The Lancashire & North West Magazine | May 2020

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Brinscall Interiors first Birthday Visit HAPPA Shores Hey Farm Commemorating VE Day Take a trip to Oswaldtwistle Mill Some Mothers Do Ave’ Em Terra Nostra teaches your Taste buds Italian Fabulous Spring Fashion from Joseph & Co Treat yourself to Rothay Manor Adoption Now Needs You A Guide to Universities of the North West

£2.45

May 2020

FUNKY FEMININE & VERSATILE Collections include: Marc Cain D.Exterior Temperley London Hale Bob Ramy Brook Melissa Odabash Forever Unique Elie Tahari Tory Burch Kobi Halperin Roland Mouret Fabiana Filippi Le Tricot Perugia Bella Dahl and many more

50A HIGH STREET, TARPORLEY, CHESHIRE, CW6 0AG Phone: 01829 733251 Email: info@sibelle.co.uk Vist www.sibelle.co.uk and sign up for blogs, news and offers Like our facebook page www.facebook.com/si.belle.torporley for updates and titbits Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 - 17:30. Other times by appointment. Closed Mondays.

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CONTENTS 134

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PLACES 24 Preston 66 Chester 102 Keswick

FEATURES

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8 12 16 20 22 30 36 40 44 48 52 58 76 80 92 98 100 107 108 112 116 118 126 128 134 140 142 152 172 178 180 186 190 196 202

Brinscall Interiors Days Out In Lancashire Origins of May Day World Book Day at Bolton School Eldon Primary World book Day VE Day 75 Red Rose Award Winners Oswaldtwistle Mills Adoption Now Proposal at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Victory in Eyesore Removal Lancashire Universities Dobbie Properties ‘Our’ Supercarrier Visits Liverpool Run of the Mill Local Zoo Needs Your Help Afternoon Tea Keswick Museum Women’s Day in Blackpool Vine Mill Conference Call Rothay Manor Ken Webster Some Mothers Do Ave’ Em HAPPA Shores Hey Farm Garden Design National Whale and Dolphin Watch Blackpool Venues Buddy Scheme Mental Health Awareness – Sleep Brockholes Donates to Food Bank World War One Memoir Terra Nostra 80|20 Health Bar Lancaster’s Roman To the US from Us

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ISSUE

May 2020 Volume 43 Number 5

CONTENTS continued...

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REGULARS 50 54 64 71 72 74 84 87 122 144 148 153 154 166 168 170 183 184 204 206 208 210

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The Lancashire & North West Magazine Ltd, Seasiders Way, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 6NZ Writers Jessica Gregson • Stephen Roberts • Andrew Harris Duncan Hodgson • Bevan Ridehalgh • Carl Lee Karen Pennington • Bernard Bale • Tony Burdon Pam Graham • Mairead Mahon • Stephanie Monk Design and origination by The Lancashire Magazine Ltd., Blackpool, Lancashire. Printing and binding by Buxton Press Ltd., Derbyshire.

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In this Issue...

‘Our’ HMS Prince of Wales visits Liverpool For as long as our lives are dominated by the coronavirus pandemic we hope that you and yours will stay safe and help to prevent others being infected by following government advice – • Stay at home and only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work; • Stay at least 2 metres (6ft) away from other people; and • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds as soon as you get home.

When at home we invite you to explore Lancashire and the North West safely through the pages of our May edition.

From the safety of your living room let Jessica Gregson take you around Chester, Stephen Roberts tell you all about Keswick and Duncan Hodgson give you a guided tour of Preston. Think about all the time, trouble and fuel you save when touring these lovely places our way!

Nearer home you can read about garden design which will give you ideas as spring becomes summer. You are allowed to go into your garden so don’t miss the opportunities described.

For more leisurely reading we offer Ken Webster’s interview.

Or hear about International Women’s Day held on the 7th March.

In this stressful time we hear about the Buddy Scheme in Blackpool – bringing lonely people together. Two lonely people brought together aren’t lonely anymore! Sadly, this doesn’t solve everyone’s problems so we include an article about mental health and the importance of sleep.

Andrew Harris reports on the first visit of the new and massive aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to her adopted city Liverpool – two years after he was invited to tour the ship when fitting out in Rosyth. For Andrew’s 75th article for the magazine he reviews the universities of the north west. Read about the role, rank, size and special features of each of them.

If you prefer history we hear how an Accrington art student recalls the horrors of the first World War. We also feature VE – Victory in Europe – Day which was 75 years ago on the 8th May 1945. Just imagine the relief of all when the massive killing in Europe stopped after six years. Bad things do come to an end.

But now to the future. We hear about efforts to save the Wildlife Oasis in Milnthorpe which is under threat. And read about a range of Days Out which you can’t do yet but they are things to look forward to. Stay safe and start planning what you and yours can do when the current restrictions come to an end. They will.

Best Wishes from The Lancashire magazine 6

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Bespoke Soft Furnishings

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on all orders paid in full during the month of May with this advert.

All soft furnishings hand made in our own sewing room Top designer names in curtain fabrics, upholstery, wallpapers and blinds Bespoke curtains, hand sewn here in Lancashire FREE measuring, samples & quotes Celebrating our first Birthday - 1 year in business

www.brinscallinteriors.co.uk Tel: 01254 832177 | Email: brinscallinteriorsltd@gmail.com visit our showrrom at

Unit 2, Churchill Road, Brinscall, Chorley, PR6 8RQ Open Monday to Friday 9 - 5, Saturday 10 - 4. Closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays

Brinscall Interiors Words: Duncan Hodgson

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estling between Blackburn and Chorley you can find the village of Brinscall named, according to some, for a local dog (Brin) who used to howl after his master passed away (Brin’s Call). Originally a community of farmers, the village transformed in the 19th century when the cotton industry sprang up here. So it is fitting that Lancashire’s largest independent soft furnishing showroom and bespoke curtain and blind manufacturer is based here.

Brinscall Interiors is a company with a long history having been based in the village for more than 30 years under previous management. Since the takeover twelve months ago Beverley Loftus and Martin Wilcock are taking the business into a new chapter, with many of their planned changes well 8

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underway and due to be complete by the summer. Now with the first year under their belt they’re ready to celebrate and plan for the next part of their journey.

Beverley’s background is in textiles, having worked as a ladies and children’s wear designer before making the move into soft furnishings. “I’m Lancashire born and bred and had been working at the company for five years before we took over,” she tells me.

Martin is also a proud Lancastrian originally coming from the Wigan area but having lived in the village for the last 20 years and working at the company for 15 of those, “I’ve been largely self-taught, but I’ve learnt a lot about the process from the previous owner who passed on his 30 years of experience to me.”

It really is a team effort at Brinscall with lots of the staff having worked at the company for many years and members of the family are on board too - the company’s new website (www. brinscallinteriors.co.uk) has recently 10

undergone a relaunch too and was designed by Beverley’s son Isaac. In the coming months it will also be possible to shop online through the new website so that customers can get the Brinscall experience remotely too.

Brinscall Interiors has built its reputation on outstanding seamstressing and a real dedication to customer service which shines through in everything Beverley and Martin say.

“The customer is key for us,” Martin tells me. “We absolutely pride ourselves on customer service and on getting it right. When people come into our showroom, we don’t believe in pressuring them. That’s not what they want. We’ll assist them when necessary, with as much advice and direction as required.”

“There’s a lot of pride in what we produce and we genuinely regard the client as king or queen and it’s important to all of us that our clients are 100% happy with what we produce for them. There’s a high level of attention to detail. If something’s not right, then we start again and get

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it right. We want it to be the nicest shopping experience they’ve ever had,” explains Martin.

Within its walls the company has its own sewing room which is currently under refurbishment to give them more capacity. This is where their products are made, and where their team of highly qualified seamstresses work. With over 100 years of experience between them, this is definitely a team you can rely on, with the oldest staff member in her early-70s, you know you’re going to get a product of real quality.

“We have some really long-standing employees,” Martin tells me, “which just goes to show the kind of working environment that we like to foster.

We’re not a mechanical and regimented company, we value our staff just as much as we value our customers.”

Since taking over the company Beverley, Martin and the team have been hard at work implementing some of the changes that they set out to make when they stepped in.

The showroom has had an update to www.lancmag.com

its layout, giving customers a more welcoming experience and easier route to browse the products on offer, and in the coming months they’ll be launching a new blind centre so people can browse their range of Roller, Venetian, Vertical and Shutter blinds. As well as this the team have been putting new ‘whole house’ packages together for people looking to kit out their entire property.

“We measure the complete house top to bottom, then offer a single cost to fit it out with new curtains, blinds etc.

Basically our aim is to take the hassle right out of moving into a new home.

People just need to drop us a line to get a consultation and find out more.”

Martin explains.

You can tell from speaking to Beverley and Martin that they are real experts in what they do and are always happy to talk through the finer details and get to the heart of what a customer wants. As well as their new packages they offer a bespoke service where they’ll complete the whole project from start to finish, measuring up curtains or blinds, helping you pick out the fabrics www.lancmag.com

and, of course, doing the fitting.

The team’s fitters Nick and George have many years experience in the trade and are often complimented by customers on their professionalism, expertise and courtesy when they have been out on a visit. They’ll come out to your home to measure, advise and bring samples where necessary and provide design advice, all entirely free of charge.

It is also well worth getting yourself to the Brinscall showroom to browse the vast array of samples they have on offer, plus the exciting designer wallpapers they stock. Close to the West Pennine Moors, with a large wood and nature trail within easy reach plus a couple of pubs and a tea-room, you could make an afternoon of it.

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Great Days Out Oswaldtwistle Mills

Oswaldtwistle Mills award-winning Shopping Village & Garden Centre in Lancashire has something to amaze, charm and intrigue visitors of all ages.

The former Weaving Mill has over 100 retailers all under one roof offering everything from furniture and fashion to food, gifts, textiles, home furnishings, lighting. More than just shopping, you can enjoy a whole day out; visit one of five Restaurants including our NEW Ice Cream Parlour, Gourmet Food Deli, Children’s Play Centre & Café, Textile and Heritage Museum, Mill Grounds and Wildfowl Reserve. We also offer guided Lancashire Coach Tours and Group Party Packages including Live Entertainment and Meals. www.o-mills.co.uk Moscow Mill, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, BB5 3DE

HAPPA @ Shores Hey Farm

Offering beautiful horses, great outdoor space, indoor and outdoor activities, fabulous food, conferencing, shopping and room and arena hire. A real hidden gem, Shores Hey Farm has offered HAPPA the opportunity to provide a Second Chance for many hundreds of horses over the years and our professional and effective rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming service is the envy of many, much larger industry leaders. Guests can meet most of the horsey residents and find out more about them, there are opportunities to watch some of them during Arena displays in the afternoon, sponsor a horse or pony and even take a HAPPA animal home with you via the Fostering or Loan Scheme (terms and conditions apply). Equine facilities and fabulous new public spaces new making the site a real ‘must visit’ destination for visitors. www.shoresheyfarm.co.uk Black House Lane, Halifax Road Briercliffe, Burnley, Lancashire, BB10 3QU

Breakout Chester

Feel the thrill of live escape games at Breakout Chester! Whether you’re an escape junkie or a first-timer, with 7 exciting themed escape rooms to choose from, you’ll find just the right challenge for you. Difficulty levels go up to a maximum of 5. Dare to find out how hard is too hard for you?

You’ll have to work as a well-oiled machine, if you want to make it out in time. This is why escape games are a great bonding experience for the whole family. So, join forces with your teammates, find clues and solve puzzles in order to break out in 60 minutes or less. We’ve got to tell you though, as the countdown nears zero, the adrenaline goes high!

Unlike most escape room experience, Breakout Chester is suitable for everyone.

There’s no age limit and kids under 7 go free. However, you should know only 50% of the escape attempts are successful. You’ll have to bring your best logical thinking and problem solving skills to the table, in order to succeed. Does your team have what it takes to breakout?

Chose from 7 themed rooms, Work as a team to escape, No age limit - anyone can play! www. breakoutchester.com 42 Bridge Street Row West, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1NN, England

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Our guide to all the great things you can get up to in Lancashire and the North West over the Spring Holidays

Keswick Museum

Museum in Keswick in the English Lake District which reopened in 2014 after extensive refurbishment of its purpose-built 1898 building. Its varied collections feature Keswick’s landscape, history and culture. The Mountain Heritage Trust maintains a changing exhibition in the museum: in 2018/19 “Man and Mountain” featured Chris Bonington and 2020’s exhibition focused on Siegfried Herford. The museum and art gallery building is owned

by Allerdale Borough Council and the museum is run by the largely volunteer Keswick Museum and Art Gallery Management Ltd.

Holmes Mill

Based in the heart of Clitheroe, Holmes Mill is a unique celebration of Lancashire food, drink and entertainment.

Featuring a beer hall, hotel, food hall and much more, this former textiles mill is the perfect place to indulge, unwind and explore. www.holmesmill.co.uk Greenacre Street, Clitheroe BB7 1EB

www.keswickmuseum.org.uk Station Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4NF

The Harris

The Harris Museum & Art Gallery is slap bang in the middle of Preston city centre and free to all! Come & enjoy contemporary art exhibitions, the history gallery, fine art collection, glass & ceramics & lots more.

Blackpool Zoo

Market Square, Preston, PR1 2PP

Blackpool Zoo is a family-friendly destination with over 1,500 rare and exotic animals including big cats, apes, giraffes, elephants, sea lions and many more. www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk E Park Dr, Blackpool FY3 8PP

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Origins and history of May Day Words: Mark Bateman

Maypole at Brentham Garden Suburb May Day 2019

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M

ay Day is a public holiday usually celebrated on the 1st May. It is an ancient Northern Hemisphere Spring Festival and traditional spring holiday in many cultures. It is unusual in that it has no modern Christian religious connections.

It likely began as a pagan festival worshipping the coming of Spring and has evolved from there.

May Day dates back to the time of the Romans and their Festival of Flora,

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known as the Floralia, which was a celebration of the Goddess of Flowers.

It was held from 27 April – 3rd May. Floralia was a big festival involving theatre, and the crowds having flowers rained upon them. Then on the 27th April or 3rd May a ritual called Florifertum was carried out when a bundle of wheat was carried up to a shrine. This was then dedicated to Flores and to Ceres the Goddess of agriculture.

One of the most long- lived May Day traditions which has survived into modern times is dancing around the Maypole. This is believed to have started as early as the 14th Century when a Welsh poet described people dancing around a tall birch pole at Llanidloes in Wales. The May pole became popular across England and Wales as a communal symbol that brought communities together.

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ABOVE: Crowning of the May Queen at Brentham Garden Suburb, May Day 2019 RIGHT: Young girls dancing the Maypole at the village carnival at Ashover in Derbyshire. Photo by Oscar Johns

Those that couldn’t afford their own pole joined with other villages to get one together and there are even instances of communities stealing the wood from local estates.

However, in the 16th Century the rise of Protestantism under Edward VI and a clamp down on idolatry meant many maypoles were destroyed. But after Edward’s Death Mary 1 ascended the throne and brought back Roman Catholicism as the state faith and May poles made a comeback.

Traditionally the May pole dances are performed with long- coloured ribbons running from the top of the pole. Boys and girls faced each other and when the music started, they danced towards each other with, for example, the boys going over and the girls under. This created an attractive woven pattern. To undo the weave the dance was repeated but going the other way.

There were other more complicated weaves carried out, but these have declined in popularity in modern times.

In some areas a different Maypole tradition involved carrying decorated sticks. which had swags, flowers and crepe paper attached. Prizes were 18

awarded for the best- decorated stick.

It was a popular custom in schools but declined by mid-19th century.

The tallest maypoles in Britain can be found in the villages of Nun Monkton, North Yorkshire (88 ft), Barwick-in-Elmet, West Yorkshire (86 ft), and Welford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (65 ft).

Another tradition is that of crowning the May Queen. She is usually a young girl dressed in white who symbolises the May Day as well as Springtime and the summer. She is often crowned with flowers and leads the May Day parades.

The next year she will return to crown the new May Queen.

It is believed the tradition of having a May Queen may have originated from pagan festivals celebrating ancient tree worship.

The Spring Bank holiday on the first Monday in May is a modern invention and it was created in 1978. May Day 1st May is not a bank holiday unless it falls on the Monday. It is not attached to any other holidays as it has no religious links.

In Oxford, it is a centuries-old tradition for May Morning revellers to gather at the Great Tower of Magdalen College at 6 am to listen to the college choir sing traditional madrigals as a conclusion to the previous night’s celebrations. Since the 1980s some people then jump off Magdalen Bridge into the River Cherwell. For some years, the bridge has been closed on 1 May to prevent people from jumping, as the water under the bridge is only 2 feet (61 cm) deep and jumping from the bridge has resulted in serious injury in the past.

Whitstable, Kent, hosts more traditional May Day festivities. Here the Jack in the Green festival was revived in 1976 and continues to lead an annual procession of Morris dancers through the town on the May bank holiday.

In Hastings in 1983 May Day was revived and has become a major event in the town calendar. A traditional sweeps festival is performed over the May bank holiday in Rochester, Kent, where the Jack in the Green is woken at dawn on 1 May by Morris dancers.

In modern times May Day Festivals have declined to a degree. But if you venture into the countryside into villages that have kept the tradition alive for centuries, you may just catch a glimpse of an ancient festival welcoming in the Spring once more.

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Official Illustrator Launches World Book Day at Bolton School Rob Biddulph helped launch World Book Day celebrations at Bolton School.

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he international bestselling, multi-award winning picture book writer and illustrator Rob Biddulph helped launch World Book Day celebrations at Bolton School.

Rob is also this year’s Official World Book Day Illustrator and children and teachers at Beech House, the Infant School of Bolton School, were delighted that he could spent the afternoon with them. In an engaging and interactive session he told the young audience about his life – about his early dreams of being a footballer and an illustrator, what had inspired him and what his own favourite books have been to read to his own three daughters. In a ‘draw along’ with infants he gave a masterclass in sketching aliens and read two of his witty and rhyming stories - ‘Odd Dog Out’ and ‘Show and Tell’. His parting advice for the children was ‘blaze your own trail’ and ‘keep your eyes open for aliens’! Rob was filmed by ITV News for a Granada Reports news item which will run on World Book Day. 20 000

Across the campus, Nursery children at Bolton School dressed up as their favourite characters from books; Junior Girls wore casual clothes or pyjamas to ‘curl up with a book’ and swapped books with one another; Junior Boys held a book hunt and a ‘shoebox story’ competition; Senior Girls, as it is shortly

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International Women’s Day, dressed up as their favourite female character or author; and Senior Boys searched the school for Sci-Fi and Fantasy quotes from books and took part in a book based Bake Off.

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World Book Day at Eldon Primary School

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ldon Primary School proudly celebrated World Book Day on Thursday 5th March.

Most children and staff enjoyed dressing up as some of the more well known and much loved fictional characters like mummy Bear from ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’.

A handful of staff and children took the opportunity to represent less traditional books like the crayons from ‘The Day the Caryons Quit!’

We all enjoyed sharing extracts from our favourite books.

Not only did we have a fabulously fun day but It was no surprise to learn that attendance is school was also 100%!

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Hearts for Homes began in 2016 when we opened our quaint shop in the lovely town of Ramsbottom.

The concept of Hearts of Homes was to bring affordable yet charming home decor and gifts to our customers. We also offer a selection of locally handmade crafts and work by local artists and are stockists of Frenchic furniture paint

We pride ourselves on offering a friendly welcome to all of our customers who visit us from far and wide.

47 Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, BLO 9AD I 01706 560462 I www.heartsforhomes.co.uk

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Preston Words: Duncan Hodgson

T

he administrative centre of Lancashire, Preston is a city that’s got a lot going for it.

From beautiful outdoor spaces to cultural gems, refreshing retail and trendy nightlife, you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy.

With strong transport connections across both county and country and a town centre awash with little-known curiosities, it is the perfect place for a trip either day or night. Read on to find out more!

HISTORY The name Preston is derived from

Priest’s Town and the city’s earliest roots stretch back to a settlement which grew near the Roman Fort at Waltonle-Dale. Since 1086 the city has been home to a market with the current one still standing on the same site as it did almost 1,000 years ago.

In 1179 King Henry II gave Preston its Royal Charter and with it the right to have an organisation made up of traders and craftsmen, otherwise known as a Guild Merchant. The Guild meant that only members could do business in the growing town and provided a way for them to come together and meet.

Since its inception there were regular

Sunrise over Preston Docks. Photo by MaybeImaLeo

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gatherings of the Guild and it is still celebrated to this day with large scale events and processions taking place every 20 years, the last in 2012.

As it grew Preston became one of the woollen and linen centres of the north, undergoing a radical transformation during the industrial revolution from Georgian town to a thriving textile centre. The first cotton mill was built in the city in 1777 and by 1835 there were 40 factories, with textiles going on to be the primary industry for the next 150 years. The change that Preston underwent during this time brought with it canals, railway connections and the inland port on the River Ribble which you can still see to this day.

In 1842 cotton workers in the city demonstrated against poor working conditions in the mills with several being shot in front of the Corn Exchange on Lune Street where a commemorative sculpture now stands.

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During this time of political upheaval Charles Dickens visited the city to research his book Hard Times and it is said that it’s fictional setting of “Coketown” is based on Preston.

In the early 20th century, the textile industry was gradually replaced with other kinds of manufacturing and the opening of the country’s first motorway, the M6, connected the city to Manchester, Birmingham and beyond securing its place at the heart of Lancashire. In 1969 the city’s brutalist bus station was opened and when threatened with demolition, was saved by a public campaign which saw it gain Grade II listed status and become the focus of an exhibition and several public arts events.

ATTRACTIONS The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library The Harris has been a part of Preston’s landscape since it opened in

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1893 after a sum was bequeathed to the city by lawyer Edmund Robert Harris.

A purpose built museum, art gallery and library, it now has a cafe and shop, and is the cultural hub of the city.

There are multiple exhibitions throughout the beautiful galleries, some including works and artefacts from the permanent collection which includes fine art from the 12th century right up to the present day; glass, ceramics and textiles; as well as Preston’s history and archaeology.

Current exhibitions include Imagine a World by Blackpool based artist Tina Dempsey, The Artful Line: Drawings from The Harris Collection and The Courtauld Gallery and The Unfurlings: Banners for Hope & Change which was created by local people living with dementia.

As well as the exhibitions the Harris has recently expanded its events programme to include a wide variety of www.lancmag.com

FAR LEFT: Avenham Park. Photo

by Saurabh Prabhu LEFT: Preston Bus Station at Night. Photo by Kinlochbervie BELOW: View of the covered outdoor market in the centre of Preston. Photo by Alastair Wallace BOTTOM: Miller Arcade. Photo by Michael D Beckwith

performances, workshops and activities for all ages.

Avenham Park Preston’s Avenham Park is a Historic England Grade II listed park and was designed and built in the 1860s. The park sits between the city centre and the banks of the River Ribble and features many beautiful outdoor spaces and points of interest.

While you’re whiling away the hours in the greenery you would do well to visit the beautiful Japanese rock garden which was added in the 1930s and is a fine example of the style, or you could take a stroll up to the The Belvedere Pavilion, which you can find in the north east corner, for views across the park and river below.

Also in the park you can find the Pavilion Cafe which offers all sorts of tasty treats, perfect for a spot of lunch before you head out on your exploration of this beautiful example of Victorian www.lancmag.com

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ABOVE: Harris Museum and Art Gallery. Photo by Leonid Andronov BELOW: Furness Railway no.20 at the Ribble Steam Railway. Photo by Mikerigg

park design. Plus if you’re feeling like stretching your legs a little more, you can also use the park as a starting point for the Guild Wheel walk and cycle route that encircles the city or a picturesque riverside walk along the banks of the Ribble.

Ribble Steam Railway Out of the city centre and a short walk from the docks and marina you can find the Ribble Steam Railway.

Featuring a museum where you can marvel at the steam and diesel locomotives of yesteryear, plus the chance to take to the tracks aboard a steam train on selected dates, this is the perfect day out for every railway enthusiast.

The museum itself gives visitors the chance to climb aboard the footplate, living out childhood dreams of being a train driver and learn about the history of the railway, as well as hosting a permanent exhibition about Preston docks.

You can also let the little ones tire themselves out at Mr Ribble’s Outdoor Playground and feed hungry tums at the Whistle Stop Cafe as you watch the trains go by.

SHOPPING Preston’s relatively compact city centre makes it perfect for a day out shopping and, as luck would have 28

it, there is a lot to choose from with independent retailers and high street brands aplenty.

The majority of the city centre’s shops are based in and around its two modern shopping arcades, Fishergate and St George’s, which are both within each reach of the train station. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit

different you can also head down many of the smaller streets off Fishergate or Friargate to find a hidden gem or two.

Better known for its eateries than its shops, although it does have some, Miller Arcade is the oldest shopping centre in the city having been built in 1899 and modelled on London’s larger Burlington Arcade. Now one of the city’s many Grade II listed buildings you can find a French Connection store here

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among other things.

NIGHTLIFE There’s plenty going on when it comes to nightlife in Preston, partly thanks to the large student population and array of young professionals who call the city home. To give you a flavour of what’s on offer here are a few highlights...

Hidden away on Avenham Street is Baker Street Cocktail Bar, the staff are friendly and love to get to know new patrons, plus their mixology skills are to die for and don’t come with a gigantic price tag. The bar also hosts a weekly quiz night and it tends to get quite busy at the weekend so get in early doors to get a great table.

A little away from the city centre, but easily within walking distance, is The Continental. Offering a delicious selection of food as well as a varied array of beers plus a lovely beer garden, this has got to be a top Preston pick and well worth a visit during the day or into the evening. As if that wasn’t enough there are regular gigs and events to choose from if you’re looking for something to keep you entertained into the evening. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Preston and you might just be surprised by what you find. www.lancmag.com

Importers and stockists of exceptional tiles and stone

(A6) Garstang Road Brock Nr Preston Lancashire PR3 0RD 01995 643455 www.rockform.co.uk

VE Day 75 Stephen Roberts looks back as we commemorate 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe.

Fire fighting during WW2 Blitz. Firemen at work in bombdamaged street in London, after Saturday night raid, ca. 1941.

Photo by By Everett Historical

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I

t was the most destructive war in human history. It lasted for six years and cost a conservative estimate of 60 million lives, the majority of them non-combatants. It’s easy to understand why politicians were keen to avoid a WW3 once WW2 had finally been put to bed. It was also easy to understand why those who’d survived wanted to celebrate the end of that conflict.

As I began writing this on Friday 13th (March 2020) we’re in the early stages of the Corona Virus (Covid-19) epidemic, which is already looking like it could be the greatest crisis facing this country since the war, one of those extremely rare occasions when normal life just seems to get swept away. I’ve sometimes wondered what living through a war must be like. It feels like we may all have an inkling soon.

There were two celebrations to mark the end of WW2, VE Day and VJ Day. VE (Victory in Europe) Day, on 8th May 1945, was the day people celebrated the formal acceptance by the Allies of Germany’s unconditional surrender of all its armed forces on the previous day, 7th May 1945.

This year’s May Day holiday was moved from Monday 4th May to Friday 8th May so that we could celebrate again (and remember) on the 75th anniversary. With an embargo imposed on mass gatherings as we struggle to comprehend, and cope with, our latest crisis, commemorations are likely to be scaled back and may become more reflective, rather than celebratory. That may be no bad thing.

The war was not over though in May, as Japan fought on until the two atomic bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. VJ (Victory over Japan) Day, on 15th August 1945, marked the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered, although the final surrender documents were not signed until 2nd September on the deck of the US battleship ‘USS Missouri’. Given that the war had begun on 1st September ’39, the whole thing had indeed lasted a full six years. My late father-in-law was away from these islands for five years on military service, fought at Tobruk and 2nd El Alamein, returned home to marry in November ’44, then promptly left again. My beloved wife was born 20 days after the ceremony aboard the Missouri. She was very nearly a war baby.

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Destroyed Soviet tanks at Junourcia, during the German invasion of the USSR (Russia). Summer 1941, during World War 2.

Photo by Everett Historical

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ABOVE: The Shell of St Luke’s, Liverpool, destroyed by a German incendiary bomb on 5th May 1941 (author: Chris Howells, source – transferred from en.wikipedia, permission – GFDL-WITHDISCLAIMERS; Released under the GNU Free Documentation License).

BELOW: Photo showing the damage inflicted on Liverpool during the Liverpool Blitz. The Liver Building is just right of centre and the Mersey is visible on the left (author: Ministry of Information Photo Division official photographer, source – photograph D5984 from the collections of the Imperial War Museums).

What we will be celebrating on 8th May is therefore 75 years since the war in Europe ended, a war which began with Germany’s invasion of Poland (1st September 1939) and saw Britain declare war on Germany two days later (3rd September). Having survived the Dunkirk Evacuation and the Battle of Britain in 1940, our prospects were enhanced in 1941 when both Russia and the US joined the Allies, having been attacked by Germany and Japan respectively. D-Day (June ’44) saw the opening of the much-awaited Second Front, although it took almost another year before Germany surrendered and VE Day took wind.

The war affected Lancashire in many ways. Defensive structures sprouted up all over Lancashire as the county (and the country) braced itself for a German invasion in 1940 that thankfully never came. We sometimes think the fighting occurred overseas and that therefore www.lancmag.com

the war didn’t impinge on people’s lives here so much, but this is untrue. It wasn’t just the imposition of rationing (which continued until 1952) or the ‘war effort’ (everything from working in munitions factories to digging for victory) where the war’s effects were felt. This was the first war where we experienced concentrated bombing of our towns and cities. Although there had been some bombing during WW1 it had been on an altogether smaller scale. Second time around Lancashire’s populace would not be spared. There is some mythology about still that the county got away with it in WW2 with relatively light bombing and that it was not all doom and gloom anyway as the local aircraft industry boomed with wartime demand. Parts of Lancashire did get hit though, and badly …

Liverpool was the most heavily bombed area of the country outside the capital as the Luftwaffe sought to

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RIGHT: Memorial at Blackstock Gardens, Liverpool, commemorating those killed on 21st December 1940 (Author: John Bradley, source – Own work).

BELOW: U.S. Army Engineers begin the clean up of Cherbourg after the German surrender on June 26, 1944. Normandy Campaign, France, World War 2. B&W Photo with oil color. Photo by Everett Historical BOTTOM: German field marshal Keitel signs the German surrender terms, which brought the war in Europe to a close, 7th May 1945. VE Day was celebrated the following day, 8th May (source: National Archives and Records Administration, SC 202692, Credit NARA, author: Lt. Moore, US Army, restored by Adam Cuerden, permission – PD-USGov-Military-Army).

obliterate the city’s docks. The socalled ‘Liverpool Blitz’ targeted both Liverpool and Birkenhead on the other side of the Mersey, the totality of which represented the largest port complex on Britain’s west coast, which had massive strategic importance for the British war effort, being the go to destination for shipping coming across the Atlantic.

Around 4,000 people lost their lives in the Merseyside area during the attacks, with a series of heavy attacks in December 1940 being dubbed the ‘Christmas Blitz’. A memorial at Blackstock Gardens lists the people killed in Blackstock Gardens and Street, and some neighbouring roads. It is a heart-breaking roll-call with so many children among the dead, including a tot of just six months.

The Liverpool Blitz abated in the new year of ’41 before resuming with a vengeance in the May, with the peak of the assault hitting the city over 7 days at the beginning of the month (1st-7th).

With 6,500 homes totally demolished 34

and many more damaged, some 70,000 people found themselves homeless in a city that had been severely knocked about. 500 roads were blocked, rail and tram lines wrecked. On one night alone around 400 fires needed extinguishing.

Utilities were damaged, including 700 water mains and 80 sewers. The burntout shell of St Luke’s stands today as a stark reminder of what happened during that long week.

Manchester also suffered. An industrial city and important inland port following the building of the Manchester Ship Canal, it experienced its own ‘Manchester Blitz’, with the Christmas Blitz of December 1940 leaving almost 700 citizens dead.

Notable buildings were hit including the Cathedral and Free Trade Hall.

Another casualty would be Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium (March 1941) which saw it taken out of commission until 1949. Salford was also badly hit with over 200 dead.

Later in the war there was the threat

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of V1 flying bombs, one of which fell on Oldham in December ’44. Almost 30 people were killed, with close on 50 injured. It was Christmas Eve and folk had been in party mood. It wasn’t always the large towns and cities that suffered either. The village of Lostock Hall, some three miles south of Preston, was hit in October 1940. 25 died in seven houses in Ward Street, including eight members of one family.

Of course, Lancashire men were serving overseas, and thoughts may well have turned to the Far East where a significant number had been taken prisoner by the Japanese after the fall of Singapore (February 1942). Many of them would not be returning home.

There were also more disasters here.

There was a mutiny among American servicemen at Bamber Bridge (June ’43), in which one GI was killed and over 30 later court-martialled, whilst an American Liberator plane crashed into the centre of Freckleton, including its school (August ’44) killing over 60 www.lancmag.com

A B-24 Liberator of the 1940s, the kind of aircraft that crashed on Freckleton during a thunderstorm on 23rd August 1944, killing over 60 people, 38 of them children (author: unknown, US Air Force archived photograph, source – www.af.mil, originally uploaded to en.wikipedia by ‘Signaleer’, 2006)

people, 38 of them children. These were reminders that during wartime, life was precarious, and it wasn’t always enemy bombs that were the real and present danger.

Wartime PM Winston Churchill visited Liverpool and its environs in May 1941 to inspect the damage suffered by the city. He commented that ‘I see the damage done by the enemy attacks, but I also see … the spirit of an unquenchable people’. One of the locals, a mere lass at the time, summed it up in equally bold words. ‘They tried to wipe us off the face of the earth. They nearly did but they didn’t quite, did they?’ As we look back and remember the defiance of Lancashire folk (and others) during WW2, we can only hope that the current crisis fosters similar attributes of stoicism, good sense and selflessness.

As Churchill himself said to cheering crowds on VE Day: ‘God bless you all. This is your victory! It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land. In all our long history we have never seen a greater day than this.

Everyone, man or woman, has done their best. Everyone has tried. Neither the long years, nor the dangers, nor the fierce attacks of the enemy, have in any way weakened the unbending resolve of the British nation. God bless you all!’

Let’s continue to use that freedom wisely and respectfully. It was hard won. www.lancmag.com

CHRONOLOGY 1939 Germany invades Poland (1st Sep), Britain declares war on Germany (3rd Sep).

1940 Evacuation from Dunkirk (May/Jun), Battle of Britain and start of the Blitz.

1940 Lostock Hall hit (Oct). The Christmas Blitz on Liverpool and Manchester (Dec).

1941 Germany attacks Russia (June) and Japan attacks the US (Dec).

1941 Old Trafford hit (Mar). The Liverpool Blitz resumes in earnest (May).

1942 1st major British victory of the war, 2nd El Alamein (Oct/Nov).

