 10.00 p.m. (11 p.m. Saturdays and Mondays) The tradition of ringing this bell carried on for many years, but one wonders if the residents of the town took any notice. I am unable to find any record in the court cases of any person being prosecuted for exceeding the curfew deadline. I have however spoken to people who lived in the town at the time this bell was rung.

It transpires that before the Second

Drivers advert

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The Parish church

World War parents of teenagers would instruct them to be home for when the bell was sounded. One lady remembers being out with a young man one warm summer evening, enjoying his company in a park close to the church, then when she heard the bell being rung panic set in and she set off for home in great haste, she commented, “When the bell was sounded you had to go home. Many nights I had to run all the way home, we only had a few minutes to make it or I would be in trouble.” It seems that parents during this period were strict in enforcing that this rule was obeyed by their teenage children.

The ritual of bringing in the New Year, exiting the rear of the house and entering by the front entrance was practiced many years ago by me and other male neighbours. But with the passage of time I found that each year the numbers of my neighbours who would gather each year diminished, until I found that I was the only person carrying on this tradition in my road.

I did wonder why I bothered, because each year did not seem to any better than the last. But 50 years ago as we stood chatting on the street corner,

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Drivers shop and the famous ‘Tommy Thompson’s’ chip shop

holding our lump of coal, it was the sounding of the Parish church bell which brought in the New Year and started the shaking of hands and the exchanging of pleasantries. The sound of the church bell was relied upon by the Middleton radical, Sam Bamford on the day of the Peterloo Massacre.

Bamford addressed his marchers and as the clock struck 8 a.m. between 6,000 and 10,000 marchers set off for Manchester. This year the clock at the church celebrates its 215th anniversary. www.lancmag.com

Edwin Driver accurately setting a watch using the modern electronic device

Clockmakers wife Each time I happened to be passing through the village of Castleton, on route to Rochdale, not Castleton in the Peak District, I would pay a visit to a dear friend, Jean Driver, a delightful lady of advancing years. Jean, sadly now deceased was the wife of Thomas Edwin Driver, a well-known watch and clock maker and repairer, who also was once the custodian of the clock in the ancient church of St Leonard. The Drivers shop was located on the Manchester Old Road, almost opposite to the British Queen public house which we featured in the November issue. Edwin’s parents lived opposite the church of St Leonard, which was where his father, Tom, a church warden spent hours of his spare time. Jean would relate tales of days gone by living in a Lancashire Mill town upon my visits. She once explained the hours spent cleaning and waxing the pews, cleaning the interior of the church too, apart from the stained glass windows which required the use of a special type of detergent, certainly not washing up liquid to avoid damaging the windows.

At the time Edwin and Jean were married, she said that church goes were strict in following the rules, in the weeks following her marriage she was not allowed out of the house alone until she had been made a member and attended meetings of the Mother’s Union. Her father in law, Tom Driver, was the not only the warden but also a grave digger and any other odd job which required attention.

One hot summer’s day he was involved in the excavation of a grave, when the heat took its toll. He rested at the base of the grave for a period of time then decided to obtain a bottle of water, but as he climbed out of the grave two passing ladies took fright thinking he was a Boggart, and before

Edwin adjusting the clock, going back an hour

Tom could explain they both ran away screaming, “Boggart, Boggart.”

The local newspaper featured Mr Driver when he spent a considerable amount of time indexing the records.

He carried out this project to make it easier for those who were tracing their ancestors who visited the church to seek out family members who had been born, married and buried in the cemetery.

Today most of the records are digital, which makes searching so much easier, but back then Tom used a pen and paper. Mrs Driver related the time that they were responsible for ringing the Nowster bell. It was Tom Driver who was the main person to do this, but there were times when her father in law was not available, so it was left to Jean or Edwin to climb the stone spiral staircase at the church to ring the bell. The last person to ring the bell was Tom Drver. The practice ceased due to the war in 1939, and was abandoned after the war. Jean was a native of London, but when you spoke to her you would think that she had lived in Lancashire all her life, she had a broad Lancashire accent, and looked and spoke similar to Dame Thora Hird. She said of her late husband, Edwin, “He started work at the Post Office, first as a telegraph lad, then he went delivering mail in the Boarshaw area, he hated it, it drove him mad. He spent as much time as possible in his great uncle’s clock repair shop in Old Hall Street (John Tommy Kay) and soon became an accomplished repairer.”

During the Second World War his skill as a clock repairer was used by the R.A.F. based in Scotland he repaired instruments and was quoted as saying the best thing about the war was that it got him out of the Post Office. When on leave his R.A.F. mates would call

Tom Driver transcribing church records

Edwin, Ted, because this is what his initials would spell, but his mother objected most strongly, she would correct them, which would cause them to tease her. Edwin’s great uncle’s watch and clock shop was close to the Town Hall. Many councillors would drop into the shop to have a chat before proceeding to the council chamber, many council matters were discussed in the shop. After the war Edwin opened his own shop. Many of the older generation today mention the time that the Driver’s had a clock

Painting the numerals

Phil working at his lofty position

shop opposite the famous “Tommy Thompson’s” chip shop. Our image shows Edwin at his shop in the process of adjusting the settings of a watch via the use of a new machine which could accurately set a watch or clock so it would keep the correct time. His great uncle, John Tommy Kay was once the custodian of the ancient clock at the Parish Church, which was passed to Edwin upon his retirement. The current dedicated custodian is Carl Goldberg.

CLOCK THIS “Now here is a job which is right up your street,” was the comment from a reporter at the local newspaper who

thought that I was the best person to cover the proposed restoration of the clock faces by a specialist. It was around 2006 when finance became available to have the three clock faces repainted at the Parish Church, which is in fact the church of St Leonard’s, known as the church on the hill with a wooden steeple, but is not a pointed steeple.

The original comment was accurate; I was interested in the restoration of the clock faces, mainly because they are not easy to access. Reading the letters page of the local newspapers we find that there have been moans and groans about the condition of the clock faces in being in a state of neglect and making it difficult to read the time. Many letters and poems have been published stating that you have to stand under the clock to tell the time because the faces were so dark. When

The weights driving the church clock

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the clock faces were restored all the layers of paint were removed, and one colour was black with white numerals.

At one time public clocks were important in keeping the public informed of the time. At Market Place the Co-op clock was invaluable to the traders, its inception is covered near the end of this feature. The importance of keeping a public clock accurate is in the action of the custodian. At the time the clocks go back and forward in spring, the clock custodian was on hand to perform this operation at the exact time. Our image shows Thomas Edwin Driver running the clock forward eleven hours due to the clocks being put back when British “Summertime” officially ended. At this period in the 1960’s the operation to change the clocks took place at midnight, and it was local photographer Alan Halkyard who recorded the event for posterity, and also allowed many people a glimpse of the clock in the tower of the Parish Church.

During my time working in the park below the church it was the ancient clock which we depended upon to give us the time to have lunch. The clock is powered by heavy weights, so consumes no electricity. One problem with this eco-friendly system is that you must always ensure that the weights do not bottom out, otherwise the clock stops. One resident many years ago gave an instruction to her husband, “that, when the clock at the Parish strikes twice, you must take the cakes www.lancmag.com

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out of the oven.” A few hours later she returned to find her cakes was still in the oven, now looking like a house bricks. She confronted her newspaper reading husband why he did not take the cakes out of the oven, “Because the clock has not, as yet, struck twice.”

The angry spouse promptly made her way to the church to find the clock had stopped prior to 2 p.m. Next she called at the Rectory and made a complaint.

TIME ON HIS HANDS. Philip Irvine who lived in the Southport area was contracted to restore the three clock faces at the church. As soon as we met we found that we were like minded and we Above: Using his hand-crafted dial dividing tool Right: Setting the time

got along famously. He agreed that I could shadow him and record for posterity the work he was about to carry out. You have to be an expert to perform this type of work, and Phil was without doubt a very competent man. If possible Phil would remove the clock faces and restore them at his workshop, but the faces at this church were very heavy slabs of stone.

One of the problems with working on the faces is access. Scaffolding would have been very expensive, so Phil used a bosun’s chair. Once the stone faces were stripped of the old paint he would apply several coats of white paint, the next important task is setting out the circles, or chapter rings.

If I had to mark this out it would be via a length of string and a pencil.

Phil however had manufactured in his workshop a device which would accurately mark out clock faces, his dial dividing tool would mark out the lines on clock faces of any size. In a way he was like the late Fred Dibnah who also went into great detail, detail in the design of the tool which was of no importance to its action, just there to enhance the appearance of the tool.

The hand crafted device shown in our image was made by Mr Irvine 30 years ago. Robust and of a quality typical of the Victorian period, which no doubt inspired the mind set of these tradesmen. Standing in the clock room Mr Irvine inspected the clock in great detail, he commented, “Clocks like this one have some substance, they were made by craftsmen who took enormous pride in their work 62

and are built to last. During my time I have serviced numerous clocks like the Platt one. When I fully clean, service and polish all the brasses I like to display the movement on a stand inside the church for a month for the congregation to inspect. Very few will have ever seen the movement, yet they no doubt have contributed to its upkeep.” The Middleton clock was made by William Platt of Manchester and is one of only two known to exist.

The other is owned by Lord Penhryn and is kept at his castle near Bangor, Wales. Installed on the 15 August 1807, three metal rods connect the three faces of the clock which ensure that they all read the same. The clock keeps remarkably good time and requires very little adjustment.

Searching the archive for information relating to the clock for this feature I found reference to an old battered notebook which was presented to the Middleton Library in 1948. The book contained hand written information relating to the timepiece at the church.

My next quest was to find this book, was it still available in the local studies library after all this time? Was it available to read? The only way to find out is to as, so an email was sent to Rochdale Local Studies requesting a search of their archives, then before I had time to gather my thoughts, a reply email arrived giving me details where the booklet was and a file number which would assist in the location of the item in the locked display case.

Wasting no time I visited the Central Library where the manager had located

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the item and had it available at the front desk, so full marks are awarded. I inspected the booklet, which thankfully is a bound photocopy of the original.

This preserves the original, and it is the content that is of interest. It began in 1746 being a personal record made by William Broadhurst, which was then carried on by Matthew Halliwell, then under the date of the 15 August 1807, is written, “A new clock has been put up at Middleton Church instead of the old one.” Interestingly the old clock was in a lower position and only had two faces one exterior facing west and one interior.

Phil with his infectious Liverpool accent is one of those rare breed of tradesmen that has an interesting repertoire of tales, great as an after

Checking the accuracy

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Joyce clock at Tonge Church

dinner speaker. Imagine that you have been working against a church tower, it’s a sunny day but you ae working in the shade with a cool wind blowing.

At dinner time the best place to sit and consume your food is in the sunshine.

This is what Phil and his colleague did some years ago. Then they both heard faint cries for ‘help’ Phil went to investigate. To his horror he discovered that his bosun’s chair had gone, looking up he noticed that a young boy had got in the seat and another boy had pulled the rope sending the frightened youngster upwards.

Realising he had no way of getting down the little chap decided to call for help. Placing extra weight on the chair from above brought the boy down to earth. Phil from that moment onward always sends the chair to a place out of reach before having his lunch.

At a church in Liverpool the clock developed a fault, which is not a problem normally, but this happened the day prior to the Service of Remembrance. Philip saved the day by being in the clock tower manually moving the hands of the clock, then www.lancmag.com

operating the striking mechanism at eleven o’clock. The clock at Middleton, like many others is powered via heavy weights. It was when Phil was asked to repair a church clock that a mystery evolved. He could not find any way the clock could work. It had no means of power, no weights were to be found, even though the wooden encasement was present. He and his assistant searched the cellar and found that there was evidence of the movement of soil. They both dug down in the soft earth to find that the rope suspending the weight had broken; sending the weight through the tiled floor inside the casing and into the cellar, upon hitting the ground with such force

buried itself. At the time Phil Irvine restored the clock at Middleton a Church building magazine produced a two page feature of him in action.

Images which I had captured were used in the feature, which I was more than happy to provide, this is nation wide publicity for our ancient church.

MODERNISED Some years ago I wrote a newspaper article with the heading, “Oldest Swinger in Town.” Which referred to the pendulum swinging back and forth.

Many church clocks have pendulums of length. It was when my brother and I were visiting nurseries in the Fylde area that we spotted the church

Joyce correspondence letter head

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warden working in the cemetery at the picturesque church of St Michael on the Wyre. It was a lovely summer’s day so we decided to have a walk round and chat to the warden to gain information about the clock in the tower. We were both greeted with enthusiasm and escorted in to the church. At one end of the nave a semicircle of scratch marks were visible on the wall, in front of the marks was the culprit, it was the bottom part of a pendulum, and to my amazement it was connected to the clock on the floor above, an letter box shaped hole was made in the clock room floor to accommodate the movement of the pendulum. Noticing our keen interest the warden commented, “If you are that interested in the clock, go and have a look.” Then he promptly opened the small access door to the stairs. “I will be in the cemetery if you need me,” he said.

The clock at St Michael’s had been modernised. An electric motor performed the task of lifting the weights. At a certain point the motor would spring into action lifting the weight, then be stopped by a switch once the weight had reached its designated height. The clock at Tonge Church, which is in sight line of the church of St Leonard has also been modernised. Upon my visit I noticed that the clock was made by the famous clockmaker, J.B. Joyce & Co Ltd of Whitchurch, Shropshire in 1929. This firm had supplied many church and turret clocks in Lancashire. For those readers who are fans of the antique programme on BBC 1, “Bargain Hunt” which is broadcast at lunchtime each day, you may spot a turret clock in the background when they film the auction at Trevanion and Dean, auctioneers. It looks like the former clock manufacturing building is now a salesroom, it is listed as ‘The Joyce Building’ in their address. Directly behind Christina Trevanion when she is holding her gavel is a fine example of the clock maker’s art.

NEW PUBLIC CLOCK I suppose you only realise the convenience of something when it is no longer there. This is the case when Moses Hurst removed his timepiece from outside his shop in 1867. It transpired that the clock was of great use to so many members of the public and its removal proved a great 64

Co-op Hall and new clock at Market Place

inconvenience. Upon hearing this the clock maker erected a drum clock as a temporary measure. But there was still a need for a greater improvement.

The challenge was taken up by the Middleton and Tonge Co-operative Industrial Society, who resolved to erect a large new clock over their central stores, opposite the towns market which it was stated would be of a great convenience to the town generally. It would also be of great use at night because the clock was to have a transparent face which would be illuminated each night by a jet of gas. It was hoped that the clock would be in full working order for New Year’s Eve, 1867.

The Albion newspaper published this report on the 28 December 1867 which read. “The new public clock in front of the Central Store of the Middleton and Tonge Industrial Society in Long St, is now in full working order. The clock is nine feet in circumference, and it has a transparent disc that the interior can be illuminated at dusk. We feel sure the public will be greatly indebted to the society for its liberality in providing a timepiece like the one just erected, which is at once an ornament to the town.” It was once thought that the clock was made by Smiths of Derby, but we now find that it was crafted

by Mr Edward Scales, clockmaker of Cathedral Yard, Manchester. Total cost of the clock and its erection was a little over £25.

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Having the new clock fitted was easy, but finding someone to look after it was not. We find that the clock did not perform as well as expected due to the lack of volunteers to service the needs that a clock of this periodrequired, which is daily.

Searching the classified column of the newspapers in the weeks following the installation of the new clock we find.

“WANTED, Immediately, by the public of Middleton, someone to look well after the Industrial Society’s CLOCK, in Long street. The duties will be to see that the works are properly wound up, and the person appointed will also be held responsible for the gas-jet behind the dial being lit up regularly at dusk.

All applications to be sent, WITHOUT DELAY, to the Stumps, Market Place, so that no more inconvenience may arise. For many years John Tommy Kay was once the custodian of the clock.

His Old Hall Street shop once sported a large pocket watch type of timepiece.

GREAT CLOCK On New Year’s Day 1879 many thousands of people turned out to hear the carillons of the great new clock at Manchester Town Hall which were started at noon. It was reported that the clock was the greatest work of the kind in the world. The large bell which upon the hours are struck had a total weight of six tons, nine hundredweight. As for the other bells which could produce a chromatic scale of 21, could reach a pitch of half a note of two octaves.

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Creating Lasting Impact Based in the historic heart of Lancaster, HPA Chartered Architects create remarkable built environments that make a positive, lasting impact across Lancashire, the North West, and beyond.

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leading regional architectural practice, HPA has over 40 years of experience and knowledge embedded in its specialist team, having mastered an array of services including architecture, design, planning, heritage, project management, and master planning.

Founded in 1979, HPA has in recent years shifted towards a multidisciplinary practice with a contemporary approach. Now 18 employees strong - and bucking the

trend in the construction sector, with a 70:30 female to male ratio - the team utilises its diverse skillset to produce innovative, considered, and individual solutions.

HPA’s consistently high quality of work has seen the practice go from strength to strength, receiving nominations and accolades from the RIBA Awards, RICS Awards, Northern Design Awards, and LABC Building Excellence Awards, as well as other regional awards.

HPA’s directors Zoe Hooton and Richard Wooldridge have paved the way for a successful future, developing the practice’s national reputation for creating buildings that have a profound effect on people’s lives.

Zoe, who joined HPA in 2012,

noticed the impact buildings can have from a young age, explaining: “When the Royal Albert Hospital in Lancaster closed its doors as a mental institute and people were moved to more adaptable places, I could see the greater effect it had on a community.

The power of design in changing people’s lives can be enormous.”

Remarkable places HPA was originally founded on leisure work but has gained specialist architectural knowledge in a select number of client industries over the years, including leisure and hotels, heritage and conservation, industrial and commercial, education, and housing.

HPA Director and RIBA North West Chair, Richard Wooldridge Photo credit: Robin Zahler

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HPA Director, Zoe Hooton Photo credit: Robin Zahler

“The culture at HPA is all about putting the client objective at the www.lancmag.com

Main: Another Place The-Lake Ullswater swim club pool © Anna-Blackwell Right: Suite at Another Place, The Lake, on Ullswater in the Lake District

heart of our work, focusing on outcomes, and building strong relationships with clients. A high proportion of our work is repeat business from existing clients and most new business comes from recommendations,” Zoe explained.

Regardless of the sector, size, or type of client, HPA undertakes the same process, utilising the expertise of its specialists to design imaginative, purposeful spaces that are both responsible and sustainable.

HPA led the sensitive restoration, refurbishment, and extension of contemporary Lake District hotel Another Place, The Lake. Making the most of its unique location on the shores of Ullswater, HPA remodelled the area and other parts of the hotel, helping Another Place to achieve a distinct mix of active, social, and relaxed hospitality.

Closer to home, another of HPA’s admired projects involved the preparation of Planning and Building Regulation Approval for the design of four boutique bedrooms inside Quite Simply French. Based on the Quay in Lancaster, the renovations maintain the spirit of the property and create a ‘home from home’ ambience. www.lancmag.com

HPA worked its magic on the restoration of the historic, grade II listed Forest Side Hotel and Restaurant, which was recently named the UK’s Best Country Hotel of the Year.

The building’s original features were preserved during the creation of 20 larger ensuite bedrooms and luxury duplex suites, as well as extending the dining room to open onto a new garden terrace.

Designed to complement the 300-year-old main building, the HPA team have also overseen a number of extensions and refurbishments to historic gem Hipping Hall, with the latest project involving the addition of five new bedrooms in a grade II listed former stables building.

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Silverdoor’s Charter House offices in Dalton Square, Lancaster

the uniqueness of a place is very important to our work.

Thanks to our experienced, loyal, and committed team, we have formed successful partnerships with clients and authorities in our dynamic, exacting, and challenging industry.”

Salt Ayre Leisure Centre Decarbonisation Project

Excitingly, HPA is involved in the innovative decarbonisation project at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, which recently won an Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Award. After the government allocated Lancaster City Council £6.8million in funding, HPA was initially instructed to assist with the Planning Application drawings before being appointed as Principal Designer. The project will eliminate Salt Ayre’s CO2 emissions on-site, making it one of the first facilities of this kind in the UK to become net carbon zero.

HPA’s passion for remarkable places extends much further than the leisure and hotels sector. The practice’s redevelopment of Charter House, which has become one of Lancaster’s most prestigious office spaces and home to global accommodation agent Silverdoor, is one of its many impressive projects in the commercial sector. In addition to upgrading the reception, entrance areas, and office space, HPA cleverly redesigned the building to become an aparthotel.

With values up to £11million, HPA has also completed significant industrial projects involving blue-chip clients in industries such as food manufacturing, which often involve a strong emphasis on forward-thinking design due to difficulties surrounding new legislation.

HPA director Richard, who is also Chair of RIBA North West, commented: “How people experience and capture 68

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The Forest Side hotel and restaurant, Grasmere

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The HPA team outside their offices on Castle Hill, Lancaster

Boutique bedrooms at Quite Simply French on the Quay in Lancaster

A Sustainable Future Continuing its mission to be a practice that keeps sustainability at the forefront, HPA was one of the first practices in the North West to sign up to the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge – a series of targets that aim to reduce operational energy, embodied carbon, and portable water.

Richard explained, “Sustainability has impacted our work for a long time. It’s encouraging to hear more clients asking how we can help to make their buildings as low carbon as possible. We do already have considerable experience in this area, but the technology and legislation are constantly developing, so we’re investing in new software and specialist training.”

The Treehouse at Another Place, The Lake, on Ullswater in the Lake District Photo credit: Jeremy Phillips

HPA continually invests in its team and encourages development in areas of expertise such as Design, Building Technology, Sustainability, Conservation, and Planning.

Andrew Walters, Associate Director at HPA, recently became a certified Passivhaus Designer, enabling him to implement specialist knowledge relating to low energy design.

Using its multidisciplinary approach, HPA aspires to extend its services further across the UK, with a focus on sustainability and energy design.

To find out more about HPA, visit: hpa.ltd

www.lancmag.com

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Feeling Tired?

Your Diet Might be Lacking These Key Nutrients Barbecue experts FoodFireFriends collaborated with nutritionists Ellie Busby and Dr Sarah Cooke to find out what nutrients are missing the most from the average person’s diet.

1. Zinc Nutritionist Ellie Busby comments: “If your hair is thinning or dry, you might need more zinc. Most people do not get enough zinc, due to our food being over-processed, which strips the goodness out, and zinc suffers the most.

Other signs of a zinc deficiency are soft nails, dry skin, and getting ill a lot. Foods that are rich in zinc to integrate in everyday diets are whole wheat bread and pasta, whole grains (quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice) and pumpkin seeds.”

2. Vitamin B6 Skin rashes, sore lips and tongue, mood changes and tiredness can all be signs of Vitamin B6 deficiency.

Vitamin B6 is important to protect and strengthen the immune system and maintain an optimal amount of amino acids in the blood.

Dr Sarah Cooke explains: “Vitamin B6 is one of the most common micronutrients deficiencies in the average person’s diet. Optimal sources of vitamin B6 include avocado, russet potatoes, garbanzo beans, yellowfin tuna and nuts.”

3. Vitamin D “We cannot get much vitamin D from our diet. In fact, we make most of it from sunlight. The problem?

We are not in the sun enough. So, our body turns to our food to get what it needs.” explains Nutritionist Ellie Busby.

“The only natural food source of vitamin D is oily fish. You might find special high-vitamin D mushrooms in your local supermarket nowadays too. Another way would be to look for fortified soya milk, which I get my daily vitamin D from.”

4. Omega-3 “Most people do not eat enough nuts and seeds and eat too many processed foods. One is high in omega-3 (anti-inflammatory, good for you), and one is high in omega-6 (pro-inflammatory, bad for you).

Our brains are made of fat, and most of it is omega 3. One risk of not getting enough omega 3 is that the brain will age faster, and this will increase risk of dementia, when getting older.

What most people do not know is that omega-3 and omega-6 need to be in balance. So, we cannot just eat foods high in omega-3 and hope for the best. We need to reduce your omega-6 intake too. A way to do this would be to reduce the number of processed foods in our diet which and start consuming more nuts and seeds.”

Dr Cooke adds: “Omega-3 fatty

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acids are generally lacking in the diet. Sources of Omega 3 include oily fish such as salmon, walnuts, and flax seed. By adding flax seed to oatmeal or walnuts to salad we help increase our daily Omega 3 intake.”

5. Iron “Iron is found in both animal foods and plant-foods heme iron and non-heme iron respectively). Foods such as red meat, eggs and oysters contain heme iron, which is more easily absorbed than non-heme iron.

Plant sources of iron include lentils, spinach, tofu, and cashew nuts.

To increase the absorption of non-heme iron from plants, it is good to combine these foods with vitamin, such as lemon juice in a www.lancmag.com

salad dressing, or the addition of strawberries or oranges to a snack.

Another way to facilitate non-heme iron to be absorbed by our bodies, is to and avoid drinking tea with these foods (the tannins found in tea inhibits iron absorption).” adds Dr Cooke.

Calcium and magnesium are also commonly missing micro nutrients in the average person’s diet.

Busby explains: “Despite people consume large quantities of milk and dairy products, 70% of us are lactose intolerant as an adult, which can lead to gut issues.

For those who are lactose-free, it is crucial to eat lots of plant foods with calcium, such as fortified plant www.lancmag.com

milks, dark green leafy vegetables, and seeds (especially poppy, sesame, and chia seeds).”

“Magnesium is one of the most recommended supplements from doctors all over the world. Why? Because it is almost impossible to get enough magnesium from our diets - especially if we are stressed.

In fact, the body consumes magnesium stores to build stress hormones. Whole grains, nuts, dark chocolate, and dark green leafy vegetable are all optimal sources of magnesium.”

A spokesperson for FoodFireFriends commented on the findings: “It is incredible to see how many different nutrients the human body needs to

stay healthy. We are human beings in modern society. However, our bodies still need nutriments which come directly from the sun and mother earth.

It is important then to get educated around these needs, to tackle and prevent health issues and conditions on time.”

The study was conducted by foodfirefriends.com, which is dedicated to helping users grill and BBQ better, by offering practical guides, recipes, and advice on all aspects of outdoor cooking.

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Ten Historic Lancashire Churches

By Margaret Brecknell

Above: St Helen’s Churchtown The county’s historic churches come in all sizes and were constructed in a wide variety of different architectural styles, reflecting the era in which they were built.

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heir tombs and monuments commemorate once influential figures in the local community, often otherwise long forgotten. Some churches contain priceless treasures, whilst others are loved for their idyllic locations.

Each has its own unique charm and reason to visit, but here are ten of my personal favourites.

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ST HELEN’S, CHURCHTOWN Known as the “Cathedral of the Fylde”, first-time visitors to the small village of Churchtown, near Garstang, may be surprised to discover such an impressive church there, but the site on which it was built has a long and interesting history.

The oval-shaped churchyard, complete with yew trees, indicates that a Druid temple may well have originally occupied the spot before the first Christian church was built there sometime soon after the Norman Conquest. St Helen’s probably started life as a small chapel, but, as the then

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parish church for Garstang and the surrounding area, it was gradually extended to accommodate an everexpanding congregation. The oldest part of today’s church dates back to the late 12th century.

The monks of nearby Cockersand Abbey owned St Helen’s Church from around 1240 until the country’s monasteries were dissolved by King Henry VIII in the 1530s. Cockersand Abbey, in common with so many others, was vandalised beyond repair, but some of its stonework was brought to St Helen’s and used to construct a new vestry. It is still possible today www.lancmag.com

Above: St. Peter’s Burnley to identify the portion of the church made with stone transported from the abbey.

In the early 1970s, restoration work at St Helen’s revealed rare wall paintings which had been covered by thick plaster for centuries. The earliest image is believed to depict a 15thcentury bishop. The other images date from the 1650s and feature inspiring quotations from the King James Bible, prettily framed with flowers.

A medieval tombstone in the Stansfield Chapel is believed to commemorate Oliver de Stansfield, the Constable of Pontefract Castle who died in 1340. Some interesting gravestones are also to be found in the churchyard, the oldest of which dates back to 1664, as well as some elaborate and impressive Victorian monuments

commemorating the area’s most influential families of the time.

ST PETER’S, HEYSHAM Legend has it that during the 5th century St Patrick was shipwrecked off Morecambe Bay and built a chapel on the spot where this Heysham church now stands. There is no way of substantiating this story, but what

St. Peter’s Heysham

ST PETER’S, BURNLEY Burnley’s ancient parish church on the banks of the River Brun (from which the town gets its name) is steeped in history. The oldest part of the current building is the lower tower, which dates from the 15th century. However, records show that a church has existed on the site since at least 1122 and celebrations have been held recently to mark its 900th anniversary.

As the town grew in importance, so did its parish church. Two galleries were added during the Georgian period and further alterations were made during the Victorian era at a time when Burnley was becoming the cotton-weaving capital of the world. www.lancmag.com

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Above: Lancaster Priory’s Historic Choir Stalls we do know is that there has been a church on this site since at least the 8th century, making it one of the oldest places of continuous Christian worship in the whole of Europe. The oldest part of the current building predates the Norman Conquest (ie mid-11th century or earlier) and evidence of the ancient Anglo Saxon stonework is still visible in places.

St Peter’s is also home to one of the most interesting Viking tombstones in the country. The ancient hogback stone was unearthed in the churchyard

during the 19th century, but was later moved inside the church to offer it greater protection from the weather and may be viewed there today.

Despite its great age, the carving on the stone is remarkably well preserved and it is still possible to make out many of the ancient Viking markings.

The churchyard is full of fascinating old gravestones, but my favourite inscription dates from the early 20th century which includes the unflattering description, “Poet, Philosopher and Failure”. If all this

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fascinating history is not enough, the church is situated in an idyllic and peaceful spot on the cliffs overlooking Morecambe Bay, making it the perfect place to sit and ponder for a while.

LANCASTER PRIORY CHURCH OF ST MARY The Priory Church is situated at the top of Castle Hill next to Lancaster Castle. Evidence of Roman fortifications have been discovered nearby and it is believed that the history of the site may date all the way back to the 2nd century AD. This location was first used for Christian worship by the Anglo Saxons possibly as early as the 6th century. Following the Norman Conquest, an ally of William the Conqueror named Roger of Poitou founded a Benedictine Priory there. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in the late 1530s, the priory became the parish church.

Most of the present church dates to medieval times. The Priory’s carved oak choir stalls, dating from around 1340, are amongst the oldest in the country. They have been described by several architectural historians, including the noted Victorian art critic John Ruskin and the 20th-century’s Nikolaus Pevsner, as the finest in England. www.lancmag.com

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As well as offering spectacular views of the city of Lancaster and the surrounding countryside, the churchyard contains several interesting features of its own. The late 18th-century sandstone sundial is Grade-II listed, as is the imposing Rawlinson memorial which dates from the same period.

ST WILFRID’S, RIBCHESTER The area around the Lancashire village of Ribchester has been occupied since Roman times when it was known as Bremetenaccum. The current parish church of St Wilfrid’s is believed to have been constructed on the site of the former Roman fort during medieval times, but evidence has been unearthed which suggests that there may well have been an earlier Christian building at the same location. Some of the stones from the Roman fort were repurposed for use in the construction of the church.

The church was extended in the 1300s with the addition of two chantry chapels. A common feature in churches across the country, chantry chapels were usually funded by local wealthy landowners to provide a dedicated area within the local parish church where special prayers could be said for the souls of their dearly departed. The chantry chapel at the north end of St Wilfrid’s, now known as the Dutton Choir, features the remains of a rare medieval wall

Above: All Hallows, Great Mitton painting which depicts St Christopher carrying Jesus.

the stone church still standing today dates from about 1270.

St Wilfrid’s churchyard is home to another interesting Grade II-listed sandstone sundial. Dating from the 17th-century, its inscription includes an ominous warning, “I am a shadow – so art thou – I mark time – dost thou?”.

All Hallows is famous today for the remarkable collection of effigy tombs which are located within the church’s Shireburne Chapel. Situated to the left of the altar and divided from the main body of the church by a fine Elizabethan screen, the chapel was added to the church in 1594. It was intended as the final resting place for members of the influential Shireburne family, who then occupied nearby Stonyhurst Hall (now Stonyhurst College).

