Lancashire & North West Magazine | July 2023

Clifton Arms Hotel

Where Winston Churchill once roamed, A new era at the Clifton Arms, time to pop in to see the stunning offering for residents and non residents alike.

Bury Market

Discover the history and the future of this vibrant shopping venue, Voted “best market in britain”

Backup Charity

Maura Jackson, highly respected CEO and leader of bolton based homeless charity steps out of her comfort zone (and her clothes) to chat about body confidence and menopause on channel 4’s naked education

Spinning Jennies

Geri Ward talks to us about her exciting plans for the future of Kendal’s leisure industry

Totally Local Lancaster

Paul Cusimano encourages a better sense of community as he delves in to the back streets of Ireland

St YL i SH BAR RooM FURNitURE AND ACCESS oRi ES LUXURioUS D iNi NG t ABLES AND RooM SE tS

St UNN i NG S tAt UES AND D iSp LAY piECES

FABUL o US L i GHtiNG AND H o ME

130 Lancashire Church embarks on £400k fundraising drive in aid of historic spire

132 Classic British MG saloon speeds into Lakeland Motor Museum

136 McFLY return to Trentham Live

138 Runcorn pupils hit the right note

140 Worrying figures reveal over 90% of owners have received no pet first aid training

142 PTES hedgerows

144 North Fylde Photographic Society

154 Nature as Therapy

156 Poetry trail opens

158 Kidneys for Life

164 The RSC bring Julius Caesar to Blackpool Grand

168 Horticulture meets installation art at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

170 The former gas engineer putting working class trans lives centre stage

172 Secret Proposal Tips

174 Steve Harley acoustic band comes to play Blackburn

176 National Army Museum has installed a Bofors Anti-aircraft Gun

178 Redrow Facilitates Reading For Pleasure Scheme At Primary School

182 Burscough charity thanks housebuilder for sporting gesture

183 £10,000 community fund launched in Woodford

184 UK social enterprise in bid to curb stray dog population growth

186 Commemorations to leave a lasting Coronation legacy for people and nature

190 A luxury Lancashire home benefitting from its Royal name

192 Circus comes to Grimsargh in aid of local school

198 Maura Jackson Bares All

202 British Gymnastics: British women win first ever European team gold

208 More Money, More Meat

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The Lancashire & North West Magazine Ltd, Seasiders Way Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 6NZ

Writers:

• David Hatton

• Denise Mullen

• Harold Cunliffe

• Heather Holt Lara Besbrode

• Manish Kumar Arora Margaret Brecknell

• Max Wiseberg

• Norman Wallis

• Paul Cusimano

• Rebekah Todd Rozanne Kay

• Sarah Harris

• Sarah Ridgway

Celebrating 16 years of beautiful living at Pad

PAD showroom exhibits the best in quality furniture at Affordable Prices. Showcasing beautiful Italian leather sofa’s supplied by Nicoletti and fabric designs by Calia Italia which show a collection of pure design classics. We offer Bedroom furniture from German manufacturer Nolte, with measurements to suit all customer needs. Beds can be supplied to any specifications, colour and design with mattresses to suit.

Pad offer a free design service and TV wall system’s can be installed to customer’s specifications.

“At PAD we don’t sell, we offer a stress free and friendly environment to find what you are looking for”

IN THIS ISSUE...

This month we take a look inside Clifton Arms Hotel in Lytham. With its rich history dating back several decades, the Clifton Arms Hotel exudes a timeless appeal, while the hotel restaurant offers exceptional dining experiences From traditional British classics to contemporary international cuisine.

We pay a visit to Bury Market, recently crowned ‘Britain’s Best Market’, where you can find almost anything you could need in a traditional, vibrant market atmosphere.

Maura Jackson, CEO of Backup North West Charity bares all to discuss the menopause and body confidence as part of Channel 4’s ‘Naked Education’ series.

Lakeland Motor Museum welcomes two new arrivals in the form of an

immaculate, fifty year old Volvo 145 and a classic british racing green MG ZT Saloon.

Lara Besbrode of Matchmaker UK shares a six-month plan to finding love and going from single to smitten.

Sarah Ridgway talks to Geri Ward of ‘Spinning Jennies’ a new venture set to become a Lifestyle Destination Experience for people to Meet, Eat, Shop, and get Kendal thriving again.

Sarah Harris of Colour Me Beautiful asks us to Jump into July with more confidence, check out some pointers that will ease you through the process of choosing beach and swimwear now that summer is here at last.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. In 1931, Gandhi

travelled to England to attend a conference on the future of his homeland. During his time in the UK, he made a high-profile visit to Lancashire, which is still recalled here by Margaret Brecknell.

We give you 10 compelling Reasons To Visit Levens Hall and Gardens, and look forward to the Preston Live Music Festival.

Paul Cusiamano encourages a better sense of community in Lancaster as he delves in the transformed back streets of Ireland.

And of course, as always, we have features on homes, health, delicious recipes, fascinating history, a bit of wildlife and more - all in our July issue.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG RACES INTO BLACKPOOL GRAND THIS AUGUST!

Snap up a ticket Toot Sweet for top family fun at Blackpool Grand Theatre this summer with the smash-hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from Ensemble Theatre.

Hold on tight for the ride of your life as Ensemble Theatre fly into The Grand from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 03 September with their Truly Scrumptious production of Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It’s a sky-high hit for all the family!

Critically acclaimed local company Ensemble Theatre will return to Blackpool Grand with a bang this summer, following their major hit shows The Addams Family, The Sound of Music and Oliver! with an all-new production of Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

This fun-packed production of the world’s most celebrated ‘four fendered friend’ tells the heartwarming tale of an eccentric inventor named Caractacus Potts who, with the help of his children Jeremy and Jemima, sets about restoring an abandoned old race car from a scrap heap. They meet the delectable Truly Scrumptious along the way and soon discover their beloved car has magnificent magical properties including the ability to float and take flight! But trouble ensues when the evil Baron Bomburst from Vulgaria desires the magic car for himself…

Can the Potts family escape the evil Childcatcher? Will Truly Scrumptious run away from the magical sweet factory? One thing is certain… only the fantabulous flying car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang can save the day!

Book your seats now for a Phantasmagorical family day out at the Grand this Summer!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from Ensemble Theatre is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 03 September with evening and matinee performances.

Tickets from £ 19.50 with a family of four ticket available. Visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full show listings and bookings or call the box office on 01253 290 190 for bookings and further information.

GREAT BRITISH COMEDY NOISES OFF

MAKES A GRAND VISIT TO BLACKPOOL

Michael Frayn’s celebrated comedy Noises Off makes a hilarious stop at Blackpool Grand Theatre this October direct from the West End.

Michael Frayn’s riotous comedy Noises Off enters stage right at Blackpool Grand on Tuesday 03 to Saturday 07 October, direct from a triumphant West End season, with full-star casting to be announced!

Frayn’s ever popular play-within-a-play hurtles along at breakneck speed as it follows the on and off-stage antics of a hapless touring theatre company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce, Nothing On.

From the shambolic final rehearsals before opening night in Weston-super-Mare, to a disastrous show matinee in Ashton-under-Lyne; Noises Off is ‘packed with visual and verbal gags’ and is all seen entirely, and hilariously silently, from backstage before we share their final, brilliantly catastrophic performance in Stockton-on-Tees…

Noises Off is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest British comedies ever written and was first published by English playwright Michael Frayn in 1982. Loved by the critics, with reviews ranging from ‘pure comic bliss’ and ‘dazzingly brilliant’ to ‘blissfully and brilliantly funny’ and ‘one of the most joyous farces ever written’; this must-see production is brimming with slapstick comedy complete with dropped trousers, slamming doors and flying sardines!

Don’t miss out on the fun this October! Book your seats now.

Michael Frayn’s Noises Off is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 03 to Saturday 07 October 2023 with evening and matinee performances.

Tickets from £18.50 with concessions and group rates available.

HOT NEW MUSICAL LA BAMBA! BRINGS A LATIN FIESTA TO BLACKPOOL GRAND!

Heat up November with the sizzling new musical La Bamba! at Blackpool Grand Theatre with choreography from top Strictly star Graziano Di Prima.

Explosive new musical LA BAMBA! brings the unforgettable songs from the rock ‘n’ roll legend Ritchie Valens to Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 November, featuring breath-taking choreography from Strictly Come Dancing favourite and Italian Latin champion Graziano Di Prima.

La Bamba! is a brand-new, vibrant, and energetic dance musical that tells the story of seventeen-year-old Sofia, a Latin American girl with a big heart, and even bigger dreams. Like her hero, Ritchie Valens, Sofia has music in her blood. Her dream is to follow in Ritchie’s footsteps and to mix the music from her roots with the music in her heart and bring together a community that has never felt more divided. As she sets out to complete the tour that Ritchie never could, Sofia will discover that whilst talent makes you a star, it’s fate that can make you a legend.

This jaw-dropping new musical is inspired by the unbelievable life and legacy of the sensational Ritchie Valens and features some of the most iconic songs of all time mixing Latin, R&B and timeless rock and pop to tell the ultimate feel-good story of a young girl with a big voice, big dreams and an even bigger heart.

La Bamba! is the spectacular new fiesta for 2023 and is directed by multi-award-winning Broadway veteran, Ray Roderick, and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing favourite, Graziano Di Prima and fiercely talented newcomer, Erica da Silva.

La Bamba! His Legacy. Her Story…

With an irresistible story of passion and pride and the discovery that every journey starts with one single step. Dance to the Grand and book your seats now!

La Bamba! is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 November with evening and matinee performances. Tickets start from £17.50

Visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full show listings and bookings or call the box office on 01253 290 190 for bookings and further information.

La Bamba

TOM WRIGHT’S POWERFUL RE-IMAGINING OF THE AT THE GRAND THIS OCTOBER

The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man is not to be missed at Blackpool Grand Theatre this October starring Zak Ford-Williams as Joseph Merrick.

Powerful, angry and surprising – Tom Wright’s The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man is unmissable live theatre at Blackpool Grand from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 October.

If you think you know the story of The Elephant Man – think again. The European premier of Australian playwright Tom Wright’s acclaimed play imagines an alternative…

This is the story of a man fighting for his right to be and to belong. Arriving from his East Midlands beginnings in a London thick with the grime of industrialisation, Joseph Merrick is an anomaly. In a city of factories that churn out uniformity, there is no place for a unique being like him. But Merrick and the city are evolving into something new. Follow him through the workhouse, the freakshow and the hospital as he searches for acceptance in a society that just wants to stare at him.

This incredible new production starring renowned actor Zak Ford-Williams (BBC’s Better, A Christmas Carol, Wolfe) and directed by Stephen Bailey (winner of The RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award 2022) questions industrialisation, capitalism, disability and difference, finally putting Joseph at the centre of his own story.

Joseph Merrick was born in Leicestershire in 1862 and at the age of five began to show signs of a strange disorder that caused abnormal growths of much of the skin and bone across his body, including the size of his head increasing to 3 feet (almost 1 metre) in circumference. Merrick was confined to a workhouse at age 17 before escaping four years later to join a freak show and displays of the ‘The Elephant Man’ were part of the ‘human curiosities’ movement of the 19 th century that saw rise of showman P.T. Barnum and carnival freak shows across the UK and abroad. While on exhibition, Joseph was discovered by a London physician, Frederick Treves, and admitted to London Hospital ( 1886). A letter that was published in an (unsuccessful) effort to find Merrick a hospital for chronic medical cases drew the attention of London society, which earned him a measure of fame and led to Merrick receiving visits from a number of prominent individuals, including Alexandra, Princess of Wales. He remained at the London Hospital until he died in his sleep of accidental suffocation aged just 27 years of age.

Tom Wright’s The Real and Imagined History of The Elephant Man is not to be missed and is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 October with evening and matinee

GRAND THEATRE NEW SEASON

Farming with your wellies on

Jenny Bennion from Lancashire Wildlife Trust explores how wetter farming techniques could help save our peatlands and our planet.

reducing the carbon emissions from drained peatlands, but what about the farmers that still need to make a living from their land?

Wetter farming may bring to mind visions of exotic rice paddy fields, or herds of water buffalo sploshing through wetlands, but could wetter farming be a beneficial practice closer to home?

Much of the farmland in Lancashire and the North West is based on lowland peatlands which have to be drained to be converted to agricultural use. After the Second World War this practice was actively encouraged by the government, however now we know that this comes with some serious side effects.

Peatlands are a special type of wetland habitat that only cover between three and five per cent of the world’s surface, but store a third of global soil carbonmeaning that they store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. They are naturally waterlogged which means that all of that precious carbon is locked away and stored in the peat for millennia.

However, as soon as the water is drained out of a peatland the oxygen can get in, and carbon plus oxygen equals carbon dioxide which is then released into the atmosphere and contributes to the climate emergency. In fact, five per cent of the world’s carbon emissions come from degraded peatlands – a similar amount as contributed by aviation.

So, what can we do? Re-wetting peatlands can be highly effective at

This is where wetter farming comes in. Also known as paludiculture, this is the practice of re-wetting fields and growing crops which can cope with these wetter conditions. Lancashire Wildlife Trust are trialling this approach in our region. In one instance taking a field that was previously drained and used for growing potatoes and raising the water table, through a series of drain blocks, water retaining bunds and irrigation channels.

Last year a first trial crop of celery was grown. 80,000 baby plugs of celery were planted and left with very little intervention to see how they fared. And the answer was much better than expected! This year the team behind the trial will be planting celery again, this time with some additional fertilisers, along with trials of other plants including blueberries and a form of wild rice.

80,000 celery plugs were planted in the first stage of the wetter farming trial

Photo by: Jenny Bennion

A baby celery plant at the Lancashire Wildlife Trust wetter farming trial

Photo by: Jenny Bennion

Bulrushes are another crop that is being trialled. Naturally loving waterlogged conditions, this plant can actually have a number of uses including the stalks being used to make fibreboard for building, or even a replacement for single-use plastic packaging.

Another exciting opportunity is growing sphagnum moss. This is the natural keystone species of a

peatland, forming much of the peat itself, and so is perfectly suited to these wetter conditions. Once used as a wound dressing in World War One, sphagnum moss can be used these days as a replacement for peat in bags of garden compost.

Across the world many of our precious peatlands are still being dug up and destroyed so that the peat can be used as a growing media in

the horticultural industry. Thankfully the sales of bagged peat compost are being banned in England and Wales from 2024, and sphagnum moss could make the perfect replacement.

Wetter farming is still in its infancy, but working with researchers from Liverpool John Moores and Manchester Metropolitan Universities we are measuring carbon emissions from the re-wetted land and early results are showing a significant decrease of over 80 per cent.

There are also still questions over if and how the adoption of wetter farming practices could be supported by government farming schemes and subsides, along with developing new markets for wetter farming crops. However, we are really excited and hopeful for the future of wetter farming on our peatlands - for people, for nature and for our planet.

Bulrushes are another potential wetter farming crop - Photo by: Jenny Bennion

Sphagnum Moss

Photo by: Chris Miller, Lancs Wildlife Trust

Sphagnum moss can be grown on re-wetted peat and used in peat-free compost.

Photo by: Simon Hutchinson

Healthy lowland peatlands are amazing carbon stores - Lancashire Wildlife Trust

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.

10 Reasons to Visit Levens Hall and Gardens in 2023

Levens Hall and Gardens, voted the number one garden to visit in England for two years running and one of the most searched for online, has reopened for the 2023 season, ready to thrill visitors from across the world.

The appeal of the historic house transcends both house and garden, thanks to unique features in both. The addition of what is now a much-loved global celebration –World Topiary Day – has added a new facet to an attraction open until early October, offering much to see and do. Here are just 10 things that make it stand out.

1. The World’s Oldest Topiary Garden

Founded in 1694, the Levens Topiary Garden, designed by Monsieur Guillaume Beaumont for Colonel James Grahme, is one of Britain’s most impressive heritage and horticultural gems in England and an official Guinness World Record Holder. With over 100 topiary pieces, cut into geometric, abstract and themed shapes, which depict objects and characters including the Great Umbrella Tree, the Toppling Wedding Cake, and Queen Elizabeth I and her Maids of Honour, the gardens at Levens Hall are a truly unique and magical place to explore.

2 World Topiary Day

In 2023, World Topiary Day will take place on a Sunday for the very first time - May 14. Levens Hall and Gardens’ event, now in its third year, has become a worldwide celebration of all things topiary. Although the Lake District attraction is at the event’s heart, other gardens taking part this year include the Palace of Versailles in France, Longwood Gardens in the USA and the Monumental Garden of Valsanzibio in Italy.

Visitors on this special day will pay no more than usual for admission but can take part in ‘Talking Topiary’ tours led by the 11th head gardener, Chris Crowder, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. These will help visitors learn more about the amazing topiary pieces within the Topiary Garden.

The European Boxwood and Topiary Society (EBTS) will also be on hand to give some table-top topiary demonstrations, imparting lots of knowledge about topiary and how best to get started, or keep specimens in tip-top condition.

3 A Place For Mindfulness

With 10 acres of gardens to explore, it’s not difficult to find a calm and quiet spot for some rest and relaxation but some brilliant mindfulness can be enjoyed in the Fountain Garden, where several benches can be found and where visitors can watch the sunlight, or cloud reflections, dancing on the water.

4 Earliest English Patchwork and Elizabethan Interiors

Levens Hall is the largest Elizabethan house in Cumbria and its interior furnishings are not to be missed. These include the oldest English patchwork in existence, which dates back to 1708 and was crafted by the wife of the Hall’s 17th century owner, Colonel James Grahme, and his daughters.

Admire the unique Spanish leather wall coverings, wonderfully ornate plasterwork and fine oak panelling on your visit, not to mention the fine collection of clocks, which were a passion of past owners.

5 Levens Kitchen

Offering a place to relax with a coffee and a slice of cake, visitors can feast on an exciting brunch menu or refuel with a delicious seasonal lunch at the award-winning Levens Kitchen, accessible without paying admission to the Hall and Gardens.

6 A Family-Friendly Day Out

Levens Hall is a fantastic place for children to learn about nature and let off some steam, whether that is through exploring the acres of gardens and parkland, or attempting one of the special activities, such as the Levens Hall quiz – following clues in each room to find out about its history and how it has changed. For children under-12, there’s hours of fun to be had at the playground, whilst family fun for all can be enjoyed by heading to the Willow Labyrinth, which grows throughout the summer months, with the challenge being to find the hare in the centre.

7 Tours

One of the best ways to learn more about the fascinating history of Levens Hall is by booking on to a tour, which are subject to availability on the day. This provides the opportunity to learn more about the Elizabethan house and its 13th century Pele Tower, built as a defence against Scottish raiders. Visitors can hear all about the estate’s first occupants, the de Redman family, who owned Levens Hall in 1170, and discover how it continues to be a family home to this day; passing through to the current owners, the Bagot Family, in the late 19th century.

8.Herbaceous borders

Garden enthusiasts can delight at the magnificent herbaceous borders, said to be amongst the finest in England. 30,000 bedding plants, all grown on-site, put on a glorious visual and sensory display that is not to be missed, especially in the summer

months.

9Links to the Duke of Wellington

Levens Hall is home to a selection of fascinating artefacts belonging to the Duke of Wellington and his adversary, Napoleon. When the Duke’s niece married into the Bagot family, he gifted the couple various items, all of which are fascinating to view, bringing to life some of the history we’ve all read about at school!

10Levens Park

With the glorious Levens Park just across the road, there is every opportunity to extend a visit to Levens Hall and Gardens, by taking a short or extended stroll by the River Kent, spotting a variety of wildlife, including the black fallow deer herd and rarebreed Bagot goats. This could be a way to burn off the calories consumed in Levens Kitchen, or a way to work up the appetite before arriving there!

To find out more about a visit to Levens Hall and Gardens in 2023 or to pre-book tickets, head to: www.levenshall.co.uk

Historic Plane Project to Take Off in Burscough

A COMMUNITY group has received funding towards a project about the former Royal Navy Air Station in Burscough.

left:

The Images of Burscough and Surrounding Areas Community Group received £500 from housebuilder Redrow towards the cost of an information board, which will be on display in the town alongside model aircraft.

The donation was of a several made by Redrow from a £3,000 funding pot, launched to celebrate opening a new phase at its development in the town – The Grange at Yew Tree Park.

A voluntary gift to the community, the community fund is over and above the statutory investment from Redrow as part of the planning process, which includes contributions to community infrastructure of more than £2 million.

The interpretation board is part of a project to display three large scale aircraft models that were based at Royal Navy Air Station from 1943 to 1946.

“The models will be hanging from the ceiling in the building, with the information board telling the story of the air station and the aircraft on display” said Lawrence Critchley, chairman of The Images of Burscough and Surrounding Areas Community Group.

“The models have been built by a retired Burscough man Alan Birch and will be used as an educational resource. The project will provide Burscough people and others with an opportunity to

learn about the history of Royal Navy Air Station Burscough and some of the aircraft types that were there during it operational years.

“On behalf of the group I would like to say thank you to Redrow for funding the information board, which will provide a unique link to the town past and a new type of educational resource.”

Sian Pitt, sales director at Redrow Lancashire, said: “It is so important to document history within our communities and this project is one that we were very pleased to be able to fund.

“I look forward to seeing the display once it has been completed.”

The new phase at The Grange at Yew Tree Park will form an extension to the popular development, located on Liverpool Road South. It will include 169 new homes, 59 of which will be affordable housing.

To find out more about The Grange at Yew Tree Park visit www.redrow.co.uk/yewtreepark or call the sales team on 01704 740635

LtoR Lawrence Critchley and Michael Dawson with Fairey Firefly.

The Clifton Arms Hotel

The Clifton Arms Hotel is a charming and elegant establishment located in the picturesque town of Lytham, known for its stunning coastal views and historic landmarks. Nestled along the vibrant Lytham promenade, this family-owned hotel offers a unique blend of modern comforts and traditional charm, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travellers, as well as local, non-residents.

With its rich history dating back several decades, the Clifton Arms Hotel exudes a timeless appeal. Its grand Victorian architecture and beautifully landscaped garden create a welcoming ambiance for guests upon arrival. The hotel has undergone recent renovations to enhance its facilities while preserving its historic character, ensuring a seamless fusion of old-world charm and contemporary amenities.

Accommodations at the Clifton Arms Hotel are luxurious and comfortable. The hotel offers a range of elegantly furnished rooms and suites, each designed with a meticulous attention to detail. Guests can choose from a variety of options, including cosy standard rooms, spacious family suites, or indulgent executive rooms with panoramic sea views. Every room is equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms, providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing stay.

When it comes to catering, the Clifton Arms Hotel excels in delivering

exceptional dining experiences. The hotel’s restaurant showcases a diverse menu of delectable dishes, expertly prepared using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. The talented chefs take pride in creating culinary masterpieces that cater to a range of tastes and dietary requirements. From traditional British classics to contemporary international cuisine, guests can indulge in a gastronomic journey within the hotel’s refined dining setting.

In addition to its superb restaurant, the Clifton Arms Hotel offers excellent catering services for functions and events. Whether it’s a wedding

reception, corporate gathering, or special celebration, the hotel’s experienced event planning team ensures that every detail is meticulously organized to create unforgettable experiences. The hotel boasts a variety of event spaces, including elegant ballrooms, intimate private dining rooms, and a spacious outdoor terrace with stunning views of the sea. These versatile venues can be tailored to suit the specific requirements of each event, accommodating both small and large groups with ease.

Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the local area, and the hotel’s concierge service is on hand to assist with arranging leisure activities such as golf outings, coastal walks, or something a little more adventurous.

The location of the Clifton Arms Hotel is another highlight. Situated in the heart of Lytham, guests have easy access to the town’s charming shops, boutiques, and cafes. The hotel is also within close proximity to Lytham Green and the famous Lytham Windmill, offering guests the opportunity to explore the town’s rich heritage and enjoy leisurely strolls along the promenade. Additionally, the hotel is conveniently located for those looking to venture further afield, with nearby attractions including the bustling city of Blackpool and the scenic beauty of the Lake District within easy reach.

The Clifton Arms Hotel in Lytham offers enchanting Christmas and New Year accommodation packages that are sure to make your holiday season truly memorable. Their packages include luxurious rooms adorned with festive decorations, creating a cozy and magical ambiance. Guests can indulge in sumptuous Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinners prepared by talented chefs, featuring delectable seasonal delights. The hotel’s attentive staff ensures a warm and inviting atmosphere, providing exceptional service throughout your stay. With its stunning location near the seafront, the Clifton Arms allows guests to enjoy crisp winter walks along the beach and soak in the charm of Lytham during this special time of year.

In conclusion, the Clifton Arms Hotel in Lytham is a truly remarkable destination that seamlessly combines timeless charm with modern comforts. From its elegant accommodations to its exceptional catering services and versatile event spaces, the hotel caters to a diverse range of guests’ needs. Whether staying for business or pleasure, visitors to the Clifton Arms Hotel can expect a warm welcome, attentive service, and an unforgettable experience in the heart of Lytham’s beautiful coastal setting.

M CLIFTON ARMS HOTEL West Beach • Lytham FY8 5QJ

N 01253 739898

E functions@cliftonarmslytham.com

D www.cliftonarmslytham.com

F @CliftonArmsHotelLytham

T @CliftonArms

I cliftonarmshotel_lytham

Ê @cliftonarmslytham

Bright Blue Blast from MG’s Past Scoops Award at Spring Classic Meet

A Pageant Blue Roadster added a dash of colour and stole the show at this year’s Spring Classic Drive and Ride In Day at the Lakeland Motor Museum..

It may be 44 years old but the MGB Roadster, first registered in 1979, turns many heads when it glides along the Lake District roads close to its owner’s home in Ulverston..

Retired garage owner Malcolm Grisdale bought the little Roadster in 2017 and has spent several years restoring it.

“I used to service and look after it for a customer who was in his 80s,” says Malcolm. “But he came in one day and said he didn’t use it much anymore and would I like to buy it?

“It was hard to resist! It’s a lovely little car. It was only when I looked at the paper work that I realised I was only its second owner. The first owner had it for 38 years!”

Originally, the MGB had an 1800cc

engine but it has had a conversion bringing it up to 1950cc. It’s had its paintwork freshened up in the original Pageant Blue colour and its original rubber bumpers have been replaced with colour coded ones to give it a more modern look.

“It’s very nice to drive and performs well with the bigger engine,” says Malcolm who ran the Salthouse Motor Services Garage, in Barrow, for 12 years before retiring. In total, he worked in the motor trade for 47 years.

“I’m taking the roadster to the Isle of Man next month to take part in a classic car tour. It zips along very nicely so it should be a lovely trip.”

It scooped this year’s “Springtime Stunner” Trophy after impressing the judge Chris Lowe, Curator of the Lakeland Motor Museum.

“It’s the sort of bright coloured little car that puts a smile on your face,” says Chris: “It was a tough decision because there were so many excellent vehicles at the Classic Drive and Ride In Day. But this MGB Roadster is in such lovely condition that I felt it deserved the trophy.”

Malcolm says: “I was delighted to see it win the Springtime Stunner trophy. My wife and I have had a lot of fun out and about in it. It was in storage during the pandemic but it’s great to now be back out on the roads in it.”

Over 100 cars and 20 motorcycles/ scooters attended this year’s Spring Classic Drive and Ride In Day – with big crowds enjoying the display and the great weather.

The Lakeland Motor Museum at Backbarrow, has over 30,000 exhibits including over 140 classic cars and motorbikes along with an extensive Campbell Bluebird Exhibition paying tribute to the high-speed careers of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell.

In a Class of its Own

Stonyhurst is the only school in the county to feature in Tatler’s Schools Guide, find out why...

Imagine an education that would give your child a broad curriculum that promotes knowledge and confidence and a co-curricular timetable that develops life skills and lifelong friendships. You would think any school would be hardpressed to deliver on all those aspects.

Well, think again. At Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall youngsters are given opportunities in abundance enabling them to experience all that the school has to offer in terms of academic development as well as cultural, artistic, and sporting progression.

YEAR 5 – YEAR 8

If your child is approaching their final years at primary school, you may find that SATS loom large on the horizon – especially for teachers,

who are under pressure to go through the assessment process to prove all pupils are at the expected standard. Pupils who are not already at that standard will quite understandably be prioritised, meaning more able pupils may not receive the attention and academic stretch and challenge they deserve.

Fr Christopher Cann, headteacher of Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, explains: “In state primary schools the focus has to be on the pupils at risk of not achieving the expected SATS level. As a result, capable pupils often become disillusioned and bored with school. For the talented ones, there’s not enough time for sports, or the creative

subjects of art, music and drama. This is not the case at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, where we deliberately offer a broad and balanced curriculum in Years 5 and 6 taught by subject specialists. For example, timetabled drama, swimming, dance, instrumental music, drama, French, Spanish, German and Latin are all part of our curriculum. We, therefore, see a good number of pupils joining us at this stage in their education.”

A move in Year 5 to Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall will enable your child to thrive in a highly creative learning environment that prolongs their childhood in the most positive sense. For children joining from the state sector, it provides a much cherished ‘middle school’ option, (Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall goes up to Year 8) to allow the children to make a much happier transition from junior to senior education.

Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall pupils begin their smooth journey from junior to senior education through years 5-8, experiencing the distinctive year-group ‘playroom’ system in Elements, Figures and Rudiments: “It

means the sudden and sometimes difficult move from junior to senior education is avoided and we can work with our colleagues in the College for the much happier transition at the end of Year 8. There is a set route allowing an intake from Year 5 upwards that enables pupils to be part of Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall and all that we have to offer in our distinctive curriculum,” explains Fr Christopher.

ENRICHED CURRICULUM

With a broad curriculum, pupils at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall benefit from ‘real-life’ experiences at a young age so they are able to see exactly what they are learning about, whether that’s a trip down to the River Hodder to learn about geographical river features, erosion and tributaries or a walk across to the Stonyhurst College campus to visit the magnificent historical museum and archives.

“Pupils followed up their visit to the River Hodder by designing and making boats in their Design and Technology lesson. It is a far more imaginative way of learning and is very focused on key life skills – sadly in the state sector, given the constraints

of a shortened day and a narrow prescribed curriculum, teachers so often do not have the time to do this,” adds Fr Christopher, who points out that prep pupils have access to Stonyhurst’s swimming pool, dance studio, Astro-turf, world-class tennis dome and professional on-site theatre, as well as specialist coaching.

“Our Year 6 pupils recently took part in a stage production of Matilda – it was like a little West End show! Those who weren’t in the cast had the opportunity to work alongside the lighting and tech team, so everyone was able to use their new skills and take part.”

LEARNING TOGETHER

As a leading independent school, Stonyhurst College and Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall has been educating girls alongside boys for more than two decades. At Stonyhurst parity is ensured across the board in terms of opportunities: “Girls’ sport is very robust at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall –there is a real girls’ sporting culture that has been developed over the years,” adds Fr Christopher, who explains that one of the schools Year

6 girls has recently been ranked in the UK’s tennis top 10.

“The curriculum as a whole has developed and progressed through the years – it is very creative in terms of art and design, textiles and food technology. Year 4 have been making their own chocolate bars and cakes, designing the packaging and devising a marketing strategy.”

“We work hard to ensure children are proud doing what they enjoy and developing their talents – it’s a very open culture that celebrates learning and success.”

BURSARIES

Stonyhurst has also increased its bursary provision for exceptionally talented over-11 pupils: “As an organisation this has really grown. It’s a big part of our school to give talented children the opportunity of a Stonyhurst education. It’s a life-changing opportunity for gifted children, who have a pathway to support them.”

EXTENDED DAY & BOARDING

At Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall there is also an extended day – from 8am to 6pm – allowing for after-school ‘studies’ (homework) to be completed as well as a packed programme of extra-curricular activities and evening meal included in the price.

The extended day offers working parents great value, offering peace of mind and is fee inclusive. As an international school, Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall also offers full boarding and flexi-boarding facilities to pupils.

“We are in a beautiful part of the Ribble Valley with more than 400 years of tradition. We have children come here from all over the world,

from Mexico, Madrid and Hong Kong, to name but a few. For local Lancashire children it’s an amazing opportunity to make new friends and learn about new cultures,” enthuses Fr Christopher, who explains that SMH pupils are part of a global ‘zoom generation’ that will learn and work globally.

“Having a dynamic, broad outlook has always been part of the Stonyhurst Jesuit tradition. For local Lancashire families, Stonyhurst Mary’s Hall gives them the opportunity to send their child to a globally diverse school with a strong family identity.”

Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall

Stonyhurst Clitheroe BB7 9PU 01254 827073 stonyhurst.ac.uk

Join us for a private visit

When Gandhi Visited Lancashire

By Margaret Brecknell

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The Indian civil rights activist, who famously advocated a policy of nonviolent protest, has inspired those fighting injustice ever since.

In 1931, Gandhi travelled to London to attend a conference on the future of his homeland. During his time in the UK, he made a high-profile visit to Lancashire, which is still recalled today.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar, a coastal city in the modern Indian state of Gujarat, on 2nd October 1869. Despite having had little in the way of formal education, his father, Karamchand, worked as a high-ranking local official. Gandhi’s mother, Putlibai, was Karamchand’s fourth wife and Mohandas the youngest of their four children.

Mohandas was aged just 13, and his bride, Kasturba, 14, when they married in May 1883. In his later autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, he himself remarked that, “I can see no moral argument in support of such a preposterously early marriage”.

Yet this practice was not unusual for the time, nor the fact that it was an arranged marriage. The couple would remain married until Kasturba’s death in 1944.

The young Gandhi was by no means an exceptional scholar, but successfully passed the matriculation examination of the University of Bombay (now Mumbai). Karamchand had died by this point and Gandhi was keen to follow in his father’s footsteps by holding high public office in Gujarat. To further this ambition, he decided to study law at the Inner Temple in London and left, in September 1888, for the UK capital.

Soon after returning home to India in 1891, he received the invitation that would transform his life when he was asked to travel to South Africa to represent a client in a court case. Like India, South Africa was then part of the British Empire. Gandhi intended to stay in South Africa only for the duration of the trial, but he was so outraged at the scale of racial abuse aimed at the

large contingent of Indians living there that he decided to stay and fight for social justice. From the start he himself frequently faced racial discrimination such as the famous incident when he was thrown off a train for refusing to leave the first-class compartment.

He and his family ended up spending over two decades in South Africa and

it was there that he first developed the political and ethical principles which he would follow for the rest of his life. He began to advocate the policy of passive civil disobedience, or Satyagraha (literally meaning “holding firmly to truth” in Sanskrit), for which he subsequently became famous, and was sent to prison on three separate occasions. He also rejected traditional

Western dress in favour of the dhoti, the traditional sarong-style garment with which he later became indelibly associated, and started to fast, both as a means of protest and meditation.

Gandhi returned to the UK in 1906 and 1909. The purpose of both visits was to discuss the rights of Indians in South Africa with the British Government.

World War I broke out whilst Gandhi was on a fourth trip to London in August 1914. He ended up staying in the UK for several months whilst he established the Indian Volunteer Corps, before returning with his family to India. He was generally supportive of the British war effort during the four-year conflict, but any hope that this would lead to a better long-term understanding between the two parties was sadly dashed just months after the war ended.

In February 1919, the British Government passed the Rowlatt Act, which allowed the authorities to imprison indefinitely without trial anyone suspected of sedition. Gandhi urged his followers to continue the policy of Satyagraha, but, two months later, one of the most infamous

incidents in British colonial history occurred when the army opened fire on a peaceful gathering of protestors, including children, in Amritsar resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives.

In the aftermath of these events, Gandhi became the dominant figure in the Indian nationalist movement, continuing to advocate a non-violent programme of civil disobedience and enduring further regular spells in prison. Viewed as both India’s political and spiritual leader, he gained the title of “Mahatma” (meaning “great soul”), the name by which he is best known today.

In the autumn of 1931, Gandhi returned to the UK for a fifth time when he attended the second Round Table Conference in London on the future direction of India. He had been unable to attend the first Conference the previous year because he was in prison. As the sole representative of the Indian National Congress, Gandhi argued in favour of constitutional reforms which he hoped would eventually lead to Indian independence. However, the British were only prepared to offer limited concessions and the discussions ended in stalemate.

As part of its long-term policy of noncooperation, the Indian Independence Movement boycotted a range of British goods, particularly textiles. Lancashire cotton was specifically targeted because of a long-held belief that the industrialisation of the weaving process in the mills of the North-West had destroyed India’s own textile industry.

During his visit to the UK for the Round Table Conference, Gandhi was invited to visit Darwen by Percy Davies, the owner of Greenfield Mill. As prominent local Quakers, the Davies family had previously shown their commitment to the welfare of their employees by building the Spring Vale Garden Village, which provided mill workers with a pleasant place to live. As a benevolent mill owner, Davies was now anxious for Gandhi to witness for himself the hardship that was being caused by the Indian boycott of Lancashire cotton.