1943 Russians defeat the Germans at Stalingrad on the Eastern Front.

1943 Mutiny amongst American servicemen at Bamber Bridge (Jun).

1944 D-Day (Jun), sees the Allies open the 2nd Front. Battle of Monte Cassino (Italy).

1944 Freckleton hit (Aug). Oldham hit by a V1 flying bomb on Christmas Eve. 1945 German surrender and VE Day (8th May). Japanese surrender and VJ Day (15th Aug).

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The Red Rose Awards 2020 Winners of 10th Red Rose Awards revealed!

Photographs: Clive Lawrence.

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ore than 1,000 guests celebrated in Blackpool with the newly crowned champion businesses of Lancashire at the Red Rose Awards 2020.

The 10th annual event celebrated Lancashire’s most impressive businesses and their achievements of the past year.

Hundreds of nominations were submitted to more than 60 expert judges who whittled the entries down to a shortlist of six per category. These finalists were then grilled face-to-face by judging panels before winners took to the runway to collect their trophies, which were made by Pendle Engineering of Nelson.

The biggest success story of the night was Sales Geek, which took home three awards. The Altham-based company began as a one-man operation in 2017 to help businesses improve their sales potential.

By the end of 2019 it employed nine, had helped 150 businesses and was delivering free workshops in conjunction www.lancmag.com

with Chambers of Commerce. Sales Geek won the Growing Business Award, New Business Award and Small Business Award in recognition of its incredible success to date.

Other multiple winners on the night were: • Preston’s Conlon Construction, which won the Construction Business and Corporate Social Responsibility awards; • Hexagon Care Services, also of Preston, which won the Healthcare Business and In-house Training awards; • Burnley-based aluminium specialist SACO which won both the Engineering Business and Large Business Awards; • Northern Industrial, based in Blackburn, which won the Export Award and the Online Sales Award.

At the end of the night, Age Concern Central Lancashire, Preston, was given the Lancashire Business View award - one which is not open to www.lancmag.com

outside submissions but is chosen by the organising team.

Stephen Bolton, commercial director at Lancashire Business View, said: “Age Concern Central Lancashire does great things. It may be in the not-for-profit environment, but it runs like a welloiled business should. Hard work and ingenuity combine to create measurable impact for service users across the county.”

The Red Rose Awards featured a roster of almost exclusively Lancashire

suppliers, upholding its mantra to buy locally and support the county economy and persuade others to do the same.

Stephen Bolton added: “Our job through our magazine and events is to show the depth of quality of Lancashire businesses.”

“Simply put, if you can buy it in Lancashire, buy it in Lancashire!”

The event saw live music by Mr Wilson’s Second Liners and latenight party band The Deadbeats with acrobatics provided by Gravity Live.

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Full list of Red Rose Awards 2020 winners Construction Business Award sponsored by VEKA UK Winner: Conlon Construction, Preston Corporate Social Responsibility Award sponsored by Community Foundation for Lancashire Winner: Conlon Construction, Preston Creative Business Award sponsored by Peter Scott Printers Winner: Think! Creative, Poulton-LeFylde Customer Service Award sponsored by Seriun Winner: UPS Building & Maintenance, Skelmersdale Digital Business Award sponsored

by Sundown Solutions Winner: Blue Wren, Preston Employer of the Year Award sponsored by Napthens Solicitors Winner: Blackpool Transport Services, Blackpool Engineering Business Award sponsored by AMRC North West Winner: SACO, Burnley Export Award Winner: Northern Industrial, Blackburn Family Business Award sponsored

by Mattioli Woods Winner: Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, Preston

In-house Training Award sponsored by 3ManFactory Winner: Hexagon Care Services, Preston Innovation in Business Award sponsored by University of Central Lancashire Winner: Sundown Solutions, Accrington Large Business Award sponsored

by Forbes Solicitors Winner: SACO, Burnley Legal Services Award sponsored

by Eventus Recruitment Group Winner: Harrison Drury Solicitors, Preston

Financial Services Award sponsored by The Growth Company Winner: Asset Finance Solutions, Blackburn

Leisure and Hospitality Business Award sponsored by Porsche Centre Bolton Winner: Crow Wood Leisure, Burnley

Growing Business Award sponsored by Rowan Winner: Sales Geek, Altham

Manufacturing Business Award sponsored by Barclays Winner: Dr. Oetker, Leyland

Healthcare Business Award Winner: Hexagon Care Services, Preston

Medium Business Award sponsored by Baldwins Winner: Spiroflow, Clitheroe

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New Business Award sponsored by Four Recruitment Winner: Sales Geek, Altham Not-for-profit Business Award sponsored by United Utilities Winner: Preston Vocational Centre, Thornton Online Sales Award sponsored by Motionlab Winner: Northern Industrial, Blackburn Property Business Award sponsored by Harrison Drury Solicitors Winner: David Cox Architects, Preston Retail Business Award sponsored

by Nybble IT Winner: The Whalley Wine Shop, Whalley Small Business Award sponsored

by Albert Harrison Winner: Sales Geek, Altham Lancashire Business View Award Winner: Age Concern Central Lancashire, Preston

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Oswaldtwistle Mills shopping village & garden centre

AWARD WINNING SHOPPING VILLAGE

IN THE HEART OF LANCASHIRE

A Warm Lancashire Welcome Awaits...

Over 100 retailers and attractions, four restaurants, gourmet deli, childrens play area, wildfowl reserve & much more...

· Oswaldtwistle Mills · Moscow Mill · Colliers Street · Oswaldtwistle · Lancashire · BB5 3DE · 01254 871025 · info@o-mills.co.uk · www.o-mills.co.uk · Open 7 days a week · 5 mins from Junc 7 on the M65

The love of family is life's greatest gift!

Talk to us on 01204 336096 or visit adoptionnow.org.uk

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Oswaldtwistle Mills Shopping Village & Garden Centre Lancashire’s award winning mill shop has something to amaze, charm and intrigue visitors of all ages Words: Jessica Gregson

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n a dry, overcast Saturday afternoon, I ventured down the M65 to visit the most talked about Shopping Village & Garden Centre in East Lancashire.

Upon arrival at Oswaldtwistle Mills, I could instantly see the popularity of this former cotton weaving mill, the vast amount of car parking spaces were bustling with eager shoppers ready for some much-needed retail therapy.

Stepping through the gates, under the arched sign, my eyes were transfixed by the immense collection of plants. Bright colours ‘popped’ from every corner of my vision. Daffodils, alpines and roses were just some of the plants on display outdoors, there were even more inside!

Following the signs, I reported to Reception of my arrival. There I met Nick Pitman, the Village’s General Manager. Nick spent the next half an hour guiding me round the grand retail centre, educating me on the history of www.lancmag.com

the Mill and it’s best-kept secrets. The amount of knowledge Nick was able to transfer to me about the Village, you would have thought he had spent his whole life there. In fact, he has worked at the Mill for over 18 years, but who’s counting!

The Home and Lifestyle section was the first stop on the tour. In the last six years, it has been developed into one of the best Home & Lifestyle collections in Lancashire. Nick told me; “Everything we sell is predominantly UK based produce, with 25% of it being from Lancashire-based suppliers, which is something we are really proud of. We have a wide range of accessories and the quirkiness of our products is a customer favourite.” Browsing the collection, I could see why their products were so sought after. They had the latest on-trend accessories like the jungle themed decorations or the eclectic mix of wood, ceramic and www.lancmag.com

metal industrial style home accessories.

Their ever-expanding Home & Lifestyle Centre offers everything you could wish for to style and furnish your Home and Garden. There were stunning dining-sets perfect for a family get-together and unique livingroom furniture to compliment any home décor. There’s plenty of choice from modern solid oak and walnut to rustic reclaimed pine and painted wood ranges, all available in full complementary collections of living, dining and occasional pieces.

Beyond the rear doors of the Home & Lifestyle collection is a large outdoor area, pass by the sheds and the area opens into an large lawn, picnic area and wildfowl reserve. Currently there are a nesting pair of black swans who call this lodge their home.

Next on the tour was the original Mill, now turned retail haven with one of Lancashire’s largest fashion floors.

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There are two floors of clothing, shoes and accessories including top-name brands Pavers, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Peacocks and Bonmarché.

Whether you’re looking for something casual to relax in, an elegant party dress, some holiday essentials or something sharp for the office, their fashion collections are sure to impress.

Also located at the mill is Whittaker’s Schoolwear who are an established School Uniform supplier based in Lancashire. They provide a modern and friendly uniform service for parents and schools alike.

Walking through the old Mill, you can’t help but question how it came to be. That’s where the next tour stop comes in. Amazingly, the Mill has its very own Textile Time Tunnel which can answer all of your questions and is a very popular, free attraction for visitors. The mini museum takes you back 300 years to the early 1700s. It tells you about how the Mill started with a local farmer, to the current mill owner’s ancestor, James Hargreaves, who created ‘The Spinning Jenny’ and what happened after the Industrial Revolution.

After browsing the impressive range of Home, Lifestyle and Fashion items, I would say it is time to reward yourself with a bite to eat, and with a choice of four eateries to choose from, you will have to come back time and time again to try them all! Nick showed me round the four restaurants located on site which included The Pavilion Coffee Shop, which is often the first port of call for customers visiting the Mill, located at the front entrance. The restaurant offers an extensive selection of homemade daily specials and firm favourites such as fish & chips and steak pudding as well as lighter snacks, sandwiches and jacket potatoes. Pies, cakes and pastries are freshly baked on-site every morning from family tested recipes in their sister restaurant, The Hungry Tackler. For those with a sweet tooth, the Mill’s Scoops Ice Cream Parlour which serves delicious Ice Cream, Waffles and Pancakes is the place for you. Up on the mezzanine level of the Weavers Court, Cafe Nova is the ideal place to meet friends, take a well-earned rest and re-fuel for the next stage of your retail therapy!

There’s a wide range of Italian coffees, freshly made paninis with a selection of delicious fillings and tasty pasta dishes.

And if you’ve still got room, there’s 42

some very tempting cakes and pastries available in The Terrace Tearoom.

For those who wish to take some of Oswaldtwistle Mills home with you, a trip to The Crumbly Cheese Deli and Ye Olde Sausage Shop is a must. The cheese deli has over 50 cheeses which are predominately sourced from local Lancashire suppliers. A new edition to the deli is their cheese wedding cakes which are perfect to celebrate your special day. They also have a mouthwatering selection of sweet and savoury )pies, cakes and biscuits, preserves, chutneys and condiments. They also stock Beers and Ales from local breweries and most recently, they offer an extensive range of craft and artisan gins and their perfect tonics.

With more than 65 years’ experience between the three proprietors, the award-winning Ye Olde Sausage Shop are the go-to butchers for all your meat

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needs, offering exceptional quality, locally sourced products from chicken breasts and mince to steaks, their very own handmade award-winning sausages and much more. An interesting fact about Ye Old Sausage Shop Nick told me is one of their staff members, Jess Leliuga, is part of the Great Britain Team competing at The World Butchers Challenge which takes place in California this year.

The final stop on the tour was the gift shop area that opened into multiple sections. The Weavers Court is home to their enticing giftware emporium where you’ll find over 8,000 unique and inspiring products from more than 200 distinctive suppliers. Be spoilt for choice with figurines, photo frames, glassware, collectables, toys, gadgets and much, much more. Within close proximity is Stockley’s Victorian Sweet Shop.

Stockley’s Sweets have been made the traditional way since 1918 and time has www.lancmag.com

only improved those recipes. Round the corner of the sweet shop and you will stumble across the World’s Biggest Pear Drop. Encased behind a glass cabinet is the iconic bright yellow and pink sweet, which has long been a sweet lovers’ favourite. So popular are these little pieces of heaven that, 25 years ago, Stockley’s Sweets (whose factory was formerly based at Oswaldtwistle Mills) decided to make the Biggest Pear Drop in the World! The World’s Biggest Pear Drop is completely real, weighs 585kg and took two people ten days to make.

If the gift store and sweet shop aren’t enough to entertain the little ones, Oswaldtwistle Mills is also home to Bubbles Play Centre. The multi-level indoor soft play area, suitable for all ages from 0-8 years old, is open daily with prices starting from just £1.50.

The Play Centre gets its name from when it was previously known as ‘The Bubble Factory’. Before its grand www.lancmag.com

development, the Shopping Village was a detergent manufacturer, selling soaps and cleaning essentials.

Honestly, the list of what Oswaldtwistle Mills Shopping Village & Garden Centre can offer you is endless, I could go on and on but it’s better for you to experience the shopping village for yourself. Whether you are in need of a new piece of furniture, a new garment for a special occasion, something unique to ‘spruce up’ your garden or somewhere to keep your children entertained for a few hours, this is the place to be. It attracts 1.2 million visitors each year and after just one visit, I can understand why. The 120,000 square foot shopping village offers a new experience with every visit. To keep up to date with their latest offers and events follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively visit their website www.o-mills.co.uk which lists all of their fabulous offerings.

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Children are waiting for families Adoption Now needs you!

The number of Adoptions in England has fallen by a third in 4 years. Almost 3,000 children in England are awaiting their forever home! Adoption Now desperately need safe, secure and loving families to adopt them.

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he sad fact is that around a third of children will wait longer to find their new homes because there aren’t enough adopters coming forward for children of minority ethnic backgrounds, groups of brothers and sisters or those children who are that little bit older.

Adoption Now is a regional adoption agency based in the North West, that focusses on achieving the best outcomes for children waiting for families, so having adopters from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures is essential.

Adopters can be of any sexuality, single, in a relationship, or even slightly older.

If you think you might be able to give a vulnerable child a loving home, chances are you can, so don’t rule yourself out!

Adoption Now are particularly looking for adopters from diverse backgrounds and ethnic minority communities and those who can consider adopting brothers and sisters, and older children.

Rav and Phil, Adoption Now adopters, have kindly agreed to share their family story.

They adopted two boys, and later their little sister, who came from a dual heritage background.

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“Adoption was always the first option for us, so after being together for a few years, we went to a couple of Adoption Information Evenings. From this we realised we needed to consider plans for our future family and decide where best to raise our children having the support of friends and family around us”.

Phil and Rav were always keen to parent a sibling group. Phil’s dad was adopted aged 3, but sadly was separated from his older siblings and brought up as an only child. Phil’s dad missed out on having a strong relationship with his siblings, so Phil was passionate about keeping siblings together. This was supported

by Rav who also has an adopted brother.

“We knew the adoption journey would be an emotional one, but we hadn’t expected to learn so much about ourselves!

The three-day training course was extremely

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insightful and really made us think about our own parenting style. We were both extremely nervous when we went to panel, but we felt prepared to answer anything! We are reflective people and honest too, I think that helped the panel see our sincerity and the love that we could offer to children. We were totally ready to adopt and have our lives changed forever.”

Once their assessment was approved, they were able to start searching for their children. They regularly checked the online register and attended an adoption ‘Activity Day’ where they could spend time with children and chat to Social Workers about possible matches.

Whilst Phil and Rav enjoyed this day they were unsuccessful in finding the right match for them. Not long after, Rav attended an ‘Exchange Day’ where he started chatting to the family finder of two boys whom they had previously seen on the online register. It was here that he fell in love with them and couldn’t wait to get home to tell Phil all about their potential adoptive boys!

They told the Social Workers that they were interested in adopting the boys and they were assessed as a possible match. www.lancmag.com

“Family time is precious – we are so fortunate and proud!”

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To understand how receptive the boys would be to Rav and Phil, the Social Workers planned a ‘bump in’. This entailed a meeting with the boys and their foster carers. Rav and Phil were told not to expect a lot of eye contact or communication from the boys at the bump in. However, what happened next was a complete surprise to everybody! Within minutes of meeting their potential adoptive children, Phil and Rav were laughing, chatting and having loads of fun with the boys. The ‘bump in’ was a huge success and the adoption went full speed ahead!

They said, “Meeting your children for the first time is indescribable.

Feelings of excitement, nerves, love, fear and happiness all rolled into one!”

Six months after the boys were placed, Phil and Rav received a phone call to say that the boys’ birth mum had given birth to a daughter and they were asked to consider adopting a sister for their boys.

Phil explains “I was really wary at first as I didn’t want our daughter’s adoption to undermine the progress 46

that the boys had made, so I was really hesitant to adopt again. However, we really felt like she was the last piece of our jigsaw and even our eldest had asked for a younger sister without knowing she’d even been born. All the signs pointed towards her joining our family, so we said yes to adopting her!”

Rav states “Our lives are fulfilled – the boys absolutely dote on their younger sister and are loving being older brothers”.

so fortunate that we’ve got our happy ending of the family we longed for!”

“Family time is precious – we are so fortunate and proud!”

If you could consider adopting and live in the North West, Adoption Now would be happy to hear from you on 01204 336096 or you can visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk for more information

Phil and Rav travelled to Australia last Christmas to visit Rav’s family. Phil adds, “The journey was just perfect!

We’d booked night flights and all three children slept for a decent length of time. Our daughter had a good sleep and the boys loved the entertainment onboard. The boys were so excited about meeting Rav’s family and we had such a wonderful time, they didn’t want to come back!

Having three children is certainly keeping Phil and Rav on their toes, as they juggle work, daily chores and trips out but now they have adopted all three children, Phil and Rav have fulfilled their family dream. “We are

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Leap Year Proposal at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Aimee Williams wanted to ‘Pop The Question’ at the UK’s most ride intensive Theme Park

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imee Williams took her romance with childhood sweetheart Lewis to new heights on February 29th and popped the question on the Avalanche ride, at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

The couple from Leicestershire have been together for six years and have a house and two dogs – Bruce and Willis – together.

Tired of waiting for Trainee Quantity Surveyor, Lewis Bourne to get down on one knee, Aimee decided to take matters into her own hands.

Working with the team at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, she devised a plan to propose to Lewis on February 29th – traditionally a day women can ask for their partner’s hand in marriage.

While on the toboggan coaster, Aimee revealed a shirt asking Lewis to marry her, but he had no idea about the proposal until the couple reached the photo booth, at the end of the ride.

Aimee, 23, got down on one knee and proposed with a LEGO box she had made as a nod to the couples shared love of the colourful bricks.

Whilst on a Leap Year, women are advised to propose to their partners

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with a watch, the box contained a ring Aimee had bought for herself, as Lewis already has a watch he loves.

Speaking on why she chose to propose on a Leap Year at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Aimee, said: “Me and Lewis have been saying we need to come to the Pleasure Beach for years but have never had a chance. I knew if I was going to be the one to propose I didn’t want it to be super cute, I wanted a really fun story to tell all our friends and family. Plus, if he didn’t want me to do something this extra he should have asked me to marry him years ago!

“The team at Blackpool Pleasure Beach have been amazing; they’ve been totally on board since I first reached out about popping the question here.”

Lewis added: “It was such a shock when I saw Aimee down on one knee, she mentioned it was a Leap Year, but it took me a minute to realise the date.

We’ve discussed getting engaged loads and I always joke that I wasn’t going to propose when she is always telling me to do it.”

Aimee, who works at Hinckley and Rugby Building Society, had told Lewis that they had won a competition to

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enjoy a VIP Weekend at the Lancashirebased theme park, even leading him to believe he had chosen the date.

The happy couple spent the day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach before spending the night of their engagement in the 4-star Big Blue Hotel.

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The Professionals with Michael Slater at KBL Solicitors LLP.

Residential Possession – Issues to consider for Landlords & Tenants

L

ost rent plus a delay in being able to re-let your property can be a real problem. Landlords are within their rights to regain possession of their property when a tenancy agreement comes to an end or if certain terms of the tenancy agreement have been breached, such as non-payment of rent. There are several ways to get from A to B in a residential possession claim, but this area of law is heavily regulated and requires a meticulous approach to be taken in order to succeed.

Did you know that?

• Any notice for possession you serve on a tenant must be in a prescribed form?

• The prescribed form required differs for different notices?

• The notice to be utilised is based on your specific circumstances as landlord/tenant?

• Even if you serve the correct type of 50 48

notice, but fail to use the prescribed form, the legal position is that the notice was never given in the first place?

• Strict time-limits apply to when a notice must be and can be served?

• Once you serve a valid notice (in the prescribed form), a second time-limit will start to run requiring you to issue proceedings or start the procedure all over again?

Avoid or seek delays Serving an invalid notice will inevitably delay the possession process, as a new compliant notice must be sent to the tenant. This essentially re-sets the clock on the minimum period of notice required to be given to a tenant in order to obtain possession (usually 2 months), which can be a serious setback to the landlord.

An invalid notice can provide a tenant with some important “breathing space”,

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both to prepare a strategic response to the landlord and/or to look for alternative housing for themselves and any dependants.

How we can help!

We have a dedicated solicitorled team at KBL who specialise in residential possession claims. We conduct proceedings on behalf of landlords including individuals, companies and charities. We also deal with a number of local letting agents and estate agents to help their clients.

Contact Michael Slater, Partner & Head of Litigation today for a free consultation and a review of your property issues on 01204 527777 or mslater@kbl.co.uk All of KBL’s qualified litigation solicitors are recommended in the Legal 500 #GreatKBLSupport

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We provide #GreatKBLsupport for businesses and individuals across the North West.

You’ll want us on your side For great legal support, call KBL. • Commercial Litigation

• Employment / HR Support

• House Sales & Purchases

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• Dispute Resolution

• Corporate & Commercial

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• Wills, Trusts, Tax & Probate

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BLACKBURN

28 Mawdsley Street Bolton BL1 1LF

12 Cunningham Court Blackburn BB1 2QX

01204 527777

01254 268790

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enquiries@kbl.co.uk

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B

rinscall’s Railway Road is already looking a lot more picturesque after work started on removing old rusty railings that run the full length of the Goit aqueduct.

Villagers are now preparing to get involved in planting a hedgerow along the route, which will add to the village’s reputation as a scenic gateway to the West Pennine Moors.

The 15-year campaign by the Friends of GREAT village committee, has not always been without complication, as asset owners United Utilities needed the railings to protect the covered Goit waterway.

FOG Chair Dawn O’Dea said: “It has been a bit of a David and Goliath battle but we now have a result that is probably better than we ever expected. It is going to make a huge difference for villagers, visitors and for wildlife.

“We have to thank UU’s Water Catchment Manager Matthew Upton who understood that changes were needed and for coming up with this wonderful resolution. UU will help to make our village even more beautiful.”

The plan is to remove railings that are overlooked by homes to replace them with a natural hedge. Friends of Great have agreed to provide volunteers to help with the hedgeplanting and to help maintain the hedge in future years.

FOG vice chair Robin Bamford said: “We have had overwhelming support for the removal of the railings and I am sure local people will want to get involved in creating a hedgerow to make us all proud. We will be asking schools in the area to get involved as well as local volunteer groups.”

The hedge will mainly be hawthorn but will include other native plants to make it colourful and appealing to wildlife. FOG committee member and Wildlife Trust officer Alan Wright said: “It is a lovely idea, because it creates a hedgerow which will be great for birds, insects and other wildlife. We have lost a lot of hedgerows in the North West so any new one is a bonus.”

United Utilities water catchment manager Matthew Upton said: “I am very pleased with the positive response we have received from the local area in relation to our proposal to replace the railings with a more aesthetically pleasing hedgerow.

“I’m hopeful that in time, this natural barrier will continue to provide protection to our asset and the water carried within it, but also provide enhanced benefits to the local wildlife and the residents in the village.”

Anyone who would like to volunteer can contact Friends of GREAT on rjfinlay2017@outlook.com

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Joy as eyesore railings are removed A Lancashire village is celebrating a happy conclusion after a 15-year campaign to remove a local eyesore.

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The art of Robert Green

WHO’S THERE?

F

ront doors used to be made of wood. I once counted over 40 pieces of wood which made up one single door. Today, plastic seems to have taken over but, to me, this is a poor substitute for the real thing.

During the 1960’s when everyone seemed hell-bent on destroying our heritage, even the classic front door became a victim. Thousands of them were covered by cheap and nasty hardboard to create a “cleaner simpler look”. This mindless action would be reversed many years later as good sense and taste was restored. The hardboard was ripped off and disposed of to where it belonged – in the bin, to once again reveal a beautiful piece of woodwork.

Perhaps the most famous door in England belongs at 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence. It’s comforting to know that whatever shenanigans go on inside, at least they go on behind a classy door!

Of course, no front door would be complete without the appropriate accessories. Letter boxes, handles, lion’s head knockers, hinges and a wide range of stylish numerals, usually brass, add that finishing touch.

However, to the artist there is one thing even better than this. Character.

That’s why I prefer flaky paint over a smooth finish. Missing panels over complete panels and rotten wood over preserved wood. I hope this month’s paintings make the point.

Robert returns next month for another installment.

If you have any questions or thoughts and want to speak to Robert, please call 01253 465318.

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Local artist Robert Green’s monthly talk on his work and where he gets his inspiration.

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The Universities of the North West Universities are crucial to the success of our region and our region is lucky to have twelve of them. They include the best, the largest and the mostimproved. This is their story.

By Andrew Harris

T

he University of Lancaster is the regional winner. Although it was only founded in 1964 it is consistently ranked in the top 10 of UK universities. On the latest ranking it is number 7 – out of 131 - nationally and number one in the north west. It is one of only six collegiate universities in the UK with eight undergraduate colleges using historic Lancashire names such as Bowland, Furness, Fylde, Grizedale and Pendle. Each college is semi-autonomous with its own residential block, common rooms, administrative staff – and bars. All are 58

located in the 300-acre Bailrigg campus which integrates teaching, social and residential functions and is two and a half miles south of Lancaster city centre. With about 16,000 students it is only the 7th largest university in the north west but its focus is on quality rather than quantity. The Times and Sunday Times have recognised the spectacular success of Lancaster University by awarding it the accolades of University of the Year for 2018 and International University of the Year 2020. Their Good University Guide commented “Few universities can match

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Lancaster’s record for exporting British higher education to the world while at the same time offering opportunities to their UK-based students to incorporate a global learning experience within their degree programme. Our award is designed to recognise both achievements as Lancaster stood out in a crowded marketplace.” That is why Lancaster University is the regional winner.

With about 40,250 students the University of Manchester is the largest in the north west – and second largest in the UK - ranking second in our region www.lancmag.com

Lancaster University from the air.

and 15th nationally. It was formed in 2004 by the merger of Manchester Victoria University and UMIST but can trace its origins to 1824 when it was the Mechanics Institute which became UMIST. Manchester University has always been strong in sciences. It is where Ernest Rutherford discovered the nature of the atom and the staff and students of the current and former universities have been awarded 25 Nobel Prizes. The University was named the Sunday Times University of the Year in 2006.It teaches more academic subjects than any other British university and attracts thousands of students from 154 countries throughout the world. It is also famous for the Manchester Museum, Whitworth Art Gallery, Jodrell Bank Observatory – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and the new Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre dealing with cuttingedge materials technology. It is a huge asset for our region.

The University of Liverpool is in third place for the north west and is www.lancmag.com

ranked 28th in the UK. It was founded in 1881 and was one of the original six ‘red brick’ universities. With nearly 30,000 students it is the 3rd largest in our region and can boast 10 Nobel Prize winners from its alumni. It offers more than 230 first degree courses across 103 subjects and pioneered new departments for oceanography, civic design and biochemistry. It is also unusually enterprising as it was the first

UK university to create an independent university in China. The main campus of the university is about 100 acres at Mount Pleasant - just 5 minutes walk from Liverpool city Centre. This site accommodates faculties for Health & Life Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences plus Science & Engineering.

There is also a Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Ness Botanical Gardens on the nearby Wirral peninsular.

Lancaster’s Info Lab - serving information & communications technologies.

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Manchester University

Next comes Manchester Metropolitan University which is ranked 4th in the north west – 56th nationally – but with about 33,000 students it is the 2nd largest university in our region.

It is the former Manchester Polytechnic which achieved university status in 1992 along with many other polytechnics.

It is also home to the Manchester School of Art, the Manchester School of Theatre and – with Manchester University – the Manchester School of Architecture. The university is - after Manchester University – the second most applied to in the UK and is organised in 5 faculties • Arts and Humanities • Business and Law • Education • Health, Psychology and Social Care • Science and Engineering Manchester Metropolitan University has successfully moved from polytechnic to university status and offers an extraordinary range of vocational courses .

Edge Hill in Ormskirk only became a university in 2006. It was founded as the first non-denominational teacher training college for women in 1885 but admitted male students from 1959. It is now ranked 58th out of 131 universities nationwide and 5th in our region quite an achievement! With fewer than 14,000 students it is only the 9th largest in the north west but offers courses in education, arts and sciences as well as health and social care. It is based on a 60

160-acre campus in Ormskirk – midway between Liverpool and Preston –with another campus at Woodlands in Chorley. It boasts outstanding facilities in a Business School, Arts Centre, Sports Centre, a Library, the futuristic Student Hub and Halls of Residence as well as accommodation for Performing Arts and the three faculties. It has come a long way in 14 years. It is a university for the future.

Liverpool Hope University is ranked 6th in the region and 62nd nationwide. With only 5,100 students it is the smallest university in the north west. It can trace its origins back to teacher training for women in 1844 but only became a university in 2005.

It now has three faculties for Arts & Humanities, Education and Science.

The main campus is Hope Park in Childwall between Garston and West Derby in Liverpool. The university also has The Creative Campus in Everton and Halls of Residence across the city at Aigburth. The three faculties are organised into 19 departments which offer a huge range of subjects. The university is unusually outward looking as it has partnerships with Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China, and Christ University in Bengaluru, India.

Liverpool Hope exchanges students and collaborates on research with both. It is a small but enterprising university.

Also in Liverpool is the Liverpool John Moores University. With more than 24,000 students it is the 4th largest in the region and is ranked 7th in the

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north west and 62nd nationwide. Its origins go back to 1823 when it was the Liverpool Mechanics’ School of Arts which sounds contradictory. After several mergers it became Liverpool Polytechnic in 1970 then Liverpool John Moores University in 1992. It is named after the benefactor John Moores who founded the Littlewoods empire which was based in the city. The university has 3 main campuses: the City Campus in central Liverpool, the nearby Mount Pleasant Campus for the study of business and law and the IM Marsh Campus in Aigburth for the study of education, community and leisure. The university has 22 schools or centres organised into 5 faculties for business & law, arts & social studies, health, science and engineering & technology.

LJMU – as it is known – is particularly strong on physical education, dance, sport and exercise science. It is the only UK university to be awarded an Ofsted Grade A for physical education. It reflects the enterprise and energy of a great city.

The main campus of the University of Central Lancashire – aka as UCLan – is in central Preston but it also has sites in Burnley, West Cumbria and Cyprus. With more than 23,000 students it is the 5th largest university in the north west, is ranked 8th in our region and 75th out of 131 nationwide.

Its origins go back to The Institution For The Diffusion of Useful Knowledge which was founded in 1828 when names like that were tolerated. It eventually became Preston Polytechnic www.lancmag.com

Liverpool University

Edge Hill University.

Manchester Metropolitan University.

Liverpool John Moores University

UCLan’s new Engineering Innovation Centre.

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The future UCLAN civic square and buildings. This and the previous image courtesy of UCLAN.

Salford University

Chester University

then Lancashire Polytechnic then – in 1992 – the University of Central Lancashire. UCLan has a number of unusual features – • With students from more than 100 countries, partnerships with 125 international institution worldwide and more than 3,000 students enrolled across more than 6 other countries – including China and the USA – it is a global institution.

• UCLan has jumped an unprecedented 27 places in the ranks of UK universities.

• It is likely to climb higher as in 2016 the Centre for World University Rankings placed it in the top 3.7% of universities worldwide.

• UCLan is part way through its Master Plan 2020 – a £200 million investment providing new social spaces (completed), an ambitious new Engineering Innovation Centre 62

(completed), a new Student Centre (underway) and an adjoining new civic and university square (the size of Trafalgar Square) to complete next year. The pictures depict the present and the future.

9th in the regional rankings – and 80th nationwide - is the University of Salford. Its roots go back to 1896 but it became a College of Advanced Technology in 1956 and a university in 1967. With about 20,000 students it is the 6th largest university in the north west . The main Peel Park campus has been described as “a relaxed campus close to Manchester city centre (less than 1.5 miles away) but cheaper and greener.” In recent years Salford University has gone through huge investment and many reorganisations resulting in 4 schools for arts & media, science, engineering & environment, health & society and business. It offers special advantages for student nurses

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and midwives due to hospital links and media students because the university has learning, teaching and research space in the nearby, booming and famous Media City which is home to five BBC departments.

The University of Chester is - with almost 15,000 students - the 8th largest in the north west. It is ranked 10th in our region but only 101st nationwide.

It gained university status in 2005 after being the Chester Diocesan Training College from 1839. It operates from the Parkgate Campus in Chester and 4 other sites in Chester, Warrington and the University Centre Shrewsbury.

It also uses a number of bases on NHS sites across Cheshire and the Wirral. The university has 31 schools and departments organised into 7 faculties for arts & humanities, business, medicine/dentistry & life sciences, science & engineering, social sciences, education & children’s services and www.lancmag.com

Cumbria University plays to its strengths.

The sports facilities at Cumbria University.

health & social care. It also supports a number or research centres linked to these faculties. Most students are from the UK, a quarter are mature and two-thirds are female reflecting the university’s focus on nursing and midwifery.

The University of Cumbria is ranked 120th nationwide and 11th in our region. It has about 7,600 students which makes it the 3rd smallest university in the north west. It is unusual because of its history and local geography. With origins going back the Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts in 1822 and a teacher training college founded in the 1890s it became a university in 2007. It serves a dispersed rural community through institutes for business, health, arts, education and science, natural resources & outdoor studies. It is responding to local needs more than many other universities and is especially strong in www.lancmag.com

sport, physiotherapy and rural topics. Its main campus is in Carlisle but operates through sites in Lancaster, Ambleside and Workington with close links with Furness College in Barrow.

The University of Bolton is also unusual. It serves about 6,000 mainly local students – the 2nd smallest but is ranked last in the region and 128th nationwide. There are only 131 UK universities. It became a university in 2004 and is best known for its vocationally focused and industry-relevant taught degrees. It was, strangely, the only university unwilling to provide information or an illustration. To paraphrase Churchill it is a ‘modest university with much to be modest about.’

The north west is, overall, well served by its universities. We have worldwinners and local servers. We are lucky.

We need them all.

Andrew E. Harris is grateful to all the universities which helped in the production of this article. Unless otherwise attributed the images are procured via Shutterstock or are by your columnist. Our March 2016 article about the University of Central Lancashire can be viewed at www.andreweharris.co.uk under published articles/community topics.

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BOOKS Our roundup of this months literary delights

The Works

by Paul Salveson Horwich loco Works was one of the North’s biggest railway engineering works. It closed in 1983 after a determined attempt by its workers and the people of Horwich to save it.

