The Lancashire & North West Magazine | June 2022 by The Lancashire & North West Magazine

www.lancmag.com

Taking businesses from Zero to Hero THE CLASSIC CAR LOVER Who Created a Museum

Our Miracle of Life A Story in Prose

THE RAKE Tapas Restaurant, Bar and Boutique Hotel

June 2022

£2.45

JOSEPH & CO The Best Collections From the Greatest Names in Fashion

Luxury homes

For Sale in the North West

SISTER LED BUSINESS Showing the Power of Relationships to the Small Businesses of Lancashire

Food Glorious Food... and Drink

g n i v i L r e n g i s e D IN A COUNTRYSIDE SETTING

SHOW HOME NOW OPEN AT THE SANDPIPERS, LONGRIDGE APPOINTMENTS ONLY

READ MORE INSIDE p11-14

S P A C E

D E S I G N

L O C A T I O N

FIND YOUR LUXURY NEW BUILD HOME AT: THE SANDPIPERS, LONGRIDGE w: createhomes.com/sandpipers t: 07900 221 896 e: sandpipers@createhomes.com CHAPEL MILL, ELSWICK w: createhomes.com/chapelmill t: 07554 433 118 e: chapelmill@createhomes.com

APPOINTMENTS: CREATEHOMES.COM

Create work with top architects and interior designers to showcase impressive homes, both inside and out

Altrincham

CONTENTS...

Bolton

Whitehaven

Features

11 78

“The stunning kitchen diner offers luxury and space for the whole family to enjoy and entertain their guests...”

188

THE NEW SHOW HOME n When you walk into the show home in Longridge, the quality of the doors, woodwork, stairway and paint finishes really delivers the WOW

CreateHomes-LancashireMagazine-1ppAd,4ppEdit June 2022.indd 2

factor. Every little detail is perfect, from the impressive kitchen diner, right through into every room of the beautiful four bedroom family home. All of the bedrooms throughout the show home deliver on space and style, whilst the family bathroom and two ensuites are fitted with highend fixtures & fittings, including white Vitra sanitary ware, Hansgrohe thermostatically controlled showers and mixer taps, heated towel rails and beautiful Porcelanosa ceramic wall tiles, giving a luxury feel throughout.

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip - Managing Stress

Head Teacher Taking Fundraising to New Heights

140 Beaverbrooks Urges People to Donate Unwanted Jewellery With Proceeds Going to Lifesaving Heart Research

Luxury homes for sale in the North West

142 SYLVIA PANKHURST - A Formidable Campaigner

Atkin and Thyme

146 NATURAL BEAUTY - Yvonne Diaz Exhibition

Land Rover Experience North Yorkshire

You Can Help The Local Red Squirrels With Supplementary Feeding

154 The New “Netflix For Seniors” That Can Help Reduce Loneliness

Sister Led Business Showing the Power of Relationships to the Small Businesses of Lancashire

ALAN TURING - and His Remarkable Legacy

164 Finding Friends

Siromer Tractors and Equipment supports Kelvin Fletcher on his Big Farming Adventure

166 The Classic Car Lover Who Created a Museum for His Incredible Collection

Love Letters 2 Hire Event Décor and Styling

Teepee Digital

168 New Funding for Lancashire and South Cumbria Online Brain Injury Support Scheme

Wildlife in Ink

Fantastic Things To Watch At The Dukes This June

170 Devastating climate impact of using peat in UK horticulture revealed

Celebrating The Queen’s PLATINUM JUBILEE 2022

176 Fylde Dunes on Countryfile

Lancashire Communities Encouraged to Sign Up and Receive Flood Warnings With New Service Launched

178 White Ribbon UK responds to the new national communications campaign, - ‘Enough’

7 TOP TIPS on How to Avoid Getting Bad Debts

180 The Best Woodland Trust BLUEBELL WOODS in the North of England

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip - Salt Awareness

182 Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip - Stop Smoking

Mummy Will Be So Upset

184 Sculpt For Summer

Faz Patel

Food Glorious Food... And Drink

Our miracle of life - A STORY IN PROSE

186 Phantom & Les Mis Legend John Owen-Jones Announces Three Very Special Shows Including Lytham Date

22/03/2022 12:33

138

100 More Young Women Consider Construction Careers But Cost-of-Living Crisis Risks Progress 102 EDWARD LEAR and KNOWSLEY HALL 106 Warrington Based Employee Named Sales Consultant of The Year 108 Sales Team Promotions at Redrow 112 JOHN BELLINGHAM - The Liverpool Assassin 120 The Design Museum Announces the 2021-22 Design Ventura Shortlist for its Design and Enterprise Competition 126 FRIDAY FAKEOUT RECIPES Authentic Korean flavours from Sun Heel 132 Fun Summer Play 136 Is Sustainable And Ethical Fashion Possible? How To Combat Greenwashing Through Certification

184 www.lancmag.com

138 Blackpool Grand Theatre hits the digital airwaves with a brand-new Podcast, EAT. THEATRE. SLEEP. REPEAT.

158 GOING FOR GOLD: How to Best Prepare for a Marathon 160 Love is in The Air in Knutsford

188 The Rake Mediterranean Tapas Restaurant 192 Summer Birthdays Approaching, Stuck For A Gift Idea? 196 Stonyhurst Boys’ Tennis Team Crowned Lta North Regional Tennis Champions 197 Momentous Win Sees Animal Welfare & Environmental Links Recognised at UNEA 5 198 Liverpool Theatre Festival Returns for a Third Year 202 Do Your Neighbours Hate You? It’s Probably Because of This... 203 Lakeland Artisan’s Jubilee Jam Commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee 204 Littered Cigarette Butts Cost UK Authorities £40 Million a Year 206 The Heart Of Liverpool, The Cavern Lives On… 208 Swimming Club Makes a Splash With New Hoist

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...CONTENTS

Regulars 118

Aiming Higher

Balance Counsellor

122

BOOKS: Theo Behe

125

BOOKS: Pete Kelly

Colour Me Beautiful

116

Denise Mullen

130

Fleetwood RNLI

HayMax

Life of Di

Lytham Gin Lady

152

Mama Shar’s Caribbean Cooking

148

Miles Consult & Construct

150

Miranda Christopher

156

Percent Edge

162

Positive Change Coach

110

She Inspires Award Winners

172

Totally Local Lancaster

179

Zodiac Predictions by Manish

June 2022 • Volume 45 Number 6

156

130

150

172

152

www.lancmag.com

Taking businesses from Zero to Hero THE CLASSIC CAR LOVER Who Created a Museum

Our Miracle of Life A Story in Prose

THE RAKE Tapas Restaurant, Bar and Boutique Hotel

COVER: Faz Patel

June 2022

£2.45

JOSEPH & CO The Best Collections From the Greatest Names in Fashion

Luxury homes

For Sale in the North West

SISTER LED BUSINESS Showing the Power of Relationships to the Small Businesses of Lancashire

Food Glorious Food... and Drink

Writers: Aiming Higher Andrew Athineos Becky Haslam Editorial: Claire Morton 01253 336580 Claire Tillotson editorial@lancashiremagazine.co.uk Darren Goodfellow Denise Mullen Design Manager: Tanjé Beach Diane Wade Sales Enquiries: 07918 685673 Gary W Fortiter Gulnaz Brennan Accounts: 01253 336588 Harold Cunliffe General Enquiries/Subscriptions: Ian Scarrott Sharon Henry • 01253 336588 Janet Broughton accounts@lancashiremagazine.co.uk John Laste Redemption Julia Riewald The Lancashire & North West Kate Gostick Magazine Ltd, Seasiders Way Kath Taylor Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 6NZ Ken Harcombe Managing Director: Natalie Christopher natalie@lancashiremagazine.co.uk

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UK Only Subscription Rate: 1 year £25 – saving of £4.40 Manish Kumar Arora 2 years £48 – saving of £10 Margaret Brecknell 3 years £73 – saving of £15 Martin Dawber 5 years £115 – saving of £32 Max Wiseberg Megha Seth Miranda Christopher @lancmag Paul Cusimano Richard Sagar @lancashiremagazine Sajedah Maka-Ismail Sara Dewhurst Sarah Harris Sarah Ridgway www.lancmag.com Sharmen Frith-Hemmings Note to contributors:- While every care is taken Sharon Henry with manuscripts, drawings, photographs and Sun Heel transparencies, no responsibility is accepted during Victoria Atkin transmission or while in the Editor’s hands. The contents of this magazine are fully protected and We Buy Any Home nothing may be used or reproduced without permission.

F I

Visit our website at

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IN THIS ISSUE...

e start this month with a very incite full look into sister-led business Launch North West - showing the power of relationships to the small businesses of Lancashire. We take another peek at Create Homes who build properties in convenient countryside locations, where space, design and quality combine to create the perfect place to live. With summer just around the corner it is the perfect time to get rid of the extra weight and get your body ready for summer with a non-invasive and innovative treatment, Cool Sculpting, as recommended by Harley Street expert Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar. Dr Yusra’s new flagship clinic in Blundellsands is home to a state-of-the-art Sculpt Suite where her team of experts can help you shift that pandemic weight.

We have a fabulous feature on The Rake, a family-run tapas restaurant, bar and boutique hotel in Littleborough, which enjoys an excellent reputation for its fine food and wine, as well as the warmth of its welcome and its friendly efficient service. Following the growth of thebestofbolton, local entrepreneur Faz Patel tells us how she has taken on thebestofblackburn, with her mission to take the stress out of finding great local businesses, then promoting them through a variety of marketing streams. Ian Scarrott, TriClub Run Coach and Personal Trainer at PureGym Loughborough tells us how to best prepare for a marathon; Sharon Henry entertains us about Liverpool’s

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Cavern Club - the cradle of British pop music, which impressively, years after its beginnings, it survives and thrives as a contemporary, bustling music venue. Our featured towns this month are Altrincham, situated in the borough of Trafford is one of Greater Manchester’s most desirable postcodes; The vibrant town of Bolton which has been voted one of the friendliest places in the UK with award-winning markets, historic buildings, and plenty of culture; and Whitehaven, with its historic charm, architectural allure, and scenic beauty. And of course, as always, we have features on homes, health, delicious fakeaway recipes, fashion, entertainment, fascinating history, and a bit of wildlife and more - all in our June issue. www.lancmag.com

For a wide selection of plant based dishes in beautiful surroundings, visit us at Whins Green Kitchen, Wheelton, Chorley, Lancashire. Tel 01254 958311 for reservations or book online at

www.whinsgreenkitchen.co.uk

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip

Managing Stress

Stress can indirectly affect our heart by reducing motivation to eat well and exercise. Feeling stressed can also increase the likelihood that we will use negative coping strategies such as increasing the amount of alcohol we drink.

Challenge your Thoughts

Stress occurs when we feel that we are unable to cope with the demands placed on us. We can address stress by assessing and changing our demands, and by changing our relationship to the things that cause us stress. Here are some top tips for helping to manage your stress:

Break it Down

Keep Moving Regular exercise has been shown to positively influence our ability to manage stress and reduce symptoms of some mental health conditions.

The way we think about our demands will influence how stressed we feel. You can ask yourself questions such as “how would I advise a friend in my situation?” to help re-frame what is going on in your life. When we have lots to do, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. When this happens, it can be useful to break down your tasks and plan how you will tackle a situation. Seek Support It is okay to ask for help. It can help to share stressors with a friend or contact a mental health professional via your GP or another service such as Samaritans.

Take Time to Re-Charge Managing our energy levels throughout the day by taking moments to re-charge can help us to better deal with the demands placed on us. This could be taking regular breaks from work, relaxing through meditation, or even a short powernap!

If you’d like to support Heart Research UK’s vital work into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, please visit www.heartresearch.org.uk for inspiration on how you could help.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at

www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-uk-recipes-2

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-uk-cookbook

Head Teacher Taking Fundraising to New Heights By Claire Tillotson

Left to Right: Pippa, Grace, Helena, Mrs Cross, Laurence, Mabel, Aaliyah, Nicholas, Charlie

When our headteacher, Dianne Cross, said she wanted to do something unique to raise funds for the school, we set out to find something out of the ordinary.

atasha Richardson, a parent at the school, got in touch with Skydive North West who have very kindly agreed to fully fund a skydive for Dianne to complete. What a fantastic and once in a lifetime opportunity! www.skydivenorthwest.co.uk

Mrs Cross is the Headteacher at Dolphinholme C of E Primary School near Lancaster, she is a wonderful and incredibly supportive member of staff and a friend to many. Taking on this challenge has proved that she will literally do anything to support her school and the community. When I spoke to Mrs Cross about her reasons for taking on this challenge she said: “After the challenges of Covid, and the negative effect it has had on fundraising, this skydive is a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for our school and offer the whole school 10

community, especially the pupils, something to look forward to. It isn’t often that a headteacher drops out of a plane! “ HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT? “Really excited but a bit nervous! I am well over 50 after all!! My mum thinks I have gone mad! I really hope people get behind me and we can raise lots of funds. I would like to encourage anyone who knows me personally, and the wider Dolphinholme community to get involved and sponsor the skydive in order to support the local village school. The more we raise, the more we can offer the children and families of Dolphinholme.” WHAT THE MONEY WILL GO TOWARDS? “We are hoping to develop more of our school grounds. The pre school is in desperate need of some shade as it is very exposed during the summer months. We also want to add to our trim trail - the children absolutely love it and it will be a real benefit to their physical and mental well being if we can extend it further. We are blessed with beautiful surroundings, and we

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like to be outside as much as possible.” The pupils at Dolphinholme are also super excited. Amy in Year 1 said: “Mrs Cross is brave and it is really exciting.” Theo in Year 2 said “I can’t believe Mrs Cross is going to jump out of an aeroplane! Wow” Archie in Year 6 said: “I think it is very good because Mrs Cross is raising money for the PTA and they do lots of good things for school. She is very brave.” Nancy in Year 4 said: “Wow, she really does care about the school” and Sophia Year 5: “She’d the best headteacher ever” Mrs Cross’ skydive is taking place on Saturday 14th May 2022 and we are all behind her every step of the way! The whole community would like to wish her the very best of luck! We are hoping to live stream the skydive at one of our local community events so the whole school can watch the jump take place! If you would like to donate to this worthy cause and support our local school, please head over to our Just Giving Page. Thank you for your support! www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ theflyingheadteacher

www.lancmag.com

The Whittingham show home at the Sandpipers development in Longridge showcases the fabulous quality on offer by Create Homes

Luxury homes By Becky Haslam

for sale in the North West

Create Homes build homes properties in convenient countryside locations, where space, design and quality combine to create the perfect place to live OBSESSED BY QUALITY

reate Homes prides itself on providing intimate developments and quality homes across the North West. Each home is packed full of style and designer touches for modern, aspirational living, sought after by discerning buyers.

www.lancmag.com

The company has developed a strong reputation in the new-build housing market in the North West in terms of quality, style, design and location. Using top brands for all fixtures and fittings, they provide a luxury finish throughout, such as incorporating SieMatic kitchens with Neff appliances. Packed full of quality features, the homes have design

input from the area’s top architects, kitchen experts and interiors professionals. The Whittingham show home is now open at The Sandpipers development in Longridge, which is proving popular with buyers from across the North West, looking for luxury homes in the perfect location.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 11

Create work with top architects and interior designers to showcase impressive homes, both inside and out

“The stunning kitchen diner offers luxury and space for the whole family to enjoy and entertain their guests...” 12

THE ‘PRESTIGE COLLECTION’ n All homes in their luxury ‘Prestige Collection’ offer Create Homes’ customers a choice of stylish and spacious living options. Homes are available to purchase at ‘The Sandpipers’ in Longridge in the Ribble Valley and soon at ‘Chapel Mill’, in the award-winning village of Elswick. THE NEW SHOW HOME n When you walk into the show home in Longridge, the quality of the doors, woodwork, stairway and paint finishes really delivers the WOW

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

“Every Create Home offers the discerning buyer the perfect mix of quality, space, style and location...”

Designer finishes flow throughout every room of the luxury show home

www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 13

A spacious kitchen/diner is at the heart of the show home at The Sandpipers in Longridge. Create Homes have invested heavily in the luxurious kitchen, designed by Stuart Frazer, which is of top-quality materials. The kitchen sports high-end NEFF appliances, plenty of storage and an ergonomic layout, which flows into the rest of the family entertainment and dining space. Impressive bi-fold doors open straight into the beautifully landscaped garden. n Why not book an appointment to view the stunning Whittingham show home at The Sandpipers, Longridge today and see the quality and design on offer by Create Homes for yourself?

Bifold doors open onto a large, landscaped garden

FIND OUT MORE You can find out more about Create Homes and its developments, book an appointment, make an enquiry, or even try out the KITCHEN COLOUR VISUALISER APP on their website. VISIT: createhomes.com

The large and welcoming lounge features an impressive built-in media storage unit

The large master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and beautiful ensuite facilities

‘That’s not my bowl!’

Importers & stockists of exceptional tiles, stones & wood flooring

TREND SPOTTER Wall Panelling is Everywhere, But How Can This Current Top Trend Best be Styled? “Mixing wood tones and textures against wall panelling will give a continuity to your scheme. Contrast country style board and baton panelling or traditional moulding with metallics and marble to balance the look and add some luxurious, contemporary flair.” - Victoria Atkin of Atkin and Thyme - www.atkinandthyme.co.uk

Berkeley Marble Drinks Cabinet £699

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Coco Bedside Drawers £249 Greenwich Vintage 7 Drawer Chest £799 El Capitan Media Unit £499

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 17

LIGHT AND AIRY LIVING A fusion between mid century and scandi , the Jade Marble Bedside Drawers are part of a wide, coordinating collection that would effortlessly inject tranquility into the home, £379 Also shown: Apollo Table Light with Shade, £99

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Stylish, practical and in keeping with the rounded edge trend, the Flute Marble Drinks Cabinet has been crafted from stunning acacia wood and hard wearing white marble, £699

With an outstanding design that speaks for itself, the Jumeirah Sideboard captures us within its art deco charm and antique brass finishing touches, £649

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 19

Balance Counselling and Coaching Ltd

PUT YOUR LIFE IN BALANCE By Kathryn Taylor

LIVING A HAPPIER LIFE

appiness is a state of mind that at times can be difficult for us to achieve. Sometimes we can find that just recognising and noticing what's good in our lives can be a struggle. We often find that it's easier to focus on what's not going right or what we've not achieved than taking note of what's really happening in our lives. An example of this could be where we say we've had a really bad day but if we break it down into what really happened and the amount of time that it related to, we can see that proportionately the day has neither been good or bad. That just a small portion of it relates to something that's not gone the way we expected it to. For Example, if we worked in customer services, we may have one call where the customer is extremely rude or angry about something and they take their frustrations/ anger out on us. If we focused on this call and allow it to affect our mood it can overshadow how the rest of the day really was. This could mean that despite the fact you may have taken 20 calls in that day that were all good we ignore it and see the day as being a bad day overall. Putting a pause into a thought process allows us to examine the reality of the situation. Our past informs our present, from events that have happened, relationships we have had and the way we think about things. Understanding this means that we can with practice retrain ourselves to look at things from a different perspective.

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THINGS WE CAN DO TO HELP US LOOK FOR AND NOTICE THE POSITIVE THINGS IN OUR LIVES AND ACHIEVE HAPPINESS

Everyday write down three positive things that have happened. As this builds it forms two uses. It starts to force us to look at the things that happened in a day and recognise those things that's are positive. It also gives us something to look back at to remind us about the positive things in our life on the occasions when we're having a bad day.

Even when things go wrong for us in life there is usually something positive we can take from the situation. Ask yourself-

What was good about this event happening? What did I learn? How did this help me? What would I do differently next time?

Research shows that it isn't achieving the goals that increases are well-being it's about focusing on what we want and taking steps towards them. Set the goals that you want to achieve, breaking them down into smaller tasks and then ensure you recognise when you complete each step what you have achieved to move towards your desired result.

Fake it until you make it. Whilst this may seem difficult, at times the act of behaving in the way you do when you're happy actually helps convince the brain that's how you truly feel. The way you behave when you're happy also influences the behaviour of people around you which helps make the interactions you have with them more positive. To do this think about the way you behave when your happy, how you walk, talk, stand, sit, interact, smile etc and force yourself to behave in that way.

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Take note of the things that make you happy and have a positive effect on your mental health. Recognise that doing things for yourself that improves or sustains your mental well-being does not make you selfish but enables you to feel stronger and support people in your life in a better way.

Addressing situations as and when they happen rather than letting them build into bigger issues can mean that we don't allow then to become something bigger and overwhelming in our heads. We often don't speak up about things because we see them as being minor, but then as they repeat over time, they build into bigger issues that become more difficult to address, as are emotions around the situation increase. An example of this could be as simple as your partner not putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket and leaving them on the floor. If the first time it happened, we asked in a calm way that they place them in the basket then the situation could be resolved there and then. By deciding it's only a small thing and not speaking to the other person this can create a situation that continues. Overtime our frustrations build and when we choose to address the situation, we might find we express it in a more aggressive manner causing emotional upset to both you and the other party.

Doing something for somebody else gives us a sense of satisfaction and well-being. Carrying out random acts of kindness is a way to help increase our happiness levels. This can be as simple as making a colleague a cup of coffee as we notice they have been busy or paying somebody a compliment.

Spend time with the people in your life who make you feel happy, who make you smile and who make you laugh.

Build-time into life to do the things that make you happy and that you enjoy. This may be through spending time doing some of the below things-: a. Hobbies b. Being creative c. Playing an instrument d. Playing or watching sports e. Spending time with family and friends f. Learning new things g. Going for massages h. Going to the gym or fitness classes i. Or just taking time out to focus on your own self-care.

Acknowledge and take time to remember the things that make you smile.

1. Children's laughter 2. Sunrise or sunset 3. Trees blossoming 4. Silly jokes 5. Treasured memories 6. Loved ones 7. Smells/sounds that remind you of people and places you love 8. Warm sunny days Only you can control the way you feel. Just by taking one small step today you can change your state of mind. What actions are you going to take today to start improving your own happiness levels? If you like the inspirational quotes included, they are from my ‘Moments of Inspiration’ card deck available from my website.

For a confidential discussion email: info@balancecounsellingandcoaching.co.uk or call on: 07794 143 171 or visit: www.balancecounsellingandcoaching.co.uk www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 21

LAND ROVER EXPERIENCE NORTH YORKSHIRE By Richard Sagar

As I drove through the glorious countryside en route to the Broughton Hall Estate in neighbouring Yorkshire, I felt like a young child waiting for Christmas - knowing I was going to be in for a great day.

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t had been some time since I was last at the Land Rover Experience centre, but the memories of a day driving a stunning Land Rover around the equally stunning estate have certainly remained at the forefront of my mind. Whilst gratuitously driving around an off-road course is certainly fun (and indeed something I would highly recommend to anyone!), this time was going to be slightly different, as I was due to meet young Harry and his dad Gareth who are on a very serious fundraising mission for a very worthy cause. Harry was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; a progressive condition causing all the body’s muscles to gradually weaken with time. DMD is a condition that is caused by a fault, known as a mutation, in the dystrophin gene. Dystrophin is a protein that protects muscles; without it, muscles are easily damaged, and their strength and function are weakened. It eventually affects all the muscles in the body, including the heart and lungs. DMD almost always affects boys and is typically diagnosed in childhood between the age of three and six. In 2012 a charity named Duchenne UK was launched to raise money to support research into different treatments to support youngsters just like Harry – now coining the notion that whilst there is sadly no cure for Duchenne, there is most certainly hope. Since Harry’s diagnosis, he and his parents have hit the ground running in furthering the cause of Duchenne UK, and the great

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team at Land Rover Experience Yorkshire have been supporting their attempts ever since. As we enjoyed a coffee in the impressive, converted old goat farm that Land Rover Experience Yorkshire call home, I was interested to find out more about the impact Duchenne UK has had since its launch. They have to date raised over £9 million which has been invested in DMD medical research, they have 34 clinical trial staff funded across the UK, and more than 400 more young boys taking part in clinical trials for innovative DMD treatments. But, beyond discussing the detail of the charity – Harry and his dad were keen to take advantage of the impressive driving facilities on offer around the estate, so we took our seats in a very smart Range Rover Velar and off we went.

We drove through deep water, down steep drops, up incredible climbs – all of which was absolutely thrilling, but no part more so than when Harry himself took the wheel! Land Rover Experience Yorkshire have recently launched their Young Off-Roader courses, giving 11-17yr olds a chance to get in the driving seat – and by the constant smile on Harry’s face, it was clear he was enjoying every second. And Harry’s dad, Gareth, is no stranger to taking the wheel himself – but in his case, it is as part of his training for a monumental bike ride from London to Paris within a strict time period of 24 hours rather than a rather slick Range Rover – welcome to the Duchenne Dash! Gareth is doing this 300km cycle as part of his fundraising attempt for Duchenne UK - if you feel able to donate to his efforts you can find his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/harrybikers I’m sure any amount would be hugely 24

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YOUNG OFF ROADER DETAILS Land Rover Young Off Roader Sessions make great gifts for any child aged between 11-17 and at least 1.45m tall 1 Hour Young Off Roader sessions are £150 Up to two drivers can share the session Sessions can be booked 7 days a week Gift Vouchers can be purchased by calling the centre or online www.yorkshire. landroverexperience.co.uk 01756 611 060

appreciated and put to great use for this worthwhile cause. It was fantastic to meet Harry, Gareth, and the team at Land Rover Experience Yorkshire. We had a great day in the countryside and enjoyed some dramatic off-roading. I wish Gareth all the very best for his bike ride, and I hope both Harry and all those involved with, and benefit from, the wonderful work at Duchenne UK have a prosperous and successful future.

www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/harrybikers

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You Can Help The Local Red Squirrels With Supplementary Feeding or, better still, build our own using the easy to follow instructions provided by Northumberland Wildlife Trust: https://bit.ly/3MWBUTG A RSST spokesman explained: “The ideal food is whole walnuts, cobnuts (hazel), sunflower seed and peanuts in their shells. Fresh apple, pear and carrot will be appreciated but not sweet dried fruit as they are hard for red squirrels to digest. Do not just provide peanuts in their shells as this will cause a nutrient deficiency. “Ideally, the feeder should be six to eight feet off the ground and in a position where you can see and enjoy them and where they don’t have to cross open ground. Don’t forget fresh drinking water – particularly in the summer. It is best to feed regularly every few days as this will also help them maintain their ability to forage for natural food.” For further information about encouraging red squirrels into your garden or land, visit: www.redsquirrels.info/ education/feeding-redsquirrels

We are lucky enough to have red squirrels in our area and at this time of year it is very important to supplementary feed them to help them breed successfully.

t is the mating season, and you will see plenty of courtship activity – chasing through the branches and around the trunks of trees and tail flicking. They will also be busy

collecting material for their dreys. Red squirrels only breed successfully if they are fit, well fed and healthy. This is where the local community can help. The Red Squirrel Survival Trust has released some advice. They say that having spent the winter largely relying on the food they stored away in the autumn, spring is the time when supplementary feeding can be an enormous benefit to the local reds. If you don’t already have a feeder these can be bought online

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All training includes live practical elements, so you will need to bring your laptop! Pens, paper and a networking lunch will be provided. Leave with take away resources including editable social media templates (worth £99!) and exclusive access to our Facebook peer group for support after your learning!

Launch North West ,12B Church Street, Atherton, M46 9DE | Tel: 01942 559306 | launchnw.co.uk

We are looking for start-up businesses under a year old at any stage of its life – from the initial idea through to the first sale or even the first employee. Through the Vision Enablers project, KiN will help you to realise your business dreams as fast as possible, we get you trading from the start. You can access as many workshops as you like, get some 1:1 coaching and meet other business brains like you.

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Sister Led Business Showing the Power of Relationships to the Small Businesses of Lancashire

This year is an especially poignant year for sisters Nichola Howard and Jo Leigh as their business, Launch North West, celebrates its 10th Birthday.

020 was going to be their year. The sisters had spent their Christmas break building a new master plan and this was the year they were finally going to see all the hard work growing their business pay off. The ambitious siblings had grown Launch North West from small beginnings running local artisan markets in 2012 to hosting over 25 networking events per year and co-ordinating three huge annual Business Expo’s by 2019. They had a regular customer base of over 300 businesses from across Greater Manchester and Lancashire and even reached an online audience of over 6 million with one of their Business Expo’s. By working with so many businesses at their expos they had come to realise that many businesses were struggling

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to take advantage of the massive opportunities presented by promoting themselves on the internet. Launch North West took its business expo model to Media City, hosting its first digital specific event helping business owners take advantage of social media marketing. The event was so successful Nichola and Jo were able to develop working partnerships with big name firms including Microsoft, Tech North Advocates, Motionlab, and Macclesfield gamification giants Matmi’s Jeff Coghlan. Following on from their success in Salford, the sisters took the show on the road the following year introducing The Digital Marketing Roadshow to Blackpool, Preston and Wigan. Nichola explains the reason why she was so committed to educating the businesses of the North West. “As a child of the 70’s I prefer physical connection and I didn’t really feel comfortable at first using the internet to build relationships with customers.” www.lancmag.com

Nichola continued “Jo has been in the background helping me with the marketing since I started the business almost 10 years ago, I just didn’t have the time or knowhow to start successfully marketing online. We realised that if we were feeling like that, then others must be also, so we decided to help”. They found that there were actually a lot of resources online for free, from blogs and articles, to full training courses aimed at beginners, like Google Garage, which covers every aspect of digital marketing. While Nichola was learning online, Jo had gone to university to achieve a first-class honours degree in digital marketing at the grand old age of 42. She wanted the cap and gown and the trust and credibility which comes from earning an official qualification. “It was at this point”, Nichola reveals, “that I realised that all of the face-to-face skills that I had developed were just as useful online. Business is just relationships and with a little training Facebook is just the same as face to face” Following on from this work and training, 2020 was starting brightly and the stretch targets they set for themselves only months before seemed easy, turnover was increasing and they even managed to move into their first proper office. They were looking forward to a summer of exciting events and expo’s and launching a new type of event later in the year. What they didn’t see coming was giant tsunami of the global pandemic that saw them lose 60% of their business overnight. All businesses were hit hard by the series of national lockdowns, but the hospitality and events industry in particular were decimated as they were no longer able to host their face-to-face events. Nichola describes how the lockdown affected her business. “We’d built our business by meeting people face to face, I have always been a strong believer in people buy from people, because that’s where the magic happens, from the relationships you build.” The Corona virus totally put a stop to that. The sisters had a choice to make, to give up, or to find a way to make their business work despite the almost impossible circumstances. They decided to find another way. Not everything they tried worked. “We took our networking online for a while but that just wasn’t working for us. I hated zoom”, Nichola said. “Due to Jo’s degree, we were already in the process of developing our portfolio of digital marketing products and services and exploring how we could grow our business further without the heavy reliance on face-to-face events.” The sisters knew that there was still a generation of business owners that have either struggled with the lack of skills to run their business online or didn’t think it was a priority. During Lockdown, online marketing was the only way for the businesses that were allowed to stay open, to keep their customers informed and their shops trading. www.lancmag.com

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 Almost instantly business owners got over their fear of using the internet. Launch NW realised that their customers were feeling the same pains as they were, so they changed its whole business model to be more helpful. “As the entire world was upside down, we chose to look at what we could do rather than what we couldn’t”, said Jo. They reconnected with their business friends and found new ways to help them online – early versions of their new marketing products helped one local skip company triple its turnover and buy out its main competitor – even during the first Lockdown.

by night, ‘The Snug’ won funding from the Arts Council to be able to reach out to new audiences, which meant they needed a new website and a digital marketing apprentice to take control of their social media activity. Jo and Nichola have been training their apprentice Ben on how to directly apply what he has been learning at college to promoting The Snug, setting them up for a better future with solid digital foundations and a consistent brand. Nichola explains. “Our values have stayed the same, we just carried on applying our golden rule of “it’s all about the relationships.”

Jo continues, “We had marketed all our own events for years and had won a few clients off the back of that, so although under our old branding it wasn’t a service we offered, it was something we could most definitely do”.

Jo continued. “Ben is now competent and consistent in his messaging which has helped The Snug transition back into being open to the public and sell tickets to their live music events to a much wider audience. He regularly calls into Launch HQ to sit with me, and we continue to develop his skills as and when he needs it.”

As well as trying out some new products and services helping businesses to stay afloat during the pandemic, the extra time and space enabled the two businesswomen to re-evaluate their plans and their business as a whole.

Even though the UK government rules for social distancing are now over, dealing with the impact of all of the Lockdowns is taking longer than anyone thought – all smaller businesses are taking a long time to recover.

Jo had been dying to do a rebrand on the business and now the pandemic had given them the opportunity and time to do that.

Nichola and Jo understand first-hand the problems businesses are facing right now, and they want to ensure businesses know where to go for the help they need.

They reconfigured everything, from the ground up. As well as their brand getting a refresh, they remodelled their office to be able to deliver training both face to face and online. “With so much uncertainty around larger gatherings, we thought ahead and built a training room so that we could create smaller more controllable events when lockdown finished”. Nichola added. As well as offering group training, Launch NW have begun to train the next generation of marketing apprentices on a one-to-one basis. Local favourite, coffee shop by day and live music venue

For Nichola getting back to face-to-face networking has been really important, with many people still opting for virtual or hybrid events. But for her, seeing people in the flesh is the catalyst she’s been waiting for. “The partnerships we’ve formed are for the benefit of business owners like us, the microbusiness owners, the side hustlers, the freelancers, the people working hard for themselves and the people around them.” One such partnership is that with Bolton business training company, KiN, co-founded by one of the sister’s long-time business mentors. This collaboration means the woman can signpost start-up business owners, who are looking for funded business training and advice, to the people who’ve

Photograph by Noah Leigh. Age 12

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www.lancmag.com

helped and added real value to their own business along the way, with Nichola adding: “Businesses like ours grow outwards not upwards, we touch a lot of people.” The women’s resilience was recently recognised as they were selected as one of only 100 businesses across Greater Manchester to become official partners of The Growth Company. Relationship manager for The Growth Co, Michael Ayres said: “We are delighted that LaunchNW have become an official partner of Business Growth Hub. Nichola and Jo’s expertise and passion for what they do are skills and values that you simply can’t replicate. This partnership represents their enthusiasm to support local businesses and communities, which are needed now more than ever.” Nichola also found herself re-appointed as Wigan Vice President for the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, meaning she is perfectly placed to share the news and updates that matter most to fellow businesses. Her role has also highlighted, through data gathered by GMCC, that many businesses are reporting the same problems, one being the lack of digital skills to enable them to grow, something which has also affected the sisters. Something that really hit home for Jo after completing her degree is the lack of applicable skills with businesses reporting that the people, they’re employing to do their marketing at graduate level, are not work-ready. With the current digital skills gap being a genuine issue for businesses, the sisters included, their focus is now on creating ways to pass on their hands on knowledge and experience to other business owners who are struggling to master the online world of digital marketing. The sisters have found post-pandemic, that business owners, even those who may have been reluctant before, are now understanding the value digital marketing can add to their businesses. The downside? They just don’t get it, or

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how to go about learning the skills they need with many having little or no marketing expertise in the business and no marketing team behind them. “They’re winging it with their marketing and that’s ok to a point, at least they’re having a go.” Jo continues. “With so much information floating about online it can be overwhelming to know which information is useful, much of the advice on the internet is generalised, you can lose hours trying to find the answer to a simple problem. Hours you just don’t have when you’re trying to run a business.” Recognising the role of the ‘accidental marketer’ Jo continues to explain why their new approach is what business owners need right now. “If you’re not in an official marketing role but you carry out the marketing for your business or someone else’s, you’re an accidental marketer. The goal for these courses is to keep time strapped business owners or ‘accidental marketers’ off Google and teach them the right things to focus on for their business.” On a positive note, Nichola again emphasised the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and shares some news for their 10th Birthday celebrations later in the year. “We’re coming home to Blackpool, Blackpool Expo is where we want to be, organising no other business event makes us as happy as when we come to Blackpool, it was our annual reunion and I’ve missed that. So, we’re throwing an Expo Blackpool Style, and inviting the Northwest business community to celebrate our 10th Birthday with us.“ n D www.launchnw.co.uk N 01942 559306 E hello@launchnw.co.uk F @LaunchNorthWest I @launchnorthwest

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ALAN TURING - and His Remarkable Legacy By Margaret Brecknell

One of the 20th-century’s most brilliant minds, Alan Turing, was born 110 years ago this month. Despite his outstanding contribution to the Allied forces’ eventual victory in World War II and his groundbreaking work in the field of computer science, his achievements were never properly recognised during his lifetime and tragically he died a broken man, aged just 41, at his Cheshire home in June 1954. 32

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Above: Alan Turing Memorial in Manchester Credit: Paul Hermans/ CC BY-SA 4.0

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Max Newman, on the foundations of mathematics and was inspired to conduct his own research into probability theory. His dissertation on the subject was considered so innovative that at the age of just 23 he was made a Fellow of King’s College.

Above: Blue plaque at Alan Turing’s Wilmslow home Credit: Joseph Birr-Paxton/CC BY-SA 3.0

a British colony at the time. Within months of his birth, the couple returned to India, leaving Alan and his brother, John, in Sussex to be cared for by family friends. At the age of 13, Turing won a place at Sherborne, one of the country’s leading independent boarding schools. For all his later intellectual achievements, Turing’s schooldays were not an unqualified success. He, unsurprisingly, excelled at Mathematics, but, despite his obvious ability, failed to impress his Chemistry teacher because of a tendency to conduct his own experiments rather than those he was instructed to do. According to his later biographer, Andrew Hodges, Sherborne’s then headmaster was moved to write to Turing’s parents that, “If he is to stay at public school, he must aim at becoming educated. If he is solely to be a Scientific Specialist, he is wasting his time at a public school.”

ere is the remarkable story of the mathematical genius whose final few years were spent here in the North-West. Alan Mathison Turing was born in London on 23rd June 1912. His parents had met and married whilst his father, Julius, was working for the civil service in India, which was still www.lancmag.com

In 1931, Turing won a scholarship to study mathematics at King’s College, Cambridge. At university he had more freedom to develop his own ideas and he began to take a keen interest in the then relatively obscure subject of mathematical logic. After graduating in 1934, he continued to study at Cambridge, attending the lectures of the eminent mathematician,

For several decades mathematicians had been debating the “Decision Problem”, which was first identified, in 1900, by the German academic, David Hilbert. Hilbert had questioned whether it was possible to design a definitive method whereby any mathematical statement could be proved or disproved. It was this question which Turing set out to research in his dissertation. He concluded that no such procedure existed, using the concept of a hypothetical computing device, now known as the “Turing Machine”, to identify those mathematical propositions which cannot be shown to be true or false. This original computing machine, although only theoretical in nature, became the basis for the design of the modern computer. He also introduced the concept of algorithms, which remain a mainstay of computer science today. However, Turing was so ahead of his time that it would be another decade or so before advances in electronic technology allowed his concept to become a reality. Despite his groundbreaking research, Turing initially ran into problems when attempting to have his work published in the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society. Unbeknown to him, an American mathematician named Alonzo Church had also recently published his own research into the “Decision Problem”, coming to the same conclusion as Turing, but using completely different methods. Turing was compelled to revise his own academic paper so that it included a reference to Church’s work before the London Mathematical

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Society finally agreed to publish it. Turing subsequently went to study for his PhD at Princeton University under Church’s tutelage. The mathematician returned home from the United States in 1938 and in September of that year began to work on a part-time basis for the Government Code and Cypher School (known today as GCHQ). Long before the outbreak of World War II, the Germans had been using a cipher machine called the Enigma to send encrypted messages and thus protect important military and diplomatic communications from falling into the wrong hands. As war in Europe became a reality, the need to crack the Enigma code became ever more pressing. Only days after the outbreak of war in September 1939, Turing took up a full-time role with the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire. Bletchley Park had previously served as the family home of a Victorian financier called Sir Herbert Leon. Following the death of Leon’s widow in 1937, the property was acquired by the then head of the British Secret Service, Sir Hugh Sinclair, for use by the Government Code and Cypher School. He is said to have used his own money for the purchase, as Government funds were not forthcoming. Construction of the

first wooden huts, which provided additional working accommodation and space for essential facilities such as a staff canteen, began soon afterwards.

therefore making them much more difficult to decipher.

Throughout the war Bletchley Park served as the headquarters for Britain’s codebreakers, who were given the unenviable responsibility of finding a way to decrypt the coded messages generated by the German Enigma machine. The codebreaking operations at Bletchley Park remained top-secret. All workers were required to sign the Official Secrets Act on arrival at Bletchley Park and, long after the war had ended, they were still not allowed to disclose even to close family the nature of their secret war work.

Turing set to work to develop an innovative new code-breaking machine called the Bombe, which employed some of the same principles as the Polish “bomba”, but operated in an entirely different and more efficient manner. The prototype was unveiled in early 1940 and the first Bombe, based on Turing’s original design, was installed in Hut 1 at Bletchley Park in March. Later the same year, Turing’s colleague, Gordon Welchman, made an important refinement to the Bombe, improving its overall efficiency still further, and by the end of 1940 Bletchley Park staff were able to decipher within hours German Air Force signals.

Polish mathematicians had previously enjoyed some success in deciphering the Enigma machine’s coded messages. Helped by gaining access to a copy of an Enigma operating manual, they developed an electromechanical machine called the “bomba” which enabled them to find the settings used by the German operators of the Enigma. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, they shared their work with British scientists. However, the Germans responded by changing their operating procedures and increasing the complexity of the Enigma codes,

Turing also played a pivotal role in cracking the more sophisticated Enigma code, which was used to send messages to the German submarines on active service in the North Atlantic. Time was of the essence, as German U-Boats were successfully targeting in large numbers the North American cargo ships attempting to transport vital food supplies to Britain. Turing was put in charge of the team in Hut 8, the section which was given the responsibility of cracking the German naval code, and developed a new statistical technique called Banburismus. This

Above: Alan Turing Building at University of Manchester Credit: Mike Peel/CC BY-SA 4.0

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enabled certain sequences to be ruled out automatically and led to a much greater success rate in deciphering German naval signals. With this development, it became easier to track the position of the U-Boats in the North Atlantic and provided the large aid convoys with a much better chance of avoiding them. A similar technique was also employed later in the war to assist in deciphering a new and more sophisticated code which was used by the German High Command to send messages of the highest importance. The significance of the wartime work undertaken by Alan Turing and his colleagues at Bletchley Park cannot be overestimated, although it remained hidden from the view of the general public, both during World War II and for many years afterwards. It has been suggested that the codebreaking operation may have shortened the war in Europe by around two to three years, meaning that many millions of lives were saved. Following the end of World War II, Turing resumed his pioneering work in the field of computers. He was recruited by the National Physical Laboratory at Teddington in SouthWest London to design a new type of calculating machine and came up with an idea which was named “the Automatic Computing Engine” (or “ACE”). Turing did not stay at the National Physical Laboratory long enough to see his concept become a reality. He became disillusioned with the length of time it was taking to build a prototype and in 1948 he joined the recently established Computing Machine Laboratory at the University of Manchester.

describe the revolutionary invention. A lengthy debate followed on the similarities and differences between the human brain and this new manmade machine. Turing himself entered the debate with the publication, in 1950, of an academic paper, Computing Machinery and Intelligence in a scientific journal called Mind. Here, he introduced the concept of what has now become known as the “Turing Test”. The test was designed to address the then hotly debated question of whether machines could think. Turing argued that instead of adopting this overly subjective approach to the question, it was more logical to ask if a machine could solve a conundrum which he called the “imitation game”. At the beginning of the new decade which promised so much, Turing appeared to be at the forefront of the new technological revolution and destined for still greater achievements. Sadly, it did not turn out that way. In February 1952, Turing was arrested for homosexuality (which remained a criminal act under UK law until as recently as 1967) and was subsequently convicted of gross indecency. He opted to undergo hormonal therapy rather than face the alternative prospect of being sent to prison. He had continued to work on a consultancy basis for GCHQ, but was now required to stop as, with a criminal conviction, he was considered a security risk. Two years later, in June 1954,

Turing died from cyanide poisoning at his home in Wilmslow. He is widely believed to have committed suicide. His death remained largely unreported at the time. The vital contribution made by the Bletchley Park codebreakers to the Allied forces’ eventual victory in World War II did not properly come to light until several decades later and it would also be many years before Turing’s pioneering role in the development of computers became widely known. Today Turing’s remarkable achievements are finally properly recognised. In June 2001, a statue of the mathematician was unveiled in Manchester’s Sackville Park. The inscription on the plaque at its base describes him as the “Father of Computer Science, Mathematician, Logician, Wartime Codebreaker and Victim of Prejudice”, which seems an entirely satisfactory way of summarising his great achievements. The 2014 film, The Imitation Game, based on Turing’s life, introduced him to a still greater audience. In 2013 Alan Turing was given a posthumous royal pardon. The official statement concluded that, “A pardon from the Queen is a fitting tribute to an exceptional man”. The British Government subsequently introduced legislation, dubbed “the Turing law”, which enabled other people convicted of now-abolished sexual offences to receive similar posthumous royal pardons. One suspects that Alan Turing would have been especially proud of this legacy.