Accompanied by just a handful of close advisers, Gandhi travelled north by train and arrived at Spring Vale Station, on the outskirts of Darwen, late on the evening of 25th September 1931. There were fears that Gandhi would receive a hostile reception and a large

police presence assembled in the town, but, in fact, he was greeted warmly by a large crowd of local people.

He stayed that night at the home of Charles Haworth, the Welfare Secretary at Greenfield Mill. A blue plaque now adorns the wall of No. 3 Garden Village to commemorate Gandhi’s visit there.

Newspaper reports reveal that the following day Gandhi took his customary early morning walk, wearing “his usual loincloth” and “heavy sandals”, although he was not as early as he would have liked because “the alarm clock was not set correctly”. Following breakfast, he met representatives from the then estimated 10,000 local unemployed cotton workers before being taken on a tour of the mill and attending a meeting with the mayor.

In an interview with a local reporter, Gandhi commented that, “The poverty I have seen distresses me, and it distresses me further to know that in this unemployment I have also some kind of a share. That distress is relieved, however, by the knowledge that my part…was a result of the steps I had to take as part of my duty towards the largest army of unemployed to be found in the world, namely the starving millions of India, compared with whom…the poverty of Lancashire dwindles into insignificance”

On the Saturday night, Gandhi stayed as the guest of Percy Davies at Heys Farm Guest House in West Bradford, near Clitheroe. The Davies family home had long served as a guest house and adult learning centre for workers.

The following morning, Gandhi met several further deputations of workers before returning to London. He praised “the manifestation of deep affection that the crowds spontaneously showed to me”, adding that, “It has been a matter of the keenest satisfaction to me that Lancashire people have not shown any bitterness towards India”.

Despite this mutual show of respect, Gandhi’s visit to Lancashire changed little. The Indian statesman left the UK in early December 1931 and never returned to this country. He was imprisoned just a week after his return to his homeland. He continued to spearhead the campaign

for independence through passive resistance and spent two years in prison from 1942 to 1944 for demanding British withdrawal from India.

Gandhi dreamed of an independent and united India where Hindu, Muslim and Sikh people could live together in harmony. However, when India finally achieved independence from Britain in 1947, the reality was rather different. With the creation of Pakistan, Muslims and Hindus went their separate ways after much bloodshed between the more extreme factions of the two religions.

Gandhi faced frequent accusations of being too supportive towards Indian Muslims. In early 1948, he was assassinated in the grounds of Birla House in New Delhi by a Hindu extremist named Nathuram Godse, whilst he was on a way to a prayer meeting.

Gandhi’s death was mourned across the world including here in Lancashire. One Lancaster Guardian correspondent wrote that, “Gandhi, the greatest man of our time, is dead. People in this country have sometimes looked upon him and his methods of work with scorn…But the heartfelt sorrow of us all, over his tragic end, shows that he has won even those who had least respect for his methods, to love him.”

“It has been a matter of the keenest satisfaction to me that Lancashire people have not shown any bitterness towards India”

- Gandhi, 1931

King Charles III at Blackpool Grand Theatre

Celebrate HM The King’s Coronation with a Royal selection of stunning live shows at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Rome’s great ruler Julius Caesar right through to the Queen of Crime Agatha Christie

There’s a right Royal collection of shows at Blackpool Grand Theatre in celebration of King Charles III Coronation! Book your seats now and enjoy a spectacular live show at the glorious Grade II* listed theatre that was officially re-opened by King Charles III in 1981..

Or why not slip into The Grand from Monday 19 to Saturday 24 June to witness the thrilling touring production of The Mousetrap? It’s THE genre-defining murder mystery from the Queen of Crime that has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats for almost 70 years and was

originally written by Agatha Christie as a birthday gift for Queen Mary! As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a stately countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst! One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? Can you solve the mystery before another ‘mouse’ goes SNAP?

It’s a double date for the one and only ‘King of Rock and Roll’ as the internationally renowned Elvis tribute, Ben Portsmouth, sings Love Me Tender and many, many more of the King’s famous tunes alongside his live 9-piece band in This is Elvis on Sunday 25 June, before The Elvis Years – The Story of The King Jailhouse Rocks into The Grand on Thursday 9 November with an outstanding musical production taking an unforgettable journey through over 50 golden greats spanning over three decades – from the early Sun Records hits to the majestic Las Vegas performances, via The Jordanaires, the Army years, authentic re-creations from the Hollywood movies and the stunning 68 TV special. Elvis in IN the building. Thank you very much!

Present your little pop stars before a children’s live concert with a big difference on Monday 24 July & Sunday 20 August as four fairytale Pop Princesses return by

popular demand to sing a sensational soundtrack of top pop hits. It’s the number one show this Summer! Featuring a sizzling soundtrack from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, plus all the best songs from all your favourite Films and Musicals.

Are you ready for an audience with the sensational Slay Queenz? Join the three latest winners of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK for an eleganza extravaganza of sidesplitting laughs, jaw-dropping vocals and eye-popping outfits on Sunday 1 October. Starring Krystal Versace (Series 3 Winner), Danny Beard (Series 4 Winner) and Blu Hydrangea (UK vs The World Winner) sashaying into The Grand for One Night Only! VIP Meet and Greet also available!

What a way to celebrate all things Royal. Book your tickets now!

Visit BlackpoolGrand.co.uk or call the box office on: 01253 290 190 for all show bookings and further information.

LISTINGS

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f @blackpoolgrand

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Green Fingered Pupils Learn Valuable Lessons Outside The Classroom

AN ALLERTON primary school is teaching its pupils all about organic food and sustainability thanks to a donation from Redrow.

Springwood Heath Primary School received £1,500 from Redrow to start a garden project to grow fruit and veg.

While Covid halted the original plan to join up with a local retirement home to grow plants, the school then decided to allocate ownership of a 6ft planter to each of its classes.

Lorraine Brislen, who is part of the school’s support staff, has been leading the project. She said: “The idea is that each planter will contain something different so when the children move up the school, they will learn about a new plant.

“With Redrow’s donation we purchased eight planters, top soil and equipment like trowels, gloves, and spades.”

The planters are also accessible for pupil who have disabilities or medical needs.

“As a fully inclusive school with provision for many children with diverse needs, we were thrilled for some of those children to be so involved with the project and offer them such a great new experience” added Lorraine

As well as growing everything organically, the children have been taught about the importance of bees and the school also wants to use the fruit and vegetables in recipes to give to the children.

Redrow’s donation to Springwood Heath was via a £10,000 Allerton community fund shared between local groups and good causes. The voluntary fund is in addition to Redrow’s statutory obligations linked to the 100-home Allerton Gardens development, off Woolton Road, in Allerton.

Anna Evans-Kerr, sales director at Redrow NW, said: “We’ve helped a wide variety of causes through our community fund and this one really stuck out because education around sustainability issues is so important today. I love the fact that each class has their own planter and letting them take ownership of something from an early age will also teach them about responsibility too.”

The final properties now remain at The Groves at Allerton Gardens. To find out more about The Groves visit www. redrow.co.uk/thegroves or call 0151 3915585

Above Left:

(LtoR) Jan Williams, Leanne Moore, Lorraine Brislen and Redrow’s Pauline Bennett with Springwood Heath Primary School pupils.

Above Right: Pauline Bennett and Lorraine Brislen with Yr3 pupils around the class planter.

Bury Market INTERVIEW

We talk to Al Thomas, Business Development Officer at the world famous and award winning Bury Market. We discuss the experience and vibrant atmosphere as well as the history and future plans for this popular shopping venue voted ‘The Best Market in Britain’.

If someone hasn’t yet been for a trip to Bury Market, what can they expect to find and what kind of experience will they have ?

It’s very much what you’d consider a traditional, older, old fashioned market where there’s a huge outdoor area. Meat, fish and meat hall and an indoor market area as well. We have around 275 stalls traders. So it’s a thriving, busy market a bit like a labyrinth. You walk around one corner, then you’ll find another, another aisle, then another, with another stall will just appear that you wouldn’t have expected to see.

Is there a variety of places to eat and is it a place you can come with animals and children in tow?

We don’t have a specific food court area, but there are in the market hall, there are there are 2 or 3 little restaurants, cafe style things. and animals are welcome in to walk around the market with, so obviously child friendly as well. There’s a couple of cafes in the market hall and then when you go outside, there are eateries as well, takeaways, fast foods also with seating for outside. So pets and families are welcome to sit there as well.

For example, we’ve got a falafel place, Turkish place and then traditional cafes plus chip shop style takeaway as well, all without outside seating.

The market must be the heart of the community, how do you work to ensure that it stays that way ?

We’re working obviously with the council. We’re a council run market. Bury Council owns the market, so we’re obviously work closely with the guys in there internally. But then

obviously we do a lot of work and. With social media and things to advertise to reach them. Everybody just to to remind everyone what’s going on. Obviously constantly updating Facebook and social medias

and what have you, just to let people know what we’ve got going on new stalls and all that kind of thing, and obviously reminding them that we’re still here and it’s a good place to shop local.

What would you say was your favourite part of working at such a famous and vibrant market?

For me personally, it’s about trying to find the new new avenues of trying to advertise the market and get the word out that, as I said before, that we’re still here in a world of convenience, that people in a world of convenience, it’s good to shop local and support local communities and produce and what have you. So yeah, and then obviously

working on the market itself, it’s just really nice to be around hundreds of different people. You walk into work every day and you say hello to all the faces, become familiar. Um, and you kind of like build up little friendships with different people and obviously have little chats about things here and there. So it’s very different.

I try to support each trader where I can do as well. Obviously there’s 275 traders so it can be quite tricky, but trying to support the traders as well with their promotions through social media so then they can promote their own business and then get the word out there. They want to be more proactive. So that’s what we’re trying to encourage as well.

Could you tell us a little about the history of the market?

There has actually been a market here for centuries. By virtue of a Royal Charter originally granted in the 1440’s, Bury Council has the exclusive right to hold markets and fairs within the Borough.

The original Bury Market would have included farm produce, livestock, and woven goods as well as fish, which in the 16th Century were laid out on the curved stone steps of the market cross (erected in 1559), which is now the site of the Robert Peel statue.

More recently, In 1968 a fire devastated Bury’s Market Hall and the building was razed to the ground, but this didn’t stop trading. Outdoor traders gave up parts of their stalls

to indoor traders demonstrating camaraderie by everyone.

A new temporary Market Hall was built at a cost of around £30,000 and opened in March 1969 then on 6 October 1971, the new Bury Market site opened. One of our traders was part of the market at the time of the fire and, despite now being in her 90s, still works here today with her sons.

always commenting on how good the fruit and vegetable stalls are, they’re always really busy. There’s the meat and fish hall as well. There’s loads of good high quality fresh food in there that’s every Saturday. And every Friday it’s just packed. You can’t move around in there all day because people are coming in there. Try and buy the the local produce and you know, it’s good, good quality as well. So they keep coming back.

Is Bury Market a way to teach new generations about the great atmosphere and what fun in-person shopping can be in the days when the internet is such a force and conversations in person are on the decline?

There’s a few ways to answer this, to be honest with you. What we’re finding is, well, firstly with the traders,

we have a scheme called Bury Youth Market, whereby people from age 13 to 29 have the opportunity to come and trade with us for free on particular days throughout the year. The next one that we’re doing is on the 3rd of June, so they can apply to us and then they can come and trade for us. For example we’ve got a young girl who’s 13, who makes candle waxes with her parents. So she gets to come and trade on the world famous, very busy bury market. These guys have got the opportunity then to trade on the market and then they can see what it’s like and we don’t charge them anything for that one. So we’re trying to generate new traders. So we’re going to continue a legacy of the bury market as it goes for younger families.

We’re trying to attract more of the younger generation now, because I imagine a lot of people have the perception of the market being mostly

Tell us

about the quality and affordibility of the market and the atmosphere?

The atmosphere you’re going to get from the from the traders to the customers is always going to be warm, friendly and welcoming and they’re all just a bunch of nice guys out there just trying to earn a living. And obviously they want to have people come back time and again. So everyone’s very friendly. And as regards to the the quality is always very good. People

older people wandering around on coach trips (which we do get a lot of in Bury) but we also put a lot of events on where we have craft tents and the like. So lots of families come in, especially just through the craft tents and face painting but then they then spend time walking around the markets. Then we’re getting the feedback where people are realizing that Bury Market is here and it’s like a fun day out for the whole family. Unlike a trip to the supermarket where you’re just going get everything in one place and it’s a bit clinical, if you’re in a big open market, you don’t really know where you’re going to go or what you’re going to buy because you don’t know how you’re going to feel about something when you see to buy it, which all adds to the experience. And from the perspective of entrepeneurs, looking to move to a central Lancashire Location with a good reputation, the Market must be attractive for people. Do you support new and existing stalls to progress ?

We do get lots of people coming to us saying we want to sell this or that. They want to try selling. So we have an area, called market parade and there are some casual stalls that people can come in on market days and all they need to do is just produce some ID and address proof of and liability insurance and then they can just have a pitch, a stall for the day and they can just do that as often as they want to. They can do it all year, every market day if they wanted to. And that way then they can decide if whatever they’re selling is worth their while to continue into and explore further. And then they wanted to do that. And if the opportunity arises to actually own a unit within the market, then

obviously they can then make that decision based on the experiences that they’ve had.

You have won Britains Favorite Market, that is a fantastic honour.What are the key factors that helped give you the edge in order to get such a high accolade do you think ?

We have a very good coach facilities which helps. Obviously we get coaches coming around from all over the North West, as well as Newcastle, Sheffield and North Wales and even even further. So we get lots of coaches coming through. Often, they’ll stop off a couple of hours and then continue on their journey down south or they’ll come here for the day. So the coach facilities are really good. So that’s obviously why a lot of coach drivers bring them here. They get some food vouchers and it’s a very easy place to drop everybody off and pick them up. So that’s one of the main reasons why we’re so highly regarded, and it’s a very vibrant market. As I said, it’s very

traditional with 275 stalls, more or less. Anything that you could want to buy, you can find on the market. And it’s just a really good family, feel good, atmospheric market. Charismatic I would even say.

Finally do you have anything coming up over the summer months of July and August that you’d like to tell us about?

There is the very youth market, which is a scheme that we just started last year, which is running alongside the MTF and in association with them, we also will we’re looking to stage a vegan festival that will be staging as well. We had a Hong Kong market in last month which was incredibly popular and saw many new people visiting the Market, so this may return at some point. And then also for the Kings coronation, we’re looking at doing just another small event where the families can come in and get faces painted and just a little bit of craft and all that kind of thing, too.

A Literary Tour of The Lake District

All my life I’ve been visiting the Lake District. My parents took me as a child two-tothree times per year and some of my fondest memories are from Cumbria. From Bowness to Grasmere, Keswick to Ambleside, we explored every lake, tarn and hill.

One place we always returned to was The Traveller’s Rest in Grasmere, a 16th century inn on the outskirts of the village. Thirty years later, it still looks identical from when I entered the first time. And it wouldn’t be a trip to the Lake District if we didn’t pass by Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread shop.

Like many children, I adored Beatrix Potter and the Lake District has an abundance of activities celebrating her characters. From Beatrix Potter World in Bowness, to Hill Top Farm in Far Sawrey, I still get the shivers of excitement whenever I walk through Mr McGregor’s garden knowing she lived, wrote and was inspired by every square meter around her.

And it wasn’t just Beatrix Potter’s work which I became besotted with. At St Andrew’s Primary School in Preston, we learned about William Wordsworth, and my parents took me to the home and grave of the poet in Grasmere, a journey I’ve made a multitude of times as an adult too. It’s hard not to walk around Cumbria in Spring and see the vibrant yellow of a daffodil without thinking about Mr Wordsworth.

So, it wasn’t too surprising that I too wanted to take up a literary role. For as long as I remember I loved writing

stories and my teacher at St Andrew’s read them out in class every week. It wouldn’t be until I turned thirty that I

would release my first novel, but the inspiration was bubbling away for decades.

Lancashire Author, David Hatton, discussed how Cumbria influenced his writing.

Bowness

William Wordsworth’s Grave: Grasmere

The Lake District continues to be a source of inspiration. It’s a perfect place to switch off, leave your mobile phone behind and just listen to the light breeze and find peace as you overlook some of the most striking views in the world. You can’t get distracted by the city noises back home and so there’s nothing else to do but reflect and create.

It’s also the perfect setting for a novel. The serene calm of the lakes provides a welcomed break from the chaos of a turbulent storyline. And in contrast, the sharp ruggedness of the landscape can create a dark underbelly in a sinister plot.

I too have used the Lake District as a setting in one of my own novels. In 2019, I released, The Medium, a murder mystery in which a psychic approaches an atheist claiming to know the whereabouts of his missing wife. But is she all that she claims? It begins in Manchester where Suzanne Walker is brutally murdered beside a canal in Castlefield. Later in the novel, her widower, Michael, takes himself off to the Lake District to find peace and reflect on the trauma which has occurred in his life. One reviewer said that the locations in the book almost

become characters in their own right, which was a lovely compliment.

Desperate to get the creative juices flowing, I returned to the Lake District recently. This time to Hawkshead, an area which I’ve probably underappreciated in my life. I stayed at The Queens Head, a 17th century inn, where once again, they’ve done little to disturb its character. From there, we walked out to Wray Castle, to the very

place which inspired Beatrix Potter to call the Lake District home, following her holiday there in her youth. If I ever sell enough books, I’d certainly make Cumbria my home. There is something truly magical about the place, one I will never tire of visiting.

The Medium by David Hatton, along with David’s five other novels, are available on Amazon worldwide as a paperback or e-book.

Wray Castle: Ambleside

The Queen’s Head: Hawkshead

PRESTON LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL COMES TO MOOR PARK ON SATURDAY 22 JULY

PRESTON LIVE 2023 is a brandnew festival taking place at Preston’s Moor Park on Saturday 22nd July 2023.

Preston Live moves to Moor Park in the centre of Preston to bring you a 90’s and 00’s Dance Extravaganza. Taking place on Saturday 22nd July from 12 noon until 10.00pm, you will see original artists performing their biggest hits outdoors for everybody to enjoy and take them back in time.

Acts performing over the day will include Oceanic, Phats and Small, Kelly Llorena, Abz Love (from 5ive), Alex Party, Lolly, Tina Cousins and Sweet Female Attitude who are just a few of the artists performing in the sunshine for your entertainment.

They will be supported by a host of local up and coming bands including “Tuesday Night Whites”, ”Stanleys” and Jamie Wooding.

Fabulously stocked bars will include frozen cocktails such as Strawberry Daiquiri and Passion Fruit Martinis

slushes and more as well as a great selection of beers, gins, wines and ciders.

With food stalls serving street food from all over the globe along with a lively atmosphere, you and your family will have a day to remember and ensure a brilliant time is had by all.

Tina Cousins

Oceanic

Lolly

Abz Love

A funfair and some great children’s entertainment will cap off a fabulous day.

Pop the date in your diary and spend the day with family or friends for a day to remember. We can’t wait to see you there. A festival not to be missed!

EARLY BIRD PRICES START AT £16.50 PLUS BOOKING FEE.

Phats & Small

Sweet Female Attitude

Kelly Llorena

THE ORPHANAGE GIRLS COME HOME

by Mary Wood

ISBN: 978-1529089714

PUBLISHED: 25 May 2023

by Pan

The heartbreaking conclusion to the saga of The Orphanage Girls, from the bestselling author of The Jam Factory Girls, Mary Wood.

London, 1910.

When Amy’s chosen as part of a programme to resettle displaced children in Canada, her life changes tack.

Her great sadness is having to say goodbye to Ruth and Ellen, the friends who became family to her during the dark days at the orphanage.

As she steps on board the ship to Montreal, the promise of a new life lies ahead. But during the long crossing, Amy discovers a terrifying secret. Canada, 1919.

As the decades pass, Amy’s Canadian experience is far from the life she imagined. She always kept Ruth’s address to hand –longing to return to London and reunite with her dear friends.

With the world at war, it seems an impossible dream.

Separated by oceans, will Amy the orphanage girl ever come home?

About the Author

Born the thirteenth child of fifteen to a middle-class mother and an East End barrow boy, Mary Wood’s childhood was a mixture of love and poverty.

Throughout her life Mary has held various posts in office roles, working in the probation services, and brought up her four children and numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

An avid reader, she first put pen to paper in 1989 while nursing her mother through her last months, but didn’t become successful until she began self-publishing her novels in 2011.

Her novels include All I Have to Give, An Unbreakable Bond, In Their Mother’s Footsteps and the Breckton novels.

Paperback Original • £7.99

LOST IN THE LAKES

NOTES FROM A 379-MILE WALK AROUND THE LAKE DISTRICT

by Tom Chesshyre

ISBN: 978 1 80007 519 1

PUBLISHED: 13 April 2023 by Summersdale Publishers in hardback

Join travel writer Tom Chesshyre for a lakeland adventure like no other. Explore towering mountains, wide-open valleys and magnificent lakes – stopping off at a cosy inn or two along the way – on a 379-mile hike around the Lake District

From Penrith and back via Ullswater, Keswick, Cockermouth, Coniston, Grasmere and Windermere, plus many places in between, Tom Chesshyre puts on his walking boots and sets forth along the trails, drawn onwards by the dramatic scenery that attracts more than 19 million visitors each year.

Across landscape that so inspired the Romantic poets, he takes in remote parts of the parkland that many tourists miss – enjoying encounters aplenty with farmers, fell runners and fellow hikers, while staying in shepherds’ huts, bothies and old climbers’ hotels along the way, and even going for a (chilly) dip in Derwentwater.

This is the Lake District seen from its walking paths – with just a backpack, an open mind and a spring in the step.

About The Author

Tom Chesshyre is the author of eleven travel books, the latest telling the story of a 379-mile hike around

the Lake District. He has travelled 40,000 miles around the world for his train books; most recently for Slow Trains Around Spain: A 3,000-Mile Adventure on 52 Rides. His book writing has also taken him across North Africa after the Arab Spring, round the “dark side” of the Maldives on cargo ships, along the length of the River Thames and on a journey through “unsung Britain” (in To Hull and Back). He worked on the travel desk of The Times for 21 years and is now freelance, contributing to The Critic and New European magazines. He lives in London.

Reviews

“Tom Chesshyre sets off to make a meandering circle of the Lake District on foot with one aim in mind: ‘to let happenchance lead the way.’ In his amiable and relaxed company we climb the fells and skirt the lakes; just as engagingly, we meet a carnival of characters whose personalities and opinions are the real focus of Chesshyre’s tale. Together they sum up a region whose problems are many, but whose enchantments are still unmatched for walkers in these islands.”

Christopher Somerville, The Times

“A charming book, brimming with tender affection for this ‘magnificent... dreamy patchwork’ of peaks, tarns and ‘serpentine valleys... between soaring slopes’. Tom Chesshyre is no brash Wainwrightbagger, but instead a relaxed, affable guide who takes us on a ‘big wobbly circle’ of a stroll around all sixteen main lakes: an impressive 379 miles in all. Neither travel guide nor gushing panegyric, Lost in the Lakes is a book for the everyday ambler: gentle, slow-paced and sweetly uplifting at every turn.”

Rebecca Lowe, journalist and author of The Slow Road to Tehran

“Lyrical, witty and full of cheer, Lost in the Lakes avoids tales of heroic climbs in favour of the quieter – and oft-overlooked – story of everyday life in one of Britain’s rural honey-pots. From barmaids to town mayors, Chesshyre lends an inquiring ear to everyone who crosses his path, resulting in a delightful portrait of a community that is proud of its past but unsure of its future. Part travelogue, part social commentary, this gem of a book succeeds in being both politically engaged and uproariously entertaining – a rare feat in travel writing and a welcome new direction for the genre.”

Oliver Balch, journalist and writer

Places where nature can find a home

• The Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s 2023 campaign will bring the region’s amazing nature reserves into focus.

• It will mean people will be getting closer to nature, while creating huge benefits for wildlife.

• The campaign kicks off with a £10,000 fundraiser to make reserves accessible to everyone - if we reach that target the Big Give will double it..

It is spring and the birds are singing out with absolute joy, but imagine a world where that birdsong was heard less and less.

Imagine your garden without the lovely buzz of bees, the moors without the cascading twitter of the skylark or the woodland without the “tap, tap, tap” of the woodpecker.

These are all wildlife miracles that we enjoy when we step outside our homes, but many of us forget about them when we get on with our everyday lives. We have a bond with Nature and that bond means huge benefits to both us and the wild creatures and plants that surround us.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is helping to restore our connections to the natural world at its 40 nature reserves across the region.

“Places where nature can find a home” is the Trust’s Nature Reserves Campaign 2023, highlighting these oases for wildlife to flourish. It aims to highlight the amazing work done every day on those reserves by officers and volunteers to create perfect habitats for many plants and creatures.

A massive part of that campaign is to make nature reserves more accessible for all of our visitors, and we are

kicking things off with improved paths, hides and viewing areas beginning at Brockholes, Mere Sands Wood and Lunt Meadows.

Head of Marketing Jenny Johnson said: “Nature reserves have areas that are quite isolated so that plants and creatures can get on with their lives undisturbed. We can bring people closer by improving paths and viewing areas, so visitors can quietly watch the wildlife. At the same time, we want people to feel safe when they are watching amazing wild spectacles.

“We also want to improve some of the important features of our reserves like sand martin nesting boxes and willow carvings that are so appealing to families.

“Our nature reserves are welcoming places to all our visitors, human, furry, feathered and scaly.”

Paths in Heysham Nature Reserve by Alan Wright

Small tortoiseshell at Mere Sands Wood by Alan Wright

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust will need support to make these improvements and we already have some funding for essential improvements at our nature reserves.

This campaign is being championed by the Big Give, which understands the importance of engaging with nature.

To continue our work we need to raise £10,000, and if we hit that target it will be doubled by the Big Give. We have seven days from Thursday, April 20th until April 27th, to raise the money, every pound you give means two pounds will go to nature, if we are successful. You can help with this vitally important campaign by going to The Big Give set to double donations for one week only | The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside (lancswt.org.uk)

Jenny said: “We rely on nature to lift our spirits, to pollinate our plants and improve the environment we live in. We get huge benefits from wildlife and we need to make sure that wildlife is benefitting from our actions.

“This is not scaremongering, an environmental crisis is really happening on your doorstep – many insects have become extinct in the UK and it is make or break for our iconic hedgehogs. Our grandchildren may never see this beautiful spiky mammal in the wild… unless we take action.

“Our nature reserves are hugely important safe areas for wildlife to flourish and they are stepping stones in the Nature Recovery Network that is necessary to turn around the crisis facing wildlife.”

To learn more about our Nature Reserves Campaign go to: https:// www.lancswt.org.uk/our-work/ standing-wildlife/places-wherenature-can-build-home

Great spotted woodpecker by Craig Smith

Reedbed path at Brockholes by Alan Wright

Quiet path through Crosshill Quarry by Alan Wright 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

Cumbria Tourism to Gain Significant National Status from VisitEngland

VisitEngland has today announced that Cumbria Tourism, alongside 11 other destinations across England, has been awarded Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) status.

The move follows an independent review of Destination Management Organisations in England, which recommended the reorganisation of destination management throughout the country, to reduce fragmentation and bring coherence to the country’s DMO landscape.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “VisitEngland is delighted to welcome the new LVEPs onto the programme, who will play a central role in transforming the visitor economy in England in an inclusive, accessible and sustainable way. Ensuring we have the right national and local infrastructure in place to grow our visitor economy will ensure England continues to be a compelling destination, for both domestic and international visitors, for years to come.”

“We look forward to working in collaboration with the LVEPs, providing ongoing support including a team of dedicated VisitEngland regional development leads. LVEPs will also have access to resources and guidance from VisitBritain/VisitEngland in areas including product distribution, business support, bidding for funding and marketing.”

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says: “It’s fantastic to see Cumbria Tourism officially recognised by VisitEngland as one of the first new Local Visitor Economy Partnerships. This is a great opportunity for our county to further strengthen its position as a world-class destination, working in a truly coordinated and joined up way locally, regionally and nationally to develop our shared vision and drive forward an innovative, sustainable visitor economy which supports local jobs and communities all year round.

“We’re looking forward to working with a range of tourism businesses and partners, including Cumbria’s two new unitary authorities, the Lake District National Park and local tourism associations who will all feed into our work at both an operational and strategic level. We will also be collaborating closely with the other newly-appointed LVEPs across the wider North West region to maximise the opportunities for the North, ensure our collective voice is heard and encourage sustainable tourism growth outside London.”

In addition to achieving official recognition, LVEPs will provide strong leadership and management for their destinations, working collaboratively with both public and private sectors. Cumbria Tourism will have the opportunity to help to shape and deliver national strategy and activities, and will be promoted across government and national agencies, ensuring that the local visitor economy is an active and valued contributor to Levelling Up and the wider economy.

Nostalgic Windermere Cruise for the Archers

- Mary and Jeffrey Take a Turn on MV Tern

Dame Mary Archer and her husband – the bestselling novelist Jeffery Archer –have enjoyed a nostalgic cruise on Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises.

The couple cruised along England’s longest lake from Lakeside Pier to Bowness on MV Tern which is the oldest vessel and flagship of Windermere Lake Cruises’ fleet.

Dame Mary was invited to visit the Lake District by a national newspaper to re-create a nostalgic holiday from her childhood. The journey will feature in a series of articles about celebrity childhood holiday memories which will appear in the Daily Mail. Dame Mary is a highly regarded scientist and has taught Chemistry in Oxford, Cambridge and London. She also had a long association with the NHS, serving as chair of Cambridge

University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between 2002 and 2012. Jeffrey Archer, a former politician, is one of the world’s bestselling novelists with international sales of his books passing 275 million copies.

Crew members say the couple had a very enjoyable journey. MV Tern was built in 1891 which makes her over 130 year old. She is the flagship of the Windermere Lake Cruises’ fleet.

Windermere Lake Cruises currently operates 17 vessels on England’s longest lake, including 3 historic ‘steamers’, the latest addition to the fleet MV Swift, 4 traditional wooden launches and 9 waterbuses. There is also an array of self-drive vessels and rowing boats.

Above: Dame Mary Archer DBE and Jeffrey Archer on Windermere Lake Cruises’ flagship MV Tern

6-MONTH PLAN TO FINDING LOVE WITH A MATCHMAKER

FROM SINGLE TO SMITTEN: THE

Anything worth having takes time. Finding (and keeping) love is no different. If you’re ready to settle down and find a discerning partner, consider teaming up with The Matchmaker UK. We offer a bespoke, premium and discreet introductions service based in Cheshire and London, UK. Read on to find out how to go from single to smitten in as little as six months!.

MONTH 1

Your first month will be busy with preparation! First, it’s time to get to know your The Matchmaker UK team, including our Multi-Award Winning Founder and Certified International Matchmaker, Lara Besbrode.

Over a series of 1-1 meetings with Lara and her team of dating experts, including a dating coach, photographer, and more, we’ll learn your likes, must-haves and requirements for a partner. We also take time to discuss your values, personality traits and compatibility.

During your first month, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a stylist who will coach you on your wardrobe, grooming and appearance. Equipped with facts about you and stunning photos, our team expertly crafts your dating profile to show you in the best light.

Next, we’ll get to work hand-selecting suitable matches. As a premium, discreet, confidential introduction service, we work with discerning clientele. We’re proud of our bespoke approach to matchmaking. No algorithms are at work here!

It’s time to get ready for your first date!

At The Matchmaker UK, we enjoy planning unique and memorable dates for our matches. All you need to do is show up and be your authentic self.

MONTHS 2-3

You’ve had your first date – great! While it’s possible to find love at first sight, you’re likely still interested in

meeting a few more matches before you find your special one. During months 2-3, you’ll go on exciting dates, get to know your match, and learn more about yourself and what you’re looking for. Don’t hesitate to share feedback, including what worked and didn’t work with your matchmaker. We use your feedback to refine your dating strategy and navigate your personal growth journey.

We’ll continue this cycle until you’ve met the one you want to continue dating for a long time!

MONTH 4-6

By months 4-6 (or sooner!), the chemistry and connection between you and your match swings into full momentum. And hopefully, by this point, your relationship status has changed from single to smitten! You’re ready for whatever comes next.

If you’re ready to start your journey with The Matchmaker UK, please get in touch with us now. Our bespoke matchmaking service caters to UKbased and international clientele. With two offices in Mayfair, London and Cheshire, England, we’re ready to find you the ideal match whenever you are. To learn more about us, check out our reviews on Trustpilot and Google. The Matchmaker UK is part of the Association of British Introduction Agencies (ABIA).

The Matchmaker UK offers a discreet, confidential and bespoke introduction service. If you’re ready to reboot your dating life this spring, please get in touch with us now.

D www.thematchmaker.uk

N 0330 175 7679

I @thematchmakeruk

Spring, the season for new beginnings, is here. The prospect of warmer weather and longer days is officially upon us. It’s not only time to rotate your turtleneck and puffer jacket for something lighter, but it’s also a wonderful time to spring clean your dating strategy!

ONLY 3 PLOTS REMAIN

A perfect marriage of delicious food and fine wine at Ribble Valley’s La Locanda

To discover the very finest Italian wines, food and drink enthusiasts enjoyed the unique opportunity to celebrate and sample wines at a Serata Siciliana Wine Tasting eventright here at Lancashire’s finedining restaurant ‘La Locanda’

An Italian showcase

La Locanda welcomed acclaimed, reputable wine producer Baglio di Pianetto from Palermo, Italy - who has achieved a perfect balance between tradition and innovation in wine making since 1997.

In attendance, Dario Rinaldi from the Baglio Di Pianetto Estates in Sicily chose a fabulous selection of their signature wines to be paired with a stunning six-course dinner, carefully crafted by Lancashire Taste Ambassador and La Locanda Chef Patron Maurizio.

A culinary journey of traditional Sicilian flavours

Dario introduced the exquisite wines to accompany each course, offering guests the opportunity to learn more about the wines’ individual

qualities and provenance. With La Locanda owner Cinzia presenting the history of each dish and the heritage of the ingredients.

During the lively evening, guests were taken on a culinary journey. A menu featuring the rich tapestry of flavours that Sicilian cuisine has to offer – each dish paired with an award-winning wine from Baglio Di Pianetto:

Traditional Ragusano bread served with sea salt from Trapani and extra virgin olive oil Baroni

Aperitivo: Arancini di mare (fried arancini filled with seafood), Pane e panelle (a Palermo tradition of chickpea fritter served in a panino & drizzled with lemon juice), Polipo in umido con patate (stew of octopus with potatoes)

Accompanied with Fuscha’ Rose’ Terre Siciliane IGT

Primi Piatti: Ravioli di cernia con pesto di pistacchi e scampi (Maurizio’s hand-crafted ravioli filled with grouper fish, served with pistachios pesto & scampi)

Accompanied with Viafrancia Bianco Sicilia DOC Riserva 2020

Secondi Piatti: Braciola alla Messinese con misticanza (skewers of beef in breadcrumb & herbs, filled with Caciocavallo cheese on fresh baby leaf salad)

Accompanied with Viafrancia Rosso Sicilia DOC Riserva 2017

Dolci: Cassata Siciliania (traditional cake - green almond paste, filled with sweet sheep ricotta, served with chocolate ice cream & Modica chocolate dust)

Accompanied with Ra’Is Terre Siciliane IGT

Fine Pasto: Dolcetti alle mandorle e caffe’ (traditional Sicilian almond biscuits with Italian coffee)

A perfect marriage of delicious food and fine wine!

Guest and La Locanda regular diner Mary said “What a very special evening with fine Sicilian wines carefully chosen to compliment Maurizio’s fabulous food. The octopus and potato stew was the highlight for us. Each course was beautifully presented which all contributed to a wonderful evening. We were made to feel so welcome and really enjoyed hearing about the different wines. Cinzia was the perfect hostess explaining the origins of each dish and spending time with everyone. What a great night in La Locanda; a little glimpse of Italy in the Ribble Valley.”

Local guest and diner Heather from Gisburn said “We had the most wonderful experience at the Sicilian Dinner and Wine Tasting event. The 5-course menu was outstanding, with an array of dishes prepared and cooked by Chef Maurizio. The accompanying wines were sublime and the vineyard’s history along with detailed information about each wine made the whole experience perfect.”

Baglio de Pianetto

– from curiosity to reality

Many years ago, traveling in Sicily, a little boy asked his mother to buy him a bottle of wine. She replied that he was too young. But he was insistent and his mother finally gave in, on the condition that he wouldn’t open it until he was seventeen years old.

On reaching the age of seventeen, Count Paolo Marzotto finally opened the bottle of wine; but by now it had partly evaporated. He was never able to drink the wine, but this discovery captured his attention and imagination. As a result, the Count undertook his research to understand where everything originated, in turn understanding how the wine was made.

Count Paolo Marzotto’s desires and ideas have become reality thanks to his love for Sicily and passion for wine; and supported by the innovative and courageous choices, he founded and created ‘Baglio di Pianetto’.

Gusto Italiano

La Locanda restaurant owners Maurizio and Cinzia Bocchi strive to provide a truly authentic Italian experience that gives the sensation to be part of what the Italians call “Gusto Italiano” (Flavours of Italy).