Paul Salveson’s new novel, ‘The Works’, is about the realities of shopfloor life and politics, and What might have been’ had the Works been saved from closure. It’s also about personal relationships, bereavement and racism.

“The story is partly based on my own experience on the railways in the 1970s and 1980s,” said Paul Salveson. “But it’s a work of fiction. While the main focus of the novel is on the 70s and 80s, the story takes the reader through to the present-day and into the future.”

The novel is illustrated by over 30 black and white photographs inside the Works, taken by Paul in 1983 as part of the campaign to save the Works.

The First Blitz in 100 Objects

by Ian Castle The First World War ushered in many new and increasingly deadly weapons, along with strategies for using them. No more so than Germany’s sustained aerial bombing campaign against Britain, which opened an entirely new theatre of war — the Home Front.

It was a shocking awakening to 20th Century warfare for the military and civilians alike. The centenary commemorations of the war, ending in 2018, brought renewed attention to this campaign, so often hidden in the shadow of the Blitz of the Second World War. Many Britons heard, some for the rst time, how taking on the German airships and aeroplanes in this First Blitz laid the ground rules for how the nation would face up to and ultimately defeat that later aerial campaign.

There are still fascinating glimpses of 64

this first air campaign to be found in the streets of our towns and cities. Often unnoticed, each tells its own dramatic tale of death and destruction, or maybe of heroism and narrow escapes. In museums the length and breadth of Britain there are tantalising reminders of the air raids, from complete aircraft that defended this country to relics of great Zeppelins that initially brought terror to the British population but ultimately were doomed to become nothing more than great heaps of burnt and twisted wreckage.

This first-time assault from the air both terrified and fascinated our forebears. Unexpectedly, a significant trade in air raid souvenirs developed, from postcards of wrecked houses and bomb craters to china models of Zeppelins and their bombs, and pieces of Zeppelin wreckage too. And amongst the 100 Objects brought together in this book, there can also be found tales of resilience and determination as well as humour, which all have their place in the story of this First Blitz.

Whether you choose to read this

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“I’d love to identify more of the characters in the photos. Some will still be alive, including the young chap on the cover. It would be great to hear from them.”

The author began his working life in the Spring Smithy at Horwich, in the mid-1970s. He went on to a varied career in adult education and railway management before forming the Association of Community Rail Partnerships.

His Previous non-fiction works have included ‘Lancashire’s Romantic Radical: The Life and Work of Allen Clarke/Teddy Ashton’, and ‘With Walt Whitman in Bolton’. He lives in Bolton and chairs the local community rail partnership for Bolton and South Lancashire.

‘The Works’ is available now.

Price: £12.99 (add £2.50 for post and packing) Orders by post to lancashire loominary, 109 Harpers lane, Botlon Bll 6HU. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Paul Salveson’

book in the comfort of your own home or are encouraged to get out and explore the visible heritage of this dramatic time in Britain’s history, spare a thought for the courage and sacri ce displayed by those on both sides who played their part in the story it tells. www.pen-and-sword.co.uk www.lancmag.com

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Chester

The city that keeps on giving

Words: Jessica Gregson

T

his Cheshire city, located in the northwest of England, is one of the richest destinations for its heritage. With its city walls, the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, the oldest racecourse and also the 1000-year-old cathedral, Chester is a city that offers it all. Drenched it captivating heritage and oozing with beauty and class, you are guaranteed a visit of wonders.

HERITAGE Chester began life as a Roman fort back in the first century and the city walls that began construction by the

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Romans, are now one of the most popular tourist attractions. The Grade I listed medieval walls allow you to follow in the footsteps of the Roman soldier patrols, the medieval archers and enjoy a unique perspective of Chester with panoramic views on both sides as you explore the most complete circuit of city walls in the country. See the Water Tower that is no longer next to the water, the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre, the tower where Charles I stood to watch the Battle of Rowton Moor, the famous, much-photographed clock on the Eastgate, the castle and

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even try your luck on the Wishing Steps.

The Roman Amphitheatre is the largest to be uncovered in Britain so far, and dates from the first century, when the Roman fort of Deva Victrix was founded. The evidence recovered from excavation shows that it was used for cock fighting, bull baiting and combat sports, including classical boxing, wrestling and, probably most importantly, gladiatorial combat.

Nowadays, the historical site is open for the public to see and learn of its incredible past.

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LEFT: River ferry and pedalos on the River Dee. Photo

by Caron Badkin ABOVE: Chester Castle. Photo by Lana Endermar MAIN: Grosvenor bridge over the river Dee. Photo by SAKhanPhotography

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Chester Racecourse is possibly the country’s most famous and most visited track. Established in 1539, it is the oldest racecourse still in operation in the world. Centuries ago, the sixty-five-acre site was not even dry land. In fact, it was an important harbour on the river Dee. Some of the anchor stones used at the Roman port can still be observed at the current racecourse site, which is a delight for historians and visitors alike.

In recent years, Chester has extended its racing programme, staging fifteen days of competitive and quality racing.

These events attract top racehorses from Britain, Ireland and sometimes France. This is a racecourse not only steeped in history, but also renowned for its style, innovative nature and of course, incomparable racetrack.

Chester’s Cathedral is undoubtedly an archaeological treasure. Located in the city centre, this breath-taking building has enriched the city for a thousand years. Free to enter, the Cathedral is an integral part of any visit. As well as being a fully functioning 68

church, it has a delightful café, popular Gift Shop and is used for all types of occasions. In fact, the city’s university holds its Graduation within is historical walls each year.

ATTRACTIONS As if visiting Chester’s top heritage sites weren’t enough, this city just keeps on giving. Located within the grounds of the stunning Cathedral is the Falconry. This family friendly attraction gives you the chance to see some of the most spectacular birds of prey, right up close, in the heart of the city and learn all about birds, reptiles, bugs and more.

Owls, falcons, hawks and one incredibly mischievous vulture called Tinks, call the falconry home. From daily flying displays to children’s nature trails and a look at the other wildlife in the centre, there is plenty to keep all the family entertained.

Following in the theme of animals, Chester Zoo is the most visited zoo in the country. With 35,000 extraordinary animals homed in 128 acres of

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zoological gardens, this attraction is a refuge for all animals and those that care for them. The zoo welcomes more than two million visitors each year.

The wildlife refuge works closely with charities to prevent extinction so you can almost guarantee a delightful new arrival on every visit. Most recently the zoo bore witness to the birth of a rare African elephant. In February of this year the zoo’s CCTV cameras caught the phenomenal birth of a healthy female calf whose name will be chosen by the public. The decision is between Riva Hi Way (meaning star) Ramika Hi Way (meaning rejoicing) or Nyna Hi Way (meaning great granddaughter).

In the same month, they also welcomed the birth of two very rare hornbill chicks. This is the first hatching of rhinoceros hornbills in the UK for 13 years. Chester Zoo is the only zoo in the country to have successfully bred the species.

A trip to Chester in summer is not complete without a visit to the riverbank. The river is 70 miles long www.lancmag.com

and stretches through Wales and Chester.

On the bank of the river is the ‘Groves’, a paved promenade complete with a bandstand, cafés, restaurants and public houses. Take a stroll along the riverbank or propel yourself in a motorboat, a rowing boat or a pedalo.

If shopping is your thing then Chester’s offerings will not disappoint.

With an extensive directory of shops, you will be entertained for hours. Shopping in Chester is not only a great way to indulge in retail therapy, it’s a chance to get amongst the history of the cobbled streets, quirky lanes and the famous medieval galleried two-tiered Rows. The Rows are home to some of the quirkiest shops in the area, as well as the popular high street brands. If you are ever in need of some retail therapy, then Chester is the place to be!

TRANSPORT Getting to and from Chester is very easy. The city is a hub for major roads, including the M53 motorway towards the Wirral Peninsula and Liverpool and www.lancmag.com

the M56 motorway towards Manchester.

There is a fantastic bus service within the city and a railway station that allows visitors to come and go from anywhere in the UK. If you are a keen cyclist, there are a series of colour-coded signposted cycling routes around the city. Or for those who would like to see the sites of Chester without having to put any effort in, there is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

Explore this incredible medieval city and make sure you see as much of it as you can on the open-top, double-decker buses.

With 15 stops on the route, you can hop on and off as you please, giving you the chance to explore as much as you wish.

The bus tour will introduce you to the all the things to do in Chester, including the famous City Walls, the Cathedral, and the Roman Amphitheatre. As you are transported around in style, sit back and enjoy discovering how Chester has survived and prospered through its unbelievable history. Before you visit, be sure to check the bus tour’s website as you may be able to get one of the great deals they do regularly.

TOP LEFT: The Eastgate Clock Tower at the entrance of the old town. Photo

by Tanasut Chindasuthi TOP RIGHT: Sleepy Red Panda at Chester Zoo. Photo by mojoeks ABOVE:Chester Cathedral

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High Street. Photo by Nigel Jarvis

DINING Choosing between the hundreds of delicious eateries in the city will be a difficult decision. Chester has an incredible array of restaurants, pubs and cafes to choose from. Whether you are in need of a quick pub lunch or a romantic meal for two, Chester can provide. Cuisines available are limitless but mainly include Chinese, French, Spanish, Greek, Thai, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Traditional English plus a whole host of takeaways.

EVENT CALENDAR In May of each year Chester holds a half marathon, which is one of the UK’s longest established and most

highly regarded half marathons. This event draws thousands of visitors each year. Participants will run past some of Chester’s historic landmarks at the very start of the race. The route starts at Chester Racecourse and loops around the city before heading out into the countryside on Parkgate Road.

Runners will weave through the villages of Mollington, Lea by Backford and Saughall before returning to the city for the finish outside the Town Hall and Cathedral with cheering crowds of welcoming spectators a plenty.

Chester Races have to be the city’s most popular events. With races taking place throughout the summer, the influx of visitors is endless. There is a Racecourse.

Photo by visit chester

buzz throughout the whole city when the racecourse opens its gates. All the pubs, bars and restaurants often put on specials or advertise drink offers.

When the sun is shining, drinks are flowing and crowds are cheering, there is no better place to be than Chester Racecourse.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS The historical beauty of Chester makes it one of the most popular destinations for romantic getaways. As well as endless attractions, mesmerising heritage sites and delicious eateries there is an endless offering of luxury hotels to stay in. Chester is the ideal choice for a romantic weekend away.

For those who wish to bring the kids, Chester has a whole host of familyfriendly pubs and restaurants, not to mention the vast amount of attractions that are sure to keep the little ones entertained.

If you have not yet visited this Cheshire city, then now is the time to go. With summer just around the corner this vibrant city will have visitors flocking. Whether you decide on a day out at the zoo, a shopping day with pals or a weekend away with your loved one, you are ensured a fabulous time.

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A catch up with Peter Rutt Our monthly coloumn by Peter Rutt.

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art 2 of 3. Last month I talked of a street in Liverpool called Bold Street. Certain people claimed they had time slipped for a short period while in or near this shopping area, back to the 1950’s or 1960’s.

Yes your first thought runs to Urban Tales or myths that people copy or embellish but I wonder if the next two stories convince you otherwise.

Imogen was glad a new Mothercare store had opened on the corner of Lord Street and Whitechapel. She visited the store and after walking round for a while she was pleased at the low prices of some of the items although she didn’t know what‘d’ meant on the prices but surmised it was meant to say pounds. Looking around her she noticed the store was old fashioned which Imogen thought was quaint.

After collecting cardigans and other bits and pieces she walked to the lady tending the till. Imogen proffered her credit card to the old fashioned dressed lady who looked at her suspiciously. She went to find the manager who came back and said they did not accept any kind of card, only money. As Imogen did not have money on her she put the items back and walked out of the store disappointed. Imogen relayed the story to her mum who said the store she visited was knocked down years ago. It was a Bank now and the very one her mum used. Not believing her she took her mum into town to prove this to her.

Sure enough only the bank was there.

The next story concern two people that allege they both experienced a time slip at the same time. Frank and Carol had decided to go to town as Carol wanted to visit Waterstones book store. Carol headed into the shop ahead of Frank who had stopped to talk to a friend. After finishing their chat Frank headed into Bold Street but as he looked up, the name above the entrance door read Cripps, not Waterstones. An old fashioned van came close and the

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driver tooted his horn at Frank who had stopped in the road. He noticed the sign on the side of the van that read Cardins. He looked around and noticed people were driving cars that dated post war and the fashion of clothes people wore were from the same era. Women wore head scarves, full long dresses with hair shaped like those typical of the late 1940’s or very early 50’s. Men wore old fashioned hats and long Mac’s.

As Frank approached the store he was greeted with a front display window containing handbags, shoes and umbrellas, all styles of the era. Another woman approached where Frank was standing dressed in modern clothing and could not hide her confused look.

She smiled at Frank though clearly not understanding what she saw. Frank entered the strange store followed by the puzzled woman. Suddenly the

sky became lighter and the book store returned to modern day. Akin to a blink and it was gone. The woman stated that their shared experience was strange.

Historically, Cripps was a women’s clothes store and Cardins was equally well known in Liverpool. So what are we to make of this? Tales, myths or did just one person experience this and all the other stories are made up?

There is one more possibility. Certain frequencies have a knack of scrambling the brain, so to make sense the brain tries to compensate and may turn to historical data to right the imbalance.

OK, but why would it use places it has no knowledge of and why does this not occur elsewhere? What was or is in or around Bold Street that is different to other areas?

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As done as they could be done Sue Gerrard from Merseyside is the first of our two short story winners The theme for our next short story is ‘Greed’ - send your entries in to info@lancashiremagazine.co.uk by 20th May

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hristmas preparations were as done as they could be done and earlier than normal. Presents were under the glittering tree, cards posted, and the house thoroughly cleaned.

Marty my husband couldn’t understand why I had done this as for the first time we were away for Christmas.

‘Nicole why are you doing this?’ he asked again ‘we’re away so there won’t be anybody to appreciate it.’

‘Well it will be perfect for New Year.’ I enthused, stopping short of saying New Year, New Us. He fell silent, the atmosphere subtly changed, and I felt I should have said it; that by not saying it I had indicated I hadn’t forgiven his infidelity and didn’t trust him, but it was Christmas, so I’d let my doubts rest for now.

That resolution was harder to keep because everything was done; now time had slowed down allowing deep breaths between the ever-increasing heartbeats of modern life and thoughts of Christmas Past were invading today.

Beautiful memories of how happy we’d been until Chloe that is… I couldn’t believe he’d had an affair with this woman he’d met on line. It wasn’t like she was a young, she was my age and thirty isn’t old once you reach it.

Why he had done this? I’d spent ages trying to find an answer but knew I never would. Suffice to say he had, I’d found out, had a meltdown while he swore it was over and wanted to try again.

So that was why we were going to Southport to try again; we couldn’t face Christmas at home with memories of the trust we’d once shared.

As I sat surrounded by tinsel, I decided to keep a diary to help me with my situation and I would tell it what was in my heart rather than think what was behind his words to me.

23rd December: it’s like old times travelling to Southport with us in festive spirits, I’d fallen in love again.

Marty called me to the window and there was the ‘Merry Widow’ pub across Lord Street, where we’d honeymooned. Empty although not boarded up it seemed alive and bustling; I imagined I heard Christmas songs from the Promenade carried on the bitter wind. In that moment I decided Chloe was dead, and we were together.

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24th December: couldn’t get back to you last night, too much champagne and then blissful lovemaking. I believe in him.

Everything was great until after a Lancashire breakfast, when Marty went for petrol and I was reading something drew me to the window and ‘Merry Widow’. I looked at the Victorian frontage, remnants of better days, noted the still bright red paint and white curtains. I looked at the first-floor window where we’d stayed; the windows were bare and I froze. I was sure there was a figure sat in an armchair. She was dressed casually and then she looked across and smiled. I moved away; there was something hauntingly familiar about her.

I told Marty, but it was a lost cause.

My imagination, champagne still working on my mind or an estate agent showing a client round. On Christmas Eve I thought but let the matter drop.

I soon forgot about the figure in a sublime evening of magic.

25th December: there was a light flurry of snow and the formation of a Hoare frost on the tree lined Lord Street completed the perfect day. Presents were swapped; Marty gave me an eternity ring while I gave him a signet ring.

Now it’s after lunch and I feel unsettled. While we were battling with mince pies and port a light flicked on across the road like the bright Christmas star.

I quickly told Marty in low whisperings, I didn’t want other guests to hear. He acknowledged me but with none of the alarm I felt. He dismissed it as a time switch, or a caretaker…on Christmas Day I wasn’t impressed.

She was in the chair again; she had long dark hair like mine and was wearing a crimson dress as if she wanted to be noticed.

‘See’, I said excitedly to Marty, ‘that’s no caretaker.’ A squatter then he said, dressed like that - never.

He got churlish saying he’d come away to be with me not chasing phantoms. I tried to forget but couldn’t.

26th December: she was there again, Marty suggested we go walking on the Prom to distract me, but somehow my feet took me to the ‘Merry Widow.’

Marty did more puffing than a steam train but probably thought it was better to let me investigate. I was talking about how deserted it looked

when the front door opened and there she stood. I was speechless, but Marty had a big smile on his face as he extended his hand and explained I had thought she was a ghost. ‘Not yet ‘she smiled politely but I sensed she thought I was mad. I felt stupid; my smile was a cross between a bitten lip and grimace.

It turned out that she, Chrissy and her husband were living there, planning to open a hotel next year. She’s invited us for dinner tomorrow. I feel so happy.

December 27th: the day passed preparing for tonight; at eight we crossed the road and went upstairs to our former bedroom now their lounge.

Her husband wasn’t back from Blackpool, but she said we should toast the future anyway. I sat in the window seat, scribbled my diary entry thinking there may not be time later and sipped my wine…

‘Not long.’ Marty said, his voice muffled. I could see him and hear him, but it was wrapped in cotton wool.

‘Are you sure?’ Chrissy asked, I sensed her looking at me, waiting for something to happen. I recognised the red dress.

‘Don’t worry Chloe I’m a chemist after all.’

‘I am worried though, it’s too smooth.’

‘For you maybe. All you have had to do is prance around looking like Nicole while I’ve to pretend I still love her and stop her talking about what she’s seen to unsuspecting hotel guests.’

‘At least you gave her a good last Christmas. She can’t hear us, can she?

‘No.’ he said smugly. He was a first-class chemist he knew I could hear, after all isn’t hearing the last thing to go. How he must hate me to spare me no pain.

‘I look like her, don’t I?’ Chloe asked ‘Enough to fool the staff and guests across the way. Once home you become you, we take it easy and Nicole becomes the wife who ran away.’

‘When do the bull dozers move in?’

‘2nd January, there will be nothing left of Nicole. Relax Chloe everything that can be done has been done…’

I was drifting away but knew when the ‘The Merry Widow’ was replaced I would still be here to haunt strangers until I had justice.

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Adam Partridge Auctioneers Ephemera: Albums And Notebooks

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n every sale we have a section of ephemeral items which we define as artefacts and memorabilia on paper.

These articles, more than any other antiques or collectables, open a window into the life of the original owner. Our ephemera sections include cigarette cards, tickets, and stamps but the items which are the most revealing of social history feature hand writing, such as postcard messages, commonplace books, notebooks and early autograph albums.

Some notebooks recorded academic progress such as the book which we sold which had been owned by John Henry Lamb of Gelston in Lincolnshire in 1831. He recorded his lessons by inscribing mathematical formulae and day to day sums into his book and decorated some of the pages.

Kept from Greek and Roman times by thinkers and students to record their thoughts, commonplace books are compiled by the owner. These include quotations, lists, facts, poems and prayers personal to the owner; a repository for their innermost thoughts.

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries these were usually written in beautiful copperplate handwriting.

Later, these books became more like scrap books with printed pieces and printed pictures that caught the attention of the owner, cut out and stuck into the book. Recently we sold several of these books containing pieces of information and well executed drawings, and giving insights into contemporary life.

Autographs were originally signed into the personal bibles of friends and family, with quotations and sketches being added on extra blank pages. Specific blank paged books, like the autograph books we know today were introduced, but in the nineteenth century these were bigger to accommodate a lot more than mere signatures.

As the nineteenth century progressed, these family autograph albums became popular especially amongst young adults who asked their friends and family to contribute their favourite poems, miniature paintings

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and humorous thoughts. These books became especially popular amongst students. We sold such an album, created 130 years ago by JE Thackray.

She was an 18 year old trainee teacher who set up her album as she began studying at Edge Hill College in Liverpool. On page one of her album she writes “Every friend I now invite, a trifle in this book to write. Poetic thought, or pleasant jest, each will be a welcome guest�. Among her friends was a professional draughtsman who, among other artworks, drew a page of blank envelope shapes to identify the contributors to her book, creating a sort of address book or perhaps the late nineteenth century equivalent of Facebook.

much of their time and formed a memory book for the original owner.

Now they provide an insight for subsequent owners of the thoughts, preoccupations, and humour of a previous life. We are fortunate that such compact documents of social history still exist despite their ephemeral nature.

Into the early twentieth century, these autograph books became filled more with humorous verses and other comical entries, including poking fun and commentating on the progress of the First World War. The styles of each book are very

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Inviting Entries to the forthcoming specialist sales at The Cheshire Saleroom, Macclesfield 21st May 2020 Antiques & Fine Art with Asian Art & Musical Instruments 25th June 2020 Antiques & Fine Art with Toys, Wines & Spirits 6th August 2020 Antiques & Fine Art with Cars & Automobilia, Stamps & Ephemera FREE VALUATIONS DAYS EVERY: MONDAY IN MACCLESFIELD (9:30am - 7pm), TUESDAY IN ALTRINCHAM (9:30am - 1:00pm & 2pm - 4pm), WEDNESDAY IN LIVERPOOL (9:30am - 6:00pm) The Liverpool Saleroom 18 Jordan Street Liverpool L1 0BP 0151 709 8070

The Cheshire Saleroom Withyfold Drive Macclesfield SK10 2BD 01625 431788

The Regional Office New Beacon Retail Park Catterall PR3 0EN 01772 347380

The Altrincham Office 38 Hale Road Altrincham WA14 2EX 0161 941 4879

www.adampartridge.co.uk

Property Developer • Interior Designer Creating affordable luxury homes that are designed around every day family life. Available for home renovation consultations and interior design packages

www.facebook.com/dobbieproperties

Call 07838 233337 | Email: susanne.dobbie@dobbieproperties.com

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 75

Dobbie Properties Words: Stephen Roberts

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ou’ve probably gathered by now that I live down south (Dorset), however, I do so much writing for the Lancashire Magazine I’ve sometimes thought it would be easier if I just moved north and lived among you. Lytham St Annes, of prom, parks & gardens fame, has appealed since I wrote about it (August 2019).

Now, it just so happens that a new build family home is on the market and I have my eye on it. It’s 238 Heyhouses Lane, Lytham and is being built by Dobbie Properties, a family concern that specialises in bespoke, luxury homes that work for today’s busy families. I spoke to owner, developer and interior designer Susanne Dobbie.

“It all began with small renovations of our own and then a bigger build for our own family home, which made me realise that this was something I’d like to do for a living, as I have a real passion for designing homes that really work for

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today’s families. I set up the company last year (2019) and this has been our first big build. Hard work it has certainly been, but when you truly love something it can feel more like a hobby.

“The idea was to buy properties that are perhaps a tad run down, for example, Heyhouses Lane, which was a two-bed bungalow, then renovate them to a high standard, whilst also converting them into larger family homes. We’d intended Heyhouses Lane to be a renovation, however, upon commencement of the works we realised the original structure could not be used as planned and we therefore had to go back to planning and resubmit drawings for a ‘replacement dwelling’, which we were delighted to achieve. This certainly wasn’t what we’d expected, but we have coped with everything that’s been thrown at us, including so many storms we’ve lost count of them! I’m very hands on and

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oversee everything - it’s all-consuming so certainly not a 9-5 job! I am very lucky to have an excellent relationship with ‘Ian Mason Electrical and Building Services’ who’s managing the project for us on site to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s important to create a circle of people around you who you can trust, which is why I have also brought in local expert Matthew Lonsdale of MHL Consultancy Ltd - Matt is a chartered surveyor and his knowledge and expertise has been invaluable over the course of this project.”

Whilst speaking to Susanne I had been thinking that the name ‘Dobbie’ sounded familiar and she soon explained that one for me. “My husband is Stephen Dobbie (a Scottish professional footballer). Stephen’s job meant that we had to move up and down the country quite a bit and I got the opportunity, first hand, www.lancmag.com

to experience so many homes and the pros and cons of them all. Some things worked and some didn’t in the individual houses and this all set me thinking that I’d love to design my own home and incorporate the best bits from all the ones this peripatetic life had let me experience.

“What I’d learned was that homes, without meaning to, often hinder rather than help a busy family trying to go about its business. We have two young lads (‘two boisterous boys’) who are football mad, just like their Dad, so I know all about juggling work, life, activities etc, and all the challenges this can present. What I very much wanted to do was design a build around the realties of family life, so adjusting the house to the needs of the family, rather than expecting the family to shoe-horn itself into a space that it had to adapt to (often with many frustrations along the way).

“How often do you hear the plaintive lament ‘I wish I had more storage’?

And, why don’t we just factor in the British weather? We all know what it can be like, after all, our weather is one of our most popular conversation topics. Wouldn’t it be practical to have somewhere to put those wet coats when www.lancmag.com

you get home? I’ve been lucky to find myself a really talented architect, Rob Newman, of ‘RDJ Creative’, who’s helped to turn my ideas into reality.

Rob and I worked very closely together during the design stage and we’ve quickly built up a really good working relationship.”

I could understand precisely where Susanne was coming from. In my own home we have a front door we never use. That’s because it opens into the tiniest of halls and then you’re straight on to the carpeted areas, which is not great for those mucky British days that we were talking about. That means that our tradesmen’s entrance (which leads into a passageway with a hard floor) has

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become our main entrance and egress.

It’s also very counter-intuitive and just goes to show that I probably needed Susanne designing my house.

In fact, the first question Susanne poses to herself is ‘how could I live in that house?’ “If I can nail that one right at the beginning then the rest should hopefully be straightforward.

What I want to deliver is something completely bespoke and unique, for example, reflecting on the home we built for ourselves, which we’ve now sold, why not have a laundry room upstairs, as, after all, that’s where the clothing is discarded, and the washing generated.” (I mentioned that to Mrs Steve who immediately concurred with a nod of approval. At the moment, I have to carry her washing basket up and down the stairs on a regular basis).

“The feedback we have had on our previous property is how simple things like that really work, how the space is used effectively and how the home has been adapted to make it far more functional for a family. It all seems very obvious to me and yet it’s something that we often seem to neglect. When designing a renovation, or new build, I have to go through this thought process at the outset. I want to make the space function better for the family that will live there. The house can still be affordable but just work better. This all needs thinking about at the design stage, when there’s still the opportunity to make those telling tweaks.”

I wondered what Susanne had done before Dobbie Properties. “Well, I was really a full-time mum before this, but it was all relevant and invaluable experience, as I had to do the same juggling and managing that a lot of parents and mums cope with. I also had to learn how to get the best out of the space I had (whilst being continually frustrated that the space just didn’t do what I wanted!) I’d always done some interior design work for friends and family, and, having learned so much from our many homes, I felt ready to launch this new venture. With our children becoming a little older and more independent the time felt right to bring my interior design experience and desire to take on a new build together, which is what I’ve done with Heyhouses Lane.”

I’m going to digress for a moment as I do love my football, so I feel that I want to fill in a few blanks re. those many house moves over the decade 78

or so that Stephen and Susanne have been married. Stephen began to make a name for himself during his first spell at Queen of the South (Dumfries) over 2007-09, before playing at Swansea, and then Blackpool, which is when the Dobbies settled in neighbouring Lytham. It would be the first of two spells at Blackpool, with stints at Brighton and Crystal Palace in between.

Now in his second spell at Queen of the South, Stephen is still scoring at a rate of a goal every other game, so clearly the 130-plus mile commute from Lytham isn’t troubling him too much!

“Stephen’s career was our priority for many years and made it hard to commit to anything else, as we were moving about so frequently. He’s been very self-disciplined and has bags of willpower. We’ve both very driven, passionate people, so we share very similar characteristics.

“I like to think that I’ve taken that passion into this new build. It’s the personal touch you’ll get with this house (and hopefully future ones). I’m no big corporation, just a wife and mum, who’s thought deeply about her own children when designing the house, for example, there’s an outside tap by the external door to the ’mud room’, which is situated off the kitchen. All those muddy boots and dogs can be hosed off and then left to dry in the ‘mud room’ before being inflicted on the rest of the house. It’s simple yet very practical and designed to make family life easier and take the hassle out of it. I can also provide a consultancy service, looking around an existing property and offering advice.

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“Working from home is becoming bigger, so the build incorporates a dedicated study.” My ears pricked up, of course, as I have my office at home, where I work on these articles for you. It’s a part of the house, rather than being separate from it and I also have a nice view of the garden so can watch my own mud-lark (Mrs Steve) going about her business. “That sounds idyllic Steve and exactly the kind of effect I want to create. Working at home is becoming more important, so a calm environment is needed, but it also needs to be in harmony with the rest of the house. It’s nice that you can both be working, but still see one another. From my own experience I also wanted to design a solution to the old bugbear of washing and drying and accommodating it in a house without it all getting in the way and being obtrusive. These kind of things will often be viewed as ‘luxuries’ but they really shouldn’t be. These are necessities for most people these days.”

Heyhouses Lane is a four-bed, fourbath new build that taps into Dobbie Properties’ vision that you can have a luxurious home that fully functions around the busy modern family. It includes a formal lounge, study, laundry room and mud room, plus a large open plan living, kitchen and dining area.

Externally there’s an integral garage and large south-facing garden. There’s nothing bog-standard about it. Now, if you fancy the sound of all that you’d best not let the grass grow under your feet. I might be heading north to have a look for myself ! The property is currently on the market with local agent Frank Wyles (01253 731 222).

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First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

Furniture shown is for illustration purposes only and does not come as part of the build package.

All design elements, including layout, can be changed at any time by the developer without notice.

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A Liverpool welcome for HMS Prince of Wales

‘Our’ HMS Prince of Wales Visits Liverpool Reported by Andrew Harris

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wo years ago your columnist was invited to tour the new aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales when she was fitting out at Rosyth in Scotland and we featured the resulting article in our May 2018 edition. It had been announced that this massive ship was being affiliated – or twinned – with Liverpool and would visit the City sometime in 2020. Well, she has!

In early March waving crowds packed Liverpool’s waterfront to welcome the new supercarrier HMS Prince of Wales to Liverpool for her 80

first historic visit to the city. The second of the Royal Navy’s giant new aircraft carriers sailed along the River Mersey for a week-long visit packed with celebrations and engagement with the local community.

The weather was wet and windy but it didn’t deter the massive crowd who lined the area around Liverpool’s cruise terminal from admiring the 65,000-tonne vessel as she came alongside. The Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales – Captain Darren Housten – said “The visit of HMS Prince of Wales to the

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Berthing in Liverpool

Ceremony despite the weather

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great maritime city of Liverpool is an important step in forging enduring relationships with the city and her people.” Before the ship left he added “I am deeply humbled by the incredibly warm welcome we have received and I was delighted to allow members of the public to visit the ship – the first time this has happened for the Queen Elizabeth class.”

The Royal Navy is transforming into a force centred around carrier strike – which can involve strike missions by aircraft, enforcing no-fly zones, deploying Royal Marine Commandos, delivering humanitarian aid and building international partnerships with allies.

HMS Prince of Wales is at the heart of the British fleet as she is one of the most powerful surface warships ever constructed in the UK. She and her sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth are the largest ships ever built for the Royal Navy.

The supercarrier has a ship’s company of 700 sailors which will increase to 1,600 when a full complement of aircraft are on board.

Petty Officer Joe Hornby is an aircraft engineer from Kirby in Liverpool.

He has been in the Royal Navy for 17 years and commented “I joined up in the careers office in Liverpool and it seems like a long time ago. If someone told me then that I would be coming

back into the city on a supercarrier like HMS Prince of Wales I wouldn’t have believed them.”

HMS Prince of Wales departed Liverpool on Friday 6th March. We hope to see her again.

Images are courtesy of the Royal Navy/FotoWare. The May 2018 article by Andrew E. Harris can be seen at www.andreweharris.co.uk under Published Articles/Marine Topics.

Not adieu but au revoir to HMS Prince of Wales

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LANCASHIRE CROSSWORD 1

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You could win a year’s subscription by successfully completing our crossword

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The deadline for entries is 24thApril

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April 2020 Answers 21

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CW MAY

Name Address Post code

1 6 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 21 22 24 27 28 29 30

Lowerhouse Moor Noise Sheepdogs Desserts Twere Eyesore Needled Collier Dishful Naomi St George Eating out Evade Lark Haslingden

Telephone

Across:

Down:

1 Oh! Note growth attributed to Lancashire stately home (7,5)

1 Brother on some fishing equipment (7)

8 Estimated again the value of grass containing a rodent (7)

2 Eat sugar? Not right if you want to make cakes! (7)

9 He feeds inner men (7)

3 To mend rod, move just outside Lancashire (9)

11 Bravo! Cad on a diet has some fruit (7)

4 It is pleasanter inside a volcanic eruption (5)

12. Smoking jacket? (7)

5 He got no movement (2,3,2)

13 Joins up at Lytham St. Annes? (5)

6 He sounds sincere (7)

14 Old Lancashire remedy for all ails (4,2,3)

7 Reputedly sources of molasses at Sabden (7,5)

16 Sorted out sad men! See! Sorted out! (4,5) 19 Celebrated without Edward (5) 21 Eating between meals! (7) 23 The way of Lancashire bargees (3-4) 24 He pays for another’s charity work (7) 25 Stare in horror at the colour touch-up (7) 26 Soft shoe affects Rossendale employment area (7,5)

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Across

10 What the local star will do on Sundays (4,3,5) 15 Put an end to further runs at Old Trafford (9)

Down 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 14 16 18 20 21 23 25 26

Lune Whitewell Reeds Observe Step son Ozone Rossendale Spotters Beacon fell Opinions Lifeguard Roseola Digital Otter Ocean Bean

17 Steal old pies, perhaps (7) 18 Mistakenly brings the fielders in (5-2) 19 Maybe Sir Owen doesn’t learn anymore (2,5)

Winner of our last crossword was: David Fletcher

20 The modern way to make 14 across! (3-4)

Send your entries to:

22 have too much Cheddar (5)

Lancashire Magazine Crossword, Seasiders Way, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 6NZ

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

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

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

Discover more about the new homes in Lancashire

Visit: redrow.co.uk/lancashire

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 89

Downsizing definitely doesn’t mean downgrading THERE are many reasons to move to a smaller home but ‘rightsizing’ with Redrow doesn’t mean homes are any less impressive; quite the opposite, in fact, at Woodford Garden Village, Cheshire.