ALL HALLOWS, GREAT MITTON Like many of the churches on this list, All Hallows Church in the Ribble Valley village of Great Mitton is a Grade-1 listed building, reflecting its historical and cultural importance.

Historical records suggest that there has been a building on the site since the early 1100s, but the oldest part of

Sir Richard and his wife, Maud, were the first family members to be laid to rest there in a resplendent alabaster chest tomb which bears their effigies. The chapel contains similarly grand tombs and memorials of successive generations of the family dating up to the early years of the 18th-century. It is highly unusual to see so many fine tombs and memorial statues commemorating a single family collected in one parish church, which is just one reason why All Halllows often features on lists of the most interesting churches to visit in the UK. ST MARY’S, NEWCHURCH-INPENDLE St Mary’s Church in NewchurchIn-Pendle is steeped in history and attracts many curious visitors each year because of the village’s association with the Pendle Witches.

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The church’s origins are believed to lie in a chapel of ease which was www.lancmag.com

Above: St Michael’s, Bracewell - Philip Platt/CC BY-SA 2.0 built on the site way back in 1250.

Records show that a later chapel was constructed in 1544 and part of the tower of that 16th-century building has survived to this day. The current church was constructed in the mid-18th century. One particularly interesting

feature is the “Eye of God”, an eyeshaped carving in the stonework of the tower which was allegedly installed there to ward off evil spirits.

Alice Nutter, who, in 1612, was one of the women accused of witchcraft

and subsequently hanged, lived locally and several graves of the Nutter family from the later 17th-century are to be found in the churchyard. Legend has it that Alice was herself secretly interred there in what has become known as the “Witches’ Grave”, but no evidence has ever been found to substantiate this claim.

ST MICHAEL’S, BRACEWELL The beautiful ancient Norman church of St Michael’s, in the small village of Bracewell, just north of Barnoldswick, started life as a private chapel for the influential Tempest family who owned much of the land locally. Records show, however, that it was in use as the parish church by about 1153.

St Bartholomew’s, Chipping www.lancmag.com

Evidence of this early Norman structure remains to this day, but most of the present church dates from around the 15th century. The church is notable for the pews in its nave which were made by the famous early 20th-century wood carver, Robert “Mouseman” Thompson of Kilburn.

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Above: St Oswald’s, Warton His trademark mouse motif can be found on some of them.

ST BARTHOLOMEW’S, CHIPPING St Bartholomew’s Church at Chipping, a picturesque village in the Forest of Bowland, has its origins in the early medieval period, but was substantially rebuilt in the 1500s.

When further restoration work took place in 1873, an ancient Saxon stone was discovered which is still on display at the church. It was probably intended originally for use as a font, but may have also been used as a plague stone.

This represents a place where plague victims could leave coins in return for food. Vinegar was placed in the hollow of the stone which enabled the coins to be disinfected.

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The stunning 20th-century stained glass window in the Memorial Chapel commemorates the village’s long association with the chairmaking industry.

ST OSWALD’S, WARTON The oldest part of the pretty parish church in the North Lancashire village of Warton, near Carnforth, dates to the early 14th century. However, its dedication to St Oswald, a 7thcentury Christian martyr and King of Northumbria, suggests that there may have been a church on the site since Anglo-Saxon times.

The village of Warton is best known for its association with the Washington family, whose descendant, George

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Washington, became, in 1789, the first US President. A worn stone, which was originally situated on the outer wall of the church tower, depicts the Washington family’s coat-of-arms (three stars above two stripes). This is said to have inspired the design of the American flag. To prevent further erosion from the elements, the stone was moved to the tower wall on the inside of the church in the mid-20th century and may still be viewed there.

On 4th July each year, a Star & Stripes flag is flown from the flagpole of St Oswald’s church tower in celebration of US Independence Day and Warton’s connection with America’s first President. 

www.lancmag.com

Travel doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Invest in the future of your home or business The UK is moving towards an all-electric future, and now is the perfect time to invest in an electric vehicle. EV Charge Clever installs charging points for your home and business. Our technicians are qualified to install any single and three phase EV charging point. Even with the smallest budget, we deliver without compromise, and obtain world class safety and functionality on all our fitted products.

Have a chat with one of our trusted engineers.

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation and quote. Start investing in the future for your home or business. Remember, travel shouldn’t cost the earth.

Email: info@evchargeclever.co.uk Tel: 0161 706 1742 | evchargeclever.co.uk

Ben Fox: EV Charge Clever

By Sarah Ridgway

Last year the government announced that from 2030, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars would be banned. This marks a significant turning point for climate action in the UK as we move to zeroemission vehicles. This news, alongside money for building more charging infrastructure, will help to make electric vehicles more accessible.

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lugin electric vehicles account for approximately10% of the road, in 2015 it was just 1%.

These numbers reflect the demand for electric vehicles and the decline for ice vehicles. To deal with this, the government announced additional grants to cut the costs, offering additional grants for electric car buyers, and more funding for charge points. EVs have many advantages, most notably their environmental benefits, as they have no tailpipe emissions. EVs are cheaper to fuel than a petrol or diesel car, especially when charging at home and because they are equipped with fewer moving parts, they are cheaper to maintain, service and repair; so it really is a win-win situation.

The UK is moving towards an all-electric future, and now is the perfect time to invest in an electric vehicle. Ben Fox, Founder of EV Charge Clever, spoke to Lancashire Magazine about the company and the innovative benefits it offers its customers. EV Charge Clever installs charging points for your home and business. In addition they provide battery storage and solar paneling which can cut household bills by up to fifty percent, depending on what tariff you’re on.

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Tell us how EV Charge Clever started I have been installing EV charging points for over six years. At the beginning people were apprehensive with it being a new technology. With no feasible alternative I knew the growth of plug-in electric cars was only going to increase, so I decided to start my own business. I could see that the current infrastructure in place would struggle to keep up demand and would not support the predicted growth of EVs. That’s why I founded EV Charge Clever.

Tell us about what inspired you I am a trained electrician with a huge interest in inexpensive, environment friendly transportation. I am aware an infrastructure to support electric cars needs to be built. Therefore, I gained qualifications to become an Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installer. I was one of very few who

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got the qualification, thus becoming the main installer at the company I worked at, and this is what inspired me. The lack of interest and passion in building the charge point framework to support the expansion of electric vehicles was evident. If we don’t start to build it now, we won’t be able to keep up with demand in the future.

30% of C02 comes from transportation and 72% of these emissions come from road transportation. There is a direct correlation between C02 emissions and asthma, along with global warming. The quicker we start getting petrol and diesel cars off the road, the better it will be for everybody and the planet.

What makes your EV Charge Clever unique?

The business officially launched in November and what makes us stand out is our passion! This is all we do, www.lancmag.com

and we provide a personal experience to all our customers, taking them through the installation process step by step and finding the best costeffective option for them.

To charge an electric vehicle at home will cost around £15 giving you a range of 200 miles, the petrol equivalent would be around £40 which is a huge discrepancy.

Currently, there is inequality in the EV market. If you have an electric car and efficiently utilise the battery storage with solar panels, then your bills could be halved. If you are on a lower income, you can’t take advantage of this. I believe this to be unfair, so I’m trying to do something about it to make the industry more inclusive and accessible. At present, EVs only suit people with access to off-street parking, which excludes residents in terraced housing or those that do not have access to a driveway.

We are building a prototype that will hopefully alleviate this issue.

as battery storage. We can also give you up front costs by answering a few questions on our website.

How important is being a Lancashire Company?

It’s very important that we are grounded and understand the reality of living in this area with the impacts of the recent budget and the looming energy crisis. I want to make our service accessible and affordable to everyone. I am involved in every aspect of the company from the first point of contact, to the installation and the aftercare. Helping and investing in the local community as a company is paramount. EV Charge Clever are proud sponsors of Blackburn Rugby Club, of which I play for when work allows. In addition to this we are currently looking into sponsoring our local litter pickers who do an amazing job, they are the real eco heroes.

Four Reasons To Invest in an Electric Car

1.

For environmental reasons and to preserve the planet. Travel shouldn’t cost the earth.

2.

3.

Cost, in the long term EVs are cheaper .

Switching to electric will soon be the only option available in the future, so stay ahead.

4.

Convenience, you can charge your car outside your house at a time that suits you and is not affected by fuel shortages.

Soon there will also be the option of induction/cordless charging, which means you won’t even have to plug the car in.

The economic benefits of using our services could cut your household bills in half. Electricity usage is mainly during the day giving the rise to an off peak, on peak tariff. That’s where battery storage comes in, customers can charge their car battery at night and draw off it during the day. Add solar power and that’s another 15-20% off your bill. Moving forward with B2G technology on your EV charging point, you could even use your car

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Have we electrified your interest?

If you are thinking about introducing EV Charging for your home or business, we will conduct a site visit, determine the best power usage for your home or business and provide the best option to suit your needs. We will assess your incoming electrical supply, and your current energy usage, which will allow us to effectively install and commission with no disruption to your business or home.

This will result in ensuring you have the most effective EV Charge Point available for you and/or your business.

EV motorists are currently exempt from paying road tax and the congestion charge in London. The EV Charge Point grant provides funding of up to 75% towards the cost of installing EV smart charge points for commercial businesses. EV Charge Clever will help you explore the discounts and navigate the government grants, we will even apply on your behalf.

The Way it Works Customers can choose from a single phase 7.2kw charger from £370. This is ideal for home use and would charge your car in under 10 hours, depending on the size of the battery.

The mid-priced charge point currently retails at £600.

Our 3-phase 22kw charger prices start at £780. You would expect to find these outside of a commercial premises, taking less than 6 hours to charge your car. The higher-priced chargers take payment so they can act as a revenue stream. The installation charge will be negotiated and based on the customers’ requirements.

Once you have gone electric, EV Charge Clever also offers a 3-month free call out service, also available after on a monthly subscription. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation and quote to start investing in the future for your home or business. Remember, travel shouldn’t cost the earth.

www.lancmag.com

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Release Your Inner Child!

Four Thrilling Adventures Inspired

by Children’s Books Source: Kath Kidston You’re never too old for an adventure! The consensus seems to be that, once we hit a certain age, exciting adventures become few and far between.

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n adult in Britain typically works an average of 36.4 hours per week, and with common responsibilities such as mortgages, children, and household chores weighing us down, it doesn’t leave a lot of spare time for exciting activities.

Well, this is your sign to pause your usual day-to-day commitments and go on an adventure! Ask your employer for some time off, forget about that pile of laundry, and find your inner child again. If you’re unsure where to start, stick around. Here are four adventures inspired by children’s stories.

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett The Secret Garden, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett and published in 1911, is centred on a young girl who’s forced to adjust to a new life on the bleak Yorkshire Moors after leaving luxury behind in British India. While there, she discovers a secret garden and begins spending her free time exploring and tending to it.

Spending time in the great outdoors in a picturesque setting can do wonders for both your mental and physical health, so why not make a visit to a secret garden your first adventure? You could go to Helmsley Walled Garden and Duncombe Park – where many of the scenes from the 84

Above: Wyndcliffe Court Topiary garden and archery lawn by MelStewWales

movie adaptation were filmed – or choose one from a list of the UK’s best secret gardens.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson Let’s go on an adventure in the forest!

If you’re familiar with Gruffalo, published in 1999, you’ll remember the very clever mouse who manages to walk through a forest and fool not one, not two, but four predatory animals into not eating him. That’s impressive!

Grab your backpacks and embark on your own adventure through the forest and see what animals you can spot along the way. There are many forests in England where there are sculptures of Gruffalo characters you can search for. Of course, this is a good way to get your steps in, but

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research also shows that exposure to forests can strengthen our immune system, boost our energy, and reduce our blood pressure. Now that sounds like a fantastic way to spend the day.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen This 1986 survival novel by Gary Paulsen has the right ingredients to inspire your next wild adventure.

Brian Robeson, Hatchet’s main character, is a young boy who finds himself stranded alone in the wilderness. Robeson is left with no choice but to learn how to survive on his own using just the hatchet he was left with.

Hear us out... of course, we’re not suggesting you put yourself in danger for your next adventure, but Hatchet does inspire us to go camping! There are some fantastic (and safe!) spots www.lancmag.com

Discover a Gruffalo in the Deep Dark wood

to set up camp across the United Kingdom, and to get started, you only need basic equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, food packets, and warm clothing.

Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne A true children’s classic that needs no introduction. Winnie-thePooh, published in 1926, follows the adventures of this well-loved teddy bear alongside his friends Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo. The adventures they embark on vary, but ‘honey’ seems to be a recurring theme across the short stories and, by extension, the television series and films.

Your own adventure could see you explore Ashdown Forest with your own friends, which was the real-life inspiration for Hundred Acre Wood, and maybe have a picnic if the weather is nice. Of course, it goes without saying that you must ensure you have some delicious honey in the picnic basket! www.lancmag.com

Find your inner child Inside every adult is a child that’s begging for an adventure. Many adults spend so much time worrying about reality and responsibilities and not enough time rediscovering the beauty of the outdoors and the adventures that can be experienced in that kind of environment.

You’re in charge of your own life, even if it doesn’t feel that way sometimes. Choose an adventure from the list above and don’t think too much about the logistics... just go! At the end of the experience, we’re sure you’ll feel a little lighter, a lot happier, and more motivated to take on those usual day-to-day challenges.

Find your own outdoor adventures

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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’

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023 Ring out the old, ring in the new...

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 35 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 86

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Champagne Gold sequin blazer and trousers by www.sosandar.com

What’s new 2023 - time to celebrate the New Year! January is a time for fresh starts, hopes and possibilities! It’s natural to glance back on the eve of New Year and reminisce on what has gone before and as we count the chimes into the coming year we glance towards the unknown.

A great time to relook at our wardrobe, the world of fashion reinvents styles from the past, they look back at what has been and recreate ideas and styles that become the seasons new trends, so as we approach this New year and say hello to 2023 thoughts move to the joy of what it could bring and taking inspiration from the past let us step in with style!

The New and Old always intertwine, so maybe we will take something from our wardrobe that we have had for many years and pair it with something that is on trend this season!

Or you might want to treat yourself to a new outfit! I love the Champagne trouser suit from Sosandar which I’m adding

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to my wish list! It can be worn as a complete outfit which looks stunning or the jacket would look great with Jeans for a weekend meal out or Sequin trousers with a jumper for a relaxed cocktail party -comfort and sparkle! Suits are so versatile and as the jacket is more of a relaxed fit It’s perfect!

Bardot tops are stunning for the New Year’s eve party and this Black sequin top is eye catching especially when paired with leggings and heels! You may have something that’s already in your wardrobe to pair it with, why not take a look!

Champagne Gold sequined trousers worn with Cream Roll neck Zip detail Jumper and Champagne Gold Sequin Relaxed fit Blazer by www.sosandar.com

New Year’s Eve Glitter and Glamour This beautiful pastel Blue sequin dress is perfect for shimmering the night away – the V neck is flattering on all body types, a style that will be perfect for many celebrations in the year ahead! Consider how you could adapt this dress from New Year’s Eve to other occasions you have planned!

Black Sequin Luxe Bardot top www.sosandar.com

Or if you just prefer a touch of sparkle in an accessory; sparkly earing’s, shoes or bags can change an outfit from dull to delightful !!

Silver Diamante Tassel Drop earings and Eve Black Rhinestone Detail Slingback Court shoes by www.sosandar.com

Whatever you are doing this New Year’s Eve

ADD A LITTLE SPARKLE! Pastel Blue Sequin V Neck Belted Shift dress by www.sosandar.com

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WARMS – As your look is warm and golden keep your Pastel Blue Sequin Faux Wrap Top by www.soasandar.com

DANCE INTO 2023

colours matching the colours of the trees and leaves and warmer richer golden tones: Intense Olive, Gold Whisper and Arabian Nights eyeshadows look stunning!

New Year’s Clothing and Make Up Trends Once you have found your perfect outfit for the festivities its time to look at make-up and your best colours. The ‘on Trend’ colours this season are below so keep them in mind when looking through your wardrobe or shopping for new items.

I always say to my clients that once they have found the clothing that flatters their colouring and body shape to wear their best make-up colours on their face, as the colours we wear on our face are as important as those of our clothes!

A few years ago a lady walked into my studio wearing a bright pink lipstick! I saw the lipstick before I saw anything else! This was telling me that the colour wasn’t right. After the consultation she walked out wearing a bright Coral coloured lipstick and she looked stunning!

The Coral colour was perfect for her warmer colouring type, it complimented her look, and worked in harmony with her.

The idea of knowing the shades of colours that suit us is all about everything working in harmony, so we are looking at the person as a whole and their clothing/makeup isn’t a distraction, unless of course that’s what they want! Below are some of the on trend Clothing and makeup colours for each dominant:-

LIGHTS – Your look is light and delicate so go for the

pastel colours and if your look has clarity use the brighter tones whereas the Softer Lights need to soften the overall look.

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DEEPS – There is a richness and depth to your look so when wearing the lighter shades make sure you pair them with darker tones; Peach with Damson for example.

COOLS – Blue based colours are best for the Cools and

shades of Opal, Heather and purple are a great combination!

CLEARS – You look great in vibrant colours in Rose berry, Blue Lagoon and Peppermint, however, you don’t have to wear bright colours if you prefer deeper tones: mocha, Intense midnight and storm look equally stunning! www.lancmag.com

SOFTS – You look fabulous in tones that are a shade darker or lighter of medium depth, so blend in those colours to create a tonal look.

AUTUMN-WINTER 2022/23 TRENDS • ANIMAL PRINTS • • LONG SKIRTS • • FLOWERS • • TRENCH COATS • • BIKER JACKETS • • JUMPSUITS • • JEANS • • COLOURFUL ACCESSORIES • • COMFORT DRESSING •

ONE FOOT IN THE FUTURE ONE FOOT IN THE PAST

Have a Wonderful Season and whatever you are doing add some Sparkle!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Look after yourselves and each other!

Warm Wishes, Sarah x E sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk D www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

Style

Topline Pools and Wellness Bespoke Swimming Pools, Luxury Spa and Wellness Solutions Bring your dream spa and wellness facilities to life.

T

ucked away just outside the small rural village of Much Hoole in South Ribble lies Swallow Business Park. It’s an unassuming spot, but behind the doors of the converted farm buildings you’ll discover a team of skilled designers, craftsmen and engineers all working seamlessly together to deliver exceptional spa and wellness creations.

As the UK’s leading specialist in the design, manufacture, build and maintenance of commercial

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and domestic swimming pools and wellness areas, Topline Pools and Wellness is bringing those creations to life within homes, hotels, country clubs and many other commercial health and leisure facilities, turning wellness visions into luxurious reality.

On its factory floor, bespoke saunas, steam rooms and Coriantopped heated loungers are being expertly built and fully assembled inhouse before being dismantled ready to be transported to their new homes; while in the office, there’s a crackling energy that comes with collaborating on new and innovative projects.

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Pools of knowledge Recognised for the quality of its work, the agility of its solutions and its technical expertise by major hotel chains and leisure centres across the country, the company has built installations for leading hotels and health clubs including Stocks Hall Health Club and Spa, David Lloyd Chorley, Wrightington Hotel Health Club & Spa and Barton Manor Hotel to name just a few in Lancashire.

Topline Pools and Wellness also has a wealth of experience within the domestic market turning homes into a haven of leisure and relaxation across the county with bespoke luxury indoor www.lancmag.com

and outdoor domestic swimming pools, spa pools, plunge pools and hydrotherapy pools designed to be used for both relaxation and rehabilitation. Working with property owners, architects and interior designers, it has embraced numerous creative and architectural challenges to design, build and install pools that both complement a property’s architecture and surroundings and reflect its owners’ interests and lifestyles. The company also provides a complete refurbishment service from replacement pool liners, retiling, even transforming pools to a different style such as deck level or infinity pools taking them to another level and creating a space that will be enjoyed for years to come.

comprehensive portfolio is backed up by exceptional technical support and an enviable after sales service ensuring installations run smoothly all year round. Its team of highly skilled service engineers are available

to help with maintenance, servicing and upgrading nationwide, offering a range of contracts specifically designed to suit each individual client’s requirements. And, as if that wasn’t enough, they also have an

Highest levels of care And its commitment to providing the highest-quality experience doesn’t stop once it has built and installed a swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room or treatment room. Topline’s www.lancmag.com

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online shop (topline-shop.co.uk) packed full of quality swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam room products – everything you could ever need to care for and keep your pool, spa or wellness room running and looking great.

It’s this integrated approach that’s a win-win for its clients. No other spa and swimming pool contractor has the experience and expertise available to provide such a comprehensive turn-key solution.

Bringing innovative wellness ideas to life

Personal and professional service

Topline Pools and Wellness’ ability to innovate has been key to ensuring its resilience. Adapting and responding to the changing needs of the spa and wellness industry, the company is now at the forefront of a new era of wellness design as hotels and health spas realise the full potential of extending their wellness spaces beyond the confines of the hotel or spa itself to incorporate an outdoors spa experience. The emergence of the spa garden has been an increasingly popular trend within the last few years and Topline has been converting outside terraces and underused gardens into useable relaxation and wellness spaces for one of Europe’s leading health, sport and leisure groups. It has also designed and built several Splash Parks (children’s indoor and outdoor interactive water play areas).

And more recently, the company was contracted to create a bespoke, innovative Halotherapy room (or salt room) incorporating suspended heated loungers - a first in the UK spa and leisure industry. Whether it’s a swimming pool or a spa facility, it has the design and construction expertise to realise its clients’ visions and to provide them with the very best in the industry.

Whether your project is large or small, its team can help you with every step of the process, guiding you through all the decisions you will need to consider and offering solutions that are tailored to your specific desires to complete your dream swimming pool or wellness space.

And it’s this combination that gives its clients the confidence to trust the company with their most demanding projects and the peace of mind knowing that all its products are of the very best quality.

If you’re looking to turning your pool, spa or wellness vision into reality, find out how Topline Pools and Wellness can help at: www.topline.uk.net, call 01772 617 063 or email: sales.north@topline.uk.net

The complete package While all its saunas, steam rooms and loungers are custom-built in the northern office, anything technical is manufactured in its southern office in Hailsham, East Sussex. Whatever needs to be powered or controlled, from energy saving LED underwater lights, sauna controllers and chemical dosing systems to wireless feature controls and ultraviolet generators, it’s all designed in-house by a specialist technical team delivering outstanding, innovative products that have set the standards for others to follow.

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www.lancmag.com

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NORTH WEST GARDEN VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT WINS UK PROPERTY AWARD A GARDEN village development in Greater Manchester has been named a winner at this year’s UK Property Awards.

left: Woodford Garden Village One of the largest redevelopment sites in the north of England, the 500-acre Woodford Garden Village, in Woodford, has won best Residential Development (20+ Units) in Greater Manchester.

Now in its 29th year, the UK Property Awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts and cover over 45 different architecture, interior design and development related categories.

Located on the former Woodford Aerodrome, Woodford Garden Village has been sensitively designed to positively enhance the openness of the green belt around it, restore areas of open countryside and re-establish public rights of way.

The development will eventually consist of 920 new homes, with a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom properties.

“We are very proud to be named as a winner in this year’s UK Property Awards, Woodford Garden Village is a flagship Redrow development in every sense,” said Anna Evans-Kerr, sales director at Redrow NW. “Woodford Garden Village is not only a new housing development, we’ve build a new community. Homes are surrounded by acres of open spaces, including woodlands,

linear parks and a traditional village green. It also has its own primary school and a public house.

“It’s a superb achievement and a mark of quality that sets us apart from our competitors.”

Redrow has also won a further seven categories in this year’s awards, the company will find out on October 28 whether any of its winners has achieved the highest level of accolade – the coveted Five Star award – during the ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Judging focuses on design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability. The judging panel is chaired by House of Lords members Lord Caithness, Lord Best, and Lord Waverley.

The UK Property Awards are one of eight regional heats alongside Arabia, Europe, Africa, Canada, Central & South America, the Caribbean, USA, and Asia Pacific – with the highest scorers of each of the categories going on to compete at the International Property Awards at the end of the year.

For more information see: www.propertyawards.net.

ASTROLOGER & LIFE COACH

• Have you ever wanted to understand yourself on a much deeper level? Why you are the way you are?

Why you act, or react, in the way that you do?

Why you attract certain situations, or types of people, into your life?

• Have you ever wondered what your hidden gifts, skills and talents are and how to go about uncovering them?

• Have you ever felt that life should offer more than what you are currently experiencing?

• Do you often feel stuck, unfulfilled, and wishing for more?

• Have you ever wanted to understand the secrets of the universe, learn spiritual wisdom and begin to create your best, most fulfilling experience in life?

ASTROLOGY & SPIRITUAL LIFE COACHING CAN GIVE YOU THE ANSWERS AND DIRECTION YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. Coaching with Astrology is much more than reading the horoscopes and generic life coaching - it is a deep dive into Self and Soul.

We will analyse your unique birth chart and through the wisdom gained from self knowledge we learn how to become self empowered and begin to create a life with more meaning, love, passion and joy.

ROZANNE KAY IS AN ASTROLOGER & SPIRITUAL LIFE COACH – she combines Astrological wisdom with reality creation techniques to support you to begin to create the life experience you really want.

Contact now to begin your journey of discovery N 07738 167802 | D www.rozannekaycoaching.com

The Astrology of 2023 Happy New Year! As an astrologer you’ll hear me saying that again in March at the Spring Equinox- Astrological New Year. take stock, reflect, go within and plan for the next spring. Such are the cycles of nature.

So how does the Astrology of 2023 look? As an overview, we have global shifts of energy, a sneak preview into 2024 and beyond, a wrapping up of themes we’ve been dealing with since January 2022 as well as a revisiting some of the archetypal themes in our lives from 2015. Astrology is the study of cycles within cycles; with each revolution we move forward into the new. t’s not so much that we’re going round in circles, more like a corkscrew, revisiting similar themes as we move forward to gain deeper understanding and wisdom.

he Spring Equinox has supportive energy towards growth as the sun begins to make its way higher in the sky and the light begins to overtake the darkness. We become more energised. There is a reason why our New Year resolutions often fail – the energy simply isn’t supportive.

Imagine trying to plant a seed in frozen ground; it perishes. That’s essentially what we’re doing when we try to initiate change in the depths of winter.

It’s not that we should avoid initiating things or creating change, it’s more a case that we will have much more success when we’re working with the energy rather an against it.

In the years preceding 2023 we had some major planetary clashes which manifested as the struggles that we experienced globally. It’s felt like we’ve had a foot on the accelerator and the brakes at the same time. These planetary clashes and the associated events were a battle between the old, established way of being and the new - the future. We are entering a new era and can finally release the brakes and move forward. There is a lot of potential available to us, both as individuals and as a collective, as we move into the new year – what we do with that potential, and whether we realise it, is entirely up to us. Let’s have a month by month look at 2023…

If you’d like to work with natural energies to support positive change and growth, understanding your unique astrological birth chart and the planetary movements interacting with it will provide you with the most success. However, generally speaking - initiating something new gains support in springtime; in summer, what was initiated reaches it’s potential; autumn time bears fruit for harvest and in wintertime you can

January There is hope and optimism abound as we begin the year with Jupiter, planet of expansion, at 0° Aries -the initiating point of the zodiac! We will be wanting to move forward straight away and feeling enthusiastic about it.

However, Mars (planet of action) and Mercury (planet of communication) will appear to be moving backwards in the sky. Retrograde motion supports a time of introspection, retrospection,

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reflection and review. Taking time to journal and give yourself a thorough review of your experiences, worries, frustrations and the way you have acted and communicated- or been prevented from acting and communicating- will be beneficial. Initiating new plans will be most supported by waiting until both planets are direct after 18th January.

Uranus (planet of shock and sudden change) in Taurus begins forward motion on 22nd - upgrading our ideas of what we consider to be valuable.

We may experience some shocks, surprises and sudden changes in relation to what we value in a specific area of life. Those born around 4th – 9th May, August, November and February will feel this the most. The intention is to shake you out of your comfort zone in order to upgrade and revolutionise your sense of self, purpose and way of being in the world.

February We now begin to gather momentum with all planets direct. Direct motion of planets creates less resistance to our efforts as we move forward with our plans, goals and visions.

With the sun in Aquarius at the beginning of the month we can get sparks of ideas and inspiration for the future. A full moon in Leo on 5th puts us in touch with our creativity, playfulness and joy and reminds us of those hot summer days to come. The full moon is in an aspect of tension to Uranus; those sudden changes – and potential awakenings - from the end of January may bring frustration and drama in relation to expressing our joyful side.

We may feel that recent instability in our resources creates irritation when it comes to experiencing joy. However, Uranus asks us to be innovative with our resources when creating joyful experience. During the full moon there www.lancmag.com

will also be a conversation between Venus in Pisces and Mars in Gemini asking us to consider how realistic we are in love, relating and romance. Can we find balance between the head and the heart?

March Happy New Year! Remember those resolutions you made in January? Now is the time to initiate them; The Sun enters Aries on 20th March marking Astrological New Year – a time when initiating new incentives, goals and visions is supported. Additionally, all planets are still direct, so we won’t be pushing against the tide! Whatever you wanted to achieve in 2023 – take action and go for it!

March is a HUGE month with massive global shifts in energy. Let’s backtrack to see how this may feel.

March 2020 – Saturn - planet of restrictions, limitations, boundaries, responsibilities and authority - met up with Mars (who activates) at 0° Aquarius, the sign of the people and community. Lockdown began.

December 2020; Jupiter - planet of hope - met with Saturn at 0° Aquarius.

Vaccines were introduced. Saturn has been performing management and governance duties in Aquarius since then.

On 7th March Saturn will finally enter Pisces - a sign of healing and www.lancmag.com

of integration – we will be given the opportunity to heal from, and integrate our experience of, the past few years.

Saturn is the planet of reality; Pisces is the sign of mysticism and dreams.

Collectively, we may experience confusion over reality - particularly as it relates to shapeshifting authority and governance. As such, this is an opportune time to engage in some soul searching; going within to find the answers, discovering our own inner authority and asking ourselves, “what is my personal truth?” This energy supports working to materialise dreams – providing they’re realistic giving them concrete, material form.

It is also a wonderful time to discover where we have overly idealised certain aspects of life and to get real.

Another massive shift in energy occurs on 23rd March as Pluto leaves Capricorn (where he has been since 2008) and enters Aquarius. Pluto intensifies; he’s about power, transformation, corruption, manipulation and control. We’re not quite done with the lockdown narrative – as Pluto hits that activation point of 0° of Aquarius he will expose more; bringing what was hidden to light.

This transition of Pluto into Aquarius is a global shift that will transform the world between now and 2043.

No-one alive today has experienced

Pluto in Aquarius – the last time he was there was between 1778 and 1798 - intensifying the industrial revolution, transforming life for humanity. We are likely to see powerful technological advancement, invention and innovation, changing how we live yet again over the next 20 years. Here we get a sneak preview and the opportunity to prepare for the outcome we’d prefer.

Pluto in Aquarius could result in either power and control over the people by means of advanced technology.

Or empowerment of the people with increasing decentralisation and local community self-governance. It really is up to us as individuals to step into our power to create the future we want. Note that Aquarius also rules rebellion! On a personal level, we will each get a sneak preview into an area of life to be transformed over the next 20 years. Those born on the cusp of Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio and Taurus will feel this quite powerfully!

April April brings yet another shift in global energy with a total solar eclipse in Aries on 20th. It is worth paying attention to events that occur around the time of this eclipse as it will introduce important themes that we will be focused on over the following 18 months. Pluto will be having a conversation of tension with the sun

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the potential to increase our value in the area of life Taurus rules in our individual charts. This is a great time to expand personal resources and consider ways of increasing income or self-worth and the value we create.

All that said, optimism and expansion may come about as a result of a form of rebellion and a push back from the people as Mars enters Leo on 20th May, opposing Pluto and Squaring Jupiter. This could create a short-lived tension between people and state in relation to our resources. Take note of any personal themes that crop up around this time, we will be revisiting them in December 2024 when Mars goes retrograde.