Turing’s groundbreaking work continued at Manchester. He developed software for the historically important Manchester Mark 1, now acclaimed as one of the earliest computers to store programme instructions electronically in its memory. He also worked on the design for the Ferranti Mark 1, notable today for being the world’s first commercially available general computer. The success of the Manchester Mark 1 was widely reported in the press at the time and soon a new term, “electronic brain”, was coined to www.lancmag.com

Above: Cottages in stable yard at Bletchley Park

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Siromer Tractors and Equipment supports Kelvin Fletcher on his Big Farming Adventure

Local Tractor and Machinery Company, Siromer Tractors, supplied Kelvin with a 5ft Topper. He used his tractor for a variety of different tasks around the farm. Kelvin is probably best known for his role in Emmerdale as Andy Sugden, as well as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 201 9, a model, TV presenter and successful race car driver.

After purchasing a 1 20-acre farm in the Peak District, Kelvin is now taking on his most challenging role to date, as a celebrity farmer! If you have been following Kelvins Big Farming Adventure on BBC TV, then you’ll have seen his “Baptism of Fire” into the world of farming and agriculture. Also starring alongside Kelvin, is his trusty Siromer Lightning Tractor!

Kelvin really enjoyed building his new tractor up from a flat pack and did a fantastic job!

MD of Siromer Tractors, Louise Howard, tells us, “We first met Kelvin at the Great Yorkshire Show, when he visited us on the Siromer stand to share his plans for the new TV series. Obviously, we jumped at the chance to support him with his machinery needs and it was great fun to be on set for technical guidance on our products. We are all very excited to be welcoming him to Siromer HQ on Friday 22nd April and look forward to a Q and A opportunity, as well as Kelvin taking part in a little Siromer Tractor Football challenge on site. The new Siromer Lightning 35hp, 4cyl. Available flatpacked or preassembled this tractor has a dual clutch, shuttle gearbox, dual double acting spool valves, 4wd, power steering, at 1 m wide and 11 50kg

With 4000 tractors in the UK your nearest Siromer owner is less than 1 0 miles away!

Luxury Venue Styling & Event Decor To Add The Perfect Elegant Touches To Your Special Occasion

We have over 1 00 lines of equipment in stock, we can provide the ideal item to do the job. Our range of tractors and machinery, plus 20 years of expertise means that we can supply the right tractor and machinery package for you.

A FULLY STOCKED UK PARTS DEPARTMENT NEXT DAY DELIVERY!

FLAT PACK TRACTORS FULLY BUILT OPTION OR BUILD IT YOURSELF!

E katie@loveletters2hire.co.uk N 07793 145444 / 07793 682351 F @loveletters2hirerv I @loveletters2hire

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IS YOUR WEBSITE ATTRACTING NEW CUSTOMERS AND GROWING SALES… HOW VISIBLE IS IT ONLINE? WE CAN GET YOUR ONLINE MARKETING WORKING HARDER FOR YOU. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING, GOOGLE ADS, COPYWRITING, EMAIL MARKETING, WEBSITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT.

IF YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND WANT TO SEE IT GROW ONLINE, THEN GET IN TOUCH TODAY.

EMAIL US AT HELLO@TEEPEEDIGITAL.COM OR CALL 0161 401 1442.

Where nature meets art in an explosion of love and colour. Our mission is to bring joy to the homes of those who love our creations, through original artwork, canvases, private commissions, home wares and gifts. FI @wildlifeinink | M www.wildlifeinink.com

Love Letters 2 Hire Event Décor and Styling

Sharon and Katie are a Mother and Daughter team, who decided in 2019 to run a side-line business alongside their normal jobs to specialise in luxury venue styling and event decor to add the perfect elegant touches to your special occasion.

ased in the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, they can cover all of the North West and will travel further afield upon request. Both are very creative and enjoy being able to bring a vision to life. Having both worked in hospitality & events in the past, they saw a gap in the market locally. Gradually they added more letters and numbers to their range, with big dreams for the future. During the Pandemic, Katie was unable to work, and Sharon was very busy in her day job, so they decided to develop their side-line and started to create and add flowers, neon signage, centrepieces for occasions and bespoke signage. Fast forward to 2022 and they now have a huge stock range and cater for every event you can imagine! Katie said ‘’Our extensive range of products includes everything from our beautiful white 4ft light up letters and numbers (we stock the entire alphabet, so you can be 38

really creative!), to flower arches with matching centrepieces and garlands, copper arches and neon signs, pampas decor, backdrops, aisle decor, table styling, chair sashes, personalised signage, cake hoops, the list goes on! For any occasion from Weddings, Engagements, Divorce, Christenings, Birthdays, Graduations, Baby Showers, Funerals, Corporate Events, Personalised Signage and more!’’

Pre-made and bespoke packages are available. Please contact us for more information.

Sharon added ‘’So allow us to help you bring your vision to life. We will take the stress out of organising and event styling for you. We also have a wide range of accessories to purchase to add extra sparkle as beautiful gifts or decorations.’’ Delivered direct and collection from your home or party venue.

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E katie@loveletters2hire.co.uk N 07793 145444 / 07793 682351 F @loveletters2hirerv I @loveletters2hire www.loveletters2hire.co.uk www.lancmag.com

As we continue to live our lives on the internet and with internet usage increasing all the time, it has never been more important that businesses reach out to this ever-expanding customer base, especially if they are to grow and prosper.

ou know you need Digital Marketing, but you’ve dipped your toe in the water before, it didn’t work, and now you don’t have the time or resources to tackle it again. But as it’s vital to your success where to go next?. That’s where Teepee Digital comes in. We are experts in digital marketing and if you’re looking for jargon free, honest, and hardworking, look no further. We have years of experience in creating and delivering marketing campaigns that perform and will reflect your true brand values. Working closely with you we tailor our services to meet your exact needs, ensuring you achieve your goals. Our range of online marketing services can either work as an extension of your business or complement your inhouse marketing team. We use creativity and the right technology to ensure we drive campaigns that connect directly with your customers. Thinking and acting quickly we make use of every opportunity that comes your way. Wherever your audience is, we use the right tools at the right time to put you in front of them, and ahead of your competitors.

STILL NOT SURE ABOUT DIGITAL MARKETING? 3 Your website needs to work harder than ever, but is yours performing to the best of its ability? 3 Are you struggling to improve your website ranking on search engines? 3 Do you want to increase your visibility and stand out in this crowded space, reaching new customers? 3 Do you want to develop a marketing strategy and activity plan, but don’t know where to start? 3 You already have a PPC or SEO campaign, but it’s not delivering enough return on investment? 3 Your website is the digital face of your brand. It’s your best salesperson, is it doing its job or are you looking to develop a new one, but need guidance, advice, or help? As markets and consumer awareness continues to grow online, so do the opportunities for businesses using digital marketing as an essential tool in their marketing planning. We work across all industries and sectors and have extensive specialist experience in the leisure, tourism, and hospitality markets. So, contact us today for more information and take the next step to future proof your business.

WE AIM TO DELIVER GREAT RESULTS EVERY TIME, DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT: “Amazing SEO service - when other companies were looking to gain my business, even they were surprised at how quickly Caroline and Su had moved my website up the rankings on google. They were always on hand to quickly answer queries. They explained everything they were doing in an easy-to-understand way, and I would highly recommend them!” Hannah Beard, Pure Wellness. “Teepee Digital have become a true partner and extension of our business. We work closely with the team who have taken ownership of our digital marketing and created successful campaigns that truly reflect our proposition and brand values.” Michelle Ball, IN Leisure Ltd.

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CONTACT CAROLINE OR SU ON:

E hello@teepeedigital.com N 0161 401 1442

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Wildlife In Ink BY HOLLY ARNFIELD

Whether you are up to date on the latest fashion trends or not I think everyone should have some art on their walls! And why not go bold and colourful!

y name is Holly, a Lancashire based artist and I have always been a fan of fine line, black ink illustrations and concentrated on that in my earlier studies. I’ve not totally given up on that style and you can see I add those finer details to my paintings. I enjoy painting wildlife, there are so many subjects to choose from! My bold colourful style gives a new age twist to traditional animal paintings. Bumblebee designs have been popular lately and I am proud to say I have donated a percentage of profits to the bumblebee conservation trust to help save the bees! I am also creating new collections from food art to nudes and floral pieces. In between painting, I am running around after my 3-year-old boy Elvis. He tries to help me with the painting but he’s more of an abstract fan, but 40

also a very good art critic as he always comments on how I should paint him more giant pink doughnuts!

opportunity to be used by independent makers and small businesses, to get the high street exciting again!

From October to December last year, I threw myself into running my own high street store.

I am currently on the hunt for another unit to showcase my products, like home accessories, lifestyle products and clothing, alongside my artwork.

I always thought that at some point in the future I would strive to have a high street shop, but the opportunity to try a pop-up shop in the centre of Lancaster came my way and it was a complete success! I was based in the St Nicholas Arcades, unfortunately, the unit was not available again. It would be amazing to see more empty units on high streets giving the

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Head over to my social media channels and website for more updates and sneak peeks into new and exciting pieces I am working on, from stylish art commissions to new home-ware designs.

FI @wildlifeinink M www.wildlifeinink.com www.lancmag.com

FANTASTIC THINGS TO WATCH AT THE DUKES THIS JUNE From stories about the most successful woman you’ve probably never heard of, to innovative award winning theatre with music by UK music sensations The Staves, The Dukes, Lancaster has entertainment in its plentiful this June. Full English - Fri 3rd June Tickets £8-£15 WINNER: Best Stage Production 2021 - Asian Media Awards ‘Us kids aren’t English, they aren’t Pakistani. They’re ours. And we love ‘em for it” Full English explores personal histories from the Canterbury Estate, where Natalie Davies grew up, along with her mother and her Nan, Cath - a reggae loving, dance enthusiast. Back in the late fifties, migrant workers started to arrive from Pakistan and Bangladesh. These young men soon met and started to fall in love with local lasses, including Natalie’s Nan - Cath. Using first hand stories, Full English is a poignant, funny and life-affirming homage to the strength of women. Those who married Pakistani men and brought up mixed race children. Those who struggled with their identity. Those whom never really belonged to any particular culture or race. Those who constantly had to stand up against racists. Those who just didn’t care. Because, let’s face it, who is full English anyway? Just as Natalie becomes a mother herself, her beloved Nan is diagnosed with dementia. Full English charts Natalie’s journey as she attempts to piece together the fragments of her own identity through understanding the courage & tenacity of her Nan’s story. What emerges is a love letter between young people who loved across the boundaries, to Natalie’s Nan, to Bradford and to the courage of women everywhere facing prejudice.

As a child, doctors told Beryl that she could never take part in strenuous activities due to a heart condition. When she met future husband Charlie, and he introduced her to the local cycling club, her life changed forever. Proving that she can do anything she put her mind to, Beryl went on to become the greatest woman on two wheels, dominating the sport in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s: five times world-pursuit champion, thirteen times national champion, twice road-racing world champion, twelve times national champion, British record-holder, world-record holder, MBE, OBE. Sometimes it’s the stories that are true that are the most unbelievable. By Maxine Peake. An Oldham Coliseum Theatre production directed by Chris Lawson.

We’ve Got Each Other - Sat 16th June Tickets: £12 The almost entirely imagined Bon Jovi Musical. With the modern jukebox musical traditionally comes a multitalented cast, a live band (or orchestra if you are lucky), opulent sets and decadent costumes, extravagant dance routines, dramatic key changes and the odd hydraulic lift or two. We’ve Got Each Other has none of these things (they cost a lot of money), but Paul still tries to create this all singing, all dancing spectacle using the powers of your imaginations. We’ve Got Each Other is a laugh out loud show celebrating jukebox musicals, Bon Jovi, and the community that is formed when people come together and… believe. After all, we’ve got each other… and that’s a lot for love!

Beryl - Tue 7th - Sat 11th June Tickets: £10-£18 Beryl Burton: quite possibly the most successful woman you’ve never heard of. When actress Maxine Peake was given cyclist Beryl Burton’s autobiography as a gift she questioned why no one had ever written a play about Britain’s unsung sporting legend, and so she wrote it herself. The result is an inspirational tour de force fuelled by rhubarb, northern charm and fierce determination. 42

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The Staves Write Original Song For New Theatrical Production Blood Harmony This is a powerful new play by award-winning theatre company, ThickSkin building on their successful partnership with the Lawrence Batley Theatre - the co-producers behind the five-star show, How Not To Drown (Fringe First winner and Hector Macmillan Award 2019). Blood Harmony is written by Matthew Bulgo, co-directed by Jonnie Riordan and Jess Williams, composed by The Staves, with musical direction and arrangements by Kate Marlais, design by Hayley Grindle, sound design by Lee Affen, and lighting design by Charly Dunford. The team deliver ThickSkin’s trademark physicality and cinematic style in this stunning new production. Henry Filloux-Bennett, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Lawrence Batley Theatre said “We are incredibly excited to bring Blood Harmony to the stage with ThickSkin. This will be our third collaboration and we can’t wait for the unique combination of The Staves’ music and ThickSkin’s extraordinary physical storytelling.”

BLOOD HARMONY MEANING: the unique and beautiful sound created when siblings sing together A new live stage production created by Matthew Bulgo, Jonnie Riordan and Jess Williams Music by The Staves. Indie folk trio, The Staves, are famous for their soulful harmonies. The band of three sisters wrote their most recent album, Good Woman, following the loss of their mother. Inspired by the music of The Staves, Matthew Bulgo (Last Christmas, #YOLO), Jonnie Riordan (Nigel Slater’s Toast, The Witchfinder’s Sister) and Jess Williams (The Boy With Two Hearts, Beginning) came together to create a powerful new play about love, loss and legacy. www.lancmag.com

Music by The Staves will be woven through the show with exclusive new arrangements by Kate Marlais (Enter Achilles, Fatherland) sung live by the talented cast of three women. The band have also created an original song exclusively for this unique production. Blood Harmony shares the story of a fractured trio of sisters, pulled back together with news that turns their worlds upside down. Tensions from the past and worries about the future leave them feeling paralysed. When it feels like your world has come to a stop, how do you find a way to keep moving forward?

Neil Bettles, Artistic Director of ThickSkin said, “I am thrilled that our ongoing relationship with the Lawrence Batley Theatre has made it possible for us to create ThickSkin’s first live show since How Not To Drown in 2019. Blood Harmony started its life at the beginning of the pandemic and it feels like we have been on such a journey to get here. It’s an incredibly moving and powerful play about sisterhood and the bonds that hold us together and I think it will speak to anyone who’s ever lost someone they love. I am also incredibly excited that the show features live singing, and uses original music by The Staves which is woven into the words to create a beautiful and atmospheric heartbeat to the show.”

Blood Harmony will tour to The Dukes on Fri 24th - Sat 25th June. Tickets from £10.

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The Dukes Award-Winning Outdoor Theatre Returns With The Jungle Book The Jungle Book - July 22nd - August 28th Tickets: £15 - £22.50

villains Shere Kahn & Kaa is told as the audience follow the drama by moving from one wonderful location to another.

The Dukes award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre season returns to Lancaster’s Williamson Park this summer for a great Jungle adventure in Williamson Park.

Full of catchy songs, wondrous characters and clever costumes, this laugh out loud adventure will sprinkle magic on your summer.

Following on from last-years sold out performances of Grimm Tales, The Dukes will delight audiences once again when it presents The Jungle Book from July 22-August 28.

The Dukes has welcomed thousands of audience members over the years, take a look at some of the images below of our previous park show spectacles… DON’T MISS OUT ON THE JUNGLE BOOK THIS YEAR!

Step into the jungle of Lancaster’s Williamson Park as this adventurous story is told by our heroic wolves, cheeky monkeys and jungle creatures as our audience are led through all the twists and turns of this famous story adapted by Andrew Pollard. With the enchanting park as their backdrop, this epic setting for the story of Mowgli, Baloo and the infamous

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TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED Online: D dukeslancaster.org Box Office: N 01524 598500 Email: E tickets@dukeslancaster.org

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By Sarah Ridgway

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in 1791. The convenient route from Bury to Manchester could efficiently transport coal and other materials The Bolton and Leigh Railway started to transport goods in 1828 and was the oldest railway in Lancashire. In 1928 the railway began transporting passengers and the Great Moor Street station opened. Initially, the operating route connected Bolton to Leeds and the Liverpool Canal in Leigh before an extension in 1929 connected the Manchester to Liverpool Line. Bolton was the third-largest engineering hub in Lancashire at the start of the 19th Century behind Manchester and Oldham and known as a boomtown. After the First World War, the cotton trade began to die out, and the textile industry was all but finished in Bolton by the 1980s.

The vibrant town of Bolton has been voted one of the friendliest places in the UK and is a colourful town with award-winning markets, historic buildings, and plenty of culture.

he once Lancashire town now a part of Greater Manchester also has quick access to the rural countryside of the West Pennine Moors. Despite being only a 15-minute train journey into Manchester City Centre the town has affordable properties with a good selection of excellent schools. The University of Bolton is well known for its courses in engineering and IT and 70% of its students are from the Bolton area and the North West. The town is home to Bolton Wanderers FC who in 1888 was one of the 12 founder members of the Football League and won the first-ever Wembley FA Cup Final in 1923. The multicultural town is also a fantastic place to head for a good curry. The Hot Chilli restaurant has won the crown of Best curry in

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the UK at the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway awards and there are plenty of other award-winning curry houses to choose from if you can’t get a table. The Ye Olde Man & Scythe is a great place for a pint and is one of Britain’s oldest pubs with the historic building dating back to around 1251. Bolton’s rich industrial heritage began with Flemish weavers settling in the area in the 14th century founding a thriving wool and cotton industry. The then Lancashire mill town was at the centre of the industrial revolution as one of the country’s largest producers of cotton, at its height in 1911 the textile industry employed around 36,000 local people, in 1929 Bolton had 216 cotton mills. In 1779 Bolton inventor Samuel Crompton invented the Spinning Mule which would go to revolutionise the textile industry throughout the world, although he was never properly compensated for his invention. Improved transport links boosted further Bolton’s textile industry including the arrival of the Manchester & Bury canal completed

In 1979 well-loved Boltonian steeplejack Fred Dibnah put Bolton back on the map when he was discovered after being filmed for the BBC news while working on the Bolton Town Hall. Off the back of his short news appearance, Fred went on to star in a film all about his unique profession. It was very unusual during this period for the subject of a television show to be a non-celebrity, but the Lancashire tradesman then aged 41 soon won the hearts of the nation. The documentary hit the screens in 1979 and won two awards. His Grade II listed home was lovingly converted into a heritage centre for fans to view his collection of tools and machinery but has since closed. The steeplejack went on to work continuously in the media and was awarded an MBE in 2003, the well-loved personality died from cancer in 2004 aged 66. Thousands of well-wishers lined the streets of Bolton for his funeral, and his son rode on a steam engine alongside the star’s coffin with Dibnah’s iconic flat cap laid on top of it. A statue in Oxford Street was constructed in his memory and one of the plaques at the base of the statue reads: “Steeplejack and demolition expert, intuitive engineer, steam enthusiast, a devotee of industrial heritage, raconteur and television celebrity, revered son of Bolton, 1938-2004” Behind Fred’s statue is a glass housed Corliss Steam Engine the perfect companion for the steam age enthusiast.

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Bolton Town Hall

A HUB OF CULTURE The Bolton Octagon was the first theatre to be built in the North West since World War One and was officially opened by Princess Margaret on 27 November 1967. Annie and Fannie was the theatre’s first production and was written by local playwright Bill Naughton.

genres, including plays, musicals, and comedies and many are created and performed by local talent.

Jim Cartwright, another local playwright, was the theatre’s writer in residence during the late eighties. Cartwright is now a multi-awardwinning playwright who has written and directed for the screen and stage. His works have been showcased on the West End of London and Broadway. After a financial crisis in 1999, the theatre’s right to keep producing its shows was maintained after gathering over 12,000 signatures for a “Keep theatre made in Bolton” campaign.

Albert Halls is another of Bolton’s entertainment hubs and began life in 1873 hosting concerts, exhibitions, shows and events in the town for over 100 years. In November 1981 the venue caught fire and thankfully some of the buildings managed to be saved. The structural premise of the building remained mainly intact, but the roof collapsed and most plasterwork, fittings and the Grand Organ were destroyed. Once the damage was surveyed it was decided to redevelop the Albert Halls into two new modern venues. The lower level was redesigned to include Festival Hall a more intimate venue for a smaller audience and the top level is the Albert Hall for larger performances.

2017 marked the Octagon’s 50th year before the curtain came down in 2018 for a major £12 million twoyear refurbishment, performances continued operating in other venues across the town during its closure. Today, it produces professional theatre productions from a broad range of

Since 2017 the stunning Grade II building has showcased a varied entertainment calendar including pantomimes, musicals and stands up acts. The town’s favourite son Peter Kay has performed on its stage, and the building also accommodates weddings and conferences.

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Rivington Pike Tower

Rivington Pike and Winter Hill above Anglezarke Reservoir

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AWARD-WINNING MARKETS Bolton has been a market town since 1251, today the town’s main market is located on Ashburner Street in the town’s centre with over 300 stalls spread across the indoor and outdoor location. The market’s new lifestyle hall has quickly gained a reputation as a top foodie location and won Best Food Market at the BBC Radio Four Farming Awards in 2011, Best Indoor Retail Market in 2010 by the National Association of British Market Authorities and Tourism Retailer of the Year 2009 at the Manchester Tourism Awards. The hall houses artisan coffee traders, a patisserie, and lots of delicious food vendors. The original Bolton Market Hall opened in 1855 and was known to be the largest covered market in the country at that time. In 1988 it underwent a £25 million refurbishment and was officially reopened by the Queen as the Market Place Shopping Centre which houses big retail brands such as Zara, Next and H&M. Shoppers can find the atmospheric Vaults Dining and Leisure Venue in the basement of the shopping centre. The historic vaults date back to the original market hall of the 1800s and have been carefully restored to house a variety of restaurants and makes a unique spot to dine at with a variety of restaurants to choose from.

NATIONAL TREASURE: PETER KAY Peter Kay was born in Bolton in 1973 and has become one the most successful stand-up comedians in the country and still lives in the town. The proud Boltonian is the town’s national treasure and as a schoolboy, one of his first jobs was delivering the Bolton Evening News for a modest weekly wage of £3.50. The star often takes inspiration from his hometown and set his brilliant sitcom Phoenix Nights in a Bolton working men’s club. He left school with one GCSE and undertook a variety of menial jobs in a variety of places including, a toilet roll factory, a bingo hall, and the Manchester Arena before he went on to study Media, Music, and Performance at the University of Salford. He began to perform on the stand-up circuit part-time and won the North West Comedian of the Year award, in 1997 he won Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny contest. Kay’s show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival was nominated for a prestigious Perrier Award and after this newfound attention, he co-wrote That Peter Kay Thing for Channel 4. Off the back of this, he co-wrote Phoenix Nights with David Spikey who also co-starred in it, and the sitcom ran for two series winning a BAFTA award for best comedy. The comedian has also had huge success in the charts with three of his songs reaching number one, all were comedy songs to raise money for charities such as Comic Relief and Children in Need. Kay holds the Guinness World Record for the most successful comedy tour for his 2010/2011 where he tickled the funny bones of over 1.2 million people. His autobiography The Sound of Laughter was one of the UK’s best-selling autobiographies of all time. After an absence from our television screens, the comedian returned with Peter Kay’s Car Share starring just him and Sian Gibson who also co-wrote it. It ran for two series also including an unscripted episode for Children in Need and a final episode to give the series closure in 2018. Car Share won Best Comedy for three consecutive years at the National Television Awards and BAFTAS for Best Male Comedy Performance and Best Scripted Comedy. The comedian last 50

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Jumbles Reservoir, Jumbles Country Park

performed live in August 2021 for two charity shows at the Manchester Apollo. The shows sold out in 30 minutes and Kay performed them solely to raise money for 20-year-old Manchester University student Laura Nuttall’s brain cancer treatment. Laura and her family were in the audience.

THINGS TO DO IN BOLTON Bolton Museum Art Gallery & Aquarium Le Mans Crescent is a stunning Grade II listed crescent and home to the Bolton Museum, Art Gallery, Central Library and Aquarium. The museum houses an impressive collection of Egyptian artefacts and is a great spot to learn about the history of Bolton. Bolton’s original library on Victoria Square was one of the earliest public libraries that opened to the public in 1852 and the original library building still stands in Victoria Square. Greater Manchester’s only public aquarium is based in the building and first opened in 1941 with over 70 varieties of fish hailing from all over the world. Bolton Food and Drink Festival The popular food festival is held over the August bank holiday weekend and has become one of the biggest food events in the UK. It will return for its 17th year this August Bank Holiday weekend and world-renowned celebrity chefs such as James Martin, Ainsley Harriott and the Hairy Bikers will be heading back to Bolton. Throughout the day chefs will showcase their skills by performing cooking demonstrations for a live audience. Visitors can also enjoy an array of food and drink vendors, live music, entertainment, and lots of interactive activities for all the family to enjoy. Bolton Steam Museum The Steam engine enthusiasts’ heaven sits on the old Atlas Mills site. The venue houses up to 30 stationary steam engines and the display includes some very rare and unique ones. Smithills Hall The Hall is one of the oldest manor houses in the region and one of the best-preserved. Visitors can wander through its historic corridors to soak up its Tudor and Victorian history, the hall is said to be haunted so keep an eye out for some paranormal activity. Rivington Pike Rivington Pike boasts one of the best viewpoints of the region, and the route will take walkers past a Japanese garden, Brere’s Meadow, Rivington Terraced Gardens, Lever Bridge amongst other notable sites dependent on the chosen route. Don’t forget a well-deserved ice cream from the van at Lower House Car Park when you finish. Jumbles Country Park Jumbles is a great place for an afternoon walk and the path around the reservoir is a popular walking trail. As you wander through the woodlands you will spot a variety of birdlife and there is a fishing area at the northern end of the reservoir. www.lancmag.com

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Celebrating The Queen’s By Sarah Ridgway

Credit: Shaun Jeffers / Shutterstock.com

2022 marks a monumental occasion for the Queen who marks an incredible 70 years of service and is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. 52

he historic milestone will be celebrated across the United Kingdom over an especially extended four-day bank holiday weekend, from June 2nd to Sunday 5th June.

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Expect lots of public events and a street party or two and don’t forget to purchase a special souvenir to commemorate the occasion. For the accomplished bakers, the Queen has also launched a competition in collaboration with royal favourite www.lancmag.com

PLATINUM JUBILEE 2022 Fortnum & Mason to create the perfect Platinum Pudding recipe. UK residents aged 8 and over are invited to take part, with Mary Berry on the judging panel the pressure is on to find the perfect Platinum Pudding fit for the Queen. Thursday 2nd June will host The Queen’s Birthday Parade-Trooping the Colour) over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will mark the Queen’s 96th birthday in spectacular fashion. Last year the Queen’s official Birthday June parade was a scaled-back version so it will be wonderful to welcome back the crowds of well-wishers. This momentous occasion is tinged with sadness as the Queen will celebrate it without her beloved husband of 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh who died last April. Prince Phillip’s 100th birthday which would have taken place on 10 June 2021, instead, the Queen enjoyed lunch at Windsor Castle with close family but still issued a public statement thanking the public including the touching sentiment below: “My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.”

Credit: Lois GoBe / Shutterstock.com

An Impressive Birthday The Platinum Jubilee falls alongside the Queen’s 96th Birthday, an interesting fact many might not be aware of is the Queen has two birthdays her actual birthday is on April 21, but June is when the official celebrations happen. The tradition of two birthdays was started by King George II in 1978, because if a British monarch’s birthday is not in the summer, then they are required to have a second official birthday. The King’s birthday fell in November, and he wanted to ensure good weather for the trooping of the Colour parade so added an extra summer date. The Queen’s official birthday celebrations in the UK are usually commemorated on the second Saturday of June and the parade has marked the official birthday of the British monarchy for over 260 years. The Queen’s official birthday celebrations traditionally begin in the morning with the Trooping of the Colour which many of the Royal family members attend. The military parade dates to the 17th Century and is performed by more than 1,400 soldiers, including 200 horses and 400 musicians. The participants make up “the Household Division’’ which is one of the oldest regiments of the British army. The colours are a

Credit: Lorna Roberts / Shutterstock.com

display of different regiments of the British army. Once the Queen leaves Buckingham Palace in a carriage the parade will officially begin. The parade then goes along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and then returns. The Queen is welcomed by a Royal salute and then proceeds to inspect the troops. After the military bands have finished performing the Regimental flag is processed down the ranks of soldiers. After the Foot Guards have marched past, The Queen carriage returns to Buckingham Palace at the head of the soldiers before taking a salute again at the Palace from a dais. The Queen and members of the Royal family then gather on the balcony at Buckingham Palace followed by a 41gun salute in Green Park and enjoy a thrilling air show by the RAF’s display team the Red Arrows. Queen Elizabeth attended her first Trooping of the Colour in 1947 as a young princess and rode in on 54

horseback behind her father. The only time she has missed the parade was when it was cancelled in 1955 due to a national rail strike. At the 1981 parade, a 17-year boy shot blanks at the Queen as she rode by, but the resilient monarch still decided to finish the parade. Up until 1987 the Queen attended the parade on horseback and rode her beloved horse Burmese for 18 years who was a gift from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Queen’s love for horses began as a child and she grew up around them. Her first riding lesson took place at Buckingham Palace aged four on a Shetland pony named Peggy. The Queen is often spotted riding without a hard hat, preferring a silk scarf instead. When asked why she said, ‘I never have, and you don’t have to have your hair done like I do.’ During the lockdown, the Queen continued to ride and was often seen on the grounds of Windsor riding her horse.

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A Remarkable Life Queen Elizabeth II is the longestreigning British monarch and has led a remarkable life. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on April 21st, 1936 to parents the Duke and Duchess of York, her father would later be King George VI. When WW2 broke out in 1939 Princess Elizabeth was just 13 years old. She and her sister Princess Margaret were evacuated to Windsor Castle. Despite being so young Princess Elizabeth was reported to have asked her father if she could enlist but would wait five years until she could join the war effort. In 1944 Princess Elizabeth turned 18 and again insisted on joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service, which is the women’s branch of the British Army. It was normal for unmarried women under 30 to join the armed forces but not a young princess. Despite her royal status, her father ensured she was not given a special rank in www.lancmag.com

Credit: Chris Allan / Shutterstock.com

the Army. Princess Elizabeth began as the second subaltern and was later promoted to Junior Commander which is equivalent to captain. In March 1945 she began training as a mechanic, she also took a driving and vehicle maintenance course at Aldershot. Once she qualified the newspapers dubbed her “Princess Auto Mechanic”. When the war ended in 1945 thousand took to the streets to celebrate, dressed in her ATS uniform the Princess and her sister secretly joined the crowds on the streets. The Queen later told the BBC she was so terrified of being spotted that she pulled her uniform cap over her eyes to avoid detection. There are reports that the young princesses joined a conga dance through the Ritz Hotel. The Queen later said, “I think it was one of the most memorable nights of my life.” In 1939 a handsome 18-year-old cadet caught the eye of the 13-yearold Princess at Dartmouth Naval www.lancmag.com

College. Thus began an enduring friendship and she and Prince Phillip exchanged letters during the war and kept a picture of him in her room. In 1947 after Elizabeth’s 21st Birthday despite the prince not being the King’s first choice the couple’s engagement was announced. They married in 1947 at Westminster Abbey in front of 2000 guests. Their eldest son Prince Charles was born a year later, Princess Anne in 1950, 10 years later in 1960 Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward in 1964. On 6 February 1952, the young couple’s relatively normal was about to change forever when King George VI died aged just 56 and Princess Elizabeth only 25 years old. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place the following year on 2 June 1953 was watched by over 20 million on television around the world. The duke was a huge support to his wife in her role as head of state and he accompanied her to as many events as he could where they would often be spotted sharing a joke. They worked well together, and the duke said the strength of their relationship was having time apart saying, “It’s the secret of a happy marriage to have different interests.” The Queen liked to spend time with her dogs and horses while Prince Philip enjoyed running the family estates.

In 2012 Prince Harry noted his grandparent’s relationship: “Regardless of whether my grandfather seems to be doing his own thing, sort of wandering off like a fish down the river - the fact that he’s there, personally, I don’t think she could do it without him.” Prince William also noted, “He makes her laugh because some of the things he says and does and the way he looks at life is obviously slightly different than her, so together they’re a great couple.” In 2017 the duke retired from public service and other members of the Royal family would accompany the Queen on her official duties. The duke liked to spend much of his time at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Although, during the pandemic, the pair chose to shield together at Windsor Castle which would have allowed the couple to spend more time than ever together which is a touching sentiment to their 73-year marriage. On 29 March the Queen joined family members at Westminster Abbey for a memorial service for the Duke of Edinburgh to celebrate his life, making it even more poignant in June when the country will celebrate the incredible life and achievements of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

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The life of Di

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

LIFE’S A PRICELESS RIGMAROLE

ot sure if life’s always been a priceless rigmarole and I’ve somehow never noticed – not impossible given I wasn’t always grumpy old womanhood personified. However, it’s indubitably one nowadays, and on balance I’m inclined to blame modern influences: I certainly remember a time when an unwanted phone call meant nothing worse than a careless dialler, or one’s aunty phoning in the middle of the rugby. I also remember when turning on the TV produced fewer warnings than a cockpit manned by Frank Spencer - in the teeth of a raging hurricane: If we’re not being warned that crime dramas contain scenes of violence, (well hey, and there one was expecting tips on Lepidoptera and flower-arranging), it’s that the Good Karma Hospital contains scenes of surgery, (not crocheting? Who knew), or else that the likes of Grantchester reflect the language and attitudes of the time, (so not our studious political correctness? Bring on the smelling salts).. Even news reports from warzones are now preceded by warnings of scenes disturbing – as opposed perhaps to Paula Guerin tiptoeing through the tulips reciting Enid Blyton? Both quantitatively and qualitatively, it’s astonishing what we need warning about these days- but then it’s astonishing what needs to go into any process – which tends to resemble a cross between Hampton Court Maze, and the Grand National. I phoned my electricity company the other day to ask if they could quit sending me unannounced meterreaders, who with my eyesight could be

anyone but the queen of Sheba - so they were stopping on the front step: I could fetch a friend or family member round to read the meter for me, then duly phone it in, or if absolutely necessary, I’d submit to an expert doing it, provided I knew when they were coming. A complete and unannounced stranger however was no more getting let in than the big bad wolf, though they huffed and puffed themselves silly - and flashed everything but the kitchen sink at me. The woman seemed to get it, said she’d cross me off the list, that they could contact me when they needed a meter-reading - and then spoilt everything by concluding that if the van was in the area, the guys might come round anyway. Well so much for that. Had I not made it clear what wouldn’t happen if they did, and that this, moreover, was surer than a computer “update” causing everything thereafter to zip along at roughly the speed of a snail with a serious limp? Anyone would think they didn’t want to save their time – any more than they clearly placed any valuation whatsoever on mine. It’s not even as if I need any help whatever in the kerfuffle department, being more than capable of creating oodles of the stuff all by myself. Just minutes before I was going out with a friend the other day, I found a leftover Dominos dip from my entertainment of another friend the day before, and which had obviously rolled onto the floor: Which would’ve been fine had I Not found it by stepping on it, causing it to detonate like a bomb, sending garlic and herb dip in all directions, including to

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be plastered all over my nice smart trousers, the side of the couch, everything thereon, and any carpet in the vicinity. With time only to get changed, and frantically throw a bit of wet kitchen roll around, I felt I’d no choice but to phone my mum and ask if she could come round and take a look for me - not if I wanted to return to a carpet less than permanently sticky, and best suited to warding off vampires. So while I swanned off out for a rare afternoon tea, I was guiltily aware that thanks to me, my mum’s Sunday afternoon had just got a whole lot less sedate and civilized – which wasn’t at all what I’d had in mind – and not the best preparation. The afternoon tea however was both a distraction, and a revelation. Laid on by my friend’s friend, for no other purpose than the enjoyment of her friends, it was like a spread from Alice in Wonderland, though thankfully minus mad hatters, flustered white rabbits, or demented executioners. The desserts in particular equalled pure fairytale on plates - sumptuous chocolate confections with malteesers, coconut creations topped with jelly beans, rich, decadent mousses full of after eight mints. All was delightful, creative, and enchanting, providing in addition a seductive foretaste of Easter. So, in a different way did a trip to Lytham with my parents the next weekend, incorporating spitfires, lakes, sunshine, birdsong, and the truly stunning flowers of Lowther Gardens. And what both outings had in common was their remarkable freedom from rigmarole.

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Lancashire Communities Encouraged to Sign Up and Receive Flood Warnings With New Service Launched

• The Environment Agency has launched a new local service aimed at providing early warning of flooding in four communities across Lancashire • The new service will see warning messages sent when there is an imminent risk of flooding and helps people make informed decisions about how to respond • Residents can register for the new service for free and choose to receive notifications via phone call or text.

he Environment Agency has launched a new warning service, which will warn residents of any imminent risk of flooding, in four communities across Lancashire including Upper River Darwen at Darwen, Sabden Brook and Badger Well Water at Sabden, Syd Brook at Eccleston and Sefton Street Watercourse at Brierfield. The new flood warnings cover 378 properties and will see a warning message issued when flooding is forecast and again to warn users if impacts are likely Residents can register for the new service for free and choose to receive notifications via phone call or text. Flood Warnings tell people about an imminent risk of flooding to their home or business and helps people make informed decisions about how to respond. There are three types of warning – Flood Alert, Flood Warning and Severe Flood Warning. Householders are encouraged to prepare if they receive a Flood Alert which could mean packing a bag that includes medicines, insurance documents and anything else they wouldn’t want to lose if flooding were to take place.

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A Flood Warning calls on people to act now which means turning off gas, water and electricity and moving family and pets to safety. A Severe Flood Warning means you are in immediate danger and to follow advice from emergency services. Elizabeth Abraham, Environment Agency Flood Resilience Advisor, said: “We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority. “These warnings are there to help people prepare for, and become more resilient to, flooding incidents and this new service will allow people to take appropriate action when flooding is forecast. We would encourage all of those in the affected area and across Lancashire, to sign up for our free warnings for both their safety and peace of mind.” Additional funding from the Government has enabled the Environment Agency to invest in the latest technology and infrastructure needed to provide a flood warning service in Lancashire and over 200 other communities across England. This latest expansion follows on from a new service in 2021 to Blackburn and Wennington. In total an additional 62,000 properties at risk of flooding will receive Flood Warnings between now and the end of 2022. It is an important part of the implementation of the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy to better protect businesses and homes from flooding and create climate resilient places. Home and business owners will be auto enrolled to the Flood Warning service via their mobile network. However, to get the most benefit out of the service the Environment Agency is encouraging people to register directly with them by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188, or visiting https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings where they can register preferred contact details. www.lancmag.com

Multi Award Winning Debt Collection Agency

Athena Collections is a hybrid Receivables Management and Debt Collection Agency. We specialise in all types of credit activity from early stage accounts receivables to late stage post insolvency proceedings and everything in-between. A Thorough, Highly Effective Nationwide Agency. We are passionate about the debt collection service that we offer to our customers and pride ourselves on resolving organisational debt issues with diligence and sensitivity. Our most noteworthy aim other than to recover what is rightfully yours is to maintain your relations with your current clients, where possible, to allow an ongoing relationship. As an innovative debt collection agency we like to be at the forefront of regulatory change and combining this with our good practice we like to ensure we always get the best results for our clients.

NEAR, FAR, WHEREVER YOU ARE, IT DOESN’T MATTER, WE CAN HELP E contact@athenacollections.co.uk N 020 3865 9319

7 TOP TIPS

on How to Avoid Getting Bad Debts Andrew Athineos, Managing Director of Athena Collections, a hybrid Receivables Management and Debt Collection Agency provides some insight and top tips for avoiding debts during this period of ongoing uncertainty.

ong before restrictions were imposed in the UK in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the economic climate was suffering. Now after numerous lockdowns coupled with post-Brexit uncertainty, the true knock-on effect is still unknown in terms of what the final impact will be for the future of the UK economy. In many ways, this appears to be the calm before the storm in an economic sense; however, any sane person could hardly call it “calm”. We are facing exceptional times and we are often asked whether it is appropriate or even inconsiderate for a business to ask for payment of their debts at this time. TIME TO ASK In short, it’s never inappropriate or inconsiderate to ask for payment for goods or services already provided. Due consideration should of course be given and, assuming the customer keeps lines of communication open, both parties should try to work through this together. Repaying debts in full and on time at the moment may seem like a pipe dream, but it’s imperative that companies have multiple layers of processes in place to ensure that any non or late payment is caught early to ensure open and effective dialogue can commence. Businesses should not be discouraged from asking for what is rightfully theirs. It is inevitable that thousands of businesses will face insolvency during this time and with that debts may increase, causing a domino effect. Action needs to be taken at an early stage to ensure you’re at the front of the queue. 60

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HERE ARE OUR SEVEN TOP TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID GETTING BAD DEBTS

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ENSURE INVOICES GO OUT ON TIME Don’t leave invoices a second longer than their due date. Consider bringing in your payment terms, keeping in mind the impact this could have on your customer.

FOLLOW UP At least seven days before the invoice is due, contact the client to ensure it has been received and there are no queries; also try to get your customer to commit to a payment date. You don’t want to miss the monthly payment run and find out that you’ll have to wait another month to be paid, putting your cashflow under pressure. Remember, it is your payment terms they agreed to when entering a contract with you!

NEVER ASSUME FULL PAYMENT While your invoice should always be paid in full, you should never assume that it will be. Find out early (see point two) what your client’s intentions are. If they can’t pay in full, agree written payment terms. This does two things: first, it provides admission in writing, and secondly it confirms the agreement so there is no ambiguity if later down the line a default occurs.

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KEEP IN TOUCH Make sure you contact your customers regularly and keep an eye out for early warning signs that they won’t be able to pay. Then if they don’t pay as per the agreed terms, don’t be afraid to put the account on hold or switch to payment on account. It makes no commercial sense to allow the debt to grow larger when it is evident they can’t sustain the current situation. Monitor them carefully.