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partments at The Courtyard are large, luxurious and come with indulgent features such as underfloor heating, bi-fold patio doors onto a spacious balcony and other benefits such as a gated entrance and private garage.

There are 30 two-bedroom, twobathroom apartments, all of them perfect for homebuyers who need less space without compromising on luxury.

Priced from £364,995, the largerthan-average apartments vary in size between 947 sq ft and 1060 sq ft – making the floor space equivalent to some houses.

Anna Evans-Kerr, area sales manager at Redrow Homes (North West), says: “When children move out, families are sometimes left with a house that is far too big. These homes can require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, just some of the factors that rightsizing can eliminate.”

Anna continues: “We’ve already sold

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three of the apartment’s off-plan and had lots of interest. It’s no wonder really when they will be so luxuriously appointed, have plenty of space for socialising and offer a way of living that is different to what is already on sale at the other outlets.”

Redrow’s apartments at The Courtyard include flooring throughout, wardrobes to bedroom one, half height tiling to bathrooms, downlights and even USB charging points, ensuring the homes are fully up to date. All apartments will also have two bathrooms including an ensuite for bedroom one.

“People choosing to rightsize might reduce their mortgage payments or even find themselves completely mortgage free or releasing some equity. In addition they should also save money on energy bills and avoid some of the costs of repairs and maintenance that come with a big, old property,” Anna adds.

to Wilmslow, Poynton and Bramhall and is within commuting distance (13 miles) of central Manchester. It’s part of the wider Woodford Garden Village development, which features a diverse range of new homes from mews style properties to large and luxurious fivebedroom executive detached houses, a central village green, numerous areas of open space and play areas. It will also have its own shops, a pub and primary school.

The first of The Courtyard apartments will be ready to move into in the Winter and would-be homebuyers are able to take a full virtual tour of the properties through the use of a state of the art interactive visual system available in the sales centre.

To find out more, visit the sales centre at Woodford Garden Village open seven days a week from 10am5.30pm, call 0161 636 0798 or go to www.redrow.co.uk/thecourtyard.

The Courtyard lies in close proximity

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Flexible Space to suit all Lifestyles in Woodford THERE’S a range of homes at Tudor Grange, within Redrow’s flagship Woodford Garden Village, in Cheshire, taking flexible living to a new level.

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ffering buyers the chance to move up instead of out, the three-storey Grantham townhouse offers owners the space to be versatile – without the added price tag.

Starting from £379,995, this four-bedroom townhouse is perfect for all kinds of customers, including first-time buyers, those purchasing a house for a growing family and buyers who are ‘right-sizing’ when the children have flown the nest.

On the ground floor there is a spacious open plan kitchen/ dining area and separate lounge, but it’s the first floor where owners can truly make the home their own.

“With three bedrooms on the first floor plus a family bathroom, owners may decide to use one of the extra bedrooms as a study, a home gym or even a dressing room,” says Anna Evans-Kerr, area sales manager for Redrow Homes North West.

“In today’s world, we like to be able to tailor everything from the cars we drive to holidays so why not have the option to do that at home too?” continues Anna.

The top floor of the Grantham is dedicated to the master suite and includes an en-suite.

Anna adds: “This layout is perfect for anyone who likes a bit of peace and quiet.

After a busy day at work, in search of sanctuary, having a whole floor to yourself at the top of the house may be just what’s needed.”

Just one of a number of phases at Woodford Garden Village, residents will be able to enjoy numerous areas of play, parks and public open space, which also features tree-lined boulevards.

Close to Handforth, Bramhall and Poynton, and within easy commuting distance of Stockport and Manchester, Woodford Garden Village will also be home to a brand-new primary school, pub and village shops.

For more information on the homes at Tudor Grange visit the sales office open seven days a week usually from 10am to 5.30pm. Alternatively call 0161 516 0861 or see www.redrow.co.uk/tudorgrange. For homes available in the wider development go to: www.redrow.co.uk/promo/woodford www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 91

BELOW: Arkwright water-powered spinning frame displayed at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Photo by Lerner Vadim RIGHT: Engine Room at Holmes Mill, Clitheroe. Photo by Emilie May Photography

Run of the Mill Words: Jake Houghton

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s a Clitherorian born and bred, it’s hard to avoid the simple fact that cotton, as the once everbusy mills, are the absolute bedrock of the Ribble Valley and Lancashire itself. In fact, telling this story reminds me of many happy natters with my great grandma, about her days at the loom back in the 1970s/1980s. In her memory I would like you to come with me as we follow the threads of this incredible industry.

In the Beginning Let’s kick things off with the millionpound question of what do you think of, when it comes to cotton, and its inextricable link with the very DNA with the North West? Of course, our imagination wants to take us to a grim, brick monster of a building, with some poor souls inside beavering away for a pittance. But if we were to fly the Tardis backwards, you maybe be surprised to find the origins of the mill, in the damp and drizzly landscape with dull grey skies and rolling hills.

To explain cast your mind back to half remembered history lessons on the Industrial Revolution, that dramatic shift from slogging it out in the home and fields, to fully mechanised labour

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during the 1750-1800s. something that would not have been possible, were it not for a few handy inventions by some truly ingenious men with the great Northern innovator Richard Arkwright leading the way. Here are a couple of key examples: • John Kay and the Flying Shuttle (1733): A farmers son from Bury near Manchester born in 1704, was a god send for the weaver with his new automated way of cotton spinning that allows you to work with more material in much less time (tea break anyone?).

• James Hargreaves and the Spinning Jenny (1764): A weaver himself born in 1720, poor Jimmy never went to school, but like any Lancashire lad worth his salt; he put all that energy into giving back to others in the industry, via the crafting of a loom with an extra spool, meaning you can spin the most cotton at once.

• Richard Arkwright and the Spinning Frame (1769): A tailor’s boy born in 1732, good old Dickie’s device was completely hands-free, powered by horses, and designed to produce cotton thread automatically.

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Rise of the Factory With all this new-fangled mechanised weaving spreading rapidly, you obviously need the space to house the new tech, plus the people required to operate it; meaning the age of the Factory had arrived like some bizarre creature from another planet. The first one appeared in Birmingham in 1741 called the Priory Mill with the help from the inventor Paul Lewis. It wasn’t until 1782 however, that Clitheroe caught up with its own Edisford Mill in the village of Low Moor, which was in business for 99 years.

Once the industrial ball started to roll, there was no stopping it, with 210 Mills churning out cloth to the max in 1788, and many more from Manchester to Nelson by the 1850s. Cotton was also the great money-spinner at the time, which we know from our old friend Mr Arkwright, whose own factories were making a staggering £40,000 a year by todays standard! Yes folks, you may very well turn green with envy, at the sight of those 600,000 lucky souls who also got a piece of the action by the close of the 19th century.

Little old Clitheroe, however, was less fortunate in this new brave world of machines, a case and point being the Primrose Mill that had been going since 1810. The company was kitted out with automatic looms in 1826, but the owner James Thompson tragically died aged just 30 in 1849 leaving Primrose drowning in debt. The factory was closed 4 years later, the workers forced to find jobs in the States, only to come back stronger in 1857, when the business expanded into printing.

Ladies of the Loom Now that the mills are up and running, let’s take a peep inside if you will, and readers will notice a certain amount of girl power. Surprising I know, given that the Victorians were not too keen on equality between the sexes, however a different picture emerges from an 1840s report: a study carried out to uncover factory conditions. The 94

Power loom weaving in a cotton mill in Lancashire England ca 1835.

Engraving with modern watercolor. Image by Everett Historical LEFT: Holmes Mill Exterior. Photo by Embee Photography

findings show 611,300 women earning their crust, 10,700 of whom have husbands waiting for them back home.

Understandably appalled you may be girls, but by simply clocking on every day, those women of the mill are slowly breaking down the classic Victorian convention saying that sheer physical labour is for men only. Imagine also how the ladies must have been bursting with pride and purpose, because here at last is a community and life that is entirely her own, and away from tedious shackles of home. But the factory was far from being a place of freedom, in fact it would blow your mind to know just how gruelling and tough life at the loom was.

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For the average Mill girl, the day started at 9am sharp, lasted for 12 hours, amid 18-degree heat and noise that relentlessly attacks the ear. Sound so intense in fact, that worker had to mime their conversations, something that would on a positive note, would go on to inspire a certain Mancunian Comic, Lancashire’s great funny man Les Dawson.

As if that wasn’t enough, the girls had to endure pathetically small wages, equivalent in today’s money to; 50p a day, 4p an hour, with £3.00 at the end of a hard week if the boss isn’t a total Scrooge.

Providing the job didn’t actually kill the women first, via damage to the www.lancmag.com

lungs or cancer, more injustices lay in wait outside the factory door. On the one hand, there are shocking tales of newly married employees being sacked, due to concerns over the Mill taking women away from their ‘traditional’ roles as wife and mother. There were also long periods of separation to contend with for those who took their young babies to work, as well as the double risk for the children left behind, so says Elizabeth Woodhouse, a nurse working in the 1830s; “The children are left with whoever they get, and some suffer badly from it.”

Given that there was no financial support system in place for women who chose to stay at home with the kids, www.lancmag.com

it is impossible for people in this day and age not to appreciate the Catch 22 nature of that situation, which makes the dignity and strength of the Mill girls well worth emulating.

The Cotton Kids It’s time to address the elephant in the room of this subject, which is sadly child labour, one of the darkest chapters of weaving history. No pangs of conscience for the average factory boss, as far as they were concerned, children were a cheap and effective work force prized because of their youth and speed. Put simply, in the world on 19th century business, money trumps morals.

Typically, child workers started the

job between the ages of 5-15, slavered away for 19 hours solid, Monday to Saturday 5-9, 16 hours a day solid, with no holidays. Something for the little treasure of today to think about when they start winging, about going to school. Not content with just sapping their workers of childhood, owners paid them a miserable £5.11 in today’s money, which was only dished out according to the amount of work done in the time and never increased.

Factory education was basic to put it mildly, offering the bare minimum in writing, reading and maths; with the ironic dose of prayers on a Sunday, with the food being no better, we are told by 8-year-old Sarah Carpenter:

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• Oat cake with warm milk for breakfast and lunch • Thick, inedible potato pie with very little meat in the evenings • Bread and cheese once a year While all this may bring back stomach churning memories of school canteens, fetch the bucket, because there is more! Add to the mix cases of children being put to sleep via the opiate-based Godfrey’s cordial, horrific injuries, as well as physical and sexual violence, this Dickens nightmare also had no escape route. This is because there was zero compensation on offer for the families of little ones, who died in the clutches of the looms they were paid to clean in situ. They were simply replaced, and the cold Cotton Mill rumbled on with no time or cash to spare.

Gears of Change By the arrival of the 1830s, we finally start to see those in power get off their ample backsides, and take note of the dire plight of factory workers including a conservative MP and aristocrat by the name Antony Ashley-Copper.

Along with friend and educational activist Michael Sadler, the devout Tony became committed to saving the Cotton generation via the first Factory Act 1833, that was introduced by the Prime Minster Charles Grey.

The rules were as followed: • Children under 9 are not to take on Mill work • Those aged 9-13 are limited to working 48 hours per week • Under 13s are given 2 hours of regular education Of course, such radical alteration in working conditions were slow in starting, so government officials had to be sent in to check on progress, and you can imagine how busy they must have been due to the second Factory Act 1844 pushed through by another Tory PM Robert Peel, which include the following: • No more missing fingers, as child employee are mercifully, banned from maintaining looms in operation • For those aged 9+ working hours are further reduced to 6 and a half • 1847 sees the reformers strike gold, when the working day is finally limited, to 10 hours By 1867, under the admin of Edward Smith-Stanley, the new measures were rolled out nationwide 96

The Spinning Jenny which is a multi spindle spinning frame. Illustration by Morphart Creation

across all industries from steel production to book binding. By the mid1890s, readers will be greatly relived to hear that after years of blood, sweat and tears; women and children were at last able to down tools, looking back on a job more than well done, as they left the factory doors behind them for good.

Winding Down As we bid farewell to the smoke and soot of the Victorians, speeding forward into the 20th century, you will find that the cotton business was still going strong until 1914 and the rude interruption of WW1. At this point, Britain was being left out in the cold, by the international community who focused on their own products.

Matters did not improve in 1933, when the Japanese started to overtake the British via the 24-hour Mill. The situation was made worse by a certain Mr Ghandi, who in his quest for Indian independence, ordered a complete rejection of UK textiles that caused widespread closures and job losses.

When war loomed large again in 1939, the industry seemed to be in safe hands, producing much needed pieces of kit for the RAF and army. However, the 1950s saw large number of Indians join the party meaning nightshifts that didn’t work for most people.

Even Harold McMillan’s Cotton Industry Act 1959, that belatedly dragged the mills into the modern age, did seem to be a ripe case of too little, too late. Fast forward to the 1960/1970s, the once unstoppable

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cotton machine was frankly running on empty, with demand turning away from Lancashire due to fresh sources abroad that cause factories and livelihoods to disintegrate.

In fact, by the 1980s the industry that stretched back roughly 200 years, pretty much collapsed leaving abandoned mills and town behind to tell the tale.

Keep on Spinning….

Yes friends, it’s sad to say that weaving in the North West has become a distant memory in most parts, but there is a twist to this story in the shape of Holmes Mill in Clitheroe that was re-developed in 2015. The original factory was built by John Taylor in 1823 and continued to trade until the 1990s, the business has since expanded into a hotel, bar, brewery, food hall and more recently, a cinema. (I sincerely recommend the Sticky Toffee Pudding, trust me, you won’t regret it!)

Now we have come to the end of this entertaining little yarn readers, what has struck me, is the immense compassion that runs through the entire saga of the Cotton Mills, from Richard Arkwright and others using their skills in the service of those struggling; to the people that work hard at Holmes Mill, doing their upmost in every possible way, to keep this Northern gem sparkling for generations to come.

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A cos y Cou ntr y Inn ...

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ocated in the heart of the pretty village of Waddington, the Waddington Arms is the perfect place to eat, drink and relax. This traditional country pub is ideally placed for walkers - whether that’s a gentle stroll around the village or something more challenging, dogs and muddy boots are always given a warm welcome from Andrew, Russell and the team!

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Plea to Save Local Zoo Forced to Close during Coronavirus Crisis

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popular local zoo and conservation charity could be struggling to survive during the coronavirus crisis. Milnthorpe’s Wildlife Oasis have been battling to stay open by putting stringent health and safety procedures in place, but following increased government guidelines, were finally forced to close their doors yesterday.

Home to over 100 species, many of which are critically endangered in the wild, the zoo is an internationally recognised contributor to worldwide conservation programmes. As a registered charity, they also welcome thousands of visitors a year, spreading their message of conservation and education.

The zoo has contingency funds, but

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with the doors closed, these could soon get eaten up- quite literally. Having so many important mouths to feed makes securing funds to see the zoo through the lockdown period even more critical.

The zoo is calling on supporters and visitors to help raise £10,000 by setting up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page, or taking donations directly.

Nearly three decades since welcoming their first visitors, co-founder Jo Marsden and her staff have never faced a challenge like it: “After coming through the devastating floods, we’re literally fighting for our survival,”, she said. “Our highest priority is always our animals’ welfare, and our dedicated staff will never compromise, but for food, heat, and veterinary care we need to ensure funding. We know we have the

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most amazing visitors and supporters, so we are calling on anyone who can help make a donation. Nothing is too smallevery penny really does help.”

Since making followers aware of their plight, zoo staff have been overwhelmed at their generosity, with £500 given by just 13 donors in the first few days.

Any individuals or local businesses who can make a donation or help fundraise, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/ safeguardoasis or contact the zoo directly on mail@wildlifeoasis. co.uk. See ‘Lakeland Wildlife Oasis’ on Facebook, where the zoo is posting regular updates on the crisis situation.

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ocated in the heart of the village, The Shireburn Arms is a 17th Century hostelry offering a warm welcome and stunning views across the Ribble Valley.

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WA L K S

with

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/ 8.7km 5.4 miles Distance: to 3 hours Time: 2½ 175m of Moderate: onally rough l stiles. ascent, occasi n with severa and uneve

S H I R E B U R N A R M S H O T E L . C O. U K

T. 01254 826678 | Whalley Road, Hurst Green, Clitheroe, BB7 9QJ LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 99

Afternoon Tea A Great British tradition being played out in Lancashire. We’ve gathered some perfect spots around the North West for you to enjoy afternoon tea and all the delicacies you fancy.

The Royal Hotel Indulge in Afternoon Tea at The Royal Hotel, Kirkby Lonsdale. A lovingly restored Georgian town house hotel providing luxury accommodation and exceptional hospitality amidst the unspoilt English countryside of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland.

A selection of sweet and savoury treats and a choice of tea can be enjoyed, and the great big windows overlooking the square make it the perfect spot for a bit of people watching.

Afternoon tea is served daily from 12pm - 3pm Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria LA6 2AE. Tel: 01524 271 966. www.royalhotelkirkbylonsdale.co.uk

Mitton Hall

Afternoon Tea

We don’t think Afternoon Tea should consist of stuffy ceremony and uncomfortable formalities. That’s why, with us, Afternoon Tea is all about delicious food, and moreish pastries all lovingly prepared, plus plenty of tea & coffee served in a relaxed atmosphere.

Sit in front of the roaring fire, grab a newspaper and spoil yourself rotten. Or perhaps, if the sun is shining, take tea out on the terrace and have a good, long catch-up with friends. For an extra special treat, indulge in one of our Champagne or Cocktail Afternoon Teas. Vegetarian and Gluten free options available.

Afternoon Tea is served daily between 12 noon – 5 pm Mitton Hall, Mitton, Whalley, Lancashire, BB7 9PQ. Tel: 01254 826544. www.mittonhallhotel.co.uk

Rothay Manor Hotel

A Great British tradition being played out in La gathered some perfect spots around the No to enjoy afternoon tea and all the deli

The Royal Hotel

Indulge in our divine Afternoon Tea in our 4 star country house hotel. We will treat you to a delicious assortment of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an amazing array of sweet treats.

Choose from a selection of fine loose leaf teas from Jing Tea or coffee from locally based Farrer. Relax in one of our comfy lounges, by a warm fire when the weather is grey, or outside in the gardens when the sun is shining.

Served Monday – Saturday between 1pm - 4pm and Sunday 3:30pm – 5pm. Dietary requirements welcome.

Rothay Manor Hotel, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EH. Tel: 015394 33605 www.rothaymanor.co.uk

Lindeth Howe Country

Indulge in Afternoon Enjoy Tea at The Royal Lindet Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned

by Beatrix Potter.

Hotel, Kirkby Lonsdale. once o We have a selection of Afternoon Teas available,Afrom Traditional to Deluxe or why not try lovingly restored We ha our Savoury Spin on Afternoon Tea? We also have our delicious and popular Gluten Free Georgian town house Aftern Afternoon Tea! So why not come and relax and eat in one of our lovely lounges or in our hotelandproviding luxury beautiful gardens with views over Lake Windermere to the fells beyond.

Tradit Our Afternoon Teas are served daily between 2pm and 5pm A warm welcome awaits you at accommodation and not try this beautiful 4 star 2 rosette property on the outskirts of Bowness On Windermere. exceptional hospitality Aftern Lindeth Drive, Longtil Hill, Bowness On Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3JF. amidst the unspoilt our de 01539445759 English countryside of www.lindeth-howe.co.uk Gluten the Lake District, the www.lancmag.com 100 LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE So why not come and relax and e Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland.

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Keswick Our own wordsmith Stephen Roberts on the radiant town that inspired so many literary greats before him

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s a published author and a bit of a wordsmith (though I say so myself) I do love to retrace the footsteps of past literati (lovers of literature). I could do considerably worse than pay Keswick a visit.

Ensconced in the Lakes, its northern centre in fact, you can quickly appreciate why Keswick might have attracted writers with something poetic to commit to paper. Its position is beauteous, and it’s towered over by the bulky presence of Skiddaw and Saddleback to give it a certain remoteness, a grandeur, a magical presence even, and then, by contrast, there’s Derwentwater offering placid tranquillity. Today it’s very much a tourism hotspot in the northern Lake District.

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The poets and indeed artists have come from far and wide, as have visitors who just want to sample a bit of what they appreciated. Even without the surroundings the town is attractive. It’s all grey stone (attractive with a blue sky), narrow defiles and passageways, and is at a confluence of roads, so perhaps not quite as remote as one might think. I’m not a great fan of roads or cars but I’m told that we’re talking just 20 minutes from J40 of the M6.

If you plan to visit in the heat of the season though it pays to plan and book ahead. Whilst there is a myriad of accommodation options, from luxury to budget, rooms get snapped up. Summer also brings that other delight of modern life, the pesky motor vehicle, so Keswick is a pleasure best sampled using one’s www.lancmag.com

own motive power (legs). It’s actually only a short walk to Derwentwater, where landing stages offer cruises and other waterborne transport on this ‘Queen of the English Lakes’.

Greta Hall is Keswick’s only Grade I Listed building, built around 1800, which is also when Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) came to stay (he of the ‘Ancient Mariner’) when he was chumming up to Wordsworth and his misses who lived nearby at Grasmere.

The other Lake Poet (to make up the triumvirate) followed in 1803. This was Robert Southey (1774-1843), a poet whose name became linked to the nursery rhyme of ‘Goldilocks’. Southey also lived at Greta Hall for some years after Coleridge had quit Keswick in 1804. It’s fair to say that these literary www.lancmag.com

TOP LEFT: The entrance to Greta Hall, which is Keswick’s single Grade I Listed building (Photo by ‘Antiquary’) TOP RIGHT: Keswick Saturday market with the Moot Hall in the background (Photo by David Iliff.

Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0) ABOVE: Plaque on Keswick’s Moot Hall detailing its history (Photo by Tim Riley)

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luminaries began the tramp of tourist feet as bookish pilgrims wanted to follow in the footsteps of the Romantic poets.

Charles Lamb (1775-1834), essayist, poet and antiquarian, also visited Keswick for his hols, whilst poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) was another to make the journey, residing in Keswick for a while after his marriage. This would have been following his first marriage to the young Harriet Westbrook rather than the second to the far better known Mary Wollstonecraft (a.k.a. Mary Shelley) who became, famously, the authoress of ‘Frankenstein’. Lord Byron, John Keats, Thomas De Quincey (Lancashire Magazine, September 2019) and abolitionist William Wilberforce all trod the streets of Keswick.

As if this was not enough the Royal Oak Hotel was patronised by the likes of Sir Walter Scott, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Robert Louis Stevenson and that man Wordsworth, with Coleridge and the Southeys also crossing its threshold. Given that golden roll call I can’t see anyone putting up a blue plaque to my good self, should this particular author deign to visit.

The Fitz Park Museum and Gallery is a must for anyone interested in all of this as it holds an extensive and rightly famous collection of manuscripts by the likes of Southey, Wordsworth, Coleridge’s lad (Hartley), who was also a writer, and Hugh Walpole (18841941), a later novelist. There are also some letters of John Ruskin (18191900), the famous art critic. There’s also a picture of his in the gallery, plus some

by J.M.W. Turner and others, mainly of regional significance, among a fine art collection running to some 500 items. The current museum also covers geology, flora and fauna, local bods, social/industrial history etc among a total collection of some 20,000 objects (of which up to 10% will be on display at any one time) and was purpose-built in 1898 using local slate stone, although the collection had previously been in the Moot Hall (from 1874), of which more soon ish. A major refurb was completed funded principally by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the museum happily reopened its doors in 2014.

The Keswick School of Industrial Arts (KSIA) was established (1883/4)

by Canon H.D. Rawnsley (1851-1920), who was a mate and devotee of Ruskin, vicar of Crosthwaite (1883-1917), and 104

one of three co-founders of the National Trust, in fact it was his love for the Lake District that helped inspire him to establish that force for good. The school, which taught metal working and wood carving, moved into purposebuilt premises in 1894 because its membership had increased to over 100, such was its popularity. The school closed in 1984 after a century of activity but some of its works are on display at the museum. Ruskin meanwhile had a branch of his hand-made linen enterprise at Keswick. Rawnsley’s wife, Edith, was herself an artist.

Keswick’s art story is not just an historic one either: there’s still a flourishing art scene today.

Mention of industry and metal working reminds me that Keswick has not been just about the arts.

Minerals were discovered hereabouts during the reign of Elizabeth I, with the discovery of black lead forging a pencil making industry, which became the town’s major industrial enterprise. There’s a museum devoted to it.

Crosthwaite Parish Church, where Rawnsley

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LEFT: Keswick Museum & Art Gallery, Fitz Park, Keswick (Photo: Stephen Craven / Keswick Museum and Art Gallery) ABOVE: Greta Hall and Keswick Bridge (Author: William Westall, c.1840) BELOW: Castlerigg Stone Circle, just outside Keswick. The views from up here are spectacular (Photo by Nick Woolley)

LEFT: The Royal Oak Hotel, Keswick, much frequented by the literati, but hopefully when there was no scaffolding on the building (author – ‘The joy of all things’) ABOVE: St Kentigern’s Church, Keswick (Photo by Alexander P. Kapp / St Kentigern’s Parish Church, Crosthwaite, Keswick).

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The former home of the Keswick School of Industrial Art, High Hill, Keswick, which was founded by Canon Rawnsley, co-founder of the National Trust (Photo by ‘Antiquary’)

ministered, lies on the edge of Keswick, on its north-west side, and is dedicated to St. Kentigern (or ‘Mungo’). The story is that ancient Cumberland lay in the Kingdom of Strathclyde and Kentigern (518-614) fled the governance of the pagan Morken, planting his Christian cross in this ‘thwaite’, or clearing (hence ‘Cross-thwaite’). The original church was reputedly built in 553 as Crosthwaite became Keswick’s mother settlement. The current church was reputedly founded back in the 12th century, and whilst it may have been rebuilt c.1553, it still remains the valley’s oldest building. There’s a memorial to Southey and the church was further restored just after his death, in 1844,

by Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811-78), the prolific Gothic revival architect, who designed or refreshed over 800 buildings, including the Midland Grand Hotel at St. Pancras. Kentigern meanwhile is also held to have been the founder of the city of Glasgow.

The small Grade II* Listed Moot Hall dates from 1813 and has an 106

unusual one-handed clock. There’s a plaque telling some of the building’s history as there were earlier versions dating back to the late 16th century.

There was one c.1571 that was used as a court house and lock-up, which was then rebuilt in 1695. That clock, the bell and materials all came from Lord’s Island, Derwentwater according to the plaque. The hall, which houses the TIC, overlooks the town centre market which takes place on Saturdays (all year) and Thursdays (February to December).

The market will soon be approaching its 750th year as it was established by a Royal Charter of 1276, early in the reign of King Edward I. The public library (Heads Road) has much info about the town.

One thing to emphasise squarely is that Keswick does not just rely on its history and heritage to attract visitors.

There’s a lot going on today with any number of events and festivals, celebrations of everything from film, words and music to beer, boating, agriculture and Victoriana. There’s

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also the ‘Theatre by the Lake’, which opened in 1999 and has its 400-seat ‘Main House’ and 100-seat ‘Studio’ and has been described as ‘the most beautifully located and friendly theatre in Britain’.

If you fancy stretching your legs, another good walk would be to Friar’s Crag, on the lakeside, described by Ruskin as one of his earliest memories.

There’s a memorial to him here, unveiled in 1900. About two miles east of the town is the Castlerigg Stone Circle, a 100-foot diameter stone circle comprising 38 megalithic stones.

Within the oval ring is a further space (rectangular in shape) delineated by ten more stones. The views from up here are worth yomping for. If ‘outdoor activities’ are your bag, then come to Keswick: it’s one of the main centres for such stuff in the UK. I’m going to leave the last word to Ruskin. He said that Keswick was a place ‘almost too beautiful to live in’.

Take a bow. www.lancmag.com

Keswick Museum transforms exhibition spaces

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Keswick Museum launched its new exhibition spaces this week, as part of its £125k Exhibitions 2020 project.

upported through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Friends of Keswick Museum, the project has seen the two main galleries within the Museum transformed.

The exhibition spaces celebrate exciting stories from Keswick and its surrounding area history.

The first gallery tells the story of the landscape of the area, from how the landscape was created through to those that have lived and visited the area.

Moving into the second gallery, the visitor can explore stories of those that have been inspired by the landscape through arts, crafts and literature.

Highlights include the Keswick School of Industrial Arts and Southey’s Three Bears. Gallery 2 also includes a special exhibitions area showcasing until the 31st August the work of Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, founder of the National Trust. The exhibitions are a great place for families, with Mr Fox guiding the children through different activities around the Museum.

Alongside the exhibitions will run a learning programme for schools plus a programme of talks and events for

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adults, including ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours to explore the collection stores.

Details of events and activities are available from www.keswickmuseum. org.uk or through social media @ keswickmuseum.

The project is supporting the development of the Community Gallery, a free-to-enter space for groups and individuals to create their own exhibitions. During February this area celebrates the parkrun that meets in Fitz Park each week.

Commenting on the launch, Becks Skinner, Museum Manager said: “It’s fantastic to see the new exhibition spaces come alive, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated volunteers and staff. The Museum is not only a mustsee attraction for visitors but provides an important community hub that preserves and celebrates our heritage”.

About Keswick Museum Keswick Museum was founded in 1873, moving to its present site on Fitz Park in 1897.

Following the 2020 revamp and a huge enhancement project, completed

in 2014, Keswick Museum continues to be a dynamic and forward-looking organisation run by the community for the benefit of the community as well as visitors to the area.

The Museum is home to a collection that represents Keswick and the surrounding area covering areas such as social history, art, archaeology, literature, geology, natural history and industrial history.

Folllow @keswickmuseum on Twitter and Facebook

Fabulous International Women’s Day 2020 Following the success of the 2019 event, The Washington Group’s International Women’s Day 2020 Festival was hosted for the second time at The Blackpool Sixth Form College.

Words: Karen Pennington Photos: Rachel Lambert, Rebecca Terras, Susan Wood

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alking into the very modern The Blackpool Sixth Form College (Blackpool Sixth) there was definitely a ‘buzz’ around the building as young ladies of all ages gathered to register for the event. This was an invitation-only festival that took place on Saturday 7th of March with every high school across Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde being invited. Also invited were students from Educational Diversity schools, including schools for students with additional needs. This year six primary schools were invited, previously the event had only invited senior school students, however this year The Washington Group wanted to see if they could encourage even younger students to think about their futures. Attending the festival were also 25 local female role models and schools. Before the event attending schools worked with their chosen ‘role model’, finding out more about their upbringing and how they achieved their role today. After which, all the schools involved developed a

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presentation/art installation about their chosen inspirational women, which was displayed in the Festival areas. Many of whom would need no introduction such as Councillor Amy Cross, Blackpool’s first female Mayor and Blackpool born Paralympian Shelly Woods. There were many more on hand to inspire the young female students.

Debbie Terras, Director of The Washington Group welcomed everyone to the second festival to be held at Blackpool Sixth. The day’s proceedings began with Kim Fox, a professional local artist who sang with such vigour she really wowed the crowd.

Excellence only matched by the superb performance of Blackpool Sixth’s Dance Academy, who performed to Kim’s inspiring tunes. My favourite was Beyoncé’s ’Run the World (girls) song, which really put the audience in the mood for the workshops that followed.

After the performance Debbie Terras said it was a pleasure for The Washington Group, to work with the

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college, to provide a holistic community feel for the young women. Local businesses and volunteers had joined together to support the day, inspiring people of all ages, making them realise new dreams and ambitions, which really could be achieved.

Debbie Terras in her address also mentioned that a recent report had said that Blackpool was the toughest place to be a girl in the UK. She turned this around saying that everyone should be proud of their home town. They should show the world that far from being the toughest place, Blackpool actually breeds young women of all ages who have tenacity, with plenty of opportunities to make Blackpool and the Fylde Coast constantly shine. Jill Gray, the passionate and professional Principal of Blackpool Sixth followed Debbie’s address by asking everyone attending to celebrate being a woman and enjoy an amazing day at the International Women’s Day 2020 festival. Speaking to Jill Gray later she stated that the college could not wait to www.lancmag.com

be involved again this year, as they were so thrilled with the success of the 2019 event.

The Principal went on to say that the event was not just about their own students, as she knew young women attending last year’s event appreciated exploring what was available. It also made them realise that there were so many more opportunities than they previously thought. Whether that involved progressing on to Blackpool Sixth, enrolling on apprenticeship schemes or takes up a completely different profession. Jill explained that the day was really about giving young women more confidence and making them feel more empowered to achieve their potential, just like many of the role models attending today.

The Blackpool Sixth students alongside Sue Littlefair, from the Washington Group, put together various ‘goodie bags’, which were handed out to attendees on the day. Students also acted as ambassadors, directing visitors to any one of the five zones where they www.lancmag.com

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could partake in various workshops.

The event also gave Blackpool Sixth Performing Arts students a chance to shine, with one student Kelly Pritchard saying it was a pleasure being able to show the visitors the opportunities the college could offer. The college students were involved in dance or performing music for the many visitors.

Students from Media Studies filmed the event and took photographs of many attending or performing.

Looking around the hall where the address had taken place it was obvious to see the excitement in the faces of the young women, some of whom may become famous for their own achievements in the future. Julie Maughan from the Pink Link Ladies Networking Group - full of female entrepreneurs – told me Pink Link had sponsored the wrist bands that the youngsters wore to enter the event.

Julie explained that the invited schools had chosen to attend a selection of workshops during the day. Julie said what a fabulous opportunity it was to be involved following their experience at last year’s event. Julie remarked “if anyone in the room could inspire just one young woman at the start of their adulthood to do what they really want to do, it would be amazing. Many do not know what career they should follow while they are in their teens but they may find that some of their ‘role models’ were in exactly the same position at their age but look what they have become today.”

We left the Sports Hall, aptly named the This Woman Can Field, sponsored

by Fylde Council, filled with sport activities including lazer gun shooting

by NW Pentathlon Hub, a climbing wall, Police training and Army tasks to head towards the next area. The first room we visited was the ‘Rainbow Field’ room, sponsored by Wyre Council - a room where youngsters were encouraged to be and look their best.

Workshops in here included Colour Stylists and various make-up artists, ‘Pixie Dust’ a make-up artist, who has been involved in television and film work. In the same room representatives from Lancaster University Confucius Institute offered a varied programme of cultural classes. An arts group ‘Brush & Tipple’ encouraged students to take part in a practical art class, while another group called ‘Little Voices’ was coaching a small group of young ladies to sing. ‘Little Voices’ offers drama and 110

singing classes to youngsters aged 4 – 18 across the Fylde Coast. Ellena Morgan explained that they work with no more than eight students in a class. They get to know their students very well, building their trust, before bringing out the best in their abilities. All of which is used to achieve their London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) exams, which can be used towards their points to enter University if required.

Groundwork Causes for Carriers sponsored the ‘Green’ room workshops, which showed students how they could take care of the environment.