June The sense of optimism and stability and the desire for such will be greatly increased when Jupiter conjoins the north node of the moon in Taurus on 1st June. Whichever area of life Taurus rules in your chart may have an allconsuming focus upon it. This energy conjures up the image of an ancient Roman banquet with all its fine wine, fine food, luxury clothing, art, beauty and decadence. There will be a risk of going to excess in at least one area of our lives. Soon after, on 5th, Venus – planet of fine wine, food, art, beauty, romance – enters Leo, sign of joy, courage, vitality and the heart – this is

and the moon during the eclipse; potentially bringing something shady up to the surface to be transformed.

The last time an eclipse occurred in Aries was 2015 - topics from around that time may return.

On the 21st April, Mercury will station retrograde in Taurus – Mercury retrograde likes to deconstruct things in order to see how they work; during this retrograde he will be dismantling our value system to help us to understand it better. Since resources have been an issue for some time, we may gain deeper understanding of them as a result of this retrograde transit with the potential for tangible results being created when he turns direct in May. May Eclipses always come in pairs; following on from last month’s solar 100

eclipse we will have a lunar eclipse in Scorpio on 5th May. This eclipse will begin to wrap up the themes of 2022 and the first half of 2023 – we will gain deeper understanding of our finances as we continue to develop greater wisdom about what we consider to be valuable. Additionally, the lunar eclipse in Scorpio supports a purging of toxicity and may – over the following 6 months - expose any dubious goings on behind the scenes as well as make us more aware of some of our darker emotions.

Jupiter enters Taurus on 16th May bringing about a sense of expansion in awareness of our values and value systems. With the instability of recent years in mind, as Jupiter moves through Taurus we will desire and may experience a sense of greater stability, particularly when it comes to resources. It will feel optimistic with

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the time to put your heart and soul into expressing yourself in a unique and potentially experimental way.

While this energy will feel great, we will be at risk of overindulging and overspending!

The sneak preview of the future, which began in March, now ends as Pluto returns to Capricorn to finalise his transformation of the structures which govern our society. This will feel a little like going back to normal, in the same way coming out of lockdown felt like going back to normal – with a strange sense that things will never be the same again.

July Did you take note of the themes around the time of the solar eclipse in April? This month we will get a clearer understanding of those topics and what our focus will be on for the next 18 months as the north node of the moon moves into Aries on 17th.

The nodes are like two points of fate www.lancmag.com

which change signs every 18 months and indicate which signs the eclipses will occur in. The north node signifies what we will be focused upon while the south node (which will be moving into Libra) is the area of life that’s being ‘emptied out’.

To illustrate – During the lockdown years, the north node was in Gemini which governs your local neighbourhood and the south node (what was “out”) was in Sagittarius which rules long distance travel. From January 2022 until now the nodes have been on the financial axis. The north node in Taurus put our focus on our material resources and earned income while the south node in Scorpio emptied out or savings- Scorpio governs the finances that we’ve got stashed away and kept hidden.

With the north node moving into Aries the focus will be more on “I, me, my” and moving away from “we”; creating drive, assertion and going after what “I want” to the detriment of balance and harmony with others. The purpose is to teach us a more enlightened selfishness and develop leadership skills. Additionally, to create clear, healthy boundaries through knowing ourselves better and to let go of codependant tendencies such as people pleasing, seeking external validation and being untrue to ourselves for the sake of keeping the peace. How enlightened we are in this process will determine how much conflict is involved!

On 22nd Venus – ruler of the south node now in Libra - turns retrograde to review all that joyful expression which began in June. During the retrograde period we will be given the opportunity to reflect upon the desires of the heart as it specifically relates to whichever area of life Leo governs in our individual charts. We will likely be reviewing some of the indulgence of June including our spending habits and relationships. Look back to summer of 2015 to see if there are similar themes occurring.

August We’ve had so much excitement and shifts of energy in the year so far and now it’s time to get down to earth with a Mercury retrograde in Virgo beginning 23rd August. Mercury’s trickster nature will be slowing us www.lancmag.com

down and creating frustrations in our daily routines and habits. Being in his home sign, Mercury will be paying specific attention to detail as he deconstructs, reviews and over-analyses certain areas of our lives. If we’ve overindulged earlier in the summer, he reminds us of the importance of mundane day to day life, possibly by creating mischief in it!

September – December The astrology begins to quieten down as we reach the latter part of 2023. If we did go to excess and overindulge through the summer, we may increasingly begin to feel the hangover or some form of “buyers remorse”. If we were mindful, we will be able to settle into a feeling of comfortable hibernation. On the 3rd September, Venus goes direct in Leo; what we value in relation to our sense of self, our passions, joyful expression and living in the heart with courage and leadership have shifted and it’s time to put the new you into the spotlight. The following day Jupiter turns retrograde in Venus’s home sign of Taurus reducing or even quashing – depending on how you handled it when direct - that optimism and hope from earlier in the year.

In October we have a further pair of eclipses, a solar eclipse in Libra and a lunar eclipse in Taurus. The solar eclipse will deepen the themes along the Aries/Libra nodal axis illustrating the polarity between “I/me/my” and “us/we/our”. The Taurus lunar eclipse will finally wrap up the financial axis themes and support the growth of our wisdom in terms of what “value” means to us. We have one final Mercury retrograde for the year beginning on 13th December where he will appear to move backwards from Capricorn into Sagittarius – pulling apart how we understand responsibility as it compares to (potentially indulgent) optimism. As the year ends, Jupiter begins to move forward again – creating a sense of hope for 2024.

Overall 2023 calls us to trust in the process as the new era begins to unfold – everything is exactly as it should be.

Astrology as a tool for guiding you through life.

Astrology is a powerful tool for understanding yourself, the world and your place in it. Our personal natal birth chart is unique to each individual and can help us to understand ourselves on a much deeper level.

Similarly, planetary movements in the sky and how they interact with our natal chart can help us to understand the deeper meaning behind the events in our lives. You can generate your own birth chart by doing an internet search for “astrology birth chart calculator” and entering your date, place and time of birth. Alternatively, book an astrological consultation with me to interpret your birth chart and look at how the major transits of 2023 will affect you personally.

Rozanne Kay is an Astrologer, Tarot Reader, Healer and Life Coach. She helps people to become empowered and to live a more fulfilling life through greater self-knowledge and removing their blocks to their greatest fulfilment. She uses a variety of techniques to help her clients to integrate their experiences, remove blocks, fears and limiting beliefs and begin to create the life they want.

She is trained in Jungian coaching techniques, Hypnosis, NLP and EFT (tapping) and is a Reiki Master/ Teacher. Rozanne is also available for public speaking, events and parties.

You can book a consultation with her or enquire about her work at: info@rozannekaycoaching.com Cover photograph and personal brand photography by Alison McMath:

alisonmcmath.co.uk

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Lancashire Year Round Walks

Conder Green Canal And Railway Through Tidal Marshes: 3.5 Miles

WALK HIGHLIGHTS This is a nice flat route ideal for days when minimal exertion is called for. For canal and railway enthusiasts, the walk explores the two lines of communication that linked Lancaster with its port at Glasson Dock.

Glasson was developed as a new port for the city in the 1780s as ships were having difficulty sailing up the silty River Lune. The Glasson Branch of the Lancaster Canal opened in the 1820s. Canal trade was superseded by a railway line from Lancaster, which opened in 1883. This old line now forms part of the Lune Valley Cycleway and the Conder Green Picnic Site was created on the old village train station site.

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STARTING POINT: Conder Green Picnic Site (pay and display), Corricks Lane, Conder Green. Sat Nav: LA2 0AN. PARKING: Follow Corricks Lane in front of the Stork Hotel to reach the Conder Green Picnic Site car park.

MAP: OS Explorer 296 Lancaster, Morecambe & Fleetwood. Grid Ref: SD457562.

TERRAIN: Surfaced cycleway, unsurfaced canal towpath, waymarked field paths and quiet lanes.

FOOD & DRINK: The Mill at Conder Green is passed along the walk and is a walker-friendly inn serving Lancashire food and ales. There is also a popular café in Glasson Dock and the Stork Hotel near the start/end of the walk.

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1. At the car park entrance join the old railway line on the right. From the car park you can see the platform of the former Conder Green train station, closed in 1930. The railway line is now a cycleway and it crosses a bridge over the River Conder heading into the River Lune.

Follow the cycleway for ¾ mile with coastal views looking north to the tidal river.

The cycleway meets the B road entering Glasson village.

2. Cross the road to the large marina car park. Turn right to enter the village then left over the swing bridge controlled by traffic lights where the canal enters the harbour via locks. The village is worth exploring and offers shops and refreshments. To continue the walk recross the canal bridge and turn right by the snack bar to join a path on the right which runs alongside the marina on the edge of the car park.

3. Follow this path to the far end of the marina and then continue along it as it becomes the towpath of the Glasson www.lancmag.com

branch of the Lancaster Canal. Keep the canal on the right and simply follow the towpath straight ahead. The towpath is now followed for nearly 1 mile until the locks at the Mill at Conder Green hotel are reached. Along the way it passes a nature reserve on the left and crosses under the A588 road to reach the Mill, now an inn.

4. Go straight along the towpath past the second lock. Go under the next canal bridge then leave it via the stile on the left. Cross the field and two footbridges to reach a path junction. After the second bridge (over the River Conder) turn diagonally left across the field to reach a gate in the opposite field corner. Follow the right field edge aiming for a wooden fence at the far side of the field. Cross a drain and follow the right field edge to a lane by a house.

5. Turn left along the lane. Ignore the lane forking left but keep right to soon join the A road. Turn left then right to pass the Stork Hotel and return to the picnic site.

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GRACIE FIELDS - Rochdale’s “Our Gracie”

By Margaret Brecknell

One of Lancashire’s most famous daughters, Dame Gracie Fields, was born 125 years ago this month. “Our Gracie”, as she was affectionately known, was born in the humblest of surroundings, but rose to become one of the highest paid film stars in the world in the years leading up to World War II.

singer named Lily Turner, who was lodging nearby, heard young Gracie sing and it was she who encouraged her to enter the competition. The budding child star won the first prize of ten shillings and sixpence in the contest held at Rochdale’s now long-gone Old Circus and Hippodrome Theatre.

hristened Grace Stansfield, she was born in Rochdale on 9th January 1898. In early childhood, Gracie lived with the rest of her family above her grandmother’s fish and chip shop in the town. There was not much space and Gracie was compelled to share a bed with her two younger sisters. She later described her childhood home as the “tiniest, smelliest, dingiest little fish shop in the North of England”.

Thereafter Gracie became a regular performer at local charity concerts under the billing of “Rochdale’s Clever Little Girl Vocalist”. Through one of Lily Turner’s showbiz contacts, Gracie auditioned successfully, in 1908, for a new touring dance troupe called “Clara Coverdale’s Nine Dainty Dots” and at just ten years of age left home for the first time to tour all over the country. Over the following four years she spent most of her time touring with various juvenile dance troupes and was often not even able to make it back home to Rochdale for Christmas.

At the age of just seven, she entered her first talent competition. Her mother, Jenny, was herself an enthusiastic amateur singer and she encouraged all four of her children to go on the stage. However, the story goes that a music hall

Gracie’s first big break came when, in 1915, she signed a professional contract with a Manchester theatrical agent and soon afterwards was offered a prominent role in a touring musical revue called Yes I Think So. One of her fellow cast

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Above: Gracie Fields statue in front of Rochdale Town Hall

members was a comedian named Archie Pitt. Gracie was unimpressed with his act, describing it in her later autobiography as “rubbish”, but she was persuaded by Pitt to join the cast of a new show which he himself was writing and producing.

playing at provincial theatres up and down the land, with Gracie, playing the role of Sally Perkins, very much the star of her show.

It’s A Bargain opened at Manchester’s Tivoli Theatre in March 1916, before commencing a tour that lasted two and a half years. By the end of the run Gracie was the show’s leading lady and her two sisters, Betty and Edith, were also cast members. Gracie’s two sisters, along with her brother Tommy, all enjoyed successful stage careers of their own.

In April 1923, Gracie and Archie Pitt were married at Wandsworth Register Office in London. The 41-year-old Pitt was Gracie’s senior by 16 years and the marriage appears to have been unhappy from the start, motivated more by a desire on both sides to keep their professional relationship together than because of any real affection for each other. “It wasn’t happy”, Gracie recalled in later life, adding that “I couldn’t tell you what it was, it was a black, black existence for me.”

Archie Pitt’s next production, Mr Tower of London, opened in the theatrical backwater of Long Eaton, Derbyshire, in October 1918. The first performance did not go entirely according to plan and received a lukewarm reception. Despite this inauspicious start, the show enjoyed a phenomenal run of seven years,

Archie Pitt did, however, play a significant part in Gracie’s rise to stardom. In July 1923, Gracie made her West End debut when Mr Tower of London opened at the Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square. She received rave reviews and made her solo London debut at the Coliseum later that same year. Gracie went on

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to make her first Royal Variety Show appearance at the same theatre in 1928, one of a dozen appearances she made at the prestigious annual entertainment event that spanned her entire career.

The then Queen Consort, Queen Mary, is reported to have found Gracie’s comic songs “vulgar”, but this royal view does not reflect the taste of many of her subjects, for whom Gracie could do no wrong.

By the time of her first Royal Variety appearance, Gracie had become a major recording star. She had released her first record on the HMV label in 1923, the first of several hundred over the course of her long career. Her early records usually followed the same format, with a comedy number on the “A” side and a more slightly more serious or sentimental song on the flip side.

One of her most famous songs, Sally, became the theme for Gracie’s first film, Sally In Our Alley, which

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Above: Queue at Lyceum Theatre for a Gracie Fields film, taken for British Empire Films

was released in 1931. Advertised with the tagline, “Britain’s greatest stage comedienne comes to the screen”, the romantic comedy proved to be a major box office hit and several more equally popular films followed. Her 1936 film, Queen of Hearts, is notable for being directed by her future husband, Monty Banks, an ItalianAmerican film director. By this time Gracie was already estranged from Archie Pitt and the two eventually divorced in 1939.

Released shortly before the outbreak of World War II, Shipyard Sally proved to be Gracie’s last British-made film.

Towards the end of production in the spring of 1939, Gracie fainted on set and was admitted to the Royal Chelsea Women’s Hospital. The public was told only that she was seriously ill. In fact, she had been diagnosed with cervical cancer and was given only a 50% chance of survival if she successfully underwent a hysterectomy operation.

She remained in hospital for over a month, during which time she received thousands of messages from devoted fans and was even sent flowers by her former critic, Queen Mary. Monty Banks remained devotedly by her side and following her release from hospital the couple travelled to the Italian island of Capri, where Gracie owned a villa, so that she could recuperate.

Gracie was a much-loved public figure, who was renowned for her charitable work. Despite still being far from well, she began touring France 106

in late 1939 with Monty in tow, determined to entertain the British troops who had signed up to serve in World War II. She even added a new ending to her most popular song, The Biggest Aspidistra in the World, declaring that, “They’re going to string old Hitler from the very highest bow of the biggest aspidistra in the world”.

This so irked the German hierarchy that two days after performing the song at a concert in Arras, the Luftwaffe bombed the hotel where she and Monty had been staying. Yet, her popular image was severely dented during the war, simply, it seems, because of her choice of second husband.

In March 1940, Gracie married Monty Banks in the Californian city of Santa Monica. Only a matter of months later, Italy joined the war on the side of Germany. Monty, who had been born in Italy and remained an Italian citizen, was declared an “enemy alien”. He and Gracie were advised to leave England, or risk being sent to an internment camp, and so the couple fled to North America. Gracie was severely criticised back home for fleeing her country when it needed her most, but, in fact, she continued to support the war effort from afar and raised the then colossal sum of £250,000 from American supporters for wartime charities in the UK. Later in the war, she returned to the UK and embarked on an exhausting tour of the nation’s factories, shipyards and munition works.

She did receive some financial benefit from her enforced exile in the

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States. With a string of box office hits under her belt, Gracie was offered a record fee of £200,000 by Twentieth Century Fox Studios to make four films. These were more serious in content than her previous cinema releases. The last of the four, Paris Underground, was based on the reallife exploits of a French resistance worker called Etta Shiber and proved to be Gracie’s last appearance on the silver screen.

After the war, Gracie and Monty returned to their villa in Capri. She was unsure, initially, of the reception she would receive from the British public, but, in 1947, made a triumphant return to the London Palladium. A series of concerts for BBC radio, broadcast from venues all round the country, followed soon after, and all seemed set for a happy future. Tragedy www.lancmag.com

struck, however, in early 1950 when Monty died in Gracie’s arms, aged just 52, as they journeyed home to Italy on board the Orient Express.

She married again two years later. Her third husband was Boris Alperovici, a long-time Capri resident of Eastern European descent who was an inventor of some note and not “a humble odd-job man”, as he was labelled by some in the British media. For the next three decades Gracie continued to perform around the world, making a memorable final appearance at the London Palladium in November 1978 during the climax of that year’s Royal Variety Performance.

Gracie never performed publicly in Britain again. She is believed to have made a private appearance on board www.lancmag.com

the Royal Yacht Britannia in Naples Bay the following summer.

Soon afterwards, she contracted pneumonia and died in September 1979, aged 81, at her home in Capri.

She was laid to rest on the Italian island following a simple funeral service, but her passing was also marked in her hometown of Rochdale.

A congregation of 500, including many celebrities, attended a service at the church where Gracie had been christened.

Gracie Fields has never been forgotten in her hometown. In 2016, a statue was unveiled outside Rochdale’s Town Hall, a fitting memorial to the star who had started her days above a humble chip shop in the town. 

Above: Gracie at her at home in Capri Photo by: Allan Warren/CC BY-SA 3.0 Top: Gracie Fields star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

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UK Public Underestimating Microplastics Problem by a Factor of Ten, Survey Shows The scale of the environmental problems caused by microplastics is ten times worse than the British public realise, according to a new survey from the drainage experts at Lanes Group plc.

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s part of its new advocacy campaign, Microplastics Out of Our Drains (MOOD), Lanes Group carried out a consumer survey of 958 UK adults to evaluate how much they understood the environmental impact of microplastics, as well as what they believe should be done to tackle the problem.

The survey revealed that 61% of respondents believed that the amount of microplastics released into our environment each year is 1.5 million tons or less - despite the true figure actually being 15 million tons. Similarly, 60% thought only 30 million tons or less of plastic waste are released into the environment annually, when in reality the number is closer to 300 million tons.

This shows that the majority of people in the UK are underestimating the scope of this damaging pollution problem by a factor of ten.

Lanes’ survey also shed light on a number of other eyeopening trends, including: •

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•

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72% of respondents said they had already heard of microplastics before taking this survey, but only 6% felt they were “well-informed” or “experts” on the topic The majority of respondents understand that microplastics come from sources such as water bottles, cosmetics, wet wipes and detergents, but only 32% knew they come from erosion from road markings - in fact, 7% of ALL microplastic pollution comes from road markings alone!

75% said the presence of microplastics in a product would affect their purchasing decision - but only 12% said check most or all of the products they buy to see if they contain plastic 60% of the public would be in favour of an outright ban on all intentionally added microplastic particles in consumer or professional use products, and 89% agree that washing machine manufacturers should fit microfibre filters in new machines as standard

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75% think the UK should appoint a designated governmental Minister for Plastic Pollution to help address this problem

Jacob Larkin, a spokesperson for Lanes Group, said: “The results of our survey show that most Britons are becoming aware of the environmental dangers that microplastics can cause - but it’s also clear that people are underestimating the sheer scale of this growing crisis.

“Although microplastics are one of the smallest forms of pollution, they are doing tremendous damage to our environment, creating dangerous levels of plastic waste in the oceans, and contributing to the sewer blockages and breakdowns that cause problems for people across the UK every day.

“This is why we have launched our new MOOD campaign, which aims to not only raise awareness of the microplastics threat, but also to advocate for the following actions: •

For the UK to ban ALL intentionally added microplastic particles in consumer or professional use products

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For UK water companies to establish new regular monitoring programmes for microplastics

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For a new legal requirement for microfibre filters to be fitted in all new domestic and commercial washing machines, and all existing commercial machines to be retrofitted with similar filters

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For a designated government minister for plastics pollution to be appointed, with cross-departmental oversight of measures to control and prevent plastic pollution

“The results of our new survey show that all of these measures are already widely supported by the general public. With the UK about to appoint a new prime minister, now is the time for the government to work together with industry partners to make the commitments necessary to regain control of what will otherwise be a long-term ecological disaster.”

Figures courtesy of Lanes Group:

www.lanesfordrains.co.uk

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Volunteer For a Good Cause in 2023 - and Help Yourself Too!

By Margaret Brecknell If you are looking for a fresh challenge at the start of 2023, why not volunteer for a good cause? Charities, local and further afield, are crying out for volunteers to help in a whole range of different capacities. There really is a role to suit everyone and you’ll be helping yourself too at the same time.

Here are just some of the many benefits to be gained from volunteering Meet New People Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet like-minded new people and make friends of all ages and from all backgrounds, who you otherwise would probably have never encountered in your day-to-day life. Remember that you have all volunteered to help the same good cause, so straightaway you have plenty in common! This may be particularly beneficial to those who have recently moved to a new area, or experienced a major change in lifestyle such as retirement, bereavement or redundancy.

Gain Work Experience For youngsters about to enter the world of work for the first time or those looking to return after a long career break, volunteering allows you to gain invaluable work

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experience and learn new skills. This will help you to stand out from the crowd and appeal to potential employers when you are ready to enter the job market.

Improve Your Physical and Mental Health Volunteering can play an important role in keeping people physically active and it also offers many mental health benefits. Volunteers report a sense of accomplishment and purpose in giving something back to society. Volunteering can also increase self-esteem and has been shown to help those suffering with depression and stress.

Help The Planet There are many ways in which you can make a positive contribution towards protecting the environment through volunteering, whether that means becoming involved in a community garden, taking part in a clean-up operation or helping wildlife. Don’t forget, also, that charity shops promote re-use and recycling, thereby helping to reduce waste that would otherwise end up in landfill.

So how do you find a volunteering opportunity that’s right for you? You’ll probably gain most from the experience if you take some time to consider the type of good cause which best suits your personality and interests and whether there is something specific you are hoping to achieve by volunteering.

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There are a huge number of volunteering opportunities out there, even if you only have a limited amount of time to spare. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Animal & Wildlife Charities Local rescue centres are constantly on the lookout for volunteers to provide practical care for the animals by feeding, grooming and cleaning up after them. Even if you only have limited time available each week, why not volunteer as a dog walker or help in socialising some of the more nervous cattery residents. Well-known animal charities like the RSPCA, Cats Protection and the Dogs Trust all have rehoming centres here in the North-West, but don’t forget the large number of excellent smaller rescues which are often run entirely by local volunteers. A Google search is a good starting point for discovering animal rescue centres in your local area.

Alternatively, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and RSPB need volunteers to participate in their conservation work at nature reserves across the North-West. They are also looking for volunteers to interact with visitors and run activities. Visit www.lancmag.com

www.lancswt.org.uk and www.rspb. org.uk for more details on current volunteering opportunities locally.

Canal & River Trust This charitable trust, which was established with the aim of caring for the waterways of England and Wales, offers a wide range of conservationbased opportunities. Join their Towpath Taskforce, or become an education volunteer and help children discover the magic of the waterways.

Visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk for further details.

Charity Shops Charity shops play a key role in fundraising for many charitable organisations. Walk down any high street and you’re likely to come across several of them, most of which are probably in need of volunteers.

Working on the till in a charity shop is a great way of gaining retail experience, but there is also plenty of

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Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) Volunteering for the RVS enables you to use your own individual skills to support the National Health Service or your local community in a rewarding and meaningful way.

Volunteer at one of the RVS hospital cafés or become involved in one of its local lunch clubs for the elderly. Act as a helper at an NHS vaccination centre or provide patient transport for essential medical appointments. Visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk for more information on the different volunteering roles available.

St John Ambulance work to be done behind the scenes if you don’t feel confident dealing with customers. You may prefer to sort donations, price goods or even put your digital skills to good use by helping list items online.

Why not pop into one of your local charity shops and have a chat with the manager about volunteering opportunities.

Lancashire Volunteer Partnership Visit www.lancsvp.org.uk or call 01772 416417 to access a wide range of volunteering opportunities in the 112

public sector. There really is a role to suit people of all ages and abilities.

As a Community Support Volunteer, befriend an isolated elderly or disabled person, or give a carer some respite. As a Volunteer Countryside Ranger, you can become involved in everything from picking up litter to leading guided walks and teaching others how to respect the countryside.

Alternatively, become involved in the Lancashire Police/Fire and Rescue Service Cadet Schemes, or even volunteer as a Special Constable.

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St John Ambulance is the UK’s leading first aid charity and has a proud history of helping people for over 140 years. As a St John Ambulance volunteer, you’ll receive invaluable first aid training which may at some point literally help to save somebody’s life. With this training under your belt, you are then able to become a member of one of the St John Ambulance first aid teams which are regularly in attendance at public events. For more details, visit www. sja.org.uk

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Volunteer Abroad There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer overseas in areas like conservation and community projects, animal welfare, education and medicine. Students often choose to volunteer abroad whilst travelling on a gap year, but it is not just for the young. Many older adults also become involved in short-term overseas voluntary work.

For those who are looking to do voluntary work overseas, check out organisations who specialise in this area like Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), Projects Abroad and Eurodesk.

Work With Children Volunteering to work with children can be extremely rewarding, as well as providing invaluable experience for those looking to pursue a career in education or social care. There are plenty of ways in which you can help young people. Become a volunteer classroom assistant in a local school, help pupils with their reading or take on a mentoring role. You may wish to join the PTA or become a governor at your child’s school.

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Alternatively, help at a local play scheme, afterschool or youth club.

Consider becoming involved in the Scouts and Guides movement. If you

enjoy sport, pass on your skills and experience to the next generation by taking on a coaching role. 

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Inspirational Pupil Honoured with British Citizen Youth Award Stonyhurst College

Dilip pictured in Chemistry lab at Stonyhurst College

Stonyhurst is proud to announce that Head Boy, Dilip, aged 17, was recently awarded the British Citizen Youth Award during a medal ceremony at the Palace of Westminster.

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he British Citizen Youth Award is designed to recognise the individual endeavours of young people who are positively impacting their communities, helping charities, or undertaking exceptional activities in support of others.

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For the past four years, Dilip has been a volunteer at a local charity called Maundy Relief, whose mission is to offer an immediate and person centered response to poverty and need and to support the ongoing well-being of those who seek its help. This year Dilip was appointed one of its youngest Trustees. He has been instrumental in raising funds for the charity, by arranging sponsored sporting events, quiz nights, a bungee jump, and most recently completing a 500 mile walk from Accrington to John O Groats with his trustees. He is part of the Climate Change Committee and is working on ways the charity

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can reduce its carbon footprint, including growing vegetables in their own allotment, and a bike-to-work scheme.

The British Citizen Awards ceremony was hosted by Dame Mary Perkins and Kimberly Wyatt who are Patrons of the award. Dilip said: ‘The education we receive at Stonyhurst both inside the classroom and through co-curricular activities, allows us to go into the world and make the most of our talents and skills. I spoke at the ceremony about the importance of being men and www.lancmag.com

Above: Dilip pictured with Kimberly Wyatt and Amelia Rusling at the award ceremony in Westminster

women for others and of the Jesuit Pupil Profile values that are so prevalent throughout a Stonyhurst education.’

Dilip is Head Boy at Stonyhurst College and is the Ambassador for Model United Nations, a platform where young people can discuss solutions for global issues. He wrote his first book in 2020, ‘COVID-19 & Coronavirus - Key Questions Answered’ and is now involved in researching health-related inequalities. Having an interest in rare genetic conditions, he has just raised £7,000 for the charity SADS UK, (Sudden Arrhythmic Death) to enable them to research and raise awareness to help other families.

During the pandemic, Dilip and his peers campaigned for people to donate old laptops to pupils that otherwise could not access schooling and is now an NHS Covid Marshall assisting in the roll out of vaccines. Dilip’s volunteering commitments have also seen him working with Cancer Research UK, the British Red Cross, and a local foodbank.

He hopes to pursue his interest in health-related inequalities at University next year following his final year at Stonyhurst studying A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

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Agroforestry

– Farming With Trees Woodland Trust

Farming with trees across arable and grassland is key to the farming sector achieving net zero, new research shows.

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new report from the Woodland Trust shows how a major increase in agroforestry – farming with trees - in England, is essential if the country is to meet nature and climate targets, whilst at the same time securing long term food production.

The report draws on new analysis commissioned from Cranfield University and reveals arable farms which adopt silvoarable systems (integrating trees into arable farming which is one type of agroforestry) could lock up eight tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year over 30 years – eight tonnes of CO2 is equivalent to the 116

annual emissions of an UK citizen.

It explains that agriculture is responsible for 10 per cent of UK territorial greenhouse gas emissions with the net effect of “land use, land use change and forestry” responsible for another one per cent. Establishing agroforestry on 10 per cent of arable land and 30 per cent of grassland could enable agriculture-related emissions to reach net zero by 2050 whilst maintaining high levels of food production. Integrating trees into farming systems will enable farms to become more resilient both economically as well as environmentally.

The report also shows that agroforestry would help address the biodiversity crisis by increasing the abundance and richness of farmland species, and birds and invertebrates

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in particular. It is estimated that the total number of breeding birds in the UK fell by 44 million between 1967 and 2009, and many once-common farmland birds are continuing to decline (references below).

Agroforestry is not only good for supporting wildlife but enhances soil health by improving soil structure and microbial diversity. It may also lead to passive benefits in other ecosystems services such as pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling and decomposition, all of which are essential for long-term sustainable food production.

The report, a culmination of ten months’ work, is timely given the Government is anticipated to outline its plans for the future of farming and land management policy on November 7. Speculation www.lancmag.com

has arisen in recent weeks on the future of its post-EU policy, Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), which is designed to pay farmers and landowners for public goods such as carbon mitigation and habitat restoration.

This is essential as it provides the payments and support needed to implement agroforestry and support long term investment and wide scale implementation.

Scientists, a former environment minister, and environmental charities have voiced alarm at any plans to abandon or dilute support for farmers helping nature.

The report shows data which provides evidence for the necessity for the widescale uptake of agroforestry. www.lancmag.com

Key findings include: • Over 30 years arable farms which adopt agroforestry could lock up, on average, eight tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year – equivalent to the average annual carbon footprint of a UK citizen. This contrasts with typical emissions from arable land, of nearly two tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare per year. Establishing agroforestry on 10% of the UK arable area over 30 years (i.e. 484,000 ha; 16,000 ha per year), and assuming a halving of arable GHG emissions per hectare, would enable the arable sector to reach net zero by 2050.

• Meanwhile silvopastoral agroforestry can sequester the equivalent of sixteen tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year over 40 years compared to a mean emission

for UK grassland with livestock of about four tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare per year.

Establishing agroforestry on 30% of UK grassland over 40 years (i.e.

3.35 million hectares; 84,000 ha per year), and assuming no other changes, would enable the livestock sector to reach net zero by 2050.

• Allowing existing hedges to increase in height from two to three metres can store an additional seven tonnes of carbon per hectare.

Abi Bunker, Director of Conservation and External Affairs at the Woodland Trust said: “This new research shows just how much good that having many more trees within our farmed landscapes could bring, not just in terms of making important contribution to tackling climate change and helping reverse

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biodiversity declines, but also in supporting farm businesses to adapt to climate change and become more resilient to the types of financial, social and environmental shocks that are likely to be a part of the future.

“This is about making trees work for farm businesses and the local environment that they operate within and rely on. As a land use it will make farms more resilient both economically as well as environmentally - maintaining food production while providing public goods that are not supplied by many intensive farming systems. It is a sign of hope that there are solutions to grasp - if we take them.

“We urge the Government to commit to ELM with schemes that reflect the long-term investment required to establish and manage trees and set a series of new targets. This report shows how upping agroforestry can help the country meet our climate targets, while maintaining effective farming production.”