DON’T MAKE EMPTY THREATS If the relationship with your customer has broken down and is irreparable, consider what is best for your business and take action. But don’t say you’ll do something and then not do it, unless there’s good reason; otherwise you’ll lose credibility and anything you say afterwards is unlikely to have the desired effect. Rest assured - if you don’t take action someone else will.

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ASK FOR A DEPOSIT Depending on the size of the transaction, consider asking for security in the form of a deposit upfront, a personal guarantee or lien over goods (do your due diligence to ensure the person has the means to pay if their company cannot do so). ACT FAST Don’t allow a debt fester because it will only get worse. Make sure you have the necessary conversation with the customer - and stand your ground. If there is a deadlock situation you should try to resolve it amicably, but remember that it must be on your terms and for the good of your business. If you can’t come to an agreement, you may want to consider taking additional action such as employing the services of a debt collection agency. Typically, a third-party approach may have the desired result because it puts some distance between you and the customer and takes the emotion out of the equation.

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FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US ON: E contact@athenacollections.co.uk OR CALL US FOR AN INFORMAL CHAT: N 020 3865 9319 LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 61

ALTRINCHAM By Sarah Ridgway

Altrincham, situated in the borough of Trafford is one of Greater Manchester’s most desirable postcodes.

he town boasts excellent transport links, and a 20-minute tram will take you into the city centre while the luscious Cheshire countryside is only a stone’s throw away. The historic market town which dates to 1290 has been transformed over the years with

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the Market House’s food hall being credited as an integral part of the town’s regeneration. Families are attracted to the large Victorian properties, green spaces and fantastic schools which has resulted in a house price boom and the area is now home to some of Greater Manchester’s most expensive streets. Altrincham has been named The Sunday Times Best Place to Live in the North West twice, proclaiming the town to be “where suburbia meets utopia”. Altrincham’s two excellent grammar schools, convenient www.lancmag.com

town began to grow. Again, there is no concrete evidence the Romans settled here but there are remains of a Roman road in the Broadheath area. William the Conqueror gave the land the town now lies on to Hamon de Massey, the 1st Baron of Dunham Massey. It then passed through multiple generations of his family until the 15th century when the male line died out, Robert del Boothe took over the estate and the family remained there for 100 years. In 1765 the Bridgewater Canal was extended to reach Altrincham and the town developed a thriving vegetable industry, with the produce transported via the canal to Manchester to sell. Warehouses soon sprung up alongside the canal in Broadheath with the new route enabling workers to commute into Manchester. By the late 18th Century cotton was the town’s main industry and the railway line to Manchester which arrived in 1849 added a further boost to the town’s population. A strong middleclass presence was soon established in the area who were able to commute easily in the city centre while living in a desirable and leafy area. Altrincham is believed to be one of the first places in the North West to be bombed during World War Two and the Broadheath factories sprang into action to assist in the war effort. Their contribution was recognised by Queen Elizabeth and King George VI in 1964 who made a personal visit to the factories to recognise and honour their efforts. The town continued to expand post-war with new housing built and the town centre was reconstructed. The 1970s brought depression and uncertainty with it and the Broadheath employment rates fell by 40 %. An outbreak of diseases such as cholera was also prevalent during this time due to deprived slums in the town with a hospital on Market Street being built to assist with the crisis. In 1900 the Altrincham Town Hall was built housing the town’s Urban District Council and has been a part of Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council since 1974. The Town Hall transformed into a facility for the community in 2005.

ICE HOCKEY

transport links and surrounding green open spaces such as the stunning Dunham Massey were contributing factors for winning the title. The town also has an impressive array of independent shops, eateries, and an Everyman cinema. Today it is difficult to believe that 10 years ago this thriving high street was once slated as having the worst high street in Britain due to its many discount and vacant shops.

HISTORY Altrincham namesake derives from the old English word Aldhere’s people. The town does not get a mention in the Doomsday book but is believed to have been around since before the 13th century. A royal charter was passed in 1290 by Edward I permitting the town to hold a weekly market. This in result attracted people to live in the area and the www.lancmag.com

On match days Planet Ice transforms into Storm Shelter for its ice hockey team Manchester Storm whose fans gather for an action-packed game. Manchester Storm was originally founded in 1995 and the professional ice hockey team won the First Division championship that same year. The following year Manchester Storm became a founding member of the Ice Hockey Super league and during the ’90s the team drew in huge crowds. A match against the Sheffield Steelers during the 1996-97 season attracted a record-breaking crowd of 17,245 fans. The Storms won the 1998-1998 league championship and in 2001 Gary Cowan bought the club. Sadly, due to financial difficulties and Sky TV ceasing to show live games, the league was closed, and the club went into liquidation. The Manchester Phoenix formed in 2003 but by 2009 they also had financial issues and had a disagreement with the management at the Ice Dome. At the same time, the Hull Stingrays went into liquidation and the Ice Dome alongside the Elite Ice Hockey League decided to fill the gap and the Manchester Storm reformed. The team played their first match against the Nottingham Panthers after its 13-year absence. Fast forward to 2022 and just five games into the year the Ice Dome has welcomed 8,999 fans at Storm Shelter, braving the chill to cheer on their team. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 63

The semi-professional Altrincham Aces also have their base at Altrincham Ice Dome and were founded in 1961. During their history, they have undergone a few teams name changes to include: the Trafford Metros, the Manchester Minotaurs before reclaiming the original Aces again when reforming in 2015, that year the team finished in respectable fifth place in the English National Ice Hockey League.

HEART OF THE TOWN: ALTRINCHAM MARKET HOUSE Altrincham’s regeneration in the past 10 years has been remarkable and now the weekends are packed with people wanting to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. The Market House Foodhall has been hailed as a key factor in transforming the town into a desirable spot that is loved by locals and visitors alike. The stunning Grade 11 listed building has been lovingly restored and reimagined as a food hall housing independent food vendors including wood-fired pizzas, quality steak, craft beers and fabulous pastries and coffee. Property developer Nick Johnson spotted the potential in Altrincham and developed the canteen style dining space along with his wife Jenny. It has since received an accolade of awards; the couple has since developed two more food halls including Picturedrome in Macclesfield and Mackie Mayor in Manchester.

FROM ALTRINCHAM TO THE AUSTRIAN ALPS: ANGELA MARGARET CARTWRIGHT Angela Cartwright was born in Altrincham in 1952 and at just three years of age won the part of Paul Newman’s daughter in the film Somebody Up There Likes Me. The actress followed this up with a role in Something of Value alongside Sidney Poitier and Rock Hudson before moving to the United States with her family. Cartwright’s older sister Veronica was also an actress and starred in Hitchcock’s The Birds, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Alien along with numerous television credits. Once in the States the young actress worked for seven seasons as the stepdaughter of the comedian 64

Danny Thomas in his television show, the actress remained a great friend with Thomas right up until he died in 1991 In 1965 The Sound of Music was released and among the talented cast was Angela Cartwright who had beaten some stiff competition to win the part of Brigitta von Trapp. All these years later remains a firm family favourite. Stage productions and singalong events throughout the world are still packed out and scores of fans head to Salzburg for the film’s official tour to relive its iconic moments. The Sound of Music was the highestgrossing film in 1965 and the following year it became the highestgrossing film of all time, previously held by Gone with the Wind. The film went on to win five Oscars including best picture, best director, and best actress for the glorious Julie Andrews. The film was shot in the summer of

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1964 in Salzburg and Los Angeles. Its enormous legacy still lives on and the tour in Salzburg attracts 300,000 people each year. A book titled The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook was compiled by the seven Von Trapp siblings’ actors to tell their story and is full of photographs and stories from a magical summer. The seven Von Trapp Children got along famously and would go on to remain, lifelong friends. The actress also starred in the hugely popular 1960s series Lost in Space playing Penny Robinson. Cartwright even made a cameo appearance in the 1998 Lost in Space film where several other original cast members from the series made an appearance. Angela retired from acting in the 1980s and now focuses on her art and photograph, she married her husband Steve Guillion in 1976 and they have two children.

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THINGS TO DO Dunham Massey Hall & Gardens Dunham Massey Hall sits in stunning gardens including its own deer park. With over 300 acres of historic parkland, a trip to Dunham Massey is perfect for dog walkers. There are events throughout the year including an Easter egg hunt, holiday clubs and the ever-popular Christmas at Dunham Massey. The festive period is a picture-perfect outing for families to enjoy a magical festive experience. During December, Dunham Massey’s woodland lights up, with lasers, beautiful light installations and an illuminated trail set to music to follow, children should keep their eyes peeled for Father Christmas The Stamford Quarter A rarely used precinct in the town centre has been transformed to house www.lancmag.com

an array of shops and artisan foodie vendors, The project was funded by Trafford council and Bruntwood Works who bought the area in 2019 for £50m. Shoppers can people-watch at Stutter & Twitch with a coffee, head to Wild Pizza for a delicious woodfired pizza from their horsebox unit, while other familiar names include Costa Coffee and a trusty Greggs. Retailers include Flannels, H&M, JD Sports, a gym, and book shops, keep an eye out for community workshops and popup shops throughout the year. Planet Ice The town’s original ice rink opened in 1960 and closed in March 2003 after it was sold to developers. In 2007 the Altrincham Ice Dome was its replacement and opened its doors. The Dome is the host venue for Ice hockey teams Manchester Storm and the Altrincham Aces and has 2,140

seats and 300 standing spaces. It is also a great day out for all ages with ice skating lessons, ice hockey courses, and makes an ideal spot for children’s birthday parties Stamford Park Stamford Park is set on 16 acres and is a Grade II Park and gardens owned and managed by Trafford Borough Council. The park is bordered by Altrincham and Hale and was designed by John Shaw on land gifted by the 7th Earl of Stamford and opened to the public in 1880. There are countless facilities for the public to enjoy including a football pitch, tennis courts, lawn bowls and a grassed oval for cricket. The children can enjoy the activity-packed playground and can feed the ducks over at the pond. There are lots of open spaces to walk the dog and spots to picnic and remains the most popular park in the borough.

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Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip

Salt Awareness

It is estimated that in the UK we consume around 8.4g of salt a day which is 40% more than the recommended 6g a day. Too much salt in your diet can have a negative effect on your health and can increase the risk of water retention, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Here are some tips to help you reduce your salt intake: Reduce salt gradually By gradually reducing the amount of salt in your food, your taste buds will adapt over time. Try tasting your food before you add salt. You may find that your food is tasty enough. You could try experimenting with different flavours to replace added salt, such as herbs, spices, lemons, or limes. Check food labels Around 75% of the food we eat contains hidden salt. Food labels use a traffic light system, which allows us to see if a product contains a low (green), medium (amber), or high (red) amount of salt. Check the

labels to see how much salt is in your food before you buy. Different brands of similar products contain varying amounts of salt, so look at the label and choose products that contain less salt. Salt is made up of sodium chloride and sometimes the label will list ‘sodium’ but not ‘salt’. You can work out how much salt is in a product by multiplying every 1g of sodium by 2.5. Make a swap Swap your high salt foods with foods lower in salt. Try snacking on fruit and vegetables, plain rice cakes, unsalted nuts and seeds or lower salt alternatives to your usual snacks. Foods such as processed meats, stock cubes, ready-made sauces and powdered soups can contain high amounts of salt. Try swapping these for lower salt versions or make your own soups, with little or no added salt. You can also reduce the amount of salt in your diet by having smaller portions of foods that are higher in salt. Adopting these tips can be challenging, but reducing your salt consumption

If you’d like to support Heart Research UK’s vital work into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, please visit www.heartresearch.org.uk for inspiration on how you could help.

gradually over time can help to reduce your risk of high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at

www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-uk-recipes-2

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-uk-cookbook

Ten Unexpected Facts about Hay Fever by Airborne Allergens Expert, Max Wiseberg

www.haymax.biz

HAY FEVER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HAY It’s pollen that’s the trigger for sufferers, predominantly grass pollen – as 95% of people are allergic to it.

GROWING FEMALE PLANT VARIETIES IN YOUR GARDEN REDUCES POLLEN Male species are usually the pollen creators so avoid planting too many of them. Plant more females which not only don’t produce the pollen, but might even mop up some of the pollen produced elsewhere in your garden.

CLIMATE CHANGE IS MAKING OUR HAY FEVER WORSE Higher carbon dioxide concentrations encourage plants to produce more pollen. Because of the changes in weather due to climate change, pollen is emerging earlier in the year and the hay fever season is getting ever longer, especially for those allergic to weed pollen.

9 Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to pollen and other airborne allergens such as fungal spores. Most people who suffer from hay fever are allergic to grass pollen and many are allergic to tree pollen. The grass pollen season starts in May, and usually peaks in June and again in July, depending on the weather. Pollen counts tend to be higher on warm sunny days and lower on cloudy, rainy days. Here are 10 facts about hay fever that you may find surprising…

HAY FEVER CAN AFFECT PEOPLE’S MENTAL HEALTH A major study from Taiwan found that hay fever sufferers have a significantly increased risk of psychiatric disorders[1].

DRIVING WITH HAY FEVER CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPAIR YOUR DRIVING A Berlin study’s authors claim that the condition is just as dangerous as getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams per litre[2].

GOING FOR THE HOTTEST CURRY ON THE MENU can actually help your hay fever – or if you’re making your own, go heavy on the spices. Turmeric, an orange-yellow spice, widely used in curries and South Asian cuisine, is believed to reduce inflammation caused by the enzyme phospholipase A2, which is provoked into action by pollen in your system.

SEXIST TREE PLANTING IS CAUSING MORE HAY FEVER There’s now more pollen in the air than ever before and one of the key reasons for this is that we’re all becoming increasingly botanically sexist! Many of us are choosing to plant more male plants than female ones, because male ones don’t grow fruit or seed pods. The massive explosion of pollen we’re currently experiencing has happened because female trees attract and trap pollen in order to create seeds and fruits, and without them, the pollen has nowhere to go. The fact that there are so many male trees just makes the issue even worse.

I’ve been writing these columns for Lancashire & North West Magazine for over a year now and I hope you are finding them helpful, interesting and informative. I am always happy to hear any feedback so please feel free to contact me on max@haymax.biz

FLOWERS ARE LESS LIKELY TO CAUSE HAY FEVER Hay fever is caused by airborne pollen particles that have blown away from the plant. However, flower pollen is sticky and coated, which lessens its ability to become airborne. In fact, trees and grass are most likely to cause the sneezing. But that doesn’t mean flowers don’t cause hay fever – some people are very allergic to specific flowers, and you can be allergic to more than one type of pollen.

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HAY FEVER RUNS IN THE FAMILY If parents suffer with allergies, their children are more likely to develop hay fever.

USING A SIMPLE ORGANIC DRUG-FREE ALLERGEN BARRIER BALM CAN HELP! Independent university studies have shown that HayMax traps significantly more pollen than an uncoated nostril, and traps all types of grass and tree pollen[3]. REFERENCES: [1] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00133/full [2] https://www.ecarf.org/en/press/heuschnupfen-am-steuer-so-gefaehrlich-wie-alkohol/

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[3] Chief Investigator: Professor Roy Kennedy, Principal Investigator: Louise Robertson, Researcher: Dr Mary Lewis, National Pollen & Aerobiology Research Unit, 1st February 2012.

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Raise a Glass to Lytham tham St Annes as the Town Celebrates its Centenary Year. 100 Years of Unity. From Sandgrown Spirits, Distillers of Lytham Gin.

Find out more at: www.sandgrownspirits.co.uk

I’M SARA, THE LYTHAM GIN LADY! I escaped from teaching Chemistry and have spent the last four years making gin and my passion is now sharing information about everyone’s favourite juniper-based spirit as well as easy to make cocktails using some of my awardwinning products.

Strawberry Gin Smash This is a great drink for anyone who doesn’t like tonic and can be made sweeter by adding more sugar syrup. In a tall glass, muddle* the mint leaves and gin, add lime juice and sugar syrup. Stir, add ice and strawberries, and top up with soda water. Garnish with lime. (*Muddle = mix roughly with a spoon to bruise the mint leaves) Try using any gin, sweet or dry, in this recipe, adjusting the sugar syrup to taste.

Ingredients: • 50ml Strawberry & Lime Gin • 20ml Fresh Lime Juice • Sprig of Mint • Two Sliced Strawberries • Slice of Lime • Dash of Sugar Syrup • Soda Water • Ice

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his month we celebrate World Gin Day on June 11th. Founded in 2009 by Emma Stokes (AKA The Gin Monkey) it has become popular around the globe. Our love of gin dates back many hundreds of years and the spirit has a colourful past, falling in and out of favour throughout its history. Its resurgence in 2009 started with

Sipsmith who pioneered craft distilling which has resulted in well over 800 new distilleries springing up over the past thirteen years. If you are a gin lover, then the second Saturday in June is the perfect opportunity to try something new. I’ve created two new cocktail recipes which are certain to please everyone.

Pegu Club Created in the 1930’s in Burma, this is a firm favourite amongst cocktail connoisseurs around the world. A perfect choice for World Gin Day! It’s a traditional ‘Gin Sour’. Place all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake hard until your hands are cold. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a twist of lime. To make this drink extra-fancy for World Gin Day, dip the rim of the glass in lime juice and then sugar.

Ingredients: • 50ml Original Lytham Gin • 35ml Orange Liqueur • 2 Drops of Angostura’s Bitters • 25ml Fresh Lime Juice • Ice • Twist of Lime

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Mummy Will Be So Upset By Harold Cunliffe

In my last feature, I related the Hopwood’s of Hopwood Hall and how the latter family members were in fact the Gregge Family who adopted the Hopwood name as a mark of respect.

ollowing the use of the hall by the Lancashire Cotton Corporation during the Second World War, we find that the Catholic Brotherhood, De-La-Salle acquired the building as a college on the 26 August 1946. A short distance from the hall is Woodside Farm. My first encounter with this ancient farm was during the hot summer of 1976. Hopwood Clough which is in close proximity to the farm became a magnet to children during the summer holidays. Many children spent hours playing on the banks of the stream which wends its way through the Clough. The area also was the home of a coal pit at one period. Most days a check would be made of the beauty spot to make sure all was well. On the day I happened to be passing through and noticed a group of children looking a bit distressed. Upon investigation I found that a young boy from Hopwood in Heywood had been swinging on a rope above the stream, and had consequently fallen into the stream. Unfortunately he landed on broken glass which had caused a nasty wound to his hand and arm, which was bleeding at a steady rate which could prove fatal if not arrested. This nine year old chap was in luck, I was a trained first aider with the St John Ambulance. The boy who was called “Whittaker” was in shock, cold and shivering even though we were experiencing the hottest weather on record. After arresting the bleeding he was put into my vehicle, with the heating on full I may add, which is good for treating shock, then I transported my casualty to the nearest telephone, which was located at Woodside Farm. Arriving at the “Woodside” the farmer, Mr Howarth and his wife were quickly on scene to offer help. An ambulance was requested to attend, next, the Ambulance service messaged, stating that they could not locate their casualty or the farm. We replied by requesting that they remain at the entrance to the Clough, and we would find them. I am pleased to say the boy recovered after a few weeks. Mr and Mrs Howarth were friendly people and were keen to have updates on the progress of this young man’s recovery. A week or so later I happened to be in the area so dropped in for a chat. At the front of this farm was a type of lean-to built into the hillside which contained a large stone water trough. This it transpired was their water supply. Ice cold water would pour at a steady rate out of the hillside through a clay pipe behind the trough which constantly topped up the supply, with the overflow being carried away along a gully. Mr Howarth stated that the supply of water was constant, never slowed down even in the driest of summers. It certainly provided a tasty cup of tea. A farmer friend who lives about three miles away decided to brew his own beer. At their farm no mains water was available, a pump supplied water for domestic purposes from an underground 72

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well, which he used to make the beer. It was hay making time when the beer was at its prime. Life on the farm could not be more pleasant, working in a field, the smell of new mown hay, good farmhouse food, cheese always tastes so good, along with half a pint of home brew, magic. I can vividly remember the experience today enjoying the fresh bread and cheese in the hot sunshine, and how the half a pint of beer took its effect. It was interesting watching the farm workers becoming jollier, but being in charge of agricultural equipment we decided not to indulge in any more of this strong liquor until sunset. No doubt the pure water had increased the quality and strength of the beer. I believe that the old Woodside farm at Hopwood has been demolished and replaced by a modern building. At the time I was documenting the town’s history by producing a weekly column in the local newspaper, the son of farmer Howarth made contact. He grew up at this farm and related that during the Second World War a German prisoner was allocated to their farm to provide labour. In fact they all got along very well. The German P.O.W. noticed that the farm had no hot running water. With this in mind he designed a system where the living room fire heated a tank of water which was fed to the taps via gravity. To obtain enough pressure he placed a cold water tank on two wooden poles a distance from the farmhouse, on the higher ground, this tank had to be filled from time to time by the use of a hand pump. But it was when a friend of the family was carrying out some electrical work that something unexpected happened. The electrician, who was also a local policeman, carried out electrical work in his spare time. On the day in question work was progressing very well. One bedroom required attention. The family were seated in the living room at the time the electrician entered the room to carry out the work, and remarked, “I am about to complete the work upstairs, I will wait a little while until your daughter stops crying.” Mr Howarth asked, “Who stops crying?” their friend stated, “Your daughter, she is sat at the end of the bed dressed in a petticoat, very distressed saying that mummy will be so upset.” Mr and Mrs Howarth were taken back by this comment, “We do not have a young daughter, our daughter is grown up and out on the milk round.” When a search of the room was carried out the young girl was not to be found. MISS DAVENPORT In making a search of our extensive archive we find that the death of a child was recorded a short distance from the farm; Miss Beatrice Evelyn Davenport aged 11 years, drowned in a pond which was located between the farm and Hopwood Hall. Was the vision of a girl in the bedroom the spirit of this young girl? Following the death of her husband in 1907, the grandchild of Mrs Hannah Davenport went to live with her, providing help with running the farm. Each morning before going to school the child would deliver fresh milk around the area. Her first delivery was at Hopwood Hall then to the cottages on the estate. One www.lancmag.com

of the workers on the estate, Mr Samuel Brown, of Union Street, Middleton, was the last person to see her alive. He told the Coroner that he saw the child at the Hall having delivered the milk, and then she made her way back to the farm, taking the route passed the pond. When the girl did not return a search was made. At the side of the pond was one milk can, which instigated a search of the water for the girl and second can. Grappling irons were used for around ten minutes which located the lifeless body. One milk can was missing, which it is thought that the girl was either playing with or washing out the cans when one floated away. In an attempt to retrieve the can she fell in and drowned. A policeman was present at the time the body was brought out and he confirmed that her clothing was intact. The Coroner and jury recorded a verdict of “Found Drowned.” Everyone who knew the child and the Davenport family were very dustressed. A pond at Hopwood

MEASURED MILE At one period of time a form of entertainment in a Lancashire mill towns was two women having a clog fight, normally this activity took place on a Saturday night. Other forms of entertainment that of a more civilised nature was organising a race. Along the main route to Rochdale, near Hopwood Hall is a measured Mile. This commences at the canal and ends near a former public house called the ‘Black Bull’ which distance is marked by a heavy stone pillar. This area was closely observed by the police who would prosecute anyone making or taking bets. As a five year old child living in the back streets of Newton Heath, White Gate. start of the trotting match

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Manchester, my late father once handed me part of a cigarette packet which had a few words written in pencil. “Take that to the Red Lion, a man is in the back yard, give him that,” I was instructed. As I made my way along the cobbled streets looking at this torn piece of card from a Woodbine packet, I wondered what was in store; it was all a bit sneaky. As I opened the gate at the rear of the public house, the figure of a small man was visible, seated on a wooden beer crate, the timid opening of the gate seemed to frighten him. I handed over my little section of fag packet which he inspected, the reply was abrupt, “Tell your dad there is thruppence on this,” promptly handing me the thruppenny bit, no doubt wanting me out of the yard. At Slattocks, which is the close neighbour to Hopwood Hall a large invasion of people from the districts had arrived to partake in a trotting match. All types had arrived from two wheeled to four wheeled traps, and also cabs. Butchers, bakers and people of dubious means arrived with the object of taking part in this match. From what we gather a little foul play was evident. Some of the competitors tried to damage the wheels of their rivals, by running their vehicles close enough to collide. It was estimated that over 100 carts, traps and the like took place. One entry was chestnut pony, owned by a butcher from Oldham. This poor animal had a deformity, having a considerable lump on its back. Bidding commenced with this pony being given odds of 4 to 1 due to the deformity. Those people who studied form placed twenty five bob (£1.25p) on this pony. No sooner had the race began at the white gate at Hopwood Lodge that the chestnut pony left the remainder behind. At the Black Bull the pony was twenty yards in front of the other competitors. The prize was £20. It transpires that outsiders organised the match. The stakeholder was Mr. Edmund Watts of the Egerton Arms, Oldham. American trainer from Abbey Hey, Oldham, was the starter, Mr Lees, of Odd House, Henshaw Street, Oldham, was the referee. A note refers to the gentlemen, “they fulfilled their day most satisfactorily,” they no doubt had a profitable day. ROYAL VISIT Rochdale Council eventually purchased Hopwood Hall and the campus from the Catholic organisation to be used as a place of education. The official opening of Hopwood Hall College took place on the 17 July 1992 by Her Majesty the Queen. One of the invited guests was a former teacher at the Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Mrs Christine Pierce-Jones. Many people in this part of Lancashire will remember Christine for her passion for photography, in which she documented events which took place within the district. These photographs proved to be of interest to the staff at the Springhill Her Majesty the Queen at Hopwood. by Christine Hospice who collate the annual fund raisingPierce-Jones calendar, LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 73

which included views of the borough and other items of local interest. An example of Christine’s photographic expertise was featured in each calendar. Following the sad death of Mrs Pierce-Jones, thousands of photographs were unearthed. They record the changing face of the town and are of great interest. One photograph shows two large stone pillars. At first you would wonder why these were recorded on film, but for those who understand the history of the town, Christine had the foresight to record the gate posts of the former Britannia mill which previously stood on the site which was once attacked by the Luddites. Two years later however, the large stone gate posts disappeared overnight. It is due to people like Christine that we have such a rich archive, a record of past events. Documenting The Britannia Mill gate posts

men apparently searching for game. One of the police officers promptly seized one of them, but a second man came rushing over and struck the officer and knocked him over, the report stated that the officer was left “senseless on the ground.” All three men made off through the wood leaving the second officer to attend to his injured comrade, who sustained severe injuries. The alarm was quickly raised, and the road and lanes were watched. The men however attempted to make their escape over the countryside where they met the gamekeeper and butler. At first the men tried to attack them, but the vision of a gamekeeper’s gun prompted them to run away. As the poachers retreated the gamekeeper fired his weapon, a voice exclaimed, ‘I’m hit,” and we all know where too. All three made good their escape; they did so at a cost, one being unable to sit down for a week or two. The next morning a gun and two pheasants were found. AMAZING

Hopwood Hall Campus

her invitation to the opening of Hopwood Hall Campus we find that the letters of invitation, a plan and even the serviette in which a piece of cake was served is archived in a file. Also, Christine managed to take a photograph of her Majesty at the exhibition. Organisers worked through the night preparing items which they thought would be of interest to Her Majesty. On the day of the visit by the Queen, she was escorted to a table which contained the printed artefacts, taking a seat she looked into her handbag and commented, “I have left my glasses at the hotel.” Looking back to the 1880’s we find that some visitors to the Hall and grounds were not welcome. I suppose many estates had their fair share of poachers, and with Hopwood estate being close to an industrial mill town, populated by many hungry people it became a target. One serious affray took place during early spring when two constables upon hearing guns being fired went in search and found three 74

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The late Doreen El-Ahwany had a reputation as one of the most proficient people in this area for researching the past. Over a period of many years she had provided information to hundreds of people who were keen to unearth their past. Genealogy was her speciality, and in this she was a wizard. Following her demise her family donated a vast amount of her material to my archive. I am still going through the files. I find in her Hopwood and Gregge Hopwood information that a number of the entries for the births and deaths have been corrected, thus showing previous inaccuracies. Researchers do get things wrong if they do not know where to look. A few years ago a mention was made that a school in town was designed by architect, Edgar Wood. This I questioned. The researcher, had not used primary source material, he had photographed a known building by this architect, then had made some similarities, like the same window frame, same style of door etc. It transpired that at the Preston Record Office no documents were to be found on the building of this school. The easy and most cost effective way I suppose is to read the foundation stone at the school, this gives a date. Next search the newspaper for that week, no doubt a report was published. In this case it stated, “Parkfield School. Three plans and other necessary information have been sent in, and the committee have selected the one sent in by Mr. A. Banks, architect, Oldham. Tenders were sent out for the erection of the new school. It was estimated that when complete the total cost would be about £1,700. This information was gained from the Local Studies Library. JUBILEE PARK AND FREE LIBRARY To commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the reign of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, the town developed Jubilee Park and a Free Library which opened in 1889. This asset is still in use today. There have been reports in the press from time to time which stated that Mr Edgar Wood designed this building. Once again this is incorrect. Over 60 designs for the library were submitted with Mr Lawrence Booth’s design being chosen. Mr Thomas Jackson was awarded the contract to build the library. He is mentioned at the stone laying ceremony. On that day he provided the Mayor, Councillor Harvey Heywood with a silver trowel which was inscribed, “Presented to Harvey Heywood Esq, the first Mayor of Middleton, on the occasion of his laying the www.lancmag.com

corner stone of the Jubilee Free Library, 7th April 1888.” On the reverse side was a sketch of the new building. A wooden mallet was also presented which bore the same inscription. Chatting to a demolition contractor at the time the old Middleton Baths were being demolished to make way for a supermarket, he commented that when removing corner stones or foundation stones it was normal to find items placed there at the time of the ceremony. I am not making public the location of one particular foundation stone. Under which is placed several gold coins, no doubt sovereigns. Should I ever become cash strapped I will have to dig out a hammer and chisel! At the library we find that a glass bottle was placed in a cavity under the stone which contained copies of the Middleton Guardian, Middleton Advertiser, Jubilee coins to the value of four shillings and six pence. Three copper coins, one penny, one half penny and a farthing. A photograph of the “Old Boars Head,” presented by the licensee, Mr Wood. A copy of the proceedings which led to the erection of the library, written on parchment. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS What follows is an edited version of the proceedings. The fiftieth anniversary of the reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria aroused within the English people feelings of loyalty and devotion to their sovereign, and the inhabitants of the new Borough of Middleton were amongst those who felt that the event should be commemorated in the Borough by something of a permanent character. The first step was taken by the Council at their meeting on the fourteenth day of February, 1887 when it was decided to establish a Free Library. The contract was given to Mr Thomas Jackson of the town for the sum of £1,532,6s. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the party, numbering 140 retired to the National School, (located next door to the proposed library) to enjoy luncheon. It is interesting to read what was on offer, Roast Ribs of Beef, Sirloin of Beef, Pressed Beef, Roast Turkey, Boiled Ham, Roast & Boiled Fowl, Boiled Ham, Ox Tongue, Fore-quarter of Lamb and Roast Mutton. Apple, Rhubarb and Jam tarts plus a selection of cheese followed.

THE ANCHOR Since 1893, hundreds of people have asked the question, “Why is an anchor placed at the side of the library?” One theory was that during the days of horse drawn vehicles, the anchor fell from the back of a lorry and could not be lifted back on to the vehicle, so it was left outside the library, to be eventually placed against the wall. And here it remained. The truth in fact was that at Fleetwood the Sirene, a Norwegian barque of 666 tons set sail during a violent storm on the 8th October 1892. But due to the weather the vessel made little headway to its destination port of Georgia. She slowly proceeded and almost made it to Llandudno, after which she was buffeted in the direction of the Fylde coast. It was thought that the crew would perish, the life R.N.L.I. considered a rescue as impossible. Then a miracle occurred as the boat struck the North pier near the entrance and the crew made good their escape by scrambling off the boat. It was stated that Mr John Hulbert, a scrap dealer and coal merchant from this town was given the salvage rights of the boat, and he gifted the anchor to the library. Once again the historical information is wrong. 21st October 1892. Hundreds of people attended the auction of the wreck, Sirene, which was grounded on the beach at Blackpool. First of all the masts and spars were sold off separately, and realised a good price. The bidding then commence on the wreck, which had a legal obligation, which stated that the successful bidder would be responsible for removing the wreck within three months. Bidding started at £20, and when it reached £82 the hammer came down, sold to Mr Bullock of Burnley, Lancashire. It is my thought that Mr John Hulbert bought the salvage rights to the metal components The Sirene at Blackpool. Restored image by Danny Hardman.

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 75

from Mr Bullock. Hulbert however did donate the anchor to the library. Some years ago I met a lady who would attend antiques fairs, dealing in a small way in collectables and antiques. She would buy and sell ephemera, which is something I am personally interested in. One day she related events from her childhood, bearing in mind she was in her early 80’s. As a child she told tales of how she would visit her father’s workshop where he made furniture from the wood salvaged from ship wrecks from the Fylde coast. Margaret I seem to remember was her name was a friend of the Blackpool Opera House. She related that over the years a number of stars of the stage had been her guest. Morecambe and Wise, and other well-known celebrities, all of which had sat upon her late father’s handiwork, and enjoyed her home cooking on the dining table and chairs, also crafted by her father.

Bamford’s monument by Christine Pierce-Jones

BAMFORD’S MONUMENT Within the shadow of the library is a monument to Sam Bamford. He was famous for being a reformer, writer and poet. A wealth of material exists, far too much to relate in this feature. You could not document the history of Lancashire without covering Sam Bamford the life and times of Sam Bamford. This was also the conclusion of Granada Television. One day I received a message that a film crew was in town covering Sam Bamford, and could I attend. It was a good ‘shout’ for the local newspaper too, so I attended. Standing close to Bamford’s monument was the presenter, Anthony (Tony) Wilson. I had met Tony previously when the council held events at the former R.A.F site at Bowlee. On this occasion the programme being made was documenting how Lancashire was once the “Workshop of the World,” and Bamford was a leading light in the episode being recorded. His grave however is a short distance from the monument. After completing his piece to camera the crew wanted to film the blue plaque and location where Bamford led the Middleton contingent to Peterloo. They commented that they could not find the blue plaque. I replied that they would not do so unless you knew exactly where Blue plaque documenting Peterloo

Tony Wilson filming next to Bamford’s monument

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it was located; it is hidden behind an overgrown bed of shrubs. With the aid of my umbrella and a an old walking stick to separate the herbage they managed to record a few seconds of the plaque. HUNT’S MONUMENT Henry Hunt was an orator at Peterloo, he read out an address where many people fell. The monument at constructed at Every Street burial ground was erected 1842 and was in the form of an obelisk, similar to that of Bamford’s. The hero of Peterloo was to be remembered by this monument which was attended by 15,000 people at the ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone. Many people saw the obelisk as a mark of the time when so many people lost their lives and this would show to future generations the esteem of the people and how they appreciate genuine patriotism. There was outrage in Manchester 46 years later when the monument was knocked down. For a number of years the burial ground had been closed, and encased within a brick wall. The only vision of Hunt’s monument was the top section which was visible over the wall. This once sported a figure of a man holding a scroll, depicting Hunt. When enquiries were made into the reason that the obelisk was knocked down it was claimed that it was suffering neglect and became “shaky”. The contractor who demolished the monument paid the owner of the ground £3, then successfully sold the scrap stone for £4. It was for the benefit of future generations that a number of interesting scrolls were placed under the foundation stone. Of these the contractor claimed that nothing had been seen. www.lancmag.com

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With our endless energy, professional expertise and our best people leading the way, we strive to be thebestof everything local. We are dedicated to supporting businesses in Blackburn and helping them to grow, survive and prosper. thebestof has received an unprecedented amount of recognition over the last few years with accolades from Creme De La Creme and Best Business Awards. “Launching the bestofblackburn will bring all the benefits and expertise learned over the years of running thebestofbolton. The local business community will have access to unique networking events, local advertising opportunities, social media marketing, marketing clinics, business awards, an aggregated review system and much more. We are all about getting your business found and noticed. The bestofblackburn website will provide the local community with a hub for everything thats going on in the area. It’s a one stop shop for finding recommended local businesses, events, special offers, news, a community guide and much more. What’s even more exciting is the opportunity to bring Blackburn and Bolton businesses together, in an effort to increase their network and get more business. Faz is a certified marketing coach and owner of Beyond The Bold, a marketing agency providing 1-1 coaching, where she work with buiness owners to really ‘dig in’ to their business to find out the best way to move them forward to real growth. You can contact Faz in multiple ways: 01204 382785 blackburn@thebestof.co.uk faz@beyondthebold.co.uk www.beyondthebold.co.uk

2022

Colour and Style

www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

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

Hello June!

lmost halfway through the year and Summer Sunshine is on its way! The days are getting longer, evenings warmer and the garden is full of colour!

So, let’s take some inspiration from nature and try and wear more colour this month and as National Olive Day is June 1st let’s see how we can wear Olive. There are so many greens from Olive to Lime and all the colours in between! Green is the colour of nature; the grass and trees convey a sense of calmness and reassurance. It also shows creativity, Imagination and is associated with being environmentally friendly so how about checking out your wardrobe and recycling!

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 don’t know about you, but I love olives, however, for me only to eat as the colour doesn’t suit me as my undertone is Cool, this means that I suit colours with a blue undertone. So, I would wear an Emerald Green near to my face rather than an Olive green, however, for those with a Warm undertone Olive is a stunning colour. As you know some shades will look better on you than others, but I never say no! I show my clients how to wear the not-so-good colours so that they can make the most of the clothes that they already own. Below are some combinations to go with Olive;

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 82

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Olive is a very yellow-based green so Cools have to work the hardest. Hot pink is an excellent choice as it’s a particular dominant shade, so will put Olive ‘in its place’. Make sure you wear the pink next to your face! Lights look their best when they combine Olive with delicate shades such as Pastel Pink or Light Apricot.

An accessory is another great way of adding Olive to your wardrobe as seen below in a necklace, this one by Sahara looks so good combined with the purple top! You could also add a bag – the one by Roodle is perfect as it’s not too big and adds a subtle touch of Olive!

Deeps look great in Olive and can wear it with lighter or deeper colours. Try it with Emerald or Forest Green for a sophisticated look. Clears always benefit from contrast so Light Aqua would work well, particularly if the fabric is one that bounces/reflects the light which brightens colour. Conversely, Softs always look their best when colours are worn tonally so I’ve chosen Sage as it tones beautifully with Olive. And finally Warms, well Olive is a fabulous colour for you. Have fun mixing it with anything in your palette; you’re spoilt for choice. I’ve combined it with Tangerine for a full-on summer look.

Olive Pebble Necklace by Sahara www.saharalondon.com

The Gold Sparkle Suzy Stripe from Kettlewell Colours is a great example for the Warms and the Deep Pink Olivia Jumper from White Stuff looks so good on the Cools.

Original in Olive www.roodlebag.com

EYE EYE

Suzy Stripe Sweater www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk and Deep Pink Olivia Jumper www.whitestuff.com

Don’t be afraid to wear green on your eye lids and if Olive isn’t for you, there are so many other colours that will look good! But make sure that you get the shade right to achieve your very best look, below are some green eyeshadows that will look amazing on the different dominants:

Below is an example of how a Soft with a warmer undertone can wear head to toe Olive, whereas the model on the right wears a skirt in Olive and a contrasting top as the contrast works better with her characteristics.

• LIGHTS: Pistachio with Teal Eye Pencil • DEEPS: Bay Leaf with Moss Eye Pencil • WARMS: Intense Olive with Moss Eye Pencil • COOLS: Peppermint with Teal Eye Pencil Olive Jumpsuit Cotton Drill fabric and Midi skirt by Community Clothing www.commumityclothing.co.uk

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• CLEARS: Metallic Blue Lagoon with Teal Eye Pencil • SOFTS: Smoke with Moss or Teal Eye Pencil LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 83

There are three areas you need to understand in order to look and feel stylish, whatever the occasion, budget, lifestyle, age or body shape you’re working with. If you can get to grips with the things listed below you will always look utterly amazing…

The 3 Things You Need To Know

COLOUR – You may have guessed that I’d start here but understanding your colours is truly TRANSFORMATIONAL. Imagine knowing which shades make your skin GLOW and your eyes SPARKLE giving you a fresh and youthful feel. And knowing which shades to avoid so you no longer make expensive mistakes!

2 Soft – Warm eye make-up Apply lightest shade all over the eye from lash to brow, then add Intense Olive as an accent colour and a Moss eye pencil, a touch of Arabian Nights on the eye lid and highlight with Golden Sand below brow bone and inner eye corner. Make-up by Colour Me Beautiful www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk

Be Environmentally Green

SHAPE – Whatever your shape or size, there are particular fabrics and fits of clothing that will make the most of your figure and flatter you in the right places. Your shape and stature also determine which patterns will work best for you and how to colour block effectively. The impact of knowing which fabrics and cuts of clothing work for your shape is huge. Not only does it mean you FEEL fabulous in your clothes, but it also boosts your body confidence and makes shopping so much less stressful.

STYLE PERSONALITY - One of the main reasons we get stuck in a style rut is that our style doesn’t reflect our personality! We start sticking to the same styles and colours all the time and don’t feel confident to experiment. Understanding your Style Personality and how to reflect this in your outfit choices will give your wardrobe a whole new lease of life and inspiration! Once you understand the three key points to look for you have to then look at your lifestyle and how you live your life. Look at how you spend your time, there is no point in having a wardrobe full of dressy evening clothes if you only go to social events once or twice a month/year!! The larger percentage of clothing in your wardrobe should be things that you wear every day. It takes time to build a wardrobe that is right for you, but it can happen and you have to begin somewhere but I can promise you that once you create that wardrobe it will make your life easier and save you money – you will be able to see your clothes and everything will suit you!

How can you become more sustainable? Shopping your wardrobe is a great start, we are all guilty of buying too much and not wearing things enough. You can change this mindset with a few tips that will save you time and money and help you reconnect with your wardrobe. How do you do this? Well, that’s the easy bit, because I am an expert in colour and style and helping you to build a very wearable wardrobe that you will enjoy and cherish. A wardrobe has to be filled with clothes that suit you – the Colours and Styles have to flatter you and reflect your Style Personality and your Lifestyle.

Have fun creating your wardrobe and try and add some green into it whether a bright Lime green or more natural Olive and if you need any help please let me know! Look after yourselves and each other! Warm Wishes, Sarah x

E sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk D www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

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WHITEHAVEN

By Megha Seth Whitehaven is the perfect combination of fun and peaceful getaway along the coast. With its historic charm, architectural allure, and scenic beauty, this place has a lot to offer to its visitors. Located on the North West Cumbrian Coast, Whitehaven is a scenic Georgian town that was initially a fishing village.

ver time, it emerged as an important port to trade with American colonies. Its growth was also due to the export of coal in the 17th century by mainly the Lowther family. Hence, in the 17th century, they started designing and developing one of the first post-Medieval planned towns in the country, Whitehaven. It is the third-largest port in the UK today. Whitehaven has received the honorary title of a “gem town” by the Council for British Archaeology because of its immaculate historic environment.