This included how to repair bicycles, upcycle clothes and even make their own bath bombs. Also in the ‘Green’ room a team from the National Citizen Service (NCS) who showed students the volunteering and environmental opportunities they could share with others of their age. Preston UCLAN ran the Cosmetic Chemistry workshop.

Sujata Patel one of the University Tutors showed students how to make lip balms and bath bombs. She explained how cosmetic products undergo rigorous testing, unlike ancient historical times when cosmetics contained poisoned products – including arsenic!

Stressing the importance of knowing what goes in to products to provide fragrances and colour effects.

It became obvious after speaking to some of the students attending, that the workshops with the ‘role models’ prior to the event, made a huge impression. A group of Year 9 students from Highfield Leadership Academy (HLA) told me how they had met Shelly Woods the famous Paralympian born in Blackpool, who really inspired them with her determination and ambition.

The group had also taken time out to look at venues in Blackpool, including the Comedy Carpet, where they thought many of the comedic quotes were very sexist. They had also had the opportunity to visit The Grand Theatre as part of their project. Emme Hopwood and Sadie Bishop (from HLA) told me how the group had run a ‘Swap and Save Project’ where they had swapped clothes with others. They had also recycled old clothes to make new clothes, creating something that was totally different and unique.

Aaliyah Labomié said that she had enjoyed finding out about the apprentices’ role in the Cisco I.T. Networking and Cybersecurity Team in the ‘Innovation and Creative

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Field’ Room sponsored by Blackpool Transport. Aaliyah and her friends found the Cisco Apprentice scheme very interesting, especially as the apprenticeship scheme involved rotating roles in various departments, something that all the girls said they did not realise could be done. All of this while also getting paid! The girls also said they were impressed with the company’s ethos in their staff helping the community and the environment both here and abroad. This group said that the IWD2020 festival had shown them that so long as you believed in your dreams, you could achieve anything, showing that they really had gathered a lot from the event.

Last but by no means least the ‘Happiness Field’ room – our final visit of the day, sponsored by Lancashire County Council. Demonstrating how they could build their resilience, look after their mental health, teach themselves kindness and confidence.

Here students could learn more about what colours to wear to feel confident and happy, with help from Sarah Harris, an Image Consultant. While representatives from the Northern Power House encouraged students to think about their actions and the effect they have on others, encouraging them to act in a more positive way. There was also a workshop for food design.

This proved very popular and was run

by Rachel Yummy Scrummy Cakes. As fast as the cakes were being produced they were being consumed a classic example of an interactive workshop!

The whole event gave everyone the opportunity to see how fortunate we are to live on the Fylde Coast, which is an amazing place to work, live and enjoy. This was a day to meet lots of new people and experience many different workshops. To think about what each of them could do in the future. It gave the woman of tomorrow a chance to think about new ideas and celebrate being a woman, with all the opportunities it brings through attending the International Women’s Day 2020 Festival at The Blackpool Sixth Form College.

The Festival was sponsored by Tampon Tax, Lancashire County Council, Causes for Carriers, Police and Crime Commissioner, Blackpool Transport, Wyre Council and Fylde Council.

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Come and shop in peace at Vine Mill Furniture’s showroom Accrington’s Vine Mill furniture gives the big retailers a run for their money with its huge collection, top discounts and relaxed shopping experience.

staff on our floor to advise them.

“When they’ve gone to other stores there have been seven or eight people on the floor, which can make them feel uneasy.”

And so far, this ‘no pressure’ approach to customer service has proved successful for the family-run company. Instead of an intimidating sales presence, when you pop into the Brookside Street store, in Accrington, you’ll find a friendly and relaxed service and will be left alone to browse the extensive collection.

Come and experience this unique way of shopping, you wont be disappointed. Mark Gerrard sales 112 000

manager at Vine Mill, said “Several customers have commented on their relief at having only a couple of sales

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The grand showroom is 40,000 sq ft, across two floors, displaying a great selection of sofas, three-piece suites, beds, and much more. The stunning www.lancmag.com

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furniture shop is also home to some unique pieces that will add that special something to your house. The store regularly stocks unusual pieces, from glasswork to woodwork, all inspired by the owners trips abroad.

“We’re not like the standard stores you see on retail parks,” said Mark.

“There’s lots of unusual pieces and carved antiquities mixed in with the more contemporary displays and this is what really sets us apart.”

The company can also offer a bespoke range through their company Chesterfield Britannia. Surely one of the most recognisable, classic and luxurious pieces of furniture that anyone can purchase is the Chesterfield suite. This is also a fabulous opportunity if you are struggling to find a suite to fit in to a small space or you even require a suite for a much larger area, as each suite can be made to your exact measurements. In store you can view up to fifty different Chesterfield suites. Plus with a choice of almost a thousand different leathers to choose from, the choice is endless and you can literally customise your suite to suit your choice, size and taste. Where else can you find such a customised opportunity, certainly not on the High Street or at the large retail parks, where large sales team follow 000 114

your every move? Vine Mill Furniture is proud of their sister company Chesterfield Britannia as they know they can offer something you will not find anywhere else.

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Bedrooms are also catered for at Vine Mill Furniture, with a wide selection of wardrobes, bedside cabinets and dressing tables to update any bedroom and provide a luxurious www.lancmag.com www.lancmag.com

“Whatever you see in store, Vine Mill will deliver within 24 hours.”

Check out the collections at Vine Mill Furniture, Brookside Street, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3PX. For more information visit vinemillfurniture. co.uk or call 01254 399906 Facebook and Feebo 5 Star Rating Flexible payment plans to suit all budgets, available on home buy packages.

When you have paid for each item ... your order will be delivered in 24hrs.

French elegant style to your boudoir.

The range includes various styles of wardrobes too, whether you want a combination wardrobe or a number of various styles, Vine Mill Furniture have it all waiting for you to peruse at your leisure. However there is plenty more that you will find in Vine Mill Furniture who also sells numerous bespoke beds for you to choose from.

That’s not all, As a wholesaler to the big retailers Vine Mill Furniture can pass on these discounted prices to its customers-meaning buyers can save an impressive 30 to 40 percent off the retail price.

They also offer a 24-hour delivery service, what more could you ask for.

“We’ve had situations where customers have bought a suite in the morning and had it in their home by the afternoon,” explained Mark. www.lancmag.com www.lancmag.com

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As aa family perfect place to hold nextthan conference, at business we know theRetreat value ofisis aa family great recently refurbished meetingand rooms at of We are very very happy happy to offer offer aa relaxed relaxed The Fisherman’s Fisherman’s Retreat family With its its central central location location and range of We are to The With range for teambuilding activities. business we know the value of a great meeting or evWith its central location and Shores Hey for Farm, Briercliffe, Burnley. reputation, so you can be assured that your Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe, Burnley. enviroment your team meeting, meeting, we have have owned business, set in the Lancashire spaces, The Principal Manchester is the enviroment for your team we owned business, set in the Lancashire spaces, The Principal Manchester is the reputation, so you can assured that your range of spaces, The Principal Manchester Your will make a difference to conference will be well be looked after and your Your booking will make a difference to Allbooking our meeting spaces haveperfect natural 6 acres acres of manicured manicured gardens, countryside.will As be family ownedafter andand run your perfect place to to hold your next conference, conference, 6the of gardens, countryside.

As aa family owned and run perfect place hold your next resident charity; Horses andperfect Ponies conference well looked is perfectent. individual requirements embraced.

The thethe resident charity; Horses and Ponies daylight and 2 have dedicated access direct for teambuilding teambuilding activities. business we werequirements know thecan value of for great meeting or orAssociation. evWith its its central central location location and and for activities. business know the value of aa great meeting evWith Protection Association.

Fisherman’s Retreat cater allThe types Protection individual embraced. to the gardens, with 35 bedrooms we are Enjoy Edwardian surroundings reputation, so you can be assured that your range of spaces, The Principal Manchester reputation, so you can be assured that your range of spaces, The Principal Manchester of meetings and events up to 120 delegates.

Both rooms have outstanding panoramic All our meeting spaces have natural natural All our meeting have Both rooms have outstanding panoramic Fisherman’s Retreat can cater for all types able toof cater for 100spaces to Valley 1, whatever youhold need enhanced to accommodate modern business conference will be well looked looked after and your your is the the perfectent. perfectent. views the Thursden and can conference will well after and is From breakfast meetings and views of the Thursden Valley and can hold daylight and 2 have havecall dedicated access direct daylight and 2please dedicated access direct of meetings andbe events up toconferences 120 delegates. we can help, our hotel team today requirements, as well as a dedicated event up to 50 people in each.

Packages can be individual requirements embraced.

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The to the the what gardens, with 35 bedrooms we are are Enjoy on Edwardian surroundings to gardens, bedrooms we Enjoy Edwardian surroundings From breakfast meetings conferences and to see our team35 can dooccasion for yours. manager hand to help with every detail. tailor made for with almost any whether dinners!

We can provide a choice of four tailor made for almost any occasion whether Fisherman’s Retreat can cater for all types Fisherman’s Retreat can cater for all types ableato to cater for for 100 to 1, 1, whatever whatever you need need enhanced to to accommodate accommodate modern modern business business able cater to you enhanced outdoor activities, tomodern privatetechnology, dining and air gala it’s business or 100 conference meeting, www.lindeth-howe.co.uk rooms offering it’s We’ve a business or conference meeting, not overlooked food, either: of meetings meetings andyou events up to 120 120 delegates. delegates. of events up to we01539445759 can help, help, please call our our hotel hotel team today requirements, as well well as aathe dedicated event we can please call team requirements, as as dedicated event business seminar, networking events or today that dinners!

We and can provide a choice of four conditioning, ample natural daylight, break business seminar, networking events or that T: from a working lunch to awith tasting menu, our From breakfast meetings conferences and From breakfast meetings conferences and special family christening or birthday party. to see what our team can do for yours. manager on hand to help with every detail. to see what our team can do for yours. manager on hand to help every detail. out rooms and a private patio. special family christening or birthday party. rooms offering you modern technology, air Lindeth Drive, Longtail Hill, Bowness Executive Chef and his team will work to outdoor activities, to private dining and gala Additional usage of decking ‘breakout outdoor activities, to private dining and gala Additional usage of decking www.lindeth-howe.co.uk www.lindeth-howe.co.uk conditioning, ample natural daylight, break www.fishermansretreat.com We’ve not not overlooked the ‘breakout food, either: either: We’ve overlooked the food, On Windermere, Cumbria, space’, is included and you may LA23 spot a3JF pony create thatand works. dinners!

We cana provide providepatio. choice of of four four space’,aismenu included you may spot a pony dinners!

We can aa choice T: 01539445759 01539445759 T: out rooms and private from a working lunch to a tasting menu, our T: 01706 825314 from a working lunch to a tasting menu, our or two! All money raised will help HAPPA or two! All money raised will help HAPPA www.phcompany.com/principal/ rooms offering offering you you modern modern technology, technology, air air rooms Lindeth Drive, Longtail Hill, Bowness Lindeth Hill, Bowness www.fishermansretreat.com to provideDrive, a rangeLongtail of services to improve Executive Chef and his team will work to Executive Chef and his team will work to Riding Head Lane, Shuttleworth, to provide a range of services to improve manchester-hotel/ conditioning, ample natural natural daylight, daylight, break break conditioning, ample On Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 LA23 3JF 3JF On Cumbria, equine welfare.

T: 01706 825314 create menu that works. works. equine create aawelfare. menu that Ramsbottom, Lancashire, BL0 0HH T: 0161 288 1111 out rooms and a private patio. out rooms and a private patio.

Riding Head Lane, Shuttleworth, For more information please call www.phcompany.com/principal/ www.phcompany.com/principal/ Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 7HA www.fishermansretreat.com www.fishermansretreat.com 01282 455992 or email Ramsbottom, Lancashire, BL0 0HH manchester-hotel/ manchester-hotel/ T: 01706 825314 T: 01706 825314 conferencing@happa.org.uk T:good 0161 288 288 1111 to allow 0161 1111 T: 0161 288 1111 However or Black smallHouse your Lane, conference it’s important that the facilities areT: enough Riding Head Lane, Lane, Shuttleworth, Shuttleworth, Riding Head Shores Heybig Farm, Oxford Street, Street, Manchester, Manchester, M60 M60 7HA 7HA Oxford Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 7HA Ramsbottom, Lancashire, BL0geared 0HH Halifax Burnley, meeting.

Ramsbottom, Lancashire, BL0 0HH you to Road, have Briercliffe, a well organised All the venues here are to meet your demands.

Lancashire, BB10 3QU

Conference Call

Ferrari’s Country House Hotel & Restaurant

Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa

At Ferrari’s, we can match up pretty Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa is set in well withHowe what you’re looking for in a the picturesque village& Thornton Lindeth Country House Hotel Fisherman’s Retreat Thornton Hall Hotel &ofSpa Spa Ferrari’s Country House Hotel & Restaurant Thornton Hotel Ferrari’s Country House Hotel & Restaurant Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel ThorntonHall Hall Hotel & Spa conference venue. Our location in rural Hough, Wirral, with excellent access to We are happy to offer a relaxed The Fisherman’s Retreat is aisisfamily Thornton Hall Hotel Hotel &North Spa set in in the At Ferrari’s, we can match up prettyof WeAt areFerrari’s, veryvery totooffer a relaxed Thornton Hall & Spa set we can match up pretty Lancashire ishappy second none in terms Liverpool Chester and the West enviroment foryou’re your team meeting, we have picturesque village Hough, owned business, setofin Thornton the Lancashire the picturesque village of Thornton well with what you’re looking for in a the picturesque village of Thornton well with what looking for in a peace and quiet.

We are also conveniently motorway network it’s a firm favourite for 66conference acres gardens, for Wirral, with excellent access toaccess Liverpool acres of of manicured manicured gardens, perfect countryside.

As with awith family owned and run Hough, Wirral, excellent access to venue.

Our locationperfect in rural rural Hough, Wirral, excellent to conference venue. location in situated close to theOur motorway junction at corporate bookings. teambuilding activities.

Chester and the North West motorway for teambuilding activities. business we know the of a great Liverpool Chester andvalue the North North West Lancashire second to none none in terms terms ofyour Liverpool Chester the West Lancashire isis second to in of network it’s a firm and favourite forand corporate Preston, making us easily accessible for All ourand meeting spaces have natural daylight With a purpose built events reputation, so you can be assured that your motorway network it’s a firm favourite for peace quiet.

We are also conveniently motorway network it’s a firm favourite for peace and quiet.

We are also conveniently All our meeting spaces have natural bookings. conference needs. and 2 have dedicated access direct to the conference centre, award conferencebookings. will be an wellonsite looked afterwinning and your corporate bookings. situated close to the motorway junction at corporate situated close to the motorway junction at daylight and 2 have dedicated access direct gardens, withthree 35 bedrooms werooms are able to With a purpose built events and a fine We have spa, 62 newly refurbished bedrooms, individual requirements embraced.

The Preston, making usconference easily accessible for your Preston, making easily accessible your cater 100 to with 1,us whatever you need we can conference centre, an onsite award to thefor gardens, 35 bedrooms wefor are With a purpose built events and winning With a purpose built events and available to hire, all of which can be adapted dining restaurant and a tapas brasserie, Fisherman’s Retreat can cater for all types help, please call our hotel team today to see spa, 62 newly refurbished bedrooms, a fine conference needs. conference able to caterneeds. for 100 to 1, whatever you need conference centre, an onsite onsite award winning winning conference centre, an award to meet your individual requirements.

All not to mention 7 events acres ofup landscaped what our team can do for yours. dining restaurant and a tapas brasserie, of meetings and to 120 delegates. we We canhave help,three please call our hotel team today spa,to 62mention newly refurbished bedrooms, fine We have three conference rooms spa, 62 newly refurbished bedrooms, fine conference not 7meetings of conferences landscaped of our conference rooms haverooms the usual gardens, there’s noacres doubting it boasts aaall From breakfast andthe www.lindeth-howe.co.uk to see what our team can do for yours. dining restaurant and a tapas brasserie, available to hire, all of which can be adapted dining restaurant and a tapas brasserie, available to hire, all of which can be adapted gardens, there’s no doubting it boasts all the facilities including a Laptop projector, conferencing facilities you need. outdoor activities, to private dining and gala T: 01539445759 www.lindeth-howe.co.uk not to mention mention acres of landscaped landscaped to meet meet your individual requirements.

All conferencing facilities you need. not to 77 acres of to your individual requirements.

All overhead projector, flipchart and screen. www.thorntonhallhotel.com dinners! We canno provide a choice of four Lindeth Drive, Longtail Hill, T: 01539445759 gardens, there’s doubting boasts all the the of our our conference conference rooms have have theBownessusual gardens, there’s no doubting itit boasts all of rooms the usual www.thorntonhallhotel.com www.ferrariscountryhouse.co.uk T: 0151offering 336 3938 rooms you modern technology, air On-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JF Lindeth Drive, Longtail Hill, Bowness conferencing facilities you need. facilities including a Laptop projector, conferencing facilities you need. facilities including a Laptop projector, T: 0151 336 3938 T: 01772 783 148 Neston Road, Thornton conditioning, ample naturalHough, daylight, break On Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JF www.thorntonhallhotel.com overhead projector, flipchart and screen. www.thorntonhallhotel.com overhead projector, flipchart and screen.

Neston Road, Thornton Hough, Chipping Lane, Thornley, Longridge, Wirral, CH63 1JF out rooms and a private patio.

T: 0151 0151 336 336 3938 3938 www.ferrariscountryhouse.co.uk T: www.ferrariscountryhouse.co.uk Preston, PR3 2TB Wirral, CH63 1JF www.fishermansretreat.com Neston Road, Thornton Thornton Hough, Hough, T: 01772 01772 783 783 148 148 Neston Road, T: T: 01706CH63 825314 Wirral, 1JF Chipping Lane, Thornley, Thornley, Longridge, Wirral, CH63 1JF Chipping Lane, Longridge, LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 000 116 Riding Head Lane, Shuttleworth, Preston, PR3 PR3 2TB 2TB Preston, Ramsbottom, Lancashire, BL0 0HH

Pleasure Beach A range of unique and versatile venues available 12 months of the year or combine Principal Manchester Pleasure Beach Pleasure Beach Pleasure Beach your event during our park operation season With its of central location and range of A range unique and versatile versatile venues A range unique and venues (February toofNovember). available 12 months months of ofManchester the year year or or is combine spaces, The Principal the available 12 the combine We have a to room toyour suit all numbers your event during our park operation season perfect place hold conference, your event during our parknext operation season your event during our park operation season (February toevWith November). and occations. meeting or its central location and (February to to November).

November).

(February Weof have a room toPrincipal suit all numbers and www.blackpoolvenuehire.com range spaces, The Manchester We have have room to to suit suit all all numbers numbers We aa room occassions.

T: 01253 336346 is theoccations. perfectent. and and occations. www.blackpoolvenuehire.com 525 Ocean Boulevard, Enjoy Edwardian surroundings www.blackpoolvenuehire.com www.blackpoolvenuehire.com T: 01253 336346 Blackpool, FY4 1EZ enhanced to accommodate modern business T: 01253 336346 336346 T: 01253 525 Ocean Boulevard, requirements, as well as a dedicated event 525 Ocean Boulevard, Boulevard, 525 Ocean Blackpool, FY4 1EZ manager on FY4 hand to help with every detail.

Blackpool, FY4 1EZ 1EZ Blackpool, We’ve not overlooked the food, either: from a working lunch to a tasting menu, our Executive Chef and his team will work to create a menu that works. www.phcompany.com/principal/ manchester-hotel/ T: 0161 288 1111 www.lancmag.com Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 7HA

FOR EXQUISITE MEALS OR LUXURIOUS OVER-NIGHT STAYS, ROTHAY MANOR IS YOUR PERFECT GETAWAY To make a booking or for more information please contact:

hotel@rothaymanor.co.uk www.rothaymanor.co.uk 015394 33605

Advertise here to advertise in this space call

01253 336588 or visit lancmag.com

& North West magazine

www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 117

Rothay Manor Stephen Roberts discovers one of the finest luxury Lake District hotels in Ambleside

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y regular readers will know that I get about, and when I do, I like to stay somewhere characterful, a place with a past as well as a present and future. I also like my creature comforts, so modern fixtures and fittings also go down well. As the hotel inspector who ‘pays his way and tells it how it is’ I know you’ll be interested in my latest recommendation, which is in the heart of the Lakes.

Husband and wife team, Jamie and Jenna Shail, are the owners of Rothay Manor, a fine Grade II Listed hotel, which lies around a five minute walk from the delightful town of Ambleside and a similar stretch from the edge of Lake Windermere. The couple had been living in the Alps when they decided that the time was right to return home, to England, and they took over the hotel in January 2016.

Location matters, of course, and Jamie and Jenna could not have chosen

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much better than Ambleside, a principal tourist centre in Lakeland. It’s in a beautiful spot, but not remote, as it’s astride the A591, the main north-south route through here. They may have left the Alps behind, but there’s still mountains, which afford protection.

The temperature is ‘equable’ and the rainfall relatively low (for the Lakes).

The low precipitation could be to do with those nearest peaks being around three miles distant (the Coniston Fells).

What Jamie and Jenna have achieved is to recapture Rothay Manor’s former glory in double-quick time. Having once been among the best hotels in this tranquil spot, it is fair to say that by the time the Shails arrived it had seen better days. It would not have been the first or last hotel to be displaying a spot of ‘faded grandeur’, but not anymore. This is not just a story about recapturing a glorious past though, it’s also about guaranteeing a new and brighter future. www.lancmag.com

Jamie told me more. “What we have today is a cross between a country house hotel and a boutique members’ club. It will be like a home from home for you Steve with its Listed status, but also all the modern things that we now have: all rooms have modern bathrooms, Egyptian cotton bedlinen and feather pillows and duvets, fluffy dressing gowns, a safe, a fridge and a coffee machine, for example. And you’re right, visitors have become more discerning and expect to have these things but in the wonderful setting that we can provide. Whilst we do weddings on a small basis, which are very much bespoke ones for smaller numbers, and we also cater for other small family gatherings, this is very much a bijou hotel for that quiet, classy, relaxing getaway. It’s a refuge, a bolt-hole from the stresses of modern life.

“I won’t fib. It’s been a tough four years for us, but, in part, we brought that on ourselves by attacking on all fronts simultaneously. We’ve massively changed the food offering, the market that we’re competing for, and the whole look and feel of the hotel itself. It was a www.lancmag.com

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lot to take on in a short time, and, if I’m honest, we probably took on too much, but it’s very satisfying to see how things have turned out. We have individually designed, unique, comfortable and stylish rooms to fit every requirement, from a single room with a large single bed through all conceivable grades after that, up to the family room (a large room with two bedrooms and a lounge) and suites. Our most prestigious room (the bridal suite if you like) probably has more floor space than some people have in their homes! We also have rooms with balconies overlooking our charming gardens, whilst others have private terraces and even a private hot tub.

“We’re massively lucky with our staff, many of whom have been here a long time, for example, our general manager, who’s probably mentioned on the property’s deeds somewhere! We’ve got a small core who’ve been with us since the beginning of this venture, but most of our staff are pushing a year, which is actually quite something in an industry where staff turnover is traditionally very rapid. We certainly try to run a happy ship and we like to think that our staff have bought into what we’re doing here, can see that we’re going 120

somewhere and want to be a part of that journey. As an employer you have to try and take your people with you, and hopefully, we’ve achieved that. We have 23 staff in total but could do with two more at the current time. Sadly, there aren’t enough people who want to work in this industry and it’s tough for younger people as this is an expensive area to live. We will need even more staff when we expand.” (read on). Jamie and Jenna have a very hands-on style of management, which is no doubt appreciated by the staff who will see them around the hotel, involved in most things.

Of course, we’re in a part of the world where you’d expect me to wax lyrical about the setting and more besides. Its daffs make one think immediately of Wordsworth and the Lake poets (the other two being Coleridge and Southey of course).

If literature is your bag, then your visit to Rothay Manor will be akin to a pilgrimage. There’s more than the aforementioned triumvirate though.

Mary Louisa Armitt was another writer (and more besides) who both founded and funded Ambleside’s Armitt Library whilst John Ruskin, the

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famous Victorian art critic, also wrote extensively on a variety of subjects, and also has a library incorporated here. As far as Ambleside’s literary connections go, I’ve only scratched the surface.

Special interest holidays have been held at Rothay Manor and just the literary associations tell you why.

Back at the hotel, there may be a temptation, after the activity of the last four years, to consolidate for a while, but this doesn’t appear to be on the menu. Talking of menus, the hotel is now making its mark in the culinary arena, with food that’s been described as ‘decadent’ and service that’s ‘friendly and welcoming’. “We have a really good chef and have achieved three rosettes.

We hope to obtain four. We have one restaurant with two menus, a main a la carte, and an alternative second menu, which is a bit more on the casual side.

We also offer a classic afternoon tea.

The L-shaped restaurant space is very adaptable, with three rooms that can either be separate, or made into one, depending on what we have on. The two main rooms are for humans only (no dogs), however, the third, which can be linked, does accommodate pooches with well-behaved owners. This is where www.lancmag.com

we have the more casual dining. We also provide mats for the dogs to lie on, so they don’t get cold! In fact, we are geared up for canines (period) as seven of the 19 rooms we currently have are dog friendly. They’re all on the ground floor with outdoor access.”

I mentioned expansion earlier. The hotel hopes to start work on its next ambitious programme later this year.

“We’re looking to increase the number of rooms we have from the current 19 to hopefully around 25. We’ve got the necessary planning permission and will be tweaking our internal space to get the very best out of it. We’ll also be introducing a spa. Whilst it’s true that this area can get less rain than other parts of the Lakes, we nevertheless have to provide all year round facilities that people can use, especially for those grim days that we’ll undoubtedly get. We don’t want to be a hotel going forward where our guests are sitting around wondering what to do on a wet day.

Having more indoor things will be a really positive move forward for us and a welcome addition to the bright and airy lounges that we already have.”

So, Sat-Nav Valerie, it’s LA22 0EH. Off you go … www.lancmag.com

Steve’s 10 Best Hotel Jokes • I walked into the hotel’s ballroom and had a chandelier fall on me. I suffered light injuries.

• I was offered a job making beds in a hotel. I had to turn them down.

• I asked Reception to call me a cab.

‘Sure Mr. Cab. Was there anything else?’

• Sir Lancelot makes a reservation at a hotel. He books a room for one knight.

• I was elated to get a job as a hotel receptionist. Then I started getting reservations.

• Seven star hotels are just plain overrated.

• Arrived at a hotel for a prestigious Twitter conference. Concierge said, ‘Follow me.’

• Couldn’t get my phone working in my room. Went downstairs. They have reception there.

• The Elvis Hotel. The restaurant caters for people who ‘Love Meat Tender’.

• Stayed in a really posh hotel. Towels were so thick and luxurious I could barely shut my case.

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Whats On

Keeping you up to date with...

Art • Theatre • Dance • Music • Events • Exhibitions

‘Dim Lit Star’ Shines Brightly LIVERPOOL - Hope Street Theatre Wed 6 May to Sat 9 May 2020. Wed-Fri 7.30pm, Saturday 4pm and 8pm

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ife, love and friendship come together in a powerful new play receiving its premiere in Liverpool this spring.

Tickets are now on sale for ‘Dim Lit Star’ which is being staged at the Hope Street Theatre from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 May 2020.

The show has been created by actor, writer and producer Kai Jolley who is teaming up with producer Bill Elms (Jerry Springer: The Opera, The Ruby Slippers) and director Zara Marie Brown to bring it to the stage. Story edited by acclaimed writer Simon O’Corra.

Jonah is a young, fresh upcoming star coping with the usual school time madness alongside life with single mother Alyia.

He journeys through sixth form classroom politics in the midst of finding his sexual identity and starting his new-found career.

Quickly, Jonah finds himself 122

moving into the challenging world of the entertainment business, not only fighting to stay in it, but fighting for his life.

An experienced actor and director, and a skilled film maker, Kai Jolley is committed to exploring storytelling through all forms of media.

Previous acting work includes, Stop!... The Play, Violet The Musical, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jerry Springer: The Opera at Hope Mill Theatre and ITILY: The Short Film. Most recently he played the Genie of the Lamp in Regal Entertainments’ Aladdin at St Helens Theatre Royal.

The writer and actor said today: ‘I’m really happy to bring this piece to the stage after two years in the making. It¹s been an incredible journey from the first words written on the page to seeing it come to fruition in a live stage show.

The audience can expect to go on an emotional and meaningful journey alongside the cast, breathing life into

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the piece. There¹s a mixture of laugh out loud situations full of quirky and fun scenarios and moments that may trigger anger through injustice and heartache in the reality of the situation.’

Director Zara Marie Brown added: ‘Dim Lit Star is a fantastic piece of new writing that’s a rollercoaster of emotions; a story of perseverance in the face of many obstacles that life can often throw at us and a thought provoking, powerful and yet entertaining piece that I¹m excited to direct at Hope Street Theatre. I want people to come and see this play to reflect on the way we all live the lives and the choices we make.’

Tickets: £12-£16 To book tickets call 0344 561 0622 or go online at www. hopestreettheatre.com www.lancmag.com

For listings please email details of your forthcoming event to info@lancashiremagazine.co.uk clearly marking the email ‘What’s On.’ Information should be set out in the style seen on these pages with clear contact details and should be sent at least six weeks before the event is due to take place. We will do our best to include your entry but we cannot guarantee publication.

Readers are advised to check for themselves that events are still going ahead before setting off.

Jeff Waynes War of the Worlds Manchester Arena - Fri 9th April Liverpool - M&S Bank Arena - Weds 14th April

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ne of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of ‘The War of The Worlds’ - Alive on Stage! returns to arenas throughout the UK in 2021.

Based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale, it remains a firm favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages.

In 2006 TWOTW was considered a cutting edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. But in 2021, which marks a momentous 15 years of live touring, the production will be up to 12, and with it, a host of ingredients and special effects that will challenge and excite the senses.

Jeff Wayne said: “For over four decades now I’ve lived out a dream of bringing the true story of HG Wells dark Victorian tale to listeners and audiences from around the world, while pushing technology to the limit both sonically and visually as time has moved on. In 2019 we launched The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience in Central London, combining, immersive theatre, virtual and augmented

realities, holograms and other cutting-edge technology; giving audiences the chance to live through the Martian invasion of 1898.

Now our newest arena production combines these elements within the live performance, for an even more unique, emotional and at times, scary experience. www.livenation.co.uk/artist/jeff-wayne-s-the-war-ofthe-worlds-tickets

Wilko Johnson BLACKPOOL – Grand Theatre on Saturday 23rd May

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ollowing a remarkable recovery from a diagnosis of terminal cancer, Wilko Johnson the original Dr Feelgood guitarist, actor (Game of Thrones character Ser ilyn Payne) and all round national treasure has enjoyed a rousing return to the live arena, including a number 1 album with Roger Daltrey (Going Back Home), a sold out show at The Royal Albert Hall to mark his 70th birthday and, most recently, the release of Blow Your Mind, his first album of new material in decades.

Wilko is famed for his blistering chop-chord strumming action (the ‘stab’, as he describes it), a technique inspired by his admiration of the late Pirates guitarist Mick Green. With this electrifying sound, his trademark black-suited, scowling look and his characteristic strut, Wilko became one of the guitar heroes of the 1970s and beyond, not to mention on of rock ’n’ roll’s most extraordinary characters. He, alongside his original Feelgood bandmates, is also widely acknowledged as a forefather of punk on both sides of the Atlantic, fans ranging from Joe Strummer to Blondie.

Following a stint with Ian Dury & The Blockheads in the 1980s, he formed the Wilko Johnson Band, with Blockheads bassist Norman

www.lancmag.com

Watt-Roy. Featuring former Blockhead Dylan Howe on drums, the trio is known as one of the most exciting r’n’b bands in the world today.

Special guest ‘Rock and Roll’s Greatest Failure John Otway.

Saturday 23rd May

Grand Theatre, Box Office No: 01253 290190 www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/ event/wilko-johnson/

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Whats On

Keeping you up to date with...

Art • Theatre • Dance • Music • Events • Exhibitions

Louder Than War Presents: Jekyll , The Novus & Rosa Canina Jeff Beck

Alistair McGowan

Boulder

The Platform, Morecambe, Thursday 9th April Sari Schorr has taken the music world by storm. She has a voice like no other; hyper powerful, husky and muscular, with an incredible texture and range. She delivers a sentence as a boxer would throw an uppercut to his opponent. Every year there is seemingly a constant parade of must-hear singers right? Not really. They come along rarely if they’re the real deal.

“Sari Schorr is one of the best contemporary blues-rock singers in the world.” — Raw Ramp “It is clear from the lyrical content of Schorr’s latest record that while she has plenty to say, it is driven by experience and a passionate honesty for her role of carrying a soul-felt message.” - RnR Magazine www.sarischorr.com

Manchester O2 Apollo Saturday 23rd May Having cultivated one of the most influential careers in rock history, Jeff Beck is universally acknowledged as one of the most talented and significant guitarists in the world, and has played alongside some of the greatest artists of rock, blues and jazz.

Over the course of his distinguished 50+ music career, he has earned an incredible eight Grammy Awards, been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice – once as a member of the Yardbirds and again as a solo artist. In the summer of 2016, the guitar virtuoso celebrated his 5 decades of music with an extraordinary concert at the famous Hollywood Bowl. www.jeffbeck.com

Richard Whiteley Theatre, Giggleswick School, Giggleswick.

Wednesday 13th May A piece of impressive puppet-theatre with powerful live music, Boulder follows the mythical struggle of one man, rolling a colossal stone.

Augmented by hand drawn, earthy animation and live original music, Boulder fuses live action and digital.

Within this intriguing blend emerges fluid transformations of set and scale as this trickster plays within the confines of his situation. There is violence, frustration and despair, all mocked by the unconquerable rock. 7.30pm.

Tickets £10 (U18s £8) in advance £12 (U18s £10) on the door. www.giggleswick.org.uk/rwt or telephone 01729 893180.

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Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Sunday 17 May 2020 at 7.30pm Master impressionist Alistair McGowan is set to showcase his talents both as a comedian and a classical pianist on a major new UK tour which opens this spring.

Join the BAFTA-winning funnyman as he talks and plays his way through snatches of classical gems from Philip Glass to Chopin and Grieg to Gershwin in an evening that embraces both beautiful music and more than a sprinkling of his trademark impressions.