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Paul Burgess, Professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Agroforestry at Cranfield University, who conducted the research said: “Consumers and retailers increasingly want their food derived from farms with zero or negative greenhouse gas emissions and increased tree planting (agroforestry) is one of the few ways that farm businesses can maintain food production whilst achieving net zero targets over the next 30 years.

Because the carbon sequestration

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of newly planted trees is initially slow, planting needs to occur now to achieve targets for 2050.”

“The analysis shows that the integration of new agroforestry on between 18 and 30% of the farmed area through incremental planting can allow UK agriculture to reach net zero by 2050, assuming no change in current per hectare GHG emissions from arable and livestock systems. “ www.lancmag.com

Farmer David Brass, CEO of The Lakes Free Range Egg Company, who has undertaken biodiversity surveys with the support of the Woodland Trust, said: “It’s been fascinating seeing the results of these surveys each year.

We already know the trees that we and our suppliers have planted bring a range of benefits to our farms in terms of poultry welfare and production, and we’ve always had anecdotal evidence of them attracting wildlife.

“Having clear evidence of just how many species we are attracting, and the role being played in term of tackling climate change is fantastic. It is a pleasure and privilege to be able to plant trees, improving hen welfare and profitability whilst creating much needed habitat for wildlife.”

year. And to establish silvopastoral agroforestry (livestock farming with trees) on 30% of UK’s grasslands requiring about 81, 000 hectares to be converted annually.

It also says there should be a commitment to new hedge and shelterbelts to a minimum of 11% of arable land in England which would create the equivalent of 417,000 hectares of new nature-rich habitat and would add 65 million new trees - estimated to be equivalent to replacing all trees outside woods lost on arable land since 1850.

The full report is available here: https://www. woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2022/11/farming-forthe-future

“It is also pleasing to be part of Defra’s co design of ELM and to see that they are open to applying what we have learnt into new silvopoultry schemes.”

Off the back of the report, and with the prevalence of tree disease and pests increasing, the Trust says there needs to be investment in domestic tree supply to meet demand and reduce reliance on imported stock which carries increased biosecurity risk.

The Woodland Trust urges the Government to set a target for converting 10% of land suitable for cropping to agroforestry systems as part of a 40-year rotation. This would require about 16,000 hectares to be converted each www.lancmag.com

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Global Consultancy and Construction Company Mace Fund Manchester Biodiversity Boost The Maximising Manchester’s Mosslands project will help to restore 157 hectares of Greater Manchester’s rare mossland habitats, supporting biodiversity.

Manchester’s mosslands are in trouble. Once covering approximately 35 km2, 99 per cent of these rare lowland raised peat bog habitats have been lost due to drainage for peat extraction and conversion to agriculture. The remaining fragments are isolated and in need of restoration.

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lobal consultancy and construction company, Mace, want to make a difference and so are funding the restoration of 157 hectares of these amazing habitats, with the aim of bringing biodiversity back to these rare and precious places.

Greater Manchester Wetlands Partnership Co-ordinator, Jo Kennedy, said: “The Maximising Manchester’s Mosslands project is amazing news for our mosslands. Not only do these habitats provide home for lots of rare and specialised wildlife, but they can also store huge amounts of carbon, and provide vital green spaces for our communities.

“Our mosslands used to be bursting with life, but hundreds of years of drainage and degradation has left them as either green arable deserts, or black desiccated wastelands. Without our help many of these habitats simply wouldn’t recover, so by committing to this five-year project Mace are really showing that they care about wildlife, people and our planet.”

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The project will work on sites across the Great Manchester Wetlands Nature Improvement Area, with Lancashire Wildlife Trust carrying out the works on behalf of the Great Manchester Wetlands project partners. These works will include scrub and invasive species management, removing those plants which if left unchecked would outcompete the natural mossland plants. Further native plants such as sphagnum mosses, cotton grasses and heathers will be introduced to bolster the vital flora which so much wildlife depends on.

Additional work will be focussed on creating, and improving existing, bog pools. Dragonflies such as the black darter, broad-bodied chaser and four-spotted chaser will benefit from the bog pools acting as nurseries for their larvae and nymphs, as will the nationally rare cranefly phalocrocera replicate.

Mark Holmes, Deputy Chairman of Mace, said: “Mace is determined to be part of the solution to the climate challenge and is investing in nature’s recovery all over the world.

of biodiversity gain by 2026.”

Neil Sheriff, Biodiversity Lead at Mace, said: “Every living creature on our planet is impacted by climate change which is why Mace aspires to lead the industry’s response by investing in nature’s recovery through the delivery of 500 hectares of biodiversity gain by 2026.

“This new partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust is an exciting and promising example of how we can promote biodiversity recovery to create a more sustainable world.”

Mace have also already worked with Lancashire Wildlife Trust to fund a feasibility study into the potential reintroduction of the locally extinct white-faced darter dragonfly. A mossland specialist, the white-faced darter would once have been a common sight on our mosslands. It is an indicator species of a healthy mossland and so the works completed during the Maximising Manchester’s Mosslands project could help to create the habitat required for a future reintroduction of this amazing species.

“This new partnership, focussing on the historic mosslands of Greater Manchester, represents a significant milestone for us as we work toward our ambition to deliver 500 hectares

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Photo: White-faced darter dragonfly - credit Vicky Nall

Black darter dragonflies rely on peat bogs, moors and acidic pools for their survival.

Image by Vaughn Matthews

The Wildlife Trusts The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 30,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129

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Filmmaker’s First Feature Film is Love Letter to Lancashire Blackpool’s (Lytham St Annes) Ryan J Smith is 24 years old; he achieved his bachelor’s degree from the world famous MetFilm School aged just 20 (he was accepted aged 17) and is continuing to make name for himself in the film industry.

Not only is he multi-award winning, he has just completed his first feature film, Lottery, soon to be shown at Regent Cinema Blackpool.

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here’s a kind of symmetry in this, Ryan’s first ever film, a LEGO stop-start animation that he created as a primary school project (Roseacre) was put on at the Blackpool Odeon. .

Ryan said: “I remember seeing the credits, my name on the huge screen: ‘Directed by Ryan aged 8’. That was a feeling! So, I’ve had a great deal of encouragement from a very young age. I can’t remember a time when I was ever going to do anything different other than make films.”

The idea for Lottery, first came to Ryan at Metfilm School, he said: “It took me a couple of years to land on a solid script worth shooting, but we got there in the end. I spent two years after film school shopping the movie idea around every studio and production company in the country all of which, predictably, said ‘no’.

“The lesson I learned was to listen to my gut, which by that point was screaming for me to become my own studio and own what I do, both creatively and financially.

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“I’m glad I waited on this movie and didn’t shoot it back when I was 19 and doe-eyed, it would’ve been a very different film, much more straightrazored — whereas now, I feel it’s

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shifted into something more mature although my fingerprints from the past are still all over it, it’s more of a tattoo than a film for me.” www.lancmag.com

Ryan explained how different it is to shoot a feature length film compared to a short, he said: “The physical reality of shooting comes down to wearing comfortable clothes, eating a good breakfast, and getting enough sleep. It’s not glamorous by any stretch, which is why I’m always a bit suspicious of anyone with wellmanicured behind the scenes photos.

“My shoots tend to only last eight or nine days, because I’m very time efficient. A lot of it comes down to your attitude towards time and money, especially if you’re running the studio and making the movies, like me.

“That’s also why I finance my own movies, so that I know what’s being spent and where. It’s all about the ‘bang for your buck’, and not being taken advantage of by other people’s laziness. It’s never about credit — I’ve no interest in becoming a celebrity or anything like that — it’s simply a case of creating a professionally-fat-free environment for the cast and crew to productively play in.

“I can’t imagine a situation where other people are doing most of your job for you, that’d kill me, mentally.” www.lancmag.com

Ryan has called his film studio, Skint Film Company, it’s not difficult to work out why. Ryan said: “Lack of time and resources are always the pitfalls with filmmaking. There’s never enough of either.

“The goal with this movie was to make £7,000 feel like £700,000, that’s always been our angle with promoting Lottery.

“The challenge, and the fun, comes in tackling the problems of each production creatively, instead of purely financially. Embrace the fact that everything will go wrong, and you’ll love every minute. If, as a filmmaker you’re not into rapid-fire problem solving, you’re going to have a bad time.”

Fun is of huge importance to Ryan, he explained: “For me, the best part of filmmaking is being able to work with your friends, I’m constantly working with Adam Bentley and Lewis William Robinson who I met at MetFilm School. Making a movie like this will eventually drive you insane because it’s not a small peak you’re climbing — which is why I’d rather climb it with friends.

“The filmmaking process goes from being a clinical affair in a series of offices, to chatting with friends in living rooms and cafés. The funny thing is that on Lottery, I had seasoned, professional actors coming to me saying it was one of the best productions they’ve ever been a part of… purely for the safe and creative environment the Skint Film Company had created for them.

“I try to be a good friend first; the whole filmmaking thing comes second.”

Although Ryan is only in his early 20s, he’s been making films for over 15 years, and is constantly learning, but ‘trust you gut’, he says is one of the most valuable lessons he’s ever learned, he said: “It’s a blessing and a curse — because by now I know it’s never wrong, which can be heart breaking. But in other instances, trusting my gut has led to all kinds of fruitful endeavours, such as building my own studio infrastructure from scratch.

“It’s how I cast actors now, too. You can be the best actor in the world, but if I’ve got a bad feeling about you, I’m not going to want to spend six months of my life dealing with you. It’s that simple.

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Lottery will be screened at the Regent Cinema Blackpool on Friday 18th November with a possible longer run in more cinemas over next year and will be hitting streaming services this winter.

Ryan raised the money needed to make Lottery by working for a year as a photographer in a Botox clinic.

Ryan said: “I’ll always be very honest about that part of my life because I don’t want anyone being able to say they’ve outworked me.

“We shot the movie for eight days in November 2021 — then edited it all together over four months. Most of the journey after shooting the film has been on the business end with the Skint Film Company. Distribution, press, getting more projects lined-up, etc.

“The process of establishing the Skint Film Company as a self-sufficient studio has been a revealing one. I spent years trying to get my foot in the door of ‘the system’ alongside well-known companies and producers — and all it did was reveal how scared they all are of change, it’s the reason I decided to setup on my own.

“I wanted to create a studio that pulls the trigger and makes movies, whilst creating jobs and healthy working environments for genuine talent.

“Build your own empire and see what happens, there’s a life to be had in there somewhere.”

Lottery was shot in Lytham St Anne’s, Blackpool and Garstang. It’s a Lancashire-centric movie.

Ryan explains: “I grew up in a lot of the shooting locations. I’m also just very loyal to Lancashire. The region is very accessible and friendly towards filmmakers, as is the case with most places in the North of England. There are no landmark shots in the movie, so in that respect, there was never any reason to shoot in a major city.

The Regent Cinema is one of Blackpool’s most iconic buildings. Lottery is in some ways a love letter to my hometown, so I always wondered if I’d be able to get the movie in with the Regent team. I’m very grateful they welcomed me and my studio ethos so warmly. I’m a big supporter of independent cinemas.”

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“Lottery is my first feature film. It’s also the ‘shotgun’ opener for the Skint Film Company — and it’s already paved the way for a diverse slate of projects going forward.

“All of the responses so far have been overwhelmingly positive and supportive. People crying is something I never expected. It ended up being a much stranger film, emotionally, than I thought it’d be — certainly more mature.

“Audiences have been picking up on little things here and there that have deepened the story for them and made them want to go back and watch it a second and third time, which is good news for us, the filmmakers. The goal is always to make something that works differently for everyone. It’d be boring if everyone took the same thing from movies and television, I feel.

“Regarding this movie’s impact; if it’s enough to convince one person to roll up their sleeves and make movies — I’m a happy man.”

Ryan’s next movie is a thriller Talking To Ghosts, Ryan said: “we’re shooting it in November, for a summer 2023 release. It’s about an arms deal gone wrong. It’s going to be a strange one, there’s a lot more to it than you’d think — without giving anything away.” 

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Making Habits Stick Flourish Therapy Clinic

Habits are a set of behaviours that help to make us – us! They are what we repeatedly do each day. What we think about; who we spend time with; our preferred social media and screens; how we organize our wardrobe; which food we eat; how we procrastinate and how we stay productive (or not!). These are all habitual.

Ultimately, habits underly our narrative and can form, as well as spring from, our personality traits.

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laying such a large part in our lives, the formation of good habits is one way in which we really have the power to improve our day to day experience, and our essential wellbeing. (Potentially that of others, too).

Most of us have tried to start a ‘habit’ enthusiastically – and failed to sustain it, to our disappointment, or even shame. Take heart. Thoroughly integrating a new habit in your life is possible (whatever your age!). But jumping in on the magic date of January 1st might not be all you need: it takes a little forethought, perseverance and time. Below, you will find a few expert tips on how to go about building new habits.

Be Specific, and Plan ahead Many people think they lack motivation when what they really lack is clarity. It is not always obvious when and where to take action to start a new habit, and some people spend their entire lives waiting for the right time to make an improvement. Others make the details of their new behaviour so vague that they set a course for confusion, evasion, and giving up.

The easiest way to implement a new habit is to be precise as possible. Start by filling out this sentence: I will (BEHAVIOUR) at (TIME) in (LOCATION).

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For example: I will go for a walk at 6pm daily, at the park over the road or I will cook and eat a meal at home four evenings a week.

To remind yourself, try writing it down clearly somewhere and stick it up in your home where you will see it - or set reminders on your phone. It takes 28 days for a habit to stick, so by preparing reminders, it makes it easier not to let a new behaviour slide!

Decide on your new habit some time before you mean to begin it, and think whether anything needs to be prepared first, so that you won’t run into problems when you start.

For example, make sure you have all the equipment needed to begin a new hobby. www.lancmag.com

Design your Environment We’re all hugely influenced by our environments, so make sure yours reflect the good habits you’re trying to create.

For example if you are trying to eat a more nourishing diet, reduce temptation in the kitchen by getting rid of tempting treats and restock with plenty of nutritious, filling and tasty snacks. If you want to drink more water, buy a water filter jug and fill it so it’s ready cold in the fridge, and a water bottle you like to carry around with you. If you want to do something creative instead of watching TV, lay out the materials invitingly in easy reach where you can comfortably use them.

Environment design is powerful because it influences how we engage with the world. You can alter the spaces you www.lancmag.com

live and work in to increase your exposure to positive cues and reduce your exposure to negative ones. Environment design allows you to take back control and become the architect of your life, be the designer of your own world.

Find Support The company we keep also has enormous influence on us. If you think you are likely to give up on your own, consider asking a good friend or family member to help.

They might do this just by reminders, or by encouragement and interest, or by holding you ‘accountable’ to give you motivation and a sense of support.

If you are trying to make a large change which is important to your health or wellbeing, and you know will be a struggle, you might need to go further and seek professional help.

Try to choose a coach, or mentor, teacher or therapist, who LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 127

FIND SUPPORT

you know has experience and good references, so that you can begin with a relationship of trust.

If you would like professional support with habits to do with disordered eating, obesity, mental health, or general wellbeing, Flourish Therapy Clinic has many experienced and skilled clinicians and counsellors who would be happy to help. Contact us on: 01772 915735. You can find out more at: www.flourishtherapyclinic.co.uk

Find YOUR Habit It can be difficult to identify exactly what it is you want to change or implement. It needs to be something that matters to you personally, for you to feel it worth the effort and be successful. If you are struggling to decide, try brainstorming or journalling the things you wish were different in your lifestyle. Then read over them and choose the ones which stand out

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as most important – or most do-able.

Starting small is the best way to ensure you will stick to changes. The latest science of successful behaviour change tells us that if we want to create new habits, it’s essential to start easy.

Stanford University psychologist BJ Fogg tells a story about how he turned the chore of flossing his teeth into a habit by starting with just one tooth.

He made it a task that took hardly any effort, willpower or motivation. Yet after finishing one tooth, he found he just naturally wanted to do another.

And then another. Within a month he was automatically flossing all his teeth twice a day.

Learn from Setbacks Setbacks are a natural part of anything in life and should be used as a learning curve, instead of a roadblock. Don’t be hard on yourself. What could you do differently next time so that you don’t

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repeat the same mistakes? Every day is a new opportunity to succeed, so take it one day at a time. And remember, each time you pick yourself up and start again, you are further along the path - taking with you the skill and practice you have already acquired in learning your new habit.

Celebrate the Wins Celebrating even the smallest wins can be good for our mental health.

Don’t be afraid to pat yourself on the back or give a little cheer every time you make a good choice. Celebrating in this manner is highly effective in promoting a sense of achievement and encouraging the continuity of good habits.

Further Reading: Atomic Habits, an easy and proven way to build new habits and break old ones,

by James Clear.

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Denise Mullen is a journalist, columnist, writer and entrepreneur.

“A Fox Stole My Slippers And I Was Knocked Down By A Shetland Pony!”

By Denise Mullen Satan’s Handbags are the resident Shetland rescue duo. One is a ‘standard’ Shetland and the other is smaller, and darty-er.

They’re called Sassy (the gingery job) and Belle (the dark and devilish version). Both come up to just above my knees.

Sass (aka Satan) and Belle (aka Bellatrix/Belladonna/Bele Lugosi), if they were in a girl-band, would be tiny, latent-evil backing singers. The sort to go out on the town later, eat junk food and quaff way too much Lambrini and hog the mirrors in the powder room.

I was lamenting the loss of one slipper to the fox, having found the other – mildly chewed - in some undergrowth, so I suppose I was a little distracted as I set out to start the drama.

If you have ever tried to give a cat a tablet, then you will have some grasp of the challenge at hand. The first ‘cat’ is 16 hands tall and has ‘smarts’ to burn. She knows a wormer when she sees it.

Having been slung around a little by the bigger horse for about 15 minutes, I resorted eventually to the sneaky tactic of popping a towel up against the eye nearest to the hand holding the wormer applicator - and went for it. The mare still isn’t speaking to me. Her Spanish name means Standard Bearer. She has the highest standards, and she’s now bearing a grudge. She regarded me disdainfully, down her nose, as I retreated, her mouth foaming with wormer residue and her head full of revenge.

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ow there’s a sentence I never thought I’d utter. It happened on a Monday. I had cleaned out the dust bunnies and unloved shoes from beneath the staircase and re-discovered a pair of fluffy slippers that were carrying a little extra fluff.

Then it was on to the dastardly duo.Wearing their cute little headcollars (one baby blue, the other one baby pink) the ungrateful pair were brought out of their luxurious shared stable and tied up on the yard. I had already prepared the administration method for this little double act. An apple, quartered, drilled out, filled with syrup and wormer, and the drilled-out apple ‘plug’ popped back in.

So, having washed them, I stacked them in the porch to dry in a gentle through-draft. I remembered them fondly. Comfy.

Apparently, Shetlands have the nostrils of Bloodhounds. This tactic was not going to fool anyone.

A little later I trudged out to worm one large Spanish horse who hates being wormed and Satan’s Handbags who enjoy a bit of a tussle.

Bele Lugosi (first movie actor to play Dracula) eventually complied – her urge for apple overcoming her revulsion for wormer.

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The Original Bela Lugosi Smug with triumph I moved on to the other of Satan’s Handbags – Sassy. She was having none of it. On her back legs she is about the same height as me, I discovered, and was giving me the side-eye as she bobbed away from the (probably poisoned?) apple quarter. As she thudded back to the ground, one of her little feet firmly trapped my shoe, and then she pushed forward. Job done.

Unable to move my foot as she shoved, my only option was to fall, turtle-like, onto my back.

Just the nine goes to get that apple in there. Not poisoned. All is good.

We have six months to devise a new and better cunning plan to administer medicine for the good of your health ladies!

I’m not holding out much hope. Horses, whatever their size, have memories like indelible pads (or Google ads). Once they’ve experienced a thing, they don’t forget it. Even casual sauntering with a wormer applicator behind your back doesn’t cut the mustard.

They. Just. Know. www.lancmag.com

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Top 10 Ranking for Windermere Lake Cruises Cumbria Tourism

New figures show Windermere Lake Cruises officially returned to the top ten list of ‘paid for’ visitor attractions in England in 2021 despite ongoing disruption caused by the global pandemic.

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t’s ranked 4th most visited “paid for” attraction nationally in the VisitEngland list having attracted 1,065,707 visitors in 2021 despite the year beginning with a third national Covid lockdown.

The figures show a strong recovery following the disruption of the global pandemic in 2020.

The Managing Director of Windermere Lake Cruises, Nigel Wilkinson MBE, says: “We are very pleased to have been able to return to a Top Ten ranking after being particularly hard hit with the onset of Covid in 2020.

“The recovery in visitor numbers in 2021 is testament to all the hard work of our teams in developing systems and

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procedures to be able to operate in a Covid secure manner.

They provided customers with confidence that they could visit Windermere safely and enjoyably.”

Nigel adds: “I would like to thank colleagues at all levels within the business for their much-valued contributions and help in getting us through a very diffi cult period.”

The latest Annual Visitor Attractions Survey collated

by VisitEngland, the national tourism body, shows the company’s 17-strong fleet of “steamers”, modern and wooden launches carried out a total of 1,065,707 passenger journeys during 2021.

In the North West region, the attraction is ranked as the second most popular ‘paid-for’ attraction just below Chester Zoo. It’s sister-attraction the Lakeland Motor Museum is ranked at number 18 on the list. Other Cumbrian ‘paid-for’ attractions featuring in the regional top 20 include Ullswater Steamers (8th) the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway (11th) Sizergh Castle (13th) Hill Top (16th) and Lake District Coast Aquarium (20th)

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VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes says: “While it is good to see that attractions started to make up some lost ground last year, these statistics are a stark reminder of the severe impacts on many of England’s visitor attractions which, even as they reopened in 2021, had to operate with much reduced capacity. It also underscores the importance of international visitors especially to our city attractions.

Nigel Wilkinson says: “We are very proud to feature on this list of truly world-class attractions. But there is still work to do to get back to pre-Covid levels, particularly in attracting back our international visitors. Those visitors are a key part of Cumbria’s vitally important visitor economy and we are working hard to ensure our recovery continues.”

Nationally, the pace of recovery after the pandemic varied substantially across visitor attraction categories. Site closures in 2021 associated with lockdowns and opening restrictions meant a reduced season with required health and safety standards also seeing many sites operating with reduced visitor capacity, as well as the ongoing impacts from the absence of international visitors.

“From our world-renowned museums, galleries, castles and historic houses to our rural, wildlife and outdoor attractions, our outstanding visitor attractions are crucial to our tourism offer, also boosting local economies across England. We know it has also been a mixed picture for many attractions across England this summer highlighting the importance of extending the season through autumn and beyond.”

For further details of the Annual Visitor Attractions Survey, see the VisitEngland website: www.visitbritain.org/annual-survey-visits-visitorattractions-latest-results

The survey shows that while visits to visitor attractions in England increased by 30% overall last year compared to 2020, as attractions began to reopen and build back from the pandemic, 2021 visitor numbers were still down 55% on 2019.

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Christmas in Retrospect

By Harold Cunliffe

you think things could not get any worse, they did. It was very difficult to attach the small tree to the existing tree because the wood and sap was slippery, but I did my best by using metal clamps. The day following my handiwork a strong wind hit the town which made the top section lean at a right angle to the wind. All over the festive period the top section changed direction as the wind changed.

There is an air of Christmas in the shops and supermarkets as retailers start to fill their shelves with Christmas merchandise. In a search for when the newspapers first commenced their Christmas advertising campaign I find that it was after the Second World War. Before then, commercially, very little was spent on promoting festive merchandise.

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hristmas began two weeks prior to the event. The first civic Christmas tree to be placed in the Market Place of the town of Middleton, a town north of Manchester was in 1954, again being post-war.

This area was once the location of the central air raid shelter, which was converted into gardens with seating after the Second World War, no doubt 1954 was the time of their upgrade pleasure and recreation facility.

The first two Christmas trees were gifts to the borough. For the Parks Foreman Christmas tree was a task which he had to pay attention to, all the eyes of the borough were upon his work. It was during the mid-1970’s that the team of Rochdale workmen who were given the task of erecting the 35ft tree made an error by attaching a rope 134

too close to the top of the tree, which when tensioned snapped the top section of the tree. In typical workman style it was decided to discard the top section of the tree in the hope that no one would notice. In fairness, no one did until the coloured lamps were fitted, then the festive monument sported a round instead of pointed top.

The local press was the first to highlight the missing section in publishing a comment that some Middleton gardener had a freebie, had sawn the top off and taken it home to use as his festive tree. If there is one thing that instils a response from the council, it is bad publicity. The council thrive on good publicity.

To correct the decapitated tree the powers that be in the Town Hall held a meeting, and the outcome was that a five foot Christmas tree would be purchased which was to be spliced on the top of the thirty foot tree, and it was my job to attach it! Two days later the small tree arrived, a dumpy tree in stature which was totally the wrong shape, a tall thin one would have been ideal, but I followed orders and attached the tree as instructed, which looked dreadful. It looked like a Christmas tree placed on top of a Christmas tree, which it was. Just when

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In the end I thought it was amusing having a seasonal weather vane in the centre of town. I certainly did not want to repeat climbing a huge ladder again to attend to the top of the tree.

Initially another Local Gvt officer was sent to assist me in the attaching of the small tree, which was to be one as darkness set in so the public would not realise that the tree had grown a new top. My assistant, Trevor, was to ‘foot’ the ladder, to prevent it slipping.

After I had been up the ladder a while I decided to have a rest.

The wind was making the ladder sway from side to side; my arms were hurting in trying to hold the small tree while affixing the clamps. Then glancing around from my lofty position I noticed a familiar face in the queue of the chip shop over the road, it was Trevor, he became hungry so went over to purchase two pies. Another seasonal

Second World War gas advert

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number of men and women serving in the Force will be considerably increased.

I visited the office at 79a Long Street, Middleton and saw a parcel packed for the Middle East. I feel sure the man who gets it will welcome it. The W.V.S. have taken great pains, in these difficult shopping days, to find suitable gifts. I understand the parcels for the home based troops will contain such articles as books, cigarettes, postal orders, etc. All this costs money and I trust the citizens of the town will do all they can to help so worthy a project.”

Christmas 1944 Hebers Co-operative branch

job was performed as a favour to the Knights of St Columba in the placing of a crib in the Arndale Shopping Centre. Over the years all went well with no problems at all, apart from one slight incident. Once the figures were in place the last one being our saviour, baby Jesus in his manger. On this occasion we were ready to affix the plate glass front, but in the few moments that we were behind the crib obtaining the glass a young girl spotted baby Jesus and picked it up thinking it was a dolly. At the fixing of the glass I shouted “Stop” there is no point, the star is missing.

As we pondered our fate, wondering ‘what do we do now’ a red faced ‘mum’ returned our key figure. One year upon unpacking the plaster figures we found that some of them had suffered damage. Then one of our gardeners informed me that he once worked at a place of art in Manchester, working on glass, mirrors and decorative objects and was confident that he could touch up the figures.

Calling at his house four hours later he had made a fantastic job of the donkey and cow. He said that he did not have the right colours for skin tones so had raided his daughter’s make-up bag.

The three Kings were acceptable and to be honest looked good in make-up, but the three Shepherds in sporting lipstick, mascara, nail varnish and the like did not represent shepherds of the period from Jerusalem.

In the News, from Christmas Past Christmas 1941 the Right Rev. T. Sherwood Jones, Bishop of Hulme, www.lancmag.com

Christmas retro badge

wrote in the parish magazine, “I write on the eve of another Christmas, and toward the approach of another year.

Never since that first Christmas long ago, when the angels sang their song of “peace on earth” has it so far away as at this Christmas of 1941.

For with the treacherous entry of Japan into the conflict, the war now envelopes practically the whole world.” The Right Rev concludes his festive message by commenting, “For 1942 I have added the Apostle’s threefold exhortation, be hopeful, be steadfast, be prayerful. As we move through this dark mile of life’s journey, may these words be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.”

From the Mayor The Mayor, Councillor Tommy Coates, issued an appeal during October 1942 to the public to support the Christmas parcels for men in the Forces Fund by sending in donations.

He stated, “Last year almost 3,000 Christmas parcels were packed and sent off by the W.V.S., and this year the

A letter arrived at a local newspaper office from a serviceman signing himself as “Diago” serving in the Royal Navy, he wrote, “You may recall the old saying that in Spring a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of love.

At Christmas time the thoughts of a man turn to home and the loved ones left behind. That is what I and all other lads, at home and abroad, will be doing this Christmas, as we have done for the last four years. May I express, on behalf of them all, and myself, the pleasure we get out of reading the local newspaper. You do not know how much it brings us near home.

It makes our hearts happy to read of the children’s parties and the old folks “do’s.”

I would also like to send my personal thanks to those grand women who have sent us parcels each Christmas without fail. We are all grateful and thank you, W.V.S. I wish the Editor and staff a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We all hope it is the last was Christmas we shall have.” The Editor added a footnote: “And so say all of us. But none of us at home deserve thanking. We have had the easy task.

Yes, easy, when compared with what our fighting men endure.”

A White Elephant Interesting reading matter items published at Christmas. During the 1880’s it was the wish of a wealthy circus owner to obtain a sacred white elephant. To accomplish this wish Mr Barnum employed an agent and in association with the United States Minister at Siam, visited the King and asked him if he would sell or lease one of his elephants. The king was not keen on the proposition and shrugged his shoulders, commenting, “Did you

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know that the spirit of Buddha was supposed to dwell in a white elephant.”

Mr Gaylord the agent for Barnum stated that a Buddhist priest would accompany the elephant on its journey to America where upon arrival the animal would be treated in royal style. The King of Siam deferred his decision. Next Mr Barnum sent £20,000 to his agent in an attempt to secure an elephant. The cash sum was to show that money was no object.

The King was in no rush, I am unable to unearth information if Mr Barnum was successful in obtaining a white elephant.

The news item which aroused much interest in 1883 was the death of the fat bride, Mrs Blanche Moses in New York. Several medical colleges in the city were keen to acquire the corpse for research. It was a widely known fact that the medical men were anxious to have the body on their dissecting tables. The family of Mrs Moses were having none of this and had her buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery, but with the threat of an attack by body snatchers a special guard was placed in the upper room of the cemetery keeper’s house under the direction of the keeper, Mr Bockman.

The party of grave protectors were armed with shot guns and revolvers ready to meet any party who desired to steal the body. Around midnight a covered wagon was seen to pass along the cemetery lane and four men alighted, two white men and two black men took shovels from the waggon and made their way to the grave. Once they

Interior of the 1860 Bath

commenced their work the guard who were watching fired their weapons at the men, who ran off at speed to their waggon, and drove off. A few hours later another group of excavationists arrived and their task was cut short having received the same treatment as the first party. It was thought that one of the grave robbers was badly wounded as a loud cry was heard when the guns were fired. It was decided that a strict watch over the grave should be maintained until the body started to decompose.

Professor Poulton at His Best It was a bitter cold winters day in Lancashire when during the school lunch break a school pal invited a few of his friends to visit his grandparents’

Old Baths

house which was located on the main road out of town towards Manchester.

David Hall commented that there was always a roaring coal fire in the kitchen, and plenty of food available, so we all accepted his invitation. Arriving at the Victorian house we noticed that it had never been modernised or upgraded.

In the kitchen was the old cooking range complete with oven next to the coal fire. It was just like going back to Dickensian times.

A door gave access to a large room with a wooden floor next door, which looked like it was being used for religious purposes. Many years later I discovered what the building was used for, it was the first public baths dating to the 1860’s. Under the wooden floor existed the original bath. The covering of the bath enabled the building to be used during the winter months for dancing Christmas parties, and other civic events.

What was a mystery back in 1860 was where the water was obtained ti fill the bath. The swimming bath did not have pumps or filtration. When the water became foul it was discarded and the bath refilled. But in the 1860’s the road in which it was located did not have a mains water supply. The answer came to light during the Covid-19 lockdown, a time when quite a bit of researching took place. In one of the reported swimming gala’s it was mentioned that a wealthy mill owner, Mr Salis Schwabe from Rhodes attended a swimming gala and noticed that the water in the bath was untreated and unfiltered, frogs and other pond life could enter the water which had to be scooped out.