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We have curated a list of places you can visit on your getaway to this delightful Georgian town. THE HARBOUR Sir Christopher Lowther, a landowner, and MP built this harbour primarily for the trade of coal in the mid 17th century. Old Quay, a stone pier built in 1631-34, is one of the UK’s oldest surviving coal wharves. The current layout of piers and long moles that reach out to the sea is the extension of the harbour that was modified in the next 200 years. www.lancmag.com

The range of view provided from the peak is extensive. See Scotland across the Solway of Frith, as well as the Isle of Man. To the East, you can take a look at the highest peaks of the Lake District like Scafell Pike and Pillar. The North Face of the fell has thick woodlands. Soak in the greenery and serene atmosphere all the way up. RUM STORY Whitehaven was home to the United Kingdom’s rum trade in the 18th century, and this sprawling Georgian wine merchant’s building on Lowther Street captures that country’s dark relationship with rum. The 18thcentury shop front, the warehouse as well as the cellars have been preserved. The original clerk’s office has undergone a careful restoration. As you begin the trail, you’ll see the humid Antiguan rainforest, then you’ll learn about slavery and sugar plantations, about the role of rum in the Royal Navy, and about how it was transported and distilled. This building also houses fascinating insights on the Jefferson family who traded here for over 200 years up to 1998. ST. BEES HEAD St. Bees Head is the only Heritage Coast on the north-western English coastline that lies between Wales and Scotland and is quite close to Whitehaven.

An 18th-century Georgian circular lighthouse is located here, sporting a 1730 sundial. The Sugar Tongue Quay, completed in 1809 would receive sugar from the West Indies. Meanwhile, Queen’s Dock was used for the unloading of calcium phosphate from Africa for a local chemical plant until 1992. DENT FELL An easy quick drive from Whitehaven, You can hike to the summit of Dent Fell as it offers mesmerizing views of Whitehaven and the Cumbrian Coast. It is the westernmost hill in the range and relatively isolated. www.lancmag.com

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The Wave Whitehaven Harbour

Originally built in 1718, the first St Bees Lighthouse was the last coalpowered lighthouse in Britain. In 1822, it burned down. The cliffs at St Bees Head offer incredible views of the Irish Sea and are up to 90 meters high. You can also see the falls and pikes of the Lake District from the cliff tops. On the south end of Bees Head lies an RSPB Reserve, and is a nesting spot for quite unique birds like puffins, herring gulls, razorbills, and kittiwakes. It is the only breeding location for the black guillemot in England. A defunct fog horn station on the cliff’s edge is also close by, and the National Trust opens it to the public on occasion. THE BEACON MUSEUM Between the harbour and the historic mines of Whitehaven is a museum that teaches you everything that you need to know about the town and the surrounding Copeland region. Interactive stations coexist with artifacts including Viking silver and Victorian maritime technology at the museum. On the second floor, there’s a new exhibition about Sellafield and West 90

Cumbria’s nuclear sector. The sights, scents, and sounds of the waterfront, as well as a Georgian warehouse and an interactive ship, can all be found on the floor above. Kids can also discover Roman artifacts and complete a puzzle featuring a bird’s eye perspective of Whitehaven. The top floor includes a panoramic view of the harbour that can be viewed through telescopes, as well as a nostalgic voyage through the late twentieth century with vintage toys and a vintage Chopper bicycle. ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH AND GARDENS The Church tower of St Nicholas is located in the grid system of Whitehaven’s long rectangular park. There is only this portal left of the neo-Gothic church dating from 1883, which was completely destroyed by fire in 1971. In the 17th century, a church stood here, and Mildred Gale (1671-1701) the grandmother of George Washington, the first president of the United States was buried here. Several changes were made in the graveyard before it was turned into a garden following the fire, so the exact

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location of her burial is unknown. You can view the clock mechanism and see displays about the Gale family in the tower by ascending the spiral staircase. You can also admire the garden against the ruins of the church, and you’ll see some older gravestones at the north end of Duke Street, most of which are for seafarers. GLUTTON ZONE Whitehaven is definitelya good food haven. Here are some places you must try: Cleaver’s Wine & Dine This wine bar and eatery is known for its exceptional quality of food and its friendly staff to vouch for. From its fish coujons to chicken skewers, butterbean stew to impeccable cheesecakes the gastropub is a hit amongst tourists and locals alike. The Globe Known as one of the best pubs in the town, it has a great traditional atmosphere. The food is sure to bring you back again the next time. From amazing veg quiches to delectable ale pies and beef steaks, if you are in the mood for some delicious www.lancmag.com

home-cooked meals in a great pub atmosphere, then this place should definitely be on your list. The Gather Cafe A community-run cafe, the location and aesthetics of the place make it an attraction. An added bonus to the place is the gift shop where they have lovely crafts on sale. Best for light finger food, bakes and cakes, and homemade snacks for tea or brunch, the cafe also sells fresh local produce like eggs. Offering a wide variety of vegan and gluten-free options, the Gather Cafe caters to the taste and preferences of a wide variety of foodies.

New adventures call out your name in Whitehaven. From exploring the nooks and corners of the city on foot to sojourning to famous landmarks, a day trip to the harbour or a hike up

Dent Fell, Whitehaven is a fusion of learning experiences and a peaceful getaway in the lap of nature, not to forget the visual splendour that this vibrant Georgian town has to offer. St Nicholas Church

LODGING Looking for the best place to stay in Whitehaven? Here are some options you can consider. Moresby Hall A 16th-century historical building has been revamped into an awardwinning country guesthouse. With walled gardens and luxurious enclosed jacuzzis and steam baths, the country house also offers the best banquet venue for conferences, weddings, and any social event. With tasteful decoration and amazing a la carte meals, immerse yourself in history and luxury as you stay here and enjoy your memorable Whitehaven experience. Muncaster Castle Full of history and set on the scenic grounds of Muncaster Castle, this amazing place is not just meant for lodging but includes a stay with a view. From the mesmerizing gardens to the unique birds that people come from all over to birdwatch, a stay here becomes a must when in Whitehaven. The rooms are clean, beautiful, and spacious while the courtesy of their staff and the enthusiasm for their birds make this place one of the top stays. Glenfield House A three-storeyed Victorian building embodying elegance and resplendence, this charming guest house aims to provide comfortable, stylish, and homely accommodation. Located in a very convenient area, it is only a few minutes’ walk from Whitehaven harbour, marina, and town. www.lancmag.com

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ST ANNE’S ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP’S (STEP)

FOOD &

DRINK FESTIVAL

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD... AND DRINK

he weekend of 9th and 10th April saw St Anne’s square bustling with people, getting their taste buds tickled at St Anne’s Enterprise Partnership’s (STEP) Food and Drink Festival. The event brought over 40 food and drink independent business stalls to fill the town centre, with a large marquee on one of the main carparks. The food and drink stalls were ready from Saturday morning to entice and inspire tastebuds. There were hot and cold items to enjoy whilst wandering around or to take home. The goods on offer included cheeses, olives, cakes, bakes, cheesecakes, shimmer drinks, preserves, hot meats, crepes, doughnuts, churros, sweets, scotch eggs, pies, flavoured shaved ice, pizza, Thai and Greek food, drinks, award winning eastern European treats, bakes, ice cream milkshake and there was even some treats for dogs. The marquee played host to Drinks Tasting Sessions on the Saturday with Lytham Gin, Goosnargh Gin, Wild Fox and Black Powder distilleries tempting ticket holders to sample their range of drinks, including their new rums, making over 25 options available to try. 

All photography by Adam Gee Photography | www.adamgeepics.co.uk | F @adamgeepics

 There were two amazing, local singers, Emily Rhodes and Edward Rhodes, to entertain the drinkers and some incredible food platters of nibbles. The atmosphere was fantastic inside the marquee during both the afternoon and evening sessions. The Drinks Day also marked the official launch of Unity Charter Gin, created to celebrate 100 years since the amalgamation of Lytham and St Annes-on-the-Sea under one municipality, Sandgrown Spirits (Lytham Gin) in collaboration with Fylde Council, created this celebratory blend. A premium strength London Dry style gin with coastal botanicals from the two towns. Marsh Samphire from Lytham, Seabuckthorn from St Annes and Sea Aster which grows in between. The label was created by local graphic designer, Andrew Redfearn and features the mermaid found in the mosaic in St Annes cradling the ship from Lytham’s coat of arms. 94

On Sunday a few of the distilleries remained in the marquee, while nine St Anne’s food businesses provided demonstrations and free taster samples to the awaiting crowds. Gigli’s, Le Patio, Gemma, The Firepit, Oliver’s, Allegria, Imli, Spice Paradise and Anatolia Seaview – English butchery, India, Thailand, Mediterranean, Italian and Turkish were all on show in St Anne’s from these local businesses, demonstrating their signature dishes.

OLIVERS – cooked three huge pans of Paella, both the traditional seafood, along with a chicken and chorizo version.

GIGLI’S - demonstrated different cuts of meat, why we slow cook some cuts and not others. Also, they discussed the benefits of dry-aged steaks.

SPICE PARADISE – made Thais soups, a Tom Kha coconut and a Tom Yum soup.

LE PATIO – made Chicken Satay Skewers. GEMMA INDIAN RESTAURANT – cooked Onion Bhajis and Samosas. THE FIREPIT - demonstrated butchering a full fillet and cooking it. They also cooked their signature ribs for everyone to try.

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ALLEGRIA ITALIAN – made Allegria Mare, a home-made pasta ravioli, filled with prawns and crab meat, served on a bisque sauce. IMLI – cooked their most popular curry, a Chicken Handi.

ANATOLIA SEA VIEW – making our final dish of Vegetarian Moussaka. A popular dish from this Turkish restaurant. STEP Chairman and Owner of Anatolia Seaview, Veli Kirk commented, “It was amazing to see the St Anne’s so busy, with everyone enjoying the Festival. We put on a fantastic event and had the town buzzing, with people enjoying the www.lancmag.com

entertainment inside the marquee, outside browsing and buying from the stalls, but also in the town’s regular businesses. It was all about creating an experience to encourage footfall, so the people see what we have to offer and come to visit the town again. We want to make sure that St Anne’s is busy all year round, not just during the tourist season, to support the local business economy.”

good rest after the Festival, this will be our next major event and the team of dedicated volunteers will be working on this next project. We also need to send our letter early to Father Christmas, to make sure he can come and join us in the Grotto again.

We couldn’t do these projects without our supporters, volunteers, businesses, Fylde Borough Council and St Anne’s Town Council, but most of all our fantastic community, including social media groups for sharing, helping us to spread the word. When we all work together, we make an amazing team!” n

STEP, a group of local volunteers, hope to make this successful festival an annual event and are now working towards the return of their Christmas Market, after the amazing reviews of their first one last year. The group are focussed on putting St Anne’s very firmly on the map as a place to visit. Veli continued, “We held the first ever Christmas Market in Ashton Gardens, St Anne’s, last year and it was a huge hit, both with visitors, residents and businesses. Even during the event people were asking if it would be annual and stalls were wanting to book for the following year. After a www.lancmag.com

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A DEDICATION ‘Our Miracle Of Life’ is dedicated to Dr Catherine Thompson for her vocation to humanity and to the kindness and consideration she shows to her never-ending list of patients at the NHS. She is a very special human being. Four other special people We would like also to acknowledge in this special dedication, four other amazing and deserving individuals and stalwarts of the NHS: Mr Hamayun Saghir, a specialist and a caring man with innovation and a great panoramic vision of the future, Dr Haslam of Queen’s Square medical practice Lancaster, who carries out a heavy workload week after week and represents a vital and major service to the public and the dedicated CRNS, Michelle Holmes who works above and beyond the call of duty and clinical nursing specialist, Wendy Maudsley with a heart full of kindness. Finally, we commend the brilliant teams of NHS personnel, all unsung heroes and working tirelessly and in a dangerous environment for the NHS cause.

Scroll of Honour

This is why the NHS is able to offer such a lifesaving, wonderful free service to the people of the UK. This remarkable service must be protected and advanced with the necessary resources. One day the politicians might recognize and appreciate all those in the NHS or connected with it for their true value and worth to our society-but I fear all too late.

Our miracle of life Upon a time before ancient earth Saw the deadly birth

Myriads of black holes and startling shooting stars

Or felt the poisonous kiss

The red planet Mars

Of the cursed global climate crisis

An orchestrated cacophony

A mountainous asteroid

With many more magical

Of secret creation day and night

mysteries in the universe to see

Journeyed on at lightning speed

On the expanding stage of Infinity

Whilst nurturing humanity’s seed

These new unending horizons emerging

Surging past the warped dazzling Milky Way

Beyond all human understanding

And engulfed by an endless array

At last journeys end and the mounting of Mother Earth

Of limitless light and dark matter

Causing a nuclear collision

Randomly it seems at play

Of death stress and strife

Yet with universal order imposed

Yet in time miracling pristine birth

every day

With wondrous biodiversity of life

Evolving regenerating rainforests

No place to live no place to die

The lungs of the Earth and

Together even now we can save our Earth

Natures nurseries And the vast deep mysterious seas

This beautiful place of our birth

Both home to multi diverse species

Forget your fear our time is here

The exotic hummingbirds and

This is our plea

honeybees We had it all a paradise without parallel Now descending to Dante’s seven stage hell

Strive for world peace and the love of humanity Together we can end all wars and their brutality All is possible if we act as one

Our grey leaders with their feet of clay

Stand tall there’s room for all

Have lost their devious way

This is our call

Many bribed and blinded by

It’s time for the power of love to

the rich power-sick men

transcend the love of power

Driving us all to Armageddon

Whatever your belief or religion

To the children what will we say

Your creed colour gender or none

Destined soon to see their last dawn

Please join the universal clan

Then the last child tomorrow born

Of the sisterhood of woman

No mother left to mourn or cry

And brotherhood of man

A stor y in prose by: John Laste Redemption: A ssisted by: Gar y W Fortiter and Darren Goodfellow.

The Tree of Life

Save The World - Sign Our Petition Before it’s too late we ask you to join the race to save our world. Please sign the petition below to show our united strength to persuade governments and leaders across our planet to act now and go much further than any agreements reached at the United Nations Climate Change conference in Glasgow, from 31st October 2021 or any previous conventions which sadly were full of unfulfilled promises. The insatiable greed for wealth and power by the few is killing our Earth for the many. It could all be so different If we want to be heard the people of the world must speak now with one unstoppable voice to save our precious heritage. The heritage of this wonderful world belongs to every one of us. It is not just the province or a plaything of the rich and powerful to exploit. They are leading us all, themselves and their own children to global disaster.

To the children what will we say?

Post Script: If our leaders had taken notice of the science over the last fifteen or twenty years and had researched and invested in clean and renewable technologies, we would be independent of fossil fuels and dangerous nuclear power stations and would have had an over-abundance of energy which ultimately in a fair society could be free to all. The Earth would be in a better place and not in danger from a global warming crisis. Instead, we are in the grip of private insular and selfish entities driven by ruthless self-seeking owners and directors producing oil and subsequently the poisonous plastics and other toxic substances polluting our air, seas, earth and even outer space. No one can escape from the scourge and all for financial benefit and for the benefit of a handful of misguided and irresponsible shareholders preoccupied with profit before sanity. www.worldsportsandmedia.co.uk

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More Young Women Consider Construction Careers But Cost-of-Living Crisis Risks Progress • More than 1 in 4 young women see construction as a possible career path • Almost 8 in 10 Lancashire parents (78%) have discussed apprenticeships with their child, and 16% are more likely to encourage them to do an apprenticeship than pre-pandemic • 60% of young people surveyed in Lancashire would consider an apprenticeship; while half (50%) said the Coronavirus pandemic has changed the factors that are most important to them in terms of choosing a career path • However, positive financial perceptions of pursuing an apprenticeship career route are at a four-year low, as the cost-of-living crisis bites

The research, launched during National Apprenticeship Week, reveals that whilst there has been clear progress in the number of young people considering apprenticeships, there are wideranging concerns around the financial benefits, with sentiment around pay prospects at their lowest level since 2019. Now in its sixth year, Redrow’s Apprenticeship Report analyses the barriers to entry-level recruitment into the construction and the housebuilding sectors, as well as recommendations to overcome these. Redrow canvassed 2,000 parents and young people, as well as 100 of its own apprentices, and benchmarked the findings against previous years. Whilst more young women are considering a career in construction this year, and parents are having more conversations about apprenticeships with their children, positive financial associations of apprenticeships are trending down. The proportion of young people nationally believing an apprenticeship brings greater financial independence at an earlier age (when compared to studying full time) has dropped from a high of 41% in 2019 to just 28% in 2022. Parents are now matching this apprehension, with 1 in 5 parents saying they would be concerned about their child’s career prospects upon finishing an apprenticeship. 100

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Redrow is calling on the government and industry to take advantage of today’s changing landscape and the opportunity to innovate the way they attract young people into apprenticeships by giving them more confidence about their future. CLOSING THE GENDER GAP In an industry particularly challenged by gendered preconceptions, this year more young women responded saying they see construction as a possible career path (27% vs 20% in 2021). Young women are also increasingly discussing the possibility of a career in construction with their parents, with the proportion of those that hadn’t discussed it dropping from 54% in 2020 to 39% in 2022. 40% of young people perceive the sector to be heavily dominated by men, a substantial drop from 54% in 2017. CAREERS ADVICE AT SCHOOL The disruption to the nation’s classrooms throughout the pandemic meant that pupils were even more likely to miss out on careers advice, with the proportion of young adults who had information on apprenticeships outlined to them at school falling from a high of 63% in 2018 to just 54% this year. www.lancmag.com

Those in Yorkshire and the Humber were the most likely to say that someone at their school had outlined information to them on apprenticeships (63%), which dropped to 58% in Lancashire, whilst those from London were the least likely to have received any information on apprenticeships from their school (38%).

When looking at two prevailing misconceptions around careers in construction, parents in Wales were most likely to say that a career in construction involved predominantly manual labour (42% vs 32% nationally) and parents in London were most likely to say it involved working on a building site (45% vs 28% nationally).

One in four young people say they get the most useful information about careers from their friends; despite the fact friends are likely to still be in education or exploring their future options themselves, further highlighting the importance of equipping young people with the information they need to make decisions about their future.

Karen Jones, HR Director at Redrow, commented:

MONEY MATTERS This year’s results show a wider concern around cost-of-living, and the long-term financial implications of undertaking an apprenticeship. Just 59% of young adults this year (vs. 65% 2019) agree that apprenticeships equate to earning money while studying and not incurring student debts. Those who believe an apprenticeship brings greater financial independence at an earlier age compared to studying full time has also dropped from a high of 41% in 2019 to just 28% in 2022, the lowest it has ever been. Additionally, one in three of young people think that an apprenticeship has lower career earnings than a traditional graduate pathway. Overwhelmingly, each demographic believes that starting wages could be increased to encourage more young people to study apprenticeships, with 52% of parents and 41% of young people saying that an increase in starting wages would be the biggest motivator. However, alongside financial implications, the pandemic has changed what’s important for young people when choosing a career. 1 in 5 young believe that having a work / life balance that accommodates family, friends and hobbies is important with a similar proportion citing a desire for their career to have a positive impact on society. We’ve recognised this amongst our own colleagues and responded by pledging 1000 days of volunteering to local communities and initiatives and giving employees two days of volunteering leave. PARENTAL INFLUENCE Young people say they get the most useful information about careers from their parents, whilst parents cited careers counsellors (41%), teachers (37%) and industry mentors (30%) as the sources they think young people get the most useful information from – showing that parents don’t necessarily realise the extent of their influence. Positively, conversations around apprenticeships have also become more commonplace as 7 in 10 parents (72%) now discuss this route, building on results in the previous two years. Additionally, 27% are more likely to encourage their child to do an apprenticeship than pre-pandemic.

“Whilst it is clear there are still fundamental barriers in place hampering entry-level recruitment into the sector, things are also moving in the right direction. The quality of advice in schools is improving and the increasingly positive attitudes of young women and girls toward construction careers suggests the industry is becoming more welcoming and inclusive. “There are undoubtedly concerns about what it means financially to undertake an apprenticeship. Of course, this can in part be pinned to wider societal anxiety around the power of the pound in our pocket, and what the future looks like. However, it also shows there is still work to be done in educating parents and young adults on the potential of a career in construction. “15% of Redrow’s workforce are apprentices, and the business believes there is an opportunity to take advantage of today’s changing landscape and innovate the way young people are encouraged into apprenticeships to alleviate concerns around what a career will mean for them. “As an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer we also pay our apprentices in excess of the National Minimum Wage for apprentices and greater industry adoption of this would help to ensure pay is not a barrier to training. “Financial barriers, from the wages paid to how businesses can utilise the apprenticeship levy, risk derailing all the positive progress industry and government has made and must be urgently addressed.” REDROW’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRIVING CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION: 1. Inspire influencers: Proactively use social media to target the key influencers of young people – parents and teachers – with tailored content, including workshops and targeted information campaigns, to challenge stereotypes and to empower them to pass on options, not misconceptions. 2. Restructure the apprenticeship levy: Expansion of what levy funds can be used to pay for would allow smaller businesses to boost the hiring of apprenticeships, whilst also allowing larger businesses to use the levy effectively without having to return it to the Treasury. 3. Establish a fair apprenticeship wage: which is calculated according to what employees and their families need to live, and that is reflective of the part of the UK in which they live. As well as a fair wage, businesses need to ensure they’re providing an employment experience that meets a young person’s wider needs, such as promoting a positive work/life balance and including volunteering days.

www.redrowplc.co.uk/careers

EDWARD LEAR and KNOWSLEY HALL By Margaret Brecknell

Bowman’s Lodge. The site, on which this property was once situated, is today located in the busy London suburb of Holloway, but at the time the house was quite isolated and offered excellent views over the city. Lear would later recall that his earliest memory was of witnessing the fireworks which formed part of the victory celebrations following the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Soon after this event, however, Jeremiah began to experience severe financial difficulties and the young Edward was sent away from the family home, together with his eldest sister, Ann. Some 21 years his senior, Ann effectively became his surrogate mother. She never married and remained devoted to him for the rest of her life until her death in 1861. Not long after leaving Bowman’s Lodge, the young Edward experienced his first epileptic seizure, the first of many which continued throughout his life.

Above: Edward Lear c1866

Edward Lear, who was born 210 years ago, is best known today for his nonsense verse and for making the limerick fashionable.

e made his name initially, however, as an illustrator and it was because of his artistic talent that he was employed by the Earl of Derby at the Stanley family’s ancestral home of Knowsley Hall, here in the North-West. Lear’s five years at Knowsley proved to have a huge impact on the way in which his career subsequently progressed, as well as providing an invaluable insight into the unusual collection of wild animals which were then kept in captivity on the estate. Lear was born in London on 12th May 1812, the second youngest of an extremely large family. His father, Jeremiah, worked as a stockbroker and at the time of young Edward’s birth the family lived in a large Georgian house called 102

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Above: Painting from Illustrations of the Family of Psittacidae, or Parrots

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deliberately stayed away from public view if he sensed that a seizure was imminent. However, there is little hint of what was to come during his time at Knowsley, when by all accounts he enjoyed an increasingly close relationship with the family.

Above: Cover from 1875 edition of A Book of Nonsense

The young Lear showed promise as an artist from an early age, even though he also suffered from poor eyesight. He himself would later recall how he had to draw “for his bread and cheese” from the age of fourteen, selling sketches to visitors and colouring painted screens and fans, as well as “awhile making morbid disease drawings for hospitals”. He was then employed by the recently established Zoological Society of London to draw the birds at London Zoo. By the age of 19, Lear was already proving to be an ornithological draughtsman of some note. His first book, Illustrations of the Family of Psittacidae, or Parrots, was published in 1830 and through this work, quite by chance, he first came to the attention of his future patron, Edward Smith-Stanley, later the 13th Earl of Derby. He had sought permission from the Zoological Society of London to draw some of the parrots in the zoo’s collection and Lord Stanley, a keen naturalist, happened to chair the meeting when Lear’s request was approved. When subsequently, in 1832, Stanley was looking for an artist to draw some of the rare animals and birds which formed part of the large aviary and menagerie he had assembled on the Knowsley Hall estate, he offered the role to Lear. Knowsley Safari Park has been a popular tourist attraction ever since it first opened in 1971. However, most of today’s visitors are probably unaware that much earlier in its history the estate was home to such a www.lancmag.com

vast collection of exotic animals and birds. The 13th Earl of Derby began to develop his private menagerie from around 1806 onwards. At its height he is believed to have employed thirty members of staff to attend to his collection, which covered nearly 100 acres. During this period, it was not uncommon for explorers and naturalists to send home live examples of the exotic species which they encountered abroad and, as one of the most eminent natural historians of his generation, the Earl was well placed to receive such specimens. He established contacts all over the world to supply him with new species. The Earl is also known to have financed several private expeditions to what were then considered far-flung parts of the globe. One such occasion occurred in 1839 when Joseph Burke, a gardener on the Knowsley estate, was sent to southern Africa to link up with a famous German specimen collector of the age called Karl Zeyher. Between 1832 and 1837, Lear made frequent visits to Knowsley. He is often portrayed, particularly in later life, as being a solitary and depressed figure who hid away from society. One clue as to a possible reason for this behaviour may be found in his diaries. It is apparent that Lear was hugely embarrassed by his epilepsy. In the early Christian church epileptics were said to have been possessed by demonic spirits and even by the 19th century an appalling level of stigma was still attached to the condition. Lear is said to have

On first arriving at Knowsley, Lear was treated as a member of staff who took his meals with the servants below stairs, but gradually became accustomed to dining with the family as an honoured guest. Lear later recalled that he first made friends with Stanley’s children and grandchildren, whom he liked to entertain by composing funny rhymes and drawing amusing sketches to accompany them. When the Earl discovered that the youngsters kept making excuses to leave the dinner table so that they could visit “the funny man downstairs”, Lear was invited to dine upstairs with them. Thus, the nonsense verse, for which Lear later became so famous, has its origins in the time he spent at Knowsley. Indeed, it is believed that his most famous poem, The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, may well have originated from this period, although it was not published until many years later. Lear’s time at Knowsley proved lifechanging in other ways too. Through the Stanley family he was introduced to many aristocratic and wealthy individuals, or “half the fine people of the day”, as he himself remarked, whom he would have had little chance of otherwise meeting. These contacts proved invaluable later in life when he was compelled to change artistic direction. Sadly, by 1837, although still only in his mid-twenties, Lear was beginning to struggle from the effects of the chronic bronchitis which would plague him for the rest of his life. With the backing of his patron, Lord Stanley, he travelled to Rome in the hope that wintering in warmer climes would ease the condition and spent much of the next decade or so travelling extensively around the Southern Mediterranean. He also continued to have other serious health issues. Shortly after leaving the UK, Lear’s eyesight deteriorated to such an extent that

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he was compelled to abandon his zoological sketches, unable now to cope with all the intricate details required in drawing animals and birds for scientific study. Instead, he decided to pursue a new career as a landscape artist. His patron, Lord Stanley, purchased several of his early landscape paintings and many of Lear’s other paintings were purchased or commissioned by the wealthy individuals whom he had first met at Knowsley. Lear became recognised as an accomplished landscape artist. However, his enduring legacy has proved to be his nonsense books. His first collection of limericks and nonsense verse, A Book of Nonsense, was published in 1846 and was dedicated to the Stanley children. The book included 72 humorous verses, accompanied by the absurd, but brilliantly executed, pen-and ink sketches for which Lear is now so renowned. The book proved enormously popular from the start, but, despite its success, Lear did not publish any more humorous verse for well over a decade. He is said to have been astonished at his writing success, as he still primarily viewed himself as a professional artist. Indeed, to 104

further his career as a painter, Lear returned home, in 1850, to study at the Royal Academy. However, he was still plagued by respiratory problems and little more than three years later abandoned any hope of making his permanent home in England. In 1851, the 13th Earl of Derby passed away and the famous Knowsley Hall menagerie was put up for sale at auction. At his death the collection is said to have amounted to nearly 350 mammals and 1300 birds. According to the auction catalogue, included in the sale were “upwards of 1600 examples, including a unique collection of the rarest antelopes, deer, Indian cattle, zebras, llamas and alpacas, which are particularly deserving the attention of noblemen and gentlemen as ornamental specimens for the park”. The Stanley family continued to act as Lear’s patrons for the rest of his life. During the mid-1850s, he returned to the Mediterranean and resumed his nomadic existence, travelling extensively before, in 1870, finally settling in the Italian resort of San Remo. Lear led a solitary existence in his later years, rarely socialising and with just an Albanian manservant and his cat, Foss, for company.

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Left: Sketch of Knowsley Hall by Edward Lear c1834

The overweight tabby cat with a stumpy tail was immortalised in his owner’s verses and sketches such as in this passage from the autobiographical poem, How Pleasant To Know Mr Lear:

“He has many friends, laymen and clerical, Old Foss is the name of his cat; His body is perfectly spherical, He weareth a runcible hat.”

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat was finally published in 1871 as part of Lear’s Nonsense Songs, Stories, Botany and Alphabets collection of verses. This story of two animals setting off to sea in a “beautiful pea-green boat” has charmed children and adults alike ever since. Edward Lear passed away, aged 75, at his home on the Italian Riviera in January 1888, only a few months after the death of his beloved cat, Foss. The story of the man behind some of the best-known comic verses in the English language is surprisingly melancholic. Lear may well have spent some the happiest times of his life at Knowsley Hall, so it seems only fitting, then, that his connection with the stately home is still celebrated today. A sculpture trail featuring pairs of two-metre-high owls and cats has recently been created, which visitors to Knowsley will be able to enjoy throughout 2022.

Left: Knowsley Hall today Photo credit: SLR Jester/CC BY 2.0

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Warrington Based Employee Named Sales Consultant of The Year A FAMILIAR face amongst residents at a housing development in Warrington has been named as Redrow’s regional ‘sales consultant of the year’.

left: Julie Madden, Sales Consultant of the Year Julie Madden, sales consultant at Redrow’s The Oaks at Taylor’s Chase, has been chosen as Lancashire’s 2022 winner. Looking after prospective and existing customers throughout their home buying journey, Julie helps homebuyers from their initial visit through to moving day and beyond. The accolade was given for Julie’s high standard of customer service, going ‘that extra mile’ for customers. “I have worked in the industry for over 30 years, employed by Redrow for the past five years,” said Julie, who lives in Childwall, Liverpool. “I love my job and all aspects of it from meeting the customers for the first time to being there through their journey, getting to know them and finally handing over the final product, their dream home. “That is the part of the job that makes it so worthwhile, when I 106

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know I have done a good job and have happy customers. “The award was totally unexpected; I was delighted over the moon.” Sian Pitt, sales director for Redrow Lancashire said: “The role of a Redrow sales consultant is to be professional and courteous, looking after customers throughout their home buying journey and making them feel important and valued. And Julie certainly does that. “She goes over and above for all her customers. At Christmas she hand-delivered cards to all her residents and even bought Christmas gifts. She really does love all her customers and they love her too.”

To find out more about career opportunities with Redrow, go to www.redrowcareers.co.uk www.lancmag.com

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

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

Discover more about the new homes in Lancashire

Visit: redrow.co.uk/lancashire

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

Sales Team Promotions at Redrow A TRIO of promotions has bolstered the sales team set-up at Redrow’s Cheshire based North West operation.

left: L to R: Katherine Andrucci, Emily Carey and Kirsty Hughes Katherine Andrucci has become a trainee area sales manager. It’s the latest stage in her career progression, having first joined Redrow in 2015 to help sell its homes and subsequently becoming a senior sales consultant.

Emily Carey, 27, from Nantwich, who joined the team at Redrow in 2015 and has also previously been named as sales consultants of the year, is now a senior sales consultant working with the team at Woodford Garden Village.

Katherine, 29, from Little Sutton, will now oversee the sales consultants at three developments which make up Ledsham Garden Village, in West Cheshire Oaklands, Sycamore Green and Hawthorn Court.

Likewise, Kirsty Hughes, 27, from West Kirby, who also joined the Redrow team in 2015, has been given senior status looking after Weaver Park and Water’s Reach.

Katherine, who has previously been named as sales consultants of the year, will now be supporting the team to achieve sales and customer service targets and look after the overall presentation of the development. “I joined the team at Redrow straight from completing my business and events management degree, I knew Redrow’s reputation for being a great employer and well-respected builder,” said Katherine, whose husband Jac also works for Redrow within its construction team. “I was aware of Redrow’s high-quality training programmes which are available to its staff, so home-grown talent is the norm here, rather than recruiting externally. “Construction is the second largest industry in the UK, there is a role to suit everyone and I would highly recommend working in this sector.” Elsewhere in Cheshire, Redrow has promoted two sales consultants to senior roles. 108

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As well as looking after homebuyers from their initial enquiry through to completion, Emily and Kirsty will deal with any sales-related issues at their respective developments and will also be mentoring new recruits. Anna Evans-Kerr, head of sales at Daresbury-based Redrow NW said: “Katherine, Emily and Kirsty’s promotions are all great examples of Redrow’s commitment to valuing people, by nurturing talent and helping staff to develop new skills and further their careers. “All three have proved themselves to be enthusiastic, hardworking and keen to progress, I look forward to supporting them in their new roles.”

To find out more about career opportunities with Redrow, go to www.redrowcareers.co.uk; for information on its new homes in the North West visit www.redrow.co.uk/ north-west www.lancmag.com

Hall, Park and Gardens

Now on display until the 5th of June 2022

RAINBOWS, ANGELS, & SUNRISES... Join us for this beautiful exhibition of Evelyn De Morgan’s paintings looking beyond crisis towards brighter days ahead FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR VISIT: www.towneley.org.uk

Towneley Hall Museum, Towneley Park, Burnley BB11 3RQ

From Bolton to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) SheInspires in the United Arab Emirates The inaugural SHE Summit in the UAE, inspired by the SheInspires movement in the UK, was hosted by The University Of Bolton campus in RAK in April 2022. Women leaders have never been so needed as they are in today’s world. So the initiatives springing from She Inspires in 2022 are both unsurprising and critically necessary. With over seven years of She Inspires awards to look back on, there are so many things that have been learned. Not least is the extraordinary difference that women of exceptional merit have made in their own communities. Sometimes locally, often nationally and with increasing reach across international boundaries. “The glass ceiling is steadily disappearing and not because of some notional nod towards equality but because of sheer

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and obvious merit.” Says Gulnaz Brennan, Founder of SheInspires Network. SHE Summit, at the packed RAK auditorium was about fostering the female students with positive female role models. Gulnaz, along with an inspirational panel of exceptional women, Dr. Sweta, Neurologist from RAK Hospital & Founder of Success Signature program, Hiba Aijaz, Engineer & Project Manager from Miglia, Aqsa Khan, Mechanical Engineer from Hilton Hotel RAKs, the only female Engineer in the group and Georgina Kelly, Founder of Business Network in RAK, inspired staff, students and parents! The importance of educating young girls and women is vital to everything that She Inspires believes. As a result, the launch of the She Scholarship is a wonderful new venture announced at the inaugural summit. The scholarship will enable the winning girl in the UAE to gain an education at the RAK campus

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@sheinspiresgroup @sheinspiresgroup @sheinspiresgrp

in her chosen degree programme, in a unique opportunity that will enable a spotlight to be shone on the She Leads ethos. The leadership of women comes with a little extra element. A penchant for style? Perhaps. A powerful will to succeed? Always. And a determination that everyone matters, and no one need be left behind? Without question. From Bolton to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), SheInspire’s link to The University of Bolton is already excelling in its achievements. A visit to The University Of Bolton campus in RAK will astonish for its academic prowess and its unique learning structures. From playschools

“More and more of our leaders are women because they are the ones who have risen to the challenge and shown how no barriers are too formidable to overcome.” through to Postgraduate degree colleges, the 42,000 square foot facility shows the depth and breadth if its ambition. Enormous thanks are due to Raj Nambiar, Campus Director at the University of Bolton in Ras Al Khaimah. Celebrating inspiring women leaders in the UAE is an innovative and noble venture, and one which we know our global family will take to their hearts. With the launch of the She Summit at the campus in RAK, we can announce that a UAE chapter of She Inspire Awards will be established to celebrate inspiring women at this, the pre-eminent education establishment in the UAE.

sheinspires.org.uk www.lancmag.com

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JOHN BELLINGHAM - The Liverpool Assassin By Margaret Brecknell

Spencer Perceval 1812 Drawing by Charles Turner – Yale Center for British Art/CC0

Details of Bellingham’s early life remain largely unknown, but he is thought to have been born around 1771 and to have spent much of his childhood in the Cambridgeshire town of St Neots. His mother, Elizabeth, came from a well-to-do local family, while his father, John, was a land surveyor and artist from London, who, towards the end of his life, is believed to have suffered from serious mental health problems. One account of Bellingham’s life, which appeared in James Stonehouse’s Recollections of Old Liverpool by a Nonagenarian, portrayed him as a troublesome teenager, who, at the age of 14, was apprenticed to a London jeweller, but ran away “after giving much trouble and annoyance”. His mother, by then a single parent, turned for assistance to her brotherin-law, a prosperous barrister called William Daw, who managed to find the young Bellingham a position as an officer cadet on board a ship which was about to set sail for China. During its voyage the vessel was wrecked off the coast of Cape Verde and Bellingham was fortunate to make it home safely.

One of the most shocking crimes in UK history occurred 210 years ago, on 11th May 1812, when the then Prime Minister, Spencer Perceval, was shot dead in the lobby of the Houses of Parliament. 112

erceval is now best remembered for being the only UK Prime Minister ever to be assassinated. The name of his assailant, John Bellingham, a merchant broker from Liverpool, has, however, been largely forgotten, as have the events that led him to carry out such a shockingly violent act.

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Daw was again asked to intervene and next helped him to set up as a tin-plate worker on Oxford Street in London. Once more, matters do not appear to have run smoothly for Bellingham. A bankruptcy notice regarding an Oxford Street “tin-plate worker and dealer” called John Bellingham, which appeared in The London Gazette in March 1794, is very likely to relate to him. Subsequently, Bellingham found work as a bookkeeper in London and eventually was sent to work as the firm’s representative in the northerly Russian port of Archangel. www.lancmag.com

By the early 1800s, he had set up his own business, acting as an agent and insurance broker for companies whose trade involved importing and exporting goods from Russia. He also appears to have developed close business ties with Ireland and this may well have been the reason behind his decision to come and live in the North-West.

In the summer of 1804, Bellingham, together with his wife and new-born son, set sail for Russia from Liverpool on a business trip to Archangel. By November he had finished his business in the Russian port and was preparing to return home via St Petersburg, when the police arrived without warning and accused him of failure to pay an outstanding debt.

In 1803, he married Mary Nevill, the daughter of an Irish business associate, and the couple set up home together on Duke Street in Liverpool.

For the rest of his life Bellingham maintained that he did not owe any money and the cooked-up charge was, in fact, a ruse to keep him in the country for an entirely different reason.

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Some months previously a ship called the Soyuz had been lost at sea. Its two wealthy Russian owners (one of whom happened to be the Mayor of Archangel) had taken steps to insure the ship and its contents with Lloyd’s of London. However, the underwriters refused to compensate them for their losses, claiming that they had received an anonymous letter which suggested that the owners had deliberately sabotaged the ship. Rightly or wrongly, the two men believed that Bellingham was the man behind this letter and sought to detain him in Archangel until they could prove this to be the case. 

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 Mary Bellingham travelled to St Petersburg to await her husband’s arrival, but he was detained for over a year before finally being allowed to join her there. At this point the couple may well have had the opportunity to return home, but Bellingham, incensed at the treatment he had received, decided to pursue a case against the Archangel authorities on the grounds of false imprisonment. This proved to be an extremely bad move. Bellingham was rearrested and his wife travelled home to North-West England without him. Later, during his trial for the murder of Spencer Perceval, Bellingham recalled the ordeal he endured in Russia during this period. He described being “banded from prison to prison, and from dungeon to dungeon, fed on bread and water, treated with the utmost cruelty, and 114

frequently marched through the streets under a military guard with felons and criminals of the most atrocious description, even before the residence of the British Minister, who might view from his window this degrading severity towards a British subject who had committed no crime”. He did not arrive back in the UK until December 1809, having been finally given permission to leave Russia. By this point he had spent five years in and out of prison, often in the most appalling conditions, and had faced financial ruin. Throughout his detention in Russia, he had frequently pleaded with the British authorities for assistance, but had received none. Bellingham was particularly critical of Lord Granville Leveson-Gower, the then British ambassador in St Petersburg, who had rejected several

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of his pleas for help. Bellingham did not immediately return home to Liverpool to be reunited with his wife and young family. Instead, he stayed in London at the home of his cousin, Ann Billett, and began his attempt to obtain financial compensation from the British Government for its failure to intervene on his behalf in Russia. At his later trial, Bellingham’s cousin described his unstable state of mind at this time, recalling that, “He said that he had realised more than a hundred thousand pounds, with which he intended to buy an estate in the west of England, and to take a house in London. I asked him where the money was. He said he had not got the money, but it was the same as if he had, for that he had gained his cause in Russia, and our government must make it good to him.” www.lancmag.com

Bellingham’s confidence proved to be misplaced and the compensation for which he hoped did not arrive, despite a series of formal petitions to the Foreign Office, the Treasury and the then Prime Minister, Spencer Perceval. Bellingham was eventually persuaded to abandon his quest for justice in London and return home to his family in the North-West. Mary, by this time, was running a successful dressmaking and millinery business in Liverpool with a friend called Mary Stevens and Bellingham began work again as an insurance broker. Superficially, all seemed well, but, in truth, Bellingham was already making plans to return to the capital. In December 1811 Bellingham set off for London on what was ostensibly supposed to be a short business trip. In fact, he never returned to Liverpool. He found lodgings on New Millman Street in the capital and spent the next four months petitioning anyone whom he thought might listen regarding his campaign for compensation. All he received in return were polite refusals at best. At his trial, Catherine Figgins, a servant at Bellingham’s London lodgings, recalled how, on the morning of Monday, 11th May 1812, he had appeared “not so well as he had been for some time past”. Nevertheless, in the early afternoon he had accompanied his landlady and her young son on a visit to the European Museum in the St James district of London. From there he had proceeded alone to Westminster. Spencer Perceval, oblivious of the impending danger, left Downing Street alone at just after 5pm to walk the short distance to the Houses of Parliament. On entering the lobby, the Prime Minister is reported to have been approached by Bellingham, who produced a pistol from a concealed pocket in his coat and fired at him at point-blank range. Felled by a lead ball through his heart, Perceval staggered forward and is reported to have exclaimed in a faint voice, “I am murdered”, before collapsing on the floor. He was carried to a nearby www.lancmag.com

room, but the unfortunate man died only a few minutes later.

Parliament in the weeks preceding the fateful day of the shooting.

Bellingham made no attempt to escape and was easily apprehended. He was transferred to Newgate Prison, where he was placed on suicide watch.

Whether he intended all along to murder the British Prime Minister remains unclear. During the trial Bellingham made a formal statement in his defence, in which he claimed that “If I had met Lord Gower he would have received the ball, and not Mr Perceval”, adding that “I disclaim all personal or intentional malice against Mr Perceval”. Yet earlier in his rambling speech, in which he attempted to justify his actions but showed little remorse, he had declared that “If they had listened to my case this court would not have been engaged in this case, but Mr Perceval obstinately refusing to sanction my claim in Parliament, I was driven to despair, and under these agonising feelings I was impelled to that desperate alternative which I unfortunately adopted”.