Each of La Locanda’s wines have been carefully selected and are not generally available in the UK and sourced directly from the producer.

La Locanda’s Chef Maurizio, says “We are incredibly passionate about sourcing the very best produce. Every glass, including our house wine, is carefully selected and perfectly suited to accompany our authentic regional cuisine, to ensure our guests can enjoy a fully rounded Italian experience.”

50th birthday and just 7,000 miles on clock!

Immaculate Volvo turns heads at Lakeland Motor Museum

Despite celebrating its 50th birthday this stunning 1970s Volvo at Lakeland Motor Museum still manages to look like it’s just come out of the showroom!

If it were for sale (which it most definitely isn’t!) the Volvo 145 would be a salesman’s dream – one careful owner, very low mileage and immaculate condition!

The reason the green, station wagon style, Volvo has retained its “just like new” looks over all these years is because its owner kept it locked away in storage in North Yorkshire for 30 years. First registered on May 2nd,

1973, it only covered 7,000 miles during its lifetime – so wear and tear has been kept to a minimum.

Curator at the Lakeland Motor Museum Chris Lowe says: “As you’d expect, a car this age and in this condition attracts a lot of attention –especially now it’s turning 50!

“Thirty or forty years ago you would have seen a lot of these on the roads. But they are now extremely rare –especially in this sort of condition.

“Seeing this one in the museum unlocks a lot of nostalgia in people even if they are not huge classic car enthusiasts. And this example is such a sight to behold because it only looks six months old!”

The Volvo 145 was the final model in the Swedish company’s 140 range, before evolving into the 240 range from 1974. In all, more than a million Volvo 140 range cars were built.

It’s a 5-door estate or station wagon style with a virtually vertical tailgate. Its design made it extremely practical and spacious –a perfect family car. The cargo volume was more than 2 cubic metres and the floor of the cargo area was totally flat so it could meet the needs of any family. The vertical design of the rear section went on to become a well-known characteristic of all Volvo estates.

The example at Lakeland Motor Museum was donated by the same benefactor who also gifted a Humber Hawk estate to the museum. Both have proved a massive hit with visitors and now it’s turning 50 the Volvo will attract even more admiring glances.

You can see this incredible car at the museum which is open daily at Backbarrow in South Cumbria.

Cumbria Tourism Awards Shortlist Highlights Business Trailblazers

The finalists of this year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards have been officially revealed, highlighting the diverse and innovative businesses which exemplify the very best of the county’s vibrant visitor economy.

With 15 categories spanning every conceivable type of tourism business, the innovators featured in today’s shortlist continue to excel against a challenging backdrop of rising costs and ongoing recruitment issues for the industry regionally and nationally.

The finalists now face another round of judging, including a series of mystery shopping visits, before the ultimate winners are selected ahead of a VIP awards ceremony on Wednesday 5 July - held in association with United Utilities.

To round off the night there will also be a special surprise presentation for the ‘Bernard Gooch Tourism Personality of the Year’ - the highest annual accolade collectively awarded by Cumbria’s tourism industry for lifelong service and dedication.

Many of this year’s winners will go on to represent the county nationally at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says, “Yet again, what a fantastic bunch of finalists we have! The 2023 entries have been whittled down to this hardfought shortlist after being judged against VisitEngland’s strict scoring

criteria. They are a fantastic mix of businesses from across the county who are demonstrating consistently high quality, service and care to our visitors.

“It will be a privilege to bring all the finalists together this July to mark their achievements and there’s no doubt the independent judging panel now have a very tough task on their hands to choose the ultimate winners.”

The Cumbria Tourism Awards 2023 finalists are:

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

Sponsored by Lake District National Park

• Bassenthwaite Lake Station

• Treetop Trek, Brockhole

• Irton House, Cockermouth

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award

Sponsored by Westmorland and Furness Council

• The Yan at Broadrayne, Grasmere

• Park Cliffe, Windermere

• Shed One, Ulverston

• The Green Cumbria, Ravenstonedale

Large Hotel of the Year

Sponsored by Christie & Co

• Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa, Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick

• Storrs Hall Hotel, Windermere

• North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Penrith

• The Ro Hotel, Bowness-onWindermere

Small Hotel of the Year

Sponsored by Colliers

• The Borrowdale Royal Oak

• Rothay Manor, Ambleside

• Crooklands, Milnthorpe

• Queens Head, Troutbeck

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

Sponsored by The Cumberland

• Cragg Cottage, Torver

• Waterbird Boathouse at Hill of Oaks, Windermere

• Mill Pool Barn, Torver

• Loughrigg Cottage, Ambleside

Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year

Sponsored by Burnetts

• Hillcroft, Pooley Bridge

• Park Foot Holiday Park, Pooley Bridge

• Rydal Hall Estate

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Sponsored by Dodd & Co

• Wordsworth Grasmere

• Bassenthwaite Lake Station

• The Dock Museum, Barrow-inFurness

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Sponsored by H&H Reeds

• Forestry England - Whinlatter

Forest

• Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

• Walby Farm Park, Crosby-onEden

Experience of the Year

• The Infinity Bridge at Honister

• Mountain Goat Tours

Pub of the Year

Sponsored by Napthens

• The Dalesman Country Inn, Sedbergh

• Lake View Garden Bar, Bownesson-Windermere

• Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater

Taste of Cumbria Award

Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore

• Allium at Askham Hall

• The Yan at Broadrayne, Grasmere

• Briery Wood Country House Hotel, Windermere

Makers and Producers Award

Sponsored by Aqua Pura

• Cable & Blake Limited - Fabrics of the Lakes, Kendal

• Lakeland Artisan, Kendal

• Penningtons Tea and Coffee, Kendal

• Cumbria Crystal, Ulverston

Wedding Venue of the Year

• Storrs Hall Hotel, Bowness-onWindermere

• Merewood Country House Hotel, Windermere

• Lindeth Howe Hotel, Bownesson-Windermere

• Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Windermere

New Tourism Business Award

Sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley

• Laik, Windermere

• Lanty Slee’s Saloon Bar, Elterwater

• Golf Lake District

The Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award

• Ben McGregor, Lake District Estates

• Jessica Sneddon, Wordsworth Grasmere

• Raymond Stanford, Lakeside Hotel & Spa

The Cumbria Tourism Awards 2023 are organised on behalf of Cumbria Tourism and are only possible thanks to ticket sales and the generosity of the sponsors, including headline sponsor United Utilities, Booths, Heineken, EWGA Wines and Lawson Design.

For more information, visit: www.cumbriatourism.org/awards

Colour and Style

OUR SECTION ON COLOUR AND STYLE WITH SARAH HARRIS FROM ‘COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL’

Jump into July with more confidence

Summer is here at last and that means time out for holidays and relaxation! If you’re going on a beach holiday and looking for some swimwear check out some pointers that will ease you through the process, I know that for many wearing swimwear fills them with anxiety and It’s my job to help you dress your body so that you will feel relaxed and confident.

Why not take a look inside your wardrobe for beach coverups and Accessories as they are the icing on the cake - adding interest and detail that will divert the eye and take attention away from the areas you are uncomfortable with.

Another trick for distracting the eye is Lipstick, as the saying goes ‘If they’re looking at the lips they’re not looking at the hips” July is national Lipstick month - so let’s give those lips something to smile about – with a Lipstick in your best colour!

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

Image courtesy of Kettlewell - www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk

Image courtesy of Hamlyn for Colour Me Beautiful www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk

It’s a good month to prepare for some summer sunshine and if you’re going swimming knowing the swimsuit that suits you is essential. Unfortunately, one swimsuit does not fit all. Of course, you know this already. Save yourself stressful shopping trips by understanding what works and more importantly what doesn’t!!

Neat Hourglass Lucky you, most styles work on your frame. Choose a style that emphasises your figure.

Full Hourglass the key word is ‘support’. Spaghetti straps are not your friend and will probably dig and pinch your shoulders and neck. And forget strapless style tops, look for a ‘proper’ bra style top that can be adjusted at the back. Avoid frills on your bottom half as these can add bulk.

Triangle aim to lift the eye up and away from your bottom and thighs. Wear bright colours on your top half and plain deeper shades on your bottom. High cut legs lengthens and draws attention away from your wide point, and a slanting line is slimming. Look for brands that sell two pieces in different sizes. An off the shoulder swimsuit is not only feminine but will broaden your shoulder line.

Inverted Triangle minimise your broad shoulders by keeping detail on your top half to a minimum. A halter neck will draw the eye inwards, and boy short style bottom will build up this area to balance out your body shape. You would also benefit from brands that sell two different pieces in different sizes.

Oval a fitted one piece can elongate your frame. It is worth investing in good tummy control. Choose a busy all-over print to distract the eye. Tankinis are a great option as they float over the tummy.

Rectangle – as you have a straight up and down body shape with little waist definition, stay away from belted styles. Instead opt for side panels that will give the illusion of shape. If you carry weight around your tummy, look for swimsuits with a busy print and detailing on your bust and hips.

Full hourglass- a Costume/bikini that has good support – a ‘proper’ bra style works best.

Mix and match - Tankinis Great on most body shapes but think about the pattern - although they distract they can also widen. So for an Inverted triangle maybe a plain top with a patterned bottom and the opposite for the Triangle!

Triangles - Pattern on the Top half distracts from bottom half

Black Floral Print Bikini with Gold Detail by www.sosandar.com

Leopard Print 2 part belted swimsuit www.sosandar.com

Aqua Leopard Print Body Sculpturing Tankini & Azure Blue Ruched Front Knot Detail Tankini by www.sosandar.com

Take a look at your wardrobe with fresh eyes - that shirt dress that is a little tight across the tummy, can you wear it open over a pair of trousers and T-shirt? Those jeans that are too short could make a great pair of shorts. And an over-sized shirt can be a really useful cover-up for the beach (cotton or cheese cloth are ideal fabrics in the sun). And don’t forget charity shops where you can often find a hidden gem.

Time spent looking through your wardrobe can save you money, use your imagination to revamp your holiday wardrobe!

Beach Cover-up

Inverted TriangleHalter Neck style draws the eye in.

Oval – Busy Print distracts the eye, along with detail higher up.

Rectangle – Busy prints and detailing on bust and hips will give shape to the straighter body line.

Take a look inside your wardrobe and see if you have anything that you can reuse...

Black & Gold Chain Print Faux Wrap Swimsuit by www.sosandar.com

Pink Animal Print Body Sculpturing Ruched Detail Swimsuit by www.sosandar.com

Denim shirt and Cannes natural Trilby Hat by www.sosandar.com

Zebra Print Figure-flattering swimsuit by www.sosandar.com

Shirt dresses are great as a light summer coat as seen above

Have fun with your outfits this summer by adding jewellery. How big, bold and colourful you are prepared to go very much depends on your Style Personality. Jewellery can add a different dimension, and if you are wearing a simple t shirt a necklace or earrings can elevate your look!

29th July 2023 is National Lipstick Day…

Enjoy your summer and if you follow some of these tips you’ll be beach ready and confident in your swimwear and Lip ready for National Lipstick Day!!

Lipstick can instantly transform your look and make your day better! Choose a flattering shade and you’ll feel a million dollars. If you’re not a lipstick wearer but love the look, try a sheer which has a hint of colour without intensity. A great choice for summer. Alternatively, choose a lip gloss for a glossy texture. And remember to choose a lipstick that suits your undertone – Blue based if you have a Cool undertone and Yellow based for those with Warmer undertones!

Make sure you wear a primer it will protect your lips, moisturise them and preventing feathering.

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

E sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

D www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

Sahara Ornate Earrings in Green/Gold www.saharalondon.com

Sahara Sequin necklace www.saharalondon.com

SENSATIONAL ARTIST LINE UP ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 GREAT BRITISH R&B FESTIVAL IN COLNE

Organisers of the 2023 Great British R&B Festival, Colne Town Council in partnership with Colne Blues Society, have announced a star-studded line-up for this year’s event showcasing the very best of blues music and the genres talented future stars.

The festival will feature over 30 artists across two stages including the Pendle Hippodrome and a brand new stage for 2023, The Exchange Project Stage. Headlining the 2023 festival will be award-winning, genre-defying, singer-songwriter Elles Bailey; one

of the hottest contemporary blues guitarists and considered by many to be amongst the best in the world, Aynsley Lister; and soul, blues and rock legends Xander and The Peace Pirates, whose pervasive blend of inspired songwriting and memorable performances has seen them enrapture audiences from around the world.

Visitors to this year’s event will also get to see the likes of acoustic blues artist of the year Dom Martin, multi UK-blues awards nominated singersongwriter Alice Armstrong, 2022 emerging artist of the year Emma Wilson, and three time young artist of the year Connor Selby, plus many more.

Colne Blues Society, who are

programming the festival in 2023 and 2024, have also showcased quality local talent in their exciting line up, including The Hiding Magpies, J-Bear and The Giants, The Imperials and more!

You can head to the Great British R&B Festival to learn more about this year’s full line-up: https://www. bluesfestival.co.uk/lineups/

Once again, this year’s festival is being sponsored by main sponsors Barnfield Construction Ltd, with the North West based contractors, developers and investors proud sponsors of the highly successful event in 2022, which saw over 30,000 people visit Colne over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Elles Bailey, Xander and the Peace Pirates and Aynsley Lister will headline the 2023 Great British R&B Festival

Returning this year from 25th27th August, full festival tickets are priced at just £100, working out at just £3 per band over the weekend, while individual day tickets are also available, alongside camping tickets.

All tickets can be purchased online here: https://www.bluesfestival.co.uk/ tickets/

Alongside the two main venues, Colne Blues Society will also be programming the Official Fringe Festival which will see blues and rock acts from all over the UK performing across 12 Official Fringe venues, which are free to attend.

Nathan Cutler, Colne Town Council’s Events Officer, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the full line-up which has been produced by Colne Blues Society for the 2023 Great British R&B Festival, and we can’t wait for August already!

“The line-up features a fantastic range of blues talent including the very best artists in blues music right now, and we will be proud to see them performing here in Colne.”

Simon Shackleton, Festival Coordinator at Colne Blues Society,

added: “When we were chosen as Artistic Director for the 2023 and 2024 Great British R&B Festival, we were keen to develop an exciting festival programme packed with some of the most influential and up-andcoming blues acts in the UK blues scene, and we are thrilled to say we have achieved that.

“It’s an honour to be given the opportunity to take over the creative direction of the festival in its entirety,

which holds a special place in the heart of every Colne Blues Society member, and which we know is the premier event in Colne’s calendar. We hope everyone enjoys the line-up and we would urge people to get their tickets now before it’s too late!”

To keep up-to-date with this year’s event, visit The Great British R&B Festival’s social media channels.

Pet Blood Bank UK: Saving Lives One Donation at a Time

Marion Teal

Every day, pets across the United Kingdom require lifesaving blood transfusions. Just like humans, animals can suffer from conditions that affect their blood, including anaemia, cancer, and trauma. In these situations, a blood transfusion can be the difference between life and death. That’s where Pet Blood Bank UK comes in.

Pet Blood Bank UK is a charity that provides a vital service to pet owners and veterinarians across the UK. Established in 2007, the charity operates a blood bank for dogs which relies on donations from generous pet owners and we soon hope to offer the service for cats as well

To understand the work of Pet Blood Bank UK, it’s essential to know a little about animal blood types. Like humans, dogs and cats have different

blood types, and a transfusion must match the recipient’s blood type to avoid potentially fatal reactions. There are over a dozen different dog blood types, and cats have three main blood groups.

We’re just like the human blood service, but for pets! We run donation sessions across the country where you can bring your dog to give blood and help save the lives of other dogs.

The blood is taken to our processing centre in Loughborough where it is separated into different products. It is then stored and sent out to vets when they need it for an unwell dog. We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure blood is always available.

We work with dog owners who understand the importance of having lifesaving blood available. We manage our service very carefully by blood type to ensure we always have enough stock of each type. We will only ask a dog to donate blood when we know we need it.

As demand is increasing, we need more lifesaving dogs to register with us. If your dog meets our donor criteria, and especially if they are likely to have negative blood type, we would love to hear from you!

Every unit of blood helps save up to four other lives, saving thousands of lives every year. By joining our community of lifesaving donors, you are ensuring blood will always be available for dogs when they need it..

The blood collected by Pet Blood Bank UK is used to save the lives of pets undergoing surgery or suffering from conditions such as anaemia. Donated blood is processed into various components, including red blood cells and plasma, which can be used for different purposes. Pet Blood Bank UK also provides a transfusion service, delivering blood products to veterinary practices across the UK.

But Pet Blood Bank UK’s work doesn’t stop at the blood bank. The charity also promotes awareness of the importance of pet blood donation

and encourages more pet owners to consider donating their pets’ blood. The charity’s aim is to create a sustainable supply of blood products, ensuring that no pet goes without the life-saving transfusion they need.

In addition to their blood donation services, Pet Blood Bank UK also operates a training and education programme for veterinary professionals. The charity provides training in transfusion medicine, ensuring that vets across the UK have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Pet Blood Bank UK is entirely reliant on the support of donors and volunteers. If you’re interested in helping, there are many ways to get involved. Pet owners can register their pets as potential blood donors, and veterinary professionals can access the charity’s training and education programmes. Individuals and companies can also make donations to support the charity’s vital work.

Pet Blood Bank UK is a vital charity that provides an essential service to pet owners and veterinarians across the UK. By donating blood or supporting the charity’s work, you can help to ensure that every pet has access to the life-saving transfusion they need. So why not get involved and help to save lives today?.

Alpaca blood processing

We are very pleased to support the alpaca community by offering a collection kit and blood processing service for alpaca vets.

This service facilitates the processing of alpaca whole blood into plasma, which is sometimes needed for newborn crias. When a cria is born, it is vital they suckle enough of their mother’s milk (colostrum) soon after birth. This gives them the antibodies they need to fight infection during their first few weeks of life. If a cria

does not receive enough colostrum from their mother within 24 hours of birth, a plasma transfusion can provide a lifeline to help them build this immunity.

In addition to alpacas, our license includes provision for blood processing for llamas, guanacos, and vicunas.

To find out more visit:

www.petbloodbankuk.org or call: 01509 232 222

Ride to Parliament Through Heart of London

Horses being ridden through London to Parliament: A real spectacle bearing a sobering message.

At lunchtime on Tuesday 18th April, central London echoed to the sound of clattering hooves as a group of horses and riders from World Horse Welfare, joined by familiar faces from the worlds of entertainment and equestrianism, Rode to Parliament in a bid to press for the passage of the Kept Animals Bill and raise awareness of the live export to slaughter of horses.

Tourists and passers-by were transfixed by the sight of the horses and their riders, including Radio 2 DJ, horse lover and World Horse Welfare Patron Sara Cox; equestrian influencer and World Horse Welfare Rehomer This Esme and equestrian legend Jane Holderness-Roddam. The

ride took just over 45 minutes from South Carriage Drive in Knightsbridge, through Hyde Park to Constitution Hill and along The Mall before arriving at Parliament.

The ride marked the start of the charity’s #StopHorseSmuggling appeal to help finish what Ada Cole started and ensure that no horse from Britain is transported abroad live for slaughter.

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare said: “Almost 100 years ago World Horse Welfare was founded by the inimitable Ada Cole, and stopping the live export of horses to slaughter was her founding principle. We have the chance to stop this practice once and for all, but time is running out. As the country prepares for a General Election, probably next year, the Bill will be put aside unless it is adopted soon. Without doubt, our aim here today is to raise awareness in

the minds of the MPs in the building behind me and make sure that this opportunity is not lost. Donations to our appeal will help ensure we can continue to tirelessly chase an end to live export to slaughter.”

Sara Cox said: “My ride today, Onyx, was brilliant, taking all the people and traffic in the city in his stride. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to see the name World Horse Welfare and so many people saw us ride through. A great charity doing such an important job, it was wonderful to be a part of it.”

This Esme said: “Today was a great day, a great ride, with a great charity for a great cause. Nobody wants to see the live export of horses for slaughter, we all want to support these beautiful and sensitive animals. Anything we can do to increase awareness brings us a few steps closer to getting the Kept Animals Bill passed, and a stop

World Horse Welfare

to this barbaric end for our precious horse friends.”

The superbly behaved horses, supplied and led by Carol Andrews, owner of Wimbledon Village Stables, were flanked by Mounted Police for safety before coming to a halt in the very heart of the city, at Victoria Gardens South just outside the Houses of Parliament.

Carol said: “It is fantastic to be involved in such an important thing for the future of welfare for our animals. I am so proud to have been able to provide the horses for this wonderful event.”

Here the horses and riders took a rest. “Have you seen the Bill?” asked the banner in the park “Neither have we.” came the reply from the riders and colleagues from World Horse Welfare, the UK’s largest equestrian welfare charity.

Jane Holderness-Roddam said: “It’s so important we all support this essential Bill to prevent more animal suffering, and I hope that by taking part in this incredible Ride to Parliament, it will bring it to people’s attention.”

The Kept Animals Bill, which will ban live exports of animals for slaughter and fattening, was first introduced to the UK Parliament in June 2021 and, despite cross-party support, it has still not become law.

Any horse can end up being exported to slaughter, from outgrown children’s ponies through to ex-sports horses; horses sold with the best of intentions and in the belief that they could never end their lives in a slaughterhouse as they are signed out of the food chain on their official passports. While no horse, pony or donkey has officially been declared as being exported for slaughter in recent years, it is known that there is a trade in equines being smuggled out of the country – often in poor welfare conditions and on fraudulent passports. Sadly, some of these vulnerable animals will end their lives in a slaughterhouse.

World Horse Welfare is hugely grateful to everyone involved with making the Ride to Parliament a safe and effective one. The horses themselves came from Wimbledon Village Stables and grooms from the stables accompanied the ride on foot and were available for the duration of the ride in case of emergency, LeMieux who provided the riders’ jodphurs, the Mounted Police who accompanied the ride to ensure safety and SEIB (the providers of World Horse Welfare’s insurance cover) who extended their cover to insure this event.

www.worldhorsewelfare.org/support-us/appeals/help-stop-horse-smuggling

NORTHERN MUSIC AWARDS

Inaugural Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards supported by Ticketmaster launches to celebrate breadth of musical talent across the region

The UK’s largest music therapy charity has announced the launch of its new Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards supported by Ticketmaster, which will honour artists, festivals, venues and industry figures from across the North of England at a star-studded award show.

The legendary Spice Girl, Melanie C, is set to receive the Special Recognition award for her outstanding contribution to music, and will perform at the awards show, with many more acts to be announced. The performance-packed show will be the first event of its kind to celebrate the Northern music industry – taking place in Manchester on Thursday 30 November 2023 at Factory International’s landmark new arts, music and culture space.

Tickets go on sale soon and registration for pre-sale tickets is open now at nordoff-robbins.org.uk/nmas. Money raised will help to fund the opening of a new Nordoff and Robbins dedicated music therapy centre for Greater Manchester – based in Salford.

Announced at a launch event on Thursday 20 April which included live performances from Antony Szmierek,

Joash, The K’s and The Mysterines at iconic live music venue, Band on the Wall, the Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards supported by Ticketmaster will be hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music presenter, Chris Hawkins, and will recognise and celebrate the breadth of musical talent across the North of England, from upand-coming musicians to established and legendary artists.

Award categories* range from Newcomer of the Year to Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, DJ of the Year, Maverick in Music, and the Northern Music Award. A diverse selection of shortlisted Northern artists will perform at the glittering event alongside Melanie C, who was born and raised in the North West. Category shortlists and further artists will be announced in the lead up to the show.

Live music venues (small and large) and festivals will also be recognised, with their own individual award categories. A special Music and Culture for Wellbeing award will showcase outstanding and innovative creative arts provision in the North, that uses music and culture to support and connect with people that face health, wellbeing and socio-economic challenges.

Supported in 2023 by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and City of Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, the awards will move to a different city in the North each year to shine a light on music from across the region and underline the powerful impact of music on all members of our society.

Through these awards, Nordoff and Robbins is continuing its close partnerships with the UK music industry, developed since the creation of its annual Silver Clef music awards in 1976. The judging panel comprises industry heavyweights including Ticketmaster, SJM Concerts, GigPig, Music Venue Trust, Live Nation, BIMM Institute, Kendall Calling and Sound City Liverpool, as well as BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins.

Nordoff and Robbins delivers music therapy to clients across the UK from bases in London, Croydon, Newcastle, Dunfermline and

MEL C

Glasgow, and its biggest service area is currently the North of England, with 45 music therapists and 118 partner organisations providing nearly 20,000 sessions of vital music therapy to more than 4,300 people in the region.

The new Greater Manchester centre based in Salford, will be a multidisciplinary music making and therapy space, housing a high spec recording studio with interactive, accessible music technology throughout, serving the needs of individuals and diverse Northern communities.

Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff and Robbins said: “We see music as a superpower, so we’re incredibly excited to launch the Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards supported by Ticketmaster in Manchester and can’t wait to honour such a broad range of talent – from artists to venues, festivals and those who’ve really made a difference with music - the event is going to be unmissable. The support of the public, artists and the wider music industry is absolutely vital - all the money raised from ticket sales will enable Nordoff and Robbins to help more people in the North to access music therapy through a fantastic new centre. Music therapy is the act of supporting people to connect and communicate through music who otherwise are unable to; such as those living with autism to dementia, learning difficulties to brain injuries, life-limiting illnesses to mental health issues, grief and trauma. We believe that everyone who needs it should have access to music therapy, because it can, quite simply, transform people’s lives.”

Chris Hawkins, BBC Radio 6 Music presenter and Northern Music Awards host said: “The North provides such a rich source of incredible music. The diversity and international acclaim of this huge asset needs to be showcased, and that’s just what the Northern Music Awards can do.

“Music and celebration go hand in hand, and we all know celebration is good for the soul. The Awards will shine a light on extraordinary talent; from Salford to Newcastle, Liverpool to Bradford, Manchester to Sheffield and everywhere in between, all whilst inspiring the next generation of artists. It’s about giving the music community in the North a chance to celebrate them too.”

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “I’m delighted to be helping to bring these inaugural awards to the North – and what better city to launch in than Manchester? Historically Northern music has always been a cut above, especially the music from working class communities. There is a strong, talented and passionate musical heritage here that deserves to be celebrated.

“I have seen for myself how Nordoff and Robbins’ trained music therapists are able to harness the power of music to evoke different responses in peoplefor many, this can give them a sense of calm or joy, and an ability to connect with others through musical melodies and lyrics. It is so important that funds raised from the Northern Music Awards will go towards providing essential music therapy to people, right here in the North, who need it most.”

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett said: “We all know the power of music, whichever genre or period it may be, it has the ability to resonate and really mean something to all of us. The wide-ranging positive impacts of music therapy for those most isolated and vulnerable within the community have been well documented. So, I’m extremely glad to be working with Nordoff and Robbins so that our residents here in Salford and indeed right across Greater Manchester will have access to a music therapy facility and the many benefits its services will provide. The music therapy support we’re looking to bring to Salford has the potential to truly change the lives of those who need it the most. As a city with a proud musical heritage, it is great to see how music is now being used in such an innovative way and I’m committed to help bring this approach to Salford.”

Nordoff and Robbins is pleased to announce partners for the inaugural Northern Music Awards, including headline sponsor Ticketmaster, StreamGM – producing the livestreaming of the awards, Notion magazine – sponsoring the Maverick in Music Award category, and The Manc – sponsoring the Festival of the Year category.

Find out more about music therapy at www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk.

Chris Hawkins, BBC Radio 6 Music presenter and Northern Music Awards host

Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff and Robbins

GROWING YOUR OWN: What it’s really like

By Denise Mullen

Instagrammers with idyllic homes showcase a version of gardening I don’t recognise. There are pictures of young ladies wafting about in thin cotton summer dresses and wellies. Over one arm is a vintage trug bearing some peonies and an artily arranged bunch of carrots dangle from one bare, golden-tanned hand.

The hand is perfectly manicured, nails clean, and boasts a tastefully understated wedding band. There may be a scrubbed and curly-mopped toddler sitting on perfectly-mown lawn in the background, blowing bubbles in the company of a smiling cocker-poo.

I recall a picture of ‘Posh Spice’ as she was. Victoria Beckham in a stunning ballgown and wellies up a ladder in a beautiful garden. She looked like her hair would smell divine.

We live on a small farm. Mainly horses (including Satan’s Handbags, the evil Shetland twins). Outside of the fields,

which take a bit of maintenance, we grapple with a garden, a couple of orchards and a veg patch and greenhouse.

There is no ‘wafting’ on the ranch.

I’m thinking of starting our own reality insta page. Not the reality we’re all familiar with, but real world, which is something else altogether.

So, older lady (me), still with her original lips and eyelashes, face ‘uncontoured’, furred legs enclosed in mucky jeans, torso sporting ratty fleece and feet rammed into steel toe-capped wellies, embarks on moving half a ton of well-rotted manure to the raised beds. Takes her five ‘big barrow’ loads.

Her face is purple, and she’s had to remove her woolly hat. She’s got hat hair ringed with a frizz fringe and little ribbed markings on her forehead.

There’s a green stain on the back of one

Denise Mullen is a journalist, columnist, writer and entrepreneur.

hand where she’s rubbed a dock leaf over some nettle stings. Baler twine is holding up her pants.

Because she’s a non-meat eater who gardens organically, there then follows a stint of checking her beer traps for drunken snails. These she immediately feels sorry for, rescues and transports what she thinks is a ‘goodly step away’ for them to sleep off their hangovers and find pastures new. Bad news, they’re all back at the bar the next night. They’re faster than you would imagine.

Deer roam the orchards at night and the early mornings and in the autumn the bacchanalia ramps up. Apples left too long on the trees and grass surrounding start to ferment. Foxes chomp too much and start playing pitch and putt with apples in the riding arena. They dig half holes and, sort of, bury the fruit. Deer have the odd one too many and get up later in the day,

lovely to see them welcome the day after a lie in.

When we plant, we plant with the intention to plant enough for everyone to have a share, and leave some grass longer for deer to enjoy. Squirrels enjoy the odd fruity tipple too, becoming more abandoned in their acrobatics and making the most of plums, hazel nuts, acorns and, eventually when it starts to fruit, walnuts we hope.

Where there used to be lawn, at the rear of the house, there is now a series of holes and hollows. These are big, wide and deep holes dug by Harley – the Romanian rescue sheepdog – and very long, shallower ones – dug by a few generations of rescue rabbits. ‘Dave’ a black and white Dutch rabbit was the best at it. The husband used a piece of bendy pipe inserted into the burrow to discover it was (in old money) 26 foot long. More concerning, it was heading for the septic tank. So the grassed area now undulates.

But nothing is tidy or perfect. We’ll grow seedlings in cut down plastic cartons (we avoid buying plastic where possible and we repurpose where we can).

My cousin and his wife have their beehives in our perry orchard and these little fellas are organised, tidy and productive. Also, it would appear they don’t drink. But they feast on the blossoms.

I wonder if anyone would be the slightest bit interested in the chronicles of a scruffy, novice veg grower who has pants older than some of the fruit trees and neighbours who get a little rowdy at the end of fruit season.

I doubt it.

St. Georges Day Dinner and Dance

Over two hundred leaders, and supporters came together in all their refinery to enjoy a night of Celebration to Celebrate our Patron Saint of Scouting “St. George”, in the grand setting of the a Balmoral Room, Grand Hotel, Promenade.

Bunting up, flags and balloons ready to waved, a time to meet and catch up with both old and new friends.

The Evening was hosted by Toast Master George Phillips, and started with a prayers, followed by a three course meal of various choices along with table prizes for both ladies and gentleman, with music by Scottie DJ, and live music by our guest band “Heat”

Left: Miranda & Phil Collins, & Simon Downing

Below: Dorothy & Mike Heed

Diane Quigley, Dianne Leyland, Paul & Emma Harris, Ademene & Mark Stubbs

Matt, Sophie, & Gracie Hornby, Michelle & Keith Winter

Mary Neath, Patsy & John Birkett

Irene & Phil Wheatley with George Phillips (Toastmaster)

Above: Christine Fitton, Christine Taylor & Nancy Wilson

Left: Ann & Paul Towers

Below: Claire Mann, Sandi Middlehurst, Jennifer Munday, Kate Wood

A loyal toast to the Duke of Lancaster was given by our District Commissioner for Blackpool Scouts Matthew Hornby, this was then followed by a rousing rendition of The National Anthem, followed by Land of Hope and glory, Brittania, and Jerusalem, led by the choirs of Trinitas and Coasters

The evening first took place in 2007 to celebrate 100 years of Scouting, and to co-incide with our own national National Saints Day, and the idea was created by our now late President District President of Blackpool District Scouts, Councillor Lily Henderson. MBE, supported by Phil and Irene Wheatly, however fifteen years later, their have both decided to take a well earned rest, and have handed over the reins to two slightly younger enthusiastic Voluntary Leaders, Tor Kenmare, and Nicola Ellis( however no doubt I am sure that Irene and Phil, will be on hand for a little while still come to give their expert advice and expertise)

A Big thank you once again goes to all our sponsors, and those who donated raffle prizes, were all the proceeds will go directly into helping our young people in the movement achieve their ambitions, and skills for life.

Above: Claire Mann, Sandi Middlehurst, Jennifer Munday, Kate Wood

Right: Tor Kenmare & Nicola Ellis

Below: Joe & Bernie Ashworth with Paul Burrows

Above: Gabby Howson-Tax, Matt Hornby, Rachel Tax

10 Ideas For Your Balsamic Vinegar

Andalucian Olive Company

Aged balsamic vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add depth of flavor and complexity. Made from a combination of grape must and wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar is aged in wooden barrels for a minimum of 5 years. As it ages, it becomes thicker, sweeter, and more concentrated, making it ideal for use in a range of recipes. Here are 10 suggestions for using aged balsamic vinegar:

1. Salad Dressing: Use aged balsamic vinegar as a base for a delicious salad dressing. Mix it with olive oil, dijon mustard, honey, and herbs to create a tasty vinaigrette.

2. Glaze for Meat: Brush aged balsamic vinegar over grilled or roasted meats to create a caramelized glaze. It pairs well with beef, pork, and chicken.

3. Marinade for Vegetables: Mix aged balsamic vinegar with olive oil, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful marinade for grilled vegetables.

4. Drizzle on Fruit: Aged balsamic vinegar is a delicious complement to fresh fruit. Drizzle it over strawberries, peaches, or even watermelon for a sweet and tangy flavor.

5. Reduction Sauce: Reduce aged balsamic vinegar by simmering it on the stove until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. This sauce is perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

6. Pasta Sauce: Use aged balsamic vinegar to add depth of flavor to a simple tomato sauce for pasta. The sweetness of the balsamic vinegar pairs well with the acidity of the tomatoes.

7. Caprese Salad: Use aged balsamic vinegar in place of regular vinegar in a traditional caprese salad. Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves and drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

8. Sandwiches: Use aged balsamic vinegar as a spread on sandwiches for a tangy and flavorful addition. It pairs well with roasted vegetables, chicken, or turkey.

9. Bruschetta: Mix diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil with aged balsamic vinegar and serve over toasted baguette slices for a simple and delicious appetizer.

10. Dessert: Drizzle aged balsamic vinegar over vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a surprising and delicious dessert.

In conclusion, aged balsamic vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and complexity to a range of dishes. Use it in salad dressings, marinades, reduction sauces, and even desserts to elevate your cooking and impress your guests.

Hartford Stags Kitted Out After Housebuilder Donation

A HARTFORD youth football team is modelling a new away kit thanks to funding from Redrow.

The Hartford Stags U14’s team, linked to Hartford Football Club, received £500 from the house builder’s community fund to upgrade its away kit.

The team of 16 have played together for around four years and won the league last season.

Martin Dalziel, manager and head coach, said: “It had reached the point where a lot of the team had outgrown our old kit and we had welcomed new players so they needed kits. We also wanted to have a kit colour that would differentiate us from other teams in our league so Redrow’s donation now means every player has a kit that fits and we look the part on the pitch.”

Martin says that after being top of the league last season, he wants to make sure that the current season is all about the team’s enjoyment as well as continuing to improve on their football skills.

The team trains at Hartford High School and play their home games there too.

Caroline Thompson-Jones, area sales manager for Redrow NW, said: “The community fund is linked to Redrow Hartford, so it’s great that this team is located so close by. Grassroots sport is at the heart of communities and supporting the Hartford Stags is one of the ways we can ensure community spirit continues to thrive.”

Redrow Hartford is made up of two phases, Water’s Reach and Weaver Park. Located on Woods Road, both phases currently have a selection of three and four-bedroom properties for sale.

For more information call the sales team at Weaver Park on 01606 369800 or visit www.redrow.co.uk/weaverpark or www.redrow.co.uk/watersreach

Above: Hartford Stags U14 football team received funding from Redrow’s Community Fund

JUMBLESCountry Park

CLITHEROECastle

Flourish Therapy Clinic’s Real World Validation Lancashire

Health Matters in Action

Flourish Therapy Clinic in Preston recently received the results of a Real World Validation study, carried out by clinical research assessors from UCLan and the NHS Health Innovation Agency, with Flourish clients to test the effectiveness of their unique programme for young people suffering from Anorexia Nervosa.