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From Socks To Suits

Lancashire butcher’s shop. (Hope a dog does not lift its leg while passing)

He generously financed the installation of filters to improve the water quality which was supplied from the reservoirs of Messrs Kemp & Stone, owners of the blue dye works at Kemp Street. Mystery solved, the details being in a report published at the time of the fitting of the filtration. When the new baths opened in 1860 we find that a Grand Swimming Gala took place which featured the “World Renowned Amphibious Man,” Professor Poulton, who was also credited to be the champion scientific swimmer of England.

Poulton stated that he could perform 15 feats in the water, and also eat a sponge cake, smoke a pipe and drink a bottle of milk under water. First feat was to a standing plunge of forty feet on the surface of the water. 2. Swimming backwards. 3. Swim the length of the bath, which was 60 feet, in three strokes. 4. Ten summersaults under

water. 5. Swim the length of the bath with hands and feet tied together. 6. The Indian method of crossing rapid rivers.

7. Representation of the Steam Tug. 8.

Overhand swimming on the back. 9.

Spinning on the water. 10. Ornamental swimming. 11. Standing on his head under water. 12. Walking on his hands under water. 13. The Grand display of motionless floating on the surface of the water, illustrative of the dead man, crucifix, and other scientific postulations. 14. Representation of the dying gladiator. 15. Professor Poulton’s great feat of revolving on the water.

To witness this amazing man the entrance fee was 6d., or with a seat, 1s.

(5p).

Quality Festive Food Mr Timothy Ward, a butcher in a small Lancashire mill town excelled himself by obtaining a quantity of

Valentine Brow, Blackley

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Co-op grocery advert

first class beef and mutton. A report was published in the local newspaper detailing the meat which would be on offer throughout festive season. The report stated that Mr Ward had secured a Galloway Scottish bullock, bred by Lord Wenlock, of Eskwick Park, York; a short-horn heifer, bred by Captain Vyner of Fairfield, York; an ox of pure English breed, bred by W.J.Leigh.Esq., M.P., of Lyme Park; this beast is said to be the largest ever slaughtered in town, and was the winner of the bankers prize at the Salford Christmas show in 1883, and also took the first prize at the Royal Agricultural Society’ shows in 1882 and 1883.

The report also states that Mr Ward purchased twenty black faced sheep, bred by Anthony Harrison., Esq., Lowfield, Penrith, which were winners of the first prize at the Lazonby fat stock show earlier in the same year. Mr Ward and his staff would have been busy in the run up to Christmas.

Three years earlier, 1880, Timothy Ward was in the news when he purchased seven West Highland Scotch beasts, which were herded from the railway station near Oldham, a distance of about two miles away. Residents stood outside their homes taking in the sight of the animals as they passed by.

Very few Lancashire folk had witnessed animals of this stature other than in books and toffee tins with their short www.lancmag.com

Carters on the road to Rochdale

legs, shaggy coats and their distinctive horns. At this period it was normal practice for butchers to hang their carcasses outside their premises facing a highway which the main form of transport was via horse and lorry which the ‘exhaust’ would be deposited in the road.

One can only imagine the flies which would be attracted the manure which was in the road. In one report it is stated that a side of beef on display outside a butchers shop was infested with maggots, but we find that customers were not put off from purchasing this meat. One lady customer commented, “If the beef was good enough for the maggots, it is good enough for me.” As late as the 1950’s we find that grocery branches of the Co-operative stores did not have refrigeration. Each night the meat products were stored in the cellar, which was the coolest room, and then each morning the shop assistant would remove any overnight maggots prior to putting the produce out on display.

One former assistant, who worked at a branch named Hebers or “Yebber’s” by the locals, commented “there were always maggots on the sides of bacon in warm weather.”

Carter’s in Court The late John Chapman was once a coal delivery man for the Co-operative Society. He related what life was like working with horses, which was the main form of transport when he started work. John related that during cold weather when snow was on the ground he would attach boots to the horses to enable them to grip the road. He said that should they lose their footing www.lancmag.com

they would panic. Another interesting comment was that the horse knew which house he delivered coal too.

The animal would “walk-on,” to the next customer’s house without being prompted. Looking at the court cases we find that many carters fell fowl of the law by falling asleep while in charge of a horse and cart, leaving the horse in ‘auto-pilot,’ which practice was promptly acted upon by the police.

John Holt lived in the small village of Bowlee, where one route to the village was via Wood Street, a long narrow road with little or no traffic. John was unlucky in the run up to Christmas, 1883.

Sergeant Watson stated in court that on the night of the 15th, the defendant was asleep whilst in charge of a cart drawn by two horses passing along Wood St. He called to him twice, but got no answer, and he then stopped the horses and woke him up. The defendant said that he was tired and did not think there was any harm in going up Wood St, as there was no traffic. He was ordered to pay 2s 6d, which in decimal currency is twelve and a half pence.

Christmas Gifts In the 1960’s notices were placed in the shops of the village of Blackley inviting the poor and needy to apply for assistance from the trustees of Blackley charities. The following extract is taken from a fifty five year old copy of the parish magazine of St Peter’s Church, Blackley, “Peter’s Post.”

A plaque erected in the church gives details of benefactions made to charity in Blackley, the first being in 1625 by

Adam Chetham who gave, “A piece of land, known as the ‘poor’s land’ containing four acres, which was the Lancashire Measure and situate in Blackley, in the Parish of Manchester, together with the messuages’ and buildings thereon.” A number of other benefactors added to this charity. Miss Alice Alsop was another benefactor who generously left £600. The dividend generated by the investments was distributed by the Trustees at Christmas.

It is reported that the annual gifts were in the form of flannel, shawls, shirts, quilts, calico and coal to the poor and needy of the village of Blackley.

Christmas 1888, Eli Fielding received calico, Maria Write, a quilt, Hannah Wren, one blanket.

The report also states that in 1922 the gifts handed out numbered 251, including 58 blankets at 4s. 4d. each, 193 yards of calico and a number of shirts valued at 3s. 6d. each. One of our images shows Valentine Brow, Blackley, Manchester. This road being the main route to Middleton and Rochdale was used by merchants to transport their goods to and from Smithfield Market, Manchester.

There are many court cases where young men in charge of their horse drawn carts would have a wager in a head to head race down the brow, but the police were keen to put a stop to this dangerous practice. In 1882 two butchers carts laden with meat were caught racing at high speed down the hill which resulted in both carter’s being brought before the court and each were given a fine of a shilling. This was a hefty fine for a young man to pay out of his wages.

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Welsh Pyrotechnic Wizards Take Blackpool’s World Fireworks Title

Wales have been crowned champions of Blackpool’s annual World Fireworks competition after a spectacular display that dazzled tens of thousands of spectators.

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he team from Celtic Fireworks put on their display over the seafront in the second of the heats on October 15 and outscored rival displays by Finland and Barbados.

The result was announced at the grand finale to Blackpool’s fireworks season on Friday 28 October when Titanium put on a showcase event.

The judging panel praised the outstanding quality of the synchronised display by Wales, which opened with music from the nation’s best-loved singing star, Sir Tom Jones, and continued with an upbeat medley of pop songs which gave a nod to Welsh heritage and other home-grown stars.

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The panel said they were particularly impressed with the innovation from the Welsh team with a display that included love hearts in the sky and ended with what they described as “a stunning finale”.

It was the first time that Wales had participated in the competition. Founded in in 2004, Celtic Fireworks has become one of the largest importers of fireworks in the UK and has experience of working all across the globe on events including the Olympic Games, Saudi National Day and Bastille celebrations.

The World Fireworks Championship Blackpool is one of the resort’s most spectacular events, with the fireworks being launched from the beach in front of The Blackpool Tower.

It is estimated that more than 50,000 people attended each of this year’s free fireworks events. www.lancmag.com

Jeff MacNamara, Resorts Director of Coral Island, the competition sponsors, and one of the firework competition judges, said: “We were delighted to have been able to sponsor one of the most exciting events for the 2022 season.

“The teams from Barbados and Finland both put on fantastic displays and although the judging was extremely tight, we have ended up with an outstanding winner.

“As one of Blackpool’s largest family venues Coral Island are proud to support the local community to ensure fantastic events like the World Fireworks Championship Blackpool can take place.”

A VisitBlackpool spokesperson added: “We would like to thank Celtic Fireworks, Caribe Fire FX from Barbados, Fire Factory from Finland, and the UK’s own Titanium Fireworks, for four magical displays. We can’t wait to do it all over again next year!”

The four firework displays form an integral part of Blackpool’s major events programme. The autumn/ winter season includes: Blackpool Illuminations The annual Blackpool Illuminations have once again been extended by two months running nightly from September 2, 2022 to January 2, 2023. This year’s display includes a reimagining of the stretch of lights on the famous Golden Mile by TV star and designer Laurence LlewelynBowen.

Lightpool Festival The award-winning Lightpool Festival, sponsored by Fox Brothers Group, is an amazing free-to-see programme of light installations, 3D projection shows, art trails, and stunning live performance. The festival ends on Saturday 29 October, although the newly-installed Odyssey – the biggest installation ever created by the Illuminations team – will remain in place throughout the extended Illuminations season.

Halloween There is a magical programme of fun for all ages lined up over the Halloween weekend (October 29-31).

We’ve got ghost trains, ghost walks, ghost trams, and a Haunted Hotel

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tableau in the Blackpool Illuminations - in fact, more ghosts than you can shake a stick of rock at. Watch out for a stack of electrifying events at various attractions, including SEA LIFE, The Blackpool Dungeon, the Peter Rabbit Explore & Play attraction, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Take a look at the full line-up at: www. visitblackpool.com/halloween Christmas By The Sea Our magical Christmas village is back for 2022 with free skating, snowfalls, magic forest, outdoor lightshows and festive market and the return of the Star Flyer, one of Europe’s highest swing rides. It runs from November 18 until January 2 on the Tower Festival Headland. Christmas By The Sea is returning this winter – thanks to the resort’s tourism businesses and national broadband providers, TalkTalk.

Further information can be found at: www.visitblackpool.com/ christmas.

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Shortlist announced for The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2022 Bruntwood, in partnership with the Royal Exchange Theatre, today announces the shortlist for the 2022 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting.

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he prize – which seeks scripts from established, emerging and debut writers to develop for the stage – is a partnership between leading commercial property developer Bruntwood, a major supporter of the arts, and worldclass producing theatre, the Royal Exchange Theatre, in Manchester.

14 plays have been shortlisted from the 130-play longlist – the biggest longlist in the Prize’s history - to be considered across four categories. 9 plays from the UK are in the running for two categories: overall winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, who takes home £16,000, as well as the Judges Award for a ‘runner up’, worth £8,000. Three of those plays are in the running for the North West Original New Voice Award and Residency, new this year in recognition of the Prize’s Manchester home. In addition, five further plays are eligible for the International Award, who apply through partners in Australia, Canada and the US. Four of the five shortlistees are from Australia.

Of this shortlist of 14, three playwrights are best known for their acting careers, and for one of them Georgia Bruce - this is their first play.

Actor David Dawson stars alongside Harry Styles and Emma Corrin in My

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Policeman, in cinemas now, while actor and writer Bruce appeared as Sal in Channel 4’s popular It’s A Sin (2021). Actor and playwright Kirsty Marilier from Australia, known for playing Rose Delaney in Home and Away since 2018, is shortlisted for this year’s International Award.

Reinforcing the Prize’s aim to showcase new voices and stories is the inclusion of work by another first-time playwright: Nathan Queeley-Dennis, an actor from Birmingham. For the first time ever in the Prize’s history, a playwright has been shortlisted for a second time: Dave Harris’s Tambo & Bones was shortlisted for the International Award in 2019 and receives its London premiere next year. Jill O’Halloran (Manchester), David Dawson (Manchester) and Patrick Hughes (Liverpool) are also all in the running for this year’s new North West Original New Voice Award and Residency.

All winners enter a development process with the Royal Exchange Theatre in an endeavour to bring their work to production, with the winner of the North West Original New Voice Award and Residency also having access to an additional £10,000 fund dedicated to their professional development at the Royal Exchange Theatre during a bespoke one-year residency in partnership with Bruntwood and the Oglesby Charitable Trust.

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The 9 UK scripts in the running for the overall £16,000 prize are as follows (listed alphabetically by surname).

• Time, Like the Sea by Georgia Bruce • The Institute by David Dawson • The China Play by Jeremy Gree • Leave the Morning to the Morning

by Patrick Hughes • Bindweed by Martha Loader • Allah in the Walls by Jasmin Mandi-Ghomi • Three by Jill O’Halloran • Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz by Nathan Queeley-Dennis • (the) Woman by Jane Upton Three of the playwrights shortlisted for the overall Prize – David Dawson, Patrick Hughes and Jill O’Halloran – are also eligible for the Original New Voice Award.

Five scripts have been shortlisted for the International Award from Australia and the US. They are (listed alphabetically by surname): • • • • •

way back when by Dylan van den Berg (Australia) The Red Lead 红铅 by Roshelle Fong (Australia) Watch Me by Dave Harris (USA) The Zap by Kirsty Marillier (Australia) No Pink Dicks by Moreblessing Maturure (Australia)

Roy Alexander Weise, Joint Artistic Director at the Royal Exchange Theatre and judge for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, said: “The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting is an extraordinary outpouring of creative talent and a huge celebration of the art of writing a play. Thousands of writers from across the world are www.lancmag.com

actively engaged in crafting, writing, inventing, reading and rewriting their plays ready for a brilliantly skilled army of readers. Each one of these plays is a piece of an intricate jigsaw that creates a picture of who we are and where we are today – on a global scale. And that is why championing new writers and supporting their development is vital – it opens many new and exciting windows onto our world. It is thrilling to be part of this process and I’m delighted to be celebrating these fantastic pieces of writing and the people who shared them with us.“ The Judges will announce the winner of the 2022 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting at an awards ceremony at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, on 14th November 2022.

The 14 scripts have been judged by a panel of prestigious names across the arts industry, including Miranda Cromwell, Olivier Award winning Theatre Director; Julie Hesmondhalgh, award-winning www.lancmag.com

actor and supporter of the Royal Exchange Theatre; Kimber Lee, winner of the inaugural Bruntwood Prize International Award in 2019; Farai Matekenya Nhakaniso, Local Exchange Ambassador for the Leigh area for the Royal Exchange Theatre; Kate Vokes, Non-Executive Director at Bruntwood, and Roy Alexander Weise, Joint Artistic Director at the Royal Exchange Theatre. The Prize is chaired this year by Amanda Parker, Founder of Inc Arts UK, a national centre for advocacy for the creative, contractual and economic rights of the UK’s ethnically diverse arts sector workforce.

Kate Vokes, Non Executive Director at Bruntwood, said: “For Bruntwood, cultural vibrancy is a key element in building thriving communities for the long term, and we see our partnerships as central to realising that. To do so, the partnerships themselves should be more than straightforward corporate sponsorship arrangements, and instead be reallife, meaningful relationships that

grow, develop and embed over time.

The Bruntwood Prize has become a shining example of that approach in action. The longevity and scale of the competition really demonstrates the importance of corporate and philanthropic engagement with the Arts. At a time when an increasing number of external factors threaten to jeopardise the creative sector, this importance is enhanced.”

The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting has a proven track record of finding new talent and helping established writers bring their stories to new audiences. Since its inception in 2005, over 15,000 scripts have been entered, £304,000 has been awarded to 34 prize-winning writers and 26 winning productions have been staged in 38 UK wide venues. The Prize is now recognised as a launchpad for some of the country’s most respected and produced playwrights, many of whom are completely new to playwriting – one third of the entrants to the 2022 Prize had never written a play before.

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THE PLAYS UK shortlistees Time, Like the Sea by Georgia Bruce Georgia Bruce is a writer and actor from London.

As an actor, their theatre credits include Wuthering Heights (Wise Children), Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical (ROYO) and Malory Towers (Wise Children); TV credits include It’s A Sin (Channel 4). Time, Like the Sea is their first play, which explores lesbianism and queerness through different generations.

The Institute by David Dawson Olivier-Award nominated actor David Dawson plays a leading role in Michael Grandage directed My Policeman, opposite Harry Styles and Emma Corrin – in cinemas now - following a varied career on television. His play The Institute is set in Berlin in 1919 and based on the true story of people who dedicated their lives to abolishing ‘Paragraph 175’, the criminalisation of homosexuality.

The China Play by Jeremy Green Jeremy Green is a playwright whose works include Snakes (Young Vic); The Wolfgang Chase (BBC Radio); Fairy Tale & a version of Chekhov’s The Proposal (Pleasance); and Lizzie Siddal (Arcola). His latest play The China Play focuses on an Asian-American interpreter who finds herself unexpectedly thrust into a summit meeting between two Presidents, where nuances of language collide with diplomatic tension.

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Leave the Morning to the Morning by Patrick Hughes Paddy Hughes is a playwright, dramaturg and script reader based in Liverpool, who seeks to support and develop new writers in the North-West of England. Leave the Morning to the Morning is a story of heartbreak, speaking the truth and the right to live and die on your own terms.

Bindweed by Martha Loader Based in Ipswich, Martha Loader is a writer, producer and actor, who won the ‘Award for Promising Young Playwright’ presented by Richard Curtis at INK Festival 2019.

She is an alumni of the Mercury Playwrights, Soho Writers Lab and HighTide Writers programmes.

Bindweed follows the facilitator of a perpetrator programme for domestic abusers, whose life outside of work begins to buckle.

Allah in the Walls by Jasmin MandiGhomi Jasmin MandiGhomi is a BritishIranian playwright and screenwriter born and raised in Yorkshire.

Her work has been staged at the Southwark Playhouse, the Arcola Theatre, and the North Wall Arts Centre, with her debut fulllength show MADDY premiering at the VAULT Festival in 2019. Allah in the Walls follows Fairuza, who with her family takes in an old childhood friend for the duration of Ramadan.

Everything is not as it seems, however, and Hannah finds herself trying to keep her past hidden in the midst of the dysfunctional family.

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Three by Jill O’Halloran Jill O’Halloran grew up in Leigh, now living in Liverpool. Prior to her writing career she was a practising barrister, the first in her family to attend university. She has an MA in Television and Film Scriptwriting from Salford University. Three follows Carol on her wedding anniversary, looking back with fierce jealousy to the younger woman her husband once loved - her younger self.

Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz by Nathan Queeley-Dennis Nathan QueeleyDennis is an actor born and raised in Erdington, Birmingham.

His acting credits include Black Love (Kiln Theatre) written by Chinonyerem Odimba, Really Big and Really Loud (Paines Plough) written by Phoebe Eclair-Powell and A TASTE OF HONEY (National Theatre). Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz is NQD’s first play, which follows Nathaniel; a young man on his journey of self-discovery as he explores Black masculinity through Beyonce lyrics, techno raves and the deeply intimate relationship a man has with his barber. (the) Woman by Jane Upton Writer Jane Upton’s plays include The Price of Home (Paines Plough & Derby Theatre), Finding Nana (Pleasance Edinburgh Festival) and All the Little Lights (Fifth Word, UK tour, Arcola Theatre). (the) Woman follows M, who is trying to write a play about motherhood, but in the 21st Century it is not sexy to be ‘just’ a mum.

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International shortlistees The Red Lead 红铅 by Roshelle Fong (Australia) Hong Kong born multi-disciplinary artist Rochelle Fong wrote, directed and produced the Melbourne Fringe award-winning immersive show ‘nomnomnom’ in 2018, and is currently completing a Master of Theatre (Writing) at University of Melbourne’s Victoria College of the Arts. The Red Lead is set in 1542 Ming Dynasty China, painting an anachronistic portrait of sisterhood, survival and an attempt to rise up.

Watch Me by Dave Harris (USA) Dave Harris is a poet and playwright from West Philly, who has coincidentally been shortlisted for the Bruntwood Prize before for his play Tambo & Bones in 2019, which is seeing its London premiere in 2023. His latest play Watch Me takes place in subconscious void of an interracial couple from their first date to their first time, to a reckoning with heritage, ancestry, and Black Jesus.

The Zap by Kirsty Marillier (Australia) Kirsty Marillier is a South African / Australian, award-winning playwright and actor. She is best known for her work Orange Thrower – which had its 2022 stage premiere with Griffin Theatre Company and National Theatre of Parramatta. Her acting credits include Home and Away, The Greenhouse (Netflix) and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Her new work. The Zap is a play of power and potential, resistance and resilience, ambition and fitting in. A high intensity, radical romp imagining our very near future, intersectional feminism and fake ass news.

www.lancmag.com

No Pink Dicks by Moreblessing Maturure (Australia) Moreblessing Maturure is a multiaward-winning Zimbabwean/ Australian inter-disciplinary artist, TEDx Speaker and founder of FOLK Magazine. Her written work across literature, stage and screen has included recent engagements with Screen Australia, Associate Development Producer at Kojo Studios and Sydney Theatre Company (Resident Writer, 2017-19). Across a series of scenes, couples and relationships, No Pink Dicks picks at our perpetual (dis)comfort with the space between the personal and the political.

Way back when by Dylan van den Berg (Australia) Dylan van den Berg is a Palawa writer originally from the northeast of lutruwita/Tasmania and an emerging artist-inresidence with the Sydney Theatre Company. For his work, Dylan has received the NSW Premier’s Literary Award for Playwriting, the Victorian Premier’s Award for Drama, the Griffin Award for New Australian Writing, the Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award, and has twice been shortlisted for the Patrick White Playwrights Award. way back when is set in a post-colonial Tasmania where three women meet, reimagining the colonisation of Tasmania as a Gothic revenge drama.

For further information about the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, contact: Hedvig Lindström at Riot Communications: E hedvig@riotcommunications.com N 07888 671581

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Cauda Equina Syndrome

“Imagine jumping from a helicopter and landing on a telegraph pole with a pineapple strapped to the top – that’s the simplest way to describe the pain of Cauda Equina Syndrome” says Claire Thornber, Founder of Cauda Equina Champions Charity.

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laire was just 39 years old when Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) was introduced into her life for the first time. All it took was one turn in bed whilst sleeping in September 2010, and the sudden sharp pain that ran up Claire’s back told her – something was not right.

The following day Claire hobbled into A&E and was sent away and told to get some bed rest for having a ‘bad back’. Claire says: “Luckily I wasn’t the sort of person to take anyone’s advice, and always follow the beat of my

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own drum. It was starting to affect how I lived my day to day life and things such as – queuing in a supermarket, cleaning my home or the offices I was hired to clean was just impossible”.

Claire did her own research and the results showed symptoms of CES but was quickly alerted to red flags that can leave you with permanent disability if not treated as soon as possible. These red flags include bladder issues, irregular bowel movements, severe back pain, leg weakness and numbness, saddle numbness, and sex related problems.

This is just the beginning of Claire’s story…

Claire has since received a diagnosis, surgery, recovery, and has set up her very own charity – Cauda Equina Champions Charity which has helped hundreds of people around the world. The mission is to spread further awareness

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The Sharp and Sudden Diagnosis

of the syndrome, whilst also helping CES sufferers not feeling isolated, unheard, or alone. Duncan James, British Boy Band member from Blue is also a CES survivor and is now the charity’s celebrity ambassador.

‘The Lost Tribe’ is the first book the Cauda Equina Champions Charity has launched and aims to educate sufferers of the syndrome, plus friends, family and even healthcare professionals who require further insight. All proceeds of the book sales will be going to the charity to continue to raise significant awareness across the United Kingdom.

‘The Lost Tribe’ is available on Amazon and is number one in the charity book chart paperback RRP £6.99 and Kindle RRP £3.99.

Link to shop here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/ dp/B0BGHR747X Plus, follow our Facebook page for more information - https://www.facebook.com/ championscharity

The book also contains individual stories including Claire’s, written from the heart of medical experts, CES patients across the nation, plus the charity’s celebrity sponsor and fellow CES patient – Duncan James.

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SIR RICHARD OWEN

- The scientist who named the dinosaurs

By Margaret Brecknell

One of the 19th-century’s most influential scientists, Sir Richard Owen, died 130 years ago this month in December 1892. The Lancaster-born man has two impressive claims to fame. In addition to playing a crucial role in the foundation of London’s world-famous Natural History Museum, he is credited with coining the word “dinosaur” to describe the extinct prehistoric reptiles. Yet he was also a controversial figure, who was often at odds with his fellow scientists.

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wen was born on Thurnham Street in Lancaster on 20th July 1804, the youngest of six children of a local merchant. He attended Lancaster Royal Grammar School, where he was unpromisingly described by one schoolmaster as “lazy and impudent”.

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At the age of 16, he began to study medicine with a local surgeon-apothecary named Leonard Dickson.

Owen’s apprenticeship was subsequently transferred to another man, James Stockdale Harrison, who acted as surgeon at Lancaster Castle Prison. Harrison’s apprentices were allowed to carry out post-mortem examinations on executed prisoners at Lancaster Castle and this early introduction to human anatomy served Owen well in his future career.

Owen left Lancaster in 1824 to study at Edinburgh University. Here he first began to take an interest in comparative anatomy, which involves the study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species to understand their evolutionary development. The following year, he began work at London’s St Bartholomew’s Hospital. One of his early jobs was to prepare the corpses to be dissected during lectures to medical students.

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Once Owen was made a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, he set up in private practice in London, but it soon became apparent that Owen’s real interest lay in comparative anatomy. In 1827, he took on a new role as assistant to William Clift at the Hunterian Museum. Owen would subsequently go on to marry Clift’s only daughter, Caroline. Owen was charged with cataloguing the many thousands of natural history specimens in the Hunterian Collection, which had been acquired by the Royal College of Surgeons following the death of its owner, John Hunter.

“Overpaid, overpraised and cursed with a jealous monopolising spirit” - Gideon Mantell about Richard Owen Owen excelled in the role and the Lancaster man’s 1832 book, Memoir

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on the Pearly Nautilus, confirmed his status as one of the country’s leading comparative anatomists. In this work he compared the anatomy of the nautilus, a living marine mollusc, with ammonite fossils and concluded that one had evolved from the other.

Proceedings of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, in which he famously proposed that a new taxonomic group be established and named “dinosauria” (derived from the Ancient Greek for “terrible lizard”).

Four years later, he was appointed to the prestigious position of Hunterian Professor of Anatomy at the Royal College of Surgeons. In this role he was required to give lectures on anatomy to the general public, inspired by the specimens in the Hunterian Collection. His Hunterian Lectures quickly proved popular and were attended by many leading figures of the day including members of the Royal Family. Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, was so impressed that he later asked Owen to teach natural history to the royal children.

Such was the esteem in which he was held by the royal couple that, in 1852, Queen Victoria granted him use of Sheen Lodge in Richmond Park for the rest of his life.

Fossil hunters had been uncovering intriguing evidence of bones belonging to gigantic prehistoric creatures for decades. Sussex-born Gideon Mantell was, however, the first to establish that these remains belonged to now extinct giant land reptiles, after discovering the first evidence of the Iguanodon in 1822.

Mantell proceeded to unearth and name similar fossils, notably the Hylaeosaurus, which was the first armoured dinosaur to be discovered.

In so doing, he helped to establish the theory of an Age of Reptiles that ended with their mass extinction millions of years ago. However, it was Owen, the anatomical genius, who spotted the distinct characteristic which these giant fossil reptiles shared, namely that in each case the vertebrae at the base of the spine had become fused during the creature’s lifetime.

Owen was, therefore, already a celebrity scientist even before the publication of the 1842 article for the

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Owen’s name for the creatures belonging to this new order of prehistoric giant reptiles, “dinosaurs”, captured the public’s imagination and it was Owen, not Mantell, who became associated with their discovery. It seems that Owen himself did little to acknowledge Mantell’s invaluable contribution, much to the latter’s obvious chagrin. He once famously described the Lancaster man as “overpaid, over-praised and cursed with a jealous monopolising spirit”.

acknowledged the probability of evolution, but was designed not to upset the religious elite who also happened to be Owen’s wealthy patrons. Darwin’s theory challenged this assumption and, in so doing, also called into question Owen’s position as the pre-eminent scientist of his day.

If Darwin was hoping for support from an eminent scientist like Richard Owen, he was soon disappointed.

Owen had come up with his own theory of evolution, namely that animals did evolve over time but each species originated from one original “archetype”, a blueprint created specially by God. This cleverly 150

In the late 1850s, Owen left his role at the Hunterian Museum and became the Superintendent of the British Museum’s Natural History Department. He launched an energetic campaign for the vast collection of natural history specimens to be given its own premises. A site was acquired in South Kensington and construction began on the new building in 1873.

The Natural History Museum finally opened its doors for the first time in April 1881. It was very much Owen’s personal project and reflected his desire to create a “cathedral to nature”, free and accessible to all. Hitherto, museums had been expensive to visit and therefore only available to the wealthy.

Owen’s vision of a building, designed to display even the largest of natural history specimens, has allowed the Natural History Museum to showcase some iconic exhibits over the years.

These include the famous Diplodocus skeleton cast, which graced the Central Hall for many years, and, more recently, the giant skeleton of a blue whale.

Mantell was not the only one of Owen’s contemporaries with whom he controversially quarrelled. Charles Darwin is known to have attended some of Owen’s Hunterian Lectures in the late 1830s after returning home from his epic five-year journey of scientific discovery on board the HMS Beagle. The two even worked together.

Owen even helped Darwin to identify some of the strange fossils of previously unseen vertebrates which he had brought home from South America.

When Darwin’s groundbreaking On The Origin of Species was published in November 1859, he was expecting to receive harsh criticism from some quarters. The book represented the culmination of research on which Darwin had been working for over two decades ever since his voyage on board the Beagle.

It outlined his theory of evolution by natural selection, a view which sensationally contradicted the biblical account of creation.

at the success of On The Origin of Species.

A long article appeared in the influential Edinburgh Review early the following year, in which Darwin’s reasoning was heavily criticised.

“Manifold subsequent experience has led to a truer appreciation and a more moderate estimate of the importance of the dependence of one living being upon another”, wrote its anonymous author. The article may have been published anonymously, but it quickly became apparent that Owen was its author. Darwin had his own view regarding the reasons for Owen’s apparent hostility, which he declared was “not owing to any quarrel between us”, but instead stemmed from professional jealousy

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Following his retirement in 1883, Owen lived at Sheen Lodge in Richmond Park until his death, aged 88, in December 1892. He had his critics during his lifetime and has frequently been typecast as the villain of 19th-century Victorian science since, because of his disagreements with the likes of Darwin and Mantell.

However, this brilliant comparative anatomist’s contribution to science cannot be overlooked and, perhaps his greatest legacy, the Natural History Museum in London, still attracts millions of visitors each year.

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Blue whale skeleton in the main hall of the Natural History Museum of London Photo Credit: elRoce / Shutterstock.com

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Aiming Higher YOU CAN DONATE TO AIMING HIGHER USING THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

WEBSITE | www.aiminghighercharity.org.uk/donate JUST GIVING | www.justgiving/aiminghigher/donate/ PAYPAL | Found on Aiming Higher website or call to make donations by phone POST | Aiming Higher, 231 – 233 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 3PB. To see more of what we do please visit our website www.aiminghighercharity.org.uk or follow us on facebook @aiminghighercharity, Instagram @aiming_higher_charity or twitter @ahcharity.

Please ring us on 01253 206447/8 for further information.

Aiming Higher Young Hero Award Aiming Higher for Disabled Children & their Families is the Blackpool based charity that supports hundreds of local children and their families. The charity has been bringing the families of children with disabilities together for over 10 years.

Mum Naomi is overcome with pride, on receiving the award on Oliver’s behalf from Chair of Trustees Paul Jebb, at the Aiming Higher Fundraising Ball.

I

n September the charity introduced their Young Hero Award, the John Child Shield. Named in honour of the charity’s retiring chair of trustees, the trophy will be presented annually to a child or young person (upto 25 years old) with a disability or the sibling of aa child/young person with a disability.

Parents/carers, friends and professionals were invited to nominate children and young people whom they believed were Young Heroes and the charity received over 70 entries.