In the immediate aftermath of the assassination, there were fears that Bellingham’s deed might have been intended to act as a catalyst for an uprising on a much larger scale, but it soon became apparent that he had worked alone. The Lancaster Gazette reported that the authorities were relieved to discover “the assassin was neither a Roman Catholic, a Dissenter, a reformer of public abuses, nor a starving manufacturer”, which provides an interesting insight into those sections of society regarded at the time as being potentially dangerous. It did not take long for Bellingham’s fate to be decided. Charged with “wilful murder”, his trial took place at the Old Bailey only four days after the shooting. His defence counsel put forward a motion that his client was unfit to answer the charge on the grounds of insanity, but he was unable to find an expert witness to testify regarding Billingham’s state of mind in the limited time he was given to prepare for the case. The evidence which came to light during the trial suggests that Bellingham had been planning the crime for several weeks. He was reported as having purchased two pistols from a London gunsmith about a month previously. One witness, a tailor called James Taylor, testified that in late April he had been approached by the accused to make an alteration to an overcoat, stating that “He gave me directions to make him an inside pocket on the left side, so as he could get at it conveniently. He wished to have it a particular depth and accordingly gave me a bit of paper about the length of nine inches”. This was the concealed pocket from which the murder weapon was later produced. Several other witnesses recalled regularly seeing Bellingham at the Houses of

It took the jury less than a quarter of an hour to find him guilty. Just three days later, on a wet Monday morning, Bellingham was hanged at Newgate Prison in front of a large crowd. In Recollections of Old Liverpool by a Nonagenarian, James Stonehouse recalled that back home in Liverpool news of his “atrocious act” caused “a great sensation in the town”. Stonehouse added that such was the speed with which Bellingham was tried and executed, “The news that it had been perpetrated had scarcely reached us in Liverpool before we heard of his trial and execution”. Bellingham’s unfortunate wife, Mary, was supported by friends and neighbours who raised funds to help her provide for her young family. Following his execution, John Bellingham’s body was taken to St Bartholomew’s Hospital to be used for the purposes of medical science. Remarkably, his skull was preserved and, in 2018, scientists at Barts Pathology Museum in London created a digital reconstruction of his face, thus allowing modern audiences a chance to stare into the eyes of the 19th-century Liverpool assassin. 

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

INTRODUCING THE NEW BANKSY An Urban Warrior - in Slippers By Denise Mullen

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good friend of mine is blessed with a happy marriage to a lovely husband with a quirky personality. All going well then. Her spouse, and my own husband, have a few quirks in common. Both are compassionate people who wear their emotions on their sleeves. Rare in men – and I know I’m generalising – it may just be the men in my circle of friends and relatives. These two both have the strongest compunction ‘to do what’s right’ and look after people. I love that about them. The other thing they share is the alcohol tolerance of a fruit fly. When they’ve ‘had a Baileys’ they generally either disco dance in the sitting room to some ‘banging tunes’ from the 90s 116

or have an impassioned debate about whatever is in the headlines - and what should be done about it. One last note on the dancing thing, I should mention I have witnessed both of them attempt Riverdance moves to 80s classic ‘Come On Eileen’ when sufficiently mellow. Both will also do their utmost, where they can, to personally contribute to doing the right thing – and encourage others to do the same. So it was, then, that these two lovebirds of our acquaintance were celebrating having ‘achieved’ Friday evening and decided to crack on with a couple of G&Ts. Now this is hard liquor, so prime Riverdance fuel. However, they stuck to some wellchosen vintage tracks for a bit of sitting room shimmying post aperitif. By 9.30pm the music was cranked up and inhibitions discarded. Then my pal announced to her husband that she was off to bed. He shouted over something by Blur, that he’d be up in a little while, adding ‘Women, they’re like cats. No wonder they live longer.’ She had not been in bed more than ten minutes before she was off in the land of nod, despite the wail of the music and the whisking sound of fast-moving slippers over limestone flooring from below. She was surprised to be woken by an urgent ringing noise. Checking the time as she reached over to answer her mobile, she noted it was now 10.30pm. It was her cousin. This is what he said. “I’ve got your husband here, he’s

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inebriated. He says he’s been on a secret mission. I’ve not let him in, I’ve sent him home.” Her apologies were effusive, but one question just burst forth. “Was he in his slippers?” She was reassured ‘no’ and then went downstairs to check their dog was still in the house and hadn’t nipped off for his own adventure, opportunist that he is. All was well, dog in basket, slippers in sitting room, wellies missing. A short while later the husband hoveto. Dishevelled and holding a can of spray paint, the sort you use to mark out for construction work. He began his secret mission story, but by then it was approaching 11pm and she was overseeing the removal of wellies and shoving him upstairs. The following morning, she was driving through an underpass on her way to do a weekly shop and she saw it. The graffiti. It was brand new, and at the precise height that would be comfortable for a medium-height radical in wellingtons. Also, and this confirmed her suspicions, it boasted the correct use of a plural possessive apostrophe and no swearing. Not something that’s generally evident in ‘gangsta’ scrawl. I can’t reveal the message, as it might, in some way, implicate the author. So instead, we have a new subversive artist and social commentator on the block. Grampsy. He’s 61 and should know better. www.lancmag.com

SEE OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE INSTORE

I M M E D I AT E D E L I V E R Y Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm | Saturday 10am - 5pm | Sunday 11am - 5pm M Vine Mill, Brookside Street, Oswaldtwistle BB5 3PX N 01254 399 906 | F @vinemillfurnitureltd

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.

About Aiming Higher 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 10 years.

fter two and a half years the “Annual” Aiming Higher Ball is back and ready to put lockdown behind us! This fantastic event has long been a vital fundraiser for the charity. It is also a wonderful night for everyone in attendance with music, games, great food and drink and an opportunity to get glammed up with friends. This year’s event will take place on 17th September at The Village Hotel. The night includes a three course dinner and entertainment - BOOK NOW TO QUALIFY FOR THE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT! Further details opposite, or call us on 01253 206447 Local band Chique who play disco and 80s tunes will be

providing live music and throughout the evening, revellers will be able to take part in a variety of fundraising activities with a raffle, money tree and balloon burst for the chance to win all kinds of spectacular prizes. There will also be a chance to watch a video presentation where families will explain the issues they face and the positive impact Aiming Higher has had on their lives. The 2019 event raised over £12,000 to support this important work. Charity Manager Latoya Sykes said, “We are excited to be able to revive the ball and have some fun after two years without this crucial fundraising event. It is always an enjoyable event and a chance to thank the people who make our work possible and support us.” If you would like more information regarding the ball or 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

PHOTOS FROM THE AIMING HIGHER BALL IN PREVIOUS YEARS 

 Becky Cartwright, Charity Manager Latoya Sykes and Emma Nickson

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 Sally Smith and Claire Reynolds

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 Debbie Travis and Gilly Bee

 Chair of Trustees, John Child

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The Design Museum Announces the 2021-22 Design Ventura Shortlist for its Design and Enterprise Competition Over 110 schools from across the UK and internationally took part in the 12th edition of Design Ventura, the Design Museum and Deutsche Bank’s design and enterprise competition for students aged 13-16.

The shortlisted entries in alphabetical order include: • County Upper School, Suffolk, Sunny London - a fun children’s craft kit to create stained glass windows featuring great British design icons

• Liverpool Blue Coat School, Liverpool, Designosaur - a dinosaur shaped buildable and customisable plant pot to grow herbs

tudents responded to a brief set by award-winning sound artist, designer and Partner at Pentagram, Yuri Suzuki to design a new product for the Design Museum Shop. The 10 shortlisted teams will have the opportunity to pitch their design concepts to a panel of design and business professionals at Deutsche Bank’s head office in London. The winning team will then be announced at a celebration event at the Design Museum, with their winning idea going on sale in the Design Museum Shop later in the year. A flagship partnership within Deutsche Bank’s global Corporate Social Responsibility Born to Be youth engagement programme, Design Ventura offers students an opportunity to build vital design skills, and handson experience developing a product and taking it to market.

• Orleans Park School, London, The Sturdy Stabiliser - portable and reusable pads to fix wobbly chairs and tables legs

• Cambourne Village College, Cambridge, Eco Seed - a product which allows users to grow seeds and watch them germinate.

• Ferndown Upper School, Dorset, The Flippy Book - a flip-book that mixes and matches iconic designs letting the user explore their creativity

• Prendergast Ladywell School, London, Grow Your Story - a biodegradable fairytale storybook and plant kit

The shortlisted teams have all designed products which respond to the brief to improve everyday life by addressing a social, educational or environmental issue and retails for around £15.

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• Salford City Academy, Manchester, Tongue Twister Game - a card game with alliterative phrases challenging the players to pronounce individual words

• Tiffin School, London, Drummable - a DIY cardboard drum-kit creating a wide range of textures and sounds American Community School, Soaprise - a soap with a surprise toy hidden inside to encourage children to wash their hands

• South Wilts Grammar School, Wiltshire, Gender Jigsaw - jigsaw pieces with preferred pronouns to be worn on your clothing

Shortlist for Independent and International School Category: • American Community School, Amman, Soaprise - a soap with a surprise toy hidden inside to encourage children to wash their hands • The Piggott School, Berkshire, Corky - a quirky pineapple soft toy made of cork, bamboo and felt

• Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, Crosby, RMP: Recycled Music Products - stylish and chic jewellery made of old vinyl records

The shortlisted teams were chosen by a panel of leading professionals from the world of business and design. The teams will now be invited to attend a pitching event to test their entrepreneurial skills in front of a panel of judges including Yuri Suzuki, Sound Artist and Designer and Design Ventura 2021-22 brief setter; Rosa Bertoli, Design Editor at Wallpaper; Sebastian Conran, Designer and Trustee at the Design Museum; Preena Patel, Merchandising Manager at the Design Museum; and Christoph Woermann, Global Head of Corporate Bank Marketing at Deutsche Bank. “I loved seeing the work that has been produced - the research, ideas and level of presentation were impressive and inspiring. There are some very promising concepts.” Sam Griffiths, designer and founder of Griffics, Shortlisting Judge, Design Ventura 2021-22.

• St. Andrew International School, Bangkok, Dino Plant - a recycled seed paper-based origami set which grows plants once completed

Website: ventura.designmuseum.org I @Design_Ventura @designmuseum T @DesignVentura @designmuseum F Design Ventura Link to purchase Design Ventura 2019 Winning Product, Grow Wild: designmuseumshop.com/ products/grow-wild

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Johnny Recruit By Theo Behe and Thomas Muzzell Johnny Recruit by Theo Behe and Thomas Muzzell, available on all online book stores on May 30th. Available for pre-order from Amazon on May 15th.

A 14-year-old landing a publishing deal with a top UK comics title? A story inspired by a WW2 DCF pilot with over a dozen Nazi kills - the writer a direct dessendent of the RAF ace? A graphic novel containing only double-page spreads and no words emulating German and Allied propaganda posters used to encourage soldier enlistment? Here is a curiosity worth checking out.

ohnny Recruit is a Markosia graphic novel written by English Year 9 student Theo Behe and illustrated by Canadian artist Thomas Muzzell. Released on May 30th, the story follow 14-year-old Big Johnny who lies about being 18 and joins WW2 to rescue his favourite uncle Bert - who’s been imprisoned by Nazis deep inside Germany. In his quest he goes to head to head with posh alpha male pilot Billy who threatens to expose Johnny’s secret - leaving the youngster with tough decisions no kid should have to face. It’s quite remarkable Markosia will publish a young teenager’s comic based on a project he first submitted back in primary school. But like any release from a reputable comics publisher, I wanted to find out if Johnny Recruit was actually any good? And it is quite good indeed. We meet man-boy Johnny, a church-going, hockey card loving teen from rural Manitoulin Island, Canada.

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Physically dominant in ice hockey, at 14 he has mastered moose hunting from bush planes from his best friend uncle Bert. So Johnny doesn’t think twice about enlisting into WW2 to find Bert after learning he’s been held captive by Nazis. Strong, confident, persistent, an expert shot and top-class flying skills means he excels in boot camp. And he soon gains big credibility in the ranks after saving fellow troops in Operation Jubilee - a notorious test-run for the D-Day landing where over 900 (mostly Canadian) soldiers were slaughtered on Dieppe beach in 1942. Johnny is a real hero of his era. Unlike popular fantasy teen novel heroes like Alex Rider or Artemis Fowl, Johnny’s adventures are believable because he relies on the limited tools and technology available to him at the time to get in and out of trouble. And although excellent luck usually favours the exceptional - his heroics certainly don’t impress Billy, a pompous pilot keen to thwart his efforts. Even in a bloody war against facist Germans an enemy can lurk within. Johnny Recruit isn’t a tale lamenting lives lost, the peripheral impact of battle, or the tragedy of blindly following duty for one’s country - but rather it’s a story of love for family. And the book’s young writer was inspired by a family hero of his own - his RAF flying ace Uncle Albert Houle who was awarded two distinguished flying cross for shooting down 13½ Nazis (½ Nazi means two pilots killed them by the way). So in Behe we seem to have a teen so taken

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by his great uncle’s achievements he couldn’t help but write himself into a new (semi-fictional) version of his story. Just as Johnny wants to find his favourite uncle, Behe writes himself into the story because he wants to be part of his favourite uncle’s adventures. We’ve all imagined hanging with our heroes - and quite often they’re family members we idolised (and idealised) in our youth. Artist Thomas Muzzell’s double page spreads are excellent. His fine inks vividly bring the Behe’s story to life - such that I wanted to re-read this comic twice to take it in properly. One can quietly and patiently spend minutes soaking up each landscape almost like cinematic freeze-frames allowing the imagination to build up preceding minutes of action leading up to that exact moment in the story. There are work-in-progress videos on Behe’s social account that show the meticulous detail that went into each page. The artist is clearly comfortable with vast scenic backgrounds and he matures Johnny nicely as the teen makes his boy-to-man journey from innocence to experience. But it’s Muzzell’s secondary characters who steal the show: the joyous pub-dwellers, weathered dockside fishermen, battle-jaded pilots. This project has many nice surprises - but perhaps none bigger than learning the 64-year-old artist only really went fulltime into comics after his retirement. The comic is dialogue-free and each page is (very appropriately) reminiscent of a WW2 propaganda poster or comic cover - back when it cost kids only 10 cents to find out how Superman could kill Adolf Hitler. By signing up to go head-to-head versus the Nazi war machine, one first wonders if Johnny was being brave - or maybe he’s simply a reckless kid. But then we learn that thousands of underaged kids joined WW2 - the youngest a certain Tom Dobney who became an RAF pilot at 14, and only caught out when his father spotted a newspaper photo of him shaking hands with the King. Such influential comic covers - that no doubt encouraged 40s kids to sign-up - aren’t really so different to the social media propaganda luring thousands of child soldiers into global wars today.

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With Christopher Nolan and Steven Spielberg soon coming out with new big-budget WW2 productions, Behe might have timed his Johnny Recruit adventure into the hero comic wars quite nicely indeed. I recommend Johnny Recruit to people who enjoy historical action comics with something to say about fighting for family - and perhaps something more to say about our world that still lets kids fight in wars today. DISCOVER MORE ABOUT JOHNNY RECRUIT: www.contrabandgraphicnovel.com/johnnyrecruit

QA & THEO BEHE

How did your great Uncle Bert inspire you? When I first heard Bert’s WW2 stories I got so excited. An ace who shot down 13 German planes - and he even got shot in the neck himself. He made our family proud and so I really wanted to write some fun adventures around him - create new heroes that might match up to what he did. I can understand why kids back in 1940 would love stories like this too, and why they would make them want to go and fight in the war. Johnny Recruit is in Canada, England, France, Germany and Switzerland - have you been to these places?

What have you learned from writing Johnny Recruit? From doing the comic, my planning and creativity skills have really improved which will help me in school for the next few years. I learnt that you have to start first with the structure of the story and make sure you have the plot. Being patient is really key. You shouldn’t get worried about the little details and ideas not coming to you right away. For all the pages they eventually all came to me. The PR part is also an exciting new thing to learn about. Social media is such a big platform for promotion. So is being in the newspaper! Why did you call the book Johnny Recruit?

I’ve been to all the locations in the book. My family likes to travel - we visited Juno Beach just after the first lockdown. And I’ve been all over the UK playing football. In the summers I go to Canada - and this country has probably influenced the book the most. The landscapes at the beginning are from Northern Ontario near Georgian Bay. It helps that Tom is from Ontario Canada also - he knows what it’s like there. The bush plane landing on the dock early in the book comes from watching them come on Trout Lake. So is the page where Johnny is playing ice hockey in winter time - after the snow is scraped off when the lake freezes over.

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“Johnny Recruit” was a term used by troops to call out inexperienced soldiers new to the war. Even Camel cigarettes ran a big ad campaign around the term. We did talk about different options: Johnny Canada, Johnny Conscript - and even Johnny Dieppe because of Operation Jubilee - but that sounded too much like a famous and (somewhat disgraced) actor!

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WILD SWIMMING WALKS

LAKE DISTRICT: 28 lake, river and waterfall days out BY PETE KELLY Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 lake, river and waterfall days out by Pete Kelly ISBN: 9781910636336 Available 2nd May 2022 from www.wildthingspublishing.com RRP £14.99 Wild Swimming Walks leads you on 28 adventures in the captivating landscape of the Lake District. Find secret waterfalls, pristine mountain tarns and sparkling rivers.

guided adventure swimming. Pete has appeared on BBC Countryfile and Secret Britain and writes for Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

omplete with photos and practical guidance, rich in local history and legend, this book will appeal to wild swimmers, family explorers, nature lovers and walkers alike. • Discover beautiful pools below the highest waterfall in Cumbria • Swim around the islands of Ullswater and into the Devil’s Chimney • Bathe in the deepest tarn in the Lakes beneath the towering crags of Mardale • Explore the craggy highs and the watery lows of Scafell Pike from the wonderful Eskdale Valley • Seek the legendary talking fish of Bowscale Tarn Including detailed directions, maps and downloadable route information to print out or take with you on your phone or tablet ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pete Kelly was brought up in northern England and learnt to swim in the tidal pools of Northumbria. He now lives in Ambleside with his wife Andrea and son William. Together they founded Swim the Lakes in 2005, pioneering

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FRIDAY FAKEOUT RECIPES

Vegan Korean Rice Bowl

Serves 1 | Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes | Ready in: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• 160g cooked jasmine rice

In a medium hot saucepan, add the Sun Hee gochujang paste, water and light soy sauce, mixing it well to form a runny sauce.

• 5 red radishes, sliced • 80g of pan-fried tofu • A few slices of cucumber • Blanched broccoli florets • 1 tbsp Sun Hee Kimchi • 2 tbsp Sun Hee Gouchjang paste • 2 tbsp light soy sauce

To assemble the rice bowl, first add the cooked jasmine rice at the bottom. Then arrange the sliced red radish, pan fried tofu, sliced cucumber and broccoli florets on top. Sprinkle over some Korean chilli flakes and the white and black sesame seeds. Serve with a dollop of the sauce you made earlier, and the Sun Hee Kimchi.

• 2 tbsp water • A few pinches of black & white sesame seeds • A few pinches of Korean chilli flakes

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Authentic Korean Flavours From Sun Heel

Korean Style Beef Burger

Serves 2 | Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes | Ready in: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• 200g minced beef

Preheat your over to 180o degrees Celsius.

• 2 tbsp Sun Hee Korean BBQ sauce

In a mixing bowl combine the beef, ginger & garlic paste, salt, pepper, Sun Hee Korean BBQ sauce and chopped onion. Mix together well and press it into two burger patties.

• 1 tbsp ginger & garlic paste • 2 burger buns • Salt & pepper • ½ brown onion, chopped • A few slices of cheddar cheese • 1 red onion, sliced • 1 tomato, sliced • Handful of salad leaves

Place the patties on a tray and cook in the centre of the oven for 15 minutes. A couple of minutes before the end, place the sliced cheddar cheese on top of the patties to melt. Meanwhile, slice the red onion and tomato. Lightly toast the burger buns and add a few salad leaves to the bottom. Once the patties are cooked, add the burgers to the bun along with a couple of slices of red onion and tomato. Drizzle over a generous amount of Sun Hee BBQ sauce, pop the top of the burger bun on and enjoy.

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FRIDAY FAKEOUT RECIPES

Korean Bibimbap Guksu Bowl INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Half a carrot, sliced julienne 4 spring onions, sliced lengthways Handful of bean sprouts 70g sautéed mushrooms Handful of green beans 100g minced beef 200g boiled rice noodles 1 egg Sesame seeds to sprinkle 2 tbsp Sun Hee Doenjang 1 tbsp Sun Hee Gochujang 2 tbsp light soy sauce 1 tbsp mirin 1 tbsp cooking oil Water Sun Hee Kimchi A few pinches of black & white sesame seeds A few pinches of Korean chilli flakes

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Serves 1 | Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes | Ready in: 25 minutes INSTRUCTIONS Add the oil to a medium hot pan before adding the minced beef, Sun Hee Gochujang paste, mirin and salt to taste. Cook for 2 minutes then sprinkle over some water. Cover and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Set aside once cooked. To make the sauce, in a medium hot saucepan add the Sun Hee Doenjang paste, light soy sauce and two tablespoons of water. Mix together well until it forms a runny and set aside for later. To assemble the bowl, add the cooked rice noodles at the centre and add the carrots, spring onions, bean sprout, sautéed mushrooms, green beans and cooked beef mince around them. Fry the egg and place it in the centre, on top of the noodles. Serve hot with the sauce you made earlier, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve alongside a dish of Sun Hee Kimchi. www.lancmag.com

Authentic Korean Flavours From Sun Heel

Korean BBQ Chicken

Serves 2 | Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes | Ready in: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• 2 tbsp Sun Hee Gochujang

To make the sauce, heat some oil in a medium hot pan and add the garlic. Then add gochujang, chilli flakes, Korean BBQ sauce and mix it together well.

• 2 tbsp Sun Hee Korean BBQ sauce • 300g of chicken of your choice (wings, breast, or thighs) • 1 clove garlic • 1 tsp chilli flakes • 200g plain flour • 220ml buttermilk • 2 tbsp honey • Salt and pepper • Sesame seeds to sprinkle • Handful of chopped chives

Next add the honey, give it a quick stir and add salt and pepper to taste. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before soaking it in the buttermilk for five minutes. Add the flour to a separate bowl. Once the chicken has soaked, remove it from the buttermilk and coat each piece in the flour. Heat some more oil in a frying pan and shallow fry the chicken until it’s cooked through. Once cooked, toss it in the sauce and serve with a garnish of chopped chives and sesame seeds.

• Cooking oil

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BY KEN HARCOMBE -Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Fleetwood RNLI

WE ARE THE RNLI THE CHARITY THAT SAVES LIVES AT SEA When volunteering to join the RNLI, people take the plunge for many different reasons. Whether it’s to help save lives at sea, to give something back to the local community, to make a difference to people’s lives or maybe to learn new skills.

he one reason volunteers don’t join for, is personal recognition. To emphasise that message, the word selfless is actually at the heart of the RNLI values. Congratulate a RNLI volunteer for a job well done and the response is generally, ‘It’s what we do’. That doesn’t mean showing courage, or long service isn’t sometimes recognised and not always just by the charity itself.

Every New Year, the Honour’s list is published, recognising the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. This year, two stalwarts of the Fylde RNLI voluntary services, David Forshaw and Dorothy Charnley, received the Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (B.E.M.) for services to the RNLI and charity.

no signs of 88-year-old Dorothy giving up her voluntary support for the RNLI just yet, either. Inspirational doesn’t come close. Dorothy isn’t the only decorated volunteer at Blackpool RNLI. Keith Horrocks, MBE, recently retired after 53 years of voluntary service with the charity. Joining his local lifeboat station in 1969, Keith started his RNLI career as volunteer Shore Crew, before becoming crew on Blackpool’s Liverpool class L-R: Keith & Johno Horrocks, all-weather lifeboat. He then became Helm on the Atlantic Blackpool RNLI class inshore lifeboat in 1975. Keith retired from crew in 1998, but continued to support his team from the shore, including leading the station as Lifeboat Operations Manager, Station Support Manager and Mechanic. Keith has been recognised several times for his seamanship, courage and gallantry, most notably a RNLI bronze medal in January 1988, for a service carried out in horrendous conditions. Keith then became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the RNLI, in 1999.

LEFT: David Forshaw BEM, Lytham St Anne’s RNLI RIGHT: Dorothy Charnley BEM, Blackpool RNLI David Forshaw started fundraising for the RNLI back in 1979, before moving to a more operational role in 1984 with his local lifeboat station at Lytham St Anne’s. David became Shore Crew and then Head Launcher in 1990. David continues as a volunteer today, still multi-tasking, as both Lifeboat Press Officer and Deputy Launch Authority. In his spare time and when Covid restrictions allow, he will recommence helping to host visits from local organisations and schools.

Not that Keith was the only Horrocks at the lifeboat station. Keith’s son Jonathan (Johno) joined in 2005 and as volunteer Helm of the D class lifeboat, received a RNLI letter of thanks for his part in a rescue in 2015. The Horrocks’ family have spent over 70 years saving lives at sea with the RNLI. That’s some commitment and one that’ll be missed at Blackpool RNLI. One of the more unusual awards given to a volunteer from the RNLI, came from the RSPCA. In 2004, Fleetwood RNLI’s full time Mechanic, Steve Carroll, answered the door at the lifeboat station, to discover two very upset people with a Japanese Akita. They owned two, but one had been cut off by the tide and was missing. Whilst they were describing the incident to Steve and asking for help, Steve’s RNLI pager burst into life and the Fleetwood volunteers were requested to launch to help a

David recalls helping to start up the Lytham Museum in 1986, which housed memorabilia from the Lytham St Anne’s RNLI stations, which unfortunately had to close in 2004. He has proudly continued to maintain the Lytham St Anne’s RNLI archives and will happily share his enormous knowledge of local RNLI information, of which I gratefully take advantage of. Dorothy, on the other hand, has volunteered with the RNLI for 23 years, running the very successful RNLI shop at Blackpool. But Dorothy was also instrumental in creating an educational centre at the Blackpool lifeboat station, enabling many thousands of visitors to learn about water safety. You can’t imagine how many lives Dorothy may have saved. She has also mentored more than 100 volunteers and given over 4,000 voluntary days at the shop, leading her team to raise over £1million. Blackpool RNLI were also grateful for her support, when needing to raise £52,000 for their new D class in-shore lifeboat. There are

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LEFT: Steve & Debby Carroll, Fleetwood RNLI, at Buckingham Palace. RIGHT: Steve Carroll’s RSPCA’s certificate and Medal

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT FLEETWOOD RNLI GO TO: www.fleetwoodlifeboat.org.uk TO DONATE OR SUPPORT THE RNLI GO TO: https://rnli.org.uk/support-us Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326) and the Bailiwick of Jersey (14)

stricken yacht. Steve expressed his apologies, but the crew were needed elsewhere. He did promise to keep an eye out for the dog, whilst at sea though. The Tyne class all-weather lifeboat, William Street, launched and quickly found the stricken eight metre yacht, Silver Jade, which was then put under tow back to Fleetwood. As the lifeboat turned near Wyre Light, still nearly two miles out, one of the volunteer crew spotted something in the water, which turned out to be a very exhausted Japanese Akita. Now Akita’s aren’t the leanest or smallest of dogs and it was quickly established that it wasn’t possible to haul this beast onto the high deck of the Tyne class lifeboat. So, Steve gallantly donned a dry suit, plunged into the swirling and cold waters of Morecambe Bay and made his way to the distressed animal. The Akita was obviously delighted to see Steve and clambered on top of him, clearly desperate for a rest, whilst Steve struggled to calm the 13 stone dog. Meanwhile, Coxswain Chris Hurst had requested the Fleetwood in-shore lifeboat launch, to collect both Steve and hid new found friend, the Akita from the bay. The William Street stood by, both as a guide to the in-shore lifeboat and in case Steve should get into difficulties with the huge dog. When the in-shore lifeboat arrived, the three-man crew, with the help of Steve from behind in the water, heaved the enormous dog to safety, before Steve clambered aboard the in-shore lifeboat himself. The Akita’s owners were waiting in Fleetwood and had been informed of the sighting and its impending rescue and were absolutely delighted to be reunited with their pet. For this thoughtful and selfless deed, Steve was awarded the RSPCA’s Bronze Medal for his gallant actions in rescuing the dog. Occasionally, lifeboats are launched to assist in a serious incident, but because of the nature and severity of the situation, are mainly required to stand by, ready to provide safety cover. Whilst not always directly involved in a rescue, they nevertheless, hold an important role should further problems arise. That doesn’t diminish the vital service they perform and can still result in their efforts being recognised and rewarded.

CBE, later awarded a ‘Collective Letter of Appreciation’ to both lifeboat crews at Fleetwood and Lytham St Anne’s involved in this dramatic service, congratulating them on their first-class seamanship and teamwork, in such severe conditions. The RNLI doesn’t have the monopoly on recognising bravery at sea. Fleetwood fisherman, Charlie Mewse, originally from Suffolk, met and married Fleetwood girl, Dora and joined the huge fishing fleet sailing out of the Lancastrian port. But just before he moved up to Lancashire, he was Skipper aboard the trawler Grackle, sailing out of Lowestoft. One day in October, 1946, the Grackle answered a distress call from the Norwegian drifter Renascent, which had sprung a serious leak. Despite valiant efforts by the crew of the Scandinavian drifter, the Renascent was in a perilous position and sinking. Skipper Mewse handled the Grackle with great ability and a high degree of courage, bringing the trawler alongside the larger Renascent. Despite very rough seas and gale force winds, they were able to take the crew off the stricken vessel, despite the considerable risk to the Grackle. All landed safely at Lowestoft. For his courage and bravery in saving the lives of the Norwegian crew, Charlie was awarded with the Emile Robin Award, presented by the Shipwrecked Fishermen & Mariners Royal Benevolent Society, in 1947. This award, named after the French philanthropist, Emile Robin, is given to the British Master and Chief Officer who incurred the greatest peril in rescuing survivors at sea. Charlie was presented with the award by the Mayor of Fleetwood in 1947 and continued to skipper fishing boats out of the port, including the Harriet, for many years. The family of Charlie Mewse are rightly proud of their association with both the award and the RNLI, as other family members continued as volunteers with the charity for many years following Charlie’s prestigious award. We thank granddaughter Sarah, for bringing the story and photographs to our attention.

Such an occasion occurred in 2008. The Ro-Ro vessel, Riverdance, in the midst of a storm-force 10 gale, was hit by a large wave, which dislodged its cargo. The ship listed to one side and drifted onto the beach near Cleveleys. Both the Tyne class lifeboat William Street from Fleetwood and Lytham’s relief Mersey class lifeboat, Margaret Jean, were launched to assist. Several search and rescue helicopters from RAF Valley quickly arrived on scene and it was decided to lift off 14 passengers and crew. Whilst the lifeboats helped the helicopters by illuminating the ship, they also stood by, in appalling conditions, should anything further happen. Once the helicopters had lifted the 14 from the ship, both the Fleetwood and Lytham lifeboats returned to Fleetwood for shelter. But the storm raged on and early the next morning, the nine members of crew left onboard the Riverdance, decided they needed to leave for their own safety. So once more, the William Street launched to stand by and assist. The RNLI’s Chief Executive at the time, Andrew Freemantle

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LEFT: Charlie Mewse’s Emile Robin Award RIGHT: Charlie Mewse receiving his Emile Robin Award

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FUN SUMMER PLAY

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Looking For Summer Fun Outside This Year?

As seen on ITV’s

This Morning

GIANT PASS THE PIGS WILL KEEP YOU & THE FAMILY ENTERTAINED FOR HOURS! Pass the Pigs has been a much loved family game for years and now has GIANT inflatable pigs to throw around. The classic party game Pass The Pigs goes Super-Size. These giant inflatable pigs can bounce around the garden, house, beach or even the pool. It’s Pass The Pigs like you’ve never passed them before! Inflate your pair of porkers, throw them and see how they land. Will you get a Leaning Jowler, a Mixed Combo or will you Pig Out?

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON.CO.UK

4.5*

Pass the Pigs is Amazon’s #1 travel game and has sold millions of games across the world

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RRP £14.99 AGE 4+ | 2+ PLAYERS CONTAINS: • 2 Inflatable Pigs, • Rulebook, Scorecards & 2 Pencils • Carry Bag, Deflation Rod & Vinyl Plastic Repair Seal LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 133

GIANT WOODEN TUMBLING TOWER BLOCKS How high can you build before the tower tumbles? Fans of the classic Jenga wooden block board game will love the Giant Wooden Tumbling Tower Blocks. The object is simple: once the Giant Wooden Tumbling Tower is built, each player gets a chance to remove a single block from the middle or bottom of the tower. The player then places that piece carefully on top. If you remove a block and add it to the build without tumbling the tower, play continues. But one wrong move and it all tumbles down!

AVAILABLE AT: WWW.SMYTHSTOYS.COM

RRP £39.99 AGE 6+ CONTAINS: • 51 Wooden Pieces - Builds up to 124cm - over 4ft! Durable Paulownia Wood

GIANT WOODEN 4 IN A ROW PUZZLE Make the classic game gigantic with Giant Wooden 4 in a Row. This oversized wooden toy brings coin-dropping fun to playrooms, gardens and parties.Choose your colour and be the first to connect 4 coins in a row! Each turn, you can drop one giant coin into the frame, building your row or blocking your opponent. Connect your coins vertically, horizontally or diagonally to win. This Giant Wooden 4 in a Row game is fun for all the family. This wooden toy is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

AVAILABLE AT: WWW.SMYTHSTOYS.COM

RRP £34.99 | AGE 3+ CONTAINS: • Giant Wooden 4 in a Row frame • 42 Coins

APUDARMIS WOODEN LAWN BOWLING SET An excellent indoor and outdoor bowling set for kids and adults to enjoy. Easy to set up and play on a flat ground. Perfect for garden parties, camping trips, BBQ’s, family outings and any other outside activities! People of all ages can enjoy entertainment hours together. The bowling pins are crafted from premium eucalyptus wood. The durable carrying bag is easy to pack and transport the whole bowling set.

RRP £22.98 CONTAINS: • 10 Wooden Bowling Pins • 2 Wooden Bowling Balls • 1 Carrying Bag

The wooden bowling set can help children develop hand to eye coordination, and can inspire kids’ interest in sport and helps to releasing their abundant energy!

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON.CO.UK

3 IN 1 SWING TENNIS, BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL SET HPerfect for hours of fun in the garden, this tennis basketball, and football set is ideal for your child! This set includes a basketball game, a football game, and a tennis game, making it ideal for teaching children new sporting skills. This set is easy to assemble and clean.

AVAILABLE AT: WWW.DUNELM.COM

RRP £29 CONTAINS: • 1 x Set of Pole and Base • 1 x Basket Board • 1 x Basketball • 1 x Pump • 1 x Football with String Bag • 2 x Tennis Rackets • 1 x Tennis Ball with Rope

WOODEN GARDEN QUOITS Quoits is a classic ring toss game, perfect for birthday party games, picnics in the park and developing hand-eye coordination. This Wooden Garden Quoits game features 5 rope quoits and 5 wooden target pegs, each with a different score. Take turns throwing the rope quoits to try and hook them over the scoring pegs with this wooden toy. Add up the points scored on each turn and finish with the highest score to win. This Wooden Garden Quoits game is crafted from durable wooden materials for a classic finish.

AVAILABLE AT: WWW.SMYTHSTOYS.COM

RRP £7.99 | AGE 4+ CONTAINS: • Wooden Quoits Board • 5 Rope Rings

SMART BALL - KICK UP COUNTING FOOTBALL WITH LIGHTS AND SOUNDS Smart Ball is the amazing counting football. Challenge yourself and compete with your friends to see who can get closest to 100 keepie uppies. Use your feet, legs, knees, chest and shoulders to keep the Smart Ball from hitting the ground.

RRP £21.99 | AGE 6+ CONTAINS: • Smart Ball • 2x LR44 1.5v Batteries

The Smart Ball will count and light up each time it makes contact with your body. Smart Ball counts up to 100 with sounds and phrases to spur you on.

AVAILABLE AT: WWW.SMYTHSTOYS.COM

IS SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL FASHION POSSIBLE?

The undesirable sides of the fashion industry, the misuse of resources, land contamination, and social injustice have all been widely documented in the media, but what exactly has been done?

lthough progress is apparent with the slow fashion movement that brought ethical fashion shows in Paris, New York, and London, pervasive challenges vividly remain as seen with the Rana Plaza textile factory disaster that killed 1,129 workers just 8 years ago. And despite the emergence of sustainable fashion lines to swing increasingly concerned consumers, hesitancy remains with numerous greenwashing controversies surrounding major fashion brands, creating distrust in the community, and hampering overall progress in ethical fashion. “The commercial fashion industry accounts for up to 10% of global carbon emissions, equivalent to all flight and shipping combined”

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Friend of the Earth, fostering a sustainable trend. Friend of the Earth recently launched its sustainable fashion certification standard to combat the emergence of greenwashing in the industry, and to contribute to the sustainable fashion movement by validating the claims of fashion companies through traceability of their production processes. The certification offers the highest degree of supply-chain transparency through rigorous auditing procedures, orchestrated by internationally accredited auditing bodies. By employing years of relevant expertise through the authenticating of sustainable agricultural products, Friend of the Earth is equipped with demonstrated practice capable to credibly assess fashion companies’ ethical claims. Fast Fashion, the damaging trend The idea of fashion has not always resembled an obsession of novelty. Older generations attached intrinsic importance to clothes, treating fabrics as unique pieces of artisanship, sentimental symbolisms, and passing

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

the cherished garments down family lines. Contemporary ideas however have vastly transgressed, where garments are no longer inherited treasures but resemble disposable, single-use pieces of hedonism. “When we put on our clothes, we may forget we’re wearing the products of cotton plants, flax, sheep skins, and so forth. We wear agriculture, in essence”, Paolo Bray, Director of Friend of the Earth “100 billion pieces of clothing are produced annually” The sustainable fashion movement has garnered momentum towards transforming our perceptions of clothing through conscious consumption, emphasizing longevity in usage, reuse, and recycling, and extends to promoting the production of garments using environmentally friendly fabrics. Friend of the Earth: Sustainable Fashion Standard There are currently 12 fashion brands from 4 continents that have collaborated with Friend of the Earth to contribute to meaningful change in the industry.

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HOW TO COMBAT GREENWASHING THROUGH CERTIFICATION

Two Brazilian companies, Dona Rufina, and Carolina Bortolini, have both passed audits for Friend of the Earth sustainable fashion certification. They have jointly set a precedent by opting for alternative materials rather conventional synthetics, with Dona Rufina exploring the biodegradable raw wood felt and Carolina Bortolina washing with natural dyes. Several of the brands have taken the necessary steps that have ensured sustainable efforts in the production of their garments and social accountability of their workers, while the others will undergo audit for Friend of the Earth certification for a range of their products in 2022. 9 fashion brands will be showcasing a range of their garments at WSO’s sustainable & ethical showroom, taking place at the same time of the Milan week of fashion: Carolina Bartolini CQ Corporate Fashion GmbH Crina, Dona Rufina Elemente Clemente Kazo KW Manufacturing Miclott Rico Bracco

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“25% of total pesticides used worldwide are used on cotton crops” The auditing procedures verify compliance with Friend of the Earth’s comprehensive sustainability requirements that ensure: the protection of farmed landscapes, displayed energy, waste, and water sustainable management (imperative in the resource-intensive industry), and the highest degree of social responsibility in the workplace. The fashion standard also requires companies to use at least 50% recycled fibres in production, and 100% recycled materials in the case of using synthetic fibres. From Sustainable garments to the runway: WSO Ethical Model Agency & Academy To maintain a holistic approach to sustainable fashion, the World Sustainability Organization launched

the ethical model’s academy WSO Models (wsomodels.org), initiated to combat pervasive mistreatment and social injustice of models in the industry. The platform guarantees equal treatment of models, adhering to strict rules against discrimination and sexual harassment, respecting work rights and fostering support towards the slow fashion movement. WSO Models are also provided complimentary preliminary legal and nutritionist assistance by reaching out directly to: help@wsomodels.org. Overall, the Friend of the Earth Fashion program aims to tangibly contribute to the slow fashion movement, by ensuring credibility, abating greenwashing, permitting informed consumer choice, and ultimately fostering the pathway towards achieving genuine sustainable fashion.

E info@friendoftheearth.org D www.friendoftheearth.org T @wso_foe F @friendoftheearthWSO I friendoftheearth_official LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 137

Blackpool Grand Theatre hits the digital airwaves with a brand-new Podcast,

EAT. THEATRE. SLEEP. REPEAT. We’ve come a long way baby!

Celebrated co-hosts Ged Mills and Hayley Kay, of local Breakfast Radio fame, are back, and thrilled to be partnering with Blackpool Grand Theatre on this fantastic new Theatre podcast.

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AT. THEATRE. SLEEP. REPEAT. will feature everything from star interviews, theatre history, West End creatives and worldrenowned choreographers and puppeteers and will also be available as a Vodcast on a brand-new YouTube Channel eattheatresleeprepeat.co.uk with episodes accessible by its thousands of current subscribers!

EAT. THEATRE. SLEEP. REPEAT. will feature everything from star interviews, theatre history, West End creatives and world-renowned choreographers and puppeteers and will also be available as a Vodcast on a brand-new YouTube Channel eattheatresleeprepeat. co.uk with episodes accessible by its thousands of current subscribers! Sign up today and access the latest theatre news, hear from awardwinning artists and your local community groups and of course, get all the thrilling backstage gossip! As part of the exciting launch, four fabulous episodes have been made exclusively available: • Pop on your headphones and enjoy an exclusive chat with the new Grand Theatre CEO Adam Knight talking about his plans for Blackpool’s beautiful People’s Palace and announcing exciting upcoming productions • Join celebrated Animal Farm and War Horse puppeteer Toby Olié - whose credits also include Running Wild and Goodnight Mr Tom - alongside cast member Rob Ewens from Michael Murpurgo’s stage production Private Peaceful, discussing bringing literary www.lancmag.com

classics to the stage • Kick back with local community amateur dramatics groups Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera and Blackpool Operatic Players talking all things getting into performing and having the chance to perform on our famous raked stage • Get together with the No.1 Bestselling Crime Writer Hillary Bonner and Jeremy Edwards (Hollyoaks and Holby City star) as they spill the beans from the rehearsals of Hillary’s first stage play - the hard-hitting thriller Dead Lies!

creatives lined up and it’s been hard trying to cram them all in! Having you with us ‘in the room’ with the Vodcast also adds another exciting dimension. It’s been too long since Blackpool heard us together and we can’t wait to take this journey with The Grand.” Blackpool Grand Theatre has kept it local too by joining forces with Content Creators Blackpool, who offer an incredible service from podcasting, vodcasting, green screening and well anything we asked for regarding content! Andrew Howard, Blackpool Grand Head of Audiences, Marketing at Sales said: “The set-up of Content Creators Blackpool is incredible, and we look forward to working with them not only on this project, but many more. Content is exceptionally valuable as we have all seen how much is digested through the likes of TikTok and Instagram Stories. TikTok users absorb over 850 minutes of content a month, and overall, 167 million TikTok videos are watched every minute.

Future Podcast episodes will include celebrities from the world of dance - including some Strictly Come Dancing stars, all the laughs with cheeky comic Joe Pasquale, and the incredible musical cast from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, to name just a few. New episodes will be released fortnightly. EAT. THEATRE. SLEEP. REPEAT. is available via the three biggest podcast platforms; Apple, Spotify and Amazon Music, as well additional platforms Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Listen Notes, Player FM, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend to name a few. Simply search EAT THEATRE SLEEP REPEAT on your favourite podcast provider platform.

“The Grand is always trying to appeal to its audiences in different ways and how they want to absorb its content. In both EAT. THEATRE. SLEEP. REPEAT. Podcast and Vodcast formats we it will appeal to many more.”

In a joint statement, our Podcast presenters Ged Mills and Hayley Kay said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be a huge part of this new venture by Blackpool Grand and it was an instant YES, from us both! “We have some incredible stars and

As of 2021, there were over 21.2million podcast listeners in the UK and that number is growing fast, its estimated that will reach 28.1 million by 2026. Currently there are over 2 million shows on podcast, 48 million episodes in more than 100 languages. 24% of Britain’s now listen to a podcast regularly. 38% of people listen to a podcast while driving and 25% when working or studying.