The study was carried out over 18 months and involved questioning service users on all aspects of their experience, from treatment plans to recovery time, as well as what they learned and how they were supported by Flourish clinicians.

The results are conclusive: 100% of respondents said they would recommend the service to a friend, and rated it between 7 and 10 overall, with 50% awarding 10/10 for their experience being really good. All clients agreed their treatment was personalised and the clinical advice given helped their recovery. Flourish’s innovative use of an App – Recovery Record – for day-to-day monitoring and support of the young persons between clinical sessions was described as ‘helpful’ ‘extremely helpful’ or ‘essential.’ The reasons given included comments such as

‘Holistic care which focuses on me as a person and not just my ED,’ ‘support from every member of staff,’ ‘knowledgeable and skilled’ and ‘I wouldn’t have been able to recover without [Flourish].’

The results are not only a heartwarming affirmation for the Flourish team, and encouragement to further their efforts. The feedback given – including constructive criticism such as ‘at times a bit clunky around scheduling’ – is a guide for ongoing practice, and development of the programme and staff training. It is also an invaluable recommendation for people interested in receiving support from Flourish and wanting reliable reviews.

Looking beyond in-house concerns to the wider community - Real World Validation is a key to providing information on services by small enterprises, to larger bodies such as the NHS, which could encourage support, referrals and collaboration. Participation in the study itself, which involved a detailed review and presentation of their aims and practice by Flourish, was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the NHS Innovation Agency, who provided the study through their project Lancashire Health Matters. An example of how funds can be fruitfully channelled down from the multi-national

into local services, sponsorship for UCLan’s idea was obtained from the European Regional Development Fund, to be used for the assessment of products or services which offer the prospect of improving health and healthcare outcomes, alongside cost effectiveness, among small to medium enterprises.

Real World Validation is designed to test how innovations (which have already had a trial period to be established) work out in practice - their impact on real patients or clients, and on the healthcare practitioners and service, from day-to-day and into the projected future. It isn’t in a controlled environment but is observed from voluntarily given anonymous and honest appraisals.

The innovation under study in this case, was Flourish Therapy Clinic’s early intervention plan: Children and Young People Eating-Disorder Service (CYP-EDS) for…Anorexia Nervosa. There are other services to help young people with EDs, but where Flourish is different is the combination of a holistic approach including psychotherapy to address contributing factors and root causes, a family-based plan where possible, to foster the best environment to

support young people, and integrating a tailored, evidence-based, expertdesigned App into the programme, to enable communication between the individual and their clinicians through the week. The relative success of each element varied according to individual respondents but was often based on personal circumstances and engagement. What was clear was the overall effectiveness of the programme so far.

The number of people admitted into NHS treatment for Eating Disorders has more than doubled since Covid, which is only a small proportion of those who suffering from this cruel illness, responsible for the largest proportion of mental-health related deaths. For NHS treatment now, you need to fit criteria of critical illness, so most are turned away… and more never reach out, because the eating disorder itself fiercely resists treatment, and distorts the thinking of its victims to avoid intervention. The best outcomes for eating disorder patients, in terms of swifter, full recovery, come from early intervention, before ED mentality and behaviours have become deep-rooted habits. Even at early stages, someone with an eating disorder will struggle to separate their own mind and personality from the

‘ED voice.’ This is why programmes like Flourish offers are key: they can step in whilst young people have a higher chance of recovery, and with their multi-disciplinary team explore and address the difficulties which have led to this dangerous way of coping in the first place. The App is a tool suited to modern young people – a familiar feeling way of communicating, which works in real-time, and can be used productively in moments throughout the day, to log food and feelings, and reach out for encouragement and advice from their ED Recovery Coach and Highly Specialist Dietitian. It can provide crucial insights into patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour which therapists can then work on

with the young people using CBT-e (a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy specially adapted for eating disorders). In short, programmes like this are literally a lifeline for young people who are struggling, and to their families, who suffer immensely seeing the effect of the illness on their child, and not knowing how to help. It could benefit the NHS by averting in many cases, the need for in-patient treatment (which is highly costly) or assisting young people after discharge to avoid a relapse. GPs are rarely trained in this area of expertise, so a safe place to refer young patients to is crucial. Schools and other groups who work with young people are well aware of the increased danger of body-image obsession and poor self-esteem among them, on top of the usual challenges of growing up… Flourish can also provide these with a recommended programme to signpost to for support.

So what next? This is not the first time members of Flourish have benefitted from UCLan’s outreach to local

businesses with advice – and after many months of interaction with their student researchers, who Flourish found to be bright and diligent, enthusiastic, helpful and professional, they look forward to further opportunities. And the results of the Real World Validation study - they want to shout from the rooftops and especially, to share with investors in healthcare, with a view to sponsorship of their small enterprise’s large vision for helping people with their mental health. (Flourish provide therapy for all areas of Mental Health, as well as Eating Disorder, Obesity and Wellbeing).

To finish with where it all started – the clients who come to Flourish for help:

“[Flourish] helped me understand my own mind and take control of my life back. now i am able to pursue my passions and look forward to a future full of hope.”

Flourish Therapy Clinic hope for the same.

THE MYSTICAL THREADS OF CONNECTION: EXPLORING TWIN FLAMES, SOUL MATES, KARMIC RELATIONSHIPS & PAST LIFE CONNECTIONS.

In the intricate tapestry of human relationships, there exist enchanting connections that transcend the boundaries of conventional understanding. Twin flames, soul mates, karmic relationships and past life connections offer glimpses into the vastness of our spiritual existence, revealing profound journeys of love, growth, and self-discovery.

Twin Flames Unveiling Spiritual Bonds

In the realm of metaphysical connections, the concept of twin flames has ignited curiosity and fascination among seekers of a profound spiritual bond. Twin flames are believed to be two individuals that originated from the same soul source, split into separate physical bodies, and are destined to reunite to complete their spiritual journey – but not necessarily in this lifetime!

Twin flames are said to share an intense, magnetic attraction that goes beyond physical chemistry. They experience an unparalleled sense of recognition, feeling as though they have known each other for eternity. This bond often leads to a deep emotional and spiritual connection, marked by an extraordinary level of understanding and acceptance.

While the twin flame journey is a remarkable experience, it is not without its challenges. The intensity of the connection can lead to conflicts

and trigger unresolved emotional wounds. However, these trials serve as catalysts for personal growth and self-awareness. Through introspection and healing, twin flames are given the opportunity to embark on a transformative journey that enables them to evolve.

This sacred union goes beyond societal norms and expectations, transcending traditional concepts of love and companionship. For those on the twin flame path, it is essential to approach this connection with an open heart and a willingness to embark on a

journey of self-discovery. Patience, self-love, and spiritual alignment are key elements in nurturing and strengthening the bond. By embracing the lessons and growth opportunities offered by the twin flame experience, individuals can unlock profound levels of personal transformation and spiritual enlightenment.

The twin flame connection offers a unique lens through which to explore the depths of the human soul and invites individuals to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and spiritual evolution.

Soul Mates: Illuminating Connections of Serendipity and Love

Soul mates have long been revered as kindred spirits who bring harmony, love, and profound companionship into our lives. Often confused with twin flames, soul mates offer a unique and cherished bond that is characterized by a deep sense of understanding and shared values.

Soul mates are believed to be individuals who are destined to cross paths in this lifetime. They share an instant connection, as if they have known each other for lifetimes. Soul mate relationships are built on a foundation of emotional intimacy, trust, and mutual support.

Unlike the intense, transformative nature of the twin flame connection, soul mate relationships tend to focus more on personal growth and shared experiences. Soul mates support and encourage each other’s individual aspirations, fostering a nurturing environment for personal and spiritual development.

Soul mates embody a love that is unconditional and accepting. They cherish each other’s unique qualities, flaws, and imperfections, nurturing a profound sense of belonging and security. This deep bond fosters a safe space for personal expression and emotional vulnerability.

Unlike the concept of a singular twin flame, it is believed that individuals can have multiple soul mates. Each soul mate connection serves a unique purpose, contributing to the individual’s personal growth and life journey.

Soul mates, while distinct from twin flames, offer a soulful connection that is filled with love, understanding, and serendipity. These relationships provide a sense of belonging and emotional support, nurturing personal growth and shared experiences.

Karmic Relationships: Unveiling Lessons, Growth, and Healing

Rooted in the concept of karma, these relationships are believed to be an integral part of our soul’s journey, offering opportunities for growth, healing, and the resolution of past actions.

Karmic relationships are formed when two souls come together to work through unresolved patterns, lessons, and challenges from past lives. These connections are often characterized by intense emotions, repetitive patterns, and a sense of déjà vu. They serve as catalysts for self-reflection and the exploration of deeper aspects of our being.

The primary purpose of a karmic relationship is to learn, grow, and evolve as individuals. They present us with mirrors that reflect our own unresolved issues and unhealed wounds. These relationships can be challenging, as they bring forth deep-seated emotions, triggers, and unresolved conflicts. By confronting and working through these issues, we have the opportunity to break free from negative patterns and karmic cycles.

Karmic relationships provide a platform for healing and releasing past traumas and energetic imbalances. They push us to confront our fears, limitations, and subconscious beliefs, ultimately leading to personal transformation and liberation. Through forgiveness, self-reflection, and selflove, we can transmute the karmic energy into positive growth and healing.

Once the lessons and healing associated with a karmic relationship are realized, a sense of completion may arise. It is important to acknowledge that not all relationships are meant to be long-lasting or romantic. Some karmic connections may only serve a specific purpose or lesson before both individuals move forward on their respective paths.

Journeys Across Time: Exploring Past Life Connections and Their Influence on Present Relationships

Past life connections, rooted in the belief of reincarnation, suggest that our souls have traversed time and space, forming intricate bonds that extend beyond our current lifetime. These connections offer profound insights into the dynamics of our present relationships and the lessons we are destined to learn.

Through past life connections, we encounter souls with whom we have shared previous experiences, reuniting to continue our mutual evolution. The echoes of past

lives resonate within us, shaping our personalities, preferences, and even the people we are drawn to. By exploring and understanding these connections, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of our current relationships and the opportunities they present for personal growth and spiritual transformation.

Rozanne Kay is an Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Transformational 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 is trained in Jungian coaching techniques, Hypnosis, NLP and EFT (tapping). You can book a consultation with her or enquire about her work at: rozannekaycoaching.com

A Lancashire Village

By Harold Cunliffe

Gone Forever.

Our Lead image shows a scene of urban development which was photographed from the top of a church tower around 2007 giving a view from one side of the town of Middleton towards the village of Bowlee which is out of view and located over the hill in the photograph.

In the main it shows the dwellings of the 1950’s Manchester Overspill Estate at Langley covers an area which was once farmland as far as the eye can see. This subject has previously been reported upon in this magazine. On the horizon to the left hand side can be seen the twelve story high rise flats known as the ‘Three Sisters’ which have since been demolished. Moving to the right the tower of Our Lady of the Assumption Church can be seen; also visible, opposite, is the Anglican church of ‘All Saints’ which at the time of construction made the news for having a roof cloaked in a copper.

A local plumber commented that the roof would last for many years and it would change colour as the copper aged. He was correct in one of his

comments, the roof did change to a colour of green, but the layer of metal used however was thin and began to fail so a fund was set up to restore the roof.

The modern church had an ultramodern crucifix. This we are informed was delivered to a former air force base close by and was placed in the church via a helicopter. The work of art was produced by

At the time that the estate was being constructed many locals complained that the town had lost a green lung. Gone forever was the vast green and pleasant farmland. “A concrete jungle was to be created covered in tarmac and concrete.” As the army of tradesmen, lorries laden with materials and earth moving equipment made its way to the hillside above the little town of Middleton the locals felt a feeling of loss as their town was about to “change forever.” The new estate was to be named “Bowlee.” This was a totally unsuitable name due to a village of the same name being close by. In 1952 the elected representatives decided to change the name to ‘Langley’ after Langley Hall, once the home of Thomas Langley, Bishop of Durham who died in 1437, The hall which was located on Langley Lane was converted into Langley Hall Farm, this farm was also demolished and a housing development covers the site.

It was an incredible achievement to build so many homes on the estate within a four year period, then, even more homes were built as additional plots of land were acquired. It was a challenge to come up with the final total of homes constructed on this estate. At the outset the Chairman of the County Planning Authority announced that the maximum number of people to be housed would not exceed 18,500 this was then increased to 27,500. A report exists which documents that “30,000 people are now living on the new estate,” which in fact doubled the population of the old town. The children who lived on the estate had no means of recreation, no dedicated open spaces, no play parks and growing up on a building site they became bored and got up to mischief. One form of entertainment for a minority was the breaking of windows of the houses under construction. Other children used their imagination and found other ways of entertaining

Looking towards the village of Bowlee.

Crucifix at All Saints and Martyrs church.

themselves. One group of children, as seen in our image shows them entertaining themselves by using a builder’s plank and an old metal drum to make a see-saw, so involved in their activities the children did not notice that they were being photographed. The folk of Middleton, known as ‘Moonrakers’ if born within the sound of the Parish Church bells were upset when it was known that their beautiful Central Garden had to be dug up to allow excavations to facilitate the laying of a high pressure main to provide the new properties with gas. The Editor of the local newspaper commented, “Soon the area on the hill will be congested and the estate which was to bring those people from the squalid, congested streets of the great city, the people demanding more space. Space in which to live in decent surroundings and breathe air unpolluted by backward industry, is now becoming overcrowded. Soon we will require an ‘overspill’ to house the ‘overspill.” He ended his editorial by making this comment, “So, might some future Lancashire historian tell the story of Langley.”

A member of the public carrying out research wanted to know what the houses at Langley were built upon. The answer is countryside, the green fields where once farmers worked the land. Then after hundreds of years the farmsteads were demolished, the cattle driven from their grazing pastures. The ownership of the land was once part of the Hopwood Estate, owned by the Hopwood family of Hopwood Hall. The original Hopwood’s died out and the Gregge family inherited

their estate, then adopting the name of ‘Hopwood’ as a mark of respect, being known as Gregge Hopwood. This caused confusion due to many of the Gregge family members only using the Hopwood surname in preference to Gregge. In my quest to discover who is who I have documented many family events such as weddings and funerals.

horse rider. When she visited the town of Bowlee she would take along treats to hand to the children. You can visualise the scene of her arriving in the village and the happy faces on the children speedily making their way towards her in eager anticipation of being handed a treat from the “Lady of the Manor.” Susan however would allow groups of people to visit the gardens and with prior arrangement tour the hall, but in small numbers of say around 15 persons at a time. Afterwards the visiting party would be invited to refreshments at the nearby Hopwood farm.

The events document members of the family who attended the wedding or funeral, which gives an insight to those who were living at the hall. Including the maids, cooks, gardeners and footmen. In my observations and deductions information can be gained from an array of sources. It was noted that Susan Fanny Hopwood (a member of the Gregge family) was a competent

In one such request to visit the hall by a ‘Pleasant Sunday Afternoon’ group from Oldham during the late 1880’s Susan Fanny Hopwood stated in her replay that the group would be welcome to visit the gardens, but the gardens only. The hall was out of bounds to any members of the public because it was considered to be unsafe. At this period the hall was under a major structural upgrade and it was not a safe place, access to the main hall building was restricted. I should imagine the lifting of large oak roof trusses and beams using ropes and pullies could be a danger back then. Another source of interesting information can be gained in reports published in sporting magazines in which one article on the subject of hunting hounds confirms that the Hopwood family had one of the best pack of ‘Otter Hounds’ in the country. This is confirmed by the number of prizes gained in this sport. I suppose back then blood sports was acceptable, but nevertheless fills me with sadness knowing that these innocent animals were savaged for entertainment.

Captain Hopwood’s Funeral.

It was early in my career of Parks and Cemeteries Foreman that I encountered the tomb of the Hopwood family at Birch Cemetery. Birch being the next village to

Capt Hopwood.

Children finding entertainment.

Birch Cemetery Vault.

Bowlee. The vault was located at the rear of the former church, which no longer exists. Within our image the foundation line of the old church is visible. The vault by my reckoning dates to around 1868. It was around 1976 that an early morning message arrived in the Parks and Cemeteries office that the Hopwood vault had suffered a vandal attack overnight and it was stated that bones were to be seen within the cemetery. Naturally this sparked an urgent response by those responsible, including my section. Police and a member of staff from the Coroner’s office arrived and took control. For my part I decided that the wooden entrance door be replaced by a brick wall, this can be taken down if the vault was required in the future. Captain Edward John Gregge Hopwood was the first body to be placed in this vault following its construction. It was the wish of the late Captain that the date and time of his funeral be kept secret and there should be no ‘pomp,’ which strikes a chord writing this item on the Bank holiday following the Coronation of King Charles III. The body of Captain Edward John was resting at Hopwood cottage, now the home of a golf club. On the day of the funeral four members from the estate staff were chosen to assist at the cemetery. It was 9 a.m. when the funeral cortege left the cottage with no members of the family following the deceased except his son, Major E.R.Gregge Hopwood. Waiting at the church was Mrs Price and Mrs Widderington. The coffin was carried on the shoulders of the mourners from the carriage, no bier was used (a bier is a device used in transporting a coffin). At this point I would like

to add that a direct descendant of the ‘Gregge’ Hopwood family made contact around twenty years ago. Mrs Chance who lived in Wales was researching her roots of what she called, “Her seriously dysfunctional family.” Cecilia commented that she had all of her great-grandmother’s diaries which gave a vivid picture of her eccentric parents. Her book, ‘The Widderington Women and their eminent men,’ which had a cover cover price of £19.99 was published in 2010. My personal copy contains the handwritten correspondence between Cecelia Chance and the expert genealogist, the late Doreen El-Ahwany. It is interesting that her family member is mentioned within this funeral report.

Internment Detailed.

Three people attended the church service at Birch Church were, Mrs Price, Mrs Widderington and Major Gregge Hopwood. The service was read by the vicar, the Rev J. Read. After the service the coffins were placed on a stone slab in the vault with onlookers Mrs Price and Widderington, both of whom were greatly affected as they placed a large bouquet of flowers on the coffin. The vault was then locked. The deceased gentleman was placed in four coffins. The first being an oak shell, the second we are informed was lined with lead, the third was constructed of oak which were all placed in the outer coffin which was of polished oak of a panelled design and had brass fittings. On the name plate was an inscription.

CAPTAIN EDWARD JOHN GREGGE

HOPWOOD, died Wednesday, 4th November, 1891, aged 84 years. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Oliver and Atcherley, St Ann’s Square, Manchester. Workers from the estate who took part in the funeral were named as; John Cheetham (the oldest servant on the estate)Thomas Howarth, W. Thornley, James Studwick, A. Kay, John Kay, and J. Shepherd. I believe that family members from the above still reside in the town of Middleton today. Shepherd and Howarth were associated with farming. It was not listed which employee’s attended the funeral at Birch.

The Gipsy.

Buried next the hedge at Birch cemetery is Mulderbriar Herrin a gipsy from Nottingham. The story is that while passing through the village of Birch Mulderbriar became seriously ill and could not proceed with his journey. In a report by a former historian it is stated that the poor chap was in his caravan, lay on his death bed as the local doctor was leaning over him and providing medical assistance in an attempt to save his life, his wife was seated in the caravan with her head in her hands, emotionally distressed as her husband passed away. I do not know where this information could have been found. The story is that being so incapacitated the group of gipsies rented a house on Langley Lane for him to live in comfort until his demise. They then went on their way. The grave memorial stone is now damaged and is in two sections, our retro image shows the

Gipsy Grave.

Birch Church.

stone which confirms that he was a Gipsy from Sherwood Forrest. Death being confirmed as Sept 4th 1881. In a previous article on the subject of Langley I mentioned the playwright, the late Jim Allen. Jim, like myself had a number of places of employment. At this period of time you could end your employment on a Friday night and start another job the following Monday morning with many vacancies being available. Passing a grocers shop one day I spoted a sign in the window offering employment. Once inside the manager was very enthusiastic and was making the position on offer seem favourable.

“You will have to deliver orders on a bike,” Granville from ‘Open All Hours’ came to mind. Inspecting the shop bike I noticed that it only had one pedal, which proved a burden on an estate built on a hillside. Next the manager made a comment which was a deciding factor, “I will take you in the back room and teach you how to roll bacon,” My thought was that he can roll his own bacon and I left. Local lad Jim also had a number of positions at the start of his career, mainly in the building trade. I remember meeting him at his home which was the former Vicarage at Parkfield. I also had a few changes upon my career in the early days until a position in the Parks and Cemeteries Dept became available. I had previously been employed by the

council being a member of the Central Nursery at Jubilee Park. Then in 1972 with the allocation of Government funding which would see the covering of the debris covered sites with grass and trees which were dotted around Lancashire towns which were created from where the old Victorian houses once stood, many vacancies were created. Contractors jumped at the chance to make a few bob and began a recruitment campaign, and offered a good rate of pay.

At my interview I was aked if I could drive a Land Rover, an agricultural tractor, a dumper and J.C.B. Naturally I said yes to all of them. I enquired why so many vehicles, with the reply being, “The drivers have all left to work for an Oldham firm of contractors, so we have no drivers, when can you start!” I was taken on for a term of six months, and lasted for 26 years. One of my first jobs with the digger was at Bowlee. Each department at the council received a new allocation of funding on the 1st April each year, with this in mind there was normally a panic to spend any of the previous years remaining budget. Those in charge purchased a lorry load of fertilizer, then realised that the store at Bowlee was full; last year’s purchase had not been used. I was instructed to dig a big hole and bury the previous year’s fertilizer.

Protecting the Sky.

Bowlee was famous during the Second World War for having a huge R.A.F site. It was as a teenager that I along with a friend took a bike ride along Langley Lane and Heywood Old Road to visit this former wartime site. At this period the main area had been demolished but the entrance ‘pill box’ type reception area was still standing. Constructed of concrete it must have been a cold in place to be in winter, and with Bowlee being on an elevated plane it could be a cold location to be at times. Researching this area has always been an interest of mine, due to the work I carried out over many years, but what was of interest was when we find that the hangers where the barrage balloons were once made was later used for storage by the M.O.D. Massive stocks of unwanted items from the war were stored in wooden crates. Upon the decision to clear the site it was decided that an auction was the most effective way of clearing the items in store. Hundreds of wooden crates came under the hammer at bargain prices. Coming under the hammer for a few pounds was a large heavy crate of ‘contents unknown.’ When the purchaser arrived at his home he was delighted upon opening his mystery crate to discover that he had purchased a number of B.S.A. motor cycles, which required assembly.

Village of Birch.

Concrete Eating Monster.

Relating the story of Queen Victoria’s wedding dress I made mention to Mr and Mrs Moss. Ian Moss is related to the ‘Titley’ family, it was two of his uncles who were part of the army of WIMPEY employees who originally constructed the RAF site, and a great job they did too. I know from experience how hard it was to break up the concrete foundations which once formed an anchor to Barrage Ballons. The first section of the site to be cleared was near the village of Birch. This is where the football pitches are located today along with the pavilion which opened May 1965. On that site Nissen huts, wash-houses and stores with foundations over 80ft long once stood. The concrete foundations were designed to prevent rising damp; this was by leaving a three foot space under the three inch concrete floor. This proved to be a problem to those driving heavy plant, they could fall through the foundations. The concrete platforms were dotted around the five acre site and caused a problem due to traditional methods could not be used, they were holding up the development of the new Bowlee playing fields which was to serve the massive Langley Estate. Then a plant hire firm came to the rescue. They had a machine which would eat concrete. The new machine which was made in America had been used in the South, but it was unknown in the North of England. Browne and Tawse circulated northern local authorities offering to put on a demonstration of the machines capabilities, then Middleton stepped in to be the first to witness this monster machine in action. April 1966 saw the machine at Bowlee at the site breaking the foundations with ease. The machine worked for three days which would have cost over £2,000 to hire, but the Bowlee project benefitted by the free service. The new American Arrow hammer was priced at £4,500 and was operated by an American, Mr John Spitzer, who stated, “It will be an easy job. It broke up 1,900 square feet of 12in thick concrete in 34 minutes. The 3in concrete at Bowlee will be easy.”

The Unwanted Visitors

Since the clearing of the vast R.A.F. site at Bowlee the location has been used for countless recreational purposes giving pleasure to thousands. My early employment with the council at Bowlee was removing foundations from the site and the levelling and spreading of top soil on the new Golf Driving Range. Which at Bowlee was a ten bay facility where golfers could practice their driving skill. Many golfers requiring plenty of practice because somehow

golf balls were found behind the range building. More on this subject and the use of Bowlee in future articles. The massive concreted area at Bowlee became a target for those people who tour the country in caravans. My first encounter with the travellers came about when I reported to the council that we had a good collection of vans illegally parked. The police were not interested because they were not on the highway. Visiting the Parks office the following morning I was handed a large brown envelope. Inside was a collection of enforcement notices. Next in contacting my manager I was informed that I was the ‘Enforcement Officer’ this position came with the job. The travellers are human beings when all said and done. But my life was a misery when they arrived on my patch. The complaints from councillors and the public arrived daily.

Don’t Bother.

I happened to be visiting the Driving Range one day and spotted a man with a van unhooking a caravan on the car park. Before I could make contact he drove off. Around 15 minutes later he arrived with another caravan, but this time I was waiting, “Excuse me sir” I said, “don’t bother unhooking the van, you are not stopping.” The next thing I remember was being on the floor grappling with this guy. I was not paid to be duffed up so I left, but upon my return three caravans were onsite with one van. As always I had sent a report to the local police and left it at that until the following day. Then during the early hours of the morning I was visited by the police sergeant from Middleton. He had been recording the incidents when he spotted my report and decided to do some digging. This is pre-digital and no Police National Computer, but what he found prompted his to make personal contact. “Morning Harold,” he said in waking me from my slumbers, “I want to have a chat about the bloke at in a caravan at Bowlee, I think that you should know about the situation, you are in danger, serious danger.” Okay I said, let’s have a brew and we can chat about it. I can only give a brief account and not mention names, but this is what was basically related by the sergeant. “You must be careful Harold. The man is named as *******, he has with him his wife and two sister-in laws. His two brothers **** and ****** are in prison charged with murder.” Well this statement made me sit up in my chair. “The fact is, the enforcement officer along with two Bobbies were at an eviction to move the caravans off a farmers field in ********, but as the officers

Langley Hall.

Bowlee Village Post Office.

forced open the caravan door the brothers fired at them with a shot gun, killing both officers. We are monitoring his movements, so carry on as usual, but be careful.” I was grateful of the heads up. The following morning I visited the man and introduced myself, commenting that we got off to a bad start yesterday. He had calmed down by this time and we had a chat. I explained my position and it was my place to move him on. It transpired that he was parked at Bowlee because it was the nearest spot to his relatives who lived at Blackley. He was visiting them over the next few days. At this point I entered into an agreement, which was if he was to leave in three days’ time I would not pester him, but after this period it was gloves on. He was happy with this arrangement and he did as he promised, the area was vacated overnight, which is the time of day they tend to move sites.

Bonfire.

Our final image shows the Parks foreman at Bowlee assisting the mayor in lighting the annual bonfire. It was always a challenge to erect a huge bonfire on this site. The more wood we collected the more the children from the overspill estate set fire to it. At the time that the photograph was taken we had had a period of heavy rain. All the material we had to provide the public with a huge bonfire consisted of soaking wet tree material. Our tractors constantly pushed this into an oblong shape which gathered a fair amount of mud in the process. On the day a large collection of old pallets were delivered which would at least give off some heat. In an attempt ti fire this large pile of mud and branches I set up three firing points, with my only hope

that they would eventually meet up, otherwise I would have three separate bonfires. In the end it worked out fine. I did notice however that I was given the attention of a rather attractive female, which I made known that she was barking up the wrong tree, but she soon found another tree to bark up. This came to light the following day when one of my gardeners who was on duty that night complained of having sore knees. His trousers were rubbing on his knees causing him to walk in a strange manner. “Right, come on lets have the truth,” was my first comment. It transpired that he took advantage of the young ladies affections and once the bonfire was over they both had a drink at the pub. On their way back to the overspill estate they both decided to have a cuddle and for privacy used one of the bays at the Driving Range. Within the bays are rough cocoanut matts which was to represent grass, and it seems that during ‘congress’ my employee had suffered a degree of skin burn by the matting. “Serves you right you dirty devil.”

Special mention to Rochdale Local studies for their continued support and the use of Mr Hopwood and his hound’s photograph.

Bonfire

SOUTHPORT Pier

Bacup Group Hits £600k Fundraising Target for National Cancer Charity

The 17-strong group of volunteers has been fundraising since September 1958 and has been able to achieve this impressive feat through the unwavering support of local people and businesses.

Over the years, the fundraisers have hosted a wide variety of events to generate donations, including Christmas and Easter fayres, quiz nights, dinners, curry nights, afternoon teas, and nights with choirs. The group has also received support from local people through gifts in memory, and local schools.

It has also been committed to doing its bit for the environment, with initiatives focused on recycling schemes.

All the money raised has been used to support cancer research, both locally and nationally. The funds have been used to provide equipment at

the specialist Christie cancer hospital in Manchester and, more recently, to support breakthrough research looking at combining traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments with immunotherapy.

To celebrate the achievement of this major fundraising goal, volunteers were joined by the Mayor of Rossendale, who has been involved with the group for over 30 years.

Her mayoral term will soon be over, and so the group was eager to share the news of its latest achievement before she leaves.

Bacup resident Liz Hall, a commercial photographer, is a member of the committee and acts as its press secretary. She said: “It’s amazing to think that this small group of volunteers, tucked away in a corner of East Lancashire, has been able to raise so much money for cancer

research and treatment.

“It’s thought that one in every two Brits will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives, which is why it’s so important to keep funding the development of preventative medicines, successful treatments, and even seeking cures.”

The Mayor added: “The achievement of these committed volunteers in Bacup is an excellent example of the power of community-driven initiatives and the potential impact of local fundraising efforts.

“I’m truly inspired by their efforts and proud to be associated with the vital work they do.”.

Above: (L-R) Jennifer Hargreaves, Aaron Webster (Relationship Manager from Cancer Research UK), Margaret Gallagher, Sarah Codd, Kim Chadwick, Carolyn Brown, Lesley Henson, Dorothy Jones, Jean Almond, Mayor of Rossendale Cllr Anne Cheetham, Shirley Adams, Yvonne Power, Betty Parkinson, Yvonne Hatzebruch, John Fielding

A group of local people in Bacup has reached a major milestone in its fundraising efforts, donating an impressive £600,000 to Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

Learn, Teach, Trailblaze: It’s All in a Working Day

People learn in different ways. Yet most educators – within school and academic institutions – teach most subjects in one way. That is understandable, because there are budgets to adhere to and benchmarks to achieve.

How we process and retain information best varies. For some of us it works best if we are listening to an explanation or reading, perhaps through looking at images or watching video. Maybe it’s working through an equation that explains how something works.

Using memorable examples to explain something also has a certain ‘stickiness’ and helps with recall.

On-the-job training is where we learn how to apply the theoretical knowledge.

of talent. And of course, my business –Universal Rides, Southport Pleasureland’s parent company – embraces an unprecedented range of skills.

From food and beverage to retail, mechanical engineering, construction and joinery to signwriting, accounting, marketing and specialist entertainment and leisure, this industry is home to every kind of business, and where vision is conceived, built, and delivered. In all there are around 50 business or professional services required to keep a theme park running safely, efficiently and doing its bit to bring people to the area. Parks like Pleasureland are huge contributors to the local economy – and a training ground like no other for young people who are considering any one of (around 50) careers.

The younger people we recruit as part of the fabric of the park work with expert

is kept current, with facility visits to some of the world’s busiest parks for inspiration and insight that play a big part in Southport Pleasureland’s journey. First-hand experience and talking to other park owners and developers is the most sensible and responsible way to develop a business like this one. We’re at a very interesting time for the park. We have delivered the first element of our development plan – with the arrival of the Viking Golf attraction - and we’ve already started fabrication work for the next phase in creating a number of other ‘worlds’ for families to enjoy.

To ensure everything is done to create these worlds in sustainable way, we’re working with carbon emissions academics to audit the gains we’ve made so far and how we can best achieve net zero carbon status. As a business that uses many and varied other businesses across a broad supply chain, we want to make sure that wherever we can we forge local partnerships – to cut down on transport and support the Liverpool City Region economy. We’ve used trees brought down during last year’s storms to create the log structures within the Viking Golf – the trees are from Formby. Great recycling and it’s nice to have the story behind them as part of the Viking attraction’s future.

In my world of work, repurposing, recycling and re-modelling have always

capital. Originally an ‘umbrella maker’ in the capital, he moved to Liverpool and began working as an upholsterer, later switching to photography – which took him to street fairs. The earliest trace of Henry’s fairground interests is a small advert in April 1883 seeking ‘a good doorsman for a small show...must be respectable and steady.’

My parents sent me to a private boarding school (I was not a fan), but I was fascinated by the family business from an early age. I learned everything about this business from my Dad and my uncles and was always hands-on. Then it was time to travel to far-flung countries to see, do and learn more.

My daughter and sons are seventh generation – a true technology generation – and of course technology, from AI to VR, is playing a huge part in shifting the type and quality of the experiences offered at family-focused parks.

But the rides themselves, from conception, were trailblazers – so the industry is used to change.

Those rides had bright lights – when most homes didn’t have electricity. They moved people at speed – when most people had never even sat in a motorcar.

First-generation rides took a bit of effort on the part of the riders. The bicycle roundabout, or ‘Velocipede’, required

Ground-Breaking Composer & Conceptual Artist Erland Cooper Announces

‘Glacier’

An 8ft Melting Ice Sculpture & Public Installation

“This is an act of patience and a sort of slow protest. My melting sculpture in some way symbolises a giant sand timer or a ticking clock.” - Erland Cooper

• Conceptual Art, Storytelling & Music Converge in Project on the Climate Crisis

• Erland will stand alongside 8ft high Ice Sculpture Until It Melts

• The free slow-protest installation will take place at London’s Barbican’s Sculpture Court as a prelude to Erland’s forthcoming album and performances of Folded Landscapes featuring UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage & other voices including activist Greta Thunberg, multi-awardwinning conservationist Dara McAnulty & visual artist Norman Ackroyd

• A percentage of the copyright from the album will go to Brian Eno’s EarthPercent charity

• A durational slow-protest / demonstration surrounding the narrative of climate change. Erland will remain beside a tall, monolithic ice sculpture until it melts, engaging with the subject matter surrounding themes of the natural world, time, temperature and the slow violence of change

Prolific Scottish composer Erland Cooper, who merges music with evocative storytelling and conceptual art, is to stage a slow protest surrounding the narrative of climate change. In a gentle act of patience, Erland will remain beside the tall, monolithic ice sculpture until it melts, as a way to engage with the project’s themes of the natural world, time, temperature and the slow violence of change. Erland will stand alongside an 8ft high ice sculpture from 9 am on April 27th in the Barbican’s Sculpture court, until it melts.

Erland will spend the entire thawing time alongside the sculpture interacting with the public from early dawn to the final embers at dusk. A batteryoperated reel-to-reel tape recorder will play ambient sound, related to his new work Folded Landscapes, at a low volume until the batteries deplete. The installation invites members of the public to engage in the pertinent subject matter in a hopeful, creative manner, whether in person or via live stream on social media.

The visual call-to-arms against climate change is a prelude to Erland’s forthcoming album ‘Folded Landscapes’ out on 5th May. The album pushes the composer’s connection to the environment further into unchartered new realms. His new single, Movement 6 is out today. ‘This final movement acts as a sort of classical ceilidh, a dance to the end or perhaps the beginning of new days’ says Erland.

Hailed as ‘nature’s songwriter’, for his

work celebrating themes of the natural world, place, people and time, the installation aims to combine science, music and art to inspire change. London produces the most carbon emissions in the UK. The use of ice as a material makes perfect sense to talk about climate issues. It’s solid yet also fragile. People can approach it; touch it, react to it but then it vanishes due to climatic conditions. During the day Erland will invite writers, poets, artists and the public to come to the site and their texts and reactions will be posted live as the ice sculpture disappears.

‘Folded Landscapes’, sees Erland work through the lens of urgent observations surrounding climate change creating a potent, experimental new work. In early 2022, Erland began a collaboration with Scottish Ensemble,

“I often write with the natural world as my collaborator, whether with the soil or the elements themselves, birdsong or simply a sense of place in mind. The earth being credited as a co-writer and further still, as a producer of a new work, seems an entirely befitting courtesy to me. There is of course a poetic narrative here but it is coupled with an obligation, a sense of responsibility and ultimately an opportunity, to celebrate and cherish nature” - Erland

Cooper

a collective of pioneering musicians crossing art forms, to champion music for strings.