Congratulations go to Oliver, who became the first recipient of the John Child Shield and our first Aiming Higher Young Hero. Our new chair of trustees, Paul Jebb, announced the winner at the annual charity fundraising ball and presented the shield to Oliver’s mum 152

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Oliver hugs sister Hattie at the Aiming Higher Christmas party.

Paul Jebb presents the award to Oliver the next day.

Naomi. Paul then surprised Oliver when he was at lunch at a local restaurant with his family to thank him and give him the shield the next day.

There were so many inspirational nominees it was very difficult to choose just one winner but Oliver’s story really moved the judges.

From the age of two years old Oliver started to fracture parts of his body but with very little trauma. Soon after, Oliver was given the diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. After each fracture he would have to learn to walk again. This was extremely difficult for a young child to suffer so much pain and struggle with day to day living.

Starting school brought its own challenges but with sheer determination and a smile on his face every day, Oliver immersed himself into school life and developed a passion for learning and trying new things. Oliver has had to have a lot of time off school due to fractures, hospital appointments and treatments. He has had to work extra hard at home to catch up on his school work and has spent quite a lot of time in hospital as an in-patient and out-patient and has always been very grateful to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and Manchester Children’s hospital.

With this in mind, he has done lots of charity work for a range of charities. During lockdown he grew his hair long enough to donate it to the Little Princess Trust. He walked 100 times round the block to raise funds for NHS Charities Together. He really enjoyed doing this, so he decided to do it again but unfortunately, he broke his femur so when he was up to it, he wheeled himself round the block a 100 times instead!

Oliver has to deal with his medical condition on a day-to-day basis. The family have to make very careful choices all the time. In 2019 his little sister Hattie was born with the same medical condition. Oliver is a fantastic big brother and looks after her superbly!

Oliver before his charity haircut...

...and during!

If you would like more information regarding the support offered by Aiming Higher and would like to join our email mailing list please give us a call on 01253-206447 or email info@aiminghighercharity.org.uk You can also view our new newsletter by visiting bit.ly/AHnewsspring2022

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New Luxury Homes Released For Sale In Phase One Of Create Homes’ Chapel Mill Development In Elswick, Wyre Create Homes is excited to announce the first release of a selection of luxury designer homes in phase one of their beautiful new Chapel Mill development at Mill Lane, Elswick, Lancashire. The stunning 3, 4 and 5 bed homes at the south of the development, are available for reservation now and will be ready to move into in Spring 2023. Prices range from £260,000 - £560,000.

The new homes at ‘Chapel Mill’ in the award-winning village of Elswick, will be delivered under a premium brand – the Create Homes’ ‘Prestige Collection’, which has already proved extremely popular at Create’s ‘Sandpipers’ development in Longridge, which is nearly sold out.

Each new home will offer buyers luxury Stuart Frazer kitchens with Neff appliances, as well as bags of style & space, all in the perfect village location.

Buyers can save thousands on the recent stamp changes, as well as enjoying the benefits of an energy efficient home.

The new plots just released are some of Create Homes’ most popular house designs, plus some new house types added to the portfolio: PLOT 48: The Ribbleton - A five bedroom detached luxury family home with double integral garage PLOT 34: The Newsham - A four bedroom detached family home with integral garage PLOTS 1 & 47: The Whittingham - A four bedroom detached luxury family home with detached garage PLOT 44: The Sherwood - A four bedroom detached family home with integral garage PLOT 40: The Grimsargh (new) - A three bedroom detached family home with integral garage PLOTS 4 & 5: The Barton (new) - A three bedroom semi-detached family home with private driveway 154

Caption: A beautiful range of house types are available for every type of family

KITCHEN PERSONALISATION Create Homes offers a range of personalisation options for their luxury kitchens, with a fantastic range of colours, textures and upgrades to choose from. Buyers will be offered a free consultation with our expert kitchen designer James Ashton at Stuart Frazer, who will go through all the options with customers to help them create their very own unique kitchen, which will functional perfectly and last for decades.

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Buyers can also explore many of the colour options available on the Kitchen Colour App on the Create Homes website.

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APPOINTMENTS HELD IN LONGRIDGE Before the new show home opens at ‘Chapel Mill’ early 2023, appointments will be held at ‘The Sandpipers’ development in Longridge, where customers can take a tour of The Whittingham show home and view the quality of the homes that will be available for sale at the new Chapel Mill development in Elswick. Customers can make an enquiry or appointment online at createhomes.com/ chapelmill Georgia Bridge, Area Sales Manager for Create Homes said: “Buyers are advised to move quickly if they are interested in any of the newly released plots on this development to secure their dream home. We also would like to remind buyers that Early Bird reservations are still being taken now on new homes in future phases of the development. So please get in touch as soon as possible and we will be more than happy to discuss all the exciting options available with our customers.”

ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT

Create Homes will build 50 new quality homes in total at Chapel Mill and will be providing a beautiful fully managed open green space for all the residents to enjoy. The development is set opposite the brand-new village green, which will be maintained by Elswick Parish Council and the award-winning ‘Elswick In Bloom’ team, responsible for the beautifully kept flower beds and planters throughout the village.

Elswick is an award-winning and beautifully kept village on the Fylde in Lancashire, close to Great Eccleston. Within easy reach of the coast and seaside town of Blackpool and the M55, with quick access to the M6, M65 and M61 motorways to Preston, Lancaster, Blackburn and beyond. The location is ideal for commuters who are looking for a convenient and beautiful village to bring up their family, and for those who work from home or wish to retire.

FIND OUT MORE Properties at ‘Chapel Mill’, Elswick will offer exceptional levels of specification throughout. Details of the 2-5 bedroom designer homes available now at Chapel Mill, Elswick can be found online at createhomes.com/ chapelmill

Prices from £260,000 - £560,000 + Make an enquiry or appointment online at: createhomes.com/chapelmill + Sign up for all news on this development at: createhomes.com/newsletter + Find out more about the early bird reservation process at: createhomes.com/early-bird

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GOOD & SIMPLE:

TRADITIONS OF FAMILY COOKING

Bertazzoni publishes family heirloom recipes in ‘Good and Simple’ cookbook to mark 140th year anniversary

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uxury Italian kitchen appliance manufacturer, Bertazzoni, has released a unique cookbook containing cherished family recipes passed through generations.

Inspired by original recipes of the family’s (third generation) great-grandmother, ‘Good and Simple: Traditions of Family Cooking’, beautifully mixes the Bertazzoni family’s deeprooted passion for food, family and engineering.

Split into chapters, including ‘Land of the Plenty’ and ‘The Family Table’, the book presents the Bertazzoni roots, what they do, who they are and a selection of triumphant favourites. The Bertazzoni family hometown, EmiliaRomagna, is considered one of Italy’s most plentiful regions for its abundant and varied harvest. The book freely weaves in the rich produce of the land with the great history of the Bertazzoni brand.

Together with classic Italian recipes, such as Risotto Alla Milanese and Semolina Gnocchi, the book also features specially-commissioned illustrations created by established London-based artist Rosie McGuinness.

Known for her strong hand-drawn lines and playful colours, her striking work for this book reflects a food journey from market to the family dinner table. McGuinness noted her interested in art that ‘can be portrayed simply and without conceit;’ values that perfectly align with Bertazzoni morals.

Valentina Bertazzoni, style and brand director, comments: “We feel immense pride in releasing this celebratory cookbook for the 140th anniversary of the Bertazzoni brand.

It brings to life the precious recipes of my great-grandmother, handed down through generations. It is very a unique and personal portrayal of our diverse cooking culture.

The Bertazzoni ‘Good and Simple’ cookbook, presented by Valentina Bertazzoni

For more information about the Bertazzoni brand and to keep up to date with the latest news, products, stockists, and anniversary plans, please visit https://uk.bertazzoni.com

“As a business our principles are deep set within family, engineering and a love for cooking food beautifully. This cookbook is in honour of these ethos that retain a place for the calm of old things, the values and tastes that remain constant to give us perspective and judgement.”

A digital copy of ‘Good and Simple: Traditions of Family Cooking’ can be downloaded at https://uk.bertazzoni.com/ always-making-the-future#cookbook.

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The Whitehall Hotel & Distillery The Whitehall Hotel dates back to 1898 and enjoys many period features from the sandstone frontage to the panelled sweeping staircase, decorative ceilings and an open fireplace complemented by an impressive 16-foot chandelier.

From the moment you drive up to The Whitehall Hotel, you realise that the claim to be the perfect venue for any occasion is well-founded. A majestic Victorian manor house lovingly transformed into a traditional country house hotel.

The Whitehall Distillery is a Darwen distillery committed to the grain to glass philosophy, meaning we are involved in the whole process from milling, mashing, fermentation and distillation. The result is a premium product that has been strictly monitored during each step in the production process. Batch by batch, from grain to glass in Darwen, Lancashire.

M The Whitehall Hotel & Distillery | Ross Street | Park Road | Darwen | Lancashire | BB3 2JU N 01254 701595 | E info@whitehallhotel.uk.com | F @whitehallhotel

www.whitehallhotel.uk.com www.lancmag.com

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WHITE WOLF WITHIN Author: Dawn Bramwell Published: 17th March 2023 Publisher: Purple Parrot Publishing Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781915472151

Who is the White Wolf Within?

We all have one. And, according to Native American folklore, we also have a grey one. In essence, our white wolf represents all that is good within us, and the grey wolf - those darker aspects of our personality we would rather not dwell on.

My own white wolf was my dog Belle who features in the novel White Wolf Within, due to be published in March 2023. She is the magical wolf who mysteriously appears in Daisy Flowers’s life the day she attempts to commit suicide.

Luna, as Belle is in the book, leads Daisy on a journey of new beginnings, passionate encounters, curious coincidences, and a dark family curse. Daisy travels on an odyssey of discovery and, as a result, she looks deep inside her soul and finds her own white wolf within.

Along the way, she encounters the enigmatic Sean, who teaches her to believe in love once more, and the darkly compelling and troubled Robbie, who throws her life into further turmoil. As Daisy endeavours to make sense of her new life, she is unaware that forces beyond her imagination are at work. There are both light and dark energies around her.

She has to learn to trust her heart, not realising that if she gets it wrong, she will fall into the path of danger. But, if she gets it right, she may be happier than she could ever have dreamt of.

Some of us believe in magic; others may not. Magic is very much a part of my writing, which is in direct contrast to my day job! I work at PEMFiT UK in Lancaster using the highest specification PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy) technology, to help people energise their lives.

It’s backed by science and based on the work of Nikolai Tesla. I love what I do. Like Daisy, my life underwent a complete change and, also like Daisy, I believe that unseen forces were at work to bring me to where I am now.

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A creative soul at heart, I began my writing journey at the age of 19 when I spent six months in bed, unable to walk due to chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition overshadowed my life for over three decades until I began sessions at PEMFiT (which led me to working there).

Writing became my escape and my dream. One day I would be a bestseller author.

In 2008, I was fortunate to be taken on by an amazing literary agent, the late Carolyn Whittaker. We worked together on three of my novels, A New Year for Eve, Guardian of The Valley, and Bodii, Dragon Rider.

These books received great critical comments from various publishing houses, but a publishing deal was not forthcoming. Such is life. Before she died, Carolyn advised me to self-publish A New Year for Eve on Amazon. “Dawn,” she said to me, “this is a jolly good book!” My self-belief was so low at that time it was years before I got around to doing this.

More time passed before the Universe connected me with Vivienne Ainslie of Purple Parrot Publishing. I’d finished writing White Wolf Within and passionately felt that this story had to be published one way or another. Taking a leap of faith, something I do rather a lot of, I contacted Viv. Having read Guardian of The Valley, her first words to

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me were, “Dawn, we have to publish this, it is stunning.” On the back of that, I was then offered a three-book publishing deal. Decades from that very first novel being handwritten in bed, I was going to be a properly published author. You can imagine my excitement.

At the same time, just like the characters in my novels, my own life was taking many different twists and turns. One of these was my connection to Reiki. They say that Reiki finds you, not the other way around and that was certainly the case for me. Like Eve, like Daisy, unusual things began to happen. I discovered I was psychic. It was not something I felt comfortable talking about, until one day Viv asked me, “Dawn, how do you plan your books?”

I’d never really given this much thought. I considered the question and had to confess that I don’t plan my writing. I don’t have copious notebooks filled with ideas and plots, and I certainly don’t use spreadsheets to plan a book within an inch of its life! My ideas just come to me. The first line of Guardian of The Valley, “I was twelve when the Watchers came to The Valley,” popped into my head whilst having a bowl of tomato soup.

I literally heard someone say the words to me.

I see my characters, I hear them. I sit down at my laptop and out they come. They tell their own stories.

Uncannily, I began to realise that they also were telling parts of my story. Yes, of course, all writers draw on their own experiences, but I don’t mean this. What I noticed, was that years after writing my books, certain passages would come to life in my own reality.

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Dawn Bramwell - Author of ‘White Wolf Within’

So where is this taking me now?

Hopefully unlike Eve and Daisy, or Joe in Guardian of The Valley, not anywhere dangerous. I hope this is taking me to the place I wish to be. A bestselling author, living her dream of making other people happy through the stories she writes.

The next chapter is in March 2023 when White Wolf Within is published. Following on from that there will be the sequel to Guardian of The Valley, my children’s series,

as well as more wildly romantic, supernatural adult fiction.

Dreams don’t become reality without persistence, time and a huge dollop of good fortune from the Universe.

I’m still waiting for this part and maybe readers of this article will play a role.

I truly hope you will also become part of my story. 

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Giant Artworks Commemorate Old Trafford Teens Left: Kelly Brown and the mural ‘A Better Tomorrow Together We Stand’ in memory of her son Rhamero West by artist Amy Coney

Kelly says that the completion of the artwork has brought her comfort and that she now feels more at ease when she walks past the place where her son was attacked.

“I used to fear going on to Norton Street,” she said, “reliving everything that happened, but now I find a little peace and comfort.

“It shows me how amazing the community of Old Trafford is. After what happened to Mero, the communities have really come together.

Inspirational murals have been painted to commemorate two Old Trafford teenagers who lost their lives last year.

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ocal people worked with professional artists to create the duo of colourful designs, which have appeared on a couple’s end terrace and on the wall of a residential home.

“So many people have supported me, but in particular I want to mention Caron, Kate, Maggie, Riz, Mustafa and Yousef.”

The artwork is accompanied by a piece of spoken word poetry by knife crime campaigner Quinton Green, who Kelly reached out to after the attack.

“Quinton Green is amazing for putting together the spoken word for me,” Kelly said. “He really means every word that he speaks for my baby boy.”

The first, on the outside of Norton Street care home, tags the location where 16-year-old Rhamero West was fatally stabbed in September 2021. The second mural, on a residential property on the corner of Howarth and Prestage Streets, remembers a local 18-year-old who died in a police chase in May that year.

Homeowners Caroline Harleaux and Lee Andrews approached OT Creative Space to ask for a colourful mural to be created on the side wall of their end terrace. The gable end had become a target for graffiti after the nearby death of an Old Trafford teenager in a police chase and the pair felt an artwork would be a more fitting tribute.

The pair of artworks are new additions to the OT Art Trail, which was launched by community project OT Creative Space last year. They were funded by a Standing Together grant from Trafford Council.

The psychedelic-inspired mural, called Can I Kick It?, features bees, rainbows, butterflies and two cats having a friendly kickabout, all painted in bright pastel shades. It was painted by Manchester muralist and children’s book illustrator Melanie Williamson.

Creation of the first mural, called A Better TomorrowTogether We Stand, was overseen by Kelly Brown, mother of 16-year-old knife crime victim Rhamero, known as Mero.

Kelly and members of the Old Trafford community worked with Whalley Range artist Amy Coney to produce the design.

And at the last minute, Kelly decided to clamber up on a crane to spray paint the purple heart that represents her son herself.

She said: “I knew I wanted a memorial to Mero and I couldn’t have asked for anything better than this.

“Amy has incorporated everything that I asked for: the circle represents my son and also the sun in the sky. The purple heart, which I sprayed myself, is also Mero.

“It’s beautiful, absolutely breathtaking. You have got to see it in person. Pictures don’t do it justice.”

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Above: Lynda Sterling outside OT Creative Space

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bring this to life. The big city and the towers are there in the background, but really, it is all about the characters. They’re getting on with their lives: playing footy, listening to music, falling in love, catching up and chatting. It is a very happy place.

“The mural is named after a track from A Tribe Called Quest, a New York hip hop group formed in 1985. They were very inspiring to a lot of young people, who looked up to them as positive role models and artists who built up their success from scratch.”

Top: Can I Kick It - Melanie Williamson Above: Kelly Brown and friends and family gather at the new mural ‘A Better Tomorrow - Together We Stand’

Melanie, who is best known for illustrating the Pirate Pete and Princess Polly and Billy and the Mini Monsters series of children’s books, said: “Lee and Caroline wanted something that both local children and adults could appreciate, seeing as it’s a space where they hang-out and play around something bold, and cheery and full-on psychedelic with colour.

“We gathered ideas of what animals and characters were popular at the residents’ meeting, and it was such a fun experience interacting with all the locals and passersby. Everyone has been so friendly and says the mural really cheers the place up.”

Caroline said: “We wanted a bright and colourful mural to put a smile on people’s faces, something full of imagination that could talk to kids and grown-ups.

“After the first consultation with the local residents, it was obvious that artist Melanie Williamson would be the one to www.lancmag.com

Lynda Sterling, OT Creative Space, said: “When we launched the art trail last May, it was very well received by the local community. People in Old Trafford have taken the artworks to heart and appreciate the colour, humour, creativity and individuality they represent, qualities which are abundant in the local community.

“And so when Lee and Caroline, Rhamero’s mum Kelly and other local residents asked me if we could develop two new murals to commemorate two young men I was only too happy to help.

“I think our artists Melanie Williamson and Amy Coney have done amazing jobs, working with local people, friends and families to produce two gracious tributes to two lives lost.”

OT Art Trail was launched in May 2021 by Lynda Sterling of community project OT Creative Space and funded by Arts Council England. The initial phase saw six large murals painted onto walls and buildings around the area, including in Seymour Park and on Ayres Road. The art trail total now stands at nine and a route map marking out each of the artworks can be found at: otcreativespace.co.uk/otarttrail/ LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 161

Redrow Helps Light Up Egerton Youth Club In Knutsford EGERTON Youth Club in Knutsford has switched on a new LED lighting system in their sports hall with help from Redrow.

left: A donation from Redrow’s Knutsford Community Fund helped Egerton Youth Club install new lights. Knutsford Badminton chairman Guy Hill, Egerton Youth Club chairman Rick Dallimore and Redrow’s Rachael Reece Egerton Youth Club, on Mereheath Lane, opened in the 1950s after Lord Egerton bequeathed the site to a charitable trust.

Its facilities, including a sports hall with an original wooden spring floor, superb for badminton, as well as basketball, indoor football, and utilised by a range of other community groups, but the lighting system was outdated and in need of upgrading.

Installation of the new LED lighting system in the sports hall cost around £7,000 funded by Egerton Youth Club, Knutsford Badminton Club, Canute Badminton Club and Knutsford Rotary . A donation from Redrow’s Knutsford Community Fund covered the final £1,000 required to complete the project.

Guy Hill, chairman of Knutsford Badminton Club, explained: “Badminton is a sport that needs specific lighting. When we told Egerton the 30-year-old light fixtures and needed modernising they investigated each fitting and found broken ballasts and perished connections have reduced the light in the hall to below normal sports activity needs Bulb renovation was considered but would have significant electricity costs going forwards, whereas with LED lighting the hall will be cheaper to run and can be reflected in rent to any community group. We’re extremely grateful to Redrow 162

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for helping us reach the fundraising total. Now we have proper lighting and the hall can return to being an affordable community sports facility, that Knutsford is lucky to have.”

Redrow’s donation towards the lighting was from a £10,000 voluntary community fund linked to its Tabley Park development.

Redrow area sales manager Amanda Hollins said: “Rising energy costs and the need to be more efficient in our use of energy is something that’s affecting individuals, community groups and businesses. We were happy to be able to support the renovations at Egerton Youth Club which in turn should help them save energy, reducing their electricity bills and their impact on the planet.

“It’s an example of how our community fund programme is helping ensure communities continue to thrive and demonstrates our commitment to building responsibly.”.

If you’re ready to make the switch and buy a new home at Tabley Park, visit the show homes, open daily from 10am to 5.30pm, call 01565 859509 or see: www.redrow.co.uk/tableypark.

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Building confidence & nurturing talent

Our award-winning singing & drama classes are just as much for children who need a bit of encouragement to come out of their shell as they are for those who love taking centre stage.

Classes are kept small and organised by friendships, age & ability, and take place mid-week after school at a variety of venues across Lancashire.

Ages 4-18

info@littlevoices.org.uk www.littlevoices.org.uk

Local Businesswoman Recognised in National Children’s Activities Awards

Local businesswoman Jane James, the founder & CEO of the national popular performing arts school franchise Little Voices, was recognised on Thursday evening in the national What’s On 4 Kids Activities awards, the UK’s longest-running awards for children’s activity providers.

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ne of six finalists in the Steve Franks Industry Champion of the Year Award category, Jane was awarded highly-commended for her outstanding contribution to the children’s activities sector outside of her work with Little Voices.

This award recognises those who have gone above and beyond for the greater good of the whole sector, and was set up in memory of the former CEO of Water Babies who sadly passed away in April 2020 from COVID-19 complications.

Alongside her day job as franchisor of Little Voices, Jane is also a voluntary board member of the Children’s Activities Association (CAA), a not-for profit CIC dedicated to raising standards for activity providers in the UK. As well as helping shape the CAA’s operational strategy, Jane regularly spends time talking 1-to-1 with other children’s activity providers about the challenges they’re facing, sharing her knowledge and best practise to help them grow or improve their businesses.

“And yes, I’ll happily do this with providers who could be perceived as ‘competition’,” Jane explained, “because I’m a firm advocate of collaboration over competition – one of the few positives to come out of Covid in my opinion. I truly feel we’re stronger together, and believe above all else that our children deserve the very best.”

Jane is also on a Department of Education steering group to assess the impact of the pandemic and shape children’s activities moving forwards; and is due to meet with the new Minister for Education.

Commenting on her award, Jane said: “I feel honoured to be among so many other inspirational finalists, each of whom I hold in the highest regard.

“I had Steve on speed dial in my phone, and he was always so supportive of me and my business journey. So to receive this recognition in his memory is truly an honour.”

This year’s awards took place at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey, hosted by Jonathan Bremner, and supported by a number of sponsors, including Headline Sponsor Morton Michel.

Organisers What’s On 4 Kids concluded: “What a night we had at the glamorous Mercedes-Benz World, with hundreds of VIP guests, the highest number of awards to date, and a wealth of fabulous sponsors and supporters joining us for this black-tie extravaganza. Congratulations to each and every winner!”

Little Voices was co-founded in BLACKBURN in 2007

by Jane James (nee Maudsley) when her daughter was just 3 months old.

and they work in partnership with a growing number of schools to bring the wider benefits of music & drama lessons to school life and beyond.

Today, there are 26 Little Voices franchises across the UK teaching thousands of children & young people every week.

Their very small class sizes are organised by friendships, age, and ability; and all Little Voices pupils have the opportunity to work towards LAMDA’s (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) highly respected & accredited exams in Musical Theatre, Drama, Acting and Communication.

Alongside popular after-school classes, they also run regular workshops, theatre weeks & holiday camps; www.lancmag.com

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Soul Legend Lee Fields

Plays Manchester - Gorilla Saturday 28th January 2023

Soul legend LEE FIELDS with special guests James Hunter & Jalen Ngonda announce MANCHESTER – Gorilla show taking place on Saturday 28th January 2023!

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o coincide with his latest single release ‘Forever’ taken from his eagerly awaited album ‘Sentimental Fool’ released in October on Daptone Records, legendary Soul singer Lee Fields along with special guests James Hunter & Jalen Ngonda announce Manchester show taking place at Gorilla on Saturday 28th January 2023.

Soul music pours out of Lee Fields, as free and unstinting as God’s love. It has ever since the 1960s, when he was a teenager in North Carolina sweating it out on juke joint stages, crumpled dollars hailing at his feet. It continues now that the living legend is in his late sixties, ushering in the most successful and fruitful period of his career.

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Like any living legend worth their salt, Fields has suffered despair, obscurity, defeat. Although he now tours stages around the world, and although he helped fellow soul legends like Sharon Jones (who was once Fields’ backup singer) and Charles Bradley (whom Fields took on his first tour) get their first break, he did not always have this position. There were years -- they were known as “the 1980s” -- when Fields nearly gave up. His success these days, then has a bittersweet tinge: His dear friends Bradley and Jones have both passed, leaving Fields to outlive them and carry their legacy forth.

With all these years, and all this life, comes a sort of divine wisdom, and Fields has it in spades. “I am a sinner, just like everybody else,” he says gravely. He is no “holier-than-thou guy,” he adds. He just believes in people’s ability to love and be loved, and he understands that music is the divine bridge to these places. “We should be conscious at all times of what is good and what is bad,” he tells me. www.lancmag.com

growing corner that has nourished the nutrient-starved waters of 21st century pop music with virtues it lacks: a sense of timelessness, of eternity, of a tradition extending backward into generations. Lee Fields music has been chopped up and sampled by hip hop artists as diverse as J. Cole and Travis Scott: Cole, Fields laughs, thought that the sample was taken from a song “from back in the day.”

It wasn’t, in the strictest sense -- Cole sampled “My World Is Empty Without You” and “Ladies,” which were both from Fields’ album My World, made in 2009 -- in a deeper sense, it was true. Fields’ music doesn’t belong to Now; it belongs to eternity. He has been testifying, in the purest sense of the word, since Otis Redding was alive. He is living history.

“Once we lose that consciousness, we are deceived, we are tricked.” This worldview, equally stern and loving, rocksteady and welcoming, finds its fullest expression yet on It Rains Love, his latest and possibly his most earnest record ever.

I believe God is all in all,” he says. “I believe any religion that tells you to do the right thing.” The music ranges just as wide, without ever losing its compass in soul: The deep echoes on the drums of on “God Is Real” hint at dub.

It Rains Love is music of endless love, of endless hurt, of reverberating kindness and wisdom, of decades and lifetimes’ worth of pain alchemized into kindness. It is the warmth of a hand extended, grasping yours. His lyrics glow with an unearthly purity he has never allowed himself to touch before. He has never been a dictator, a la James Brown, but his long time band the Expressions gave him free reign to do whatever he wanted. He ended up putting more of himself -his eloquent, peculiar self -- into his music than he used to dare. As he puts it on the titles of the new album’s last two songs, “God Is Real” and “Love Is The Answer.” Taken together, they could be everything Fields has been trying to say ever since his recording career began. It is nothing less than his take on the human condition.

Only a true survivor could have made It Rains Love, and Fields is nothing if not that. Fields has been married to the same woman for 50 years. He lives in the same house. He is a man of deep and abiding faiths, and part of his bedrock comes from the moment in the 1980s, when his career seemed over. He had never gotten famous, and the gigs were drying up. It was time, he thought.

There would be no more Lee Fields, “I thought I was done,” he says of the era when the soul music revolution of the previous decade seemed to beat a hasty retreat under the lacquered assault of new synthesized equipment and stiff, early drum machine programming. “I had almost literally given up. “He made other plans -- he worked in real estate. He planned to open a restaurant. He settled into his role, not as Lee Fields, but as Elmer, the dependable and steadfast family man who underpinned his wild stage performer’s alter ego. “My wife stopped me, man, she told me ‘stick to what you know.’”

The love of God, in whatever form the divine mystery might take, radiates outward from the humid and joyfully relaxed arrangements of The Expressions. For Lee Fields, born Elmer, Jesus is Buddha is the Torah is the Bible is the love we feel for our families. “I am of Christian faith, but www.lancmag.com

Today, he stands at the forefront of the soul revival, a bustling and ever-

JAMES HUNTER

Grammy-nominated English soul artist James Hunter released ‘With Love’, A new collection of ballads and love songs.

Daptone Records presents The James Hunter Six’s latest offering, With Love: a heart-shaped collection of candlelit ballads and love songs. Plucked like so many “he loves you” petals from the vast and sumptuous garden of his Daptone Recordings, these twelve lilting melodies have been selected and sequenced with great care, tenderness, and intention by Daptone staff for the solitary purpose of compiling some of the criminally overlooked treasures in the James Hunter Six’s critically acclaimed catalogue.

Tickets on sale now, available from:

www.gigantic.com

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Leading By Example: Royal Leaders in Men’s Mental & Emotional Health

By Noel McDermott Psychotherapist Noel McDermott looks at how our male royal family members are helping men worldwide to open up about their mental and emotional health.

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ith the ascension of Charles to the throne and his attendance to his sons at Elizabeth’s funeral, issues around their mental health became present again. With this family and these men in particular, both William and Harry have opened up to the struggles they have had, talking openly about their experience of PTSD. This open conversation in many ways was unthinkable in the past and yet this family have played out the revolution we have seen in terms of insight into psychological knowledge and processing that has happened in society at large and have helped facilitate that revolution.

Noel comments: “This family were very tight lipped historically about their ‘private’ affairs and in many ways still are, Charles and his mother come from a generation that prided themselves on putting aside personal needs for public good, as men culturally they are trained to withhold around psychological distress, they all went through education systems (residential/collective childcare) that are known to make kids more reserved about their internal worlds as success was seen in terms of attainment in exams etc.”

Changes in Family Life The war generation has almost all died out now and many of the attitudes embodied by Charles and Elizabeth are from that time and

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they have had to adapt. Charles in particular has had to learn from his sons who have been much more open to psychological insight. Many families after WWII lived with the psychological damage done to those that fought and did so out of a sense of duty. It was also the case that mental health services for those veterans did not exist. Work around trauma massively leapt forward as a result of the war and it is due to this work that terrible terms such as cowardice were removed from men who had been psychologically broken by the horrors of war. It goes without saying that those suffering from PTSD were mostly men and there is a cogent argument for understanding poor mental health and substance misuse issues for several generations of men linked to this. Post WWII saw a very significant and sustained increase in divorce as families found they could not deal with the severity of the mental health needs of the returning veterans which often involved alcohol abuse and violence. So, whilst there was a concept of the stiff upper lip and service and avoidance of ‘washing your laundry in public’ in actuality what was happening was a seismic shift in attitudes to acceptable behaviour in marriage and roles in the family.

Opening up the conversation Men are still given messages that they need to be strong and not talk about feelings but much less with each passing generation. This is in some ways exemplified by William and Harry who have discussed their struggles openly. Harry is very honest about the developmental trauma he experienced because of the death

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of his mother leading to him having flashbacks and panic attacks when he comes back to the UK and his need to have EMDR sessions to help. William has discussed how he developed trauma functioning from his time as a search and rescue pilot in the RAF and in particular how the birth of his first child forced him to seek help with it. This is the link back to the seismic shifts in family functioning from WWII to date as it’s just not okay any more for a guy to expect his mental health issues to be smoothed over by his wife and kids, that they will be held hostage to his needs. Men who have children and partners now have to deal with their psychology and given we have the services that can deal with these needs it’s a perfectly reasonable demand.

Mental health education Education has radically and fundamentally changed in the UK around mental health and child welfare in general. Schools have not for a long time now only been places where exams are the only metric.

This is also true of the independent schools’ sector including residential schools. Child welfare is now a clear legal obligation and over the past 10 years mental health services are increasingly being targeted directly at schools. This approach was pioneered by charities such as place2be and Kids Co but has been mainstreamed by the governments development of mental health support teams in schools rather than the old system of referral to a child and adolescent mental health service based in a local hospital trust.

The highly psychologically damaged adult excelling in public life or in business who was a child of a pretty

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brutal education system is no longer acceptable and in fact schools who operate in that model can and do face prosecution.

being for all men. One has to assume their dad had a hand in their growth, one also has to assume dad has had to learn from his sons!