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Beaverbrooks Urges People to Donate Unwanted Jewellery

National charity Heart Research UK is relaunching its Treasure Your Heart campaign, in partnership with Beaverbrooks, which encourages people to donate any unwanted or broken jewellery. It will then be auctioned off with all proceeds going to fund research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

eaverbrooks has supported the campaign since 1997 and so far, it has raised nearly half a million pounds. Any jewellery can be donated, be it broken, odd, or just not worn enough. Envelopes can be found in all Beaverbrooks stores nationwide and dropped back in once filled with jewellery. If unable to get to a store, you can request an envelope on Heart Research UK’s website and send it back directly to them.

Heart disease is something that is close to everyone at Beaverbrooks’ hearts, as employee Mandy Ruddy had lifesaving open heart surgery a few years ago. Living a perfectly healthy and active life, Mandy never expected to have a heart problem, but in 2018 it was discovered she had been born with a bicuspid aortic valve which had led to aortic valve stenosis. She was fitted with a valve innovated only two years earlier and was back at work just eight weeks later.

If you’d like to support Heart Research UK’s vital work into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, please visit www.heartresearch.org.uk for inspiration on how you could help.

With Proceeds Going to Lifesaving Heart Research

Anna Blackburn, Managing Director of Beaverbrooks

Mandy Ruddy of Beaverbrooks more valuable pieces are sold individually. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “We are so pleased to have had Beaverbrooks support Treasure Your Heart for an incredible 25 years. The campaign is an easy way for people to do their part in keeping jewellery from ending up in landfills, whilst helping fund vital research at the same time.

Mandy Ruddy Workplaces and community groups can also get involved in this recycling initiative by setting up their own collection points. They can get in touch with the charity, and they will supply everything needed for collecting donations. The donated jewellery is auctioned off by renowned auctioneers Fellows. As new partners of Heart Research UK, they have kindly waived their seller’s commission. Any costume jewellery is sold in lots and

“We also want to thank Mandy for sharing her story with us. It’s a perfect example of how necessary research is and how new findings and innovations can directly benefit patients’ lives.”

“We are now in our 25th year of supporting the Treasure Your Heart campaign, and every year we are in awe of the amazing work that Heart Research UK does, raising funds for an incredibly important cause, and one that is very close to our hearts. Taking something as simple as donating unwanted costume or pre-loved jewellery and translating that into vital funding for the charity is a great initiative and we’d like to encourage our customers to get involved if they can, to help raise money for lifesaving heart research.” Read more about the campaign and view the full list of what can be donated here: heartresearch.org.uk/ treasure-your-heart/

Anna Blackburn, Managing Director of Beaverbrooks, said: “Supporting charitable initiatives is something that has always been incredibly important to us at Beaverbrooks, as part of our core purpose of enriching lives, which simply means making a positive difference to the world we live in.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive Officer at Heart Research UK

SYLVIA PANKHURST - A Formidable Campaigner By Margaret Brecknell

Above: Sylvia Pankhurst c.1930 Photo Credit: LSE Library

Sylvia Pankhurst was born 140 years ago this month in the Manchester suburb of Old Trafford. Together with her mother, Emmeline, and elder sister, Christabel, she is rightly celebrated today for the pivotal part she played in helping women win the right to vote. 142

et, this only tells part of the story. Sylvia believed passionately in the suffragettes’ cause, but she also campaigned vigorously on a range of other issues. This brought her into conflict with her mother and sister and for much of her adult life she became estranged from her own family. Estelle Sylvia Pankhurst was born on 5th May 1882. Long before he married Emmeline in late 1879 (she was his junior by 24 years), her father

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Richard had campaigned actively on improving women’s legal rights. Emmeline had been interested in the topic of women’s suffrage ever since as a child she had started to read her mother’s copies of the Women’s Suffrage Journal. Along with her siblings, therefore, Sylvia grew up in a household where involvement in politics and the suffrage movement was viewed very much as the norm. Sylvia would later recall her barrister father telling her from an www.lancmag.com

early age that “If you do not work for other people, you will not have been worth the upbringing”. She showed much youthful promise as an artist and won a scholarship to study at the Manchester School of Art, before, in 1904, moving to the capital to attend the prestigious Royal College of Art. By her mid-twenties, however, she had abandoned any hope of pursuing a career as a full-time artist to work for the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), alongside her mother and sister. Sylvia’s creative talents were soon put to another use, as she designed the banners, murals, hats and brooches, all in the green, white and purple colours of the suffragettes, which became such iconic symbols of the women’s movement.

From 1909 onwards, imprisoned suffragettes began to refuse food as a further form of protest. Sylvia staged many such hunger strikes during her time in prison and, as a consequence, was subjected to the horrific experience of force-feeding. She wrote several accounts of her experiences, often in the form of letters written on toilet paper which were then smuggled out of prison. One such account appeared in the Manchester Guardian in 1913. “I was determined to fight against it with all my strength”, she begins. “I thought that when the doctors came I would throw things at them if they dared to enter my cell to torture me. But when the door opened, it was six of the women officers…I struggled as

hard as I could, but before long they had got me on the bed, holding me by the ankles, knees and shoulders”. She then proceeds to describe in graphic detail the inhumane process of tubefeeding, which made for deeply uncomfortable reading then and still does today. Accounts like this did generate more public support at the time for the suffragettes. For modern readers they provide an invaluable insight into the lengths to which these remarkable women were prepared to go for their cause. Despite all this personal sacrifice, Sylvia increasingly found herself at odds with her mother and elder sister. Emmeline and Christabel were at pains to run the WSPU as an independent organisation with no affiliation to a

The WSPU’s origins lay in a meeting organised in October 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst at the then family home in Nelson Street, Manchester. Richard and Emmeline had both been involved in the Labour Party movement ever since its beginnings in the early 1890s. However, Christabel later recalled that her mother had become so frustrated regarding the Labour Party’s lack of support for the women’s suffrage movement that she invited a group of female party members to her home, declaring that “Women, we must do the work ourselves. We must have an independent women’s movement. Come to my house tomorrow and we will arrange it”. If the WSPU’s early members expected the formation of this new organisation to generate more media coverage for the cause, they were sadly disappointed. It soon became apparent that a more direct approach was needed to attract the attention they desired. Thus began the campaign of civil disobedience and militant action, for which the movement became famous. Along with many other WSPU members, Sylvia Pankhurst often found herself on the wrong side of the law. After leading a protest meeting in the lobby of the House of Commons in October 1906, she was arrested for the first time and served a twoweek sentence in Holloway Prison. This was just the first of multiple occasions on which she was arrested and imprisoned. www.lancmag.com

Above: Postcard designed by Sylvia Pankhurst showing F-Wing of Holloway Prison Photo Credit: LSE Library

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particular political party. However, Sylvia did not sever connections with the labour movement, but remained a committed socialist. After leaving art college, she remained in London and became increasingly involved in the work to improve social conditions for working-class women in the East End. It is often forgotten that when the militant suffragette movement first became active in the early 1900s, it was not just women who were disenfranchised. Before the Representation of the People Act in 1918, an estimated two in five men were excluded from voting because they did not meet the propertyowning qualifications then in place. Whereas Emmeline and Christabel

focused their attention on achieving for women equal voting rights with men, Sylvia wanted the WSPU to campaign for universal suffrage and to champion the rights of all women, irrespective of their social and financial status. Matters came to a head in late 1913 when Sylvia was accused of tarnishing the reputation of the WSPU by speaking at a rally held at London’s Albert Hall in support of Irish workers who were involved in a major industrial dispute in Dublin. She was expelled from the WPSU and founded her own militant feminist organisation, the East London Federation of the Suffragettes.

With the outbreak of World War I the following year, the differences of opinion between family members became even more apparent. Emmeline and Christabel suspended their campaign to focus on the war effort and became strongly patriotic. As a pacificist, Sylvia was more intent on continuing with the suffragette cause and became an outspoken critic of the Military Service Act, which introduced compulsory conscription. By the time the Representation of the People Act was passed in 1918, which gave certain women over the age of 30 the right to vote for the first time, Sylvia’s aims had expanded significantly. She now declared her determination “to secure human suffrage, namely a vote for every woman and man of full age, and to win social and economic freedom for the people”. Reflecting her more openly left-wing stance, the East London Federation of the Suffragettes first changed its name to the Workers’ Suffrage Federation and then eventually the Workers’ Socialist Federation. Sylvia had faced much criticism in 1917 for lending her support to the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution. Three years later, around the same time that she helped form the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB), this controversy resurfaced when details of her correspondence with the new Russian leader, Lenin, were leaked to the press. One letter from Sylvia begins, “Dear Comrade Lenin, I have been wanting a long time to have a talk with you. The labour movement in England is being ruined under my eyes by parliamentary and municipal politics…It is impossible to create a revolutionary temper amongst the masses whilst they are occupied entirely by the thought of electoral victories”. She ends by declaring “I cannot help thinking that if you were here, you would say: Devote all your energies to direct revolutionary action and leave tinkering with the political machine alone”.

Above: Sylvia Pankhurst in her studio Photo Credit: LSE Library

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Perhaps, inevitably, the proCommunist views which Sylvia expressed here and elsewhere during this period led her once more into conflict with the British authorities. In October 1920, she appeared in court, accused of the serious charge of www.lancmag.com

“sedition”, and was sent to prison for six months. The magistrate’s remarks when sentencing her that “in his opinion the Government had taken a most lenient course in proceeding against her under the particular section of the charge which limited the sentence” were widely reported at the time. Just as Sylvia had fallen out with her mother and sister regarding the way in which the WSPU should be run, she eventually cut ties with the CPGB. By 1927 the newspapers were reporting that “Sylvia Pankhurst, who was inclined to be ‘Red’, has now recanted and is devoting herself to the invention of an international language which she claims to be better than Esperanto”. By the end of the same year, however, Sylvia was attracting criticism again when, at the age of 45, she gave birth to an illegitimate son, Richard. She and the baby’s father, an Italian anarchist called Silvio Corio, were in a long-term relationship, but the fact that the couple refused to marry caused a great deal of moral outrage, not least on the part of Sylvia’s own mother. Emmeline

severed all remaining contact with her daughter and the pair were never reconciled, as Emmeline died only six months later.

shown on TV. With great foresight, she also predicted that “we ought to be able to tune in to the House of Commons whenever we feel like it”.

Sylvia remained active in politics throughout her life. During the 1930s, she and her partner, Silvio Corio, became involved in the antifascist movement. When Corio’s native Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, Sylvia began a new publication, the Ethiopian News, through which she aimed to drum up support for the Ethiopian cause and the country’s exiled leader, Haile Selassie. Sylvia’s World War II years were spent in helping Jewish refugees flee Germany and continuing to campaign against fascism.

Her long-time partner, Silvio Corio, died not long after this interview was published. Sylvia and her son, Richard, were invited by Emperor Haile Selassie to live in Ethiopia and she continued to work tirelessly on schemes to improve health and education facilities in the African country, as well as championing Ethiopian independence. In her later years she resumed contact with her sister Christabel, before the latter’s death in February 1958.

In 1953, an interview with Sylvia appeared in the Liverpool Echo. She had reached the age of 70 by this time, but is described as still working up to 14-hour days, responding to the colossal amount of correspondence she continued to receive from women seeking help. She expressed disappointment that the women of the 1950s were not “fighting for peace as we fought for the vote” and believed that even then too much violence was

Following her death in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa in September 1960, Sylvia was given a state funeral. Possibly because of Sylvia’s more radical politics, her contribution to the women’s suffrage movement in this country has, perhaps, not been so widely recognised as that of her mother and elder sister. Yet, this courageous and formidable campaigner deserves to be remembered for the challenges she overcame and the sacrifices she made in her quest to make the world a fairer place.

Above: Pankhurst Centre Manchester on the site of former family home in Nelson Street Photo Credit: Kurt Adkins/CC BY-SA 3.0

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NATURAL BEAUTY Yvonne Diaz Exhibition 28th May – 25th June By Martin Dawber

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artists and hopefully enrich the lives of the artists of the future. Since retiring three years ago, I am now able to really concentrate on my own art practice.” Although Yvonne’s own approach is methodical and focused towards intended outcomes, she also likes to work instinctively and allow for ‘happy accidents’ along the way.

It comes as no surprise that living by the sea and close to The Lake District, local Crosby artist, Yvonne Diaz, takes her encouragement from the inspiring regional landscape.

or her exhibition of recent paintings at the ArtHouse (28th May-25th June) she has tried to capture the awesome beauty and resonant energy of Nature.

“My preferred medium depends on the subject of the piece. Typically, I work in oil and cold wax medium, but I also use watercolour, acrylic, charcoal and pastels. In addition, I use printing inks when producing collagraph or lino prints.” Originally from Essex, Yvonne moved up to the Northwest when she undertook training as a primary school teacher at Liverpool Hope University. “Art was part of my Course and my passion and early in my teaching career I was given responsibility for managing the Creative Arts. Through this role, I was lucky enough to be part of the Creative Partnerships Initiative in the early 2000’s, when I had the opportunity to work with many www.lancmag.com

“When working in oil and cold wax medium, I usually work on a plywood substrate which I prepare with a PVA medium on both sides to prevent warping followed by two layers of gesso. I usually begin with expressive mark making in charcoal and acrylic ink. I then add thick layers of colour, applying and scraping back over several sessions using a variety of tools. I then refine the composition and apply glazes to add depth, clarity and definition. Sometimes I add collage and ash to create texture and interest.” Although there is an inevitable nod towards the landscapes of JMW Turner, Yvonne own individual handwriting is more multifaceted: “I’m constantly drawn to figurative artists such as Jenny Saville, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye and Egon Schiele. I’m also influenced by Richard Diebenkorn, David Hockney, Edward Hopper and Helen Frankenthaler.” Always willing to share her own intuitive passion for Art, Yvonne’s lifelong addiction will be amply celebrated in her current showing. “I have always been a creative person and could not imagine life without art. For me, it’s what get me up in the morning and brings me joy. I like to think that my work brings joy to others as well.” Yvonne’s exhibition will be on view from 28th May 25th June at SCA/ArtHouse, 65 Eastbank Street, PR8 1EJ (Tues through Friday 10am - 3pm and Saturday 11am - 4pm). There are facemasks & hand sanitizers available at the ArtHouse should visitors wish to use them. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 147

ASK MILES CONSULT & CONSTRUCT... Last Month...

How do you Upcycle?

We talked about the price increases within the Construction Industry. There have been further increases since the last article and it doesn’t look like things are going to change any time soon.

Upcycling may sound intimidating. (Turning plastic bottles into quality shoes certainly doesn’t sound easy!) But there are plenty of ways you can upcycle and contribute to the circular and sustainable economy.

So, let’s talk about ways of making things cheaper, being more creative with what we already have in the house and making use of unwanted things that have been hanging around for time!

This is an old rug that has been transformed into a cute pinboard. Simply attach a dowel with some string and make it studier with cardboard 

Upcycling Wikipedia states “Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products perceived to be of greater quality, such as artistic value or environmental value.” This has become so popular, especially during COVID times. With just a little imagination and perhaps a coat of paint or some new hardware, an old cabinet, table, or chair can get new life as something fresh and unique. Upcycling is not the same as recycling. RECYCLING - Recycling takes consumer materials such as plastic, paper, metal, and glass — and breaks them down so their base materials can be remade into a new consumer product, often of lesser quality.

Pop into a Vintage Shop on the weekend and treat yourself to some “old fash-ioned” cups and saucers and look at the transformation. You can turn a teacup into an eye-catching candle to display 

UPCYCLING - When you upcycle an item, you aren’t breaking down the materials. You may be reviving it, such as an old table. Sanding it down and repainting it. Also, the upcycled item is typically better or the same quality as the original. Upcycling is incredibly beneficial for the planet. It accomplishes several things at once: It reuses materials we already have, and it creates something new. Giving used products a new life reduces the need to use unethically sourced or unsustainable materials, like plastic, to create new products. Think about shoes made from recycled water bottles. Not only does upcycling plastic prevent a build-up of plastic waste, but it also provides new shoes without using new resources. 148

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...A DEDICATED COLUMN

FOR ALL YOU DIY LOVERS AND PROFESSIONALS

WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION

AND DESIGN INDUSTRY

What do you need to know for Upcycling? 1

Preparation is key to upcycling. Plan and ensure you have the tools and equipment needed to do the job. Give all furniture a wipe down before you start, otherwise, you could get an old cobweb stuck to your paintbrush! And factor in time at the end in case you need to make any corrections to your work. Sometimes the excitement of getting the job done can mean we rush things.

Be imaginative when you see old pieces. Old ladders make great places to display plants, and old washing machine drums make great outdoor plant pots. Creative ideas can give a new purpose to something that would have otherwise been discarded.

If you see a piece of vintage furniture for sale on the high street that you like, the chances are that you can find something very similar in a charity shop, at a car boot sale, or on sites such as Gumtree. You may even find something similar in your granny’s attic! With a bit of paint and some imagination, you can create something beautiful at a fraction of the price.

Make sure you match the era of the piece of furniture with the style of upcycling. An old 1950s G-plan sideboard will never look good painted in pastels and then distressed to give a shabby chic coastal effect. Be sympathetic to the original style – for example, a piece like that would look great painted in a bold colour, or decoupaged using geometrical wallpaper.

Spend a few extra pennies on good paintbrushes. Cheap ones leave bristles in your work and don’t give good coverage. All good paint brands now have their own paintbrushes which work wonderfully well together. Wrap brushes and rollers in tinfoil or clingfilm in between coats to keep the brush moist and then clean them as soon as you’ve finished painting or waxing.

Collect odd old socks (clean ones, of course!) as they are great to use to apply wax to furniture, providing they are not too fluffy, as any loose fibres will stick to the wax.

are so many colours to choose from and a wealth of ideas on Pinterest to inspire you. There should be no end to everyone’s creativity!

Remove old drawer knobs first so you don’t paint around them only to find when you remove the old ones, the new ones are smaller, and you have a space with no paint.

New products are launched all the time which seem to make the impossible, possible. For example, protective outdoor paints and sprays mean that you can be creative with outdoor spaces and create the look of an extra room in the garden quite easily. Think outside the box, gardens don’t have to be full of teak furniture! There are some amazing new easy crackle glaze products out there which mean you can age a piece easily. This is great news if you find second-hand mirrors or frames as these can be made to look super expensive.

Once you have finished your pieces, make sure you protect all your hard work with wax or varnish to give it longevity. After putting so much effort into making something re-loved, give it the respect it deserves by finishing it properly.

Don’t be afraid to try and get started, I always say that there are no mistakes in upcycling – only lessons

learnt.

I hope this has given you some good ideas and tips in UPCYCLING! It is worth considering and saving yourself some money and enjoy some creative times!

YOU CAN ALWAYS GET IN TOUCH WITH ME FOR ANY FURTHER HELP OR ADVICE: E N N D

sajedah@milescc.co.uk +44 (0) 1772 759 345 +44 (0) 7581 014 867 www.milescc.co.uk

@milescc2021 @milescc2021 Sajedah Maka-Ismail Sajedah Maka-Ismail

Have fun and be bold. You are not bound by the constraints of what is available on the high street. There

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MIRANDA CHRISTOPHER young children – enabling them to consciously choose who they want to be, how they want to work and not wait around for more laws and traditional business structures to recognise their needs. Ironically, it was exactly eight years previous to the day of delivering that speech when I found myself with my unwanted life transformation. What I now realise is that the childish dress had ruptured and, instead of consciously choosing my new life, I kept trying to repair the dress and stay the same. Ultimately, with my fresh new perspective, I have been able to connect with a life that I have designed. One in which I chose the outfit that suits me. Today, I help people and organisations to choose their outfits, metaphorically speaking, by providing transformation solutions designed for their situation. For busy women, it’s my Activate the Goddess Within™ which reconnects them with their true nature in order to create balance in their lives. Something I would have appreciated of having access to before I hit burnout.

magine waking up and not being able to move, not being able to speak and wondering if you had died? That was me back in 2014. Overnight, my life as I knew it had gone. In reality, I had been building up to this point for many years. That’s the nature of burnout. For most people who experience it, it seems to come out of the blue, yet a part of them had the feeling for some time that something in their life wasn’t right. For me, it was as though I wasn’t inhabiting my body anymore. I was there and at the same time, I wasn’t. Looking back, it’s obvious to me that I had been conditioned to think that I was invincible – a

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real “SuperWoman”. You know the woman who can have her cake and eat it, only the cost of the cake, in my case, was a life changing illness. However, I now know that with the right perspective on things, I can have my cake and eat it too, at no detriment to my life. Quite the opposite in fact. But what perspective is that? It’s the one that says that I am powerful, that I can do amazing things and I can create a life I love on my terms. On International Woman’s Day this year, I spoke to a conference of women in Paris sharing a message to the audience on women taking off their childish dress – a metaphor for our ego formed when we were

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The concept for this gentle transformation solution came to me in 2020 as a fully formed idea. Based on Roman Mythology the system has seven Goddesses who represent our energy states. The idea started with a journaling process, developed into a daily practice and then into a transformation system that includes meditations and the use of liminal space. In 2021, I started the testing phase with women who I invited to take part. This is what one of them had to say: “Being introduced to the Goddess archetypes and making them part of my daily routine has made an incredible difference to my life. I now feel much more balanced and in touch with who I am as a person. For the first time in my life, I put myself first and as a result the people I love get a much better, happier version of me.” www.lancmag.com

My Obvious Next Step...

To say the results were pleasing was an understatement. And not just for them, it was the same for me. The Goddesses are now fully integrated into my own life. Our true nature as women has been suppressed for millennia: we are powerful creators. This suppression has led to dis-ease, to mental ill-health and worse. And what’s interesting to note is the impact this has on the men in our world. Significantly increased suicide rates for both men and women, as an example. When a woman is able to bring herself back into balance, she is able to reconnect with her true desires in life. Those things and experiences that she just loves to do. For me, it’s been dressmaking and fulfilling a long-held dream of designing beautiful clothing for women. I’d held back from this dream because of conditioning within the education system and within my own family. I was deemed to be “bright” and excelled at a number of academic subjects including mathematics. When it came time to choose my ‘O’ level options, I was strongly discouraged from what I loved doing which was known as needlework back then. I was told I had to do subjects that would lead to a “proper career”. By not pursuing what I loved, unwittingly I had created an www.lancmag.com

imbalance in my life. I was now following a career that was designed by others and their beliefs of how I should show up as a modern woman in the world. If anyone had looked at my childhood and observed what I loved doing, they would have found me creating clothing for my dolls, teddies and my lovely dog Bobby. I spent hours lost in these joyful activities. What they wouldn’t have seen was me calculating the volume of my room or the impact two cars would have smashing into each other on the road outside our house. Imagine what the world would look like if it was full to the brim of people living a life they loved? Doing things that brought them joy? And not being forced through an educational sausage machine that prepared them

for “proper careers”? During the crisis the world found itself wrapped up in, I came to realise that there was no cut-off point for grabbing a second chance at life. You are never too old to pursue doing the things you love. That doesn’t mean that you have to change career or start a new business. It just means that there needs to be more balance in what you choose to do. My obvious next step is to do a course on fashion design. What’s your obvious next step in creating a more balanced life? www.mirandachristopher.com

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The Spice Capital of the Caribbean By Sharmen Frith-Hemmings

National Flag 

Dubbed the Spice Island, Grenada produces a wide variety of spices from the land. In fact, Nutmeg and mace have been part of Grenada’s history for over 100 years.

renada is the second major international exporter of nutmeg. Nutmeg is of significant cultural importance that it has been infused into the Island culture in many ways. Firstly, it has been given an importance of the highest nature, depicted on the national flag. Furthermore, the importance

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of nutmeg as part of the culture is reflected in the nutmeg spice festival. Nutmeg is a symbol of national pride and can be seen not only on the flag but on many promotional materials emanating from Grenada. The spice itself is one of the main reasons that Grenada has become known as the Spice Isle. So, what is Nutmeg I hear you ask? The best way to explain it is, that it is the seed of an evergreen tree known as Myristica Fragrans the nutmeg tree. It is a unique species, in that the tree produces two very different tasting spices from the one fruit. The inner nut, encased in a hard shell (nutmeg) and

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a red lace-like covering on the shell (Mace). What are the uses for nutmeg? It is used in many sweet dishes in the Caribbean, cakes including rum cakes, Christmas cakes and regular cakes; it is used in ice cream, porridge, drinks e.g., eggnog, Irish Moss and even cosmetics and herbal remedies including soaps and creams. Mace in itself is a very important spice. Mace is used as a preservative in many dishes including pickles and sauces. It can be used to season soups, stews, and other dishes. One of the lesser-known uses of mace is as a flavour enhancer used to bring out

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Grenada Spice Mas 

Grenada National Dress 

the natural flavour of meats. During my formative years learning from my grandmother and family and in my experimentation with spices have discovered that a little mace in cooking goes a long way towards enhancing the flavour of the dish. Mace for me eliminates the need for reliance on artificial flavour enhancers such as Monosodium Glutamate. Furthermore, it is a very natural and organic product.

There is a part to play for everyone from the children to the elderly.

Grenada Spices 

The richness of this Caribbean Island does not end with nutmeg but includes the production of other spices, such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and pimento to name a few more. The Spice Markets in Grenada are a sight to behold an array of colours and smells are not to be missed when visiting. Grenada’s national dish is called Oil Down. Do not be deceived by the name, it is a delicious one-pot meal made with local vegetables such as breadfruit, Taro (spinach/dasheen leaves) and salted meat and saltfish cooked to perfection in coconut milk and a selection of local herbs spices All combined to give your tongue that ‘Ah Ha!’ moment. Like many islands in the Caribbean, Grenada has its own festival season and this is called ‘Spice Mas’ incorporating their love of spice and their love for playing mas into one massive array of culture and colour. This takes place in the second week of August every year and is the premier cultural event in Grenada. From J’Ouvert morning to Last Lap the celebration takes over the weeks bringing together all the island to celebrate the richness of their own culture. From the traditional Masquerade dancers dressed as devils locally called jab jab to the modern carnival costumes, they parade through the streets in celebration.

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One unique feature of the island that can only be explored by scuba diving is the underwater sculpture park. The underwater sculpture park of Grenada is the first of its kind in the world, and one of the most popular snorkelling sites in the Caribbean. Situated in 800 square metres of protected conservation area just off the island’s western coast. The park was created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. It is of 26 Grenadian children positioned in a circle. There are different interpretations of what they mean Some say it represents the circle of life, others say that the children represent slaves thrown off ships so many years ago. However, the true intent and the purpose were to help conservation efforts. Some damage had been done to the reefs and the statues were put in to help protect the reefs and help maintain the ecosystem with the aim of eventually, restoring underwater life in that area. This beautiful island has a culture so rich it emanates from the pores of the people. From spices to celebrations to history there is a oneness in spirit, this island has produced not only spices but Olympic medallists. It has some truly iconic and unique features to be explored. From spice factories to waterfalls, Grenada is a truly special place and one that must not be missed on any tour of the Caribbean.

Annadale Waterfall 

Grenada Nutmeg and Mace 

National Bird - The Magnificent Frigate 

Grenada Masquerade 

M 5 Brennand Street, Burnley BB10 1SU E info@mamashars.com N 07988 890974 F @mamashars I @mamashars

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The New “Netflix For Seniors” That Can Help Reduce Loneliness ● Living Memories Online offers access to hundreds of hours of archive films and newsreels from the 20th Century… ● “Netflix for Seniors” can help older people stuck at home to step back in time, triggering memories and reducing feelings of isolation ● Also helpful for people living with dementia or in residential care to bring back memories and encourage reminiscence with families, friends and carers ● “When I watch these films and chat about them they make me feel younger again”, says 84 year old Noelle Ingham 154

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ith millions of vulnerable elderly people stuck at home and with limited social contact, a new online service could offer them a valuable lifeline. Dubbed “Netflix for Seniors”, Living Memories Online brings memories back to life through archive films and newsreels from the 20th Century capturing everyday life at home and work as well as important national events. It’s been launched by Living Memories C.I.C., a notfor-profit social enterprise, to reduce isolation and help improve the health and wellbeing of older people. As well as sparking memories, the old films encourage elderly people, including those with dementia, to reminisce with families, friends and carers. These archive films give a fascinating insight into all aspects of life in the past. For a monthly subscription of just £5, individuals, care homes and other organisations can search for films by decade, topic (such as home, travel and work) and subject (eg. fashion, shopping, cars). www.lancmag.com

by care homes, local memory cafés and in people’s own homes. The pandemic gave added urgency to get their new project up and running nationally. The Abbeyfield Society, a charity which operates over 450 retirement houses across the UK, has already signed up to use Living Memories Online for its residents. It is also partnering with Living Memories to create virtual and live Tea & Memories reminiscence groups around the UK in the communities in which Abbeyfield operates. Abbeyfield Society Chief Executive, David McCullough, said: “The new excellent Living Memories Online streaming service helps us engage older people within our own Abbeyfield homes and also to connect with local communities to reach elderly, lonely people. It is an exemplar of the strategy for people to come together and open up friendships and initiate conversations, particularly in these difficult times of the pandemic. It is exciting to be finding new ways to be creative and to have a positive impact on people’s lives. We know that our residents’ wellbeing is lifted from the testimonies we have received.” At Abbeyfield Residential House in Tavistock, Devon, they recently ran two Tea & Memories trial sessions using the new Living Memories online platform.

They can make a collection of their own favourites, which can be shared with other users. They can also access online reminiscence resources to help trigger conversations. Brian Norris, founder of Living Memories CIC, says: “Archive films are a wonderful way of prompting older people to share memories and life experiences. Long-term memory is usually one of their strengths, so reminiscence encourages them to communicate and feel more confident about themselves. Living Memories Online makes reminiscence activity much more widely available. Living Memories was developed by Brian and his wife Leonore after long practical research with older people, including those with dementia. It already publishes DVDs and reminiscence resources and for some time has been running Tea and Memory groups where archive programmes and newsreels are shown to community groups. Brian says: “At the group sessions we found that many older people, including those living with dementia, who had previously been reluctant to talk started to reminisce about their lives and shared experiences, to make new friends and get to know their neighbours.” NHS social prescribing nurses in Brian’s local area of East Devon started referring people to the sessions, and demand was so high that Brian and Leonore decided to develop Living Memories as an online service that could be used www.lancmag.com

Graham Osborn, former Chair of the Abbeyfield Society Trustees in the Devon town ran both sessions. The first, which centred around a film called Marvellous Milk, was for a small group of six residents: “It was a roaring success, with the event almost running itself with just a little direction from me as the residents’ enthusiasm triggered lots of memories which led to others and so on. There was plenty of involvement, laughter and overall enjoyment and after 45 minutes, which went so quickly, we ended for a cup of tea - with milk! “We had nearly a full house of residents present, so there was a vibrant and stimulating environment with much laughter and discussion about the past. The topic from the Living Memories was on a 1958 film excerpt entitled Lovely Launderette. My vice-chair on the House Committee was helping out and I know she was quite surprised at the interaction between residents, some of whom normally are very quiet, but as she said to me afterwards, they came to life when talking about events some 60 years ago.” “I encouraged the residents to describe what this reminiscence means to them and they told me how watching the films immediately brings a smile to their faces as they start to remember those ‘good old days’. One told me how “with the demanding challenges we face as we get older it is refreshing and stimulating to be taken back in time and to experience once again individual precious memories of joyful opportunities and adventures - moments that we never wanted to end.”

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One of the Best Kept Secrets to Improve Your Life 6 Top ‘TOTAL BODY BENEFITS’ of Collagen to be Healthier and Happier NEWSFLASH “Collagen’s benefits for the body have been hijacked by the beauty industry – its vital importance for our whole body and health are being ignored and hidden from us”. So today, I will do justice to this most valuable agent and share, why collagen is important to improve your quality-of-life

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Did you know that Collagen makes up about 30% of the body’s protein and is the most abundant protein in our body? It is a vital factor to give stability and structure to your muscles, tendons, ligaments, organs, blood vessels, skin, intestinal lining, all connective tissues and even your bones. In fact, 90% of the organic bone material is collagen! BAD NEWS: With age, the body reduces the production of collagen, and we look and feel wrinkly and ‘downwards’ on the outside and become brittle on the inside. GOOD NEWS: If the body is given the right ingredients, it can make more collagen. In other words, food and good quality supplements can help us reverse the natural aging process. ‘Collagen’ comes from the ancient Greek word “kolla”, which means “glue”. And indeed, collagen is holding our body together like superglue and gives our bodily tissues firmness and strength. Gram for gram, Type I collagen is stronger than steel.

WHY DO WE LOSE COLLAGEN?  Poor diet  Excessive sun exposure  Air pollution  Genetic predispositions  Natural ageing process (starting in our 20s collagen production reduces each year and absorption of important nutrients needed to build collagen worsens) Less collagen leads to loss of firmness and elasticity in our skin; when we say ‘mirror, mirror on the wall’ we feel cheated more every day finding wrinkles and unwanted lines. What is visible to us outside, is happening on the inside, too. Lack of collagen can lead to serious health issue (see also box top right). 156

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LACK OF COLLAGEN CAN LEAD TO o

Stiffer, less flexible tendons and ligaments

Shrinking, weakening muscles

‘Creaky’ joints (wear of cartilage)

Loss of bone mass or density (osteopenia/osteoporosis)

Damage to arterial tissue

HOW DO WE GET MORE COLLAGEN? 1. Foods Contain Collagen, Like: Tough cuts of meat, like roast brisket (lots of connective tissue)  Bones and skin of fresh and saltwater fish  Bone broth or gelatine made from predominantly beef or chicken To enable absorption of the collagen from food, digestive enzymes must break down the collagen into individual amino acids and peptides. For effective collagen synthesis it is crucial to also intake other nutrients, like Vitamin C and Zinc (e.g. from citrus fruits, broccoli, bell pepper, nuts, seeds, wholegrain and legumes) and hyaluronic acid. Whilst foods deliver not only collagen, but also a great variety of other important nutrients for general health, it is difficult to eat in a way that delivers the correct combination of nutrients required to produce the collagen we want. Plus, preparing the foods, e.g. bone broth, is very time consuming and with all the additives in our food (e.g. antibiotics, hormones, pollution) you can intake strong concentrations of unwanted elements. 2. Good Quality Supplements Most collagen supplements contain hydrolysed collagen peptides, i.e. already broken down particles for easy absorption. Read the label: supplements should contain at least 5000mg active collagen and added vitamin C and Zinc to be effective. Collagen supplements are generally safe to take. Few people can experience mild side effects like bloating or feelings of fullness; watch out for allergens (e.g. shellfish) if you have food allergies. NOTE FOR VEGANS: Collagen comes from animal sources only. Supplements with the label ‘vegan collagen’ are products that contain nutrients that stimulate the body’s collagen production, but they do not contain collagen. www.lancmag.com

4 MOST COMMON TYPES OF COLLAGEN Type I: Most common; available in every tissue Type II: Mainly in joints and intervertebral discs (the spine’s shock absorbers) Type III: Generally, in reticular fibres found in your skin and blood vessels Type IV: Found in kidneys, inner ear, and eye lens

GREAT ‘TOTAL BODY BENEFITS’ OF TAKING COLLAGEN:

1. May Improve Skin Health Collagen is a major component of your skin.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?

Studies have shown that collagen peptides reduce wrinkles and dryness by improvements in skin elasticity and hydration and also promote the production of proteins that help structure your skin, like elastin and fibrillin.

Collagen turnover is a slow process. Some people experience health improvements within a few days, but you should allow at least 8 weeks of daily collagen supplementation to experience noticeable results.

2. May Help Joint Pain Relief

I suggest to start with Collagen Loading, a kick-start approach to rebalance collagen levels faster before maintaining them through lifestyle.

Research is based on the thought that supplemental collagen accumulates in cartilage and stimulates tissues to make collagen. This may lead to lower inflammation, better joint support, and reduced pain or even improvements of symptoms of osteoarthritis. 3. Can Help Prevent Bone Loss Age related deterioration of collagen may lead to loss of bone mass and bone density, leading to conditions such as osteoporosis and a higher risk of bone fractures. Collagen supplements can help inhibit bone breakdown. 4. May Increase Muscle Mass Exercise and taking collagen supplements may help boost muscle mass in people with sarcopenia (age related loss of muscle mass). 5. May Improve Heart Health

“Better Health = Happier Life” - Take one step at a time towards living your best life. In my clinics I combine the power of Science, Nutrition and Mindfulness to help you become the best version of yourself, with a series of transformational programmes, designed around you and your lifestyle.  Send me your questions / feedback / ask for a free eBook or Collagen Loading  Book your no-obligation 20 minute ‘Explore Call’ to find out how you can level up  Do a FREE Lifestyle Analysis online: https://julia.influencersoftconnect.com/la?utm_ source=FB

Without enough collagen, arteries may become less flexible and elastic, leading to e.g. atherosclerosis and thus possibly heart attack and stroke. Taking collagen saw a significant reduction of artery stiffness plus increased levels of of HDL (good) cholesterol which is an important factor in the risk of heart conditions. 6. May Provide Other Health Benefits  Stronger Hair and Nails; reduced brittleness and better growth.  Improved Gut Health; health practitioners notice improvements of leaky gut syndrome (intestinal permeability) which in turn has countless benefits for your health. (see last month’s article)  Better Brain Health; some people report improvements of mood and anxiety symptoms. This could be related to improved gut health, too.  Aiding Weight Loss; collagen supplements may promote weight loss and faster metabolism. Again, a healthier gut supports this, too (synergistic effect).

CONTACT: Julia Riewald – Success & Health Coaching N +44 (0)7902 214534 E Julia@percent-edge.com

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GOING FOR GOLD:

How to Best Prepare for a Marathon By Ian Scarrott, TriClub Run Coach and Personal Trainer at PureGym Loughborough Marathon season is around the corner, and even after months of training, it’s natural for runners to question if they’re really ready for race day.

o help ease any pre-race nerves, Ian Scarrott, TriClub Run Coach and Personal Trainer at PureGym Loughborough, has put together some last minute tips to ensure your training pays off on the day. He’s also answered some of the most commonly asked questions from first time marathon runners. “Taking on something like a marathon can seem like a mountain to climb, but know this, all things 158

are definitely possible. Be prepared to take responsibility for your own training, and put in the consistent work required. Outside of this it’s quite manageable to achieve your dream of running your first marathon (or hitting a PB) while getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and maintaining hydration levels. Be kind to yourself, and above all remember it is simply ‘just a race’ so relax and enjoy the process!” EAT RIGHT Race day is not the day to try anything new in your diet. Stick to the foods and gels you’ve eaten during training and know will keep you going without causing gastric distress.

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Try to avoid mass eating carbs the night before the race, and instead increase your carbohydrate intake by around 10% over three to four days prior to the race to make sure you have optimal glycogen stores. And don’t forget to eat something on the day – even if you’re feeling nauseous from nerves. STEP BACK YOUR VOLUME Although it sounds counter productive, reducing the volume you’re running in the weeks before the race helps to fuel recovery ahead of race day. As long as you maintain the intensity, you won’t lose the endurance you’ve built through training. Make sure you’re sticking to routes you know well so you www.lancmag.com

IAN’S MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON MARATHON TRAINING I am so tired, and/or everything aches! Should I keep going? Marathon training is intense, and sometimes a rest day, or two, or three is calling you! More is not always more, so if you feel like you’re not recovering between sessions take time off if required. You may want to consider adjusting your training plan going forward, and reflect on your overall set of individual circumstances to think about the additional load that comes from things like work, family life, enjoying friendships, and hobbies. Why does my pace change sometimes for the same types of runs? Sometimes I feel good in a speed-work or tempo session and hit the required RPE (rate of perceived exertion), but sometimes I just can’t get going - and the pace is never exactly correct?

avoid injuries, and focus on gently stretching out your muscles to keep them race ready. PREPARE FOR ALL POSSIBILITIES The likelihood is that race day will go exactly as you planned but preparing for all possibilities will help to ease nerves and prevent panic in case something unexpected comes along. Plan everything from how you’re getting to the race to what playlist you’ll be listening to and get everything you need to take with you ready the day before. PACE YOURSELF The atmosphere at a marathon is electric, which is great for turning nervous energy into excitement. However, all that adrenaline can make it easy to forget to most important thing on race day – pacing yourself! It really is a race, not a sprint, so when the gun goes off take a deep breath and treat it like any other long run by building up to your pace and staying focused throughout. Try not to be overwhelmed by the finish line – simply tackle the day one mile at a time and enjoy every minute! www.lancmag.com

This is really common, and it boils down to the fact that you are human! Pace and feeling in a session may not always add up and be consistent because of things like hydration levels, hormonal cycles, recovery levels, sleep, variations in nutrition in and outside of training, weather, temperature - the list goes on… This is where RPE, in my opinion, is superior to things like keeping an eagle eye on heart rate and pace; although these are good to keep an eye on to monitor general trends, especially if you are a more advanced athlete. If you are new to running, my advice is don’t worry and do the best you can with what you’ve got, in the moment you are in! That is good enough. I’ve missed a week due to (insert reason here), should I just go onto the next week? This isn’t really a yes or no answer, as it depends on your individual capabilities. You’ll have to be the judge as to whether you think you can do this without over-exerting yourself – if you’re unsure, err on the side of caution. I’ve missed a session, should I make sure to do this before the week is over? Again, this is personal to your situation. You don’t want to overload

your muscles or do multiple sessions back-to-back, so if the choice is between fitting the session in and having adequate recovery, always go for recovery. You are better off missing a session and moving onto the next, meaning you’re able to run another day, than you are overdoing it and getting injured. Otherwise, you might potentially be out for longer, and even miss the race. I have a niggle in my (insert muscle, tendon or joint here), should I carry on training? From my non-medically trained running and coaching experience, my first response to any athlete is, is it a sharp pain or a pain that comes on slowly? If it is a sharp pain, stop immediately and see a qualified physiotherapist. The NHS now allows self-referral, which means you can access free support. If it is a gradual pain that comes on slowly, it’s likely to be either a muscle imbalance, a sign of overtraining, or the start of a more serious injury. See a physiotherapist for a qualified medical assessment and use your own judgement here. I yo-yo with motivation, is there anything you can advise to help me stay on track? There are so many ways to stay on track with training – local running clubs, online running communities on channels like Facebook and Strava, asking friends and family to keep you accountable, can all help to keep your motivation and determination in check. You can also consider hiring a run coach like myself to help keep you motivated, as well as adjust your training plan to fit your individual set of circumstances. Training for a marathon is challenging, but make sure you take a step back to enjoy the journey and appreciate your progress. The race itself is incredible, but it’s one day versus months of hard work preparing! Really listen to your body , consult experts if needed, and remember that marathon training is more than just running – strength and conditioning helps to aid recovery, improve speed and endurance, and prevent injuries. Hopefully with these tips, all those months of hard work will pay off and you’ll be prepared in every way for the upcoming race. Good luck, and have fun!

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Love is in The Air in Knutsford MOVING into a new home checklist: removal van booked, switch gas, electricity, broadband, and… pop the question!