In his fourth studio album, Erland presents his observation on climate change; his belief in the need to come together and take positive action. Using drastic temperature changesfrom sub-zero to hottest on record - he developed this piece for chamber string ensemble, piano, voice, harpsichord, electronics & field recordings.

The finished album thaws over 7-movements and features UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and other special guests and samples, including activist Greta Thunberg, visual artist Norman Ackroyd and multi-awardwinning author, naturalist and conservationist Dara McAnulty leading

a murmuration of familiar voices. Field recordings include the California wildfires and crashing glaciers. Yet, out of the doom and gloom, beauty and hope bloom on Folded Landscapes.

Erland explains “I hope in this new work, a listener will be rewarded for their patience from a cold, glacial ascent by a slowly thawing, burning hope”

While the resulting album takes the subject matter and observations surrounding climate change as its underlying theme, it works ultimately as an opportunity to celebrate and cherish the natural world, whether there is a climate While Erland wants to inspire the audience to consider their role in climate change and the natural environment, no finger-pointing is

intended. “I hope it’s more a feeling of inward reflection, ‘How can I waste less, and value more? What tiny thing can I do?’”

A percentage of the copyright share will go to Brian Eno’s EarthPercent charity as a beautiful way of embedding the planet as a stakeholder in musical creativity and raising money for climate/environmental organisations. The Earth’s share of the song - and its income - will be directed to EarthPercent to redistribute to organisations tackling the climate crisis.

Erland Cooper’s ‘Folded Landscapes’ released May 5th via Mercury KX Movement 6 released 21st April.

Football Legend David Seaman Highlights the Mental Health Benefits of Fishing in New Campaign

Ahead of this Mental Health Awareness Week, legendary England goalkeeper David Seaman has teamed up with the Environment Agency in a new campaign to highlight the positive impact fishing can have on mental health and wellbeing.

As part of the campaign, Seaman stars in a short film alongside two members of not-for-profit angling organisation Tackling Minds, where they discuss how fishing has helped them overcome multiple mental health related challenges such as anxiety, PTSD and the impacts of alcoholism.

The film comes off the back of research conducted by Angling Trust which reveals that 86% of anglers say fishing has helped improve symptoms of stress or anxiety, and 95% would recommend fishing to help manage mental health or stress levels. The research, which surveyed 5,500 British anglers, found that over half (52%) say that since fishing, they have found it easier to talk about their mental health or stress levels and 79% say the sport relaxes them.

In comparison, an Environment Agency study conducted with men in the UK1, found that only a quarter (25%) find it easy* to discuss their mental health or stress levels, and

70% agree** they think it’s a subject that’s more difficult for men to talk about. The research also revealed that half (50%) of men say that they find

spending time outdoors helps manage their mental health and stress levels.

David Seaman commented: “With the general pressures of life, fishing has been a great outlet for me to relax, de-stress and enjoy the many benefits of the great outdoors. It was a real eye-opener meeting Dave and Andy from Tackling Minds to hear the first-hand impact angling has had on changing people’s lives for the better.

I would definitely recommend fishing as a way to manage mental health and stress levels. A rod licence really is an investment in self-care, with every penny going straight back into the sport, from improving fish stocks and habitats, to making fishing more accessible, or supporting the great work of organisations such as Tackling Minds to deliver life-changing programmes for those experiencing mental health challenges. Rod licence renewal has never been easier, it can all be done online and having a digital copy on your phone means you don’t have to

worry about leaving it at home.”

David Lyons, Founder of Tackling Minds added: “I’m thrilled to be involved in the Environment Agency’s campaign to promote how going fishing has so many positive effects on mental health. Buying your rod licence enables the Environment Agency to financially support the delivery of our fishing sessions and makes a massive difference to the lives of people experiencing mental health issues.

We are incredibly passionate about both sharing the joy of fishing and encouraging more people to experience it and all its benefits firsthand. Our motto - “Tight Lines For Healthy Minds” - says it all! ”

Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Partnerships Manager, said:

“David has been a life-long angler and is a fantastic advocate for mental health which is why I’m delighted to have his support on this campaign.

• Seaman appears in the latest Environment Agency campaign which highlights the mental health benefits of fishing and reminds anglers to buy a rod licence

• New research reveals 86% of anglers say fishing has helped improve their mental health

• 95% of anglers say they would recommend the sport to others to help improve their mental health

Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical wellbeing, and this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to remind the public of the tremendous mental benefits that fishing and being in the outdoors can bring. That’s also why the Environment Agency invests all rod licence income directly back into work that improves England’s fisheries and habitats and maintains the sport of angling which is vital to so many.”

To find out more information on when you need a fishing licence, and how to buy one, visit: https:// www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-afishing-licence

Spinning Jennies with Geri Ward

By Sarah Ridgway

Beales department store was an integral part of Kendal for many years, and when it closed its doors for the last time in March 2020, it left a gaping hole in the high street.

After remaining empty for 18 months, Geri Ward and her partner William Smith bought the property at auction with a vision of creating Spinning Jennies, a onestop lifestyle destination. The multimillion-pound project aims to breathe new life into the town and wants to attract visitors back to Kendal, which over the years has been overlooked despite being the gateway town into the Lakes. Spinning Jennies, a 45,000sq ft space, will bring together independent traders, artisans, creatives, and top-quality Cumbrian food and produce under one roof in a celebration of what the region has to offer.

The building will house retail units on the ground floor for small independent shops to showcase local produce, a street food hall will take over the upper floors, there will be a champagne bar and a wine bar aptly named ‘5 O’clock Somewhere’ that will offer fantastic views over Kendal Castle. There will also be residential apartments and some holiday lets as part of the three-phase scheme on the top floor. Spinning Jennies is on track to open in 2024 and is set to become a Lifestyle Destination Experience for people to Meet, Eat, Shop, and get Kendal thriving again.

What is your connection to Kendal and the inspiration for Spinning Jennies?

I am part Cumbrian on my father’s side, so returning to the Lake District after working away for many years was effectively coming home. I have Cumbria in my DNA, so when my partner William and I were looking for projects in this area, we spotted

that Beales had gone into liquidation, and the building being sold off. We felt it was worth buying to see what we could do with it, and we bought it as a passion project as I love this part of the world. I was sad to see Kendal, a major town in the Lake District, on its way to declining, like so many high streets across the country. We felt it could still be saved, and there was a huge amount of ground swell of help, support, enthusiasm, and positive thinking across the town, which held great promise for it being able to survive the current climate and create a different sort of future without resorting to having major brands in the town. Kendal is an incredible place, and it would be a great shame to see it decline; Beales was such an enormous part of the town centre, so we felt something had to be done. Once we decided to buy it, we had to think about what to do with it. My partner William is a building developer with vast experience refurbishing and building different types of projects, so we didn’t need to worry about that side; it was more the concept. In the end, it was actually my intuition that led the way, and when I started to research what was happening to high streets across the country, I realised my thinking was in line with trends happening across the UK. Businesses were creating smaller spaces which felt more community-orientated but aimed at small, independent retailers selling local produce. This concept promotes environmental benefits such as shopping and buying locally that reduces the carbon footprint needed to produce it.

When I started thinking about the food side, I began looking at other street food hall successes such as Altrincham Market, Mackie Mayors, Southport Market, Cedar Farm, and others across the country, including

London, that inspired me. Many of these are in historic buildings, but as Beales was burnt down in a fire in 1965 and rebuilt in the late 60s early 70s, we need to create the character, vibe, and atmosphere inside. The great demand for leisure and food on the high street that offers an experience gradually led me to combine both under one roof. I thought, let’s have local produce sold from independent shops by makers and producers, and the leisure side would focus on food and beverage, with a street food hall, a champagne bar, tea rooms and a wine bar. I suppose the name ‘Spinning Jennies’ subconsciously plays homepage to my Lancashire roots as I was born in Bury, a once major wool town. Kendal also has a connection and history with the wool trade, so it made sense historically to give it that name.

How would you describe Spinning Jennies?

It’s a destination experience to Eat, and Shop and designed for people to visit, spend some time here, sample and buy local produce, see what the local creatives are making and selling, and generally enjoy a good few hours in Kendal experiencing “Cumbrian Food and Fabulousness”.

Why did you choose Kendal?

I recently returned home to the Lake District, and we looked at all types of projects across the area but landed on Beales as we felt we each had a skill set which could make something

good happen in Kendal. Initially, it was just the purchase of a building where we could have easily converted it into residential or sold it off to a bigger brand but walking around the building and the town and talking to the local people; I gradually found my way moving forward to what became ‘Spinning Jennies,’ so the idea came after we bought the building.

What makes Cumbrian produce and the areas creatives so special?

British produce and manufacturing are fantastic, but what is so different about Cumbria is our farming community and history. Our small manufacturing industries have been selling quietly for years, but it’s only now, after Covid, that people have said loud and clear what you are producing in Cumbria is damn good, and we want to buy local. Some of the best chefs in the country and across the world are buying our produce. The range and variety here are excellent; MP Tim Farron said Cumbria has the highest rate of self-employed small businesses than the rest of the country, which shows this region is out there producing and making things. It is also a beautiful lifestyle up here with a wonderful landscape, that is partially due to our fantastic farmers who have been looking after it all this time.

What do you think Spinning Jennies will bring to the area?

It will attract visitors back down into Kendal that have been stopping at other places or have been passing

a focal point to meet, eat, shop, relax. We want people to remember what a lovely day out Kendal used to be, inspire them to return and provide a central focus for the town centre, which has been missing since other brand names have moved out.

What types of cuisines can we expect at Spinning Jennies Food Hall?

We are still in discussion with some interesting food businesses, including

one 100% Cumbrian products vendor and a Lebanese/Ottolenghi-style chef. We are also talking to a fabulous company called Kaizen, founded by two chefs, James, and Keith, who met on the Formula One circuit, and I would love them to join us. It looks like they will. They produce Asian fusion flavours, including crispy hot sushi rolls, fresh Asian salads, and small plates. We also have our champagne bar that people can enjoy before they eat, and hopefully will

have open-air space at the roof level that offers fantastic views of Kendal Castle. We want to offer range and variety and are still actively looking for food vendors to join us. We want people who do Seafood Shack style food using seafood from local waters, Moroccan/North African style food, specifically tagines, Afghan, and any under-represented global street food.

We are also exploring opening a beauty hub in the future and want to run a similar concept to what Selfridges is doing with their Sephora concession, offering treatments, a make-up service, and the opportunity to purchase cosmetics, as it is one of the things people in Kendal said they have missed and would be looking for someone to manage this. I am also looking to engage with people in the tailoring and made-to-measure sector to cater for ladies’ suits and bespoke clothing, as it is a service for ladies fed up with bad fitting standard sizes, which maybe could work in Spinning Jennies.

How have you incorporated sustainability into the project?

We are mindful of sustainability in several areas of the project, and

Spinning Jennies is a one-stop lifestyle destination to eat, meet and shop.

At the corner of Finkle Street in the heart of Kendal, building on the historic warp & weft of a former department store, Spinning Jennies weaves together a destination of smaller trading spaces; a celebration of Cumbria, an homage to regional abundance of quality produce and a reflection of great British days out. Memorable moments and everyday experiences of shopping and eating local await you! Mixing high-quality eateries and food producers with artisans, boutique retailers, creatives and stylish living spaces, this is a place where the modern interconnected world meets the know-how of the old.

we used a local company to remove asbestos, and all our workforce and contractors are local within Cumbria. Our heating and lighting will be via solar panels, and we are using infrared-heat for the indoor heating. The farm shop will be stocked with 100% Cumbrian produce, and the same with the retail shops, and the street food will be made with locally sourced produce where possible. Spinning

Jennies will also create employment opportunities for local people, and we recently recruited our first team member, a Food and Beverage Operations manager. I couldn’t say a definite number, but I anticipate jobs created could easily be in the hundreds, a significant boost for Kendal and the local area.

spinningjennies.co.uk

CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL

Announces 20th Anniversary Full Programme

Harrogate International Festivals has announced the programme for this year’s 20th anniversary Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the world’s largest celebration of crime fiction and thriller writing, which runs from 20 – 23 July 2023 at Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel.

The 2023 Festival Chair, award winning crime and thriller author Vaseem Khan, has curated a groundbreaking programme. Alongside the special guests headlining the Festival, including literary legends Lee Child, Andrew Child, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Ann Cleeves, Jeffery Deaver, Lucy Worsley, S. A. Cosby, Val McDermid, and Chris Hammer, the full programme includes some of the biggest names in crime fiction.

Exploring everything from the perfect murderous opening, police procedurals and dark obsessions to legal thrillers and the golden age of crime, this year’s 20th anniversary programme will see a variety of acclaimed crime and thriller authors discussing the genre and influences on their writing, including Janice Hallett, Shari Lapena, Louise Candlish, Abir

Mukherjee, Steve Cavanagh, Elly Griffiths, Ragnar Jónasson, Clare Mackintosh, Mick Herron, Will Dean, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Chris Brookmyre, and many more!

The Festival will start with Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award ceremony, where the winner of crime writing’s most prestigious accolade will be revealed alongside the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Award.

This year’s Festival also includes two ‘who dunnit?’ themed author dinners, giving a unique opportunity for crime fans to get to know authors

in a fun and informal environment. Richard Armitage, Stuart Neville, David Hewson, Emma Christie, Steph Broadribb, Alex Dahl, Greg Mosse, Leigh Russell, S.E. Lynes and many others will partake in a murder mystery with a twist!

The all-star line-up of events includes the return of Val McDermid’s New Blood panel, celebrating four brilliant debut crime writers, and the popular Late-Night Quiz, hosted by McDermid and Mark Billingham, armed with trivia, titles and tricks to test the knowledge of crime fiction fanatics.

Vaseem Khan

Vaseem Khan, award winning author and 2023 Festival Chair, said: “It’s a privilege to chair this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. My late father and I watched Poirot together and we’d never imagined that decades later I would chair a Festival so closely connected to Agatha Christie. It feels special to be the first British Asian crime writer to chair the Festival, and even more special for the monumental 20th anniversary. The Festival team have pulled together an Avengers Assemble line-up of crime writers to celebrate the monumental anniversary. You’d be (criminally) insane to miss it.”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, added: “This year marks 20 years since the Festival launched in Harrogate, and what wonderful two decades we’ve had celebrating the world of crime fiction. In that time, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has welcomed some of the biggest names in crime fiction and this year is no exception. In collaboration with our 2023 Festival Chair, Vaseem Khan, we are delighted to announce this year’s full programme for what will be the best Festival yet!”

Simon Theakston, Executive Director of Theakston, commented: “This year’s Festival will be another monumental event for the world of crime fiction. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the Festival over the past 20 years and following the full programme announcement, I am thoroughly looking forward to celebrating once again at the world’s best crime writing Festival over a pint of Old Peculier!”

The full programme for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2023:

Thursday 20th July

09:00 - Creative Thursday: Crime Fiction Writing Workshop

A staple of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival lineup, Creative Thursday offers a unique opportunity for aspiring crime writer to learn from the best in the business. Chaired by crime reviewer Natasha Cooper (NJ Cooper) and Mark Billingham, on the panel are authors

Mark Edwards, Rachel Abbott, Claire McGowan, Graham Bartlett, and Dr Chris Merritt will share tips of the trade for budding writers as Workshop Leaders, accompanied by publishing experts Ruth Tross, Ellis Moore, Maddalena Cavaciuti, Juliet Mushens and Finn Cotton.

20:00 - Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award

Crime writing’s most wanted accolade returns to highlight the very crime novels published by British and Irish authors over the last year. The longlist will be on announced Thursday 27 April, followed by the shortlist on Thursday 15 June and the winner announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 20 July hosted by Mark Lawson.

Friday 21st July

9:00 – Special Guest: Val McDermid

Festival co-founder and doyenne of the crime world Val McDermid will reflect on her illustrious career and 20 years of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival with Mark Billingham.

10:30 - PANEL: Starting With A Scream

Crime novels often begin with a chilling killing. C.J. Tudor, Liz Nugent, Simon Toyne, Will Carver and Fiona Cummins dissect exactly what goes into the perfect murderous opening.

12:00 – PANEL: Law & Disorder

Police procedurals are the cornerstone of the crime fiction canon. But what happens when cops are forced to cross the line? Cara Hunter, Nadine Matheson, Neil Lancaster, Jane Casey and Graham Bartlett, will tell us whether the end justifies the means.

14:00 – PANEL: Literary Crime

Great crime fiction is as good as any highbrow literary offering. Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Abir Mukherjee, Will Dean and Jacob Ross have received acclaim for books that combine prose and plot into a glorious whole that has even diehard littérateurs purring. Expertly chaired by S.J. Parris.

Val McDermid

Lisa Jewell

15:30 – PANEL: Obsession Makes The World Go Round

Simmering secrets and murderous impulses make for dark deeds. Hear Alex North, Sarah Hilary, Dorothy Koomson, Mark Edwards discuss how deadly obsession shapes so many of the deliciously dark stories we’ve come to love, chaired by Erin Kelly.

17:00 – IN CONVERSATION: Lisa Jewell & Ruth Ware

Crafting gripping thrillers filled with creepy chills and unforeseen twists takes an expert hand. Lisa Jewell introduces her new nail-biting suspense None of This is True with Ruth Ware, author of the unputdownable The It Girl, as the pair reveal what it takes to master the form.

18:15 – Author Dinner

A unique opportunity for crime fans to get to know authors in a relaxed, but fun, dinner environment. Join A.A. Chaudhuri, Alex Dahl, Amen Alonge, Craig Robertson, D.L. Marshall, Tracey Whitwell, Greg Mosse, Jo Callaghan, Leigh Russell, Jenny Blackhurst, Nicola Williams, Rachel Abbott, Simon Mason, William Shaw and S.E. Lynes for dinner as together you try to figure out ‘who dunnit?’ in this murder mystery with a twist.

18:30 – PANEL: Words! Camera! Action!

From Netflix to Hollywood, crime dramas now rule the roost. Chris Brookmyre will chair the panel of authors, including A.A. Dhand, Imran Mahmood, Louise Doughty,

and Mick Herron, as they tell us about their journey from page to screen, and the ins and outs of how literary creations are brought to life.

20:30 – SPECIAL GUEST: Ann Cleeves

Bestselling creator of the Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn book series Ann Cleeves will be interviewed by Festival Chair Vaseem Khan.

22:00 – Fun Loving Crime Writers

Prepare for some killer tunes as the world’s greatest crime writing superband Mark Billingham, Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre, Stuart Neville, Luca Veste and Doug Johnstone keep Harrogate rocking until the early hours.

Saturday 22nd July

9:00 – IN CONVERSATION: S.A. Cosby & Chris Hammer

Mastermind of the “Southern noir” genre S. A. Cosby and Australian crime novelist and creator Chris Hammer will talk about their works and how the varied landscapes of their respective homes influence their works.

10:30 – PANEL: Modern Gumshoes P.I. For Hire

Chaired by Doug Johnstone, Femi Kayode, Holly Watt, Robert Crais, and Tim Weaver will discuss how crime fiction has evolved from the laconic cool of a Philip Marlowe to African lady detectives, with private investigators being historic fan favourite.

12:00 – PANEL: New Blood with Val McDermid

Always a sell-out, the New Blood panel provides a showcase for some of the year’s most outstanding debut novelists. Val McDermid will once again be personally selecting four brilliant first novels to discuss with their authors. This panel is always a highlight of the Festival and gives today’s readers a unique opportunity to discover the stars of tomorrow.

14:00 – PANEL: Presumed Guilty

If recent celebrity trials have shown us anything it’s that our fascination for a good legal brawl has never been greater. Judicial hijinx, miscarriages of justice and courtroom battles are at the heart of the legal thriller. Authors Helen Fields, Kia Abdullah, Sarah Vaughan, and Steve Cavanagh are joining Rob Rinder to explore the world of the legal thriller.

15:30 – PANEL: Murder Most Joyful

From parish murders to kitchen killers, the sheer breadth of ‘cosy’ crime is astonishing. Antti Tuomainen, Elly Griffiths, Mark Billingham and Rev. Richard Coles will examine the success of the genre and its modern resurgence, chaired by S.J. Bennett. Nobody puts cosy in the corner.

Anne Cleeves

17:00 – SPECIAL GUEST: Jeffery Deaver

Jeffery Deaver, author of the bestselling Lincoln Rhyme series, will make his return to the Festival in 2023 to talk about Hunting Time, the latest thriller featuring “rewardseeker” Colton Shaw, with Mark Lawson.

18:15 – Author Dinner

Crack the case with Richard Armitage, Alex Marwood, Christie J. Newport, D.V. Bishop, David Hewson, Emma Christie, Holly Seddon, James Oswald, Jude O’Reilly, Katy Watson, Lisa Gray, Olivia Kiernan, Sam Blake, Steph Broadbribb, Sue Watson, Susi Holliday, Tina Baker, and Stuart Neville in the second Author Dinner.

20:30 – SPECIAL GUEST: Lee Child & Andrew Child

Lee Child and Andrew Child will share their experiences of collaborating on the iconic Jack Reacher and what the process has taught them, with TV presenter Steph McGovern.

22:00 – Late Quiz Night

Val McDermid and Mark Billingham return as the ultimate Quizmasters for the crime fiction Late Night Quiz.

Sunday 23rd July

9:00 - PANEL: The Never Ending Golden Age

Agatha Christie continues to inspire crime writers the world over. Inventive puzzles, strong characters, and a Golden Age sensibility. Stig Abel will chair the discussion about why fascination with the Golden Age endures between Janice Hallett, Ragnar Jónasson, Clare Mackintosh, and Vaseem Khan.

10:30 – PANEL: When Sally Killed Harry

Domestic noir is now one of the biggest selling genres in publishing. C.L. Taylor, Claire Douglas, Louise Candlish, Shari Lapena and T.M. Logan, experts in writing about the darker side of love and friendship, will discuss dodgy husbands, scheming wives, murderous siblings.

12:00 – SPECIAL GUEST: Lucy Worsley

Historian and TV presenter Lucy Worsley will be revealing more about the life of the Queen of Crime and former resident of the Old Swan Hotel, Agatha Christie, in conversation with Natasha Knight.

Jeffery Deaver

Lee Child & Andrew Child

A HISTORIC ROYAL TOUR OF LANCASHIRE 110 YEARS AGO

By Margaret Brecknell

have penetrated the veil which completely hides Lancashire from the view of southern inhabitants and southern visitors”, commented the Manchester Evening Post.

The royal couple’s memorable tour of Lancashire began on Monday, 7th July 1913 when they arrived in Warrington on board the royal train. One of the King’s first duties was to perform the opening ceremony for the bridge over the River Mersey at Bridge Foot.

They then toured the Crosfields Soap Works, the first of many businesses which the royals would visit over the next eight days. “Soap in all stages of manufacture came under review”, reported one paper. “One young girl was working a machine which turned out small soap bars at the rate of between twelve and thirteen thousand a day. The King asked whether the occupation did not hurt her hand, to which she gave an answer in the negative.”

Even though the British royal family now appear constantly on our TV screens, in the newspapers and on social media, a visit by the reigning monarch to this region is still eagerly anticipated.

Before the days of mass media, a royal visit offered North-West residents an even more rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of their monarch and so the news, in early 1913, that King George V and Queen Mary were to undertake an eight-day tour of Lancashire that summer was greeted with much excitement.

George V, the great-grandfather of King Charles III, was 44 years old when he succeeded to the throne in May 1910. Following his Coronation the following year, he and his wife, Queen Mary, embarked on a series of tours across the length and breadth of the UK.

As well as making him appear more accessible to his people, the King set out on the tours with the intention of learning more about British industry. This knowledge proved invaluable when World War I broke out little more than a year after his visit to Lancashire, as it enabled the King to understand better the conflict’s impact on day-to-day life in this country. “For the first time in history our Sovereigns

From there, they travelled to Knowsley Hall in Prescot, which acted as the royal party’s base during their time here in the North-West. For the evening of their arrival, their host Edward Stanley, the 17th Earl of Derby, organised a huge house party with dinner and entertainment.

Preparations had started well ahead of the event, with the transformation of the Hall’s large conservatory into a theatre fit for a Royal Variety Performance. Several of the era’s leading music hall stars were invited to appear at the event including Lancashire’s own George Formby, father of the now better-known actor and ukulele-playing entertainer of the same name from the 1930s. Although little remembered today, Formby Senior was one of the early 20th-century’s most popular stars and evidently proved a hit with the royal guests. “Mr Formby was very funny with his japes and jerks and quips

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

Photo: Tim Green/CC BY 2.0

and quirks”, one newspaper reported. “These, and his frequent appeals to ‘George’ (meaning, of course, the musical conductor, Mr George Saker) caused their Majesties and all around to laugh.”

The following morning, the King and Queen set out for a packed day of engagements. Their schedule was hectic, to say the least, visiting St Helens, Ormskirk, Southport, Preston, Lytham, St Annes and Blackpool all in one day.

In Southport, George V officially opened the formal gardens close to the Marine Lake, which were aptly named the “King’s Gardens”. He was the first reigning monarch ever to visit the resort and the locals turned out in their thousands to see the royal couple for themselves. The royal visit also attracted a small group of protestors. Three suffragettes planned to throw leaflets in support of their cause at the royal car as it passed, but were spotted by police and arrested.

In Preston, the royal party visited the impressive Horrockses Yard Works on Stanley Street, which was then the

largest cotton manufacturing site in Europe. An interesting replica scale model of the site, which was made specially for the royal visit, now forms part of Preston’s Harris Museum collection.

Ahead of the event, employees were given advice on how to behave in the presence of the royal couple. The instructions stipulated that “the girls must continue to work, but there will naturally be some demonstration on their part when the King appears, which will involve a cessation. This should be as short as possible”.

The following day’s activities were centred around the cotton manufacturing towns of East Lancashire including Colne, Nelson, Burnley, Accrington and Rochdale. Ahead of the royal visit to Nelson, there had been fears that local socialist militants might stage a demonstration, but the day passed without incident. Instead, Nelson’s Arion Glee Union Male Voice Choir hit the headlines for their rousing rendition of “Here’s life and health to England’s Queen”. The royal couple were reported to have been so moved by the performance

that they unexpectedly invited the Choir’s conductor, Lawson Berry, to step forward so they could personally congratulate him.

An interesting diversion occurred on the way to Burnley. Upon spotting an old lady named Mrs Parsons outside her house on Colne Road, the royal couple asked whether it would be possible to make an unscheduled stop and take a look inside her property. According to the Burnley Gazette, the 85-year-old homeowner was then mistakenly shut out of her own home by an overzealous policeman and “it was only when the Queen looked round for Mrs Parsons that the old lady was discovered outside the door, nodding her black bonnet vigorously as she argued (rather one-sidedly on account of her deafness) with the detective on duty”.

The royal party were invited to lunch at Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham as guests of the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Sir Ughtred KayShuttleworth, before continuing their journey to Accrington. Here, they visited the Broad Oak Printworks, where the King tried out the job for

Knowsley Hall

Photo:SLR Jester/CC BY 2.0

himself by stamping “British Empire” in red on a piece of calico. On the way to their final stop of the day in Rochdale, the royal party made another extraordinary unscheduled stop to look round a local resident’s cottage. The couple who lived there had joined the crowds awaiting the royal procession and were summoned home to unlock the door.

The King and Queen were subjected to another punishing schedule on the Thursday, with visits to the towns of St Helens, Wigan, Chorley, Blackburn, Darwen and Westhoughton. At lunch, they were the guests of Sir James Hoghton at Hoghton Tower. The Tudor oak table at which they dined was said to be the very one where, in 1617, King James I had been treated to a sumptuous banquet and allegedly was so impressed with his joint of beef that he knighted it “Sir Loin”, giving rise to the term “sirloin steak”.

In Blackburn, the monarch laid the foundation stone for the public hall, which is still known today as King George’s Hall. Because of delays caused by the outbreak of World War I, the Hall did not officially open for another eight years, meaning, sadly, that a significant number of the men who were in the large crowds that day would not live to see it completed.

During another busy day of engagements in Liverpool on Friday, the King opened the new Gladstone Dock. It is worth noting that the dock is not named in honour of former Prime Minister, William Gladstone, but, instead, his second cousin, Robert, who was a local merchant and an ex-chairman of the Harbour Board. Designed to accommodate the largest transatlantic cruise ships, the dry dock was completed in time for the royal visit. However, like so many projects of that era, construction work was delayed by the outbreak of war and the Gladstone Dock did not become fully operational until 1927.

On Saturday, the royal couple hit the road again, visiting several towns in South-East Lancashire including Ashton-Under-Lyne, Oldham, Bury, Swinton and Leigh. The King and Queen had now been joined by their second son, Prince Albert – better known today as King George VI, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s father.

The royals attended a reception at Oldham Town Hall, as they did in many of the towns they visited during their eight-day tour of the county. Amongst the local dignitaries presented to the King and Queen at the event were mother and daughter, Sarah and Marjory Lees, of Werneth Park.

At first glance, this does not seem particularly surprising. As well as being the first woman councillor to be elected in Lancashire, Sarah Lees was notable for being the first female mayor of Oldham, and her daughter, Marjory, followed her into local politics. What makes this meeting interesting, however, is that both women were also active suffragettes. At the time of the royal visit to Lancashire, Marjory Lees was taking part in the Great Pilgrimage, a six-week-long march in support of the women’s suffrage movement. Her diary entry for Friday, 11th July 1913 records that at the end of that day’s march she took a train back to Oldham from Wolverhampton Station in order to be back in her hometown for the royal visit. She then subsequently rejoined the march in Birmingham.

On Sunday, the royal party returned to Liverpool, before their tour concluded with a visit to Manchester and Salford on Monday, 14th July. By the time that they boarded the royal train to return to London at 4pm that afternoon, they had visited a remarkable 37 North-West towns and cities in just over a week, covering a total of around 220 miles. The royals had been enthusiastically greeted wherever they went and the tour was adjudged to have been a great success.

The Manchester Evening Post commented that “Their visit has entirely lacked stiffness and mere formality on the part of the royalties which have taken part in it, and the same may be said of the welcome offered by the people”. Royal tours of this kind were soon to be put on hold because of the outbreak of war, but the more informal approach adopted for this successful tour of Lancashire in 1913 has provided a template for future royal visits right up to the present day.

Interior shot of Hoghton Tower from 1905

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LAKEWindemere

The year of the rabbit

It’s National Hedgerow Week! Hedgerows are biodiversity champions that connect habitat, provide a home for numerous species, help fight climate change and protect against pollution. There are lots of ways to spread awareness of the importance of hedgerows.

In the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the year of the rabbit. If that means we think about them as more than just a pest in the countryside, that’s a good thing because rabbits play an important part in shaping the British landscape.

Rabbits only really took off in the wild after about 1750. Before then, in the 12th century, the Normans introduced farmed rabbits – some of which escaped – and earlier still a select few had arrived with the Romans in the more pampered role of pets. But in the 18th century, changes in agriculture, and the growth of game-keeping, meant fewer predators and rabbit numbers grew. By the start of the 20th century, England, Scotland and Wales were home to an estimated 100 million rabbits.

‘We will fight them in the brassicas…’

And that adds up to a lot of munching. Rabbits feed on herbaceous plants, especially grasses, selecting young leaves and shoots. They’ll eat meadow plants, cereal crops, such as wheat and barley, and root vegetables, and in winter – particularly when snow covers the ground – will strip bark from trees. Damage to winter-planted cereals and other crops, as well as to pasture and forestry, costs hundreds of millions of pounds each year. But then, rabbits also have a big

ecological value, too – it just isn’t easy to see.

In fact, the full impact of rabbits wasn’t fully recognised until they’d all but disappeared.

Rabbit numbers declined after the Second World War, but between 1953 and 1955, they crashed. Ninety-nine per cent

of the population was lost when myxomatosis spread across the country. Many farmers and foresters welcomed the disease, but for a lot of people, at a time when meat was still rationed, rabbits had been a cheap and nutritious food.

And they had their supporters in high places, too. No less a figure than Winston Churchill played a personal role in making deliberate transmission of the disease a criminal offence – even after rabbits had caused an estimated £50 million of damage the year before the outbreak (over £1000 million in today’s money).

Digging for Britain

Without the grazing and digging activities of rabbits, Britain became a different place. Rabbits prefer to feed on short vegetation, where predators are easier to spot. By keeping the sward short, they prevent shrubby species and trees becoming established, maintaining open habitats of chalk downland, dunes, and heathland, each supporting a unique community of species. With rabbits all but gone, grasses grew taller, shading the soil, and woody species got a foothold. Large areas became scrubland and the diverse habitats that rabbits maintained were lost.

As well as shaping the landscape, rabbits are an important part of the food chain. Foxes, stoats, weasels and polecats feed on them, along with raptors such as buzzards, red kites and golden eagles. In Scotland, wildcat numbers were reported to fall after myxomatosis, and the breeding success of red kites and buzzards fell dramatically in the immediate wake of the disease.

It wasn’t long, however, before rabbit numbers bounced back. Natural resistance to myxomatosis appeared in the 1970s and the population began to recover. In 2018, it was estimated to be 36 million, albeit with a lot of uncertainty. But numbers are going down and have been since the 90s. Counts of rabbits killed on rural roads, in PTES’ Mammals on Roads survey, fell by two-thirds from 2001 to 2015, and a survey by the British Trust for Ornithology shows a similar drop between 1995 and 2021. In urban and suburban areas, rabbits are spotted in PTES’ Living with Mammals survey at a fifth fewer sites now than they were twenty years ago.

Another viral disease, rabbit haemorrhagic disease, which has spread through the population, may be playing a part in the decline, but loss of habitat, too, may be a factor. Rabbits might not be a species that comes to mind when we think about protecting nature, but they’re a keystone species – ecosystem engineers – on which whole habitats and communities depend. Without them, our countryside would be a lot less rich.

It’s easy to overlook rabbits or see them just as pests, eating crops or garden vegetables. But rabbits do a whole lot more. This year, of all years, we should give them some credit and try to ensure we don’t lose them again.

Lancashire Church Aims To Raise £400k For Restoration Of Historic Spire

spire has been a visible landmark at the heart of the Standish community and the wider surrounding area for more than 150 years

The church, which is the only Grade I-listed building in the borough of Wigan, has launched a ‘Save Standish Spire’ campaign to raise money for the project, to pay for repairs to the inside and outside of the structure –including fixing the broken church clock. It is hoped the repairs can be carried out later this year.

Rev. Andrew Holliday, Rector of St Wilfrid’s CE Church, said: “The spire is an important part of our village heritage and is a landmark for Standish people which can be seen for miles around. It is essential we preserve it and we are launching this appeal so this urgent restoration can be carried out as soon as possible.

“As the spire is dear to everyone in Standish, we hope people and businesses from across the village and beyond will be able to make a donation, no matter how small, so that we can conserve the spire for future generations.

“Our own parish funds built up to maintain the church will contribute to the costs, but the scale of the essential repairs that are needed means we have to reach out across the community for support.”

A fundraising appeal has been launched to help pay for an urgent £400,000 restoration of the iconic spire of a wellknown Lancashire church. .

Architects have discovered the need for vital repairs to the 130ft spire at St Wilfrid’s Church in Standish.

Although just inside Wigan borough, it is part of The Church of England in Lancashire (Blackburn Diocese) ... where our ongoing Vision 2026 has the overarching aim of having ‘healthy churches transforming communities’ as we share the hopeful message of Jesus’ love across the County.

St Wilfrid’s has shared that message while faithfully served the people of the area for centuries; and its present

The Grade I-listed church was described by the authors of the ‘Buildings of England’ as ‘one of the most interesting churches in Lancashire’. When St Wilfrid’s Church was rebuilt in the 1580s, the tower and spire from the previous medieval church were retained. But, in 1814, the spire was badly damaged after being struck by lightning and eventually blew down during a storm in 1822. The replacement spire was badly designed and out of proportion to the church and, in 1867, it was decided a new one should be built.

Pictured: Rector Rev Andrew Holliday outside St Wilfrid’s Church

The present 155-year-old spire, surmounted by a weather vane in the form of the Standish family crest, the owl and the rat, sits on top of a tower which houses a peel of eight bells that have been rung to mark many notable events, from the Jacobite defeat at Preston in 1715 to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last year.

David Johnson, Chairman of the Save Standish Spire appeal, said: “From every direction as you approach Standish, the spire of St Wilfrid’s Church is the most visible landmark, symbolising the continuous presence of the church in our village through changing times and passing generations.

“The present church dates from the 1580s and is the only Grade I-listed building in the

borough of Wigan – it is an architectural gem in our community of which we are all rightly proud.

“However, a recent survey has identified urgent issues with the structure of the church spire which we need to address. The estimated cost of this restoration is £400,000 and we are calling on everyone in the community to help to support us with these costs.”

To contribute to the appeal, visit the church’s Just Giving page:

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/savestandish-spire or send a cheque with’ Spire’ on the back to The Parish Office, St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall, Church Street, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0JT.