Modelling Healthier Ways of Male Being King Charles himself faced significant criticism at the time for choosing a partner who made him happy after Diana. This clearly marked a change in culture in that family and reflected and also facilitated a change in society that psychological needs and emotional needs are just as important as doing one’s duty. Charles has signalled he will make the monarchy more open and inclusive and so far, his life to date indicates that will happen. His sons are both very admirable men in so many ways and they continue to grow and model healthier ways of

Men and psychological support Men have traditionally taken an ‘all your eggs in one basket’ approach to psychological support, in fact men have shied away from any hint or suggestion that the activities that provide support (spending time with your mates at work or play) is in fact psychological or supportive. As men go through these life transitions it is important, they make time to normalise feelings and emotions and reach out to friends and loved ones for support. Without a doubt the best therapy in life is the company and support of other humans that we care about and who care about us. The herd is where we feel safe and where we

get most boosts from in terms of our health and wellbeing. Simply being in the company of people we like when we are troubled will reduce our stress responses to our troubles. For men this is often the best approach, activity-based support often works better for men and often guys will open up to each other during these contacts normalising the changes they are going through.

Noel McDermott is a Psychotherapist with over 25 years’ experience in health, social care, and education. He has created unique, mental health services in the independent sector. Noel’s company offer at-home mental health care and will source, identify and co-ordinate personalised care teams for the individual: www.noelcdermott.net

Blue Skies:

Kila Redfearn Successful organisations are run by passionate people.

A

nd the Head of Charity at Blackpool’s Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, Kila Redfearn, is the epitome of this.

As well as Head of Charity, Kila is also co-chair of NHS Charities Together for the North West region The Charismatic mum of four and Nana of two never stops but having a work life balance doesn’t seem to be an issue, though her husband might disagree!

Her drive to improve care for patients has been recognised with the Charity of the Year Award at this year’s EVAS, held in the prestigious Winter Gardens Blackpool.

Blue Skies makes a massive difference to Blackpool Hospitals Trust by providing equipment that would not otherwise be funded by the NHS. Since Kila took the helm five years ago, she has massively increased funding with more than £2million going directly into patient care.

Successes include purchasing life-saving devices such as, at home chemotherapy Pumps and the world’s smallest heart pump.

Their next venture is to fund a £500,000 CT Scanner for the new Emergency Village at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

“This success would not be possible without the wonderful team at Blue Skies and the people of Blackpool,” said Kila. “The real winners of this award are the patients who benefit from Blue Skies.”

hospitals fund The Charity for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals

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PRIME MINISTERS

- Spencer Perceval to The Earl of Ripon

By Alijan Kirk With huge thanks and appreciation we wish Alijan Kirk the best as he moves forward on to his university life, sadly leaving us behind but starting a brand new adventure. This will be his last feature, for now anyway. We hope he might make a come back from time to time but once he has those assignments due in it might be tricky. At least he has had plenty of practice with deadlines, we have heard him say he loves a deadline so hopefully all his work at university will be in on time. We are all really proud of him and we will be following his progress closely. With a keen interest in politics, history and comedy and a talent for all three, it will be interesting to see which path he takes. Well Done Alijan 172

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As you may know already, in this series, I chose to write about five Prime Ministers per article. Furthermore, several Prime Ministers have had non-consecutive terms in office, such as The Duke of Newcastle or William Pitt the Younger, but since they were still the same person, I would not count their second term as one of the five I’d cover, so I’d have maybe six sections for five Prime Ministers.

It worked out well, since I was always able to cover all their terms in the same article. Today we would have been covering another Prime Minister who had non-consecutive terms, The Duke of Wellington. Unfortunately, he just so happens to be the last one in this group of five, and is then separated by two more Prime Ministers before he returns to office. I don’t want to cover his second term here and thus not keep to the chronology of time by excluding the other two, nor do I want to split his terms across articles. www.lancmag.com

committee.

While they survived the enquiry, the government was far from safe.

After publishing a letter denouncing the government, the radical MP Sir Francis Burdett was imprisoned in the Tower of London, resulting in a mob breaking out in support of Burdett.

This led to troops being called in and numerous fatalities.

So here, I will only cover four Prime Ministers and that way I can put both of the Duke of Wellington’s terms in the same article. I doubt you will mind much, as I’ve noticed that what were supposed to be “brief profiles” have been getting particularly long.

Portland cabinet decided to invite Earl Grey and Lord Grenville to form a government but the two refused to enter negotiations and thus the cabinet recommended to the King that Perceval become Prime Minister, which he accepted.

SPENCER PERCEVAL

From the get go, Perceval’s time as Prime Minister had problems. He’d offered the position of Chancellor to five different people who all refused, forcing Perceval to serve as his own Chancellor. In addition to this, Perceval’s government was particularly weak in the House of Commons, with only one Cabinet member sitting there, Richard Ryder, the Home Secretary, requiring Perceval to have to rely on the support of backbenchers during debate. Furthermore, only a few months into the new administration, the government faced an enquiry over the disastrous Walcheren Expedition as well as losing three motions on the composition of the finance

As a son of the Earl of Egmont, Spencer Perceval had many relatives in the world of politics, having even succeeded his cousin as the Tory MP for Northampton. Perceval was fast in making a name for himself and distinguishing himself from his relatives, eventually rising to the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer under the Duke of Portland.

After Portland’s resignation, George Canning was actively lobbying to become the next Prime Minister, wanting either the top job or nothing.

Perceval was willing to serve under any member of the Portland cabinet except for Canning. Eventually, the www.lancmag.com

Some time after his Golden Jubilee, King George III began to show signs of his infamous illness once again. As with the first bout of it back in 1788, the possibility of a regency was again being discussed. The prospect of a regency wasn’t one Perceval was fond of, as the Prince of Wales was known to favour Whigs and personally disliked Perceval. Initially, it looked like a regency was not needed as the King’s doctors gave optimistic reports that he could recover.

However by December 1810, with no improvement from the King, Perceval relented and wrote a letter to the Prince of Wales to let him know of his intent to introduce a regency bill the next day, December 20th. As with the regency bill in 1788, Perceval added restrictions to the potential regency.

The regent’s powers to create peers and award offices would be restricted for twelve months, the Queen would be responsible for the King’s care, and the King’s private property would be looked after by trustees.

Supported by the Opposition, the Prince of Wales objected to these restrictions, to no avail. Perceval was able to drive the bill through. On February 5th, 1811, the King gave ascent to the regency bill and the Prince of Wales promptly took the royal oath to become the Prince Regent. With his dislike of Perceval known, everyone had expected the Prince Regent to replace the government, however he surprisingly chose to retain Perceval for the next session of Parliament.

The next year for the government was largely uneventful, with focus mainly being on problems with Ireland and an economic depression.

With the restrictions on the Regent coming to an end in February 1812,

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the King was still showing no sign of recovery and thus the regency would continue. The Prince Regent did make an attempt to persuade Grey and Grenville to join the government to no success, so he chose to retain Perceval’s government yet again.

The government was still facing tough times, as the Opposition was in attack of the Orders in Council, which had caused a crisis in relations with America and were also blamed for the economic depression. The Orders in Council were so unpopular, rioting had broken out in the North and the Midlands, but were largely repressed. Mounted with pressure, the government agreed to set up an inquiry into the Orders in Council and their impact on trade and manufacture.

On May 11th, 1812, as he entered the lobby of the House of Commons to attend a session of the inquiry, a man named John Bellingham approached Perceval and shot him in the chest.

By the time a surgeon arrived, it was too late and Perceval was declared dead, the only Prime Minister to be assassinated. Bellingham had believed he was wrongfully imprisoned in Russia and thus was entitled to compensation from the government, who rejected his petitions. He was tried and hanged for assassinating the Prime Minister.

THE EARL OF LIVERPOOL After Perceval’s assassination, the Prince Regent found difficulty in finding a replacement. The Regent’s first four choices turned down the premiership and so his fifth choice, Robert Jenkinson, the Earl of Liverpool reluctantly accepted the offer. The proposal was that Liverpool would lead the government from the House of Lords, while the government’s leader in the Commons would be Lord Castlereagh. However, the House of Commons voted against the proposal and thus Liverpool and Castlereagh both handed in their resignations, bringing a very quick end to Liverpool’s premiership. Just kidding. The Prince Regent really couldn’t find any other coalition to form a government and so confirmed 174

Liverpool as Prime Minister anyway.

Liverpool’s government was one to be reckoned with, Liverpool himself was considered a skilled politician who held together both wings of the Tory Party and he had an allstar Cabinet, featuring the likes of Lord Castlereagh, George Canning, William Huskisson, Robert Peel and the Duke of Wellington.

Liverpool’s premiership was full of war. Days after the government was formed, the War of 1812 against the United States broke out. It was during this war that the British set fire to both the White House and US Capitol Building. The War of 1812 would end in a draw in 1915. The country was also involved in conflict closer to home, participating in the Napoleonic Wars against France. Alongside many European nations, Napoleon was defeated and exiled. Britain then participated in the Congress of Vienna, which was to decide what to do with Europe, especially in regards to the territories Napoleon had invaded.

Liverpool’s vision was to restore France to its pre-war borders, while maintaining their integrity, as well as ensuring the independence of Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands. The British representative at the Congress of Vienna, Lord Castlereagh, devised a bold plan to establish a defensive alliance with France and Austria, which Liverpool approved of. This alliance proved useful as ten months after being exiled, Napoleon returned to try and reclaim his rule on France, an unsuccessful measure resulting in his defeat in the Battle of Waterloo, led by the Duke of Wellington. With Napoleon exiled again, the Congress of Vienna were able to permanently restore the French monarchy, and years of peace followed.

Back at home, Britain was facing a few financial issues, which can be expected following wars, therefore taxes had to be raised to pay off the national debt. To no surprise, many were unhappy with increased taxes, and notably a group called the Luddites began industrial action by smashing industrial machines developed for the use of the textile industry. Up until

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1816 there were numerous incidents of machine breaking and therefore many of those convicted of doing so faced execution. The Government was spending a large amount of its resources on paying off national debt and funding war pensions. When the House of Commons refused to continue the warfare income tax, the initial response was to borrow money.

Knowing how ruinous government borrowing can be, Liverpool eventually facilitated a return to the gold standard. Later on, the nation had issues involving the agriculture industry. As a result of multiple good harvests, many crops had become incredibly cheap, which led to calls for protection of prices. The powerful agriculture lobbyists in Parliament were able to push Liverpool into passing the Corn Laws, which prohibited the import of foreign wheat until the domestic price had reached a certain level, which helped the transition to peacetime.

Despite this, many societies were still agitated by the economic troubles. Since Liverpool felt that the Government was under threat, he introduced temporary legislation, suspending habeas corpus. Most significantly, a protest in Manchester of about 60,000 people had been responded to by local magistrates to bring in the Army, resulting in the deaths of 18 people and hundreds more injured, in an event now known as the Peterloo Massacre. In response, the Government introduced new legislation known as the Six Acts, which was very repressive. Among some of its restrictions were free speech and the right to peacefully protest. These measures resulted in the foiled Cato Street Conspiracy, which plotted to assassinate Liverpool and the Cabinet.

Liverpool also faced the problem of Catholic emancipation. Liverpool was personally opposed to the idea, arguing that the special relationship between the monarch and the Church of England, plus the Catholic refusal to take the oath of supremacy, justified their exclusion from political power. However, Liverpool did see www.lancmag.com

marginal concessions as important to national stability. By 1925, Catholic emancipation had become quite likely to succeed in parliament.

When George Canning suggested that the Cabinet should back the bill, Liverpool became convinced that his time as Prime Minister had come to an end. Following a severe stroke in 1827, Liverpool finally retired on April 9th. Liverpool died just over a year later, aged 58.

GEORGE CANNING As Lord Liverpool’s right hand man, the King invited George Canning, the MP for Seaford, to form a new government. Canning had most recently served as Foreign Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons since the suicide of Lord Castlereagh in 1922. In selecting Canning, the King (now George IV), had passed over both the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel for the job. As a result, both men decided not to serve in Canning’s government, alongside five other Cabinet ministers and 40 junior ministers. This split the Tory party between the ‘High Tories’, and the more moderate ‘Canningites’. The party split meant Canning struggled to form a government and decided to invite a number of Whigs to join the Cabinet, as well as making himself Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Things started off somewhat badly for Canning as Prime Minister, but don’t worry, it gets worse. When he took office, Canning’s health was already on the decline and he ended up dying of tuberculosis on August 8th, 1927, aged 57. Having died only 119 days into office, Canning is the shortest serving Prime Minister in history.

ADDENDUM: When I began writing this, the Prime Minister was Boris Johnson. Since then, Liz Truss has both been and gone. As I’m sure everyone is aware, Liz Truss’ 49 days in office is somewhat shorter than Canning’s 119 days. I decided not to go back and change anything, so I thought I’d add this little addendum at the end.

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THE VISCOUNT GODERICH When Canning died, the King was still angry with the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel for refusing to serve in Canning’s Cabinet, thus not inviting either of them to form a government.

The man he did appoint was F. J. Robinson, the Viscount Goderich, who had served as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Lord Liverpool and War Secretary under Canning.

Straight away, Goderich faced difficulty in balancing the conflicting demands of the King and the Whigs about the composition of his Cabinet. The King felt three Whigs in government were enough, while the Whigs pushed for a fourth member, Lord Holland, to be appointed Foreign Secretary. Goderich left nobody satisfied with his inability to resolve matters. In fact, Goderich actually made things worse with his indecisiveness on choosing a new Chancellor. Many of Goderich’s fellow Tories were showing growing contempt for Goderich, as was the King, who described Goderich as “a damned, snivelling, blubbering blockhead”. In addition to the stress he was getting from the King and the Whigs, Goderich had a stressful home life, as a result of his wife’s worsening mental health.

As 1828 began, the Duke of Wellington had been gradually distancing himself from the High Tory wing of the party, which led the King to conclude that a Tory-Whig coalition could not continue any further and a Tory ministry led by Wellington would be better. In fact, Goderich seemed to hold a similar opinion, having written a letter of resignation but not yet sending it. One account states that during his meeting with the King, Goderich was in tears but within a few days was very happy. Regardless, after 144 days in office, Goderich was no longer the Prime Minister, having the second shortest premiership after his immediate predecessor. After leaving the premiership, Goderich remained in Government and in 1833 was made Earl of Ripon. He would eventually die in January 1859, aged 76. allied with Spain and Portugal when the Peninsular War broke out, a result of Napoleon’s France attempting to invade the Spanish Peninsula. By 1809, Britain’s government had not taken an active role in the war and Portland’s health was poor. To make matters worse, the government’s reputation took a hit following a scandalous duel between George Canning and Lord Castlereagh. With that, Portland resigned on October 4, 1809 and died at the end of that same month. 

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Commons Speaker Addresses Local Students The Arts Centre at Bolton School was packed with students from several local schools who visited to hear from Sir Lindsay

Sixth Form students from across the borough enjoyed a very special morning with Sir Lindsay Hoyle, The Speaker of the House of Commons, at Bolton School.

M

r Britton, Head of Foundation, welcomed Sir Lindsay, who opened his address with an overview of his political career. He stressed how getting young people involved in politics had always been a priority for him, and, indeed, how this had been a part of his own experience: he had come from a political family, and became the youngest councillor to serve Chorley at the age of twenty-two.

After experiencing local politics, he told how he was encouraged to stand for the Labour Party and spoke about his work as a ‘champion of overseas territories’, even going against the government when necessary.

Sir Lindsay explained how he became a Deputy Speaker and all about his elected position as Chair 176

of Ways and Means, explaining what the role entails and how he fulfils his duties. He also talked about some of the challenges he has faced in the position during what has been a frenetic time in politics, from helping to beef up Parliament’s cyber security, to dealing with the aftermath of the death of Jo Cox and the London Bridge terror attack.

Sir Lindsay then went into more detail about his election as the Speaker of the House of Commons, what the role means and how he has brought his own style to the post. He told how, when he arrived, the top three posts in the Speaker’s office were all held by men: it involved some difficult conversations, but he has since changed that to make it a more diverse office. Having good staff, he said, is key to achieving effectiveness, and he talked about some of the people he works with day to day as well as shedding light on some of the lesser-known aspects of his job: he reminded everyone that ‘sitting in the chair’ is only three

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hours a day, and this is only a small fraction of his role! As the ‘Chairman’ of the House of Commons, he is also responsible for salary negotiations, making decisions about repairs to the building and a host of other duties and responsibilities. Reflecting on some of the key moments from his time in the House of Commons, he recalled how the mood of the chamber changed completely when word came through that the Queen was ‘very ill’.

In closing, Sir Lindsay said that Parliament had undoubtedly changed over the years. However, he emphasised, there is a need to bring back respect, not just tolerance. He said that people should believe in democracy and that the ballot box should be the answer. Overall, he said he felt ‘lucky’ to have such a ‘wonderful job’ and that the House can be the worst or the best and ‘when it’s the best there’s no better place to be’.

Sir Lindsay then opened the floor to questions, the first of which was: is www.lancmag.com

Sir Lindsay Hoyle gave an interesting address about his political career to date

it difficult to remain neutral? He replied that being neutral is part of the rules, and he couldn’t have taken the job if he wasn’t prepared to follow them. He admitted that it is sometimes difficult, but he cannot show favouritism. When asked whether it is difficult to represent his constituency as Speaker, he said that he still lives in Chorley and ensures that he makes time to be there and to talk to constituents.

He also said that he has a unique position, in that he may not be able to speak in the chamber, but he can summon the Prime Minister, and others, and, in private, use his position effectively on behalf of his constituents.

‘Sir Lindsay’s talk was a wonderful opportunity for Bolton School students studying Politics at A Level, as well as younger Girls’ Division pupils involved in Model United Nations (MUN), to hear from a senior political figure about working in Government. I was delighted to extend an invite to local schools and colleges too. All in all, it has been a great morning’, said Mr Winrow.

He talked about Prime Minister’s Questions as being ‘pure theatre’, a good place to raise issues but not a place for effective scrutiny or to get an answer. He offered his thoughts on Scottish independence, and spoke on the necessity of a scrutinising body, whether that be the Lords or some other entity. He also shared some anecdotes about the Speakers’ Conference, which he hosted in Chorley at the request of Nancy Pelosi! He talked about the psychological impact of the job on MPs, including the abuse and intimidation they can face, and the work he has done to combat this and encourage positive health and wellbeing.

In light of Liz Truss’s resignation in the days before his visit, several questions were posed about the change in Prime Minister and the possibility of a General Election. Sir Lindsay stressed that it is important for his job to be able to build a relationship with the Prime Minister, whoever they may be, and that the country needs stability most of all. He reminded everyone that the UK does not have a presidential system, and the public selects a political party, not a person.

Year 13 students taking Politics A Level at Bolton School with Sir Lindsay after his talk

Finally, Sir Lindsay gave his advice to those looking to pursue a career in politics: get involved in local, grassroots politics and join a party. He said that if you want to be at the cutting edge, look at becoming an MP, but also reminded the audience that civil servants are often involved in politics at the highest levels without being political.

Mr Britton thanked Sir Lindsay for his address and his thoughtful answers to the questions posed by students. He also thanked Mr Winrow of the Bolton School Girls’ Division History and Politics Department for arranging the event. www.lancmag.com

Sir Lindsay Hoyle with Bolton School pupils who are involved with MUN

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Celebrate with a Grand Afternoon Tea Crumbs! Delicious Afternoon Tea & Show Packages are now available at Blackpool Grand Theatre!

Legend has it that the sandwich gets its name from the 18th century Fourth Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, who was so fond of gambling he never wanted to leave the table. In 1762 he requested that some food be prepared that could be eaten without needing to get up from his gambling table. So, the cook brought him meat surrounded by two pieces of bread and the “Sandwich” was born.

W

hat’s the perfect way to celebrate? By booking a magnificent Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Grand Theatre!

This year the research team from Betway studied the volume increases of most popular sandwich fillings over a period of 12 months. By studying Google Trends data, they calculated the nation’s favourite sandwiches, which features all the usual suspects and a surprise addition.

Add a slice more luxury to your next theatre trip with one of our delectable Afternoon Tea & Show Packages.

It’s what afternoons were made for!

Relax in our glorious Dress Circle bar and enjoy a tempting selection of savoury and sweet treats before slipping into your seats for a marvellous matinee show. It’s the extra special theatrical experience you all deserve…

We have Afternoon Tea & Show Packages available for matinee performances of Sherlock Holmes’ thrilling mystery The Valley of Fear, Ian Hislop’s critically acclaimed and absurdly funny new play SPIKE, breathtaking live ballets Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake and West End big hitters Titanic The Musical and Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story to name just a few!

Butter up your loved ones with an extra special tasty treat. They will eat it up!

The humble sandwich is the go-to lunch for millions of people across the UK and beyond and its beauty and undying popularity lies in its simplicity. Consisting of two slices of bread holding a layer of meat, cheese or some other simple yet tasty ingredient, a sandwich is quick to rustle up and easy to eat.

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Check out the top five fave finger foods this year: 1. Egg and cress - 450% increase The egg sandwich wears the crown for being the nation’s favourite butty. Creamy and flavoursome, this simple sarnie can be rustled up in less than 15 minutes and uses cheap ingredients that won’t break the lunch budget. Add crisps and it’s even more delicious!

2. Marmalade - 200% increase The increased popularity of a marmalade sandwich may be down to a very simple explanation that hails from deepest, darkest Peru. Paddington Bear. Marmalade sandwiches featured in a famous Jubilee skit in which the late Queen, in conversation with Paddington Bear, professed to keeping an ‘emergency marmalade sandwich’ in her bag. Delightful!

3. Submarine - 180% increase When it comes to sandwiches it seems that we have been very influenced by America, with searches for the submarine sandwich increasing by a whopping 180%.

A ‘sub’ is a cylindrical butty that is essentially filled with goodness such as a meat, salad and layered cheese, with most popular combinations being spicy salami, pepperoni and Black Forest ham.

4. Coronation chicken - 160% increase This tasty chicken sandwich reigns supreme according to Brits. Loaded with herbs and spices and complemented further with a dollop of creamy mayonnaise, this sandwich filling is one for those who like subtle spice in their food.

5. Chicken club sandwich - 150% increase Loaded with layers of bread, meat, lettuce and juicy tomato, this mouthwatering sarnie is the ultimate hangover cure. It is also great for those who want to increase their vegetable intake.

LISTINGS Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear - Sat 5 Nov 2022 Afternoon Tea & Show Package available from 12.30pm SPIKE – Sat 19 Nov - Afternoon Tea & Show Package available from 12.30pm Classical Ballet & Opera House - Sleeping Beauty – Sun 20 Nov - Afternoon Tea & Show Package available from 1pm Varna International Ballet - Swan Lake – Sat 14 Jan 2023 & The Nutcracker – Sun 15 Jan - Afternoon Tea & Show Package available from 1pm Around The World in 80 Days – Thu 2 Mar Afternoon Tea & Show Package available from 12.30pm & Sat 4 Mar at 11.30am.

Titanic the Musical – Thu 23 & Sat 25 Mar - Afternoon Tea & Show Package available from 1pm Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story – Wed 26 & Sat 29 Apr - - Afternoon Tea & Show Package available from 1pm Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap – Thu 22 & Sat 24 Jun - Afternoon Tea & Show Package available from 12.30pm

M Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT N 01253 290 190 D blackpoolgrand.co.uk F @blackpoolgrand T @Grand_Theatre I grandtheatrebpl

Will your favourite sandwich be included in our exciting Afternoon Tea & Show Packages?

Our delicious Afternoon Tea is on offer before selected matinee performances in our magnificent Dress Circle bar with a pot of tea for £11 or with a glass of bubbly for just £16.

For further information and bookings please call the Box Office on 01253 290190 or add Afternoon Tea when prompted during your online show booking at www. blackpoolgrand.co.uk But hurry - there are limited places available for these exclusive events! Book now before they are all sc-one!

Please note there are approximately 25 stairs to access the Dress Circle Bar. Please highlight any allergies at time of booking. www.lancmag.com

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Major Funding Boost for Blackpool Illuminations’ Lightpool Festival live performances, family-friendly activities, and 3D projection shows.

It showcased new installations and artwork never seen before in the UK, with international works from France and the Netherlands, and Odyssey, the largest 3D light installation ever created by the Illuminations team.

It also saw the return of the extraordinary Carnival Magic show in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the Illuminated Tram Parade, a once-a-year opportunity to see the resort’s illuminated heritage trams travelling in convoy beneath the world-famous Illuminations.

Blackpool Illuminations is to become an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation for the first time – providing a funding boost of almost £700k over the next three years.

A grant of £225k a year, starting in April 2023, will allow the Illuminations team to develop the work of Lightpool, the award-winning light art festival held in October every year.

The funding is part of a £43.5m investment in Levelling Up by the Arts Council with around 900 organisations being named within the new national portfolio.

Blackpool’s Grand Theatre and Grundy Art Gallery, both existing NPOs, have been awarded a new three-year investment with the Grand receiving more than £1.5m and The Grundy £99k.

The Illuminations NPO funding will enable: • Commissioning of new light art for the Illuminations display and Lightpool Festival collaborating with national and international artists; • Delivery of an extensive talent development programme for artists and creatives with artists in residence; and developing new work using the expertise of the Illuminations team and the amazing facilities at Lightworks, the Illuminations manufacturing facility at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone; • Expansion of the work with local cultural partners such as LeftCoast, Old Electric, and the Grand Theatre to provide year-round activity for children, young people and local communities to creatively take part and present work to a wider audience during the Illuminations season and as part of Lightpool Festival.

Lightpool Festival, which is staged over October halfterm, has become established as one of the UK’s best lightbased festivals. The 2022 event, which finished on October 29, featured 16 nights of free entertainment including a spectacular mix of light-based art installations, stunning 182

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Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council said: “We are immensely proud of Lightpool Festival and excited that it is now a part of the Arts Council’s national portfolio.

“It gives us a tremendous opportunity to collaborate with artists and partners both nationally and internationally to present the best contemporary light art work of the day to our present Illuminations audience of more than three million locals and visitors.

“We have a vibrant arts scene in Blackpool with some wonderful independent organisations and the funding will enable us to collaborate with them to a much greater level.”

Phil Holmes, Artistic Director for Lightpool said: “This is wonderful news and comes on the back of a highly successful 2022 Lightpool Festival this October where we delighted audiences with exciting work from international artists and supported emerging artists in presenting light art work to the public for the first time.

“This funding will enable us to build on our support and development of artists and creatives in particular with new technologies.”

Lightpool Festival forms part of a spectacular programme of autumn and winter entertainment. This includes: Blackpool Illuminations The annual Blackpool Illuminations have once again been extended by two months running nightly from September 2, 2022 to January 2, 2023. This year’s display includes a reimagining of the stretch of lights on the famous Golden Mile by TV star and designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Christmas By The Sea Our magical Christmas village is back for 2022 with free skating, snowfalls, magic forest, outdoor lightshows and festive market and the return of the Star Flyer, one of Europe’s highest swing rides. It runs from November 18 until January 2 on the Tower Festival Headland. Christmas By The Sea is returning this winter – thanks to the resort’s tourism businesses and national broadband providers, TalkTalk. Further information here:

www.visitblackpool.com/christmas www.lancmag.com

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Ambitious New Project Launched to Tackle Climate Change in North Lancashire FoodFutures

The Closing Loops project is launched by FoodFutures, North Lancashire’s sustainable food network, to support communityled action and local initiatives to transform waste into a valuable resource. It aims to stimulate a zero-waste, circular and regenerative local economy.

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ocal residents and businesses are invited to join one of four public events across North Lancashire to celebrate the launch of the project and get involved.

FoodFutures, North Lancashire’s sustainable food network, is launching 184

a five year project called Closing Loops funded through the National Lottery Community Fund. The project will take forward parts of ‘Our Food Futures: a community food strategy for North Lancashire’ supporting a vision for a local food system and wider local economy that is healthy, resilient and fair.

Closing Loops will develop new initiatives to reduce and repurpose waste, including food waste, whilst promoting healthy, seasonal and sustainable food and supporting regenerative enterprises. By the end of the five years the project will have reached beyond the initial focus on food, supporting initiatives tackling waste and sustainable consumption

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issues linked to materials such as textiles, plastics and packaging. The overarching project vision is to create a thriving local REconomy which regenerates both the environment and our communities, locally and globally.

Food is a critical place to start in tackling climate change. As Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said in November 2021: “Food accounts for one third of global greenhouse gas emissions so must be at the forefront of the climate debate.” The way food is currently produced, distributed and wasted has huge negative impacts on both the environment and on society. The Closing Loops project www.lancmag.com

will bring people together across North Lancashire to co-create ways of taking action at a local level to build a food system and local economy that is better for people and the planet.

The project team are keen to hear from organisations, enterprises and community groups with ideas to feed into the Closing Loops themes:

• Growing, cooking and eating local, seasonal food • Composting, surplus food redistribution and reducing food waste • Reimagining a circular and regenerative local economy “WORLD CAFE” CELEBRATION EVENTS

Along with the world cafe events, a recipe challenge will be launched inviting chefs and passionate cooks from across North Lancashire to send in their favourite One Planet recipes and to share what they think makes it a recipe fit for a One Planet Menu.

MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

There are plenty of ways to get involved in the project already include volunteering for gleaning events (harvesting produce that would otherwise go to waste), starting community composting schemes or getting trained in composting skills, running community cooking skills sessions, starting a regenerative enterprise, writing for the community food magazine THRIVE, supporting Lancaster’s seasonal markets and more.

To celebrate the launch of Closing Loops, FoodFutures is hosting four “world cafes” in the heart of communities around our district. A “world cafe” brings people together for short, focused conversations around a specific topic. The outcome of these conversations will shape the work of the Closing Loops project over the next five years. The world cafe events are also an opportunity for local residents and business owners to meet the project team and find out more about the opportunities offered by the project.

Anyone interested in getting involved can find out more and get in touch through the project page on the FoodFutures website: foodfutures. org.uk/about-us/collaborativeprojects/closing-loops/

The conversations will be followed by a two course meal cooked by a community chef using locally produced, seasonal and surplus food. One of the aims of the Closing Loops projects is to celebrate local, seasonal, sustainable and fair food and to reduce the amount of food that is wasted. These aims will be highlighted in the creation of the menu for the evening.

“We’re delighted to be part of the Closing Loops Project. This work is important to us because as the umbrella body for voluntary organisations across the Lancaster District we exist to support our members to support their communities. Closing Loops means people will get together to think about how the district’s economy can support their aspirations, take positive action in their own communities to develop sources of nourishing, local and sustainable food, and create a legacy by nurturing the skills we need for a better future.”

The Closing Loops team is inviting everyone who lives, works and eats in North Lancashire to join for a pleasant evening of great food and inspiring conversations. There will be a series of four world cafes in locations across North Lancashire: At the Gregson Centre in Lancaster, Carnforth Civic Hall, the Victoria Institute in Caton and a venue to be confirmed in Morecambe. People living and working in North Lancashire are invited to join the event nearest to them. www.lancmag.com

The Closing Loops project is delivered in partnership by Eggcup, Global Link, Lancaster District Community & Voluntary Solutions (LDCVS), LESS (Lancaster District) CIC, Scientists for Global Responsibility, and Shared Future CIC.

Nick Smith, Lancaster District Community Voluntary Solutions

“The challenge of climate change and the current cost of living crisis can feel overwhelming. Whilst we need governments to take positive action to tackle these challenges, there are lots of things we can do locally that can make a real difference. The Closing Loops project was made possible thanks to National Lottery funding. It seeks to reduce the climate impact of our food system, whilst improving people’s access to good and healthy food. It also aims to do this whilst building a local economy that is less wasteful and supports communities across North Lancashire and our environment to thrive. We’d love for you to join us at one of our world cafe events this autumn. We also invite you to look at other ways you can get involved via the FoodFutures website” Rachel Marshall, Closing Loops Project Coordinator at LESS (Lancaster) CIC “Sharing food together is at the heart of any community. Shared Future is a social enterprise set up in Lancaster District in 2009 and we’re pleased to be involved in the Closing Loops partnership. Helping, in a small way, to grow the resilience of the whole community in the face of massive changes that will come from the climate change emergency. It’s so important that everyone has access to affordable, high quality, sustainable and locally produced food.”

Jez Hall, Shared Future CIC.