Above: Nolan Brew with his family at their new home at Tabley Park, Knutsford On the drive of their brand new Redrow ‘forever home’ at Tabley Park, Knutsford, down on one knee, Nolan Brew proposed to his fiancée Gosia. “This was our new start, a new home, so a new ring seemed appropriate too,” said Nolan, a company director of a soft furnishings company. “We’ve been so busy with life, we’ve had three daughters, Lillianna, 11, and eight-year-old twins Erin and Elissa, and we’ve been working hard to grow our business. “We’ve had a great journey, but we’ve never got round to tying the knot, now seemed the perfect time.” The Knutsford couple had been looking for a home for over three years and even after selling their previous property hadn’t found ‘the one’, so began renting. Although in a better buying position because they were chainfree, Nolan, 46, and Gosia, 37, soon found themselves in “bidding wars” when looking at second-hand properties and admitted it all got “a little out of control”. 160

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“The market was crazy, we were outbid on properties that were going for thousands over the asking price, and we wouldn’t have been in a ‘move in and put the kettle on’ situation either; all the properties we viewed needed updating, including new bathrooms and kitchens,” said Nolan. “Gosia always wanted a brand new home and whilst we were away on holiday in Tenerife, just before the pandemic hit, our friends sent us a picture of a coming soon board at Tabley Park. I sent over an email there and then.” Nolan and Gosia soon met the sales team at Tabley Park and quickly fell in love with a particular Redrow home and made a reservation there and then. “It was a huge relief,” said Nolan. “The price was the price, there were no hidden costs, and we wouldn’t be involved in any bidding wars or looking for extra money to bring the property to the standard we wanted.” Nolan and Gosia chose The Marthall a four-bedroom detached family home, with a thirty-six foot family/dining and kitchen www.lancmag.com

area, separate lounge, en-suite to two of the bedrooms and a double garage.

Nolan and Gosia are now looking forward to their wedding day, in the summer of 2023.

“This was the first time we’d bought a new-build and, in all honesty, we were blown away by the service we received from Redrow,” said Nolan.

Tabley Park, the development which won Nolan and Gosia’s hearts, is located off Northwich Road, within walking distance of the centre of Knutsford. It will eventually feature 190 new homes, with everything from two to five bedrooms.

“Mel and Rachel from the sales team were amazing, this is where their expertise really came into play. “We had a blank canvas, so we were able to choose everything, our floor tiles, carpets, style of kitchen, appliances and fitted wardrobes. “They held our hands throughout, I called myself the friendly stalker as I think I called them with a different question every day!” Having moved into their new Redrow home, the family is already seeing the advantages of buying brand new, including turning down their thermostats and potentially saving on bills. “The house is so well insulated, we have our thermostat four to five degrees lower than we used to set it in our previous house, which was built in the 80s. A new homes is so much more efficient.” www.lancmag.com

Individual house styles are based on Redrow’s Arts & Crafts inspired Heritage Collection with some design modifications and there will also be 10 bespoke properties at the entrance to the development. Tabley Park will also include a large area of open space, a football pitch, allotment areas, orchard and children’s play area. Anna Evans-Kerr, head of sales at Redrow NW said: “We are delighted that our homes at Tabley Park provided the perfect backdrop for this wonderful proposal. “May I wish them all the very best for the future.” Three beautifully furnished show homes and a customer experience suite are open seven days a week, usually from 10am – 5.30pm. For more information call 01565 859509 or visit www.redrow.co.uk/tableypark LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 161

Hi I am Janet and I am your resident Positive Change Coach bringing you techniques and insights to help you navigate the changes in your life positively. I have 15 years experience and now work globally from Costa Rica to New Zealand and everywhere in-between.

“I can’t meditate”, so often I hear this because there is a misconception that meditation is sitting crossed legged and being told to empty your mind – well if you can do that you are a first! Meditation is being in the moment, so you can be sat crossed legged, or sat on a chair or walking or standing or lying down. You are not expected to empty your mind but to bring your concentration into the present moment, so letting go of the intrusive thoughts. Equally, if those intrusive thoughts come into your mind there is no need to follow them down the rabbit hole. You are in charge of your thoughts so if the mind wanders (and it will!) you don’t have to follow it, you take control of your thoughts and bring yourself back to the present moment. Mentally thank the thought and say, “I will deal with you later”. What does Being in the Present Moment mean and how is it achieved?

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You distract the brain, so it can be counting, staring at a candle flame, a walk in nature concentrating on each flower, tree, bird etc, a guided meditation whereby you listen to someone taking you on a journey, keeping your attention on the movement of your breath, moving slowly and purposefully – the practice of yoga is a moving meditation. Like any new skill, it has to be practised. My first experience was 25 years ago, I was in a stressful job and the company I worked for arranged a Health Week, I had gone to a presentation and at the end, the presenter led a guided meditation, as the rest of my some 30 colleagues went to a peaceful place I was eyes wide open, had no idea how they could imagine a beach when we were sat in the conference room. I had no clue why they felt so relaxed – who would imagine then that I would be teaching yoga and meditation!! So, I have been where some of you are full of disbelief that meditation can be for you or that it is possible.

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Steps Towards Successful Meditation

What are the Benefits of Meditation?

01 • Reduces pain and enhances the body’s immune system Create a space and time for regular meditation. a. The ideal space: Comfortable temperature. No telephone/TV/computer or similar distractions Shawl kept only for meditation Seated/standing/walking - Comfortable seating position for you – chair ensure your feet are at the right height, support them on a cushion or block. If on the floor crossed legged or legs out in front if necessary supported against a wall or similar. If inside candlelight or low lights and gentle music or guided meditation CD. If in nature, out of direct sunlight, away from disruptions such as traffic or neighbours. b. The ideal time is when you know there will be no disruptions.

• Reduces feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and confusion

• Increases blood flow and slows the heart rate

• Provides a sense of calm, peace, and balance

• Helps reverse heart disease

• Helps control thoughts

02 • Increase energy Choose a form of meditation that suits your needs, with a candle, walking, guided, standing.

03 Begin with steadying the breathing, always direct the breath in and out through the nose. Breathe steadily to begin with then take your breathing a little deeper. Gentle lower your lids either to close them or to let them rest their attention on a candle or on the floor just ahead of you.

04 Take time to relax your body first, simple tensing and releasing of the body, start with the feet and work up the body, back and front, as you tense - breath in, and on a breath out, release.

05 Accept your thoughts may become distracted, acknowledge them and release and return to them later. Return your attention to your breath, in and out.

06 When you are ready to complete your meditation, first become aware of the room and then where you are, feel the chair, the floor, the grass. Take your breathing deeper. Gently wiggle your fingers and toes and stretch gently. Rub your palms together to create warmth and place them over your eyes allowing the warmth to gently massage your eyes. Slowly open your eyes into your palms before gently removing your palms.

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• Reduces stress

Wouldn’t you like to achieve even one of these benefits? Practised on a regular basis meditation can do all of this for you. Because so many of my yoga students said after Meditation “I wish I could take you home with me” I recorded two Guided Meditation CDs. You can purchase these on my website. Happy Meditating.

Head to my website for more information D thepositivechangecoach.com For a complimentary 30 min., 1-1 Positive Change Discovery Session contact me E janetbroughton@ thepositivechangecoach.com DRU Yoga classes available live online or via YouTube Y Janet Teaches DRU Yoga Claim your FREE Positive Change Personality Quiz to discover your Change personality, how it affects your life and how we can empower you to live your Best Life.

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FINDING FRIENDS By Kate Gostick

It’s the people that make a place feel like home and surely in an English speaking, western country, everyone would be pretty much the same as those who made England home. They speak the same language, look pretty similar and have the same basic daily routine.

his is the error that makes US/UK ex-pat the immigration with the highest failure rate, and it was a trap I could so quickly have fallen into if I hadn’t met the wonderful people who made all the difference. It was three months after we had first discovered that we would be relocating to America and already Dominic was living in a rented house. So the boys and I were heading off to stay with him for three weeks before we would head back home to pack up and make the permanent move. Our relocation agent, a woman with no kids in her early 60s, had told us the library was the place where it was all happening for mums with young children. I wondered if this may be her revenge for Edward throwing up on the beige leather in the back of her Buick on our discovery trip a few months earlier, but decided I had nothing to lose, so I headed for the children’s section and let the boys pick out some books. Amongst the calm American voices saying, “Now Tucker, it isn’t appropriate to hit Chuck across the face with a copy of ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’. Please place the book back on the shelf.” came the almighty roar of a Lancastrian mother. “Michael! Stop that now!”. This wasn’t my roar. It was the roar of a woman who was now hurtling past the bookshelves reaching out to grab a small boy by his collar and drag him back to enjoy the story she was reading. She looked at me, rolled her eyes and gasped, “Sorry about that. They are driving me nuts!”. I hadn’t expected to discover someone just like me in the ‘Land of the Free’, but hearing that voice, seeing someone else battling through was just what I needed. I, too, was having a terrible day. 164

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James seemed to have recovered from his asthma attack he had had the night before we flew, but I had been told by the hospital to find a doctor to get him checked out as soon as we arrived. Edward was being a total nightmare, bad-tempered, screaming and attention-seeking. Finding Anna McGlynn in the Marlborough Library made me feel like I was no longer alone and had the strength to carry on. Anna, who it turned out was from Blackpool, introduced me to her friends, and many lifelong, strong friendships began right then. The next day I found a doctor for the boys, and she gave us a nebuliser for home so that if James’s asthma got bad again, he could be treated at home rather than me rushing him off to the hospital. The doctor seemed not to be terribly worried about James, but instead asked if I was concerned about his younger brother. “He’s just going through the terrible twos,” I said, hoping she would accept that excuse rather than thinking I was a terrible parent. “I don’t think so,” she replied, pointing to the pus dripping out of Edward’s ear and running down his cheek. I hadn’t actually noticed that, but when she told me he had a perforated eardrum, it did explain why he had been a little whiney the last day or so. It was all so overwhelming that I had failed to notice his ear. Just getting through my day at this point was all I could manage, but soon things settled down, and we could begin to enjoy discovering our new surroundings. One such discovery was the Wayside Inn and Grist Mill. A beautiful stone mill sat nestled in the trees with a huge, red waterwheel turning to drive the millstones inside that ground the flour. The miller invited you in to explain the process all at no charge, but with the invitation to buy his flour. Then children ran out to play poo sticks on the little wooden bridge over the exit of the millpond before crossing onto the green field in front of the water wheel to play in the sun or relax on a picnic blanket. When they were done with running around, we headed back over the www.lancmag.com

little bridge and through the woods to the Wayside Inn for a glass of lemonade. The Wayside Inn was a historic Inn built of red boards and white uprights. As you went through the front door, a little door on the right took you into a tiny bar with wood-panelled walls and a floor with boards that revealed the marks of a couple of centuries worth of drinkers. The whole room smelt of wood smoke even though it was a hot summer day and several months since the colossal fireplace had seen any fires, but the generations of smoke had leached into the fabric of the walls, floor and ceiling and gave off their telltale odour. It was immediately apparent that life here was slower paced and much more simple. As we walked back towards the car along the woodland path, a couple passed us, heading towards the inn. We exchanged pleasantries and continued on our way, but they turned and headed back to us. “Are you English? Our daughter-in-law has just moved here and is very lonely. Here is her number. Maybe you could get in touch.” They handed me a scrap of paper on to which they had just scribbled a phone number and we continued on our opposite paths. Now, if I had been in England and a couple of pensioners had passed me and asked me to contact a random lonely woman, I would have thought them strange and placed the scrap of paper in the nearest bin, but I was becoming aware of the bond between ex-pats. We were all in the same boat, feeling the same thoughts, longing for the support that feels innate in your home country, so as soon as I got home, I rang. A woman named Jan answered, and like me, she did not feel threatened by a stranger wanting a friendship, and she agreed to meet up. She told me she had discovered an expat coffee group in the Boston area with lots of women who were on temporary ex-pat contracts. This was to become a weekly outing for me. One person would host and provide food and coffee, and we would discuss where to buy English food and how America was so different. I went to this group for many years. People came and went regularly as their assignments began and finished, and new people joined desperate to find a decent sausage or English bacon. As time went on, though, I outgrew this group of transient Brits desperate to make America as much like England as they could. I started to integrate into my new life and to love the differences and the people. I didn’t want a corner of England in America. I wanted America with an acceptance of my British quirkiness. That acceptance, I discovered, was not always forthcoming. I joined Kindergroup, a Southborough playgroup run by the parents themselves. Here you were assigned a day which you attended every week. One mother would provide breakfast for all the others, and a couple of mothers would look after the children whilst the others would sit in the coffee room chatting and eating the fantastic food. It was great. Conversations explored politics, science and current affairs and were philosophical in nature. These were intelligent women with horizons that went far beyond sources of English sausage. It was just wonderful. When my third son, Henry, came along, I changed to another day and what a difference a day makes! This new set of women chose not to sit in a room separate from their children, but instead sat in the playroom discussing cleaning products and recipes. One morning, I walked into the room, and all conversation stopped prompted by a couple of nudges and glances. I had heard the conversation as I took my coat off in the entranceway, but now the room had a sudden deathly silence. The day before, two bodies of a woman and her child had been discovered under the duvet in their bedroom www.lancmag.com

in the next town. The woman’s British husband who had disappeared was strongly suspected of their murders. This was why the room had fallen silent. I apparently bore the guilt of a man who I had never met who just happened to be one of the 74 million people I shared a nationality with. These people had all behaved very politely to me, giving the illusion of acceptance, but when push came to shove, I was not one of them. The new day was mind-numbing! Opinions were greeted with uncomfortable looks, not lively discussions, and I began to realise it was not nationality that was important, but intellect and critical thinking. I wanted to spend time with interesting women with opinions, whatever their ethnicity. This was when I realised that there were two types of American women. The first type would come to be known as Stepford Wives, devoid of opinions, considered Vermont a foreign holiday, an unhealthy interest in cleaning products and mind-numbingly dull and predictable. Then there were Hilary and Marcias, who brought spice and interest to life. All three of my boys attended Meadowbrook preschool in Marlborough. It was run by a middle-aged woman called Mrs Whitney, who had a way of doing things that did not always suit rambunctious boys. James had been fine since he was devoid of rambunctious tendencies, but Edward struggled a little more as his determination and Mrs Whitney’s preconceptions occasionally clashed. Even Edward realised that Mrs Whitney was a little frustrated with him. We didn’t know then, but Edward had dyslexia, and this meant he often muddled up his words and was not good at following Mrs Whitney’s multi-step directions, or, as Edward said, “Mrs Whitney says I am not good at following her erections!” David and Daniel, Marcia and Hilary’s boys, also had spirit and a strong familiarity with Mrs Whitney’s naughty corner. As the mothers of spirited boys, Marcia, Hilary and I were often requested to seek an audience with Mrs Whitney to receive some parenting tips, which she hoped would allow our boys to lose any trace of the personalities we loved them for. Luckily, Marcia and Hilary were not Stepford Wives. They were not afraid to share their experiences, worries, and frustrations and did not need to appear the embodiment of perfection. Their lack of interest in cleaning products was replaced by intellect and wit that dissolved my stress like bleach on grime. We came to realise that our boys could not all be three-year-old delinquents, and it may be far more likely that Mrs Whitney was better suited to girls. As the boys headed off to their respected kindergartens and then middle schools, high schools and finally universities, Hilary and Marcia continued to be a guiding light helping me make sense of the American psyche. They accepted me for who I was, but could enlighten me about where I had gone wrong when a Stepford Wife started to avoid my calls. They were open about their problems which made me feel free to share mine and gave me a secure feeling when I spent time with them. However, people came into my life, be it a roaring Lancastrian in the library, a friendless ex-pat I discovered when her phone number was thrust into my hand by her well-meaning in-laws, or the mother of a delinquent toddler sharing a disapproving look from Mrs Whitney, all these people became my new family. They were there to moan to, support me, advise and entertain me, but most of all, accept me for who I was and make me feel a part of my new country. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 165

The Classic Car Lover Who Created a Museum for His Incredible Collection Don Sidebottom admits he’s something of an addict when it comes to collecting classic cars and historic automobilia. Anyone who visits the famous Lakeland Motor Museum in Cumbria will see the result of that lifelong addiction – in its collection of over 30,000 items.

on is the man who founded the museum. And it all started way back in the late 1950s and early 1960s when he snapped up a dozen pre-war American cars that were being used as taxis in his hometown of Blackpool. “When petrol rationing came in 166

after the Suez crisis, the taxi drivers all started selling their old pre-war American vehicles because they used so much fuel. They were going for a couple of hundred pounds. So, I bought a dozen!” explains Don. “There were Chevrolets, Oldsmobiles, Chryslers, all sorts. Me and a pal used to do them up, restore them. Then I just started collecting anything to do with cars, automobilia, speedometers, badges, headlights. I suppose you’d say I was a collecting addict – I loved it.” The thousands of visitors who flock to the Lakeland Motor Museum in South Cumbria every year are obviously very happy he loved it so much as the museum is one of the Lake District’s

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most popular attractions. Don, who is 84, is perhaps best known as the entrepreneur who, in 1959, founded the Blackpool based Glasdon Group. It’s now a worldfamous brand making and selling street furniture like benches, bollards, shelters and recycling bins to 115 countries around the globe. It employs nearly 500 people across the UK, France, Sweden and the USA. While Glasdon was work – Don’s growing collection of classic cars was his pleasure. “It was a lovely release from the pressure of running an international business,” says Don. “I needed a diversion and for me that was digging out old cars, barn finds, which were bargains. Then doing them www.lancmag.com

up and building up the collection.” The museum itself might never have come about but for a chance meeting sparked by another of Don Sidebottom’s passions – skydiving. “I used to love skydiving and did 570 jumps at Cark airfield in South Cumbria,” says Don. “One day Lord Hugh Cavendish, whose ancestral home was in the area, came down to the club. He asked if anyone would like to parachute into Holker Hall, his family home, as it would be an attraction for visitors. We said yes and it became a regular thing and over time we got to know each other. “In one conversation he told me he could really do with a new attraction at Holker Hall,” says Don. “I already had the collection of cars by then and I suggested his Shire Horse stable yard and old sawmill at Holker could make a lovely motor museum!” The Lakeland Motor Museum remained at Holker Hall for more than 30 years, with a highlight in 2000 when it won the English Tourism

Council’s award for Best Small Visitor Attraction. In 2006 a new era began when the collection was purchased by Winander Group Holdings – the owners of another popular Lake District visitor attraction – Windermere Lake Cruises. The new owners recognised the value and cultural importance of Don’s collection and made significant investments. In 2010 they purchased and relocated the museum to its current purpose-built home at Backbarrow – the historic, scenic, riverside site of the former Reckitt’s blue Dye Works carton packaging sheds. After all those years collecting you might be surprised to learn that Don’s favourite vehicle is not a Daimler, Bentley or Jaguar. “It’s a 1970s Citroen DS which I bought in the 1980s!” says Don. “It was the most advanced car in the world in its day – with an incredible suspension system and futuristic design. I liked it so much I paid a lot of money for it!” Many of the exhibits at the museum,

hold special memories for Don. From the tractor which, when he was a schoolboy, he accidentally started in a school shed and watched trundle over the school sports field before overturning. To the 1938 Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine which he used at his wedding. Under its new owners, the Lakeland Motor Museum has evolved and is constantly improving and changing. But Don Sidebottom was the driving force behind its initial creation. “It’s a real joy to walk around and to know it’s a collection I played a large part in bringing together,” says Don. “I’m happy that it’s admired, that people love to visit and I’m happy that it is safe and not going anywhere,” says Don. “I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that people get so much enjoyment out of it. It’s a nice legacy. And as for collecting so many wonderful items over so many years? “I loved every minute of it!” says Don, with a smile. www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk

New Funding for Lancashire and South Cumbria Online Brain Injury Support Scheme was created because the Covid-19 pandemic affected the number of patients who could access face-toface NHS treatment. Due to the pilot scheme’s success earlier this year, which involved 90 ELHT patients, the programme will now be rolled out to patients within the two counties.

Above: Professor Louise Connell

The Neuro Rehabilitation OnLine project has received nearly £180,000 to roll the scheme out through Lancashire and South Cumbria.

successful scheme to help brain injury and stroke survivors is being rolled out through Lancashire and South Cumbria, thanks to new funding from a national charity. The Neuro Rehabilitation OnLine (NROL) programme, which is jointly run by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), has received nearly £180,000 from brain injury recovery charity SameYou to expand the pilot project. SameYou has been awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, and will enable the scheme to be rolled out through Lancashire and South Cumbria. The scheme, which uses online video sessions to provide one-to-one and group specialist neurorehabilitation, 168

Project lead Louise Connell is a UCLan Professor of Allied Health Neurorehabilitation & Stroke and she also works for ELHT. She said: “I’m absolutely delighted our scheme is being rolled out to help more people who’ve had a stroke or have other neurological conditions throughout the region. “We know that, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people with stroke and other brain injuries are spending less time in hospital and receiving less neurorehabilitation. NROL is all about using video technology to support patients, via a range of different groups covering cognitive and physical recovery, in their homes to ensure they can continue their recovery.” Cogs in Motion, a cognitive rehabilitation group looking at brain education, memory, attention and information processing; Simply Speaking, a conversational skills group, and a physical group working on mobility, balance, strength and stamina will be among the available sessions. In addition, all patients will be invited to weekly Café NROL sessions which provide the opportunity for general group discussion. The county wide scheme will involve physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech and language therapists and medical and assistant practitioners from ELHT, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals

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Above: Ed Williams showing patients a rehab exercise

of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. One of those who attended the pilot programme was Abdul Malik, who suffered a brain haemorrhage and seizure at his home in Burnley in May last year. Initially he was unable to speak for two-and-a-half weeks and was paralysed down the right-hand side of his body, meaning he could no longer hold his baby son Eesa, who had arrived in December 2020. The 37-year-old, who was the youngest patient in his sessions, said: “I attended two NROL sessions a week to help with my upper limb movement and before I started, I struggled to move my arm at all but by the end of the programme I was able to hold my arm across my body, meaning I could hold my son again. “NROL was a lifeline because I was seeing familiar faces twice a week online at a time when Covid-19 was stopping me from seeing anybody www.lancmag.com

Above: Student physio Alan Gregory giving a demo

outside of my house. The physios and occupational therapists were very helpful and made us all feel comfortable. The patients were experiencing the same physical movement problems so our sessions allowed us to talk about our issues and we became friends too.”

tele-rehab has been proven to add capacity and reach people who are underserved. The expansion of this scheme would not have been possible without the National Lottery funding. This grant means that we can continue

our work with UCLan and ELHT to support more people, and help them take back their places in their families, communities and society after a brain injury. This will make a big difference to people’s lives.”

If the regional rollout is deemed a success, a national NROL programme could soon follow. Professor Connell added: “Therapy services are continuing the process of restoration post-Covid and there is a need to understand the learning from online rehabilitation to determine its place in the future. It’s anticipated this will be a hybrid model of face-to-face and virtual input which will allow a greater intensity of therapy to be delivered to more people and in a more convenient way.” The expansion of the scheme would not have been possible without funding from the SameYou charity, which was set up by actress Emilia Clarke after she suffered two life threatening brain haemorrhages whilst working on set for Game of Thrones. Jenny Clarke, Co-Founder & CEO of SameYou, said: “The provision of neurorehabilitation after brain injury doesn’t meet the urgent need. Group

Above: The NROL programme being delivered on screen by Adam Partington

Devastating climate impact of using peat in UK horticulture revealed New analysis by the Wildlife Trusts has calculated the shocking impacts of extracting peat for use in horticulture – so we are calling on everyone to support an immediate ban in the damaging practice.

Peat extraction devastated Little Woolden Moss - credit Lancashire Wildlife Trust

• Policy failure to stop peat extraction has caused up to 31 million tonnes of CO2 to be released since 1990 • Peat extracted for horticulture in 2020 alone could release up to 880,000 tonnes of CO2 – equivalent in emissions to driving to the moon and back 4,600 times • Waiting another two years until 2024 to ban peat use could add more than 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 to our atmosphere – roughly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of more than 214,000 UK residents

peat was left, and the site had been totally stripped of all plant and animal life. The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is working hard to breathe life back into this precious peatland, healing the scars that peat extraction left. The campaign to stop peat extraction took off in the 1990s but only now are the UK and Welsh Governments conducting a public consultation on ending the use of peat in the retail sector in England and Wales by 2024. The Wildlife Trusts believe we cannot wait this long.

he analysis estimates that as much as 31 million tonnes of CO2 could have been released into the atmosphere since 1990, as a direct result of using peat in gardening, and its use by professional growers of fruit, vegetables, and plants.

As well as analysing the impacts of peat extraction in the UK, The Wildlife Trusts found that the UK ‘offshores’ most of its peatland emissions and damage to wildlife to the countries who dig peat up to sell it in the UK. Currently, emissions from these imports are not counted in the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions figures.

Little Woolden Moss in Greater Manchester, was still being subject to peat extraction for horticulture until as recently as 2017. In some areas barely 50cm of the once almost 8m of

Despite thirty years of campaigning against extraction and increased public outcry, peat continues to be sold in vast quantities for amateur and professional horticultural use,

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with huge consequences for nature and climate. Industry progress towards peatfree alternatives has been slow and inconsistent, and between 2018-19 peat consumption in the UK declined by just 2.3 per cent, before rapidly increasing by 9 per cent as lockdown drove more people to buy compost for gardening. On average, annual UK peat sales would fill 29,000 large shipping containers and could release up to 850,000 tonnes of CO2. In 2020 alone, nearly 900,000 cubic metres of peat were extracted from UK soils, with a further 1.4 million cubic metres of peat imported from Ireland and the rest of Europe. A total of just over 2.29 million cubic metres of peat were dug up to be sold in the UK market in 2020, with a small quantity also being exported to other countries. If peat is left undisturbed – in bogs, not bags – this quantity of peat could have stored approximately 238,000 tonnes of carbon for millennia

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to come. However, once peatland habitats are disturbed for extraction, stored carbon becomes carbon dioxide (CO2) and is lost to the atmosphere forever, contributing directly to climate change. The peat extracted for UK horticulture in 2020 could release up to 880,000 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime as a growing medium. 880,000 tonnes of CO2 is equivalent to driving an average passenger car 2.2 billion miles – to the moon and back more than 4,600 times.

habitat decline. Bringing about an end to all uses of peat is an obvious step that UK Governments can take to put

nature into recovery and transform peatlands from carbon emitters into carbon sinks.

All of the plants on Little Woolden Moss have now been restored - credit Lancashire Wildlife Trust

Ailis Watt, peat officer at The Wildlife Trusts, says: “These losses are gigantic, irrecoverable and unjustifiable. Peat and the carbon stored within it simply cannot be replenished within human lifetimes. Each time governments dither over whether to ban peat use in horticulture, we risk losing more of this habitat that has taken millennia to develop, as well as losing its huge capacity for carbon storage. “Extracting peat is bad for our climate and for wildlife. Peatlands provide habitat for a rich diversity of plants and animals. Migrating birds feed on peatland insects, while snakes and lizards also thrive in these special places. The UK is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and extracting peat destroys complex ecosystems that are vital for nature’s recovery. It has to stop.

Common lizards are found on Little Woolden Moss - credit Lancashire Wildlife Trust

“Investing in peatland restoration whilst allowing extraction to continue is illogical and an inefficient use of public funds.” The Wildlife Trusts are calling for an immediate ban on the sale and extraction of peat for horticulture, and a ban on importing peat from abroad.

Baby palmate newts were spotted at Little Woolden Moss in 2021 - credit Lancashire Wildlife Trust

Endangered curlews are now found on Little Woolden Moss - credit Andy Hankinson Lancashire Wildlife Trust

According to our recent analysis, waiting until 2024 to ban peat use could add more than 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 to our atmosphere (roughly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of more than 214,000 UK residents) while further contributing to species and

The Wildlife Trusts The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 30,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers. To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129

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By Paul Cusimano, Joseph Clothing, Lancaster

May Twenty Twenty Two Is Going To Be A Very Special Month This Year. Not Because It’s My Birthday And No, I Don’t Know What The Weather’s Going To Be Like. But What I Do Know Is, You Will Want To Be Here. Lancaster has always prided in self on its size. Its City centre has had little scope to expand and when a development proposal came along ten years ago, the business community resisted it arguing that it would ruin the balance of the City.

ust as nature and the whole ecosystem are finally balanced, so are City centres. One minor change can be the catalyst that brings about severe consequences. Lancaster’s unique selling point has always been its strength and depth in quality independent businesses. The inner circle of Lancaster, the City centre, is Georgian with the next ring, residential, being largely Victorian. Compact and constrained physically have worked perfectly to cultivate the independents dominance. Everything is within a good five minute walk and that includes assets such as Lancaster Castle, the Judges Lodgings, the City Museum and the Maritime Museum. The grounds behind Lancaster Castle and Lancaster

Priory cascade down to Quay Meadow, from where you can access St Georges Quay. Climb up East Road, and you’ve got the Ashton Memorial, sat proudly in its fifty four acres of beautiful parkland, boasting views of not only the City, but also Morecambe Bay and the south Lake District beyond. Although it’s less than a mile from the centre, it’s a twenty minute walk. There you find yourself at the highest point of Lancaster and also home to the aptly named music festival... HIGHEST POINT This year, the massively popular festival, takes place over three days, Thursday the 12th to Saturday the 14th of May. Each day has its own Headline Act performing on the Main Stage; Richard Ashcroft, Clean Bandit and the Kaiser Chiefs, respectively. This is the second year for Clean Bandit who headlined with the likes of James, Becky Hill, Rudimental, Rick Astley, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Rag’n’Bone Man, last year.

HIGHEST POINT - Main Stage

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This year there will be up to fifty Artists performing on the numerous stages located throughout the park (see highestpoint.co.uk for full line-ups and ticket sales). There will be an eclectic mix, from Hip-Hop to Rock,

from Solo Artists to Bands and let’s throw in some pretty awesome, renowned DJ’s for good measure. Due to the incredibly reasonable ticket prices and fabulous line-ups, people have previously stayed over and attended a few, if not all, days, making most of their visit to Lancaster, so book your accommodation quickly. The organisers have hit on a truly winning formula; location, venue and line-ups. Although in its infancy compared to some other Events, ‘Highest Point’ has been an instant success, selling out to capacity audiences whilst offering safety and convenience to all who attend. They operate a cashless wristband payment system for all the great food and drink stalls which are easily topped up online or via an App. The viewing areas for each performance stage are well monitored to ensure not only safety, comfort and enjoyment as well.

HIGHEST POINT - Headliner Richard Ashcroft

HIGHEST POINT - Clean Bandit

This is not an event located in a rural field where tents and compost loos form part of the experience. Rather, this is a festival held in a stunning park on the edge of a historic City, with unparalleled views and a feeling that is reflective of Lancaster itself, intimate. Attendees will have the option to stay over in luxurious accommodation, complete with stunning en suite facilities and wonderful breakfasts. As the performances start in the afternoon, that leaves the mornings to peruse the City and even grab a spot of lunch before heading up to the Park (see ‘Where to Stay’ & ‘Where To Eat’ at www.totallylocallancaster.co.uk).

HIGHEST POINT - Kaiser Chiefs

Whether music festivals are or aren’t your thing, Lancaster’s second major Event of May is a firm family favourite. It appeals to everyone, regardless of age or sex... LANCASTER FESTA ITALIA This year we, Totally Local Lancaster CIC, will be organising the Event ourselves. The shackles are off. ‘Festa 22’ will be as was originally intended. For those that loved the event in 2018 and 2019, 2021 was a scaled-back version due to Covid concerns, this year is going to be on another level.

HIGHEEST POINT - The Festival

HIGHEST POINT - More Fantastic Headliners

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The precursor will be the arrival, in early May, of the Italian bunting and banners, both announcing the dates of Festa (21st-29th May) and acknowledging all the very generous Sponsors. Throughout the Festa nine day period, many of the hospitality businesses will be offering Italian food and drinks as ‘Specials’, in support of the Event. During the first weekend (21st & 22nd May) there will be some pop-up Acts, random and without notice. However, we now serve notice that on the 24th May there will be a ‘Tribute to Italy’ at the Lancaster Grand Theatre, where ‘The Turning Point Theatre Arts’ will perform a collection of beautiful modern dances to some Italian classics. Following an interval, the audience will LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 173

be treated to the ‘Wind Quintet, players from Lancaster’s Haffner Orchestra’, playing a stunning programme from the likes of Rossini and Puccini (go to lancastergrand. co.uk for more info and ticket sales). Thursday the 26th of May, a number of the Bars will dedicate the evening to Italy by playing Italian music. This coincides with a first. Lancaster will host an award ceremony for the ‘Best Italian Actor’ in a series screened in the UK. Although we know who the winner is, we are contractually bound not to publicise the name until a Press Release has been released in Italy. The winner will be flying in on the 26th of May and will stay until the afternoon of the 29th, during which time they will receive the Award and make a number of appearances including a few meet and greet opportunities.

There will be some individual arias, but also scenes/ensembles. Some sections of the evening will involve two or three sections from the same Opera which will be linked together. Everything will be introduced by a narrator, and the singers will sing in character and act out the scene. It’s intended to be accessible to those who might never have been to an Opera before but is likely to include items from operas by Verdi (Traviata, Un Ballo in Maschera, La Forsa del Destino) Puccini (Madam Butterfly), Donizetti, Mozart’s Italian operas (Don Giovanni, Clemenza di Tito, Figaro).

More activities. More locations. More Entertainment... Lancaster Castle will for the first time play host to Festa. The ‘Bambino Zone’ and much of the children’s entertainment will be located here, along with some very special artisan stalls and vehicles galore outside the imposing walls. Roman soldiers patrolling the City, keeping order, whilst the gladiators battle it out. Down in the centre, there will be dancers and singers,

Sunday 29th May. The Main Day, the Grand Finale. More vehicles.

FESTA ITALIA - Proud Of Our Sponsors and Another New Addition

For those who may fancy a little bit of Opera, that comes courtesy of the ‘Castle Opera Company’. There will be two performances, one each on the evenings of the 28th and 29th of May, at the majestic Lancaster Castle. This will be an Opera Gala evening with music from lots of different operas, and music that is both well known and not so well known. FESTA ITALIA - The Programme

FESTA ITALIA - Tribute To Italy At Lancaster Grand

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FESTA ITALIA - Romans

FESTA ITALIA - Authentic Italian Food

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cooking demonstrations, food zones, produce and wine stalls and a bar area. The Plinth in Market Square will be used as the Main Stage whilst Church Street, the former Roman road that led to their Fort, will again host Ferrari’s, Ducati’s, Vespa’s, Lambretta’s and the odd Lamborghini. Free programmes will be available at our Stand on the day. In the meantime, check out our Facebook page (lancasterfestaitalia) for the latest announcements. The biggest Italian Festa, Lancaster has seen, in over sixteen hundred years!

WELCOME TO LANCASTER

FESTA ITALIA - This Year We Welcome MV Agusta

FESTA ITALIA - The Most Expensive Car Park In Lancaster

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Fylde Dunes on Countryfile The amazing work to restore the sand dune habitat on the Fylde Coast was featured on BBC’s Countryfile on Sunday 10th April 2022.

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Presenter Tom Heap spoke to Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Dunes Project Officer Amy Pennington and volunteers as they planted marram grass on the dunes at St Anne’s.

he piece is part of a wider part of the iconic show about how the North West is dealing with coastal erosion. The Wildlife Trust, Blackpool Council and Fylde Borough Council have been undertaking works to implement the Sand Dune Management Plan over the last nine years. The partnership recently received £999,000 from the Environment Agency to continue the work for a further five years. Over the last 150 years much of the sand dunes have been lost and today 80 hectares remain, but more than 100 metres have been created by the partnership work. The dunes protect homes in the area and a local nature reserve.

Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, met Tom Heap and volunteers on the dunes. She said: “We have a strong track record of delivering coastal protection schemes and it is great to see that work continuing along the Fylde Coast.” Lancashire Wildlife Trust Conservation Officer Kim Wisdom said: “Over the past nine years there has been significant improvement to the structure of the dunes, which protect wildlife and the homes of people living nearby. Only last year, we saw the completion of a joint project to return sand lizards to the dunes.” You can watch the full episode online at: www.bbc.co.uk/ programmes/m0016ckv

The dunes are home to several internationally significant plants, rare invertebrates, and priority species of birds. Sand lizards (the UK’s rarest lizard) have been successfully reintroduced since 2018 now habitat conditions are deemed favourable.

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White Ribbon UK responds to the new national communications campaign, - ‘Enough’ – that launched 1 March 2022

White Ribbon UK was one of the voluntary sector organisations that contributed to the development of the new national communications campaign – ‘Enough’ – launched by the Home Secretary on 1 March 2022 – to raise awareness of the different forms of violence against women and girls and the simple acts that anyone can take to challenge perpetrators of abuse.

orms of violence against women and girls represented include street harassment, coercive control, unwanted touching, workplace harassment, revenge-porn and cyber-flashing. 178

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peaking as the campaign launched, Anthea Sully Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK said, ‘White Ribbon UK fully supports this important campaign and is pleased to have contributed to its development. White Ribbon UK works to end violence against women and girls by engaging with men to consider their own behaviour and positively influence that of others.’ She continued, ‘We specifically call on men to take on board the message of the campaign that ‘enough is enough’. All men can bring an end to violence against women by being aware and taking steps to call out abusive and harassing behaviour when they see it.’ She did state a word of caution, ‘campaigns such as this are an essential tool in raising awareness, however, they need to be backed up with funding for preventative work, especially in schools, so that there can be lasting culture change.’ www.lancmag.com

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

SAGITTARIUS 22 Nov - 21 Dec

LEO 23 Jul - 22 Aug

This period would be an excellent stepping stone for growth vertically and a rise in your career. You will need to be in the thick of things at your workplace. You are getting back on your feet. You want to have fun, and you might find you’re pouring a lot of energy into your hobbies, children, and recreation. Family matters are smoother and living conditions clearer than they have been in recent months. It’s a good time to find the energy to sort out finances, especially debts, taxes, and shared property.

You should work on developing your profession rather than focusing merely on financial gains. This is also a period that can create troubles or messy situations due to carelessness or negligence related to financial issues creating worries and unnecessary troubles. You may have trouble with the opposite sex, so you need to be careful of them. Those very personal relations that you worked on, might not work out well, and cause disturbance in your household and office. You might feel physically weak and dejected.

You should learn to relax to avoid unnecessary mental stress when things seem to be stagnating on the professional front. Resist the urge to change jobs on an impulse driven by feelings of disappointment or frustration. You may not get proper support from your friends and associates. Once you get out of this period, a good time is on the card professionally. Romance finds you, but after the 18th, hesitancy is likely. You might end up saying all the wrong things without intending to, so be careful when choosing words to express yourself.

Favourable Dates: June 4, 5, 13, 14, 22, 23 Favourable Colours: Red & Green

Favourable Dates: June 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow

Favourable Dates: June 2, 7, 12, 16, 20, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & White

TAURUS 20 Apr - 20 May This is a period which can give you fame as well as money. There will be a strong influence from others to help you create more personal security in having your material needs met. Money will definitely be coming your way and will greatly influence your personal beliefs, dreams and philosophies. Your passion and zeal jet your performance and efficiency to an all-time high. There will be a favour from the high class, improvement in your status, and destruction of your enemies. In the last week, there would be challenges and new choices which should be taken carefully. Favourable Dates: June 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue GEMINI 21 May - 20 Jun

CAPRICORN 22 Dec - 19 Jan

VIRGO 23 Aug - 22 Sept This is the time that will show you mixed results. Difficult situations may arise in your path but don’t lose your heart in the adversities as your self-confidence will work in your favour. Disputes with government and senior officials are on the card, so you are advised to be careful. You should be cautious while dealing with friends and colleagues during this period. Sudden losses are also possible. There might be a few disappointments, but your hard work will get you out of this troubled time and you’ll see a new zenith in your career soon. Favourable Dates: June 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow

Favourable Dates: June 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue AQUARIUS 20 Jan - 18 Feb

LIBRA 23 Sept - 22 Oct

This is a busy month for tending to the little but important details of daily life, including catching up on emails, paperwork, and errands. Special care with communications with family is necessary after the 18th. This is not a good period for indulging in rash speculative activities. Your courage and convictions are your strongest qualities, but it might hurt to get a little too inflexible. This period will experience hurdles due to your un-adjusting nature as well as competition in work environment. Don’t go for a big investment because things may not turn up according to your expectations.

This period is more suitable for concentration on putting your actions and activities in order. This period will be marked with ambitious plans and brave decisions, though they’ll prove to be successful only if you avoid haste. Brainwork is going to get way too emotional, therefore some of your actions will be driven by feelings. There should be good luck and good stability of the mind which would help live a positive and easy life at home. Balancing intimacy and friendship is the goal now and you are likely to succeed. Friendships are especially rewarding and motivating.

Favourable Dates: June 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 Favourable Colours: White & Blue

Favourable Dates: June 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: Purple & Yellow

CANCER 21 Jun - 22 Jul It’s time to be prudent and review your budget rather than spend. Follow the dictates of your heart this month. Your charm is easy this month, you have a winning smile, and you easily impress others with a more easygoing and playful approach to life. Romance moves forward, and you’re ready to take the initiative when it comes to matters of the heart. It’s an excellent period in your life to mend any challenged friendships, and for joining a group or association that helps you to feel part of a team. Favourable Dates: June 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: White & Red

You will come up with new ideas for dealing with your challenges. Dealings and transactions will work out smoothly and effortlessly for you, as you score one over your competitors. Your relations with your clients and other concerned persons will definitely improve as the period rolls on. You are more in touch with friends and dreaming up new goals. Take advantage of the cooperative mood around you. It’s highly important to realize that your future actions should stand together with those already made. Otherwise, you’ll go around in circles and won’t be able to make progress.

This month presents you with a taxing work schedule but will reward you with good career progress. This could be an excellent period promising much success provided you are willing to work on it. You will have a friendly disposition and feel very comfortable enjoying the group dynamics of different social scenes. You will get full support from your family members and relatives. You will find it difficult to retain money as you will have a tendency towards spending on luxuries and pleasures. Favourable Dates: : June 2, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25 Favourable Colours: Purple & White

PISCES 19 Feb - 20 Mar

SCORPIO 23 Oct - 21 Nov This month you are coming across as quite charming, but introspective nevertheless. Work matters go especially well. Job seekers will find good prospects. You’re getting domestic conditions sorted out and have many projects going on the home front. You have the energy now to improve your living conditions. It’s going to be a good time as far as love life is concerned. You’ll sail smooth and won’t face any problems. This period is going to add deep emotions to your life and strengthen understanding between partners. A good level of gains could come from the spouse.

Your career is certainly picking up pace this month. You are clearer about your goals and work matters are straightforward. Others are recognizing your talents and abilities, so it’s a good time to get yourself noticed. Others are naturally letting you take the lead now, and you’re gladly taking on the role. You are setting your sights high this month, not afraid to go after what you want. You need to keep your speech and communications positive and non-offensive throughout to ensure you do not suffer any setbacks due to your words, written or spoken.

Favourable Dates: June 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & White

Favourable Dates: June 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue

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

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The Best Woodland Trust BLUEBELL WOODS in the North of England

HACKFALL Photo Credit: Woodland Trust / David Rodway

Bluebell woods are a breathtaking sight and the Woodland Trust has compiled a selection of some of the best sites to visit in the north of England this spring.

he United Kingdom’s largest woodland conservation charity cares for over a thousand native woods, making it one of the most important organisations for native bluebell colonies. Bluebells bloom in April and May before the woodland canopy closes but are sensitive plants and take at least five years to establish and colonise.

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The Trust is appealing for visitors to its bluebell woods to enjoy the natural splendour this spring, while being careful not to destroy any flowers by sticking to proper paths and keeping dogs on leads. The guidelines are part of the Woodland Trust’s Love Your Woods campaign which is encouraging people to help protect woods and nature for the future. Visitors can play their part by following some simple advice, including staying on paths, taking dog mess and litter home and protecting wildlife by keeping dogs close and staying fire free. Woodland Trust assistant conservation officer Sally Bavin said visitors to the

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charity’s numerous sites are welcome as “everyone should have the chance to enjoy the spectacular spring-time sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland”. But she said it is vital we do all we can to look after bluebells for future generations. “Bluebells are often found in ancient woodlands because large colonies take so long to establish. The early blooms provide an important source of pollen and nectar for emerging insects. “But many ancient woodlands where bluebells were found have been destroyed over the years, so the special places which remain are extremely precious. It is vital for us to safeguard these.” www.lancmag.com

Photo Credit: Woodland Trust / DonBrubacher

Here are a selection of some of the best bluebell woods the Woodland Trust has to offer in the north of England: North of England Dufton Ghyll Wood, Dufton, Cumbria Hackfall, Grewelthorpe Masons Wood, Preston Nidd Gorge, Bilton Banks Harrogate Sea Wood, Bardsea

Photo Credit: Woodland Trust /Rob Grange

SEAWOOD Photo Credit: Woodland Trust /Rob Grange

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Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip

Stop Smoking

Nicotine drives up blood pressure and heart rate, putting immediate and longterm strain on your heart and arteries. The carbon monoxide in cigarettes means less life-giving oxygen for all your tissues, including your heart. This is harmful to your health and can reduce your life expectancy whether you smoke a lot or a little.