His work includes The Big Impression, which was one of the BBC¹s most successful and highly rated comedy programmes and for which he won a BAFTA. www.liverpoolphil.com

Sari Schorr

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Waterloo Music Bar, Waterloo Road, Blackpool, FY4 2AF Thursday 30th April, 8pm Since their 2013 inception, Jekyll, a thrilling and hard-hitting four-piece from the North West of England, have been unrelenting in their dedication to creating and performing music. Originally all from Blackpool, the members of Jekyll now live in Liverpool, Manchester and Blackpool and perform regularly around the North of England. Taking inspiration from a wide and eclectic pool of influences, Jekyll’s music is known for its expansive, melancholic soundscapes, dynamic mood shifts and visceral intensity. Likened to artists such as Muse, Radiohead, Placebo, Smashing Pumpkins, Editors and Depeche Mode, critics and audiences love the band for their ambition, originality and professionalism. Support comes from Art-Punk band - The Novus and grubby fuzz sounds of Rosa Canina www.facebook.com/Jekyllband www.facebook.com/waterloobpl

Bleasdale Tower Gardens

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May, 12 noon until 4.30 pm Private garden opens to the public for one weekend only. Beautiful gardens and scenery plus BBQ (sausages, beef burgers) + various sandwiches, Cream teas, local history exhibition, Bric-abrac, tombola, Cakes, plant stall.

Saturday -Vintage tractors & Garstang Ukulele Group. Sunday – Classic Cars & Guardian Brass Band All proceeds to Bleasdale Church & Parish Hall.

Entrance £4 Adults & Children £1 (under 4 free) Signposted from Brock Garage/Spar on A6 Sat Nat PR3 1UY For more information contact Sue on 01995 643499 www.lancmag.com

For listings please email details of your forthcoming event to info@lancashiremagazine.co.uk clearly marking the email ‘What’s On.’ Information should be set out in the style seen on these pages with clear contact details and should be sent at least six weeks before the event is due to take place. We will do our best to include your entry but we cannot guarantee publication.

Readers are advised to check for themselves that events are still going ahead before setting off.

Clare Teal and her Trio

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB Friday 24th April As the hot bed of Teal creativity, award winning jazz vocalist and Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal’s concerts with her Trio are constantly evolving and renowned across the country for their fabulous arrangements interspersed with Clare’s warm and witty storytelling. This brand new show promises a rich jazz infused repertoire in its many forms bringing you more exhilarating swing as Clare and her Trio celebrate 100 years of pop music featuring some of the greatest songs ever written from the Great American and British Song books and contemporary writers creating the standards of today. As one of the UK’s greatest interpreters of song and much loved performers, Clare and her Trio guarantee an evening of inspired music and unbridled entertainment performed by the very best.

Tickets £25 + £1 booking fee Box Office 01704 533333 www.theatkinson.co.uk/events/ clare-teal-trio-2020. www.clareteal.co.uk

The Vibrators, TV Smith & Those Snowflakes

The New Continental, Preston Saturday 30th May, 8pm – 11pm A titanic PUNK ROCK show!

In their long career The Vibrators have toured with the likes of Iggy Pop, Ian Hunter, The Flaming Groovies, and Die Toten Hosen, and have had their songs covered by The Exploited, UK Subs, GBH, REM, and Die Toten Hosen, to name but a few. TV Smith rose to fame as frontman of legendary 77 punk act THE ADVERTS , and continues to tour the world, bringing his epic solo show to ever-increasing audiences: Fiercely independent and determinedly embodying the original spirit of punk rock! Plus special guests Those ******* Snowflakes - A vibrant clash of political punk, hardcore rock and math rock, based in Blackpool.

Tom Robinson favourites and one of BBC Introducing’s ‘Best of 2019’ bands Tickets £12 advance (£14 otd) www.newcontinental.net www.lancmag.com

The Pink Floyd Experience

Saturday 30th May Albert Halls Bolton It’s time to get comfortably numb as the greatest Pink Floyd tribute takes the UK by storm with their “Dark Side and Animals” Tour.

This highly authentic show features the iconic Pink Floyd albums “Dark Side of The Moon” and “Animals” played in their entirely, with other seminal Floyd songs like; “Wish You Were Here”, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”, “Another Brick In The Wall” and “Comfortably Numb”.

Featuring eight top flight musicians and a world class crew, the show recreates the atmosphere of the legendary Pink Floyd in concert, including iconic projections on a large circular screen.

Bass player and vocalist David Power enthuses, “We are always pleased with the positive reaction to the show, it seems we leave audiences on a Pink Floyd high!” www.ukpinkfloydexperience.com

Atalanta Forever: The Fight for Women’s Football The National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG Tuesday 18th April 2020 6.30pm Mikron Theatre are aiming to score with their next theatrical offering for their 49th year of touring. Just like the great game itself this will be an action packed play of two halves full of live music fun and laughter with no plans for extra time!

They will be premiering Amanda Whittington’s new play Atalanta Forever which looks at the story of the pioneering women in football in 1920.

Original live music, perfect setting, Atalanta Forever will kick off in April and tour by road and river until the 24th October.

It’s 1920, and in post-war Britain, women’s football is big news. Across the country, all-girl teams are pulling huge crowds in fund-raising games for wounded soldiers. Huddersfield amateurs Ethel and Annie take a shot at the big time. Teammates at Atalanta AFC, they’re soon tackling new football skills, mastering the offside rule and kicking back at the doubters.

Come and cheer for Atalanta as our plucky underdogs learn how to play the game, take on the legendary teams of the era - and find the toughest opponent of all is the FA. The play is based on the true story of one of three women’s football teams in Huddersfield in post war Britain.

Atalanta Ladies Football Club was formed in 1920 ‘to provide games for the women of Huddersfield, to foster a sporting spirit, and a love of honour among its members.’ During the Great War several women’s football teams had sprung up around the country, usually based in factories or munitions works, and proved a great success in raising money for hospitals, war widows and so on.

A measure of the popularity of the women’s game may be measured by the estimated 25,000 crowd that packed Hillsborough, Sheffield, for their next game with the Dick, Kerr Ladies of Preston on May 4 which they lost 4-0 to their much more experienced opponents.

In the wider football world, the growing popularity of women’s football was now causing concern.

The FA even saw it as taking support away from the men’s game and on December 5, 1921, they banned women’s teams from using FA affiliated grounds.

October Drift + ROSA

Bootleg Social Club, Blackpool Monday 18th May, 7 PM – 10 PM Bootleg Social are very pleased to announce the return of sugar coated power rock band ‘October Drift’ to the venue on Monday 18th May 2020 following the release of brilliant debut album, ‘Forever Whatever’. After blowing the audience away last time they were at Bootleg, the band have grown in success & have just finished a partly sold out UK tour. Don’t miss this intimate affair, it will not disappoint!

Support comes from from Rosa “From the heart of Preston. Rosa play pop music inspired by the British scene of the 1960’s, but with their own tasty modern twist.” www.facebook.com/bootlegbars

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Ken Webster Alijan Kirk meets Blackpool’s most hypnotic personality

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couple days ago, I was very honoured to be joined by comedy hypnotist Ken Webster, who currently performs his popular stage show at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which he has been doing for three decades. It was a lot of fun to do and it gives a wonderful behind the scenes look at the man off the stage.

We started the interview talking about a major passion of mine: comedy.

As someone who aspires to enter the comedy industry in the near future, it truly was surreal to discuss the art of it with someone who has years of experience in comedy. Perhaps the main factor of our discussion in comedy was the rise of political correctness and people taking offense from jokes.

Webster, whose act is outrageous by his own admission notes that there is a difference between being outrageous and being offensive, and people in the industry need to know the line between it. Webster also cites his performances as being “all comedy”, stating that while stage hypnotists receive flack from psychotherapists, shows such as his, where people forget about all their troubles and worries for a couple of hours and leave laughing is “the best therapy of all”.

Reverting back to the topic of political correctness, while Webster

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mentions his belief that it has killed comedy, something I can agree with in my personal opinion, he also expresses how some modern day comedians are offensive for the sake of being offensive, with some material crossing a line.

I then asked Webster, What inspired you to enter the field of comedic hypnotism? In his words, Webster explained “when I saw a hypnotist when I was nine, I realised that that’s what I wanted to do. So I went to college and learned all about psychology and therapy and the rest of it” before heading to Spain to hone the craft before moving to Scarborough to begin his long career in the many working men’s clubs back in the day.

“When I first started, a lot of stage hypnotists had goatee beards and gold medallions, going ‘look into my eyes’ with a swinging watch”, explains Webster, giving off the image that these stage hypnotists he saw were literally the stereotypical view of a hypnotist.

This wasn’t the image Webster wanted for himself, not wanting to do the same, tired routine everyone else was doing. It was in a show in Wales that he decided to try out some more mature material which received some very positive reception. In the vein of Newton discovering gravity, Webster discovered the hidden potential of being

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an adult hypnotist. This was something that hadn’t been done before, and the whole field changed on that day.

Webster then goes on to illustrate his experiences with Peter Jay, the owner of the Scarborough Opera House. The Opera House had hosted a plethora of hypnotists, but none like Ken Webster.

Knowing that his new adult act would be appreciated there, he made an appointment to see Jay and convince him to let him perform there. “The theatre manager told me, come back at three o’clock on Wednesday and I said ‘right, fair enough’ so I suited and booted and I went back to the Opera House. On Wednesday I went back and told the theatre manager ‘right I’ve got an appointment with Peter Jay at three o’clock’ only to be told ‘oh well he’s just in the bar at the moment with his bank manager’”. Webster decided to wait for Jay to finish, declining the offer to return the next day, insisting that he see Jay at the time the appointment was made. Webster then described his encounter with Peter Jay; “I walked into the bar and asked ‘are you Peter Jay?’ and he was sat there with all of his bank papers in front of him with his bank manager there and he responded with a yes. I said ‘I’ve got an appointment with you at three o’clock, when will you be finished’ and he said he didn’t know”. www.lancmag.com

Webster then decided to sit and wait for him to finish, which was twenty minutes later. “I sat myself back down”, Webster continued, “and Peter said ‘I’ve got to give you ten out of ten for being such a cheeky bastard, when do you want to do a show?’” and the rest was history.

He then talked about his first show at the Opera House, where he had an audience of about five hundred people, which prompted Jay to host Webster in a theatre in Great Yarmouth on top of his Scarborough shows. Webster noted that at his first Yarmouth show, he held an audience of sixty six in a theatre that seated 1500, which obviously didn’t look very good, but he continued on and ended up being booked for six weeks. To boost his show’s publicity, Webster detailed how he hired a support act who would eat cockroaches and the sort. Webster then phoned the RSPCA, exaggerating that his support act was biting the heads off of birds, which made it to the newspapers, and thanks to this, the number of audience members in attendance skyrocketed.

With his high successes in the shows, Webster encountered Michael Barrymore, who offered him a slot at a midnight show alongside Barrymore and Jim Davidson, something which Webster accepted. He ended up having this schedule for about seven years, as www.lancmag.com

it was very successful. It was then that Webster’s connection to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach began. Peter Jay knew the owners of the Pleasure Beach and could get Webster to do his shows there for about two or three years. That was thirty two years ago. Webster then told me “I owe my entire career to Peter Jay because I was just some young lad off the street who walked in, he had faith in me, gave me a chance and if it wasn’t for him, I would not be doing what I am doing today”, which I thought was very kind of him to say, as

it shows that despite his years of success, Ken Webster has not forgotten who is responsible for helping him achieve success.

This was my first ever interview and I was very honoured to have been given the opportunity to interview someone like Ken Webster, not only that but he was very fun to interview and I am happy that he was my first ever interview. I hope I have been able to convey the interview well in writing and I hope you enjoy reading this.

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To Be Frank Joe Pasquale tells Vicky Edwards about ‘round two’ of playing Frank Spencer in the stage adaptation of the hit 70s TV show Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, which comes to Blackpool in April and St Helens in June

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he producers of the highly acclaimed UK tour of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em are delighted to announce the casting of Moray Treadwell as Mr Luscombe/ Mr Worthington, David Shaw-Parker as Father O’Hara and Ben Watson as Desmond/Constable. They join the previously announced Joe Pasquale as the loveable but accident-prone Frank Spencer, Sarah Earnshaw as his longsuffering wife Betty and Susie Blake as his disapproving mother-in-law, Mrs Fisher. Also in the cast are Peter F Gardiner and Jayne Ashley.

Moray Treadwell most recently appeared in the UK tour of No Man’s Land. His other theatre credits include Hysteria (national tour for London Classic Theatre Company), The Railway Children (King’s Cross Theatre), The Beatles LOVE Show (Cirque Du Soleil, Las Vegas), Waiting For Godot (Italian tour), The www.lancmag.com

Importance of Being Earnest (Vienna’s English Theatre) and The Ruling Class (Frankfurt’s English Theatre).

David Shaw-Parker began his career at the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing in over 25 productions for them. His many other theatre credits include Telyegin in Uncle Vanya (Hampstead Theatre), Leo Fairchild in Lady in The Van (Bath Theatre Royal), John Hitchcock in McQueen (St. James Theatre), Trevor Nunn’s productions of My Fair Lady (National Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Acorn Antiques (West End), and Lucy Bailey’s production of Titus Andronicus (Shakespeare’s Globe).

Ben Watson is an actor, writer, director and comedian who recently starred in Aladdin (White Rock Theatre, Hastings). His theatre credits include The History of Everything (UK Tour), I Capture The Castle (Watford Palace / Bolton Octagon / Oxford

LEFT: Joe Pasquale as Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do ‘Av ‘Em. Photo by Scott Rylander ABOVE: Sarah Earnshaw as Betty & Joe Pasquale as Frank Spencer. Photo by Scott Rylander

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Moray Treadwell as Mr Luscombe with Joe and Sarah. Photo by Scott Rylander BELOW: Susie Blake as Mrs Fisher. Photo by Scott Rylander

Playhouse), Blue Brothers Party (UK / Japan Tour) The Jungle Book (UK Tour), A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Comedy of Errors (Cambridge Shakespeare Festival).

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em will be directed by Guy Unsworth and designed by Simon Higlett, with lighting design by Matt Haskins, sound design by Ian Horrocks-Taylor and choreography by Jenny Arnold.

Before Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em

embarked upon its inaugural tour, the producers were adamant: the Stage Manager must be equipped with a wellstocked first aid kit.

“Oh blimey, yes!” says the effervescent Joe Pasquale, once again playing Frank Spencer, the character made famous on TV in the 1970s and who had the nation chorusing ‘Ooh, Betty!’

“I do it all – hanging by my ankles and all sorts. During rehearsals the bloke choreographing the stunts fell down the stairs [of the set] and caught his knackers on the bannister. All he could suggest by way of reassurance was that I’d better wear a box. I mean, he was a professional stunt man and I had to do it every night!”

And now he’s doing it all over again.

Rave reviews and public support will see Frank back on stage, but Joe wants to make something clear.

“I don’t do it as Michael’s Frank Spencer; that would be an insult to Michael. I’m putting my personality into it,” he explains, as we discuss the character made famous on the telly by Michael Crawford.

“Frank isn’t childish, he believes in what he’s doing. The relationship between him and Betty is a love story.

He might always mess up, but she loves him anyway. For it to work she has to; otherwise he’d just be an idiot.”

Based on an original story about Frank trying to get on a TV talent show (“it’s still set in the 70s, so you get the mustard wallpaper, tank tops and all the trimmings”), Joe loves that it’s a family friendly show and nods his agreement when I suggest that with the ‘Goes Wrong’ series booming, and successful recent revivals of comedies such as Noises Off, there seems to be renewed enthusiasm for family comedy.

“Some Mothers is two hours of surgically tight performance. It is a show without malice or aggression and it is sweet, touching and very funny, and it has real heart.”

And Joe believes giving people a good laugh is also timely.

“People want comedy during times of uncertainty. Every single day [of the first tour] was a joy and a blessing.

To get the audience laughing as much as they did was just wonderful. “Guy www.lancmag.com

Unsworth [director and writer] is a real talent,” says Joe, admitting that on meeting “this very well spoken young lad who looked like an American football player” he questioned what the youngster could possibly teach him about comedy.

“I soon realised that he’s a natural.

He suggests the smallest change; a tiny nuance to get the comedy out of a line, and he’s always right. This kid is a classic comedy anorak who really knows his stuff. He has rewritten the script [ready for this new tour] and peppered it with even more jokes and most of the original cast are back for the new tour, which says a lot.”

Joined by Susie Blake as Mrs Fisher, Frank’s disapproving mother-in-law, Moray Treadwell as Mr Luscombe, David Shaw-Parker as Father O’Hara and Ben Watson as Desmond, playing his long-suffering wife Betty is Spamalot co-star Sarah Earnshaw. Also in the cast are Peter F Gardiner and Jayne Ashley.

“Susie is an experienced comic actress and she’s brilliant in the show.

Sarah’s role is more difficult. She has to be softer and likable,” says Joe, www.lancmag.com

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confessing that not ever having trained as an actor he needed Guy’s help.

“He told me to do it as an absolutely proper role; no asides or ad-libbing.

Putting me with really good actors also makes me raise my game. Sarah is a linchpin and the relationship we have on and off stage is built on trust and affection.”

Knowing her chum Joe so well that she can stop him deviating from the script almost before he thinks of doing so, Joe says she puts the mockers on any nonsense from him with an imperceptible movement.

“She’ll give a tiny head shake that nobody else notices. It means ‘I know you’re about to do something and DON’T!’ She calls me the Unstoppable Moron,” he chuckles.

Unstoppable is right. As well as Some Mothers Joe constantly works on new comedy material, writes horror stories and is a talented artist – a skill he has been known to incorporate into his stand-up act.

“I am really aware of my mortality so you might as well live while you can,” he says, waving aside any suggestion that the general schlepping of a long tour might be tiring.

“Touring in Some Mothers is a lot easier than my stand-up show. Then I usually do forty one-nighters. A week in one place is a holiday,” he beams, adding that there are certain places he is particularly looking forward to.

“I absolutely love Frank Matcham theatres and the Grand is a lovely theatre and a proper playhouse. This show works really well in a proper playhouse. There’s not a bad seat in that theatre. It doesn’t matter where in the three levels that you sit. I’m really looking forward to our week there.”

As for playing Frank, Joe knows he’s likely to collect a few bumps and bruises along the way. But then he’s used to ‘industrial injuries,’ having previously got himself stuck inside a bingo machine, broken his toe while tap dancing and dislocated a shoulder in panto.

“It’s got danger written all over it for me. I wouldn’t want to be my understudy!”

As for the future, there are hopes that Some Mothers may continue to delight audiences, both at home and abroad.

Watch this space. But for now, watch the show. I promise you won’t regret it.

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Asked how the show came about, Joe recalls playing King Arthur in the Monty Python musical comedy Spamalot in the West End a couple of years ago. Stuck in an airless dressing room at the height of summer, wearing chainmail and kingly robes, he was trying to mend a broken fan. Having taken it apart and put it back together again, when he turned the power back on the fan exploded. The show’s associate director Guy Unsworth was present. Calling it a pure Frank Spencer moment, a seed was sown and Guy sought out Raymond Allen, writer of the original TV series. Fate was smiling.

Allen, it transpired, was a big fan of Joe’s. Unsworth set about writing a script and Frank Spencer was reborn.

Joe is something of an adrenalin junkie (as well as winning I’m a Celebrity fourteen years ago he has

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appeared in TV documentaries that have entailed him being trained by the SAS and imprisoned in Costa Rica) Joe says: “I read the book Feel the Fear and do it Anyway fifteen years ago and it made me think. Now, if I’m not sure about doing something I automatically say OK; let’s do it.”

The UK Tour will be produced by Limelight Productions.

21 – 25 April at Blackpool Grand Theatre, Tel: 01253 290190 www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk 2 – 6 June at St Helens Theatre Royal, Tel: 01744 756 000 www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com www.somemothersdoaveem.com facebook.com/somemothersuk/ Twitter:@somemothersuk

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RAISING FUNDS @ THE FARM

FREE ADMISSION Shores Hey Farm Blackhouse Lane, Off Halifax Rd, Briercliffe, Burnley, BB10 3QU

Open Daily 11am-4pm For more information visit www.shoresheyfarm.co.uk or phone 01282 455992

HAPPA Shores Hey Farm Where horses and ponies are given a second chance in life Words: Jessica Gregson

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dmittedly, before I spoke to Julie Pharaoh-Gan, the farm’s Development Manager, I did not know much about the Charity.

However, after an in-depth phone call, I was in awe of their amazing work and could not wait to share it with you, the readers.

HAPPA was founded in 1937 to fight against transportation of horses to the continent for slaughter. It is one of the oldest and most respected of equine charities in the UK. The organisation has a Rescue Centre in Burnley that has been a sanctuary for over 5000 horses for 36 years. HAPPA Shores Hey Farm, located on Blackhouse Lane, is so much more than a safe haven for animals, it is fast becoming one of the most iconic visitors’ attractions in the area.

HAPPA relies on donations and revenue from the Rescue Centre in order to continue the Charity’s mission, so horses like HAPPA Ben and HAPPA

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Barbara can get the second chance in life they truly deserve. When I asked Julie about her favourite rescue story, she replied; “It’s quite a different rescue story to most of the others. When you think about neglected horses, you often assume they are underweight.

However, this particular horse was severely overweight. It was the first ever rescue I saw, so it was about 14 years ago. HAPPA Heidi, we called her, was suffering from laminitis which is a very painful condition affecting the horse’s feet, she had no accountable owner and had been abandoned in a field.

Her hooves had overgrown so much that she had collapsed in the field in pain when we went to rescue her. She was a very nervous horse and had not been handled in a long time, so her rehabilitation was a lengthy process.

However, she did fully recover and found her Forever Home, which is our hope for all the horses.”

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The Rescue Centre, set in 80 acres of luscious land, cares for around 60 equines at any one time at a cost of almost £20,000 each week. There is no other rescue centre like it in the area and they cover 18 counties within the north of England. The 40 membered team is constantly working to provide the care and attention the animals so desperately need. Each and every facility within the Burnley base is about the process of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming these wonderful animals. Every empty stable is ready to fill, and the staff are always prepared to rescue an equine, sometimes at the drop of a hat if needs be. Julie remembers; “There was this one rescue, we had got a phone call about a horse in need, so our investigator went out to assess the situation. In no time at all, she called us to say get the vet and the police down here, we are doing something about this now.”

When you visit HAPPA Shores Hey Farm you can see first-hand the tireless work the team do. Visitors can meet some of the horses and ponies and find out more about them, including the opportunity to learn more with HAPPA’s Educational Calendar which includes Own a Pony Days for ages 7-16, equine 136

Experience Day for ages 18 +, Dressage and other equine clinics, and the fantastic Equine Seminar, which this year focuses on Rider Fitness and Performance.

HAPPA Shores Hey Farm is not only home to the animal welfare charity, but it is one of the most visited attractions in the country. 13,000 visitors visited the farm last year, making 2019 record worthy. They were awarded Visit Lancashire’s Small Visitor Attraction in 2017, they were runners up of Small Visitor Attraction 2018 and Taste Lancashire Café/Tearoom 2018 Awards and runners up of the Small Event 2019 Award. Shores Hey Farm is really setting the standard as a Charity visitor’s attraction.

Shores Hey Farm is ranked as one of the best things to do in Burnley by TripAdvisor. One visitor said; “I take my grandchildren at least once a year and they love it, everything is so well run, always spotlessly clean and the horses so well cared for. It is fun but the children also pick up the message that someone cares enough to look after the animals which others have neglected.

The cafe is always a treat at the end. For the quality of the food the prices are very reasonable.”

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In 2015, the centre re-opened after a large development and now offers indoor and outdoor activities, fabulous food, corporate facilities, shopping, children’s play areas as well as a secondhand book room.

Boasting a host of Lancashire focussed delights to tantalise your taste buds, The Cafe serves fresh meals prepared with locally sourced produce.

There is also the Kids Menu for younger guests and a dedicated area for pooches. Those who enjoy fine dining may also be tempted by the regular themed evening events which, for 2020, include Grill Night, Tapas Night, Jazz Night, and Murder Mystery Night.

Special offers and seasonal events are also catered for such as ‘The Monday Club’ offering a two-course lunch for just £4.95 per person, 2 for £10 Wednesdays and Chippy Lunch on Fridays. After a bite to eat, you can browse The Fussy Filly which has a good selection of pre-owned and new tack, rugs and horsey bits and bobs as well as a selection of animal and farm themed gifts and toys for any budget.

For those who are keen animal lovers and would like more than a piece of memorabilia, you can sponsor a horse or pony on its Rehabilitation Journey towards being placed in a Forever Home, with the Second Chance Sponsorship scheme. Those who support the Charity in this way are invited to two special VIP Days every year and receive a fabulous welcome package and regular email updates.

If you’re looking for that perfect space to hold that special occasion or business meeting, then the recently refurbished meeting rooms at Shores Hey Farm are perfect for you. This desirable and unique venue nestled within 80 acres of scenic Lancashire countryside is managed by the equine welfare charity HAPPA. The site offers first class facilities in a relaxing rural environment within easy reach of Burnley town centre and the M65.

Every donation, purchase and booking makes a difference to the horses, ponies and donkeys in need.

With the contributions from visitors and funding from Support Adoption for Pets, the Charity has been able to make changes in facilities at Shores Hey Farm in order to accommodate more horses and ponies coming into the Centre.

On 11th March 2020, the animal welfare site opened a brand-new facility and in the short amount of time it 138

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has been open, it has already helped numerous horses and ponies.

Head of Equine Operations, Amanda Berry, explains further, “We were very fortunate six years ago to secure funding, from Support Adoption for Pets and The Yvonne Gregory Family, to build a fully equipped Isolation Unit at the Centre.

This Unit was designed to separate new equines, who have been rescued from cruelty and neglect, from the rest of the herd at Shores Hey Farm, reducing the risk from any potentially fatal illness and diseases spreading. Once their standard isolation period has been completed, they move onto the Main Yard to complete their rehabilitation with the view to being matched with a Forever Home. As the Charity has developed, we often see some of our youngsters returning to the Centre for schooling, or ponies returning from homes due to circumstances changing. These animals would be classed as lower risk but would still need a period of isolation and moving them into the Isolation Unit has become increasingly difficult, due to the number of rescue cases we are accommodating.

Therefore, we addressed the need and looked at converting a building on site to accommodate low risk horses or ponies returning from homes”.

Special guests included Amy Angus from the Support Adoption for Pets Charity, Ann Mountford, Deputy Store Manager for Pets at Home, Clitheroe, who with HAPPA Chairperson Jean Byrnes, cut the ribbon to officially open the Unit.

It is not only local supporters who help with the Charity’s ongoing mission.

In fact, a certain amount of celebrities continue to help this great cause. Sir Paul McCartney is a patron of HAPPA and the Burnley Football team have all been down to the Rescue Centre to show their support.

For a fun-filled family day out, Shores Hey Farm is definitely the place. Not only will your children enjoy meeting the horses, ponies and donkeys, playing in the activity centres and filling their bellies with delicious food, you will also know that your visit has made a difference to the lives of these equine animals. Each and every penny spent in the centre goes back into the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming process for these wonderful creatures. Shores Hey Farm is open daily from 11am until 4pm. Take a look at their website for their upcoming events, new arrivals and how you can help support this great charity. www.lancmag.com

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A Challenging Garden Design Daniel A Calderbank shares his garden Clockwise from top Left: The garden in late Autumn, The garden looking west with newly laid turf, A Grecian urn with Pyracantha hedge in flower.

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ifty years ago I was fortunate to win a garden design competition organised by the Tillotson’s Newspaper Group and since then I have dabbled in garden design creating plans mainly for family and friends but primarily for ourselves in the dozen or so homes we have occupied over those years. I also enjoyed writing articles on gardening for various newspapers and magazines and for 25 years until retirement I penned the garden feature for the Lancashire Magazine.

The home we now occupy is in South Lakeland. We are fortunate in having a small copse of mature trees at the bottom of the garden, primarily yew and oak but with some holly, and this provides a wonderful backcloth for the garden. The previous occupant divided the garden and copse into two sharply divided areas with the garden being created in a quasi-Elizabethan style with hard landscaping and trimmed box shrubs cut into ball shapes. Limestone chippings covered a vast area making the garden very low maintenance but incredibly bland.

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I wished to sensitively link the garden with the copse and considered that there was potential to create something special but as I was then in my early 70s I questioned whether I could physically manage the work. I decided to retain some of the low stone walls and steps that lead to the copse but to remove everything else including the hard landscaping materials and all the plants.

The box shrubs were given away and I was rather surprised at the demand considering the issues with box blight and the availability of alternatives.

Approximately twenty tonnes of limestone chippings were removed and replaced with top soil allowing a lawn to be made. On each side of the lawn two perennial borders were created using the herbaceous perennials that we value the most. With one border largely in shade and the other in full sun it allowed planting according to each plant’s preference and by planting in groups of the same variety clumps quickly become established each offering different heights, foliage, colour and flowering times. Contrary to popular belief these borders are not www.lancmag.com

The ornamental pool

high maintenance as the tightly knit plants suppress the weeds.

A few of our favourite herbaceous perennials chosen include Ligularia ‘Othello’; Anemone japonica ‘Dreaming Swan’; Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’; Echinacea purpureum; Ligularia przewalskii; Lysimachia ‘Firecracker’; Thalictrum ‘Hewitt’s Double’; Iris ‘Tropical Night’; Aconitum and Cimicifica ‘Brunette’. At a lower height Sedum ‘Herbstfreude; Astrantia ‘Shaggy’, Geum; Astilbe ‘Fanal’; Centaurea ‘Jordy’ and hardy geranium ‘Kashmir White’.

Uniting the garden and copse was important but also challenging as I didn’t wish to lose the wildness of the copse and the transition therefore required a careful choice of plants.

Eventually I decided to use ornamental grasses and behind these a selection of shrubs. The shrubs had to be rather muted, offering the ‘flavour’ of being ornamental to satisfy the garden element while also appearing ‘wild’ and Viburnum tinus mixed with Cornus ‘flaviramea’ proved to be ideal. Other www.lancmag.com

shrubs that blended perfectly included Amelanchier and Physocarpus ‘Lady in Red’, both absolute stars and strongly recommended.

At the moment there are not many bulbous plants in the garden although I do like white crocus and cream coloured tulips. I’m certainly not fond of daffodils as these remind me of municipal and corporate planting schemes and removed hundreds of them from within the wooded copse replacing these with

single-flowered snowdrops that are now beginning to slowly colonise the area.

The evergreen Epimedium was also planted here and mixes well with the creeping ivy that carpets the woodland floor; I am pleased that the garden has matured very quickly since work started just four years ago with the division between the garden and copse now practically seamless.

The garden in October with ornamental grasses

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T

he Sea Watch Foundation’s 2019 National Whale and Dolphin Watch event (July 27th – August 4th) revealed striking biodiversity with an impressive thirteen species of cetaceans seen around the British Isles, a number which has only been recorded twice before in the history of the event. The total number of sightings (over 2,000) collected exceeded last year’s by 500 and was the highest reported so far.

For the past 20 years, Sea Watch Foundation has monitored the dolphins, porpoises and whales around the UK, documenting abundance trends, identifying conservation threats, and advising on the best ways to protect the populations both within and outside the Special Areas of Conservation. For the past 17 years this has been spearheaded through an annual national recording event, the National Whale and Dolphin Watch (NWDW), which marks the long-lasting collaboration between citizen scientists, wildlife enthusiasts, the general public, and researchers alike.

Scotland recorded the highest number of sightings particularly along the western coast and on the Inner and Outer Hebrides. In England, the greatest number of sightings were collected in the South around Cornwall and South Devon with similar numbers also collected in Yorkshire and the North-East. In Wales, the highest number of sightings was collected on the West coast.

“The most memorable sightings from this past year’s Watch week include fin whales off Tiumpan Head in the Outer Hebrides, feeding groups of short-beaked common dolphins off Berry Head in Devon, humpback whales sighted off Penzance in Cornwall and off Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, as well as long-finned pilot whales and large pods of Atlantic white-sided dolphins sighted around Shetland”, says Dr Chiara Giulia Bertulli, Sightings Officer and lead organiser of last year’s national event for the Sea Watch Foundation.

Another great success of last year is the larger number of effort sightings (associated by detailed information on several environmental parameters) being collected, which accounts this year for 70% of all sighting records reported during the event.

“Taking sighting records and adding environmental data together helps us to better understand the ways in which 142

National Whale and Dolphin Watch The great success of a citizen science project casting light on status and distribution of cetaceans in British waters cetacean populations are affected by changes to the environment. Not only does the collection of sightings and geographical positions increase our general knowledge of the cetacean fauna that inhabits the seas around the British Isles, it can inform us of important areas and times of year for particular species, enabling better decision making on the risk of harm to local populations from human activities”, continues Chiara.

This year’s NWDW marks also the great collaborations with thirty-four different conservation and recording organisations, including ORCA, Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, MARINELife, and Whale and Dolphin Conservation, who have contributed data collected from boats (inshore and offshore) and

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from land stations in different parts of the UK. Sea Watch Foundation are seeking volunteers to take part in the National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2020 this summer, which takes place 25th July – 2nd August. No experience is necessary as the team at Sea Watch will offer you training and advice on how to take part. Visit www.seawatchfoundation. org.uk/nwdw/ for details, or contact nwdw@seawatchfoundation.org. uk. To download a copy of the 2019 NWDW report visit https://www. seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdwreports/.

This year’s National Whale and Dolphin Watch takes place between 25th July and 2nd August 2020

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Outdoor Living

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Gardening Tips May

May - What a month to enjoy in the garden If your garden is lacking in lustre at the moment then perhaps now is the perfect time to give it a little tender loving care because plants are at their best this month.

The weather has warmed and frosts are becoming a thing of the past so it’s time to get creative with summer bedding, containers and hanging baskets. Borders can be all brought to life with a multitude of flowers that will perform from now through to the autumn.

From the ever-reliable begonia to the tumbling cascade of petunias, there is a flowering annual to suit every garden. Plant in fresh, multipurpose compost, remembering to feed and water as much as possible and you will no doubt be rewarded with non-stop blooms in an infinite range of colours. Imagine fiery orange gazanias planted with deep blue lobelia or a pot of geraniums bursting in rich colours of red, pink and white.

Maybe a border of warm yellow and orange magnolias is what your garden needs or a hanging basket dripping with trailing cerise fuchsias.

May is a good month for many variety of azaleas and rhododendrons which grace us with their show-stopping blooms in an array of rich colours. They grow best in acidic soil conditions but there are lots of small cultivators that are ideal for planting in containers with ericaceous compost.

There are varieties which can also thrive in both shady and sunny positions and some have leaves which have amazingly felted undersides. The deciduous forms of rhododendron (also called deciduous azaleas) have large exotic-looking flowers

that are often deliciously scented and usually open before the leaves, which present us with a fabulous colour in autumn.

Lilacs are also scenting the air in May with glorious panicles of pink, purple and white flowers which attract bees to their sweet nectar. They can also form into small trees or dwarf shrubs depending on the variety and are undemanding and reliable.

Wisterias are also stunning this month with their beautiful, hanging displays of aromatic flowers which can grow up to 4ft long. Available in shades of purple with a few white varieties, they are vigorous climbers that can cover the facade of a house if left over time and are certainly worth the wait to see the amazing show of prolific flowers.