Above: St Wilfrid’s Church

Classic British MG Saloon Speeds Into Lakeland Motor Museum

There’s a new star on show at the Lakeland Motor Museum which experts say represents the last hurrah of the truly British mass production motor industry.

The twenty-one-year-old MG ZT 190 has been donated to the museum by a classic vehicle enthusiast from Folkstone in Kent, who spent years lovingly restoring the car to pristine condition.

The classic sports saloon with a V6 2.5 litre engine, was produced shortly after the Phoenix Consortium bought the Rover marque from BMW in 2000 and relaunched the company as MG Rover. The plan was to expand the MG range with sporting versions of existing Rover models. But it soon collapsed.

Experts say the MG ZT represents the final chapter of the last domestically owned mass production car manufacturer in the British motor industry.

To the former mechanical engineer who donated it to the museum it is quite simply “a Gentleman’s car” and a vehicle he had always wanted to own and drive.

“It’s absolutely blooming magic to drive,” says Paul Hancock, the car’s owner. He acquired it around eight years ago.

“I bumped into a bloke outside a shop who was in one and I told him I had always fancied getting one,” says Paul. “He told me he had two and that the one he was in was for sale! I just snapped it up!”

The car, first registered in 2002, cost Paul £650 to buy but over the coming months and years he’s spent around £4,600 to do the vehicle up and make it the great example now on show at the museum.

It now has a Rover 75’s green leather, heated seats and a chrome side trim instead of the original ZT’s cloth seats and body coloured trim. Paul also added a ram-air intake system to improve engine performance, high performance brakes and other mechanical and cosmetic changes that made the car a big hit at classic shows.

“I’ve always had an interest in doing cars and motorbikes up,” explains Paul who is 77 years old and retired. “My first project was when I was 12 years old. I rebuilt a Cyclemaster engine with a friend of mine. They

were made to motorise bikes. We put it on a tandem and had a lot of fun with it!”

As much as he loved the MG ZT he was finding it increasingly difficult, because of ill health, to keep looking after it.

“After all the effort I put in I didn’t want to sell it on to someone who would run it ragged and undo all the work I had done to get it in this condition – so I thought it would be lovely to see it looked after by a museum.

“I contacted the Lakeland Motor Museum and they jumped at it. It’s great to know it will now be looked after and that lots of people will enjoy seeing it.”

Chris Lowe, Curator at the Lakeland Motor Museum, says: “We are delighted to add the MG ZT to our collection of classic vehicles and I’m sure out visitors will love seeing it. It’s a car that harks back to another era and it marked a turning point in British motoring history. We want to thank Paul for generously allowing us to put the vehicle on display at the museum.”

The MG ZT joins a collection of over 140 classic cars and motorbikes at the

museum in Backbarrow, Cumbria. It also has thousands more exhibits of automobilia, historical displays and a riverside café. Nestled in the scenic Leven Valley and open seven days a week, the Museum is about more than just cars. The entire collection is presented in a social context, with a host of rarities to awaken some special motoring memories.

Find out more by visiting www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/

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 Fundraising Ball

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 11 years. They offer stay and play groups for under 5s, offer family support workers, counsellors, peer support and friendship through monthly family trips and weekly Coffee & Chat sessions for parents.

The Charity are always looking at new ways to finance the work they do and any fundraising is very gratefully received. Aiming Higher were therefore delighted when they were approached by Burton’s Biscuits, on Mansfield Road Blackpool who wanted to make Aiming Higher their Blackpool bakery, Charity of the Year. The company has factories all over the UK but in their Blackpool bakery you’ll find their “biscuiteers” hard at work baking Maryland cookies, chocolate biscuit bars and the classic Fig Roll.

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 11 years.

One of the key areas in which the charity support families is with their preschooler groups. Every week they offer stay and play sessions at the centre, as well as Jo Jingles music classes, Makaton classes for parents and children and swimming at the Sandcastle Water Park. These groups are incredibly important for new parents who are facing their

child’s new diagnosis and can feel overwhelmed and isolated – meeting other families in similar situations can be very comforting and peer support is invaluable.

One of the parents provided the following feedback recently, “We enjoy being around like minded adults and children, I feel it gives our daughter an opportunity to be herself around other without being judged. We also love the fact she gets to experience new things, trips, courses, seasonal parties under the

support of Aiming Higher, It’s giving us as parents and her, a lovely experience and to feel accepted in this new world and journey we are on.”

Another parent also added “This charity has no idea how much it helps families. Whether it’s stay and play getting to know other people or whether it’s creating days like the sandcastle to introduce children to water. They have been a huge support! There’s often been times I’ve entered the building on the verge of tears and the staff reassure me and engage with my son and suddenly everything feels just a little bit better, so thank you, Aiming Higher, and especially our lovely Ella, because without you guys I don’t know where we would be.”

offered the charity a temporary home for their Jo Jingles class on a Wednesday. This proved to be such a success that the group remains at Brian House where the children can also access a fantastic outdoor play area. Children visiting Brian House also benefit from being able to join in with the music class and meet other youngsters. Ella Bicket, the Groups Co-ordinator, says “We love coming to Brian House. They really helped us out in a difficult time but its provided us with a real opportunity to reach more families and to offer existing families another hub to access Aiming Higher services.”

The charity are also delighted to be back swimming at The Sandcastle Water Park for the Spring/Summer. For a lot of the children this is a first chance to visit a pool and experience the water with their friends.

Tickets are on sale now for what promises to be another spectacular event: £50 a head

When the Aiming Higher building sustained some damage in the run up to Christmas, Brian House Hospice kindly

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

McFLY RETURN TO TRENTHAM LIVE 2023 WITH ADDITIONAL DATE ON 16TH AUGUST

Due to overwhelming demand we are thrilled to announce that Trentham Live’s fifth and final headliner for 2023 is McFly! The band will be taking to the stage on Wednesday 16th August 2023 with special guests The Hoosiers, kicking off a music concert extravaganza week at Trentham Estate.

Forget Vegas, get ready to feel wild and young as Tom, Danny, Harry and Dougie join us once again down by the lake in the historic Gardens, for what could be Trentham’s first residency! Thousands of local fans have demanded their return, and we would not want to disappoint. It is all about you after all.

We loved having them and they loved being here, what’s not to love? Historic gardens, wildlife and live music. They’re back for a Staffordshire residency. You asked and we delivered

MCFLY

With seven UK number-one singles, six top-ten albums, seven arena tours and ten million records sold worldwide, McFly are without question one of the most significant British pop acts of the twenty-first century. Since hitting the big time as the youngest band ever to have a debut album go straight to number one- beating The Beatles’

long-standing record – Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry have become one of our best-loved bands, not to mention major stars in their own right.

Outside of McFly Tom has become a bestselling children’s author; Danny a TV mainstay with his regular appearances as a coach on The Voice Kids; Dougie formed alternativerock band INK and is a passionate environmental campaigner; and Strictly winner Harry is often seen presenting The One Show sofa, as well as starring in the hit dance show Rip It Up.

Pop legends McFLY said “Following on from another fantastic night at Trentham last year, we are delighted to be the first headline act for the additional night for Trentham Live 2023 on Wednesday 16th August this year where a bonus date has been added . To follow in the footsteps with musical greats such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles who have played at Trentham in the past, we’re in very good company and can’t wait to see our fans there again this year”.

McFly are primed to launch their highly anticipated 7th album, their biggest, boldest and most brilliantly noisy statement yet. Throwing off the shackles of expectations and focusing on the things they love the most about making music together, the album sees McFly at their most honest bust also with fun at the forefront.

THE HOOSIERS

The multi-platinum success of The Hoosiers 2007 debut album, “The Trick to Life”, and singles such as “Worried About Ray” and “Goodbye

Mr. A”, raised huge expectations for its follow-up, not least at The Hoosiers’ record label. The prophetically titled “The Illusion of Safety” was, all the band agree, a troubled project from the start.

Irwin suggests, “The word ‘hit’ is substituted for ‘good’. There’s an art to writing under those conditions, but

it wasn’t one that worked for us. It exacts a toll on too many writers. You give up too much if you do that.”

Such a negative experience of the creative process – the odd laugh aside – would have done for many bands, and there was indeed a period where The Hoosiers went their separate ways. “I remember getting to this point,” says Al, “where I said, ‘I need some space from this’. I think we all knew it. We needed to forget about it for a while.”

“The News From Nowhere”, released in 2014, was an astonishing return to form. “Doing it on our own terms,” says Irwin, “and actually having a proper say in it, felt wonderful. We had nothing to lose, but a lot to prove.”

Shattering their previous run of an album every three to four years, 2015’s “The Secret Service” – only a year after their third album – reveals a band hitting their stride through a purple patch; improving as they discover they have more to say than ever.

Tension, creativity, democracy, arguments, time apart, coming back together, and then songs. Lots of them. Gone is the self-consciousness of the dog days around their second album; gone, too, the self-doubt. In their place is a deeply rooted –and hard-won – confidence, and a determination to lock back into the freedom and joy of the early days.

Runcorn Pupils Hit The Right Note

A MUSIC room in Runcorn has welcomed in new percussion instruments, thanks to funding from a local housebuilder.

Sandymoor Ormiston Academy’s performing arts department is now the proud owner of two pianos and a selection of keyboards after receiving a donation from Redrow NW.

“The performing arts department was only established 18 months ago, so its relatively new,” said Sally Jones, head teacher at Sandymoor Ormiston Academy.

“This donation has been fundamental in the department being able to do more and allow the students to perform. We would like to give a massive thanks to Redrow.”

Christopher Edwards, area sales manager at Redrow NW added: “It’s great to hear what a difference these new instruments will make to the new department at Sandymoor Ormiston Academy. I hope they are enjoyed by generations to come.”

Redrow is currently building homes at nearby Daresbury Garden Village. The first phase of this development has been named Gleaves View, a reference to the grade II listed George Gleaves Bridge, one of several bridges that cross the Bridgewater Canal nearby.

The homes featured in this first phase are all detached and offer a mix of three, four and five-bedroom accommodation.

To find out more about Daresbury Garden Village visit www.redrow.co.uk/daresbury

left: From back left: principal Sally Jones and Melissa Murray from Redrow, Eve, Laura, Elliot and Lexi. At the front are Lucas, Isabella and Isaac

IDYLLIC HOMES IN THE HEART OF LANCASHIRE

Mowbreck Park nestles in the grounds of the Earl of Derby’s former estate, sheltered by mature woodland and dotted with well-maintained gardens. The park is a haven from busy urban life whilst being just 15 minutes away from Blackpool and Lytham St. Annes, and 5 minutes from Wrea Green.

There is a lovely community of like-minded, socially active people at Mowbreck Park. Dogs are welcome, and they will love the variety of walks that surround the park. There is a launderette and hi-speed WIFI.

The personal touch, quality holiday homes and competitive prices. No wonder Visit England awarded this family-run park a 5 Star rating year on year for the last 20 years.

Worrying Figures Reveal Over 90% of Owners Have Received No Pet First Aid Training

Latest figures from leading vet charity, PDSA, reveal that more than nine out of 10 pet owners surveyed have never received any pet first aid training.

Three quarters of those surveyed (75%) wouldn’t know how to perform CPR on their pet, highlighting a worrying number of owners feeling unequipped to deal with an animal-related medical emergency, such as a seizure, heatstroke or road traffic accident.

PDSA, which provides vital treatment to pets in need, is encouraging owners to brush up on basic skills that could prove crucial. The charity’s expert vets have also created a free pet first aid guide to provide owners with vital knowledge that could help save their pet’s life.

A survey conducted by the charity also found that 80% of owners don’t own a pet first aid kit, and many feel uninformed when it comes to managing common illnesses or injuries affecting their furry family members.

For example, almost three quarters (74%) of those surveyed confessed they wouldn’t know or would be unsure what to do if their pet was having a seizure. While almost half (46%) didn’t know or weren’t sure how to help

their pet if they were suffering from heatstroke. And over half (52%) would feel clueless or would be not sure what steps to take if their furry companion broke a bone.

However, it seems owners are keen to gain these necessary skills, with almost two thirds (67%) of those surveyed agreeing they should have a basic understanding of pet first aid.

PDSA’s handy first aid guide offers actionable tips around how to spot and provide first aid for injuries such as broken bones or bleeding wounds. It also suggests simple

ways to prevent an emergency from happening, including keeping toxic human food and medications out of paws’ reach, as well as how to be prepared if your pet does become unwell or injured.

PDSA Vet, Lynne James, said: “The figures highlight the extent of the skills gap when it comes to basic pet first aid skills. However, owners often don’t realise how important first aid training is until they need it, which can sometimes be too late. As with humans, taking the right actions in the first few minutes following an emergency before seeking veterinary attention can make a huge difference on the outcome of the situation. The good news is that while it may seem like a big task, there are practical tips that owners can learn, which will help them treat and potentially save the lives of their pets.

“I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t feel confident providing treatment to their furry friend in an emergency to download our pet first aid guide, which includes a host of resources that could prove vital.

“Many of us may also be concerned about the cost of living at the moment, and the price of unexpected treatment will only add further strain to pet owner’s pockets. Aside from lifesaving tips on treating pets in an urgent situation, our guide also offers lots of simple advice that can help to avoid an incident happening in the first place, and requiring more costly treatment down the line.”

To download PDSA’s free pet first aid guide, visit: www.pdsa.org.uk/ pr-free-first-aid-guide.

Hedgerows are teeming with life. Can you help save them?

As someone who cares about wildlife, you may know about the importance of hedgerows for the environment.

In fact, over 500 plant species, 60 species of birds, hundreds of invertebrates and almost all our small mammals depend on hedgerows for food, shelter and safe corridors that link otherwise disconnected habitats.

Not only do healthy hedges provide countless benefits for wildlife, but they also contribute to productive and efficient farming. Hedgerows protect crops from strong winds, can reduce the need for pesticides, and support diverse pollinators, which is essential for crop pollination and yields. They

enhance the land by reducing soil erosion, controlling flooding and filtering pollution. And livestock benefit too, as hedges offer shelter from cold in winter and shade in summer, provide diverse dietary supplements, and act as natural

barriers that can reduce the spread of disease.

I’m sure you’ll agree how important it is that hedgerows remain healthy and vital. With your help, we can continue to support farmers and

land managers as they enhance hedge condition throughout the country and protect and preserve the healthy hedges they already have. This ensures more connected woodlands and provides muchneeded habitat for over 2,000 species, including dormice. Learn more about our campaign to restore hedges throughout the countryside - and this unique opportunity to double your donation at no extra cost to youat The Big Give: (donate.biggive.org/campaign/ a056900002PonQ0AAJ)

WWW.PTES.ORG

North Fylde Photographic Society Annual Award Night

North Fylde Photographic Society had their Annual Award night, after having a hot pot supper, the awards were given out to Angela Carr, Nicky Greenwood and Kean Brown.

“It was a good night Angel’s birthday and if you look at the table in the picture, most of the trophies were Angel’s” the night was finished by the Banjo players, Buzz Cadillac and the Lightning Rods (Clare Corvette and Bobby Buick) with special guest, Paul Pontiac (NFPS Chairman).

During the two periods between the ‘Lockdowns’, I definitely experienced a better, more patient, more courteous society. The freedoms we had previously taken for granted had been withdrawn from us, and there appeared to be a greater appreciation when we were allowed out again.

As with everything in life, some things are short lived whilst others not so. Post April 2021, some of that ‘spirit’ has faded away. Life seems to be racing along at 200mph now whilst over the past 12 months the ‘cost of living crisis’ has gathered momentum and is biting hard for many.

But what of the “lessons” I alluded to?

As deaths, both nationally and globally, were being reported during daily updates, little in real terms was being spoken of the social isolation many millions in the country were experiencing.

We launched ‘Totally Local Lancaster’ on the 9th November 2020 as a platform to help promote and support the independent businesses of Lancaster. By the end of January 2021, I had begun receiving private messages that were quite humbling and extremely powerful.

The first, a lady, who simply described herself as “elderly and living alone” went on to explain the importance of this Facebook page to her. She looked forward to switching her phone on in a morning to see “what we were up to”. She not only enjoyed

By Paul Cusimano

seeing the business posts but found the motivational and humorous posts incredibly valuable. I received numerous such messages. The feelings of loneliness she and they, and no doubt millions of others throughout the country expressed to me, have stayed with me. Despite not living alone, I had started feeling disconnected by the end of March

2021, and although it has remained as a lesson, others I know are still living with the effects of that period. The inspiration behind this piece came whilst I was sat creating a Facebook post on Sunday. I titled it “Sunday Confession – It’s My Need”, and began “Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to help; bring people together, find a common

As the latest ‘crisis’ deepens, I turn my attention back to the lessons learned from the last one. There were the sacrifices, the losses and the heroes. But there was also the massive groundswell of community spirit – “Out of Adversity comes Opportunity” (Benjamin Franklin).

Typical Of Most Back Alleys

purpose or goal.” As I continued, I quickly realised that it was going to be far too big for Facebook.

‘Lancaster Festa Italia’ came about during a conversation between Bruno and I. We took it to Lancaster BID, in 2018 to put on, but following the 2021 edition, we decided we wanted to expand the Event and took over the running of it along with Victoria. Whilst looking to add extra dimensions to Festa, we met with Ian Dewer, Chaplin of our local NHS Trust who also runs the ‘Bay Health Festivals’ (Barrow, Kendal & Lancaster). As we

explored the topic of healthy eating, a message we wanted to promote at Festa working alongside the catering team of Lancaster & Morecambe College, the conversation developed. In passing, we had each acknowledged

how lucky we were to live in such a beautiful part of the country - none of us were born here. Lancaster City Councils slogan is ‘City, Coast & Countryside’. Within our District, which covers 225 square miles, we have exactly that. Further, we have Yorkshire and the Lake District are on my door step, Manchester and Liverpool just an hour away, and Scotland a little over.

The turning point of the conversation was the mention of one survey that found Lancaster to be one of the best places in the country for couples to settle down and start a family. Schools. Food. Diet. Health. NHS. Two hours later ……..

Schools. A campaign that requires a collaboration between the Education Authority and the Health Service, to change how and what we teach our children about food, in particular, the food we cook ourselves. Healthy food does not have to be expensive and it should be tasty. Healthy, tasty and easy to make.

At school I grew some cress. I didn’t like cress but I ate it because I was proud that I had grown it. Mindset. If something is easy and the end product is enjoyable, you’ve hooked them in. You’ve hopefully set them off down the road of a healthy diet and a healthier life – long term gain, less strain on the NHS; less obesity, diabetes and other associated diseases/conditions.

Belfasts Back Alley Project Has Helped Rejovenate Many Area’s

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver ran a campaign to improve the standard of school meals. He felt it failed because “eating well is still viewed as an indulgence of the middle classes”, but things have to change, and we need to persevere.

Eateries Set up a voluntary Accreditation Scheme for the businesses whose ingredients, cooking methods and finished foods all meet the highest standards for a healthy diet.

Much of the information required is already held by the businesses, particularly around allergens. Setting the criteria would of course have to involve nutritionists and unlike the financial costs involved with improving school meals, the costs of this would be, for the most part, minimal in real terms.

Jake Brindley, National Award winning Head Chef at Buccelli’s, explained “Even when I’m at home, cooking for friends, I make everything from scratch. Sauces that you buy are generally laden with sugars. By making everything from scratch, you are in control of what you are eating. Sauces, pasta, flatbreads are easy and actually, really cheap to make, much cheaper than buying them.”

Paddy Macaree Is One Of The Residents Behind The Back Alley Scheme

South Belfast Alley Totally Transformed

When I broached the matter of what we teach our children at school, he add “It’s difficult because for young children, you don’t, and can’t have them dealing with heat, so making cake mix, for example, is easy and safe, but not healthy. In teaching them the foundations, the staples, you are giving them a life skill”

So much of life does evolve around ‘money’, no doubt. But I am a big advocate of giving time, expertise, knowledge or just a willing hand. Two heads better than one, four better than two. Any type of cohesion within a community creates a better, stronger community.

I was brought up in a Victorian terraced house. The tiny back yard connected to a back alley, that had another row of terraces on the opposite side. The alley appeared big when I was small, but when I made a nostalgic return recently, I had to smile to myself. This is where a few of us who lived off the alley would meet to play football (the goal was a garage door). We’d race up and down it on our bikes. We just hung around filling in time, our parents were happy in the knowledge that we were safe “out back”. Nearly half a century on, the only life and action that that alley is seeing is an explosion of the weed population, tall, bushy and wild.

Why the talk of alleys? I know you’re thinking, to come full circle, back to the pandemic. Many millions were, and still are, living in homes with little or no outside space, and it was just after the last Lockdown that I had seen an article about an initiative that had sprung up in South Belfast.

Everyday Foods Like Pasta Are Much Cheaper, Healthier And Tastier When Made From Scratch Making Dough Is Quick, Easy & Fun.

Cheaper Than Buying Pre-Made

It reported that residents from two streets in South Belfast had come together to turn a dreary back-alley into a communal garden area for everyone to enjoy. The residents of two streets approached the city council to ask them to install gates at either end of the back alley to prevent break ins and littering in the area.

During the first Lockdown, they began the process of transforming the area into a communal garden, with each household contributing plants, hanging baskets and benches and chairs.

Paddy McAree, a former primary school teacher and classical musician, is one of the residents behind the scheme said in the article (Belfast Live,

June 2020), “Last year (2019), there were a number of break-ins around this area. Then on top of that, there was other bad behaviour in the alley, such as people throwing litter and letting their dogs do their business.

A number of the residents began removing the weeds and generally tidying the alley up. By this time the local Council had installed the gates, and Paddy continued “But of course, it was still just a back-alley. But then all this coincided with the Coronavirus thing. And over the last few weeks, people started putting out a few plants out along the alley to brighten it up.

“Then one day a few of the children were playing next to rubbish bins and you could see it wasn’t a nice area. So a resident named Jane and I decided we were going to move all the bins outside the gates and basically have

Baking Bread & Flatbreads Is Quick And Easy

Rissotto’s & Stir Fry’s Are Heathy And Tasty

that space so that the children could play. We all started putting more plants out and people just got into it more and more. Everyone started coming out into the alley as well, to sit and chat to each other.”

Transforming an unused neglected back alley has reduced crime, given children a safe space to play and

brought the residents together. A place that has become a social space, where the residents have taken ownership. A beautiful community space.

As MLK famously said, “I have a dream”, and my dream would be for our District to adopt a more holistic strategy towards health and wellbeing that, after all, is extremely multifaceted.

The Meditarrenean Diet Is Considered One Of The Healthiest In The World, and Fish Forms a Large Part Of It

People and organisations working together can, and will, make for a better community. Will it happen? There have been a number of alleys gated and renovated in Morecambe, so I am hoping more can be done with Community support. 

Fish Is Very Heathy

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

Your new positive mindset is likely to prompt success in areas such as projects, or any endeavours you undertake. This period represents complete happiness and commitment in a relationship, and this would suggest that your efforts will undoubtedly pay off, in terms of the ones you love.  You may undertake a new and exciting adventure, or a new way of approaching things that could make your life much easier to manage, as well as enabling you to have fun doing them. Great month for taking stock and looking at where you are in life so far.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25

Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

TAURUS 20 Apr - 20 May

This period should help reignite your excitement and optimism. A new aspect of your life opening up for you or the beginning of a new phase would be there.. You may be presented with some wonderful opportunities that are yours for the taking. Relationship matters are going to need looking at as this period represents nostalgia or looking at the past through rose tinted spectacles. You will be moving onto the next level of achievement with ease, building upon what you have already started, and your hard work really starting to pay off.

Favourable Dates: July 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24

Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

GEMINI 21 May - 20 Jun

You may need to adopt a more loving attitude to yourself, treat yourself well, make sure you nurture your needs – food and water – and to relax when you can. It could well be that you will have a month of working hard and not getting the financial reward that you deserve. It is very important that you only take on the tasks that are high priority in order to take the pressure of yourself.  You will be surprised that by speaking to someone about your issues, and allowing people to help you by taking on some of your tasks, you would feel pressure getting eased.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23

Favourable Colours: Yellow & Green

CANCER 21 Jun - 22 Jul

You have the ability to do things differently this time, which will put you in the position of building a life style which will be much more stable and enduring in the future. Perhaps things have been the same for too long and things are stagnating a bit.  It is likely that you need to consider making some changes to shake things up somewhat. Balancing your situation will bring harmony and understanding into the mix, which will help to bring peace and serenity and the ability to see clearly what needs to be done next. You have all the necessary skills to take this new road, and now is the time.

Favourable Dates: July 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21

Favourable Colours: White & Red

LEO 23 Jul - 22 Aug

You need to get up and make the effort to look into what you can do to make your life a little more exciting. You may feel more able to grasp the reins of your life and choose the direction you now wish to go. You will be more able to make the decisions you wish to make, and get to the point where you feel you are firmly in control of your life. Your core need this month is to celebrate the relationships in your life, to appreciate all the joy and happiness your loved ones bring to your door, and to just enjoy all the interactions with the people in your life.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27

Favourable Colours: Blue & Red

VIRGO 23 Aug - 22 Sept

This period would be prompting you to make efforts to stop focusing purely on the negatives, and the hurt, but to make a real effort to focus your thoughts on the positives, to start healing the hurts of the past and proactively work to bringing your relationships into a more loving and happy place. You are the architect of your own life and instinctively you probably know best, but other people might be jostling you off your road because they feel they are, or should be, involved.

Favourable Dates: July 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22

Favourable Colours: White & Red

LIBRA 23 Sept - 22 Oct

You are likely to discover how much more able you are to understand about managing the stresses in life, and dealing with the issues at hand on a much more intellectual, rather than a physical level. This period suggest bringing more heart and love into a situation rather than intellect and, possibly, to consider slowing things down a little in order to be able to do what you do way more effectively. You would focus on success after 22nd in establishing a very happy, secure home life with the necessary income to keep everything running exactly as you wish.

Favourable Dates: July 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22

Favourable Colours: White & Green

SCORPIO 23 Oct - 21 Nov

This period indicates a mastering of any project that you are undertaking, and you are more than ready to succeed in all that you do for yourself and your family. You are already taking things forward in a confident and determined way. In addition, it seems, there is likely to be an offer of a partnership, or some help on the financial front, which will also help considerably, It is likely that you will hear something that will herald some changes at last – by allowing yourself to be serene, and hopeful, you will be opening yourself, and making yourself ready, for things to start moving.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22

Favourable Colours: Red & Purple

SAGITTARIUS 22 Nov - 21 Dec

It is likely there are significant chances that will have a huge impact your life, so grab them with both hands and make the most of them. This period suggests new starts, and choices around what is best for your relationships, at home and at work, and these decisions will have a major impact on your life. These days have a positive feeling to them so the future looks bright and exciting. Your core need is to consider in which area you are best to develop, or increase, your knowledge or skill-set.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25

Favourable Colours: White & Green

CAPRICORN 22 Dec - 19 Jan

A very rewarding home life, filled with everything you need to make you feel secure and happy, a feeling of where you want to be, and doing the things you want to do. It also indicates a new adventure and the excitement of new experiences, but also suggesting to not go charging into situations without the necessary knowledge and understanding, so keep your wits about you too. You are probably going to go through some drastic transformation and start to approach life from a new angle.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22

Favourable Colours: Brown & Purple

AQUARIUS 20 Jan - 18 Feb

It’s a good month for collaboration as wherever you go you bring a sense of peace, balance and harmony. It’s also a good month to be dipping your toe in the water of new projects. Something will be coming to light very soon, some enlightenment for you on a personal level, However, it seems that things are beginning to unfold behind the scenes. .  If you are able to grab those reins and start directing the chariot of your life down the road you want to go down, then you may be able to expect to be on winning streak.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23

Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow

PISCES 19 Feb - 20 Mar

You seem to have a couple of paths that you could follow. Be careful not to be paralysed by decision making. Try to take off the blinkers, stop burying your head in the sand and actually start moving forward. You are not really feeling yourself at the moment but as soon as you decide which path to take you will find your sense of fun again. The opportunity is there for good luck to come knocking but you need to be watchful for the signs and be ready to receive this when it comes.

Favourable Dates: July 1, 8, 10, 17, 19, 26

Favourable Colours: Red & White

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

Nature is a therapy to many of our problems

As a result of growing awareness around employee wellbeing, many companies are now looking for ways to promote wellbeing in their workplace. One way to do this is through nature-based wellbeing sessions.

There’s been lots of research about how green and blue spaces can make us feel good, they’re known to lower your heart rate, and to calm busy minds. A breeze rustling through the leaves of the trees, waves crashing on the shoreline, even imagining those sounds can be therapeutic.

Lancashire Wildlife Trust started running nature and wellbeing sessions at the community level back in 2016 with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. When professionals started to approach asking for a workplace wellbeing offer, they responded with Wild Wellbeing Days.

Each session takes you on a journey, with a variety of physical activity to get the heart pumping, as well as some slower paced moments, working on wellbeing. You’ll take notice of the world around you as you’re led on a guided nature walk, and give back to nature as you take part in conservation, through season specific activities such as sowing wildflower seeds, removing invasive plant species, creating safe spaces for wildlife and so much more. You learn new skills, trying out bushcraft skills like fire lighting, or wood carving, or making a terrarium to take home with you and remind you of your day.

On the flip side of this is the slower pace, with discussion about mindfulness and reflection, using the natural surroundings as inspiration and giving you a toolkit to take back to your day to day life.

A Wild Wellbeing Day attendee from Kelloggs said ‘Learning new things and escaping technology for the day was great, losing yourself in the sounds of nature and watching the fire. Usually I only walk for exercise or getting from A to B, but now I’m going

On average, we spend about a third of our lives at work, says Kirsty Tyler of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. It makes a lot of sense, then, that we’d want to feel happy in our workplaces, as well as at home.

Learning to use a firelighter - Kirsty Tyler

to slow down and take more notice of what is around me’.

The locations are beautiful, ranging from ancient deep green woodland, to sparkling coastline with sandy beaches, to greenhouses teaching food resilience at the heart of the local community. There’s something for every level of wildness and outdoor experience, and the sessions are run all over the North West.

You can book on by yourself and meet some new people if you wish, or book on your whole team if you feel like you could all use a bit of help with wellbeing.

The money made from these days all goes right back into providing the community level wellbeing sessions for those most in need. For more information head to: www.lancswt.org.uk/wild-wellbeing-day.

Kellogs WWD - Gathering wildflower seed - Mike McDonnell

Toasting marshmallows - Kirsty Tyler

Taking notice on a guided nature walk - Kirsty Tyler

The Art of Partnerships: Celebrating how Wigan’s Greenheart inspires art, and how art can make for stronger communities.

Contemporary Visual Arts Network North West (CVAN NW) is co-hosting an event at the Turnpike Gallery and on Pennington Flash, on Friday 19th May with Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council.

partnership with Manchester Literature Festival. How nature writing intersects with the visual arts and how we can cultivate our instincts to work with and understand nature is being explored and raised across the region.

On Friday, Tom Burditt, CEO of Lancashire Wildlife Trust, will talk about the learning from the five year Carbon Landscapes Project which ended in 2022 and the future landscape of funding, which could mean that Wigan Greenheart benefits from a 20 year funding programme to continue the ecological restoration already underway.

This event is part of a drive to better understand how artists and the arts sector can recognise and stimulate collective responses to our climate emergency and to encourage nature recovery across our public realm. CVAN NW has been listening to a range of partners working in this realm to shape this event, including Nature North, Natural England, NERC (Nature & Environment Research Council), and regionally, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Groundwork.

Wigan and Leigh are unique in that they have 60 hectares of restored grassland running through the borough like a spine. This July, Natural England will launch this as a National Nature Reserve. So it is fitting that leading into National Nature Reserves week, Natural England staff will be host a series of guided walks with expert botanists, ecologists and land artists on Pennington Flash

A new Poetry Trail on Pennington Flash will be launched by Lancashire Wildlife Trust, developed in

Artists Liz Postlethwaite and Rebecca Chesney will also attend. They have been actively working alongside young curators from Wigan on the Climate. Emergency. Hope exhibition currently on at the Turnpike Gallery. Artists Hilary Jacks and Graham Harwood from YoHa will share work from their portfolio which responds to landscape and the challenges faced as a society, specifically around human migration, visibility, re-use of materials and waste. Together with staff from Wigan Council’s climate team, curators from the Turnpike, Neil Harris from the business and innovation team, and staff from the new Down to Earth creative programme, this event will

promote understanding about local engagement and how this can relate to regional connections and partnerships going forward.

A full pdf based on outcomes from the day will be available on the CVAN NW website.

For further press information and interviews please contact Polly Moseley: email – pollycvannw@openeye.org.uk 07990518107

across the creative sectors play a vital role in capturing, articulating and celebrating our complex relationship with the natural world: awakening our instincts and deepening our experiences and our connections and bringing the value of nature conservation and nature recovery to the widest possible audience. That is why those of us working in the environmental sector must reach out and work in partnership with artists and campaigners – especially those embedded within local communities. This event on Friday is an opportunity to further explore and celebrate the contributions of artists to how we experience landscape. I am a huge fan of our former Carbon Landscapes poet-inresidence Clare Shaw and therefore particularly excited about the launch of the new Poetry Trail”.

Mandy Roberts, Community Engagement Coordinator, Nature North said

“In driving nature recovery to deliver climate resilience and green growth in the North of England, Nature North values the creative networks and practices that listen to and talk to the people of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan. This event has been significant in uniting the environment and the arts sector and we hope it can be replicated in other northern communities.”

“CVAN NW is delighted to give their support to this initiative. One of our current strands of work - Climate Justice - aims to strengthen partnerships with the environmental sector and address the challenges of climate change. The arts play a vital role in connecting with communities and can help to develop new solutions for a more sustainable future.”

Tom Burditt, CEO of Lancashire Wildlife Trust said,

“We are realising as a society that as nature continues to decline, so our understanding and appreciation of its value for our economy, health and wellbeing and quality of life has never been greater. Artists, musicians, poets, writers

Sarah Fisher, Director of Contemporary Visual Arts Network North West said,

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

member of the Trust go to the website at

Kidneys for Life

As I signed the form giving formal permission to give my kidney to my brother David, I thought to myself it’s funny how life turns out. When we were kids, we would never have foreseen this situation, but here I was putting all my hope into the live kidney donation process.

So, this is the story of how my kidney made its way from me to my brother. Specifically, how my left kidney became his third kidney in January 2022.

David’s has Berger’s disease, which affects kidney function. I used to say he was welcome to one of my kidneys if he ever needed one - it was slightly light-hearted, but I did mean it.

He was monitored and over the years his kidney function gradually declined, to the point where his doctors were keen for him to start the process of finding a donor. The average wait for a kidney from a deceased donor is around 3 years so a living kidney is preferable – because it comes from a healthy person and can be transplanted in a planned fashion. It’s often described as the Rolls-Royce of transplants.

We established that a live donor had to be the same blood type, which I already knew I was, and a tissue match. I think it’s a testament to my brother that several of his friends were also willing to volunteer. A sibling would be ideal, so my hand went up.

In honesty I made the decision fully from the heart. That’s not to say I didn’t read all the information carefully, but the decision came

easily to me. The main thing I thought about on the negative side was what if one of my children needed a kidney in the future and I wouldn’t be able to help them. I decided that was a low risk – someone in my family was in need now so that had to be the priority over a “what if”. I could help someone I love & knew he would do the same for me.

I talked it through with my husband - it was a lot to ask of him & my children as it would impact our family life, with an operation and recovery time, & there were risks involved. But I felt very strongly that I wanted to help. Not only for my brother, but for my niece & nephew, sister-in-law & parents too. And from then on, I kept thinking that I’d be really disappointed if I was ruled out.

So in June last year I confirmed I wanted to go ahead and got in contact with the living kidney

donation team at MRI. They gave me some more information and explained that the process would take up to 6 months. This started off a lot of trips to the hospital & it’s fair to say I got a full MOT!

Living donors need to be healthy enough to donate, with good working kidneys, so there were initial health checks, lots of blood and urine tests and scans. It was important to check there were indeed 2 kidneys in there – it’s not unheard of for people to unknowingly live with 1 kidney for their entire lives. It was a big deal to us but routine to the transplant team, as Manchester performs more transplants than any other hospital in the UK. It was reassuring to know we were in expert and experienced hands.

They ran through the risks, including the risk of the transplant being unsuccessful, and the future

impact on my health. On the plus side, being a live kidney donor means less risk of developing significant kidney disease in the future. That’s because we are pre-screened to make sure we are healthy prior to donation and have annual checks afterwards.

A lot of attention was given to the moral and legal intricacies of organ donation. We were assigned an Independent Assessor from the Human Tissue Authority. It is an emotional process with high stakes, so they must be satisfied that the donor has capacity to consent and understands the risks involved, they are volunteering of their own free will and without financial reward.

So this meant sending in a lot of proof of our existing relationship and an interview with the donor and recipient -both together and separatelywas legally required, all in place to help protect the interests of the living donor.