Seek Support

If you would like to add more healthy years to your life, then why not look through our tips on how to quit smoking today.

Cigarette cravings are intense urges to smoke and they can last for 5 minutes. Quitting smoking requires a huge amount of willpower. When you get a craving, try to distract yourself for 5-10 minutes until it passes. You could try planning a healthy dinner or plan a route for a walk. Once the craving has passed, give yourself a pat on the back!

Find YOUR Incentive Most smokers know that smoking is bad for their health, but it can be incredibly difficult to quit. Hard-hitting warnings are proven to help smokers ditch the habit. Whether it’s a shocking image on a cigarette packet, a hole in your wallet, or a noticeable decline in your fitness, try to stay focused on the reasons why you want to quit to keep yourself motivated.

Getting support to stop smoking can increase your chances of success. You could try contacting your local Stop Smoking Services or chatting to your GP. You could also seek advice from a friend or family member who has successfully stopped smoking. Tackle the cravings

Whatever your reason for wanting to stop smoking, make a plan that works for you and remember that help is available. If you don’t succeed on your first attempt to quit, keep trying! Good luck!

If you’d like to support Heart Research UK’s vital work into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, please visit www.heartresearch.org.uk for inspiration on how you could help.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at

www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-uk-recipes-2

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-uk-cookbook

FIVE WELLNESS SUITES INCLUDING: • Sculpt Suite - utilising the latest beauty technology, including CoolSculpting and ULTRAcel, to deliver results • Aesthetics Suite - home to aesthetic treatments including botox fillers, non-surgical rhinoplasty and bioremodelling • Skin Suite - where Dr Yusra delivers her signature glow and anti-ageing treatments

Redefining the art of aesthetics, the Dr Yusra Clinic is home to empowered transformations. A medically-led practitioner, Dr Yusra takes a holistic approach to the art of aesthetics, utilising the latest and most effective evidence-based techniques. Her clinic specialises in anti-aging, fat freezing, acne and skin pigmentation, weight loss, skincare, injectables, non-surgical rhinoplasty and hair restoration treatments.

F @dryusraclinic D dryusra.com

I @dryusraclinic N 03332244666

E info@dryusra.com (Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm)

SCULPT FOR SUMMER W

ith summer just around the corner it is the perfect time to get rid of the extra weight and get your body ready for summer with a non-invasive and innovative treatment, Cool Sculpting, as recommended by Harley Street expert Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar. Dr Yusra’s new flagship clinic in Blundellsands is home to a state-of-the-art Sculpt Suite where her team of experts can help you shift that pandemic weight. CoolSculpting is the only FDA approved cryolipolysis (a nonsurgical treatment that freezes fat cells) treatment on the market. The treatment freezes fat cells down to -11 degrees helping to permanently destroy up to 27% of fat cells in just one session. Cool Sculpting reports that 79% of 32,570 consumers report being self-conscious about their bodies, a whole 30% more than concerns surrounding facial lines and wrinkles. Cool Sculpting helps to remove stubborn pockets of fat that are more resistant to traditional ways of fat reduction, and with minimal downtime, this is the perfect treatment to get you summer-ready.

As we leave behind us two years of uncertainty, lockdowns and a global pandemic, now more than ever people around the world are wanting to get their summer bodies ready for a summer full of sun, travel and fun. According to the Times Newspaper, nearly twothirds of adults gained weight during the pandemic and up to 81% said they are yet to lose this weight.

AREAS WE CAN TREAT WITH COOL SCULPTING • DOUBLE CHIN • ABDOMEN • FLANKS • ARMS • THIGHS • BACK/BRA STRAP • KNEES • BUTTOCKS

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The new Sculpt Suite at Dr Yusra’s flagship clinic in Blundellsands is the epitamy of luxury with its own ensuite bathroom. The clinic is home to one of only 10 CoolSculpting machines in the North West of England, and 143 in the UK. The Sculpt Suite focuses on enhancing patients’ silhouettes leaving them feeling confident and happy, under the care and guidance of our cool sculpting experts. Dr Yusra’s cool sculpting experts are on hand to support and guide you on your cool sculpting journey. Complimentary consultations are offered to begin your treatment, where the expert will discuss your concern, your desired results and what we can do to get you there. On the treatment day itself the practitioner will be on hand through your treatment, we have Netflix available, and lunch of your choice will be provided. Dr Yusra Clinic believes the day should be one of relaxation and luxury, which is represented in the luxury suite. Dr Yusra Clinic is also home to a Weight Loss clinic as part of patients’ journey back to health. For those with high BMI we offer the national medical weight loss program with our Superintendent pharmacist prescriber to help patient’s on their journey back to health. This helps patients lose weight. This programme is often done prior to cool sculpting to help reduce patients weight, then finishing with cool sculpting to enhance the patients silhouette.

THE DR YUSRA CLINIC is a centre of excellence, offering a range of wellness clinics covering skin care, weight loss, hair restoration, aesthetics, injectables and mind therapy.

TO BOOK A CONSULTATION: Email: info@dryusra.com Call: 0333 224 4666 (Mon-Fri 9.30am - 6pm) FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit: dryusra.com FOLLOW I F : @dryusraclinic For some brilliant tips and to see examples of her work www.lancmag.com

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Phantom & Les Mis Legend John Owen-Jones Announces Three Very Special Shows Including Lytham Date “It is always an honour to walk out on stage and perform the songs that have been so present throughout my career so I will endeavour to make sure these three shows are very special for everyone.” Born and raised in South Wales, John Owen-Jones left home at the age of 19 to study acting at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. And now in a career spanning 30 years, he has worked as an actor and singer in theatres across the UK and internationally. Alongside a stunning stage career, he has released six solo albums and two compilation albums Hallelujah (2006), John Owen-Jones (2009), Unmasked (2011), Rise (2015), Music of the Night (Japan-only compilation 2016), Bring Him Home (compilation 2017), Spotlight (2019) featuring The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and most recently The Christmas Album (2021).

Award winning West End and Broadway star John OwenJones is to perform three very special shows this autumn.

he Les Misérables and The Phantom Of The Opera star will take to the stage at Lytham’s Lowther Pavilion along with shows in Leeds and London:

Sunday September 4th - Lowther Pavilion, Lytham Sunday September 11th - Leeds City Varieties Hall Sunday September 18th - Her Majesty’s Theatre, London

Tickets go on sale at 10am March 30th from www.cuffeandtaylor.com John Owen-Jones is famous for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables in the West End and on Broadway – and still holds claim to being the youngest actor in history 186

to have played the role. He’s played The Phantom more than any other actor in the show’s West End history – meaning he’ll feel right at home at Her Majesty’s Theatre, where the show is based. Fans will experience an intimate performance from John as he celebrates the songs of his career mixing personal favourites, new and old, alongside some of his most wellknown performances from Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. Expect to hear classics including Bring Him Home (Les Misérables), Music of the Night (The Phantom Of The Opera), Anthem (Chess), Evermore (Beauty And The Beast) and many more. Speaking about the shows John said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be presenting my own shows this autumn. Not only will I get to perform in a theatre very special to me at Her Majesty’s but I will also be heading to Lancashire and Leeds.

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John Owen-Jones is presented by live music and event promoters Cuffe and Taylor in association with theatre producers Lambert Jackson Productions. Jamie Lambert of Lambert Jackson said: “John Owen-Jones is an incredible talent within British musical theatre. We are very excited to be working with him on these three very special shows and now look forward to bringing him to the stage in September.” Ben Hatton, Director of Theatre Touring for promoters Cuffe and Taylor, added: “We have had the pleasure of working with John on a number of productions but this is now very special to be presenting him in his own show. “Fans of musical theatre and people who appreciate incredible talent will have the most wonderful time.” For more details and to secure tickets head to www.cuffeandtaylor.com www.lancmag.com

THE RAKE TAPAS RESTAURANT, BAR & BOUTIQUE HOTEL We believe in serving beautiful tapas, with the freshest ingredients from local producers. Our pizza oven creates the most mounth-watering pizza to tantilise your tastebuds. We have a excellent drinks menu, with local ales, mediterranean wines and we’re also quite partial to a G&T. If you’d like to stay with us, we offer four superb rooms with access to a private outdoor area. The Rake is an exceptional place to eat, drink and stay, especially with The Quay Side fish and chips shop located next-door!

Blackstone Edge Old Road | Littleborough | OL15 0JX N 01706 379689 | D theraketapas.co.uk | F @theraketapas

By Margaret Brecknell The Rake, a family-run tapas restaurant, bar and boutique hotel in Littleborough, enjoys an excellent reputation for its fine food and wine, as well as the warmth of its welcome and its friendly efficient service. wner, Mark Wickham, has been in charge at The Rake, together with his wife Dawn, for nearly two decades now. The couple started out at the Littleborough Coach House Café, where their weekly tapas night became a popular feature. They then moved on to The Rake when it came up for sale in the early 2000s and turned it into a tapas restaurant.

The choice of specials on the menu will typically feature dishes inspired by a wide range of different cuisines. As well as Spanish tapas favourites as chorizo in red wine, patatas bravas and Spanish omelette, Mark and his team like to combine classic Spanish ingredients with flavours inspired by other Mediterranean cuisines such as pimentos with feta cheese, scallops wrapped in parma ham with pesto and toulouse sausage stuffed with manchego cheese. Other customer favourites include the beef ribs in bourbon sauce, spicy jumbo chicken wings and mushrooms served in a white wine and garlic sauce.

Today, The Rake offers a varied menu of Mediterranean dishes including some innovative vegetarian options, all using the freshest of ingredients from local producers. All the dishes are freshly made from scratch on the premises including the desserts. The specials are changed on a regular basis, which means that even for regular customers there is

The Rake is located in a historic 17th-century former coaching inn on Blackstone Edge Old Road, about half a mile from Littleborough Town Centre. It is now possible to stay on the premises in one of four luxurious boutique-style rooms, which combine some of the historic building’s original features with contemporary furniture and stylish fittings. Each individually

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always something new to try. There are also two well-stocked bars and the drinks menu includes an interesting selection of Mediterranean wines and local ales.

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designed room comes with ensuite facilities (either a shower or bath), tea/ coffee making facilities, flat screen TV, hairdryer and complementary toiletries. Free wi-fi is also included. A private outside area is provided exclusively for the use of staying guests. Breakfast is also available and, according to many guest reviews, is clearly not to be missed. The rooms were created as a result of a large-scale renovation programme. “It had originally been the living quarters for The Rake’s landlord”, explains Mark, “but it was a complete wreck and it took me the best part of three years to renovate it”. In designing the four new rooms, Mark was very mindful of The Rake’s past. “It was very important to have respect for that and to create something in keeping with the place’s history”, he says. Mark uncovered some interesting features relating to the Grade-II listed building’s past whilst carrying out the renovation such as the original mullioned windows which had remained hidden for centuries. He also made another fascinating discovery relating to a more recent part of The Rake’s history. During World War II, the building was used as a base for the local unit of the Home Guard. When a young German fighter pilot, whose plane had crashed in a nearby field, was captured, he was detained at The Rake until the military police arrived to deal with him. During the renovation project, six pre-war German coins were discovered in the www.lancmag.com

remains of an old window box, which may well confirm the local story that the unfortunate German was held in that part of the building until he was taken away. The road leading up to Blackstone Edge, on which The Rake Tapas now stands, has been in use for many centuries. Windy Bank, which is said to be one of the oldest houses in Lancashire, is situated just up the hill. As regards The Rake itself, its history dates back over four hundred years. Mark believes that the original building may have served as a toll house before becoming a meeting place for local farmers, from which it then developed into a coaching inn. As long ago as 1855, Edwin Waugh described the building in his Sketches of Lancashire Life as “the old public house at the right hand of the road, called Th’ Wet Rake or Weet Rake”. The origins of the building’s name remain unclear. It has been suggested that it may derive its name from a farmer’s hay rake, but Mark is more inclined to believe that it comes from a local dialect word for a nearby track to the moors. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 189

As with many old buildings, various stories exist about The Rake being haunted. Most famously, the Rochdale Observer reported in 1967 that the pub’s then landlady, Annie Turton, had seen an apparition whom she described as “a big fellow with a big round face and his cavalier’s hat held in front of him and wearing a lovely amber brooch”. The paper’s report also includes the rather odd additional detail that the ghost of the laughing cavalier only appeared to anyone called Anne who lived at The Rake, which, if true, would certainly restrict the number of potential sightings. Intriguingly, the local area is known to have seen action during the English Civil War when, in opposition to the Cavaliers, the Parliamentarians sent a force of eight hundred men to fortify Blackstone Edge. It is not impossible, therefore, that Cavalier soldiers may have been in the area and may have visited The Rake. With its unique character and relaxed, but stylish, ambience, The Rake has become a popular venue for

intimate private functions including wedding receptions. Guests are assured a warm welcome at The Rake. “Most of the staff have been here nearly as long as I have,” explains Mark. “Chris, the Head Chef, has been with us from the very beginning. He started here as a young boy of 16 and over the years has gained extensive knowledge and invaluable experience.” Over the last two years, life has been far from easy for those involved in the hospitality business, as throughout the Covid-19 epidemic the sector has been one of the worst affected by lockdowns and government restrictions. Mark used the enforced time away from the restaurant during the first lockdown in the spring of 2020 to work on a new project, which involved a good deal of renovation work to the building’s former cellar. The Cueva Delicatessen is now open on Friday and Saturday each week from 9am to 5pm and offers a tempting selection of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, straight from the market, a fine range of speciality cheeses and much more besides. Mark then turned his attention to a new project. “During lockdown nobody could go to the seaside”, he explains, “and so I decided to build a fish and chip shop from scratch.” The Quay Side opened in late 2020, located in a small building next-door to The Rake. Complete with a vintage

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cooking range from the 1970s, it was purposely designed to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional old-style seaside chippy. Mark takes great joy in the fact that the Quay Side offers customers the opportunity to enjoy top-notch fish and chips, “all done in the old fashioned, traditional way”, but there is also a thoroughly modern twist. As well as the old much-loved favourites like cod and haddock, the range of fish on offer can include anything from tuna and sea bass to tiger prawns and salt & pepper squid, all freshly bought and cooked to order. “There’s nowhere else quite like it”, Mark proudly boasts. The Quay Side is currently open every Friday and Saturday from 12 noon onwards and, Mark says, attracts customers from all over the county. Mark is grateful for all the support he has received over the last two difficult years. “I just want to say thank you to all our customers who have helped us over this period”, he says, adding, “We appreciate all the comments and support we’ve had during the difficult and uncertain times.”

more remarkable, bearing in mind that for much of that time she has also worked full-time as a nurse at a local medical practice. The Rake’s owner is not one to rest on his laurels and at present is working on a further project. Mark is currently restoring an old horsebox, which he rescued as it was about to be sent to the scrapyard. He plans to convert it into an outdoors pizzeria and hopes that by the late spring customers will be able look forward to the tantalising prospect of enjoying delicious homemade pizza and chips in the open air. With the ever-resourceful Mark at the helm, plus such a solid support team behind him, this historic venue appears set to go from strength to strength in the future and is well worth a visit. Blackstone Edge Old Road, Littleborough OL15 0JX. N 01706 379689 D theraketapas.co.uk F @theraketapas

He is also appreciative of the help he has received closer to home. Paying tribute to his wife of thirty years, he says, “I would like to thank Dawn for supporting me over the years. It hasn’t always been easy, but she has always been there and has helped to see me through the difficult times.” Dawn’s contribution to the business is all the

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SUMMER BIRTHDAYS APPROACHING, STUCK FOR A GIFT IDEA?

RAY-BAN STORIES WAYFARER SMART SUNGLASSES RRP from £299 Available from ray-ban.com These are classic pair of sunglasses with technology built in. They can play your playlists, take pictures, and share them to your social media. NEBULA CAPSULE RRP £339.99 Available from uk.seenebula.com Improve your home-theatre experience with a dedicated cinema projector from Nebula.

Ray-Ban’s smart sunglasses can take up to 500 photos from the 5MP built-in camera, and even capture a quick video. The iconic wayfarer style isn’t the only option, there are multiple colour and design choices, catering for all facial shapes.

APPLE AIRPODS PRO From £189 Available from very.co.uk AirPods Pro feature Active Noise Cancellation for immersive sound, and Transparency mode, for hearing the world around you. They are sweat and water resistant and have a customisable fit for all-day comfort.

Sleek, compact, and portable, Capsule is the size of a soda can and unleashes a world of entertainment possibilities beyond the confines of your home. Enjoy movie night in your back garden, at the campsite, or even on the beach. Just slip it into your pack for truly unbridled entertainment. The Capsule is capable of projecting a picture of gigantic proportions - 100 inches to be exact.

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hether it’s a birthday, anniverasary or just a thank you, technology gifts always are well-received by any gadget lovers in your life. We have put together a great gift guide for that special someone in your life that just needs to have the latest gadget, so read on for our round up of great gadgets to buy.

PRO-JECT PRIMARY E From £179 Available from amazon.co.uk The Primary E has been designed to offer a hi-fi friendly alternative to vinyl music lovers who are limited by their budget. Where the majority of affordable turntables are impacted by flimsy, plastic components or poor quality accessories, the Primary E is a reliable, made-in-Europe product designed by a leading analogue audio company. Protect your records and enjoy their sound with Primary E.

THERAGUN PRO RRP from £549 Available from therabody.com The deep muscle treatment professionals trust with the durability and features they rely on. Enhance muscle recovery, release stress and tension, and soothe discomfort with the smart percussive therapy device in a league of its own. The Therabody app integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit, learning from your behaviors to suggest guided routines that can be sent to your device via Bluetooth®.

APPLE AIRTAG RRP £29 Available from johnlewis.com Apple have created AirTag to provide an easy way to keep track of your keys, bags, bikes or anything else you can think of. Simply attach an AirTag to your chosen object, and just like that, they’re on your radar in the Find My app, where you can also track down your Apple devices, and keep up with friends and family.

Offering exactly the same features and performance as the multiaward winning Primary record player, the Primary E is available for an even more appealing budget because of its direct-wired 230V motor.comfort.

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EIGHT SLEEP PRO POD COVER RRP from £1,300 Available from eightsleep.com Love your current mattress but having temperature issues? Upgrade your sleep by adding the Pod’s patented thermoregulation technology to your current mattress. DYSON PURIFIER HOT+COOL FORMALDEHYDE PURIFYING FAN HEATER From £599.99 Available from dyson.co.uk Detects and destroys formaldehyde, continuously

Set each side of the bed between 12°C - 43°C. Schedule personalized temperatures for each phase of the night. Learns your ideal thermal environment and automatically adjusts to optimize your sleep.

FELLOW STAGG EKG KETTLE RRP £149 Available from coffeehit.co.uk This electric kettle allows you to choose your ideal temperature for tea or coffee and displays it alongside the real-time temperature on an LCD screen, so you can get your favourite brew just right every time.

Plus, enjoy the best in seamless sleep and health tracking.

It combines a precise solidstate formaldehyde sensor with a unique catalytic filter that continuously destroys formaldehyde. HEPA H13 and activated carbon filters also capture dust, allergens, gases and other ultrafine pollutants. And Dyson purifiers have powerful Air Multiplier™ technology to purify the whole room.

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GOPRO HERO10 BLACK RRP from 429.99 Available from amazon.co.uk

DYSON SUPERSONIC HAIR DRYER RRP £329.99 Available from dyson.co.uk The small, powerful Dyson digital motor V9 spins up to 110,000rpm, propelling 13 litres of air up to the amplifier every second. Combined with Air Multipler™ technology, it produces a high-pressure, highvelocity jet of controlled air, for fast drying and precision styling. After rigorously testing different hair types in our laboratories, we’ve engineered attachments designed to style different types of hair.

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All-out speed and ultimate ease come together in the most powerful GoPro ever, HERO10 Black. The revolutionary new GP2 chip shoots 5.3K video with double the frame rate, 23MP photos, enhanced low-light performance and bar-shattering HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization in all modes. To simplify things, HERO10 is cloud connected - so the moment you charge it, your footage is automatically uploaded to the cloud. With your GoPro subscription and the Quik app, you get an ecosystem optimized for your GoPro with powerful, easy-to-use editing tools and a place to keep your best shots in one spot. And when the going gets rough, HERO10 Black’s rugged and waterproof design offers go-anywhere versatility.

PHILIPS SERIES 9000 PRESTIGE BEARD TRIMMER From £95 Available from amazon.co.uk The Philips BT9000 Prestige high-quality stainless-steel body is hand finished with ultimate attention to detail, giving you a lasting premium experience. With built-in metal comb, experience unmatched precision no matter how much pressure is applied. The PowerAdapt Sensor checks the hair density 125 times per second and automatically adapts the motor to maintain constant power. This way, regardless of hair density and length, consistent trimming performance is achieved. The advanced Li-Ion battery provides up to 120 minutes of powerful use after a 1 hour charge. Also enjoy the quickcharge function that gives you one full trim after just 5 minutes of charging.

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STONYHURST BOYS’ TENNIS TEAM CROWNED LTA NORTH REGIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONS

Stonyhurst Boys and Girls A Tennis Teams have been through a rigorous training regime this winter to secure their places in the LTA North Regional Tennis Finals this month.

finals event took place on the eight indoor tennis courts at the prestigious Sunderland Tennis Centre on Thursday March 10th 2022. The boys experienced a tense first match against Bradford Grammar school and resulting in a lead of 3-1 after the singles. The team went on to win one of the important doubles matches which meant they eventually won 4-2 overall. The next opponent was Altrincham Grammar School who has previously defeated

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Stonyhurst, demonstrating how the team has considerably excelled over the past year.

the past five months, and I am so proud of their hard work and determination to achieve the very best they can be.’

The Stonyhurst boys played a number of great singles matches to go 3-1 up and clinched both doubles with outstanding skill from all players, eventually winning 5-1 and becoming the LTA North Regional Champions.

All pupils enjoyed a wonderful day of tennis and were complimented by the Lawn Tennis Association officials for the manner in which they played, losing with grace and winning with modesty.

The girls performed equally well but unfortunately lost 5-1 to St Peter’s School, York. Many of the matches were extremely close and, despite the loss, the girls really worked hard and showed great commitment throughout the final’s day. David Shaw, Director of Tennis, said: ‘This is the biggest achievement for the Stonyhurst Tennis Academy in the history of Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall and Stonyhurst College. Our young people have made great strides over

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www.stonyhurst.ac.uk Admissions: 01254 827073 www.lancmag.com

Momentous Win Sees Animal Welfare & Environmental Links Recognised at UNEA 5

Vital links between animal welfare and the environmental crises will be formally recognised for the first time at a global level after the adoption of an historic resolution on March 2nd at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5).

t the fifth session of UNEA, in Nairobi, Kenya, a crucial resolution was passed that will help develop a better understanding of the relationship that exists between improving animal welfare and tackling the drivers of wildlife loss, climate change, pollution and pandemic diseases. The resolution on the Nexus between Animal Welfare, Environment and Sustainable Development calls on the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director to prepare a report exploring the link between animal welfare, the environment and sustainable development. This includes stopping biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems, reducing climate change, pollution and the risk of new infectious diseases that can pass from animals to humans. A further resolution on Sustainable Nitrogen Management was also passed marking an important victory against nitrogen pollution, an enormous planetary challenge. www.lancmag.com

However, it is a missed opportunity that the goal to halve nitrogen waste globally by 2030 was lost in the negotiations. Eirini Pitsilidi, Compassion in World Farming’s Global Head of Food Systems Advocacy, who is on the ground at the Assembly in Nairobi engaging with Member States to raise support for the resolution, said: “This is a momentous decision for animal welfare. Improving animal welfare is vital to securing a sustainable future for animals, people, and the planet so the adoption of this resolution is hugely significant, although it’s just the beginning. “It’s now up to all Member States and UNEP to fully implement the resolution agreed today to ensure the improvement of animal welfare and nature protection at country level across the globe.” Compassion worked as part of a major global movement of animal welfare groups raising support for the adoption of the resolution, under the leadership of Compassion trustee, Josphat Ngonyo and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), together with the World Federation for Animals and AU-IBAR. Together the groups wrote to environment ministries across the globe urging them to back the resolution, which was universally passed by 193 countries. The resolution was initiated by the government of Ghana and co-sponsored by six other Member States: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Pakistan. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 197

Liverpool Theatre Festival Returns for a Third Year

Photo Credit: David Munn

Organisers of the awardwinning Liverpool Theatre Festival are delighted to announce its return in Autumn 2022 to take place for a third consecutive year. Little LTF, the festival’s sister event to showcase new works, will also return for a second year in Spring 2022.

iverpool Theatre Festival was first staged in September 2020 to boost the city’s live performance and creative arts sectors following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the industry. 198

After a hugely successful inaugural year, the event returned in 2021 welcoming 2,700 festival-goers across 12 days, with a programme featuring 23 performances of 16 shows. Last year also saw the introduction of fringe event Little LTF, a sevenday mini festival to champion and showcase new works and talent, which attracted 1,200 festival-goers in year one. The dates for this year’s two events have now been announced by organisers. Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022 will take place between Wednesday 31 August and Sunday 11 September

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2022. It will be preceded by Little LTF (Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works) from Monday 2 May to Sunday 8 May 2022. Both events will once again take place at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in Liverpool city centre, the marquee as the backdrop for Little LTF, with the main festival taking place outdoors. The festival has been praised for its diverse range and inclusive genre of live performance pieces, which each year have featured works of comedy, musicals, drama, opera, dance, LGBTQ, and children’s productions. Liverpool Theatre Festival was created by Liverpool theatre producer www.lancmag.com

A new promotional trailer for Liverpool Theatre Festival has also been produced by Liverpool Film Initiative, it is available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yMBk_ KAJgc&feature=emb_logo Liverpool Theatre Festival is committed to supporting local artists, creatives, and theatre companies. During the two events in 2021, a total of 30 local and regional diverse theatrical productions were staged – resulting in almost 200 performers, musicians and creatives involved and working as the pandemic continued.

Above: Bill Elms

Photo Credit: Wesley Storey

Bill Elms, who has worked in the theatre industry for more than 30 years. Theatres and live entertainment venues were ordered to close immediately under the Government’s first national lockdown guidelines in March 2020. It was Bill’s mission to reinvigorate and boost the city’s live performance and creative arts sector, offering a lifeline when it was needed most.

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Shows for the main Liverpool Theatre Festival will be announced in the coming months.

Liverpool Theatre Festival was created in a matter of weeks. Its inaugural staging won praise from audiences and critics alike, as well as winning an award along the way.

Meanwhile, creatives are now invited to submit new works for Little LTF, the deadline is Friday 18 March 2022. Full details can be found at: www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com

Due to its ongoing success and continuing growth, Bill has been nominated for a Liverpool City Region Culture & Creativity Award for a second consecutive year.

Submissions are especially welcomed from Liverpool’s diverse communities and arts organisations to fully represent the cityscape, and children’s productions are also

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Photo Credit: David Munn

encouraged to apply. Scripts must be complete or already in development. Creatives must be linked to Liverpool City Region or the wider North West area. A panel of industry professionals will select works, and media and theatre programmers will be invited to see the premieres first-hand at the festival. Accolades will also be given to outstanding productions in specific categories. Last year, organisers were “overwhelmed by the incredible calibre of work and remarkable talent” of submissions. All productions included in the festival line-up will be seen by Liverpool audiences for the very first time at the festival. 200

The selection panel has been confirmed as LTF Festival Director Bill Elms; theatre director and producer James Baker; Francesca Peschier, Head of New Works at Everyman Playhouse; arts marketing professional Anthony Proctor; freelance arts consultant Sue Williams; and national theatre booker David Fry. Producer and artistic director Bill Elms commented: “We are incredibly excited to announce the return of Liverpool Theatre Festival for a third consecutive year, and Little LTF is back for a second year. When the pandemic struck, the creative arts and live performance sector of Liverpool City Region was hit hard. Live theatre has

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been my passion for more than 30 years and I just had to do something to help. “Given the support we’ve received since we announced the first festival in August 2020, you can really feel just how much live performance and entertainment means to people. People were desperate to experience that thrill once again. And now we’re back with a main festival for established work and performers, and a fringe event to showcase and celebrate new work. “The festival has already established itself as a staple in the city’s annual theatre calendar. Success stories are now being created as a direct result of www.lancmag.com

Photo Credit: David Munn

the festival, with a number of shows now going on to achieve greater success in regional venues and touring the UK. Theatre is back, join us on the next exciting adventure of Liverpool Theatre Festival.” Theatregoers are invited to get involved and support the event by joining the Friends Of Liverpool Theatre Festival. The membership programme and loyalty scheme ensures that members have an integral role in helping the festival grow into one of the UK’s top arts festivals. Festival friends will be directly supporting the local arts scene and helping to maintain accessible, diverse, inclusive, affordable arts in www.lancmag.com

Liverpool. Full details can be found at: www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com/ support

available to help grow and strengthen the future of the event. Funding and donations are also welcome.

Sponsorship and partner opportunities for Liverpool Theatre Festival are also

Visit www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com for the latest news updates.

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Do Your Neighbours Hate You? It’s Probably Because of This... By We Buy Any Home

Northwest England - People get into arguments with their neighbours for any number of reasons, from mislaid wheelie bins to stolen parking spots to extreme behaviour. In fact, We Buy Any Home found that nearly a quarter of people who have sold their home said that having bad neighbours contributed to their reasons for selling their home.

If your neighbour has a problem with you, it’s most likely that it’s because you’re too noisy at anti-social hours.

of the dispute. The top revenge tactic nationally was direct confrontation, followed by reporting the neighbour to the police or council.

THE TOP REASONS IN THE NORTHWEST FOR NEIGHBOURLY DISPUTES ARE:

In the Northwest, your neighbours are most likely to confront you directly, rather than refusing to take your postal delivery, for example.

n a survey of 2,000 U.K. adults who have sold a home, a whopping 60% of UK adults said that they had had a dispute with a neighbour, and that the dispute left them feeling negatively about them. The top reason for disputes across the U.K. were from one unanimous reason: being too noisy at anti-social hours.

5. Parking dispute

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1. Being too noisy at anti-social hours 2. Property boundary dispute 3. Argument over pets 4. Impolite behaviour

However, the disputes didn’t stop when the offending action ended: most of the adults surveyed admitted they considered revenge on their naughty neighbour. In fact, a shocking 68% of nationwide respondents considered revenge on their neighbour because

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THE TOP REVENGE TACTICS IN THE NORTHWEST FOR NEIGHBOURLY DISPUTES ARE: 1. Confront them directly 2. Reporting them to the council/police 3. Making noise (pounding on the walls or broom handle to ceiling) 4. Complaining to other neighbours 5. Leaving a note www.lancmag.com

LAKELAND ARTISAN’S

JUBILEE JAM

Commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Lakeland Artisan has launched a celebratory, limited edition jam, adding to their illustrious Cumbrian Delights range - Jubilee Jam, commemorating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

he Jubilee Jam created by Geoff Monkman, is bursting with rich berries and developed especially to enjoy on scones at street parties celebrating the momentous occasion. Geoff Monkman, Managing Director explained “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a very special historical event for Great Britain, and we felt that is was only right

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that we created a commemorative jam to join in the spirit of the Jubilee celebrations”

Lakeland Artisan, based in Kendal has been recognised with over 70 Great Taste Awards for their culinary creations. Everything is lovingly hand crafted in small batches at their production unit in Kendal. Jubilee Jam is on sale in all Lakeland Gifts shops, online via lakelandgifts.co.uk as well as other independent shops and delis in the region. All Lakeland Artisan brands and evolving products, whether from Mawson’s soft drinks, Herdwick Distillery, Cumbria Delights or Lakeland Hampers, are based on a combination of traditional craft, innovative research, responsible sustainability, and strong customer feedback. They are lovingly made by locals on the outskirts of Kendal.

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Littered Cigarette Butts Cost UK Authorities £40 Million a Year

The UK Government’s ambition of a smoke-free country by 2030 does little to solve the smoking related litter problem facing our communities in the here and now, argues Dyl Kurpil, Managing Director, District Enforcement.

t is universally accepted that smoking has a negative impact on our health, but do we recognise the damage it is doing to our planet? Despite smoking rates being at their lowest recorded level, cleaning up illegally littered cigarette butts currently costs UK authorities approximately £40 million per year. If the average smoker failed to correctly dispose of their cigarette butts, they would each litter 3,600 cigarette butts per year – a problem that our local authorities are left to deal with, with a lack of enforcement to deter criminal offences. It is clear that smoking related litter is a problem in the UK that must be addressed. It is important that the general public acknowledge the impact of littering as a whole, and understand that it is a criminal offence in the eyes of the law. Research carried out by Keep Britain Tidy revealed that smoking related litter is the most prevalent form of litter in England, accounting for 68% of all littered items, found on around 80% of surveyed sites. The Litter Strategy for England states that the most effective way to tackle smoking related litter is ultimately to reduce the prevalence of smoking in the first place. The UK Government is committed to addressing the harms from smoking, with imminent plans to publish new tobacco control plans and deliver its ambition of a smoke-free country by 2030 – but can more be done now? Whilst taking steps to educate the public about the dangers of smoking and encouraging leaders within the tobacco industry to play their part may be a step in the right direction, enforcement of the law remains crucial to deter negative behaviour and environmental crime within

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our communities. The vast majority of cigarette butts are made of single-use plastic and contain hundreds of toxic chemicals once smoked, and such materials can persist in the environment for a number of years, continuing to release toxins into the air, land and water – not only causing visual pollution, but also harming plant growth and wildlife. Action must be taken to prevent littering from taking place, to protect our greenspaces and urban areas, by holding the correct people to account and encouraging better behaviour moving forward. Across communities there is a clear need for an effective and consistent process of both education and enforcement. This needs to be delivered in an ethical and cost neutral way, to lift the financial burden and ease the pressure on local authorities, as the problem will surely worsen if the issue remains overlooked. Without question, bigger steps need to be taken to educate the general public on the damage that dropping cigarette butts can cause, and why this act is problematic and legally unacceptable. For those who do not make positive changes to their habits and behaviour following education and guidance, a suitable level of sanction should be required. Criminal culpability here is a proven deterrent to littering, with the use of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) as a disposal for these types of offences, allowing for the law to be enforced without escalating the matter to the courts. Smoking related litter is a widespread problem, due to the bad behaviour of a few. But, why is there a lack of action or enforcement as a preventative measure for the littering that is taking place, especially when these services can be run cost-neutral by local authorities, who have the responsibility for managing this societal issue? Limiting and preventing the number of people smoking is, of course, a long-term solution. However, it is necessary for action to be taken against the littering and antisocial behaviours associated with this now, in order to clean up our communities and our planet. www.lancmag.com

WORRYING ABOUT HAIR LOSS? SCALP NORTH IS HERE TO HELP!

We offer an 100% effective hair loss treatment, Scalp Micropigmentation. This innovative hair loss remedy has become incredibly popular owing to the fact that it is comparatively affordable, eliminates the appearance of a bald head, has the ability to disguise previous transplant attempts and scars, makes the scalp skin less visible in cases of partial hair loss. Moreover, it is long lasting, requires little maintenance and, perhaps best of all, is non-invasive and nonsurgical.

An extensively trained and experienced SMP artist layers varying complementary shades of all-natural pigments into the dermal layer of the scalp to create the soft, realistic appearance of a freshly shaven scalp. Or can be applied amongst the hair growth to create thicker denser looking hair. To that end, the final look is so amazingly realistic that someone standing inches away will not know unless you tell them!

If you’re considering SMP to remedy your hair loss, expect nothing less than the very best treatment experience and cosmetic result. If you want the best, choose Scalp North. Contact us for a free consultation today. Established in the Micropigmentation industry 2007 and specialising in new Scalp Techniques since 2016.

Scalp Micropigmentation is the replication of hair follicles on the scalp, whether confined to a localized area or over the entire scalp. It is suitable for both men and women of all ages and all hair colours.

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By Sharon Henry

PHOTO CREDIT: Alisia Luther - Shutterstock.com

Liverpool’s cavern club is the cradle of British pop music. Impressively, years after its beginnings, it survives and thrives as a contemporary, bustling music venue.

or almost 70 years, before, during and after The Beatles this legendary cellar has seen its share of setbacks yet has played a role in each epoch of music, from 1950s jazz to 21st century indie rock. It has become the most famous music club in the world. 206

On Wednesday, 16th January 1957, The Cavern Club opened in a warehouse cellar at 10, Mathew Street, Liverpool for the first time. Owner Alan Sytner named the club after the Paris jazz club, Le Caveau De La Huchette and planned for it to become the top jazz venue outside London. Top of the bill on the opening night was the Merseysippi Jazz Band supported by the Wall City Jazzmen, Ralph Watmough Jazz Band and the Coney Island Skiffle Group. Six hundred jazz fans crammed

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inside and hundreds more queued in Mathew Street, hoping to get into the club. Richard Starkey (later known as Ringo Starr) is thought to have made his debut at the Cavern Club, playing the drums with the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group. Skiffle, the folk style music with a rock’n’roll influence was played by teenage groups using cheap guitars and domestic utensils. The skiffle craze started in 1956 when British skiffle King Lonnie Donegan released the single ‘Rock Island Line’. The Quarry Men Skiffle Group made their first advertised appearance at the www.lancmag.com

caters for vegetarians, vegans and offers gluten-free options too.

PHOTO CREDIT: Julie Mayfeng - Shutterstock.com

In more recent times, Indie Rock band The Coral which formed in 1996 from Hoylake on the Wirral Peninsula in Merseyside played regularly on a Sunday Afternoon at the Cavern. They became the house band on the graveyard shift, playing to four or five customers.

Cavern Club. Band members included John Lennon, Len Garry, Rod Davies, Colin Hanton, Pete Shotton and Eric Griffiths. During the performance, Alan Sytner told John Lennon to ‘cut out the rock’! Paul McCartney joined the Quarry Men in October 1957. During the 1960s, other Cavern regulars included Gerry & the Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, the Searchers, Cilla Black, the Four Most, the Swinging Blue Genes and the Merseybeats and of course, the Beatles led a Liverpudlian takeover of British pop. Thursday evenings became Modern Jazz Night and this night was the debut performance at the Cavern by modern British jazz performer Ronnie Scott. Together with Tubby Hayes, Ronnie Scott formed The Jazz Couriers who produced some of the finest modern jazz records of the 1950s.

present the very best musicians from Liverpool’s vibrant and legendary live music scene. From solo artists to bands who play great original versions of classic songs from the 50s to the present day. From The Beatles to Oasis, Led Zeppelin to Stevie Wonder. And Finally, The Cavern Restaurant offers the perfect dining experience for visitors both day and night. The Restaurant operates over two floors and offers a wide choice of mouthwatering dishes. Enjoy succulent meats expertly cooked, traditional English Fish and Chips and the famous local-favourite ‘Scouse’. Using much locally sourced produce, our menu

They emerged in 2002 and released their debut album, The Coral, which earned them a Mercury Music Prize. They went on to support Supergrass, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and The Manic Street Preachers before headlining their own tours. After 26 years in the music business, they are still releasing albums and can be seen doing an intimate, sell-out gig at the Bootleg Social in Blackpool on Friday 8th July 2022. On the 21st May 2022 at the Cavern you can see a trio of local lads Joe Symes and the Loving Kind performing their latest E.P. ‘A Place to Call Our Own’. A mixture of Easy Listening, Psychedelic and Rock. Their influences include Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene and Noel Gallagher and they are described as ‘Scousedelia’ by Alan Mcgee of Creation Records. They are soon to be one of the most exciting bands to come out of Liverpool.

Over the years the Club has extended to have a live lounge, where local artists can perform from 11am along with Beatle Tribute shows in the evening. With a wide range of Cavern and rock memorabilia on display, there’s live music every night of the week with free admission at all times. Opposite the Cavern is its 3rd venue, the Cavern Pub where they www.lancmag.com

PHOTO CREDIT: Travel-Fr - Shutterstock.com

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Swimming Club Makes a Splash With New Hoist A SWIMMING club for people with physical or sensory disabilities can welcome more members thanks to a new hoist funded by Redrow.

left: Pictured with Redrow’s Emily Casey is club treasurer Darren Ripley and Elisa Susca using the hoist

Stockport Sharks Swimming Club provides the opportunity for members of all ages to enjoy a quiet, fully supervised, informal swim with friends and family. Established in 1987 by Tony Fryer, the club has five regular volunteers each providing life guarding and poolside support to over 50 members. Through Redrow’s Woodford Community Fund, linked to its homes at nearby Woodford Garden Village, the club received a £2,000 donation to purchase a new hoist for use at Life Leisure in Hazel Grove. “The new hoist has enabled us to welcome swimmers that previously we had to turn away,” said Jo Smith, treasurer at Stockport Sharks. “We can now accommodate anyone regardless of their upper body control, as the new hoist has a sling attachment and chair with secure harnesses. “This has led to several new families being able to join us. 208

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“We would like to thank Redrow for their extremely generous donation, which has helped to make it possible to gain more members with a wide range of disabilities, so that they can enjoy the benefits of swimming in their local area.” Anna Evans-Kerr, Redrow’s head of sales in the North West, said: “This is exactly the reason why we run our community funds, they allow us to bring real benefits to people who live in the areas where we build. “I’m so pleased to hear the new hoist is making such a difference to the club already. The volunteers do a wonderful job and it’s great that the new hoist will enable the club to take on more members.”

For more about Stockport Sharks see: www.stockportsharksswimmingclub.org.uk To find out more about the homes currently available at Woodford Garden Village visit: www.redrow.co.uk/woodford-garden-village www.lancmag.com

Daisies Furniture is here to help!

Do you have that old piece of furniture and you just don’t know what to do with it, yet you can’t bring yourself to part with it?...

Let’s restore that beloved piece and give it a new lease of life!!

hatever your style or colour choice, were here to restore that particular piece or even help you look for something completely new! My passion is to help you achieve your perfect space, whether its advice on furniture styles, colour schemes or restoration work being carried out on those much loved pieces. FURNITURE LARGE OR SMALL FOR YOUR HOME, OFFICE OR SHOP.

Client Feedback All the work Abbey has done with our furniture is always to a very high standard with time and care spent on every detail. Thank you.

- Michael and Gemma Rafferty

Client Feedback Thanks Abbey at Daisies Furniture, i have just purchased a beautiful dressing table for my daughter. Abbey was lovely and communication was great. The dressing table was wrapped for us to ensure safe transit and great aftercare advice given to preserve the beauty of the dressing table. Will be highly recommending you to friends and family and will be happy to use Daisies Furniture Designs again in the future.

- Jessica Davies

Daisies Furniture Designs Est 2017. Based in Clifton, Lancashire, also offering the option of a personal visit to your home or workspace. Collection and delivery of furniture can also be arranged.

N 07718 235 751 | E abbey.nugent@outlook.com DAISIES FURNITURE DESIGNS | CLIFTON | LANCASHIRE

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The Lancashire & North West Magazine | June 2022

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