If you are rigorous with your pruning regime then it’s even possible to grow them in a large pot to form a small standing tree but they are hungry plants and will need lots of feeding and watering.

In the borders, peonies are bursting into bloom now with huge ruffled flowers in a range of colours. Often scented, the flowers can be single with contrasting coloured stamens or complex double forms that resemble the showiest of roses.

Preferring a sunny spot they can be planted in fertile soil and ideally not too deep. When autumn arrives they like to show off their bronzed fern-like foliage, adding a splash of colour to an otherwise toned down garden.

So whatever size or shape of garden you may have, there is plenty of colour and variety to keep you going this month to provide you with rich displays for the coming months ahead.

Wisteria

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Azaleas

Jobs in the garden • By mid-May, frosts are much less likely and tender plants, seedlings and bedding can be planted out into the garden after hardening off.

• Pots and baskets of summer flowering annuals can be put out; and cannas and dahlias can be planted or placed outside in large containers. Remember to water regularly and keep some fleece Geranium handy in case we have a late frost.

• The greenhouse will need ventilation on sunny days; some shading for the plants inside may also be necessary.

Damp down the floor on hot days to increase humidity. Trim & Tidy • Deadhead tulips and daffodils but let leaves die back naturally. Congested clumps of bulbs can be lifted, divided and replanted; a liquid feed will give them a boost for next year’s flowering period.

• Spring flowering shrubs such as forsythia and pyracantha can be pruned as their flowers finish, as can Clematis Montana and other woodier stems. Deciduous shrubs can also be propagated now from softwood cuttings.

• Evergreen hedges and shrubs can be trimmed to tidy or topiary them; remove only the most damaged or diseased leaves.

Weed & Feed • Lawns will need to be mowed regularly and can be fed with a nitrogen rich feed.

• The flower beds will be getting into full swing now and will benefit from a weeding and feeding. Put in support for tall perennials, and take cuttings of new shoots.

Fruit & Veg • Harden off tender veg seedlings that you’ve been growing in the greenhouse, like courgettes and pumpkins, ready to plant out in the vegetable garden.

• Sow vegetables such as turnips, sweetcorn, spinach and lettuce.

• Peas and beans will need supports to climb up. Keep up with hoeing weeds to reduce competition.

• Keep earthing up potatoes.

• Thin out ripening gooseberry fruits and raspberry canes to about 6 per plant.

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on her iPhone.

After wearing diagnostic hearing aids in order to determine what Rebecca’s needs would be, Nish fitted Rebecca’s new hearing aids explaining just how everything worked: “Nish was fantastic! As soon as I had them fitted I was just amazed at how clear I could hear everything.

“When my phone rings it rings in my ear, if I am in the car it connects to the sat nav and that talks directly into my ear via the hearing aids.

If I am in a situation where I need more volume in either ear I can tap on an app on my phone and turn it up or down. The Unitron hearing aids have been a lifechanger for Rebecca: “Compared to the NHS hearing aids, these are amazing! It has given me a massive

LIFE-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY

The latest high-tech hearing aids have proved to be a lifechanger for a delighted Reedley lady.

Photography: Robin Lyndon

her hearing.

“It was totally unexpected,” says Rebecca. “I noticed that I was struggling hearing during normal conversations and I could see people getting frustrated with me.

I never thought I may be losing my hearing.”

Rebecca went to see her doctor who referred her to an NHS audiologist, who told her she was losing the hearing in one ear. Six months later she began losing the hearing in the other ear.

“I took it in my stride,” she recalls. “At that point the prospect of wearing a hearing aid didn’t particularly bother me, I just

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thought it was a bit like wearing glasses.”

Rebecca, who was prescribed NHS hearing aids, adds: “When I started wearing them I realised they were not right for me or my lifestyle.

There was a lot of background noise and interference. I felt I had been given something that did not do the job.”

“

NISH WAS FANTASTIC! AS SOON AS I HAD THEM FITTED I WAS JUST AMAZED AT HOW CLEAR I COULD HEAR EVERYTHING

“

t came of something of a shock IMurray when, at the age of 38, Rebecca noticed that she was losing

Rebecca who is single and lives in Reedley, recalls: “If I went to hug someone the hearing aid would make a whistling sound. I felt really self-conscious.”

Having done some research on hearing aids and the latest technology that can be incorporated into them, Rebecca consulted expert Nish Vasant at Fresh Hearing in Haslingden.

“I went to see Nish and have never looked back,” says a delighted Rebecca, who now has the latest topof-the-range Unitron Discover Jump hearing aids that are rechargeable and automatically connect to an app

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self confidence boost – I don’t even know they are there.”

Nish from Fresh Hearing explains: “Rebecca is a prime example of why going down the private route was the best option. She is still young and active and the NHS hearing aids were not giving her everything she needs for her lifestyle. When we trial hearing aids, it ensures clients get the best level of technology to suit them and that’s what we did with Rebecca.”

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RIGHT: Pledges for nature BELOW: A new event at Heaton Park BOTTOM: This way to the Festival of Nature BOTTOM RIGHT: Bees are important

Festival celebrates our wildlife The Manchester Festival of Nature will return after last year’s hugely successful launch. More than 7,000 people descended on Heaton Park to celebrate Manchester’s amazing wildlife. The Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Alan Wright is part of the team behind #MFoN 2020.

A

s the clock struck 12 on Saturday, June 28, 2019, a year of physical and mental toil ended, months of worry evaporated and the first Manchester Festival of Nature began.

To be honest, families had been pouring into the #MFoN site, in the beautiful garden area at Heaton Park, for an hour before the official launch and then there was a steady stream of happy faces in and out of the festival til after 4pm.

Our event planner Ben Turner described the atmosphere as “gentle” and that was probably why I had stopped shaking and rattling inside.

We still had a lot of work to do in

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those five hours but we were all smiling as we were surrounded with people enjoying masses of interesting activities served up by the many stalls manned by the top conservation organisations in Manchester.

Who would have thought that the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, RSPB, National Trust, City of Trees, The Conservation Volunteers, Royal Horticultural Society, Canal & River Trust, Let’s Ride North West, Action for Conservation, Sustrans, Chester Zoo, Friends of the Earth, Heaton Park Beekeepeers, Manchester Museum, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester City Council

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ABOVE: The Bee Parade reaches Heaton Hall FAR LEFT: Making natural art. Photo by Paul Heyes MIDDLE: Pledging for the future LEFT: Dressing up for #MFoN. Photo by Paul Heyes

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Bulldogs make great bumblebees Photo by Paul Heyes

ABOVE: Taking a rest from pollinating Photo by Paul Heyes BELOW: Getting the insect message across

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and its Heaton Park team could get along so well. Well, we all had one thing in common, we wanted to tell the world just how brilliant the wildlife in Manchester and North West truly is.

Since the festival we have organised events under the banner of the Manchester Nature Consortium and been joined by interested parties like Butterfly Conservation. Many others are keen to come on board.

There are two main thrusts to this year’s Heaton Park event, insects and the importance of recording wildlife. So how do you make creepy crawlies and making records interesting?

Everybody loves bees and butterflies, well, most of us. I was in the Butterfly House at Chester Zoo and watched a grown woman flapping in a panic as some of the beautiful insects got a bit too close. She actually looked like a giant butterfly.

It’s great that many people realise the importance of bees, pollinating plants that become our food or colourful flowers in our gardens. Yet, butterflies, wasps and hoverflies are all important in passing pollen from flower to flower.

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Those wasps, hated by many, also serve a great purpose in getting rid of all sorts of tiny aphids which are munching into your spectacular garden.

All creatures serve a purpose, even if they are just food for other animals.

Recording creatures is also important as we need to know the health of their population. So we will be holding a giant BioBlitz on the day of the festival to check out wildlife, large and small, in Heaton Park.

To celebrate our appreciation of insects, there will be an insect parade.

Last year 500 people dressed as bees in our bee parade. So get your wings ready for a multi-coloured parade this year – watch out for butterflies, dragonflies and moths.

The main ingredient of the #MFoN recipe is the people who attend. We want to provide an opportunity for parents to tell their children about the amazing wildlife on their doorstep, and for children to tell their parents about how important it is that the wildlife we have today is still around tomorrow.

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ABOVE: A giant bee led the parade LEFT: A family of bees. Photo by Paul Heyes

#MFoN is great for kids Even dogs love to dress up for nature

Manchester City Council’s Dave Barlow is in the frame

Emma Greenwood, Bury Youth MP at #MFoN

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust 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 27,000 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. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call 01948 820728 or go to cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

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Blackpool Venues Buddy Scheme Blackpool Grand Theatre and Winter Gardens putting people in ‘touch’ with each other during these uncertain times

D

uring these troubling times two of Blackpool’s venues, the Grand Theatre and Winter Gardens have joined forces to ‘put people in touch’ with each other. Both venues are asking followers and their email subscribers to reach out and offer help to others in the community.

That could be shopping deliveries, just saying hello and chatting or video calling online. All you need do is comment on our post on our social media that you’re up for a conversation, or need help…

A joint statement from Winter Gardens Blackpool and Blackpool Grand Theatre said ‘As venues we are here to support our staff and employees, but the venues also work in the community a great deal and we want to support our local community as much as we can.

‘Together as venues, we have the power to connect people who are willing

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to support others that may be alone in isolation or just need a little company to break up the day.’

We are calling on all entertainment venues to join the cause - The Blackpool Buddy Scheme!

The Blackpool Buddy Scheme Simply visit a venue’s social channels and tell us if you are up for a chat, then others can see and can make contact!

The Blackpool Buddy Scheme Follow both organisations at; Facebook @blackpoolgrand Twitter @Grand_Theatre Instagram grandtheatrebpl Facebook @WGBpl Twitter @WGBpl Instagram @wgbpl Or follow the new account at @VenueBuddy

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Aiming Aiming Higher Higher

You You can can donate donate toto Aiming Aiming Higher Higher using using the the following following methods methods Website Website | www.aiminghighercharity.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ | www.aiminghighercharity.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ Just Just Giving Giving & PayPal & PayPal | Found | Found onon Aiming Aiming Higher Higher website website

Post Post | Aiming | Aiming Higher.

Higher.

231 231 – 233 – 233 Church Church Street, Street, Blackpool, Blackpool, Lancashire Lancashire FY1 FY1 3PB. 3PB. Please Please ring ring 01253 01253 206447 206447 further further information information

Vitalka Vitalka Wilson Wilson speaking speaking to to Aiming Aiming Higher’s Higher’s Development Development Project Project Manager Manager Amy Amy Gunniss Gunniss

The The team team from from Headstart Headstart

Development Development Worker Worker Darren Darren Foy Foy with with one one of of thethe information information boards boards from from thethe event event

Trustee Trustee Andrew Andrew Wareing Wareing with with Mayor Mayor of of Fylde Fylde Councillor Councillor Angela Angela Jaques Jaques and and Deputy Deputy mayor mayor Richard Richard Redcliffe.

Redcliffe.

AA

iming iming Higher Higher forfor Disabled Disabled Children Children && their their Families Families is ais a Blackpool Blackpool based based charity charity that that supports supports hundreds hundreds of oflocal local children children and and their their families. families.

The The charity charity supports supports families families and and creates creates happy happy memories memories forfor children children with with lifelife limiting limiting and and complex complex conditions. conditions.

Raising Raising a disabled a disabled child child can can bebe a wonderful a wonderful experience, experience, however however it can it can also also bebe lonely, lonely, isolating isolating and and overpowering. overpowering.

The The friendly friendly and and professional professional team team at at Aiming Aiming Higher Higher areare always always close close at at hand hand and and able able to to support support thethe families families registered registered with with them, them, easing easing them them through through any any anxieties. anxieties.

The The service service provided provided varies varies with with each each families’ families’ needs needs – from – from supporting supporting families families to to attend attend appointments appointments at at school, school, hospital, hospital, social social services, services, benefits benefits and and housing housing to to www.lancmag.com

providing providing activities activities and and days days outout where where families families can can meet meet others others in in similar similar circumstances. circumstances.

The The team team recently recently held held a welcome a welcome day day forfor other other professionals professionals and and local local businesses businesses to to explain explain more more about about what what Aiming Aiming Higher Higher offer offer and and how how they they can can help. help.

The The event event was was well well attended attended and and gave gave allall who who visited visited thethe chance chance to to seesee thethe newly newly refurbished refurbished centre centre and and itsits sensory sensory room. room.

InIn attendance attendance were were thethe Mayor Mayor of ofWyre Wyre Councillor Councillor Ann Ann Turner Turner and and Mayoress Mayoress Councillor Councillor Andrea Andrea Kay; Kay; Mayor Mayor of ofFylde, Fylde, Councillor Councillor Angela Angela Jaques Jaques and and Deputy Deputy mayor mayor Richard Richard Redcliffe Redcliffe with with thethe Mayor Mayor of of Blackpool’s Blackpool’s representative representative Councillor Councillor Kim Kim Critchley, Critchley, along along with with thethe charity’s charity’s

patron patron Natalie Natalie Christopher, Christopher, trustees trustees John John Child, Child, Hilary Hilary Ainge, Ainge, Andrew Andrew Wareing, Wareing, Anthea Anthea Dawson, Dawson, Alison Alison Gilmore Gilmore and and Norry Norry Ascroft Ascroft as as well well as as professionals professionals from from thethe Blackpool Blackpool SEND SEND team, team, Headstart, Headstart, Portage Portage service, service, Better Better Start,Advocacy Start,Advocacy service, service, local local special special schools schools and and more. more.

Vitalka Vitalka Wilson, Wilson, a local a local resident resident who who is doing is doing a parachute a parachute jump jump forfor thethe charity charity also also came came along along to to learn learn more. more.

If Ifyou’d you’d like like to to support support thethe charity charity and and reward reward Vitalka Vitalka forfor hishis bravery bravery you you can can dodo soso byby visiting visiting hishis justgiving justgiving page page at at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ vitalka-wilson1 vitalka-wilson1

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fashion health & beauty Over the next few pages check our guide to this months trends

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Spring Is Wedding Season

Tailoring From Giorgio Armani Ted Baker & Paul Smith

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Lancaster’s Joseph + Co guide us through some of the latest looks for this season

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Paul Smith, Denim Shirt

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Paul Smith Jacket

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Paul Smith T-shirt

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Tramarossa Jeans

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Emporio Armani T-shirt

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Emporio Armani Shirt

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A Style for Every Story Airfield Austrian luxury, available in over 40 countries worldwide is a fashion label for the modern and selfconfident woman, who stands for innovation, exceptional design and high quality.

Airfield Peach Jacket

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Airfield Pegasus Jacket

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Airfield Flowing blouse in pink

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Airfield Jersey dress with flowing skirt

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Colour and Style

Our new section on Colour and Style with Sarah Harris from ‘Colour Me Beautiful’

I

’m Sarah Harris and I’m a Colour and Style Consultant who trained with Colour Me Beautiful the world’s leading Image consultants.

My background is in fashion and after leaving school at 16 I travelled to London to work as a Fashion/photographic model, I enjoyed the life and it allowed me to travel the world, during my career I also worked in wholesale/retail within the fashion industry. I learnt all about fabrics, business, international companies and trying all those clothes on – the quality, cut and fabric. I took a break from the business when I married and had our two children. I retrained as an Image consultant with Colour Me Beautiful who have been changing the lives of women and men for over 35 years.

I’d like to inspire you with Colour, Style and skincare tips and 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. Email: sarah@ sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

‘The best colour in the world is the one that looks good on you’ - Coco Chanel

Find your best Blue

Colour - Style - Skincare/make-up What is a colour consultation?

The aim of a colour consultation is to find the most flattering shade of colour for you. Once you know what suits you shopping will be so much easier and it will save you money as you will never buy anything on the spur of the moment or in the sale just because it’s a good price. You will only buy what suits you. In a colour analysis we look at your hair colour, eye colour and skin tone to find your dominant type. In the past you were classed as a season – Autumn, Winter, Summer or Spring but now you are one of the six dominants.

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If you look at the three images of the model above what do you see? The black shirt is too overpowering whereas the lighter the grey becomes we start to see the model in harmony with her clothes. The model is a light dominant and she looks good in lighter shades of colour. This is what wearing the right colour does for you, it lifts you and is so much more flattering.

Have you noticed that when we wear colour it lifts our mood?

My favourite colour is red and I always feel great in it! I have a red coat which I’ve had for over 15 years and I wear it all the time, it’s almost worn out but I just feel so good in it! It cost me a lot but it was worth every penny, it was good quality which is proven by the times I have worn it compared to a t shirt that I bought for £5 in the sale that I have never worn!

Do you have a favourite colour and What does it say about you?

• Red – can make you feel full of energy and brighten you up.

It’s great for energy and a confidence boost.

• Pink – you’ll appear affectionate, sympathetic and understandingPink is a great colour when you are caring for someone or when you want to soften a look.

• Blue – Blue induces a sense of calm and will make you appear peaceful. Classic Blue is the colour of this season, so let’s start wearing it!

• Green – You will appear nurturing, dependable and relaxed.

Wear it when you are over-stressed and overtired- it helps you relax • Orange – can make you feel enthusiastic. It’s a great colour to show off your creativity, perfect around children • Purple – Shows that you are creative and in control. It shows confidence and individuality I mentioned my red coat In my favourite and how I’d worn it perhaps red coat more than anything else in my wardrobe, therefore, it makes it the best value compared to some other items. We need to be looking at sustainability and purchasing products that are made to last, instead of buying things that will only be worn once or perhaps never! (like that T shirt I bought for £5)

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Once you find your best colours it is time to look at how you wear your clothes and what your proportions and scale tell us to help us dress you to your best advantage.

If for example you have wide hips and therefore your tops are a smaller size I can show you how to ‘accentuate the positive’ by bringing the eye upwards. The dress below is a good example of this as the sleeves are giving width to the top half.

We need to develop a style that suits our personality and bring it up to date every season. Everyone wants to be fashionable but what is important is to wear clothes that suit you, the fit and style have to be right but most of all they have to suit your style personality. It is no good buying the latest style dress or jacket and then finding that it doesn’t work on you. This Hobbs is why so many items end up at the back of our wardrobes!

‘Fashion fades, only style remains the same’, was what Coco Chanel always said and she was right. Find your style and develop it.

Colour and style are essential to help you understand what flatters you most and at the CMB conference in February the key words were:RE -CYCLING, UP -CYCLING, VINTAGE,, SUSTAINABILITY, INVESTMENT BUYS, SHARING, LAYERING, COMFORT, CHERISHED………

There is no time like now to shop our wardrobes look at reusing, altering, re-styling. Let’s look inside our wardrobes and see what we have.

Clothes swap events or Swishing as they are sometimes called are becoming very popular and a great way of updating your wardrobe and swapping items that you no longer wear or the colour/style isn’t right for you. It’s a good way to help the planet. In fact 53 million tons of fibre are produced by the fashion industry each year and more than 70% of that ends up in landfills or on bonfires and less than 1% of it is reused to make new clothes!!

Review what you have in your wardrobe from past seasons:Does it still fit? Can you wear it differently – maybe as part of a layered outfit? Does it need altering – a new neckline may just be what you need to refresh a top! Look at your shoes, the styles from last season are still wearable, maybe there is something at the back of your wardrobe that you have forgotten about! www.lancmag.com

The other day I was rummaging through my mums wardrobe and I found some waspi belts from the 80’s! So I have now acquired some lovely belts and even though these are from the 80’s they’re very fashionable this season !! Go and have a look through your wardrobe and see what you can find and create.

If you can’t find a belt at the Zara back of your wardrobe there are some good ones around online or in the shops and it’s an inexpensive way of updating your wardrobe.

Accessorising with a belt can really update an outfit why not try it over a jacket like the one below from Zara or I spotted a chunky leopard print one in Ruby and Daisy the other day for £12.00! A great style for this season either over a jacket or shirt dress.

Skincare/make-up ‘Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself’ - Coco Chanel Two years ago Colour Me Beautiful started a new skincare range which is organic, vegan, not tested on animals and made with essential oils and even better it’s made around the corner in Salford!

It’s so good to be able to purchase products that are made so near to home. I am a big advocate for encouraging small local businesses.

There has always been a make-up range, however, this has become bigger and brighter than ever. Our star product is the magnetic compact – nothing falls out and you can buy individual eye shadows, blushers and highlighters. The good thing is you don’t have to buy 3 eyeshadows that you don’t Magnetic Compact wear. Make up is prescribed for you based on the Colour Me Beautiful philosophy, so nothing goes to waste!

I am doing online dominant colour consultations and style updates if you would like to have a look at my website for more details go to sarahharrisstyle.co.uk Please email me on sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk if you need any help or advice and please let me know what you would be interested in in my Colour, Style and skincare/ Make-up column. My aim is to help you feel and look the best that you can. Send me your messages and I will do my upmost to answer all your questions.

I wish you well, keep safe and I will see you all again next month.

Sarah x

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Antonella Talks Fashion For this months blog I have decided to hand the reins over to Claire, Ruby & Daisy’s General Manager, for some of her top tips on how we can all get through these tough times. Enjoy!! Lots of Love, Antonella x

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ell hello everyone! Here it is...my first blog!! And what a time to be given the task to start writing one.....in the middle of this horrible pandemic when life has completely been turned upside down and we are all looking to others to know what to do for the best.

I have to say today has been manic!. In my head, over the weekend while out walking with my husband, our two boys and the two dogs, I was in the state of mind that even though this virus is terrible and what is happening to the world right now is also terrible, it is actually lovely to be able to spend more time together doing the things we no longer get to do and how for the greater good, mother earth will have the chance to heal through all of this downtime. Which, in an ideal world that is absolutely true however today has thrown me into a complete rollercoaster of emotions!

It began well, early with a 7am conference call to Helena and Lou but still well in having some kind of a feeling of direction. The kids were up and dressed and at the table ready to begin school work for 9am as per any normal school day and I was ready to begin work. Two hours in and I am feeling pretty productive, Jack has completed two subjects homework, Josh has done 1 numeracy sheet, 1 numeracy test, his spellings and some practice on his timetables and I’m thinking...OMG Im not going to have enough work for these boys to do!

Then 11am hits…….and at this point I should have realised, these kids would have had a break time by now. Got together with their friends, had a mess around and a kick about with the football, let off a bit of steam and then they are back in the headspace to carry on with their work. But today, they did n’t get that. They have n’t had any release at all.

They just have each other and with one being 13 and the other being 9, they are not quite on the same page when it comes to their idea of fun!! So it’s down to me to now referee...to put my detective cap on to try and see the true meaning of their fallings out at this point and to come up with a solution!

So a quick distraction of 15 minutes of football out in the garden from mum and Jack helping dad to clean the windows settles it so I can get back inside and try my best to keep workflow going. Thats a quick fix for now until what…. lunchtime??!!

While out on the street , I speak to my neighbour (2

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meters apart!) and he is also in the same boat as me. He’s working from home, his wifes not well and he has a 3 year old to entertain!! It’s nuts!! It kind of feels like that first couple of days on your family holiday. When you’ve got the responsibilities of travelling, getting everyone there safely with everything they need, finding where you are staying, getting everything unpacked so everyone feels comfortable and settled and then you ‘ve got the getting used to everyone’s company 247!! Being tolerant to all those irritating little habits that are much easier to take in small doses. Only after those first 72 hours do you start to relax around each other and become more open and accepting towards each other and then the fun can begin.

I feel like this is how this week is going to roll! Its all new…. we’re all in unknown territory right now and it’s going to take those first few days for the frustrations to surface and the solutions to be found and then we can all begin to make progress and get along.

So for me it is always important to have your “tools” with you! A whole array of things you need for different situations in order to get the job done…..

When I feel stressed my first call is always water and detox.

A hot bath which includes a salt scrub followed by a body oil, face scrub and a good moisturiser. I always opt for a loungesuit or comfortable clothing that I feel nice enough in to answer the door (should anyone ever ring on my doorbell again this year!)

Once the body cleansing ritual is done then it’s time to cleanse the house. I am lucky that I have reiki in my toolbox so I am equipped with my reiki symbols, crystals and angel cards. I give reiki to each of the rooms in my house, my bath water and to myself and my family and then choose a whichever crystal I am drawn to at that time. Crystals are a beautiful thing. They can support you, reassure you, calm you and give you strength when you most need it. I would recommend to anyone to do some research on crystals and their meanings. You can purchase crystals online however be sure to cleanse them before you use them as they can pick up negative energies on their journeys. I will talk more about crystals in my next blog and their meanings and uses.

Then I have my angel cards. I would also recommend these cards. They are so www.lancmag.com

supportive and positive in the guidance that they give to you.

They can tune into your thoughts and help to guide you and reassure you of the path you should take. I will also talk about these in more detail later on.

One of my most powerful tools however is meditation. It is a work in practice and may not come completely naturally to everyone. Even the word meditation can scare some people off however I do think that is becoming more of a “thing” especially with the high levels of mental health issues surrounding us all these days. So if you ve never meditated before..now is a great time to start!!

Meditation clears the mind and opens it up to new ideas and new ways of looking at things. To meditate is to be still in mind and with this stillness comes a great internal strength and focused mind. The doors of creativity flood open and anything becomes possible.

It is now that we all need to be at our most creative. With jobs and children to juggle, businesses and livelihoods to save and kindness and compassion to be shared during our toughest of days, then this is where the opening and clearing of your mind will really help you to find a way to make it through the storm.

So tomorrow is another day! We start all over again with good intentions, use our tools and see where the day takes us.

Find your own tools, there’s so many out there! Whether it’s gardening, singing, painting, writing the list is endless but you will always find the answer in being still in mind and in your thoughts.

Keep well, Love and Light, Claire x

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Our award-winning style guru, Moo, has worked in television for over 20 years with presenters including Natasha Kaplinsky, Kirsty Young, Kirsty Gallacher and is now a personal stylist to us ‘normal women’ sharing all the inside tricks of the trade. If you’d like any personal styling advice or to see more tips please visit www.moostyle.co.uk

I

n these strange times it is obvious to question the relevance of style.

Is it frivolous? But actually in these times it can become even more important. It can underpin how you feel about yourself. Your confidence can be shaken and how you express yourself visually can help you feel better about yourself. As a personal stylist I’m not in the retail business, I’m in the confidence business. And we all need a bit of that at the moment.

Let’s start with the advantage that this time at home has give us…time. Yes we finally have the time to do all those things that we’ve put off. And that includes looking after ourselves. I have finally started dry brushing. I always said I’d do it sometime (like I said I’d do a marathon but luckily I’d already decided against that) and now I can do it daily. My skin has never felt so good!

So that is brushing from your feet in long strokes towards your heart. It is believed to help your lymphatic system, cellulite (I need major help there) and it definitely exfoliates dry winter skin (oh yes!). It also really makes you feel invigorated afterwards which is great news. You do it before you get in the shower and then add lots of moisturiser afterwards. In all honesty as a ‘natural’ ‘creative’ style personality I’m not known to even bother with body moisturiser (if you don’t see what I look like when galloping past on a horse then it’s not a priority to me!) so no wonder my skin is feeling fabulous.

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Each day I’m doing a little suggestion on ways to self care for my Moo Style VIPs group and asking for details of what others are doing. After all we are more likely to keep doing it if we have told others. Such a female way! Please join us, we are #inittogether. Find Moo Style VIPs on facebook. One of the group has started using her facial roller which was in the bottom of her drawer.

Another is regularly painting her toe and finger nails. We are going to come out of all this as goddesses and feeling amazing about ourselves. WE ARE. I would also highly suggest that this is the right time to pull out all those products that you keep for ‘best’. Yes those luxury bathing and showering gifts you’ve been lucky enough to receive. Best is NOW. Just using a lovely body shower gel gives you a gorgeous scent all day and we need those layers of positivity surrounding us at all times. You are worth it. And you need to know and believe that now more than ever.

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There also now is time finally to implement a proper skincare routine with weekly face masks and exfoliation. I’m a huge fan of the Colour Me Beautiful skin care as it is rammed full of organic essential oils as well well as vegan and not tested on animals (oh and the packaging is ALL recyclable too). Twice a day I double cleanse; tone (oh I love the scent of rose); serum (think of it like the caffeine for your moisturiser); SPF moisturiser (don’t you dare not use SPF every day!). In the evenings I use the lovely facial oil and a night moisturiser instead of the SPF day moisturiser. Then weekly I exfoliate and use a mask. Your face will thank you for it. If you’d like me to find out more about these do drop me an email any time to moostylist@gmail.com.

By going through all your bathroom drawers and cupboards and using up all those goodies that you’ve kept for best, or from hotels, will free up lots of space and make sorting them out and tidying so much easier. I’m ‘treating’ myself to cleaning a drawer www.lancmag.com

or a cupboard a day. These are jobs that I don’t get time to keep on top of and honestly every time I open up one of those newly sorted cupboards my spirits lift. Though I have no idea why I have so many packets of icing sugar... and artichoke pesto anyone?

It’s the perfect time to tackle your wardrobe too. I can, with pleasure, do a wardrobe weed with you over Zoom, Skype or FaceTime. Or why don’t you start yourself? Pull everything out and hoover out all the dust and wipe down everything – your hangers, the skirting boards, the lot. Then put in a pile all the items that need repairing – you’re going to have time to do that! Put away in a box anything that doesn’t fit, there is no point having them to hand if you can’t wear them. If you don’t open that box in the next 3 months, it’s time to take it to the charity shop.

Then let’s look at what you’ve got and whether it fits your lifestyle. Why don’t you spend a day wearing pieces that you weren’t sure if you liked them anymore? You’ll soon see if you like them. I tried a pair of trousers this week, and they are definitely going.

They were highly uncomfortable and my lifestyle now needs more comfort - whether I’m working with clients at their homes or at mine, I have to easily move around.

The wonderful Muccia Prada, who let’s not forget is in the business to sell clothes, admits that ‘Personal style is more important than new clothes’.

So let’s shop from our own wardrobe (after all we can’t go out to shop at the moment!) and find different ways to put things together. The general rule is that you need 3 different tops for each bottom.

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In a style consultation, I analyse a client’s: 1.

Colouring and which colours help them look healthier, their skin more even and glowing.

2.

Shape. Size may go up and down but generally your shape stays the same.

3.

Style personality. If you get this spot on it means you will really get your wear from pieces you buy.

4.

Lifestyle. There is not point having a wardrobe full of more formal work wear if you only work 25% of your time, or you have retired.

5.

So try on your clothes and see how they make you feel. We want you feeling the very best version of yourself and how you look can incredibly impact how you feel.

Lots more of us are working from home at the moment but I stress that this is not the time to let standards slip. Get yourself up, showered and dressed as normal. It’s easier to define a work time when you are dressed ready for it. If you are working online in vision this is not a time to be shy.

Forget your nude neutrals of beige and stone – insipid shades don’t do as well in front of the camera. Try the bold shades from your palette. Always navy rather than black too! Busy patterns can be distracting and small stripes can strobe so opt for block colours instead. I’d also keep accessories to a minimum as bangles and necklaces can jangle. Make up can look different on camera as well, you may need more than normal. Shimmery eyeshadows and highlighters may

look a bit too well shimmery, so opt for matte instead. Oh don’t forget a last check before you go live – you don’t want to have missed fastening a button or having your bra strap showing.

Let’s not forget as well with the lack of socialising that we will start video messaging each other more often.

So you need to be lipstick ready at all times, as you may not have much warning! You don’t want calls to come through when it’s evident you haven’t brushed your hair in days and you’re still in your dressing gown.

Top tip - lighting is your best friend.

Always face the window so you have natural light on your face - it hides a multitude of lines, dark shadows and wrinkles. When I worked in television, presenters who were very sensible made best friends with the lighting director. They could make them even better than in the flesh. One wellknown presenter ‘demanded’ to be lit with peach lighting from below!

Finding your own style that reflects you and your lifestyle can bring so much confidence and ease of dressing every day. I’m here to help if you need any more advice at www.moostyle. co.uk. I can even do colour and style consultations as well as wardrobe weeds and make up lessons from home if you need a ‘lift’. It’s time to ‘Spring forward’ even if we are doing it in our own homes. Ensure you are still blossoming. Look after yourself.

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How to sleep better Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 18-24 May 2020. The theme this year is ‘sleep’.

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ental Health Awareness week takes place from 18th to 24th May and this year will focus on the connections between our sleep or lack of it - and mental health.

The Mental Health Foundation has set the theme, organised and hosted the week for the last 20 years, during which the event has grown to engage millions of people across the UK and globally.

The week is traditionally also an opportunity for people to talk about all aspects of mental health, with a focus on taking action and providing advice.

Sleep was chosen as the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 because millions of people report problems with sleeping.

Evidence clearly shows it can have a major impact on our mental health. The week will focus on providing information and advice and campaigning for change to improve

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wellbeing and recovery.

“Sleep is the unsung hero for our mental health,” said Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Foundation.

“By understanding what affects our sleep, we can help protect the mental health of millions of people and also support recovery.

“We want to start a national conversation about how we can all sleep better – and uncover the hidden mental health costs of the poor sleep that affects so many of us.

“We will investigate the changes we need to make, as individuals, communities and as a society, to get the rest and renewal we all need. We’ll also set out what our schools, universities, employers and policymakers can do to achieve that aim.”

During Mental Health Awareness Week, the Foundation will publish new data about sleep in the UK, as well www.lancmag.com

as looking at the latest research on sleep and mental health, the complex relationship between them and the societal factors that influence this relationship.

It will also offer advice on how people can help themselves and those around them to sleep better. In addition, the Foundation will call for reforms to support sleep and its crucial contribution to everyone’s mental health.

There is evidence that digital technologies such as phones and computers, as well as night-time shift working, are part of the UK’s sleep problem. However, there are many other influences on sleep, including caring for young children and other dependents, stress, anxiety, noise and light pollution, obesity and experience of trauma.

Good sleep doesn’t just mean lots of sleep: it means the right kind of sleep. www.lancmag.com

Sleep affects our ability to use language, sustain attention, understand what we are reading, and summarise what we are hearing; if we compromise on our sleep, we compromise on our performance,2 our mood,3 and our interpersonal relationships.4 HEAL – The four pillars of good sleep. There are four main factors that affect the quality of your sleep: • Health • Environment • Attitude • Lifestyle Sleep has also been shown to protect the immune system.5 The amount that each person needs is different; however, it is recommended that a healthy adult should sleep, on average, between seven and nine hours a night.6 The important thing is that you get good-quality sleep. The following advice

can help to HEAL your sleep problems.

Health As anyone who has tried to get to sleep with a blocked nose or headache knows, physical health problems can stop you from getting a good night’s sleep.

Speaking to your GP or pharmacist about appropriate medication can help with this. Try to avoid taking medication without speaking to a medical professional, as sometimes the medication itself can stop you from sleeping properly if it’s not right for you.

Mental health problems like anxiety and depression can also affect our sleep.8 In these cases, a combined approach to tackle both the mental health issue and the poor sleep is often the most effective method of treatment.