Eventually all the approvals were in place, and after a false start due to covid, our operation was set for January 2022.

Telling people was an odd one, as it’s rather a random thing to bring up in conversation! We had to plan work and family life, making sure our respective young children understood what was going to happen.

Finally the admission day came. The out of offices were on & the bags were packed. Generally I felt a lightening of worry, I thought to myself all I have to do is turn up.

So this is the moment we met at MRI, and we went in together to the protected ward. It was only for live kidney donors and recipients, be that donor pairs or people receiving organs from deceased donors. Because of the immunocompromised patients on the ward, there would be no visitors allowed.

Thankfully our covid tests were clear and we spent a night chatting with tea and biscuits - my brother described it as like a terrible holiday!

I woke up early on the day, weirdly excited because the operation was going make my brother better! I’m a bit of hippy at heart, so I said “thank you and good luck” to my kidney then went to theatre. I was chatting, then the next thing I remember was a nurse telling me that my op was all done. My kidney was on ice and ready for my brother. She told me to look over and there he was going in for his op. We were able to have a little wave & it was such a kindness to us both to fleetingly see each other.

That kindness continued as I was taken back to the ward and the surgeon came to tell me that the transplant had been a success. My brother was fine and amazingly the kidney was already working & producing urine.

my op actually took about 2.5 hrs and David’s took about 4 hrs. Mine was hand assisted keyhole surgery & his was open surgery. The staff on ward 36 took excellent care of us - I was in for 4 days altogether, and he was in for 6 days. We could

walk round and visit each other, and shared much more about our bodily functions than we ever will again!

And this is us 3 months on. We feel very fortunate that the transplant went to plan & sometimes it all feels like a weird dream to me. David is doing well and is very active, so we joke that the kidney is in shock in its new life, being forced to go mountain biking!

Looking back, I feel lucky in many ways. I am thankful that although my brother was very ill, it was something I could help with, and something he could be treated for. I’m very aware that’s not the case for many people who have a sick family member.

There’s no doubt it was a difficult time for our family. But it’s reminded me to be thankful for the big and little things in life, and to appreciate my body, because health really is wealth.

The post-donation support I got from Kidneys for Life afterwards was really appreciated, as some donors can feel quite flat after all the build up to the big event.

I now want to give something back for the care and support we received, so I’m looking forward to doing the Morecambe Bay fundraising walk in June.

For almost 50 years, Kidneys for Life has worked with patients, families and staff across the North West of England to provide vital funding for research into all elements of kidney disease.

We exist because a cure for chronic kidney disease doesn’t.

There are treatments – in fact 2023 marks 80 years since the first dialysis machine was invented and it’s over 50 years since the first transplant took place in Manchester. Whilst immense change has taken place over the years, the fact is that there is still no cure for kidney disease.

Kidney Disease can affect anyone - from every walk of life, at any age and at any time. In the North West alone 300,000 people have Chronic Kidney Disease.

What we do:

• Provide funding for research into kidney disease, transplantation, dialysis and related diseases affecting the kidney

• Support the education and training of kidney related teams and patients

• Provide patient amenities for kidney and transplant patients

• Purchase medical equipment for the benefit of kidney and transplant

• Over the coming weeks we’ll look forward to sharing more kidney facts and also some amazing stories or organ donation.

The RSC bring Julius Caesar to Blackpool Grand

Hail Caesar! The Royal Shakespeare Company storms back into Blackpool Grand Theatre with an exciting new production of Julius Caesar exploring important questions of gender

Caesar to ‘beware the Ides of March’. While he may not have ruled as Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar was a formidable leader of his time, conquering lands for Rome, dominating politics and advocating for the interests of the common people. When a comet appeared in the sky after his death, the people of Rome believed he was a deity. His influence and legacy continued to influence generations of rulers, even after Rome fell, making him by far, one of history’s most intriguing characters.

Want to know more about this iconic figure?

Here’s 15 fascinating facts about Julius Caesar…

1. Was Julius Caesar his real name?

The world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company made a welcome return to Blackpool Grand Theatre this May with William Shakespeare’s fastpaced political thriller JULIUS CAESAR.

‘Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war’ – Julius Caesar.

Julius Caesar. A divisive leader who holds awesome power. Concerned that Caesar seems dangerous, revolutionaries take the violent decision to murder him. They have no plan for what comes next. As the world spins out of control, chaos, horror and superstition rush in the fill the void. Civil war erupts and a new leader must rise: but at what cost?

Celebrated director Atri Banerjee’s excitingly fresh interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless story forces us all to consider how far we would go for our political principles and exposes the ambiguity in trying to shift power. As we rage against the crises surrounding us, how far will we each go for our political principles?

Julius Caesar at Blackpool Grand will also feature a Community Chorus comprising of local community leaders who will represent identities that have been marginalised, either at different points in history or in our world today. The Chorus will be integrated into various musical elements of the production and appear as an otherworldly presence alongside a number of the characters, such as the Soothsayer, who famously warns

Julius Caesar’s actual birthname was Gaius Julius Caesar. He was born on 12 July 100 BC and some historians believe the name Caesar originates from one of his ancestors, who was ‘cut’ from the womb of his mother (‘caesus’ is the Latin word for what we would refer to today as a Caesarian section).

2. What is Julius Ceasar famous for?

Julius Caesar was a military general and statesman in ancient Rome who became famous for his key role in turning the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. He used his immense power to grow the Senate, reduce Rome’s debt and create much-needed government reforms.

3. Did pirates kidnap Julius Caesar?

In 75 BC, Julius Caesar was on his way to the island of Rhodes when pirates hijacked his ship. When Caesar heard how much his captors were asking as a ransom, he was insulted by how low it was and insisted they demand a larger sum!

in leadership and power.

The figure was increased, and Caesar was eventually freed. He would later track down the pirates and execute them.

4. How did Julius Caesar start his military and political career?

Caesar joined the army and returned to Rome as a military hero after years of service. He rose quickly up through the ranks of the Roman government before being elected to the consul, the highest-ranking position in the Roman Republic and then became governor of Gaul.

5. Was Julius Caesar married?

Julius Caesar married at least three times to Cornelia (84 to 69 BC), Pompeia (67 to 61 BC) and Calpurina (59 to 44 BC). Some historians believe he may have had a fourth marriage to Cossutia. Caesar was not allowed to marry Cleopatra despite their love affair because he was still married to his wife Calpurnia at the time, and Roman law didn’t permit polygamy.

6. Did Julius Caesar have children?

Julius Caesar had one daughter, Julia, during his marriage to Cornelia. Cleopatra claimed her son Caesarion was the child of Caesar, despite Caesar’s political supporters refuting the claim. When Caesar’s adopted son Octavian (later the emperor Augustus) defeated Cleopatra and Marc Antony, Caesarion disappeared and some believe he was killed.

7. Did Julius Caesar ever invade Britain?

Caesar attempted to invade Britain twice, in 55 BC and 54 BC, but failed both times. On the second attempt, Caesar launched a larger, stronger, better-prepared army, but the terrible weather caused serious problems for his supplies and ships. Nearly one hundred years later, in 43 AD the Romans finally conquered Britain, winning against the occupying Celtic tribes.

8. Is the month of July named after Julius Caesar?

Julius Caesar changed the Roman calendar so that it was based on the Earth’s revolutions of the sun. He moved January and February to the start of the year and introduced the Leap Year to keep the calendar synchronised with the solar year. After Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC,

the month Quintillis was renamed Julius, now called July, in his honour.

9. Was Julius Caesar a good ruler? Many historians consider Caesar one of the greatest military rulers in history. Under his rule the Roman Army won many wars and acquired land, helping to vastly grow the empire. He supported Roman citizens and was known to remember the names of each of his soldiers. He was compassionate, even pardoning his enemies and after his death Caesar continued to support the Roman people by instructing that each citizen should receive the equivalent of three months’ wages. He also left his villa, gardens and gallery for public use.

10. Did Julius Caesar put his image on coins?

Caesar was the first Roman in history to have his portrait minted on a coin during his lifetime. He did this to show all his people and subjects that he was the absolute ruler of Rome. The front of the coin has Julius Casear’s head facing the right and wearing a laurel crown. On the back is printed a globe, rudder, caduceus, cornucopia and apex.

11. What were Julius Ceasar’s weaknesses?

Caesar was a very astute politician, strategist and soldier but he failed to see that his power earned him dangerous enemies, even in his own ranks, which ultimately led to his death. He was also a serial womaniser, having affairs with many women, including Cleopatra and the mother of Brutus. Caesar may have also suffered from several health problems, including mini-strokes, seizures and malaria and many historians believe he suffered from ailurophobia - a fear of cats.

12. Why was Julius Caesar assassinated?

Caesar was assassinated in the Theatre of Pompey by 60 Roman senators on 15 March, 44 BC in Rome, Italia, at the age of 55. He was stabbed 23 times by members of the group, which included Decimus Brutus, Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius, who all wanted to protect the Roman Republic. His body was laid to rest at the Temple of Caesar in Rome.

13. What reforms did Julius Ceasar initiate?

Ceasar introduced many reforms during his leadership, including redistributing land among the poor, land reform for veterans to avoid displacing other citizens and various political reforms. Caesar was also responsible for creating a police force, rebuilding Carthage and abolishing the tax system. Not all of his reforms were popular with the Senate, but he simply told them which laws he wanted them to pass and how quickly he wanted them done. This likely contributed towards his later downfall.

14. How has Julius Caesar impacted the modern world we know today?

Julius Caesar is still relevant in today’s modern society due to his huge influence on language, culture, political tactics, military, reinvention of the calendar and his iconic representation of the Roman Empire. He also significantly expanded Rome’s territories and even introduced Britain to the world through his writings, expeditions and attempts to invade.

15. What were Julius Caesar’s last words?

According to William Shakespeare, Caesar’s last words were ‘Et tu, Brute?’ often translated as ‘You as well, Brutus?’ or ‘You too, Brutus?’ But historian Suetonius claims that as his toga was ripped from his shoulders, he shouted in Latin, ‘Ista quidem vis est!’ (‘Why, this is violence!’ or ‘But this is violence!’).

Director, Atri Banerjee, talks about his production of JULIUS CAESAR

Can you tell us something about your background, how you got into directing, and some of your career highlights to date?

I got into directing when I was still at school. I wrote a version of Macbeth with two of my friends, set in 1950s Hollywood and called Big Mac. I didn’t really know I wanted to be a director as a teenager, but I saw lots of shows - at places like the Oxford Playhouse where I grew up - so regional theatre and touring theatre are really important to me. I went to University to study English and then did a Masters in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and throughout that time I did a lot of shows with my student drama society including quite a bit of Shakespeare.

When I left university I still didn’t know if I wanted to be a director, partly because of the freelance struggle of it all, so I got a job as the Press Assistant at the National Theatre where I met lots of amazing creatives and artists, and I decided that directing was the thing I wanted to do. I did a Masters in Directing at Birkbeck – the first year is training and the second year is a placement. I was at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, where I stayed for a couple more years.

Some of my career highlights to date include Hobson’s Choice, my first big show at the Royal Exchange, which was a South Asian version of Brighouse’s play; Harm at the Bush Theatre, which had Kelly Gough in it (who is playing Cassius); and more recently, Kes at the Bolton Octagon; Britannicus at the Lyric Hammersmith; and The Glass Menagerie, again at the Royal Exchange. The Glass Menagerie had been cancelled by the pandemic, so it was amazing to finally bring it to the stage.

Julius Caesar is my first professional Shakespeare but it feels like a homecoming.

Was working at the RSC on your radar?

Yes. I come from Oxford, so the RSC was somewhere I used to visit as a teenager as it’s only an hour away. I saw productions like Rupert Goold’s The Merchant of Venice and Maria Aberg’s As You Like It. I directed a community production for the RSC at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury in Autumn 2021 called ERROR, ERROR, ERROR. Over half the company was made up of people affiliated with Canterbury Umbrella; adults with mental health or learning disabilities and those who are isolated in the community. It was an extraordinary experience to work on a show that gave this group of people the opportunity to experience what theatre making is.

The chance to direct Julius Caesar came up through Open Hire, a brilliant scheme set up by Josh Roche and Derek Bond, to encourage a more transparent application process within the theatre industry, opening jobs up to more people, and stop it feeling like a closed shop.

What appeals to you about directing this particular play?

I studied the play at uni, but it wasn’t one of the Shakespeare plays that I knew that well until I got round to applying for the role of director. We know it’s a political play, a play that speaks to our politics, speaks to who gets to be a leader, and asks us to think about what you do when you don’t agree with the people in power.

It’s often done in a way that reflects the age it’s being performed in. For example, the recent production in the Public Theatre in New York where Caesar was made to look like Donald Trump. And Shakespeare himself was writing the play at a time when Elizabeth I was coming to the end of her reign. There had been plots against her, and there was a question of who would succeed her. So even in Shakespeare’s day he was using this Roman story to talk about Elizabethan England and what happens when there is a possible power vacuum.

So I wanted to make a production that felt like it could speak about today. I think we live in a world where a series of crises have happened, particularly over the last 7 years, from Brexit, to Trump, the war in Ukraine, the pandemic, events that have revealed the massive rifts we have in our society between class, gender, race, disability, across every intersection of power. The questions I was asking myself were, When you feel like the world is in a bad place, what steps do you actually take to make the world a better place? What are the limits of peaceful activism? How do we react, for example, to the likes of Extinction Rebellion, or the two young women who threw tomato soup at the Van Gogh painting?

I’m also very aware that it’s easy to put Julius Caesar in a Donald Trump wig and cast him as the baddie, in a way that’s quite black and white. But I’m more interested in creating a production that makes an audience feel the

conspirators were both totally right to kill Julius Caesar, and totally wrong to kill Julius Caesar at the same time. I wanted to capture that ambivalence that’s central to what Shakespeare has written. Shakespeare isn’t offering any solutions. I don’t think he is saying one way is good and one way is wrong. Because the actions the conspirators take to assassinate Julius Caesar plunges Rome and the world into even more chaos. So what appealed to me about directing Julius Caesar is that it felt like a play that could think about these huge moral grey areas that we exist in without trying to draw any easy conclusions.

What can audiences expect from the production?

I hope they will come away from it asking the questions, What would I do? Would I go as far as to kill someone who is my best friend if I really thought that was going to make the world a better place? The answer is probably no to murder(!), that’s the extremist version of it, but at what point do you glue yourself to Downing Street, at what point do you put yourself in front of a horse like the suffragettes did? We live through waves of political crisis, and activism tries to combat the crisis, but at what point do we resort to violence?

In terms of how the production looks, it’s not going to be a production that’s set in Westminster, but neither will it be set in ancient Rome. It will draw on elements of the modern and the ancient world to create our own world really. Taking influences from impressionist theatre, from choreographers like Pina Bausch, and German theatre to make a world that feels quite stylised and heightened.

I’m also very keen to convey a sense of the supernatural and time running out. The play has ghosts, omens and prophecies. The Soothsayer famously tells Caesar to beware the ideas of March. Characters are always worried about the time, and time running out. That relates to the climate crisis we face: if we don’t act now we will reach the unmanageable temperature for living. It feels to me that Caesar, like the world we live in today, is a play that’s set in a place of emergency. The threat of apocalypse feels very close.

Tell us about the cast you have put together

I want to tell a story about power today. There are 48 named characters in the play, of which 46 are men and 2 of them are women. So we’ve cast it in such a way to redress the gender imbalance in the play, so it’s about half and half men and women and one non-binary actor.

I have cast Brutus and Cassius as women. Yes, I do want the audience to think about their reactions to seeing two women in roles of power. But it’s not just about gender. We’ve got actors who are black, we’ve got actors who are South Asian, we’ve got actors who are disabled, and one non-binary actor. The production will make people think about their reactions to power when it is held by people who aren’t part of the white male patriarchy that we have all been living in and all do still live in.

Can you say something about casting the roles of Brutus and Cassius as women?

The idea to cast Brutus as a woman was there from the beginning. The RSC has never had a female Brutus, and it felt like an opportunity to remodel this play here. For Cassius we auditioned both men and women, and we chose Kelly Gough to play that role in the end. It made sense to do so as part of a broader conversation and interrogation of gender in the play, given that Brutus and Cassius are the two main challengers to the prevailing power system in the play and especially given they operate very differently from one another, which broadens the conversation. And in Thalissa Teixeira, we have Brutus being played by a Black woman, whilst Cassius is being played by a white woman. And that’s providing another way of interrogating these power structures. Yes, they’re both women, but their experiences are so different from each other based on their race in this case. Octavius Caesar is also being played by a Black woman, which adds yet another dimension to this conversation when we think about who takes over, who might be in the next generation.

What do you think Thalissa and Kelly bring to the show?

They’re both brilliant leading actors. Kelly’s Cassius is very direct – she’s someone you are going to believe is going to kick the door down. Whereas Thalissa’s Brutus is much more about finding a way of compromising. We’ve imagined her a bit like the American politician and activist, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A young woman who is at the vanguard of a political movement, and a socialist political movement as well.

The clash between Cassius and Brutus and the way they’re being portrayed makes for a really rich experience. Kelly’s Cassius could be read as someone who has had to fit into some sort of model of masculinity throughout her whole life, whereas Thalissa’s Brutus might be seen as someone much more comfortable in her femininity as a way of establishing leadership.

The show includes a community chorus. What role will they play?

Julius Caesar is a play about a nation in crisis, a play about the gulf between politicians and the people they are trying to rule. It just makes so much sense to me that this production, which is going on tour, would include ‘real’ people from those areas. So alongside the professional acting company, we have found a way of integrating the communities from all the areas the show is playing.

Community work has always been important to me, making work with non-professionals, whether that’s young people or non-professional adults. It’s not unusual for productions of Julius Caesar to have a chorus who come on to be the citizens of Rome and say ‘Read The Will’ and then you never see them again. But I wanted to include them to amplify the supernatural, apocalyptic terror within the play. They’ll be singing, using their voices, and will be present on stage for significant parts of the play. They will be something akin to the chorus you’d see in a Greek tragedy watching the action. Premonitions of death really. Premotions of figures who embody death in ways that goes beyond these characters.

Horticulture Meets Installation Art at Rhs Flower Show Tatton Park

A blackout tent with close-up projections celebrating lesserknown pollinators will be at the heart of an immersive art experience at this year’s Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show Tatton Park..

Visitors to the show will get to explore the magical world of nocturnal pollinators, particularly moths, who are often overshadowed by their more popular contemporaries, in a garden designed by immersive technology artist Georgia Tucker and designer Sharon Hockenhull. The RHS Nocturnal Pollinator Experience takes people on a day-to-night learning adventure ending up inside the tent to watch the unsung heroes at work after dark.

It is one of a dozen gardens tackling subjects, from the conceptual to practical, spiritual to technological, at this year’s show, which began in 1999 and has become the event where future Chelsea designers first broke new ground. This year has seen a large increase in local participants, with participants from the North West in every category.

J. Parker’s Chained to Tech Garden, a show garden by last year’s RHS Young Designer of the Year finalist Rachel Platt, examines tech addiction among young adults, with futuristic-style hard landscaping amid dahlias, hyssop and New Zealand flax emulating the instant gratification and euphoria that using technology provides.

Carolyn Hardern and Jon Jarvis raise awareness of the high suicide rates among construction workers with Constructing Minds featuring a private retreat for one-to-one counselling and reflective pool before moving towards the wildflower-planted inner sanctuary. The Macmillan Garden Legacy Garden by Lynn Cordall invites visitors to consider supporting the cancer charity with gifts in wills, which fund over a third of its services.

The garden, with three 6 metre tall birch trees and a metal pergola, has an unusual triangular shape, representing that gifts can be seen and accessed by everyone. Pip Probert’s Alfresco Garden celebrates a practical yet pretty party and entertainment space.

The RHS Young Designer of the Year 2023 gardens feature work by Ollie Pike, 24, whose Bible Society:

Psalm 27 Garden evokes ideas of protection, guidance and courage felt in the UK’s many churchyards. The entry by Camellia Hayes, 28, Barratt Developments: Seeking Resilience includes a reclaimed brick wall housing bird boxes to address the decline in vital nesting spots, while the third garden in the category, Off the Grid by Nathan Webster, 24,

marries sustainability with luxury for the modern home by harnessing solar power and water harvesting methods within the grounds of a modern, sunken lodge.

It will also be the first time that the Long Borders category, which was popular at the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show, comes to Tatton Park. Visitors will be inspired by how participants, ranging from garden design students and budding lockdown gardeners to established designers, compete for a medal by packing an 11sqm raised bed with creative vision and plenty of take-home ideas, all under this year’s theme, Sensory.

The popular Fruit and Veg competition returns, as does the Flower School with the National Association of Flower Arrangers and Flowers from the Farm. A full programme of events, talks, and activities for young and old are lined up, with an extended range of catering options – including a larger champagne village.

Helena Pettit, RHS Director of Gardens and Shows, said: “It’s fantastic to see how designers at our youngest flower show are so keen to push boundaries in the world of garden design. Tackling such a broad range of subjects, from mental health and tech addiction to modern, luxurious yet sustainable

living, through horticulture, we’re demonstrating how gardening and the outdoors can both empower people while bringing calm and good health to the individual.

“Of equal delight is the fact that we’ve got such a high number of local participants this year. It’s great to see the North West catapulting the best in growing and garden design to the forefront.”

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, which is attended by over 80,000 people, takes place from 19-23 July.

Former Gas Engineer Puts Transitioning Centre Stage

Transparency, a northern tale of transition, is in Manchester and Salford on 7 & 8 July 2023, part of Greater Manchester Fringe Festival.

Atransgender man from Greater Manchester is set to tour the country in a show that shines a light on working class trans lives.

Jaden Adams grew up on a council estate in Oldham and worked as a gas engineer and plumber.

Once a promising drama student at Manchester College, he felt something just wasn’t right playing female roles. Unaware of his body dysphoria, he convinced himself he just needed a “proper” job and dropped out.

But it wasn’t until he was 25 that Jaden recognised he was not just uncomfortable with playing a woman on the stage, but also in the rest of his life, and that he was in fact a transgender man.

The revelation finally gave Jaden a sense of peace and coming home. Jaden is now three years into his transition, which he has funded himself due to lengthy waiting lists for NHS support.

And with Jaden feeling comfortable in his own body for the first time brought a new level of confidence he could only dream of, he realised the acting bug had never left him. But with a shortage of opportunities for trans male actors, he once again had to take things into his own hands and create his own role.

Jaden’s solo show, called Transparency, plays in Manchester and Salford this July as part of Greater Manchester Fringe Festival, before heading down to London and then on a national tour.

In the show, written by Jaden with support from writer Mary Cooper and director Francesca Murray Fuentes, Jaden plays Jack, a 23-year-old forklift driver. A misunderstanding leads his mum to discover he is trans before he is ready to come out. The fallout initially blows the family apart and leaves Jack struggling to navigate other aspects of his life.

During the performance, Jaden also takes on the roles of three family members and a work colleague, two of whom are male and two female.

He said: “Transparency is about what it is like to be northern, working

class and trans. It uses radical honesty and emotive content to explore family dynamics, romantic relationships and what it means to be a man.

“The characters are based on people I have met, but Transparency is not biographical. Although there are some cross overs from my life experience the story isn’t directly my story, but a kind of composite of trans experiences.

“But everything that Jack has to deal with in the show - the misgendering, the transphobic slurs, coming out at work in a very traditionally male environment, and constant intrusive questioning - that’s all my lived experience.”

Jaden is keen to stress that the struggles his character Jack has with his family do not reflect his own experience.

“My coming out did initially cause a few waves in the family. We’ve had to adjust together and have difficult conversations,” he said, “and things are getting much better. My parents are looking forward to coming to see the show.

“I hope that through Transparency we can open the door for more honest and authentic conversations, allowing different perspectives and exploring questions that are difficult to ask.”

Transparency is at 53two, Manchester on Fri 7 July, Salford Arts Theatre on Sat 8 July (part of Greater Manchester Fringe Festival). Information and tickets at transparencysolo.info

Five Tips To Ensure Your Proposal Remains a Surprise to Your Partner

Planning a proposal is both an exciting and difficult time. Not only will you feel anxious about the response when the moment arrives, but it’s also a challenge keeping it a secret – especially if your partner is observant.

However, experts in customised jewellery at Glamira have offered five tips to ensure your proposal runs smoothly and remains a surprise while also reducing nerves.

Be selective about who you tell

While you may feel tempted to share your plan to propose with those around you, such as a group of friends and your family, you face the risk of someone slipping up and ruining the surprise.

It’s considered both traditional and polite to speak to both yours and your partner’s parents before proposing, or perhaps a close family member if parents aren’t present. Not only will you have a support system this way, but you can also take someone along to choose the ring if you need some help. However, avoid telling more family members than necessary, as well as close friends; some may have loose lips and tell more people, or they may even find it difficult to act normal around your partner and raise suspicions. Plus, the more people that know means more pressure on your shoulders which can outweigh the excitement of the proposal.

Create reasonable explanations for your whereabouts

When you’re planning on ring shopping, or even heading out to organise your proposal, it’s important to create a believable excuse of why you’re heading out. Using something too vague such as heading to the shops isn’t the best alibi as you may spend more time browsing rings than you would usually spend shopping,

so your partner may ask questions upon your return that you don’t have the answer to, especially if you come back empty-handed.

A reasonable explanation would be something that’s in your usual routine – anything different will send alarm bells ringing. Perhaps you usually head to your local pub for a drink, or even play golf on a weekend; but whatever excuse you use, avoid telling your partner that you’ll be with someone who doesn’t know about the proposal, as they may deny ever being with if questions are asked, which will only look suspicious.

even any website pages left open of jewellery sites that you’ve forgotten to close off. It’s vital to delete these traces, and if you need to keep screenshots of ring choices, move them to a hidden album in your phone and delete once you make a purchase.

Many people may also forget that cookies will collect information from the sites you visit, including products, so if you’ve been browsing the web for engagement rings there’s a chance this may creep up if your partner uses your devices. Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening by using private browsing mode or simply denying cookies when you enter a website.

Keep your partner on their toes

Delete anything proposalrelated on your devices

It’s incredibly easy for devices to spoil the surprise of the proposal, whether that be your messages, internet history, screenshots of ring choices in your camera roll, and

Start planning some romantic dates where they may expect a proposal, but don’t let this be the moment where you pop the question. A weekend away, a picnic on the beach at sunset, or an extravagant dinner date are all perfect occasions to get down on one knee, so having these planned will make your actual proposal seem like just another romantic date, thus keeping it a surprise.

Although, it’s important to note that too many of these special dates may

cause your partner to feel led on, so be sure to spread only a few out over several weeks to make sure it’s not too much at once while also preventing them from feeling disappointed.

Don’t keep the ring at your own home

There are many places in your home that you may think would never be discovered by your partner, such as a hollowed-out book, an exercise bag, or even in a pair of your shoes. While these might be unsuspecting places, it may leave you feeling tense that your partner could find it, which could lead to you acting nervous and in turn making your partner sceptical. As well, these items can move around the house, so you take the risk of losing the ring.

Take the ring, the box, the receipt, and even the bag that the ring came in to your parent’s or close family member’s house if you have told them about the proposal. This way, you’re leaving everything with someone you trust while being reassured that your partner won’t find out your plan. On the other hand, you can rent a safedeposit box at your bank and store the belongings there – you won’t need to worry about anything being misplaced or discovered by your partner.

A spokesperson from Glamira has commented: “Planning a proposal is undoubtedly an exciting time in your life as you picture the shock on your partner’s face when sharing that special moment. However, there’s potential for stress to outweigh the joy leading up to the proposal if you’re uncertain on how to keep it a surprise.”

“A proposal needs a lot of careful consideration as one slip up can give the surprise away, whether you don’t

give a realistic explanation for where you’ve been while ring shopping or you have told too many people about your plan – so it’s incredibly important to not overlook these factors. With these five tips, you can feel confident that the shock factor is delivered when you pop the question.”

These insights were provided by Glamira, experts in customised jewellery.

STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC BAND comes to BLACKBURN – King George’s Hall on

Saturday 1st July 2023!

Steve Harley has announced a set of Spring / Summer live dates with his acclaimed Acoustic Band [all dates below, some already Sold Out]. Having recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Cockney Rebel, Steve is widely considered one of the most charismatic performers and he continues to play to sold-out venues across the UK and Europe. The Times wrote, in a profile marking this half century, that signature hit ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)’, “Remains one of the most beloved songs of the modern age”. For Steve, life on the road is more than just a job: it is almost his life’s blood.

The Acoustic Band for 2023 will find Steve supported by long-standing bandmate, violinist/guitarist Barry Wickens, with Oli Hayhurst on double bass, and Dave Delarre on lead guitar. Steve has been playing Live shows around the world for over 50 years and the thrill of another night in another place to another audience has not dimmed at all. “I still get a buzz when boarding the tour bus, like I did all those years ago. There’s still that magical feeling. It has not diminished at all.”

The acoustic sets will include songs taken from his last album ‘Uncovered’ [re-recordings of a couple of his own songs nine others he’s always wanted to perform] but of course a selection from the vast and eclectic Harley Songbook. ‘Mr Soft’, ‘Judy Teen’, ‘Sebastian’ and the legendary ‘Make Me Smile’ will all be reproduced in the unique acoustic style. Close-Up Culture stated of an Acoustic Band show: “It was an intimate night in the presence of a great musician. An individual whose passion for live performance and perfection (it shows in his face) remains undiminished.”

Rod Stewart, who covered Steve’s song ‘A Friend For Life’, describes him as “One of the finest lyricists Britain has produced.”

MOJO said simply, “Harley creates rock songs that are proud, lyrical and full of yearning.” Steve has also been described as “A consummate performer at the top of his game,” and Record Collector said: “Harley’s eloquent, onthe-edge shows never fail to impress”.

Steve has previously received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Acoustic Music from the Acoustic Festival of Britain, and a prestigious Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.

Tickets for the following STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC BAND – Spring / Summer 2023 UK Tour Dates are available from:

Saturday 1 July BLACKBURN – King George’s Hall

Ticket available from - https://www.thegigcartel.com/ Artists-profiles/Steve-Harley-Acoustic-Band.htm

National Army Museum Installs Bofors AntiAircraft Gun

Today the National Army Museum installed a large 4 metre x 2 metre Bofors Anti-Aircraft gun. The gun is on public display for the first time at the Museum’s site in Chelsea, London.

The Bofors Gun was a Swedish design adopted by Britain in 1938 for close range defence against aircraft. During the Second World War demand for anti-aircraft guns grew and the Bofors was widely produced by Allied countries including the United States and Australia.

Ian Maine, Assistant Director Collections and Programmes, National Army Museum, said:

“During conservation work we discovered that this particular gun was made in 1943 at the Royal Ordinance Factory in Patricroft, Lancashire, (near Salford in Manchester). British manufactured Bofors guns are scarce in preservation today, and this one bears testimony to the way Britain’s industry was increased to meet war-time demands”.

This installation of the Bofors Gun coincides with the 80th anniversary of this type of guns use in both the Allied invasions of Sicily (9 July – 17 August 1943) and Italy (3 – 17 September 1943). Both events can be explored further in the National Army Museum’s newly opened Conflict in Europe Gallery nam.ac.uk/plan-visit/galleries/conflict-europe

Visitors can visit the Bofors Gun as part of a day out at the National Army Museum, which open and free to enter from Tuesday to Sunday every week.

Redrow Facilitates Reading For Pleasure Scheme At Primary School

HARTFORD Primary School has embraced a new literacy programme called ‘Reading for Pleasure’ after a housebuilder donation helped them to purchase books

The national initiative aims to help children grow their love of reading by giving them different book options, usually a book of interest.

The primary school was able to buy over 150 books for the initiative after Redrow gifted £1,000 from its Hartford Community Fund, a voluntary scheme linked to the homes at Redrow Hartford.

Matthew Harris, reading and English lead at Hartford Primary School said: “The school is always wanting to update the reading books available to the children, so the donation has meant we have been able to allow each year group to choose the latest blockbuster titles appropriate for their age.

“Our teachers spoke to the children to ask what books they wanted so we could make sure we bought books they’d want to read. It’s been really well received.”

The children will use these books during their guided reading sessions and the school, located on Riddings Lane, also has a library system to allow the children to take books home.

Matthew continues: “Thanks to the money we have received from Redrow, the excitement about reading in Hartford Primary has been greater than ever. The children have been really involved in this project, which means they have more ownership and responsibility over their material and commitment to it.”

Area sales manager for Redrow NW Caroline Thompson-Jones said: “‘Reading for Pleasure’ is a great initiative to get more children to reap the benefits of reading. It will allow children to widen their imaginations and read books that otherwise they may not have had access to. We’re really happy we could help Hartford Primary School to start the ball rolling with this programme.”

Redrow Hartford is made up of two phases, Weaver Park and Water’s Reach, on Woods Road. They offer a selection of three and four-bedroom properties..

For more information call the sales team at Weaver Park on 01606 369800 or visit www.redrow.co.uk/weaverpark or www.redrow.co.uk/watersreach

Above: Redrow’s Abby Ritchie with reading ambassadors Victoria Miller and Mathew Harris, plus pupils from Hartford Primary School.

Unique Lady of the Month

have stayed in touch over the years, and I regularly have invitations to visit them in their home. Never a dull moment!!

Q & A with Emma

Which Unique Ladies group(s) do you attend?

Hyndburn

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE…

…holiday destination?

South Africa, I went a few years back with Tropic and the whole safari experience blew me away, I’m a real animal lover and outdoors girl so this was the perfect destination for me.

…food?

I love all food but if I had to choose a favourite, it would be Italian as i love the simplicity and freshness of the flavours and alove my carbs!

…music?

Music is a big passion of mine, I love everything from Glam Rock to Punk, to Drum n Bass. I even love cheesy artists like Neil Diamond and the Bee Gees.

…authors?

It’s so hard to choose my favourite author as there are so many great ones. I have probably read more books by Jodi Picoult than any other author but my favourite book of all time is The Collector by John Fowles, its a really disturbing but emotionally evoking novel.

Louise Magee

Louise is 45, a mother of 1 son Sam who’s 26, married to Joe for 6 years together for 28. Owns a fur baby Archie. She loves to travel, socialise and keep fit.

“I spent 16 years working in Social Housing, the last 9 of those specialising in the management and resolution of Anti-Social Behaviour. However political changes, budget cuts and cut backs in the Police and Court systems really impacted my role and made it difficult to support those who needed it most and see real, long term results that lasted.

As an Independent Ambassador for Tropic Skincare for the last 7 years I have found something I am extremely passionate about and that allows me to really make a difference again. I have re-trained in Skincare and makeup to allow me to fully understand the functions and behaviours of our skin in order to give my clients the best possible advice. From the individuals who I help with skincare complaints and conditions such as eczema and acne, to the charities I help to raise funds for through my events and the employees who I help to feel valued and appreciated at my Wellbeing in the Workplace pop-ups. I have also helped over 120 women to launch their own beauty businesses, helping them build self confidence and the life they want for their families.”As well as being a Mum and Grandma to 3 fabulous adults and 2 gorgeous children, I’m a host family for international students – well over 120 students have lived in my house, for week or months, from many nationalities, and many

…books you have read recently?

I also really love all books by Nick Hornby, he has me in stitches.

Will you share an interesting fact about yourself?

I’m a trained Restorative Justice Facilitator

What piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Get the Dog!

Favourite Quote

Just f@@@ing do it! (sorry for the language) but if you are deliberating over something, especially if its in business, just do it and worry about it or regret it later (in my experience you never do regret it!)

One Thing you couldn’t live without?

I couldn’t live my life without passion!

To attend the group and for more information call: N 07794 143171 or email E kathryn@uniqueladies.co.uk

LEEDS LIVERPOOLCanal

Burscough Charity Thanks Housebuilder For Sporting Gesture

MEMBERS of a Burscough charity ‘swung’ into action at a recent trip to Aintree Golf Centre thanks to funding from Redrow.

Established in 2008, Sporting Challenge is a family led charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and recently received a £750 donation from Redrow’s Burscough Community Fund.

Redrow launched the £3,000 community fund to celebrate opening a new phase at its development in the town – The Grange at Yew Tree Park.

The charity was awarded funding, which will now go toward sporting activities offered its members throughout 2023, including aerobics, bowling, kurling and golf.

“Our charity aims to provide a broad spectrum of sporting activities to encourage people with learning disabilities to keep fit and healthy and avoid being socially isolated,” said Edward McCarthy, treasurer and activity organiser at Sporting Challenge.

“We requested funding for the activities that our members feel are most beneficial to them in maintaining and improving their health, fitness, well-being and enjoyment of sporting activities on a regular basis.

“The provision of these activities gives the members’ carers and families much needed respite for a few hours each week with the knowledge that the members are safe, understood and supported.”

This voluntary gift to the community is over and above the statutory investment from Redrow as part of the planning process, which includes contributions to community infrastructure of more than £2 million.