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The life of Di

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

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ANOTHER YEAR OVER

o another year near done - and was that the best it could do? It’s not as if I were expecting some miracle year of perfection, stardom, and pure unadulterated fairy dust or anything. But still.

Then again, with enough lousiness, anything remotely better has you positively tasting mince pies, and hearing Jingle Bells. And why not? I’ve never exactly dismissed simple pleasures.

On the contrary, I’ve bored people rigid over the years with the assertion that one could have as big a blast at Bispham Kitchen as up the Empire State.

Well the memories: My accidentally knocking the cream from my scone into my friend’s lap; the same friend haring from the premises in pursuit of an Easter card, which’d been blown the length of the street by a force10 blast admitted by the latest customer. Then there was the time I was gazing admiringly at the annual festive snowman when one of my companions suddenly broke into a rendition of “Walking in the Air”, which had glass shattering all over the shop, and bats descending from all directions.

However, I regret that it should have taken a year bluer than Elvis’s anticipated Yuletide to have me doing true justice to the not bad things in life – whether they’re reindeer-sledding in Finland, tranquilly tracking the progress of yachts,

fishing boats, and the Nott-End ferry, exuberantly kicking up autumn leaves in Green Drive or by the river in Preston, or just peacefully playing scrabble while outside it pistols it down. I feel it shouldn’t have taken me anywhere near so long – it’s not as if I’ve ever confused life with either an actual or likely walk in Stanley Park culminating in a picnic party and Cinderella ball. I got there in the end however – even if people DO seem to look at me askance when, for instance, I rave about the illuminations as though they were the northern lights, and rhapsodize over an impromptu lunch at the Bell and Bottle as though it were a ten-course banquet at the Ritz.

I also now savour every ounce of every detail pointed out to me when I’m out and about: The Fleetwood lake whipped into a frenzy of waves and whizzing model yachts; the distant rainbow forming; the seagull looking as though studying a café menu – and trying to decide between a screwball ice-cream, and a sausage and egg barm; and a veritable Aladdin’s cave of luminescent buds, berries, and bright autumn leaves - not to mention every kind of glittery article on offer in Primark.

The downside to enough lousiness, (apart from the thing itself of course), is that you’d happily have it Christmas by

Bonfire Night: And even I, Christmas nut personified, - despite paradoxically being the world’s biggest cynic, and an eternal pessimist then some, - have never yet found the balls, (blown glass or otherwise), to put my tree up and belt out “Deck the Hall” to the accompaniment of bangers, rockets, and Catherine wheels.

So it’s no good, I’ll have to leave it to Barton Grange, from where I’m newly returned - and which I declare could give Santa a run for his money in the Yuletide gaiety, jollity, and good cheer department. Marvellous at any time, its magicality approaching Christmas time is like the wise men’s star, I.E. a thing of wonder – and more than sufficient to raise the spirits, (in spite of themselves), and however briefly, enchant, and lift the heart of even the most jaundiced observer.

On which note, a very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year – which will hopefully bring health, wealth, and happiness – and not a humongous great pile of reindeer droppings like the last one.

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Lanes Group Hails Success of Unblocktober’s Manchester Canal Clean-Up Event Lanes Group cleans up Manchester’s canals as part of environmental initiative Unblocktober

Lanes Group has welcomed the success of an event to clean up Manchester’s canals, in support of environmental and drain health initiative Unblocktober.

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he event took place on 25th October 2022 under authorisation of the Canal & River Trust, and was supported by local businesses such as Clever Closet and I-COM, as well as members of the general public.

The group spent two hours picking up litter on the canal banks in the New Islington area of the city and in that time filled ten bin bags with

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waste left on the banks of the canal.

The clean up found a huge range of items on the banks from glass to cotton buds to plastic bags and wet wipes. The initiative was designed to highlight how our waste disposal habits can have a negative impact on the environment, a key message of the Unblocktober campaign.

Participants were able to see firsthand how plastic pollution affects our waterways, while exemplifying the goals of Unblocktober by doing their bit to undo some of the damage.

The UK has spent decades consistently putting unsuitable items into our drains, including everything from cooking oils to cotton buds, condoms and wet wipes. These items

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can coagulate to create fatbergs that clog our pipes and sewers, or enter waterways and cause huge damage to our environment. Unblocktober wishes to highlight the steps that all of us can take to keep our waterways clear and clean.

Jacob Larkin, Lanes’ spokesperson for Unblocktober, said: “This year, the Unblocktober campaign focused on how now is a ‘Time for Action’. We all need to work together to address the ecological and climatic impact of poor drain health, as the environmental challenges we face become more urgent. If everyone does their part, we can make a true difference. www.lancmag.com

This includes any of the following products:

“We are so grateful to all the members of the public and businesses who came to the event. The clean-up had a fantastic impact not only on the local area, but on raising awareness of the issue of drain health with members of the public. Those who attended chatted to the team members taking part, which gave us the chance to highlight the need for action now. We are excited to build on this year’s success next year and to keep working towards the goals of Unblocktober.”

More about Unblocktober Unblocktober is a pioneering annual campaign launched in 2019, that takes place each October. The aim is to improve the health of our drains, sewers, watercourses and seas, and the event is driven completely by the British public.

The campaign encourages individuals and businesses to take the Unblocktober pledge, which means committing to keeping potentially damaging waste products away from their drains for the whole month. www.lancmag.com

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cooking oil - pre or post-cooking Margarine Butter Lard Cooking sauces and condiments Food - even crumbs Wet wipes Face masks Tampons, applicators and wrappers Sanitary/menstrual pads and towels Nappies Condoms Cotton buds Contact lenses Bandages and plasters Razor blades Dental floss

• Rubber gloves Flushing these items can result in huge fatbergs, which block drains and sewers and can result in flooding or other significant environmental problems. This in turn can cause increased pollution in our waterways, at a time when we cannot afford to create any more environmental damage.

For more information on the campaign and how to get involved, visit: https://www.unblocktober.org/ LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 189

World Horse Welfare Welcomes Recommendations That Horse Transport Laws Should Be Improved

Shorter journeys, more space and better training for those involved in the transport of horses are some of the recommendations welcomed by World Horse Welfare in the report on animal transport from the European Commission’s (EC) scientific advisors at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

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n light of long-standing concerns about animal welfare during transport, in 2020 EFSA was asked by the EC to review the science in preparation for a possible update of EU laws governing the transport of animals for commercial purposes, including for slaughter, under the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy. World Horse Welfare, whose founding campaign seeks to stop needless long journeys to slaughter in Europe, submitted its own evidence to the EFSA as part of this review.

The EFSA provided their recommendations to the Commission in five separate reports, covering all animals transported as livestock, one of which covers equids (full report and plain summary can be found here).

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare said: “We welcome this report which acknowledges what we have been saying for years: the longer the journey, the more horses can suffer, especially when conditions are not right. These recommendations echo many of our own, including the need for shorter journeys, increased space allowance and better training

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for everyone involved in transporting horses. The report is an irrefutable case for change, and I very much hope that their recommendations will be taken on board, alongside a specified maximum journey time limit.

both its width and total length. Overall total journey times should be reduced, and stationary rest, feed and watering should be provided every four hours for a minimum of 30 minutes during each journey.

“In the shadow of Brexit there is a real danger that animal transport requirements in GB and EU will significantly differ. World Horse Welfare is working to seek as close alignment as possible with animal welfare and health rules, including disease control.

This will hopefully ensure the welfare of equines as they are transported between the EU and Great Britain, but also allow for ease of compliance for transporters.”

Unlike other species, a large number of equids are transported for reasons other than to slaughter, and these recommendations will affect all horses being transported for commercial purposes. However, it is recognised that horses being transported for slaughter are often subjected to longer journeys, and often in poorer conditions, and so these recommendations will benefit these animals in particular.

The report acknowledges that transportation carries risks and potential for stress for the animals involved. The recommendations EFSA are making aim to reduce these by specifying the maximum temperatures the animals should be exposed to and the amount of space each individual requires whilst being transported. The research highlights that being fit for transport is of the utmost importance for an animal’s welfare but recognises that despite its importance, no agreed scientific definition of the concept of fitness for transport currently exists and more research is required.

The recommendations state that horses should not be transported in temperatures inside the vehicles above 25oC (higher-welfare vehicles have temperature-controlled interiors, but many transport vehicles do not), and that each animal should have a minimum of 40cm space in excess of

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A key element of the recommendations, and one which World Horse Welfare has stressed from the beginning of the review that led to these recommendations, is the need for training for transporters and handlers to enable them to effectively assess the welfare of horses during transport.

If these recommendations are agreed, this will benefit equines moving into and out of the EU, ensuring their journeys before/after passing through borders into third countries - including Great Britain - will be of a higher minimum welfare standard.

w w w. w o r l d h o r s e w e l f a r e . o r g www.lancmag.com

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KURT SCHWITTERS

- The Art Pioneer Who Ended His Days In Cumbria

By Margaret Brecknell Compelled to flee Nazi Germany for no other crime than being an artist, Kurt Schwitters died in a Kendal hospital 75 years ago this month, far from his native land.

H

e was born in the German city of Hanover on 20th June 1887, the only child of a middle-class family. He studied art, as a teenager, at the city’s School of Applied Arts before, in 1909, being recommended by his tutor to attend Dresden’s Academy of Fine Arts.

Two years later, four of his pictures were exhibited for the first time at an art gallery in Hanover, but it wasn’t all plain sailing for the budding artist.

Shortly afterwards, Schwitters applied to study art at the Berlin Academy, but following a short probation period was rejected as being “untalented”. Despite this knockback, Schwitters continued his training in Dresden and his work began to appear regularly at exhibitions in his native Hanover.

Following the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Schwitters returned full-time to Hanover. The following year, he married Helma Fischer and the couple set up home in a flat on the second floor of his parents’ house. Schwitters had suffered from epilepsy since early childhood, which meant that for the early years of the war he was excused from active military service. He was eventually called up in March 1917, but was declared unfit and was instead sent to work as a technical draughtsman at an ironworks just outside Hanover.

Schwitters’ early artwork was influenced by the German Expressionist movement. This style may be best described in layman’s terms as art in 192

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Above: Kurt Schwitters in 1927

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which the image of reality is altered and exaggerated in order to reflect the artist’s emotional reaction to what they are painting. Following the end of the war, however, Schwitters began to experiment in a different medium.

His first abstract collages appeared in late 1918. Assembled from wastepaper and other pieces of scrap material found in the street, Schwitters described these works as Merz. He came up with this term for his own unique style of art after spotting an advertisement for a local bank called the “Commerz” on a piece of scrap paper used in one of his early collages.

“I could see no reason why used tram tickets, bits of driftwood, buttons and old junk from attics and rubbish heaps should not serve well as materials for paintings; they suited the purpose just as well as factory-made paints”, Schwitters later recalled.

Before long, Schwitters was experimenting with ever larger collages. He created his first Merzbau (or Merz building) at his own family home in Hanover, transforming part of the interior of the house into a series of sculptural installations made from found materials. This was a constantly evolving large-scale project on which he worked for 15 years or more until circumstances dictated that he could do so no longer.

By the early 1930s, Schwitters was a well-known figure on the German art scene, but trouble was brewing. In 1933, his artwork was included in a touring exhibition of Degenerate Art organised by the Nazi Party. Hitler and his associates were outspoken critics of the modern art movement, advocating instead a return to more traditional artistic forms. The Degenerate Art exhibition was intended to “educate” the German public on the immoral nature of modern art, whilst at the same time ridiculing the artists involved. Soon Schwitters’ work was no longer exhibited in regular art shows.

In August 1936, two close artist friends of Schwitters, Christof and Luise Spengemann, were arrested by the Gestapo in Hanover and subsequently imprisoned. Schwitters’ own 18-year-old son, Ernst, who was a talented photographer, also risked arrest after joining a youth resistance group and late that same year fled www.lancmag.com

Portrait of Erich Kahn at the Hutchinson Square Camp by Kurt Schwitters

Germany for Norway. The Schwitters had regularly holidayed there as a family in the past. Schwitters followed his son there a matter of days later after being summoned for an “interview” by the Gestapo.

accompanied by his son and new daughter-in-law. They fled to the far north of the country, from where they escaped by boat to Scotland on board a Norwegian icebreaker.

Schwitters set up home in the Norwegian town of Lysaker, not far from Oslo. Here he began work on another Merzbau project, which he called the Haus am Bakken (House on the Hill). His wife, Helma, remained in Hanover to look after their business interests and gradually arrangements were made for the artist’s most important works to be shipped to Lysaker for safekeeping. In July 1939, Helma visited her husband and son in Norway. War broke out a few weeks later and they never saw each other again.

Schwitters may have been compelled to flee his homeland because of Nazi persecution, but, as a German national arriving in the UK, he was treated as an “enemy alien” and transported to a nearby internment camp. He was eventually sent to the Isle of Man where he was held at Hutchinson Square Camp, close to the island’s capital of Douglas, along with around 1200 other internees from Germany and Austria. These included an extraordinarily high number of artists, writers and musicians, all of whom had fled their homes because of fear of Nazi reprisals.

In April 1940, German military forces invaded Norway. Schwitters was compelled to abandon his second Merzbau project (which was subsequently destroyed by fire) and was forced to go on the run again,

Despite the unpromising situation in which they found themselves, Schwitters and his fellow artists established their own creative community within the Hutchinson Square Camp. They even held their

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own exhibitions with the support of the camp commander, who was himself an art enthusiast. Bearing in mind the lack of materials, Schwitters’ output during this period was quite phenomenal. The German artist made full use of his wellhoned talent for recycling the seemingly most unpromising bits of scrap paper to create unique collages. He even crafted sculptures out of porridge (unsurprisingly, none of these have survived). He also produced many paintings, including landscapes inspired by his time in Norway and portraits of his fellow detainees.

Schwitters applied for release on several occasions, but without success. “I am now the last artist here – all the others are free”, he wrote to his wife in April 1941. “But all things are equal. If I stay here, then I have plenty to occupy myself. If I am released, then I will enjoy freedom”. He was finally released, in November 1941, after 16 months in the Isle of Man camp.

Schwitters moved to London, where he lived in a boarding house in Paddington. Here he met the young English woman who would subsequently become his partner. Edith Thomas, aka “Wantee”, was some 30 years his junior. The affectionate nickname was inspired by her very British habit of asking him, “Want tea?”.

The couple holidayed in the Lake District during September 1942. Following the end of the war, they went to live in Ambleside on a permanent basis. By this time Helma Schwitters had died of cancer in Hanover. Schwitters was

himself far from well by this stage, having suffered a stroke in April 1944, so had given up any hope of following his son, Ernst, who had returned to Norway. Perhaps, the lakes and the mountains of the Lake District reminded him of the Norwegian landscape which may explain why he chose to settle there.

The German artist was regarded as an eccentric figure by the locals, who were unaware of his earlier illustrious career. By and large, he eked out a living from portrait and landscape painting, but also began what proved to be his final Merzbau project.

In 1946, Schwitters rented a small stone barn on Cylinders Farm near Elterwater to use as an art studio, having spotted the building when he was invited to paint the portrait of the estate owner, Harry Pierce. His former family home in Hanover had been badly bombed during World War II and the artist’s extensive Merzbau installation there catastrophically damaged. Schwitters had applied for a grant from the Museum of Modern Art in New York to fund a restoration project. However, it soon became clear that restoration was out of the question.

In March 1947, the artist wrote to his son, Ernst, “I will suggest starting a new Merzbau here in England or in USA. I simply have to live as long as necessary as for a new Merzbau.” Soon afterwards, the Museum of Modern Art offered him a grant of $3000 to commence a new project.

Autumn in Elterwater Valley, Lake District

Schwitters was already seriously ill by the time that work began on the Merz Barn at Elterwater during the summer of 1947. Sadly, he had only completed a fraction of the elaborate project which he had planned for the barn by the time he died a few months later, on 8th January 1948.

Eventually, nearly two decades later, the wall on which this artwork had been created was transferred intact to the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle, where it remains on display.

Shortly before his death, Schwitters remarked perceptively that, “No-one knows who I am now, but in 60 years they will”. Perhaps the German artist’s experimental collages were just too avant-garde to be fully appreciated during the era in which he worked. Certainly by the time of his death he had largely faded into obscurity, not helped by the political turmoil in his homeland and his enforced exile.

Happily, today he is regarded as one of the 20th-century art world’s most innovative and influential figures, whose work has inspired everyone from the pop artists of the 1950s and 1960s (think, Andy Warhol et al) to modern British artists like Damien Hirst and Antony Gormley.

It would all be too easy to marvel at the extraordinary way in which Kurt Schwitters was persecuted by the Nazi regime during the late 1930s, simply because it objected to his avant-garde style of art, and think that this could never happen today. Sadly, the opposite is true. A “State of Artistic Freedom” report recently revealed that last year well over www.lancmag.com

Above: 1987 German stamp commemorating Kurt Schwitters

100 artists from all around the globe were imprisoned, or, in a few cases, even killed, by regimes intent on silencing artistic expression. 

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Neil Makes Lakeland Motor Museum a Shining Example If you find it hard work keeping your own car bright and clean – spare a thought for Neil Wood who has hundreds to buff and polish!

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t’s Neil’s job to make sure all the classic and vintage vehicles at the Lakeland Motor Museum look their best for visitors.

But, while many motorists find it a chore keeping one car clean, Neil relishes the huge task he faces: “I love it!” he says: “Absolutely love it!”.

“I don’t really even mind when visitors come and accidentally put a handprint on a shiny new car – it gives me a job to do!” he laughs.

It’s been Neil’s job to prepare and valet the Museum’s collection of vehicles since 2017.

But his connection with the Lakeland Motor Museum goes back many years. “I’ve always had a real 198

affection for the place. I used to go and wander around the exhibits when I was a teenager and it was in its original home at Holker Hall,” he says.

“It’s a special place. I’ve been to lots of other museums and they are just not the same. You go to some places and its obvious things haven’t been dusted for weeks!”

Neil’s job involves far more than simply keeping things shining and clean. He’s a professional detailer and valeter. The Lakeland Motor Museum prides itself on preserving originality and not over restoring the classic vehicles it displays.

“A vehicle’s age, style and signs of use are what makes it special,” he says. “On top of the usual day to day valeting I will also pick an individual vehicle and spend some extra time making sure it is looking nice.

“It can be a car or one of the many motorbikes we have here – they are

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all special and deserve to be well looked after.”

That can mean anything from removing rust from chrome work, tackling scratches to cleaning upholstery or waxing body panels.

“My favourite vehicle here is the 1937 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine which was used on the streets of Knightsbridge in London.

“If it could talk it would be able to tell so many tales of all the people who have ridden in it. It’s an incredible piece of motoring history.”

The Fleetwood takes a lot of looking after. It’s the biggest car on show at the Backbarrow attraction. It was once the family car of the daughter of Sir John Betjeman – the former Poet Laureate. She was friends with royalty so who knows who may have enjoyed a trip in it. www.lancmag.com

Making the classic cars fit for presentation can involve painstaking work. “The Humber Hawk estate took 16 days to prepare,” explains Neil.

“It’s interior was covered with orange mould and I had to use a toothbrush to make sure we got rid of it to stop it from deteriorating over time.”

He has spent two days a week over the last 5 years cleaning, waxing and polishing the many classic vehicles on display at the museum – making sure you can see your face reflected in the chrome finishings.

“I never get sick of the sight of them! They are wonderful vehicles and its great to be able to talk to visitors about them and show them all the incredible detailing.”

When he’s not at the museum Neil runs his own mobile detailing and valeting business covering North Lancashire and South Lakeland. So it’s hard to say just how many cars he’s waxed and polished in that time. “It must be in the thousands!” he says.

“Working on the historic vehicles at the Lakeland Museum gives me a great sense of satisfaction. It’s great to know that I’m keeping a little bit of history in the best condition possible.”

He adds: “Don’t tell anyone but if I could afford to do it as a volunteer – I probably would!” 

www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 199

New Homes Sell Out In Clayton-Le-Woods HOUSEBUILDER Redrow is celebrating after putting up the ‘sold sign’ at another successful development in Lancashire.

left:

The Balmoral and The Blenheim

All 26 homes have now been purchased at its select Willows Green development in Clayton-le-Woods, near Leyland, but homebuyers need not be disappointed as they can still put down roots at the nearby Sycamore Manor in Whittle-le-Woods.

“It’s always a lovely time for us when we sell the final homes on a development and look back at what both we, and our homeowners, have achieved,” said Sian Pitt, sales director for Redrow Lancashire.

“For us, especially in areas like this when our homes collections have been so sought-after, there is the satisfaction of knowing we have created a community that people really want to live in and, one which will thrive as they settle in.

“It also means that we have done our jobs well in choosing a location that offers such an attractive place to live. Willows Green was a smaller but beautiful venture of three and four-bedroom detached homes that were ideal for families. It also neighboured our hugely popular The Hedgerows development, which sold out in 2019.

“Both completed developments are close to the lovely market town of Leyland and the city of Preston, yet with great links to Manchester; and they are also close to open green spaces like Cuerden Valley Park.”

And Sian adds: “Fortunately we can still offer homebuyers similar benefits with another superb development just a few miles away.”

Sycamore Manor, off Mottram Close in Chorley, will eventually be home to 39 three, four and five-bedroom homes including 200

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some of the builder’s most luxurious house styles like The Balmoral and The Henley.

Among them, the four-bedroom The Richmond, starting at £629,995, is a magnificent detached family home. It has an open plan kitchen with adjoining dining and family areas great for the family to gather together - plus a separate lounge.

A utility and cloakroom, as well as an integral garage, add to the practicalities of this home for a busy and active family.

Upstairs are four double bedrooms offering plenty of space for everyone: the main bedroom enjoying a luxurious en-suite and dressing room, and bedroom two boasting its own en-suite too, with a family bathroom more than able serving bedrooms three and four.

Show homes and a brand new customer experience suite are now open, where buyers can view plans for the development and find out more about everything it means to buy a new Redrow home.

Located within easy reach of the M61, Sycamore Manor offers commutable routes to Preston, Manchester and Liverpool, while living there is made a delight with good schools and amenities on the doorstep, and Lancashire’s rolling countryside and coastal areas within easy reach.

To find out more about Sycamore Manor, speak to Redrow’s sales team on 01772 340811, or visit: www.redrow.co.uk/sycamoremanor www.lancmag.com

Smaller Homes Pack Lots of Punch FOR those that don’t want a house that comes with a whole lot of space, Redrow has just the solution in Leyland.

left: The Ledbury Not everyone wants or needs a home with numerous bedrooms or areas to relax in. Wanting to cut down on rooms to keep clean or not using a house to its full potential could be the reason behind wanting a smaller home.

If that sounds familiar, there is a selection of homes at Worden Gardens in Leyland that are just the fit.

Depending on whether two bedrooms suit or three, Worden Gardens is home to The Ledbury and The Alton.

The Ledbury comes as either a two or three-bedroom mews home that starts from £189,995. It revolutionizes the traditional two up, two down and even though it is a smaller property, rooms are still spacious and come with modern essentials.

Downstairs there is a handy cloakroom, good-sized lounge and a separate kitchen and dining area that open out onto a private garden. Upstairs, the two-bed style gives owners two double bedrooms that each come with their own en-suite.

The three-bed version still offers an en-suite to the main bedroom while the other bedrooms share a family bathroom.

Sian Pitt, sales director at Redrow Lancashire said: “They say the best things come in small packages and this is certainly www.lancmag.com

true for the Ledbury. This property is ideal for friends who share a home, or someone that lives alone but likes to offer guests their own room and bathroom when they stay.”

The two-bedroom Alton starts from £149,995. The apartments offer ample space, two double bedrooms and from the outside, they offer all the usual charm that Redrow’s Heritage Collection homes are renowned for; with four apartments arranged in what could easily be mistaken from the outside for a semi-detached house.

“The interior layouts of the apartments are cleverly designed to maximise space and flexibility and the high specification design gives them a premium lifestyle feel,” adds Sian. “With an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area there’s plenty of space for single homeowners, couples or friends sharing and the ground floor apartments come with their own private rear garden so buyers will have their own space to relax in outside too.”

What’s more is these homes are available to move in to as soon as February.

To find out more, visit www.redrow.co.uk/wordengardens or speak to the sales team on 01257 581698.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 201

Stonyhurst College - Stonyhurst Tennis Stars Become Champions of the North

Stonyhurst’s junior tennis team was named the LTA Youth Schools (Division 2) North Regional tennis champions last week at a fiercely contested tournament following their victories in the Lancashire Final earlier this year..

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he team, comprising four of Stonyhurst’s talented tennis players, William, Lucas, Alvaro and Jaime, began their journey to victory in May 2022 by defeating Westholme School, Baines School and AKS Lytham. Following these winning matches, the team progressed to the Lancashire County Semi-Finals, with an exceptional win over Merchant Taylors’ School. At the Lancashire Final in late June, Stonyhurst displayed another great performance, reigning victorious against Broughton High School to become Lancashire Champions.

The LTA North Regional Finals, held last Friday October 14th, saw Stonyhurst’s team and their coach, Director of Tennis, David Shaw, travel to the John Charles Centre for Sport

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in Leeds. The Final consisted of a three-way round-robin event against Trinity College, Cumbria, and Bradford Grammar, Yorkshire. In a number of fiercely contested singles matches, Stonyhurst beat Trinity College 6-0 and Bradford Grammar School 4-1 to become champions of the North.

Director of Tennis, David Shaw, said: ‘‘It has been very rewarding to watch and support these young players through their competitions and training over the past six months. The win is a credit to the dedication of our pupils and coaches and the continued investment in tennis at Stonyhurst. The boys have gained a lot of experience and their attitude to the competition has been exemplary.’

Stonyhurst, which was named the Lawn Tennis Association’s Lancashire Tennis School in 2021 for the second year running, boasts a successful Tennis Academy which has seen increasing success under the directorship of former professional David Shaw and his team of coaches who have developed a cohort of national and regional players within the school.

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Stonyhurst Junior Tennis Team - Credit: Stonyhurst

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 203

Lakeland Hampers Returns to Kendal for Christmas Lakeland Hampers returns to Kendal for the third year as a Pop-up shop for the run up to Christmas. Following the success of the last two years in Elephant Yard, Lakeland Hampers have secured a great space in what was part of the infamous Beales department store on Finkle Street, Kendal.

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he shop opens its doors on Friday the 28th October until Christmas Eve, having a wide selection of delicious local food and drink on offer, including Kendal based Gin by Herdwick Distillery. Create your own bespoke hampers and gifts for all occasions that can be beautifully gift wrapped and taken away or ordered for nationwide delivery (UK Mainland only).

Geoff Monkman, Managing Director said “The shop will stock a lot of the products that we handmake on the outskirts of Kendal, and we are delighted to have a shop again in Kendal.”

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www.lancmag.com

smokin v’s real barbecue

49 Guildhall Street Preston, PR1 3NU

Tel: 01772 305353

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WINGS • HOT DOGS • TACOS • LOADED FRIES • BRISKET • pulled pork • RIBS MAC & CHEESE • KIDS MENU • HALLOUMI • PLATTERS • DESSERTS • and more...

Herdwick Distillery and Friends Opens Dedicated Shop Herdwick Distillery launched back in the summer of 2021. Following a successful year, its first dedicated shop, Herdwick Distillery and Friends, on Lake Road Keswick opened on Friday 4th November.

The shop will showcase the full range of Herdwick Distillery alongside a selection of local small-batch Gins, Vodka, Rums and Whisky’s.

The shop opened its doors on with a stunning window display of botanicals, Gins and foliage you are drawn in to discover a world of fascinating and delicious spirits from distilleries all located within 60 miles of the shop.

Herdwick Distillery has a wide range of spirits, including delicately flavoured gins, gin mixer cans, limited edition Christmas gin, glassware and beautifully presented gift sets.

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www.lancmag.com

Herdwick Distillery and the shop interior truly capture the exhilaration of Lake District life and landscape and its romantic connections to the wider world.

Geoff Monkman, Managing Director said, “It’s very exciting to finally open a shop that is exclusively dedicated to spirits not only by Herdwick Distillery but supporting a wide selection of distilleries from our region and beyond.”

Left/Top Left: Herdwick Distillery and Friends - Outside shop Top: Herdwick Distillery and Friends Yan Gin Far Left: Herdwick Distillery and Friends inside shop window

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 207

Winter Marketing Campaign Launched to Boost Seasonal Tourism Cumbria Tourism The Cumbria Tourism team was out in force at the Westmorland Show, to launch a new seasonal marketing campaign aimed at supporting tourism businesses through the crucial autumn and winter months.

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mid growing concerns over rising costs, the county’s official Destination Marketing Organisation will be forging ahead with a series of high-profile marketing activities to support concerned businesses and build momentum for forward bookings at a traditionally quieter time of year for the county’s visitor economy.

As well as inviting tourism operators to get involved in the campaign, the strong Cumbria Tourism contingent

208

Rachel Tyson of Cumbria Tourism with Clare Bateman & Liz Darling-Mortimer of Lindeth Howe

at the Westmorland Show is speaking directly to would-be visitors. It’s also a chance to highlight the moneysaving MyCumbria card, which offers

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

a range of discounts on shopping, food and drink, and things to do for local residents.

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Under the banner of #theperfectplacetobe, there will be plenty of online competitions and digital activity to promote special offers and themed stays, as well as practical support to help businesses with their own targeted seasonal marketing.

the corner are this year’s Winter Droving (Saturday 29 October) and the two-week Cumbria’s Dark Skies Festival (Friday 28 October to Monday 14 November), alongside a series of winter markets and Christmas fairs across the county.

Promoting large-scale events will also be a key priority in the coming weeks, with October earmarked as ‘Attractions Month’ to encourage people to make the most of Cumbria’s vast array of unique attractions and experiences.

To help bolster high street retail, Cumbria Tourism will soon be launching a virtual Christmas Market to provide direct access to quintessentially Cumbrian gifts, produce and experience/ accommodation vouchers and provide an alternative to impersonal global online retailers.

Other highlights include Carlisle’s City of Light, featuring immersive sound/light experiences and illuminated landmarks throughout the city – as part of the wider Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival. Also just around

Head of Partnerships & Projects at Cumbria Tourism, Rachel Tyson, says, “Many tourism businesses have experienced a mixed summer, and

with rising costs at the forefront of their minds, it’s crucial that we fight hard to support our visitor economy and inspire all-year-round bookings.

This campaign is geared towards being as proactive as possible to encourage overnight stays and extend the season, in order to ensure that Lake District, Cumbria is the number one choice for visitors this winter.”

Cumbria Tourism’s attendance at the Westmorland Show is just part of an ongoing presence at face-to-face shows and events. The team were also showcasing the county at one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events, Chatsworth Country Fair, last weekend. That follows attendance at the Great Yorkshire Show, the Royal Lancashire Show, The Royal Cheshire County Show and the Northumberland Show in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, there is a packed programme of travel trade shows lined up for the autumn including the UKinbound Convention, World Travel Market and the Group Leisure & Travel Show.

Rachel Tyson of Cumbria Tourism with Geoff Monkman & Clare Johnson of Lakeland Artisan

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 209

Lindeth Howe Hotel Your perfect escape this winter!

The perfect mini-break awaits you in Bowness On Windermere this Winter with a fantastic opportunity for an affordable escape from everyday life, come and join us and be swept away on a tide of luxury and relaxation.

They have a fantastic special offer this Winter that really is too good to miss!

The unique modern decor

That's right, back for the 4th year, it's the return of the BIG GIVEAWAY BREAK! Available in January from £159.00 February from £169.00 per night and March £179.00 per night.

The offer includes Dinner each night and Breakfast each morning.

All prices are per room per night, based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room.

blends seamlessly with original features from when the property was built in 1879

An abundance of lounge space ensures you have the perfect place to unwind

Upgrades are avaialble

To book this amazing break, please call the hotel direct on +44 (0) 1539445759 and the reception team will be happy to help you.

The offer is subject to availability, full payment is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Full terms and conditions can be found on the hotel website.

Lindeth Drive - Longtail Hill - Bowness On Windermere Cumbria - LA23 3JF www.lindeth-howe.co.uk - hotel@lindeth-howe.co.uk

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