Sian Pitt, sales director at Redrow Lancashire, said: “Our community funds were set up to support organisations working within our communities. This charity carries out amazing work within the community of Burscough and meets its members’ needs ‘to a tee’.

“I hope the members enjoyed their golf day and all the activities planned for the rest of the year.”

The new phase at The Grange at Yew Tree Park will form an extension to the popular development, located on Liverpool Road South. The 12.5-acre parcel of land will include 169 new homes, 59 of which will be affordable housing.

To find out more about Sporting Challenge visit www. sporting-challenge.org.uk

To find out more about The Grange at Yew Tree Park visit www.redrow.co.uk/yewtreepark or call the sales team on 01704 740635.

left:

Members of Sporting Challenge enjoy a day out at Aintree Golf Centre

£10,000 Community Fund Launched In Woodford

A NEW community fund has launched offering a share of £10,000 to community groups, schools, charities and good causes in Woodford, Cheshire.

The £10,000 community fund has been launched to mark the continued development of Redrow’s Woodford Garden Village.

Occupying the former Woodford Aerodrome site, the development is situated on the southerly tip of Greater Manchester and offers a ready-made community with a host of amenities on the doorstep, including its own pub and a primary school, plus a wealth of green spaces and play areas, parks and meadow areas.

Anna Evans-Kerr, sales director at Redrow (NW), said: “We want to hear about all the wonderful community work that is taking place in Woodford.

“The fund is open to all not-for-profit groups working within or serving Woodford, we have £10,000 to share. Community plays a huge part in choosing where to live and we hope this fund will play a part in forging an ever-stronger sense of community in Woodford.”

Previous Redrow funding across the North West has helped schools, charities, youth groups, sports teams and individuals at the very heart of the community, providing a range of resources including

To find out more about Redrow’s voluntary £10,000 Woodford Community Fund and to download an application form see www.redrow.co.uk/promo/ community-fund-application-woodford

The deadline for completed applications is midnight on Friday, June 23, 2023.

Above and left: A selection of images from our recent community funds in the North West.

UK Social Enterprise in Bid to Curb Stray Dog Population Growth

UK rescue is at breaking point due to pandemic puppies being abandoned and dogs surrendered due to the costof-living crisis. Most overseas organisations focus on rehoming dogs out of their country of origin which Dog Desk Animal Action say is not sustainable.

Michelle Robertson, founding director of Dog Desk Animal Action says “While finding homes for dogs in need is hugely admirable, it does nothing to stem the flow of dogs in need of help. It’s like putting a sticking plaster on an arterial bleed. With the current climate in the UK, we have no idea whether bringing another dog in to the country will jeopardize the wellbeing of another. We have chosen to focus our energy on reducing the number of dogs that need to be rescued in the country of origin through spay & neuter programmes. Each mating & all the offspring over a six-year period can produce as many as 60,000 unwanted puppies. We want to get on top of that number & drive it down”.

Dog Desk Animal Action have launched a major spay & neuter campaign called Trek

to Turkey. The campaign involves supporters walking or cycling a selected distance throughout 2023 and raising funds for their challenge which will fund spay & neuter operations.

Already a great success with procedures started in Ankara, the organisation is looking for people to sign up to the challenge. Dale Robertson, director said “People from all walks of life with differing levels of fitness have joined in, walking anything from a few miles to hundreds. It’s a great way to get outside in the sunshine and raise money for a good cause. Life is incredibly difficult for pups born on the street. Many don’t survive disease or injury. Some are mown down by traffic or killed by adult dogs. Female dogs live a miserable existence either pregnant or nursing with not much respite from either”

Dog Desk Animal Action have had close to 2,000 spays through the clinic they funded in the southwest of Turkey & hope to continue in Ankara, Bilecik & Aydin this year.

Commemorations To Leave a Lasting Coronation Legacy for People and Nature

The Government will leave a lasting public legacy for people and nature with the renaming of the England Coast Path to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

As Prince of Wales, His Majesty expressed a deep love and concern for England’s wildlife, natural and rural places, frequently reflecting on his love of walking and

its role in promoting a healthy mind and body.

The plans will see the England Coast Path renamed the ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’ after an unveiling on 10 May, leaving a lasting legacy to be enjoyed by people around the entire English coastline.

The King Charles III England Coast Path will be a 2,700-mile long National Trail around the whole of the

English coast, passing through some of our finest countryside and some of England’s most stunning, dynamic and internationally famous coastal scenery

Natural England has worked in partnership with local authorities to open 794 miles of the route so far and the trail will be fully walkable by the end of 2024 – connecting communities from Northumberland to Cumbria via Cornwall.

• England’s longest national trail to be renamed the ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’

• Trail will be fully walkable by the end of 2024 – connecting communities across England

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

“The King is a dedicated champion of nature in our country. He spearheaded efforts to move to more environmentally friendly farming techniques and through his Prince’s Foundation has sought to highlight how education can foster responsible stewardship towards the planet and the natural environment.

“The Coronation marks the beginning of a new chapter in our national story and it’s fitting that nature and the public will benefit from these lasting commemorations for years to come.”

In line with the spirit of sustainability championed by His Majesty, signage featuring the new name will only be installed as new stretches of the trail are established, with existing signage retained elsewhere along the route until it requires replacing.

The next two sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path to open will be in Filey, North Yorkshire, and Crosby Beach, Liverpool. Both sections will be opened on the 10 May. Please contact Defra press office for media attendance at the unveiling.

His Majesty has held number of patronages of wildlife conservation charities, including the Wildlife Trusts. He has also worked to encourage the private sector to work to respond to climate change and increase their focus on sustainability with more than 500 CEOs part of his Sustainable Markets Initiative, including the heads of some of the world’s biggest financial institutions.

Through our Environmental Improvement Plan we want to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it and in this Coronation year even more people will get out and experience our incredible wildlife and landscapes

To celebrate the path’s gradual completion, a series of events will be held across England throughout the summer of 2023. Find out more about the events or plan your route along the coastal path at:

www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/ trails/england-coast-path/

The King Charles III England Coast Path will be the longest coastal walking route in the world when it is complete. In the North West, the following sections are open to the public (as of May 2023), with more to follow as they are completed:

• Allonby to Whitehaven

• Whitehaven to Silecroft

• Silecroft to Green Road

• Walney Island

• Tarleton Lock near Preston to Pier Head Ferry Terminal, Liverpool

DEATH IN THE THEATRE

by Chris Wood

ISBN: 9781399009119

PUBLISHED: May 2023

by PEN & SWORD

HISTORY

in Hardback - 224 Pages

“A richly entertaining account of tragic theatre accidents and murders most foul… A mustread for all lovers of the theatre, providing shocks and gasps of horror when real life proves to be more dramatic than any play on stage.” -

Hugh Bonneville

“Immaculately researched and beautifully macabre. This is a real treat for anyone who is either a fan of the theatre or of untimely deaths. I loved it!” -

Peter James

• Uses a wide range of newspaper and archival sources

• Examines an extraordinary selection of deaths from British theatre, including

• London’s West End

• Unearths a trove of sensational cases

• Includes a selection of rare photographs

• Considers how theatre safety has altered across the centuries Britain’s theatrical wonderland has been a cornerstone of culture for centuries, delighting and thrilling audiences with an assemblage of exhilarating spectacles.

Beyond the trodden boards, and tucked neatly behind the curtain however, lies a catalogue of real

life destruction and grisly murder that our greatest tragedians would surely be proud to have presided over. Tread the bloodied boards of Britain’s theatres and witness the deathly dramas that have played out so dramatically within them. Death in the Theatre collects an astonishing selection of startling tragedies from Britain’s throng of theatres. There is something especially staggering when the player exits life on their adorned stage, and yet, with this by no means an infrequent occurrence, death has made many a fearful cameo appearance – stalking the stalls and grimly reaping the galleries in its macabre and relentless fashion.

In 1910 a strange midnight tragedy was enacted in a London theatre, where the brutal murder of an elderly stage carpenter prompted huge excitement among the theatre-going world and indeed wider public.

How did a children’s magic show descend into such unspeakable horror that would leave 183 youngsters dead in a Sunderland theatre, their tiny bodies brutally laid out in the dress circle for the bleakest of identity parades?

Learn of outrageous tragedy such as the young man mauled to death by a lion in a Gloucester theatre, and the unfortunate victim killed in the Dumfries Theatre Royal –quite literally – by the limelight.

About the Author

Death in the Theatre is Chris’s second book and one which combines his passion for the drama and mystique of the theatre with his vivacious interest in all things morbid. A freelance writer and researcher, Chris also writes for the popular UK True Crime Podcast.

Chris lives in Northumberland with his wife and daughter, where he enjoys his new found obsession of growing Dahlias and exploring the rugged beauty of England’s northernmost county.

BLACKPOOL North Pier

A Luxury Lancashire Home Befitting its Royal Name

IT MAY not be on quite the same scale as Balmoral Castle – the King’s Scottish holiday home – but lucky Preston homebuyers could live in their own impressive Balmoral all year round

Properties at Redrow’s Tabley Green development in Fulwood are fit for royalty and Redrow is offering its four-bedroom Balmoral for sale in time for the King’s Coronation.

Sian Pitt, sales director for Redrow (Lancashire), said: “While the Balmoral Estate is the Royal Family’s holiday home, we’re offering purchasers the chance to own their own Balmoral right here in Fulwood. It’s not quite as palatial King’s private residence, but it does enjoy a sense of grandeur with its elegant double frontage and spacious interior.”

Accessed via a portico covered entrance, the Balmoral is a beautifully appointed detached property benefitting from a superb specification throughout.

Offering 1,806 sq ft of accommodation, it’s a home that’s perfect for both families and those who love to entertain.

Inside the kitchen incorporates a dining area, with wide patio doors opening out onto the rear garden, and there are double doors through to the main lounge to encourage sociability. There’s another reception room, which boasts a beautiful bay window, that is ideal for use as another living room or could be a home office or children’s playroom. The ground floor also enjoys other modern essentials like a cloakroom, utility room and detached double garage.

Upstairs both the main and second bedroom feature an ensuite, while the family bathroom serves the two remaining double bedrooms.

The Balmoral is priced from £504,995.

The Orchards is home to some of Redrow’s larger styles at Tabley Green, which is located less than four miles from Preston and close to open fields and farmland, creating a semirural feel.

Sian added: “This is an ideal ‘forever’ home that people aim to stay in for a long time. The key factor is adaptable space and the Balmoral has that in abundance.

“In the Balmoral, the extra downstairs room might be a playroom or a ‘snug’ while the children are still at home. Then, once they have flown the nest, it could be transformed into a study or a reading room. And that’s the beauty of this home.”

The Orchards has all the benefits of being close to the bustling city centre of Preston, with all the restaurants, bars and shopping amenities that offers, while closer to home a Sainsbury’s supermarket, Post Office and more, provide all the essentials.

Preston is accessible from several major motorway networks so it’s easy to connect with the wider area, and its trains travel to places like Manchester, Liverpool, London, Edinburgh, and The Lake District.

And, for homeowners wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, Brockholes Nature reserve is just over 10 minutes away.

To find out more about The Orchards at Tabley Green or to book an appointment with Redrow’s sales team, visit www.redrow.co.uk/tableygreen or call 01772 507449.

left: The Balmoral

Circus Comes to Grimsargh in Aid of Local School

Circus Sensible came to the village of Grimsargh, Lancashire, recently to support the fundraising efforts of local primary school, Grimsargh St. Michael’s CofE..

The event, organised by the school’s PTFA and sponsored by several local businesses, took place within the school grounds which were completely transformed for the day, replete with big top, bunting and a host of fun games and activities.

The PTFA sold over 400 tickets to families of the school and locals from the surrounding area, with a matinée and early evening showing.

Children enjoyed a variety of activities in addition to the fun-filled performance from Circus Sensible, from a free circus skills workshop which included plate spinning, Devilstick, Chinese Diabolo and beginner’s stilts, to a bouncy castle, tombola, raffle and more.

Left: Alice Anyon, 4

CLOWNING AROUND Circus Sensible comes to Lancashire village in Grimsargh St. Michael’s CofE fundraiser

Food, drinks and sweet treats were on offer from the PTFA, as well as an ice cream van which came to serve up some cold treats as the sun eventually made an appearance. Children even had the opportunity to douse their headteacher, Mr Stuart Booth, with a wet sponge in the stocks – for the princely sum of 50p a go.

The event raised over £2,800, bringing the total amount raised by the PTFA this academic year to a staggering £7,000. A soaked Stuart Booth (pictured below), Headteacher at Grimsargh St. Michael’s commented: “It was such a pleasure to see how much the children enjoyed this fantastic event, which was organised and delivered by our PTFA. It is very rare for a school to enjoy such active fundraising support, and I am incredibly grateful to Deb and the wider PTFA, as well as the staff who helped out on the day, for all of their help.

Left: Beth McGivern, 5

Top: Sophia Lees, 7

“The money raised from this, and other events organised by the PTFA, will go towards a variety of activities from supporting the cost of travel for our various school trips, and paying for materials for our new outdoor rest and reflect area, to supporting the cost of our Year 6 leavers’ event at the end of the year. Without their help, and in the face of ever-tightening school budgets, none of this would be possible.”

Event organiser and PTFA Committee Member, Deb Jacques, who has two children at Grimsargh St. Michael’s, concluded: “It was incredibly satisfying to put on such a fun event for the children to enjoy, whilst raising vital funds for the school. We are thrilled with the amount of money we’ve raised. I would like to thank everyone involved in

making the day such as success, from Circus Sensible and the sponsors of the event and the parents who helped set up, to the teachers and support staff who gave up their time, and finally, to Mr Booth for letting us commandeer the school, to bring a day of circus fun to Grimsargh.”

The event was sponsored by several local businesses, including main sponsors Grimsargh Blinds, Universal Product Solutions and Body Confidence HQ, and the Look Out Café and Craft and Crust.

Other businesses to support included magician Jason Rae, Bako, Ribble Farm Fare, Asda, Aldi, Hobby Craft, B&Q, Liveseys, B&D Print Services Limited and the Grimsargh Field Day Committee.

Above: OFFICIAL OPENING: (L-R) Headteacher, Mr Stuart Booth with sponsors Jason Rae (Magician), Paul Maddern (Universal Product Solutions) and Nicola and John Hough (Grimsargh Blinds).

Above: Headteacher, Mr Stuart Booth

The life of Di

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

BRAVE NEW-ISH WORLD

Baffling business our brave newish world. On the one hand, our gadgetry is such, we’ve barely to wipe our own bottoms, on which we can firmly sit while Alexa attends to the lighting, heating, and curtains, and a lazily pointed remote changes 24 hours of Sewer Men in A and E, to Britain’s Favourite toilet roll-holder. On the other hand, there are accepted practices galore which have anything but our economy and convenience in mind. Lost count of the times I’ve leapt off the loo, hurtled downstairs, and grabbed my insistently ringing phone just in time to hear my answering-machine being told torrid tales as’d no longer deceive a blind ostrich. I mean, if my bank account had indeed been relieved of hundreds of pounds every time a robot’d phoned to deliver me such would-be shocking tidings, I’d no longer HAVE a bank account but be sitting in the town centre with hat, guitar, and small dog.

As for the banks themselves, they can apparently shut left, right, and centre with impunity given we’re all now

banking our socks off online – so need them like we need a wind machine on Blackpool prom. Fine, so how is it that whenever I’ve occasion to visit my own bank, there’s a queue a mile long, and I’m left wishing I’d taken the day off as person after person shuffles forward to relate a whole plethora of problems their computer presumably couldn’t answer. Nor am I for one unduly surprised by this: Even when they’re not positively freezing, crashing and burning, computers DON’T always cut it – mostly it’s the user who wants to cut THEM – into tiny little pieces. I’ve long been careful with my own computing as I’m obliged to rely on specialist screen-reading software, which is actually as reliable as sun at Wimbledon, depending on what it’s being asked to read. However, I’ve upped the caution business no end after accidentally placing an order with a site whose very readability, or not, was the sole reason I was visiting: Notwithstanding the conspicuous absence of payment details, I’d the devil of a job persuading them that no, I didn’t actually want three washers, and a TV, and no, I still wouldn’t, even if they DID send round a nice young man to help me complete the transaction.

Then it’s surprising how often economies prove false for all concerned. My dad whizzed round the supermarket at the speed of light the other day, only to be halted as though by a two-tonne truck on arrival at self-service – whence he’d been frogmarched by an unoccupied checkout assistant as it’d be “sooo much easier”. In the end, this wasn’t the case even for her as, half an hour in, and with a coronationsized crowd now either looking on with interest, or waiting impatiently, she’d to tear herself away from what she wasn’t doing in order to not help my dad get the machine doing owt at all. It was as well there were no trains to be caught any time soon, but what of this anyway? At what juncture did a customer’s time stop being important, and what happened to the customer being put first, and always being right? I’m sure I vaguely recollect

something of the sort once upon a time. Arguably better than all the above combined however was my friend’s phone call to her doctor’s, which ended with her being asked to take and send in a picture of what was wrong with her. I was flabbergasted, and only wished they’d tried that on ME - which might at least’ve had the merit of giving them pause - and ME the best giggle since Eurovision: “What d’you mean I’ve sent you pictures of coronation flags, and bluebells? Oops. Well here’s the right one, though it might as easily be of me, my washer, or a study in non-scarlet skirting-boarding, who knows with eyes like mine”. Happy modern days.

Backup’s Maura Jackson Bares All to Chat Body Confidence And Menopause

Last week, a highly respected CEO and leader of a Bolton based homeless charity swapped her behind the scenes support for helping vulnerable young people get off the streets, to instead get in front of the camera, showing her own personal vulnerability, as she stepped well out of her comfort zone to chat body confidence and specifically Menopause, on Channel 4’s Naked Education.

Maura Jackson, 52, from Bolton, has built a career helping others, using her straight talking approach, combined with her heartfelt empathy for others and her savvy business brain, building BACKUP North West charity (www. backup-charity.org.uk) to quadruple in size over the last 10 years, winning awards such as The Institute of Directors (IOD) Director of the Year Awards and Bolton Woman of the Year along the way. Usually the one empowering others last week saw her take a leap of faith of her own as she braved it on national TV in her underwear discussing her 20 stone, size 24 body, her sex life and menopause.

Bringing her much loved cheeky sense of humour to the situation the stand up comic in her helped to put the other 2 ladies also involved at ease, as they laughed sharing stories and trials and tribulations, rather than taking themselves too seriously but the message behind it was one with gravitas.

The show is all about promoting body positivity and trying to normalise differences, removing, and reducing the judgemental and damaging stereotyping - a key element of the show is the ‘education of young people’ as teen students join each episode to explore different topics. Maura has been a supporter of the

whole series which covered body dysmorphia, transgender, body hair, ageing and cosmetic surgery, bringing these subjects to the forefront with young people because having seen the mental anguish young people suffer due to trying to do everything to fit in, she wants to show them it’s ok to stand out.

She said:”You won’t believe the amount of young people who choose to prioritise their appearance over their wellbeing, finding the money for cosmetic treatments but not to pay their rent, and the huge mental turmoil they put themselves through if they feel they are ‘too different’ - this is a result of society hammering home

to them that they must look a certain way to be accepted and it’s a huge problem. I wanted to be a part of this programme that is showing people that we all look different, and that’s the way it should be - the key is being comfortable in your own skin”.

“Young people in our accommodation and support services are prioritising image over food.They are so pressured by peers and media to look a certain way that isn’t always natural, healthy or affordable. This isn’t exclusive to young people in crisis it’s a national epidemic. Feeling good about yourself shouldn’t be based on looks, weight or shape. It should be about health, wellbeing

and purpose.”

“One thing I have already got out of it is having watched all the episodes, is being able to talk to my 12 year old granddaughter, who believes she’s fat, about being proud of our bodies, and self love - these

conversations have been much more real and I’ve approached the subject of body image in a new way I’d not been able to do before, so this has made an immediate impact close to home”.

Maura, whose subject area on the show was menopause, also wanted to take part to share her experiences, so she could play her part in showing

those in midlife that there’s ways to take this challenging part of life in your stride too.

Opening up about her hair loss, and how she felt her midlife body was ‘letting her down’ she spoke about wanting to open up the conversation about what happens to women’s bodies in menopause, “otherwise you just feel so isolated”. She shares how she didn’t know what was going on with her body as she didn’t suffer the usual symptoms but instead experienced itchy calves, restless legs, migraines and female hormonal hair loss syndrome, alongside mood swings and an increased sex drive.

Entertaining her fellow Naked Education guests she said :”I have to pay the grand children to scratch me with a debit card to relieve the itching - ooo it’s lovely” before she went on to say “I think my husband could have done with a warning” because one minute she wanted him

in bed, the next she wanted to kill him because he was breathing too loudly.

Whilst she was using her wit and humour to address difficult conversations, to help her feel comfortable sharing her experiences, and taking her clothes off to reveal her plus size body to the nation, Maura did share her frustrations that women who are experience menopause symptoms are not taken seriously -and she finds it frustrating how much they are judged rather than helped. “Going through the menopause does not affect a woman’s core capabilities - they need to be supported”.

She also wanted to tackle judgement of plus size women as part of the conversation, and whilst her weight is not related to menopause she seized the moment to be a champion for others, baring all with confidence.

She added:“The TV team have offered emotional and psychological support before during and after filming. The very fact that they put this in place for us all and had to consider negative reactions from trolls/public/ social media and the impact that may have on our wellbeing speaks volumes and that’s precisely why the programme is ground-breaking.”

“I know losing weight would be healthier for me, but this is who I am, and I do not deserve to be judged by that. So, I was hoping it would enable other women to think the same and tackle stereotypes about ‘fat’ people. My body shape and size shouldn’t hold me back and it doesnt’- I’ve achieved so much already in my life”.

She said to the other 2 ladies she was in the discussion with - “People need to look past the symptoms and look at what we’re doing with our lives - because we’re all doing things

that are amazing - and it’s got nothing to do with how fat we are, or whether we’re too hot!”.

“Who has energy to waste on whether they are too fat, too thin, have scars, baldness or anything that makes them look or feel different? Life is for living. Every body has beauty and potential for greatness. It’s what we do and say that counts not what we look like.”

Maura, who is also an inspirational public speaker and event host, under the name of ‘The Feather Fixer’ (https:// thefeatherfixer.co.uk/ ) recently took to the stage in front of 250 people at Old Trafford to encourage others to celebrate themselves and their strengths. At BACKUP North West she provides multiple services across Bolton to young people aged 16-25 years who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness and last year gained the support of former lead singer of M People, Heather Small, and comedian Miranda Hart who helped celebrate the charity’s 30th Anniversary.

Maura has also recently started setting up her own comedy nights ‘More O ’Me’, as her own creative release to her busy life, and to raise more funds for BACKUP North West. Every one has sold out, with the next one in July having sold 100 tickets, with a waiting list of 45 people..

British Women Win First Ever European Team Gold

Alice Kinsella, Georgia-Mae Fenton, Jessica Gadirova, Ondine Achampong and Becky Downie have made history becoming the first British women’s artistic gymnastics team to win the European title.

The gymnasts performed outstanding routines showing great skill and cool heads under pressure to take them to a combined score of 164.428 points and the gold medal ahead of Italy and Netherlands.

Jessica Gadirova said after: “I’m so proud of this team, we put in some massive performances today and it feels so special to have won as a team. Personally I’m so happy to have been able to deliver my routines for the team, it feels incredible to stand on the top of the podium with them.”

Becky Downie added: “It definitely feels nice to be back! It’s been a long wait for me to get back into a

position like this and I couldn’t be more proud of the whole team. Going last up I knew I had to keep my focus on concentre on what I can do and I’m so happy to have produced that routine today – this feels incredible.”

The British team’s competition began on beam, Ondine Achampong (Aylesbury) last year’s European silver medallist showed her class first up with a superb routine scoring 13.366.

Georgia-Mae Fenton (South Essex) followed up with some stylish work counting one fall to score 12.333 with Alice Kinsella (Park Wrekin) the 2019 European beam champion producing an impressive acrobatic display for 12.766 points. Last up Jessica Gadirova (Aylesbury) cemented the teams great start scoring a massive 13.6 for her confident and well executed display.

On to floor, Georgia-Mae was elegant and graceful scoring 12.9, Ondine following with a huge opening tumble in a fantastic routine

that scored 13.166. Alice Kinsella produced a stunning tumbling masterclass to score 13.466 and then two-time reigning European floor champion Jessica Gadirova wowed the whole crowed with her enormous tumbling and action-packed choreography to score 13.900. On vault the team were precise and professional nailing their landingsexactly what was needed - GeorgiaMae scoring 13.733, Alice 13.833, Jessica 14.2 and Ondine 13.966.

Finally on the uneven bars Jessica completed her outstanding competition with a tidy routine scoring 13.866, Alice Kinsella unfortunately counted a fall midway through her routine which she fought back well from scoring 12.466, Georgia-Mae soared between the bars in her fantastic routine scoring her 13.833. The last routine saw Becky Downie return to major championships action and she returned in style producing a tremendous routine scoring 14.366.

HOW PREGNANT AND BREASTFEEDING MUMS CAN FEEL FREE OF THE SNEEZES

By Airborne Allergens Expert, Max Wiseberg

www.haymax.biz

Wearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors, as well as protecting your eyes from the sun, will help to prevent pollen particles coming in contact with the eyes. And tying up long hair and wearing a hat, cap or other head cover when outside will help to prevent pollen particles being caught in your hair.

Wash your face as soon as you get indoors to wash away allergens so that they can’t cause a reaction. Shower at night before sleeping to remove pollen particles from your hair and body.

Close windows and doors to prevent pollen blowing into your home. Vacuum the house regularly (especially beds and fabrics) to remove pollen particles and damp dust surfaces; damp dusting removes dust without redistributing it into the air.

Dry your clothes indoors rather than on a clothes line to prevent pollen particles being blown onto the clothes by the outside wind.

And if you own a pet then ensure that it is well groomed and shampooed as much as possible to remove pet allergens and pollen particles from its coat.

Having hay fever when you’re pregnant or breast-feeding can be very challenging. However there are many things you can do to help; here are my top tips to help mums feel free of the sneezes.

There are many practical things you can do when outdoors and around the home to limit the amount of pollen getting in your body – less pollen, less reaction!

Hay fever is a result of our immune system’s overreaction to innocuous particles such as pollen. The body reacts by producing histamines. Normal amounts of

histamines are good – they keep us alert, attentive and awake. But, when there are too many, they cause hay fever symptoms. Use an allergen barrier balm applied to the nostrils and around the bones of the eyes in the morning, throughout the day and at night to help stop pollen getting in the body. HayMax (www. haymax.biz) organic drugfree allergen barrier balm has been proven to trap more than a third of pollen before it enters the body, as well as dust and pet allergens [1].

Stay hydrated and eat lots of fruit and vegetables to stay healthy and support your immune system. A Mediterranean diet is recommended for allergy sufferers as it is high in antioxidants which are immune-boosting. A study [2] published in the journal Thorax found that Crete islanders who ate a Mediterranean diet had fewer allergy-related symptoms. They noted that diet staples such as grapes, oranges, apples and fresh tomatoes were protective against wheezing and nasal allergy symptoms.

The New Light Prize Exhibition

- Providing opportunities for emerging and established artists

By Rebekah Tadd, Development Director

of New

Light

New Light was created in response to a lack of opportunities for Northern artists to show their work in the region. In the artworld, the weighting has traditionally been to London galleries. The capital is still dominated by international galleries with relatively few of these aimed at emerging artists. It is therefore extremely competitive for artists to gain exposure.

Celebrating the wealth of artistic talent that is prevalent across the North of England, the New Light Prize Exhibition offers some of the region’s best awards and opportunities for both established and aspiring artists. Prizes such as the Valeria Sykes Award, giving £10,000 to the winner, can genuinely change an artist’s career while the Emerging Artists Prize gives individuals the chance to host a solo show in their name.

Sheffield-based artist, Joanna Whittle was the winner of the Valeria Sykes Award in 2020 with her oil-on-

copper painting ‘Sorrowing Cloth’. She says: “Winning the award allowed me the time and space to develop my practice which has been invaluable especially during such a disruptive and uncertain time and allowed me to take enriching steps in my work.”

As well as the Valeria Sykes Award, there is the Patron’s Choice Award (giving a prize of £2,500), the Printmakers’ Prize, the Visitors’ Choice Award, the Purchase Prize but perhaps one of the most exciting opportunities for artists at the beginning of their career, (young or

Joanna Whittle

Joanna WhittleSorrowing Cloth

old) is the Emerging Artist Award, sponsored by Saul Hay Gallery.

This award offers the winning artist the coveted opportunity to hold a solo show at the hugely popular Saul Hay Gallery in Castlefield in Manchester. Winners are mentored not only by Ian and Catherine Hay, Directors at the gallery, but also the winner of the Valeria Sykes Award.

Two previous winners whose careers have been changed by the award include Deborah Grice who won the award in 2017 and Linnet Rubaya, a self-taught artist and winner of the 2020 award.

Linnet Rubaya Seen - 2020

Linnet Rubaya

Deborah Grice explains: ‘Even as a graduate of the Royal College of Art, I have found it hard to break into the London scene as my home and studio are in the North. Seeing the call for entries for the New Light Prize gave me the initial response of ‘Finally, something for us!’

“I cannot express how significant winning the award was for me. I felt encouraged for the first time in years; the sense of confidence and drive was instant. I was offered my first solo exhibition at Saul Hay Gallery in Manchester the following year. This goal aided me in focussing my work – not only my painting skills, but the concept behind the work and the final aesthetics.

“My relationship with New Light has seen my work and career develop on a steep trajectory. The quality of the final exhibition is high with the selected work being diverse, from figurative to abstract, with traditional skills being highly valued. I am also impressed with the galleries that host the two-year touring show. The presentation of the exhibition is always beautifully curated, be it a public or commercial setting.”

The most recent winner of the Emerging Artist prize is Linnet Rubaya. She says: “I have learnt so much and had so many opportunities since winning the award. As a selftaught artist, I found it critical to my development. The

Ian & Catherine

year I spent preparing for my solo show was equivalent to a degree graduation show. My practice after this was far more structured and intentional, informed by more rigorous research.’

One of the few open competitions to encourage emerging artists alongside household names, new graduates or even self-taught artists, can find their artwork hanging next to Royal Academicians in the touring exhibition.

Ian Hay, Director at Saul Hay Gallery explains the synergies that make the relationship with New Light work: “We are very proud to have been a sponsorship partner of the New Light Prize since 2017. New Light is the foremost open arts prize specifically for artists with a connection to the North of England. The ethos and vision of New Light is very much like our own at Saul Hay Gallery. We recognise what a rich array of artistic talent exists in the North of England, we value and appreciate the skill and dedication of those artists. We are committed to providing a platform and audience for them. The New Light Prize provides us with the opportunity to discover new and exciting work by Northern artists.”

But what does Ian Hay look for when judging the New Light Emerging Artist award?

“I am always looking for work which provokes an immediate, visceral reaction, that stops me in my tracks and insists that I look deeper. I want to see a balance of ideas and execution that produces a work that is saying something fresh and exciting to the viewer. Beyond that, I am looking for an artist whose work fits well into the Saul Hay Gallery aesthetic, and who is capable of producing a body of work that will make for an impressive solo exhibition.”

As we near the end of the entry period for the 2023 New Light Prize Exhibition, we asked Deborah Grice and Linnet Rubaya if they have a message to artists wondering whether to enter.

Linnet Rubaya said: ‘Just like Nike - Just do it! There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain, including a solo show, self-assurance of your practice and a community of supportive artists in the north of England.”

Deborah Grice agreed: “If you fit the entrance criteria, the New Light Prize Exhibition should be in any artist’s diaries; alongside all the other big nationals opens. It is extremely easy to enter, the New Light team behind the

scenes are always so helpful and as the New Light Prize gains even more traction on the national stage, I feel there is very real potential in gaining a meaningful and valuable advancement in one’s career.”

Established in 2010, New Light is a charity that celebrates and promotes both well-known and emerging artists by offering some of the region’s best awards and opportunities. As well as the New Light Prize, it runs New Light Art for All, an education programme which includes talks, workshops and school projects. In 2021 it launched the New Light Collection which aims to make the best in Northern visual arts available to more people, by loaning pieces free of charge to public bodies and charities.

For more information visit: www.newlight-art.org.uk

Ian Hay

More Money, More Meat - How world’s richest countries are eating their way to extinction

New report reveals world’s first ever national reduction targets for animal-sourced foods to ensure future of humanity .

The world’s richest countries, are literally eating their way to the extinction of humanity in the overconsumption of meat, according to a ground-breaking new report launched today (11 May) by Compassion in World Farming. The report finds that the UK needs to reduce meat consumption by a staggering 71%.

The report, called More Money More Meat, reveals for the first time, how much each high- and middleincome country must do to reduce its consumption of animal sourced foods – meat, fish and seafood, dairy and eggs – in order to live within

planetary health boundaries. Iceland has the biggest reduction to make across all animal-sourced foods, at 73%, while the USA needs to cut its overconsumption of meat* by a massive 82%.

The UK ranks 21st in the list of countries needing the biggest reduction across all animal-sourced foods. Its meat reduction target is 71%, 56% for dairy, and 57% for eggs. Fish & seafood consumption is, on average, 24.96 grams per person per day, which is only slightly below the recommended 28 grams per person per day. The UK’s National Food Strategy fails to include reduction targets, despite the report commissioned to inform it recommending a 30% reduction in meat consumption, along with a 25% reduction in high fat, salt and sugary foods, a 30% increase in fruits and

vegetables and 50% increase in fibre to meet the UK’s climate and nature commitments.

This is the first report to provide reduction figures for all animalsourced foods and detailed calculations for actual consumption – including inedible parts of animalsourced foods and waste at a household level – giving a more accurate picture of consumption. The calculations are based on the EATLancet Planetary Health Diet which aims to provide healthy diets from sustainable food systems by 2050.

Revealed today at the international Extinction or Regeneration conference at the QEII Centre in London, the report explains how our insatiable appetite for cheap meat and other animal-sourced foods is driving the escalating climate, health and nature

emergencies. It shows that massive reductions are needed across the top 25 high- and upper middle-income countries to safeguard the future health of people, animals and our planet.

Key insights from the report show

that:

• Overall, Iceland has the most to do with a massive 73% reduction needed to get to 12% of calories in the diet from animal-sourced foods, followed by Finland (70%), Denmark (68%), Montenegro (66%) and Luxembourg (65%)

• When it comes to meat, the USA tops the countries needing the biggest reduction at 82% followed by Australia (80%); Argentina (80%); Israel (78%); and Spain (78%).

• Leading on fish and seafood overconsumption are: Iceland (77%); Maldives (76%); Seychelles (64%); Republic of Korea (63%); and Malaysia (63%).

• The top five reductions needed for dairy are: Finland (74%); Montenegro (74%); Albania (71%); Netherlands (69%); and Switzerland (68%).

• And for eggs it’s: Mexico (76%); China (76%); Japan (75%); Netherlands (74%); and Malaysia (73%).

• Despite compelling evidence, countries are failing to include the reduction of animal-sourced foods in their national action plans or food strategies.

• Denmark is leading the way on progress, having recently published some of the world’s greenest dietary guidelines and has agreed to create a National Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods with significant funding.

Organised by Compassion in World Farming with partners IPES-Food, the Institute of Development Studies and other partners, the game-changing Extinction or Regeneration conference has been convened to address the urgent need for more sustainable methods of food production that can feed future generations, while protecting humans, animals, and the planet.

Compassion’s Global CEO, Philip Lymbery, revealed the report’s findings in his keynote opening speech at the conference this morning. He warned: “In the richest countries we are, quite literally, eating our way to our own extinction. Our insatiable appetite for cheap meat and other animal-sourced foods is damaging our health, causing immense animal cruelty and killing our planet.

“Unless we wake up and act now to reduce this calamitous overconsumption, it will simply be

too late. Responsibility lies with these richer nations to take immediate action through national policies to help combat their impact in driving the climate, health and nature emergencies.

“We must use this great opportunity provided by the Extinction or Regeneration conference to share solutions and drive forward pathways towards regenerative, climate- and nature-positive farming systems. The only way we can secure our future is to move away from factory farming and create a global food system that benefits animals, people and our planet – reducing our overconsumption of animal-sourced foods is a vital part of that.”

The report outlines the current lack of action by countries to tackle the problem and includes clear policy recommendations for reducing this overconsumption at a national level, including:

• Setting clear targets for reducing consumption of animal-sourced foods, aligned with the Paris Agreement and the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

• Supporting these reduction targets with a holistic transformative food strategy or action plan, including a range of measures to enable uptake and meet targets for reduction.

• Aligning dietary guidelines with the principles of the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet for healthy diets from sustainable food systems and provide advice on healthy plant-based diets.

• Ensuring subsidies are not provided for intensively farmed animals or their feed, and instead support producers of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes and nuts, as well as producers rearing farmed animals in high welfare naturepositive systems.

We pride ourselves in building quality homes throughout 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.