Speak to your GP or mental health worker (if you have one) for advice on this, or have a look at the ‘Attitude’

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and ‘Lifestyle’ sections of this guide for general ways to maintain good mental wellbeing.

Environment The bedroom should be somewhere that we associate with sleep. Where possible, you should try to remove distractions from you bedroom. It is better to watch TV, play computer games and eat in another room.

This will allow you to relax with no distractions in your bedroom.9 Be mindful of the presence of gadgets and electronics, such as computers, phones, tablets and TVs. The backlit ‘blue light’ displays suppress melatonin production – the hormone that helps you sleep; the suppression of melatonin causes sleep disruption.

You should stop using these devices two hours before you go to sleep to reduce their impact on your sleeping.10 Although everyone is different and has their own personal preferences, the common factors that can affect our sleep are light, noise and temperature.

Too much light or noise can prevent you from falling asleep or staying asleep. If you have sources of light and noise that you can’t control, such as light from a street lamp or noise from a neighbour’s music, you might want to use an eye mask or ear plugs.11 The temperature of the room is also important. A heater or thicker duvet can help if you regularly find yourself too cold at night; a thinner cover or opening a window can help if you’re too hot. If you are struggling to work out the best sleep environment for you, then it can be useful to keep a sleep diary (there’s one in the back of this guide) to keep track of the conditions that helped you get a good night’s sleep.12 Attitude Lying awake in bed, particularly before an important day, can make us worry. However, this worry then makes it harder for us to get to sleep.

Progressive relaxation techniques can help you to relax and unwind at these times.13 A free podcast for learning progressive relaxation techniques is available here. Alternatively, instead of staying in bed and getting more and more frustrated, you could get up and make yourself a warm drink, such as warm milk, and return to bed when you feel sleepier.

If you continue to have sleep problems for more than a month, you could speak with your GP about 174

the possibility of using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is used to treat some mental health problems. It can encourage a more positive attitude, which can then help to break the cycle of negative thoughts causing your lack of sleep, and thus can help you to develop a healthier sleep pattern.14 Alternatively, practices like mindfulness (a type of meditation) can help by reducing stress and anxiety levels.15 Mindfulness can be practised without a GP prescription. Further information can be found at the Mental Health Foundation’s dedicated mindfulness website: www.bemindful. co.uk.

Lifestyle There are a number of things that you can do every day to improve the quality of your sleep.

Eating rice, oats and dairy products can produce chemicals that increase our desire to sleep. However, food and drink containing lots of caffeine or sugar can keep you awake, so drinking less tea and coffee and eating less chocolate and other sugary foods late in the day might help you to sleep better.16

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Although it can make you feel tired and can help you get to sleep, alcohol often impairs the quality of your sleep and makes you more likely to wake up during the night as the effects wear off, and you may need to go to the toilet frequently or get up to drink water if you are dehydrated.17 Exercising on a regular basis is thought to help us sleep, as, among other things, it can help to reduce anxiety and relieve stress. It is, however, important to exercise at the right time.

Exercising earlier in the day is better, as exercise increases the body’s adrenaline production, making it more difficult to sleep if done just before bedtime.18 Sleep disorders: the problems they cause and possible solutions Below is a table of some of the most common sleep problems, with techniques that can be used to treat them.

Insomnia Insomnia is the name given to the condition where you are regularly unable to fall asleep or remain asleep for a long enough period of time. As a result, insomnia can have a negative www.lancmag.com

impact on your mood, energy levels, concentration, relationships, ability to stay awake throughout the day, and ability to complete simple daily tasks.20 Possible solutions One of the most widely used and successful therapies is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).21 For an easy introduction, read Overcoming insomnia and sleep problems by Professor Colin Espie22 or ask your local GP or sleep clinic for advice on other CBT books or courses. Regular daytime or early evening exercise can also be a great way to combat insomnia as it helps to reduce anxiety and stress, as can practices such as mindfulness.

Using sleep medication (or hypnotics), such as sleeping pills, is common. However, they should generally only be used for a few nights as you can become reliant on them the longer you use them. It is best to seek advice from your GP if your insomnia persists.23 Sleepwalking Sleepwalking happens during deep sleep, meaning people can rarely remember doing it. As well as getting www.lancmag.com

out of bed and walking, some people do tasks in their sleep, such as cleaning.

Sleepwalking is far more common in children than in adults.24 Sleep Fact The Beatles’ song ‘Yesterday’ came to Paul McCartney in a dream. It was only when no one he spoke to recognised the tune that he realised he had written it himself.

Possible solutions Sleepwalking is not dangerous unless you start doing risky activities in your sleep. It is often related to stress or lack of sleep, or (in adults) drinking alcohol, so it is important to try and get regular, good-quality sleep by looking at the HEAL factors mentioned earlier in this guide.

Night terrors A night terror is different to a nightmare in that it occurs during deep sleep, meaning that you rarely remember it. Often an extreme and frightening experience, night terrors make your heart beat faster and might

cause you to sweat or scream. Night terrors often begin in childhood, but rarely continue into adulthood.25 Possible solutions Little is known about how to treat people who have regular night terrors, although, in some cases, they can be linked to a traumatic experience. If this is the case, and your night terrors are affecting your everyday life or ability to sleep, your GP might be able to refer you for therapy to help you deal with the underlying trauma.

Snoring Snoring is a very common problem, affecting 41.5% of adults in the UK.26 Snoring is a breathing problem, rather than a sleep problem, and happens when a blockage in the airway causes the organs that help us breathe to vibrate. It is usually more of a problem for anyone who shares a room with a snorer, rather than for the snorer themselves.27 Possible solutions Nasal strips can help by widening the nasal passage and improving the airflow when breathing. It is also better to sleep on your side, as sleeping on your back

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can cause your tongue to fall backwards and partially block your airflow.

Drinking less alcohol, exercising more regularly, and taking steps to lose weight (if you are overweight) can also reduce your snoring.28 Sleep apnoea Sleep apnoea causes shallow breathing or pauses in breathing that may last up to 30 seconds at a time. In most cases, you will begin to breathe normally again, often making a loud snort or choking sound to clear your airway. People with sleep apnoea can wake up frequently throughout the night feeling sweaty with a dry mouth and a headache.29 Possible solutions Unlike snoring, it is more important to treat sleep apnoea in order to prevent the brain from being deprived of oxygen. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device can help by easing your airflow.30 Your GP will be able to recommend where you can get an assessment for a CPAP device.31 Top tips from the sleep doctor Professor Colin Espie, a leading authority on sleep at the University of Oxford, offers his five top tips for a great night’s sleep.

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1. Don’t get caught napping!

If you have trouble sleeping, you may feel tempted to catch up on sleep by taking naps. However, unless you’re feeling dangerously sleepy (while driving or operating machinery, for instance), this usually does more harm than good as it makes it more difficult to sleep at night. If you feel tired during the day, get up and take a walk around, get some fresh air, or do something challenging for a short while, like a crossword or a Sudoku.

Sleep Fact Driver sleepiness may contribute to around 20% of accidents on long journeys.19 2. If you’re not tired, get up.

If you’re finding it difficult to get to sleep, don’t just lie there worrying. Get up for a few minutes and get a drink (no sugar or caffeine, remember!), and go back to bed when you’re feeling a bit sleepier.

3. Set yourself a ‘get fit’ plan.

Eating healthily and getting regular exercise are great ways of helping yourself sleep better. However, plan

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your meals and exercise to avoid exercising or eating a big meal after mid-evening: doing either of these too close to your bedtime can stop you from sleeping.

4. Don’t stress it!

Thinking about sleep too much or trying to force yourself to sleep will only keep you awake. Learning how to relax both your body and mind instead will help you to get to sleep much more easily. I have provided a free audio MP3 of relaxation techniques on the Mental Health Foundation’s sleep website (www.

HowDidYouSleep.org), which may help you with this.

5. Keep a sleep diary.

The amount of noise, light, and distractions, what and when you eat, and the temperature of your bedroom can affect how well you sleep. Keeping a sleep diary to make a note of what the conditions were when you went to bed the night before can be useful for letting you look back and see what has and what hasn’t worked for you. It also helps you to see how your sleep varies from night to night, and might help you note patterns in your sleeping.

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A A FAMILY FAMILY BUSINESS BUSINESS WITH FAMILY WITH FAMILY PRINCIPLES PRINCIPLES

Now Now in in the the fourth fourth generation generation of of the the Box Box family family we we at at Box Box Bros.

Bros. Ltd. Ltd. are are widely widely known known and and respected respected for for the the unstinting unstinting dedication dedication and and commitment we offer the local community through our services commitment we offer the local community through our services in in Blackpool Poulton le Fylde and the Fylde Coast.

Blackpool Poulton le Fylde and the Fylde Coast.

Established by the founder Thomas Edwin Box in Blackpool in 1915, Box Bros. Ltd. have gained a Established by the founder Thomas Edwin Box in Blackpool in 1915, Box Bros. Ltd. have gained a reputation by experience. We take pride in providing an individual, personal and sincere service in a reputation by experience. We take pride in providing an individual, personal and sincere service in a sensitive, caring manner. A 24 hours service, 365 days of the year is always available sensitive, caring manner. A 24 hours service, 365 days of the year is always available

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A funeral plan leaves nothing to chance and provides peace of mind for you and those you care about.

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• Fixing the cost of our services included in your plan at today’s prices • Fixing the cost of our services included in your plan at today’s prices • Reassurance for your family – no uncertainty or difficult decisions • Reassurance for your family – no uncertainty or difficult decisions • Complete flexibility to choose the funeral you want • Complete flexibility to choose the funeral you want

Contact Contact us us for for more more information information today: today: Blackpool Poulton-Le-Flyde Blackpool Poulton-Le-Flyde 13-15 Hawes Side Lane 48-50 13-15 Hawes Side Lane 48-50 Station Station Road Road FY4 4AP FY6 7JQ FY4 4AP FY6 7JQ 01253 791500 01253 01253 791500 01253 885858 885858 www.boxbros.co.uk www.boxbros.co.uk www.lancmag.com LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 177 GC-LIFT 19203 - 1117

Longhorn cattle at Brockholes Nature Reserve. Photo by Sue Burton Photography

Brockholes donates to food bank The team at Brockholes were quick to realise that some good could come out this crisis after the restaurant had to close on Friday

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ood from the restaurant at the Brockholes Nature Reserve is helping struggling families during the Coronavirus crisis.

The popular restaurant, on the nature reserve off the M6 in Preston, is one of thousands that closed indefinitely on Friday as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

So shelves full of food would have gone to waste without the quick action of the catering team who donated the food to the New Day Church Foodbank in Lostock Hall.

The Foodbank said: “Thank you Brockholes for donating your leftover food. We have already taken some of it to our clients who are very grateful.”

A Brockholes spokesman said: “The order to close came really quickly on Friday, so we obviously had some food left over. We thought it was only right that the food go to people who need it most in our local community in these troubling times.”

While the restaurant is closed, Brockholes remains open to visitors. The spokesman said: “We realise many people are selfisolating but they will get a lift from visiting open spaces and seeing our wonderful local wildlife. But they will still need to take care.”

Brockholes is owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside and has hosted over one million visitors since we opened in April 2011.

Based on the site of an old quarry, the Trust has used their expertise to create habitats for lots of different wildlife. You can explore the 250 acre reserve with a network of trails and hides, not to mention the fantastic views offered overlooking the River Ribble. You can also explore the woods or enjoy the lakes on site, which have all been specially designed to attract all kinds of wildlife for you to see. The reserve changes throughout the seasons, so make sure you keep coming back to explore.

The spectacular floating Visitor Village is the first of its kind in the UK, bringing you as close to nature as possible. The Visitor Village hosts a Welcome Centre, an activity room, lakeside Reed Bed Restaurant and The Nest gift shop.

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Brockholes is also an award-winning and eco-friendly conference venue which can host up to 130 delegates, while we also cater for your special events and are a fully licensed wedding venue. With the stunning Meadow Lake in the background Brockholes offers a breathtaking and romantic back-drop for photographs, while the floor-toceiling windows provide panoramic views across the lake.

Brockholes does not receive any direct government funding and each time you visit you’re helping to support vital conservation work on the reserve. Thank you for supporting your local wildlife. www.Brockholes.org www.lancmag.com

BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED KITCHENS DESIGNED JUST FOR YOU

BEAUTIFUL BESPOKE KITCHENS & BEDROOMS Showroom: www.lancmag.com

6 Kingsway, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1PJ www.wellsandhewitt.co.uk

0161 279 1670

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World War One memoir of an Accrington Art Student A re-discovered memoir of an art student from Accrington who fought in some of the biggest battles of the First World War has been published for the first time.

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he autobiographical account, was written by Albert Clayton who fought in northern France and went “over the top” four times. It was discovered by a relative last year in a cardboard box which had been inherited.

Clayton was born in Accrington in 1895 and later trained at the Leeds College of Art and Royal College of Art. He joined the Royal Fusiliers in 1916 and fought in France in the Battle of Arras before being eventually captured by the Germans after lying injured in a shell hole in May 1917.

During that time he joined four major attacks – reporting the experience of being miraculously missed by machine gun bullets while friends around him died.

He was captured after taking part in his fourth attack and was injured by shrapnel in the foot – lying for a number of days in a shell-hole before being forced to give himself up. www.lancmag.com

His memoirs – now published under the title – ‘Long Before Daybreak’ record in detail both the ordinary details of army life and the horror of what surrounded him.

At one point he describes pilfering red wine from a house then stopping to have a souvenir photo taken while still under fire – and days later he describes being confronted with the contorted body of a dead soldier.

After the war Clayton worked as an art teacher and died in 1981 aged 95.

Family member Micah Duckworth, from Bradford, who found the handwritten memoirs in a cardboard box last year said: “It was an extraordinary moment when we discovered the handwritten script. At first we assumed it was fiction but once we started reading realised it is a fully narrated first hand account of Albert’s war adventure. We had no idea of its existence.”

“What is remarkable is how he writes with such a matter-of-fact and

FAR LEFT PHOTO: In his book Albert Clayton (standing) provides a detailed account of this photograph being taken in the studio of an old French photographer who had stayed behind in Arras while bombs from the front line were ravaging the town in 1917.

They had 6 copies of the photo printed which they split between them – Albert and Blackall (seated) took 3 each.

Albert posted his copies home and he describes still having his 3 copies at the time of writing his book. But he never found out what happened to Blackall or his 3 photos after the war.

ABOVE PHOTO: Albert Clayton in August 1917 at the prisoner of war hospital in Ingolstadt, Germany - three months after injury and capture in no-man-land.

Albert did not write about his experience as a POW so the photos we have are a precious insight into that part of his war story.

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POWS at Ingolstadt camp

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Albert takes us with him through the ravaged landscape of northern France from July 1916 to May 1917, revealing vivid scenes of front line warfare, the banter of his comrades, and the raw intensity of ‘going over the top’- which he did on several occasions.

Despite brushes with death, his was an experience many lived through on the front line but few have recorded with such comprehensive narrative. We can be thankful he did, for his rediscovered legacy is a personal and engaging story that brings sharp focus to places and events which are fading in the memory of a passing generation; the likes of which we may hope no one should have to witness again.

Albert Clayton 1895 - 1981 came from the Lancashire mill town of Accrington. He studied at the Leeds School of Art and the Royal College of Art, spending most of his life in London where he became an art teacher and exhibiting artist.

Albert Clayton

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In 2019 a box was found containing a graphic account of life at the front line in WWI. Albert Clayton’s remarkable story in 20 chapters remained hidden for decades, unknown to his family, until its chance discovery along with several photographs from the same time.

Long Before Daybreak

observational style. He describes terrible things in very ordinary language. It may just be how that generation coped with what was going on around them.”

“He describes the trials and escapades of his comrades with great affection. There is little trace of self pity, though he is grateful for any good luck and minor relief when it comes his way.”

“Since finding Albert’s story it has been an exciting project to get it published as a proper book. This includes some of Albert’s photos from the war which we found at the same time. Having read his story we can now understand their significance.”

“The account is so accurate that we have been able to trace what happened to many of the soldiers who he named as having fought along-side him. Records show some died in the war, others like Albert survived, and it would be wonderful to make contact with any living relatives we can share this story with.”.

The book can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or for Kindle. For further information www.longbeforedaybreak.com

The rediscovered WWI memoir of an art student’s survival in the trenches

Long Before Daybreak Albert Clayton LEFT: Self portrait by Albert Clayton ABOVE: Cover of the book

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The life of Di A monthly coloumn by Di Wade, the author of ‘A Year In Verse’

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ake a labrador and poodle and you’ve got a labradoodle, And, pretty awesome they are too, While crossing the right retriever with the poodle in the doodle, Might facilitate a lovely golden poo.

But choose your crossings wisely or it may one day surprise you, To discover that you own a Yorkshire Pit, While if it ever fits you, to cross a Jack Russell and Shih Tzu, Chances are you’ll end up with Jack Sh.. Sorry, just a bit of foolishness I came up with while waiting for the computer to load..

The power of technology IS extraordinary, even apart from its uncanny knack of making you wish you had a sledgehammer handy: Or the conversations you overhear all over the place, I.E. “I’ve DONE that, you stupid”, and “There are NO unexpected items in the baggage area”.

My whole family now pronounces “Country File” “Country Feel” having been suited by my audio TV guide’s

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pronunciation, my colleague “quiche” “quish”, out of a similar respect for my phone. The latter IS unquestionably a law unto itself, though usually via its apparent inability to copy the simplest dictated text: When I wondered in a recent text to a friend if a certain celebrity’s revelation were fair on his wife, its take on this was “What about the fur on his wife?”, and when I later wondered what it’d thought she was, a St Bernard or something, it turned “St Bernard” into “pheasant burger”.

My spoken TV guide probably leads the way as regards mispronunciation however, including giving Strictly as presented by “Testily and Claudia Winkle MAN”, and forever reducing Britain to Brighton, I.E. “Good Morning Brighton”, “Brighton’s Favourite dog/sitcom/lavatory brush”, and “Brighton’s Got Talent”.

Speaking technology can certainly be fun, if in inverted commas. After a long day via a computer resembling an elephant plodding through a swamp of treacle recently, I arrived home with the thought only of sitting awhile with a coffee and an audiobook. Except three

hours later I was still sat there, having somehow managed to reduce the speed of the phone’s voice to a dirge, while the book reader now sounded as though he were trying to beat the speed of light or something. I fumed to my mum the following day as to how easy it was to do what one didn’t want technologically, and how difficult to undo the dratted thing again, and she said well yes she’d earlier pressed the wrong button on her bread maker, and after fruitless attempts to rectify the matter had had to resign herself to an exceptionally crispy loaf this week. We had better luck retuning my TV a few days later, but no thanks to the instructions, (which might as well have been in sozzled Serbo-Croat), or TV menu, (which might as well have been devised by a sadist).

So what with technology, silly-named storms and other nonsense, all I can say is bring on the Easter bunny, provided his Satnav doesn’t send him to the north pole that is..

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Recipe

Sweet Chilli Halloumi Crunch Wrap Crisp, crunchy salad and moreish griddled halloumi makes a great filling for wraps.

Serves: 3 | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Method

For the dressing: 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce Juice of 1 lime 1tbsp olive oil

Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Cut the halloumi into 9 slices and toss in half of the dressing.

Cook on a BBQ , griddle or in a frying pan for 5 minutes, turning halfway through until they’re crisp and browned on the outside.

For the salad: 250g Halloumi 1 Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated 2 sticks of celery, sliced diagonally, keep any leaves to add to the salad 4 spring onions, sliced diagonally 6 radishes, quartered 3 wraps or flatbreads

While the halloumi is cooking put the leaves, celery, spring onion and radishes into a bowl, drizzle with the remaining dressing and mix it through. Divide the salad between the wraps, lay the halloumi slices on top of each and serve immediately.

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NOW OFFERING HOME E D LIVERY

Terra Nostra is situated in Bispham (Blackpool) centre on Red Bank Road close to the North Promenade. Terra Nostra is one of the few Italian restaurants in the UK specialising in Sardinian cuisine.

Terra Nostra is a small but comfortable and cosy retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. We at the Terra Nostra aim to bring the authentic Sardinian and Italian food experience to the diners of the Fylde coast and along with the rest of the staff, you will be sure to find a warm Sardinian welcome at the Terra Nostra!

TERRA NOSTRA AUTHENTIC ITALIAN & SARDINIAN CUISINE www.terranostrarestaurant.co.uk

50 Red Bank Road, Blackpool, FY2 9HR | Tel: 01253 352114 | Open: Tues – Sun: 13.00 – 22:00, Monday: CLOSED

Healthy, Fast Food We combine nutritious, wholesome ingredients with freshly ground spices, bringing you deliciously healthy food. Our swift service and light, friendly atmosphere provide the perfect setting to enjoy your daily dose of fusion flavour.

www.healthbarkitchen.com 362 Blackburn Road, Bolton BL1 8NE | Call 01204 393 392 | Email hello@healthbarkitchen.com www.lancmag.com

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Terra Nostra Stephen Roberts get’s a taste of Authentic Italian & Sardinian Cuisine with one of Blackpool’s finest retaurants

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erra Nostra. It means ‘Our earth’ in Latin. It’s also the name of a novel and a Brazilian TV series. It’s also the name of a popular restaurant in the Bispham part of Blackpool (48-50, Red Bank Road), close to the North Promenade, which is owned by Max Zazzu, a Sardinian who came to the UK in 1997 with £500 in his pocket, determined to work hard and make a success of himself. The restaurant that he owns and runs today is one of the few in the UK specialising in Sardinian cuisine (for anyone who’s unsure Sardinia is an island in the Med and one of the 20 regions of Italy. It’s actually the second-largest Med island, is west of mainland Italy and due south of the French island of Corsica. Steve’s quiz question for today is: which is the Med’s largest island?) So, I’ve digressed, but I’m quickly back on track with Max. 186

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“I came over on my own, with that money to tide me over. I was a barman and wanted to learn the language so that I could fully integrate and get on. I worked in Rico’s Italian Restaurant in Poulton-le-Fylde, for the first ten years, then decided to open my own restaurant in Blackpool. I began in partnership with Toto coming up to 13½ years ago (November 2006) but bought him out around 2010 as he’d decided to return to his origins in Italy.

“Coming to England was a big thing for me. I’m very happy here and absolutely love the country. I was also lucky enough to meet my wife, Jane, very soon after arriving. It was a match made in Heaven really as she’d actually lived in Italy in the past so could speak the language. We have two daughters, aged 22 and 16. The eldest also works in the restaurant full-time while the www.lancmag.com

youngest also helps out. It’s become a real family business although Jane has her own job (she works for Citizens Advice). She loves the food though!

“The original restaurant was at 50, Red Bank Road, but we extended a couple of years, moving into no. 48 next door, which had previously been a beauty salon/spa, but the owner had decided to call it a day, so I took on the premises. The business had been doing well and we’d established ourselves as a small, but very busy restaurant, with a good reputation, but this did mean that we really needed extra space for all the customers who wanted to dine with us. We now have more tables and seating in the restaurant, plus a better waiting area so that hopefully people will be more inclined to wait for a table if we are busy.” The restaurant may have expanded but it still has that www.lancmag.com

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intimate, comfortable and cosy feel, loved by its customers, both regulars and new. There’s plenty of hustle and bustle in a busy town like Blackpool, especially in the summer. Terra Nostra is a refuge, a retreat from all of that.

As the sole owner of the business today, Max has the responsibility of not only serving all those delicious meals, but also employing around ten people, including his own daughters. Of course, not many of us Brits will be Italian speakers (we are notoriously lazy and inept when it comes to foreign languages). “I did go to college for three 188

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to four years to learn English, but, of course, I was spoilt a bit by marrying Jane who spoke Italian so well, which meant it was not so crucial for me to master English. I get by though!”

Running a small business is never easy. Max has not only had to overcome his own personal health issues but has also had to deal with recent inclement weather, for example, which hardly encourages people to go out and eat.

There is an incentive here, however, to don waterproofs and splosh up the road, as there is some really mouth-watering food on offer, particularly seafood (of which more shortly), which Terra Nostra always gets in fresh, and which will always adorn the specials board.

Of course, we all have an eye on the future and Max has plans for his own.

“I’ve been doing this kind of work since I was 14. It’s the business I’ve always been in and the one I know, but I hope to semi-retire in around ten years’ time, www.lancmag.com

by which time I’ll be approaching 60.

I’m very keen to take a step back before I reach that age. My dream would be to split my time between Sardinia and England (six months in each). I’d also like to travel a bit more.”

In true quiz show host fashion, I also asked Max what he liked to do in his spare time, assuming that he ever had any, as it sounded like he was working hard more often than not. “Well, Steve, I do like to go to the gym and stay fit, and, believe it or not, cooking is another passion.” (this was reassuring to hear given that Max owns a restaurant).

“It is really good, freshly cooked food we do here too. We offer a lot of fish dishes at the restaurant: oysters, mussels, scallop, squid, sea bass, halibut, tuna, crab with spaghetti.” (I found myself salivating at the thought of it all). “We are immensely proud of our fish, which you won’t find on our menu simply because we only cook fresh fish of the www.lancmag.com

day. It will be cooked to perfection the way our customers like it. A beautiful fillet steak is another customer favourite for those who fancy something other than fish. There are also meals suitable for vegetarians. We really aim to provide something special, that authentic Sardinian and Italian dining experience for people along the Fylde coast, plus our visitors to the area who come here on holiday.”

I had a quick look at some customer reviews and found glowing praise, with comments like: ‘great wine list, everybody is made welcome, the staff are very helpful and so friendly and will go out of their way to help you choose a meal’, ‘Cannot fault the place, amazing service and food. Outstanding value for money. Definitely visit again’, ‘Great food, attentive staff … we’ll definitely be going back, it has a cosy atmosphere’.

I’ve probably confided in you before that I like my pud (or dessert). Well, Terra Nostra has an array of around ten mouth-watering offerings, including its sweet platter, which is a ‘fine selection of four desserts’. Keep up the good work Max and the team. Buon Apetita!

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80|20 Health Bar and Kitchen Bolton’s one-of-a-kind health bar is a prominent establishment in the historical Lancashire town. Located on Blackburn Road, it is at the crux of many businesses, industrial sites and the high street. 80/20 Health Bar and Kitchen specialise in healthy eating food which is all produced fresh on the premises. The charming restaurant has become a popular dining venue as well as a popular takeaway, recently extending their opening hours to seven days a week.

Words: Jessica Gregson

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0/20 was reopened on 2nd January 2020 by Debbie Scrivens.

Prior to the reopening, Debbie worked as the 80/20’s Front of House Supervisor. When the opportunity arose, Debbie took on the challenge to make it her own, which she has succeeded in doing. In the short amount of time she has had, Debbie has made several changes to the restaurant, all of which have been greatly received by customers, old and new.

Like me you are probably wondering ‘why 80/20?’ and that is the exact question I put to Debbie. She explained, “80/20 is the percentage, so 80% healthy food and 20% treat. We cater for everyone, for vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, we cover all allergies. We also serve halal because we have a large Asian community. All our dishes are homemade, there are no jars or packets.

That applies to both the main dishes and the cakes we sell. We combine

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nutritious, wholesome ingredients with freshly ground spices, bringing you deliciously healthy food.” And boy does that sound delicious!

All of the dishes sold at 80/20 Health Bar have been calorie and macro counted, which can be found on the menu next to the desired dish. The Tandoori Salmon fillet with vegetable rice and coriander dip is by far the Health Bar’s most popular dish and just by the description, you can understand why.

80/20’s swift service and light, friendly atmosphere provides the perfect setting to enjoy your daily dose of fusion flavour. The restaurant’s interior is charmingly inviting with a rustic theme running throughout. The walls feature light grey shades, homey wood and brass light fittings. The restaurant can seat up to 60 people and has quickly become a popular joint for many Boltonians. One customer said;

“We have been coming here for around a month now and its fantastic.

Really friendly staff, a vast choice of excellent healthy food in a lovely clean environment.

Make sure you order a side of sweet potato fries with the spicy mayo with whatever you order, you won’t regret it. The food is really good value, and the cakes on offer you will find hard to resist.

It’s hard to find somewhere that the kids want to go that serves healthy food, but once they come here you might find yourself coming here a lot!”

80/20 Health Bar and Kitchen may only sell the finest and freshest dishes but by no means does this mean a meal out at 80/20 will cost you a small fortune. In fact, their most expensive dish is under a tenner! If you are a lover of the Instagram-famous Avocado and Poached Egg on toast, then you can get it here for just £4.95. If that

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isn’t quite filling enough, a Full English Breakfast is just £8.95. As well as the main menu, the Health Bar often run promotions; “So every few days we do different promotions. At the moment we are doing burger and fries for £5. Other promotions we have done have included our Jerk, Tikka or Peri Chicken Wraps for £5 on Wednesdays. We also offer, on a daily basis, a ‘Grab and Go.’ So for those that are on their lunch break and do not have time for a sit-down meal, we have put together a meal deal. Choose from a freshly prepared sandwich or wrap, pop chips or rice cake and a canned drink for just £5.”

Since Debbie’s take-over, the menu has been slightly refreshed with new dishes for both adults and children. She explained, “We are trying to make it a more family-friendly restaurant. Not all kids want a plain piece of chicken with boiled rice. I have created some new dishes like Fish Goujons with regular fries or sweet potato fries for the children and a Mediterranean Cod dish with olives and couscous for the adults.

I have also created a ‘creche corner’

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which is filled with toys and colouring books, ideal for keeping young ones entertained. It has proved a hit with the parent and toddler groups who attend weekly meetings on the first floor of the establishment.”

Above the Health Bar is a function room that, at the moment, is being used as a Yoga Studio and Parent and Toddler Massage Centre. These activities are creating enormous footfall for the health bar and Debbie likes to give back by offering them discounts and package deals. “All those that attend the Yoga classes get 10% off at 80/20 and in March they are holding a Spa Day upstairs which part of the package includes breakfast, a cake and coffee break and lunch provided by us. We also offer 10% off for NHS staff and civil servants.”

As well as aiding the local Yoga and parent groups, 80/20 Health Bar have recently sponsored a new and upcoming gym. Anarchy Martial Arts Gym is a Bolton-born gym located on Tennyson Street. Since the start of their sponsorship, 80/20 Health

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Bar have been down to the gym with their Smoothie machine selling their deliciously refreshing beverages. They have even named one of their smoothies after the famous Mixed Martial Arts fighter, Saul Rogers. Their homemade Protein Bars have also gone down a hit with gym goers which are on offer at £2 for three. Debbie has also created a Vegan Protein Bar. The chocolate and coconut flavoured snack has proved very popular.

As well as popular restaurant, the takeaway side of the business is also thriving. There is something magical about fast food. Although most fast food does taste good, it can harmful to your health and can cause many health-related issues including obesity, diabetes and being overweight. 80/20 Health Bar & Kitchen aims to create delicious nutritious dishes that are fast and healthy only using the freshest ingredients. In addition to the freshly made take-out options, 80/20 also sell a frozen meals range. They have purchased a blast freezer which helps contain all the nutrients in the meals.

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There is a set menu available online for customers to choose from. Debbie said; “I have one lady who comes in every week and buys meals to last her. She does no cooking of her own at home apart from heating up the meals she gets from us.”

When questioned about her plans for future use of the vacant room upstairs, Debbie told me “At the moment the room upstairs is being used as many things including a Yoga studio and parent and toddler meeting room. We have also used the room for conferences and business meeting sin the past. The future plan is to use the room upstairs for functions like Baby Showers, Christenings, Birthdays and Weddings. At the moment we sell just soft drinks but I plan on attaining my personal licence so the premises can serve alcohol.”

It sounds as though Debbie and her team at 80/20 Health Bar and Kitchen are going from strength to strength.

With new dishes added to the menu, a www.lancmag.com

kid-friendly corner and plans to extend, now is the time to visit or the time to join the team! Debbie is currently seeking a Front of House team member and Chef. If you would like to apply or require more information, email hello@ healthbarkitchen.com.

You will not find a restaurant anywhere in the area like 80/20.

Healthy and delicious food can

sometimes be hard to come across, but I can ensure you will not encounter that problem here. So, be sure to pay Debbie and her team a visit soon! They are open Monday – Friday, 8am until 6pm and 9am – 4pm on weekends. Take a look at their Facebook and Instagram pages for their latest offers, newest dishes and blog posts.

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Anatolia Sea View: 01253 789 551 Pleasure Island, 1st Floor, South Promenade FY8 1LS

A traditional Turkish Ocakbasi (open barbecue) with hot and cold Meze, marinated and grilled meats, vegetables and kebabs plus authentic Turkish pizza Anatolia, a contemporary Turkish barbecue restaurant.

Positioned at Pleasure Island, South Promenade, the focal point is the large Ocakbasi, an authentic Turkish-style charcoal grill which infuses the marinated meats and vegetables with a trademark smoky taste. The menu offers traditional Turkish classics for eating in or to take away. The menu sees a range of hot and cold starters such mixed Meze, Imam Bayildi, stuffed vine leaves and plenty of vegetarian choices. Mains offer marinated Shish kebabs, lamb chops, ribs, wings and slow-cooked dishes like Mousakka and lamb shank.

More saucy Iskender kebabs, marinated and finished with yoghurt, are also on offer as are a choice of traditional Turkish pizzas called Pideler, a stone-baked, boat-shaped dough with a crispy outer crust filled with a mixture of toppings. Desserts feature Baklava and Turkish Dream. And why not finish with Raki and Turkish coffee? Anatolia is a great choice for a party or celebration with several set meal choices

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FAR RIGHT: Bruno & Nicola Buccelli RIGHT:Lancaster’s Roman - Bruno Buccelli BOTTOM RIGHT: Maurizio & Rita Buccelli

Lancaster’s Roman Family is at the heart of the Italian culture, along with religion, football and anything that’s beautiful and or fast.

Words: Paul Cusimano, JOSEPH CLOTHING, Lancaster

W

henever I’ve been in Italy, I have always been touched when I see family’s turning up for dinner. There are always a number of generations represented; proud grandparents, adoring parents and joyful children.

Their voices are louder than many other nationalities and they are very expressive with their hands. To the uninitiated, they could be quarrelling.

They are very passionate and fiercely protective.

One thing I didn’t mention in the opening line was ‘food’. Food to an Italian isn’t about sustenance, it is something that is created like other Art forms, with love and passion.

Therefore, it should be shared with, and in the company of, those that are precious to you.

Lancaster has many superb eateries, which includes a number of fantastic Italian restaurants.

In an area that would have fallen within the perimeter of the Roman Fort during the Roman Occupation, you will find Buccelli’s. Buccelli’s represents and encompasses everything that is

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Italian, a truly authentic establishment.

Walk into Buccelli’s, and you could be walking into an establishment next to the Colosseum.

It is not a case of “what is Buccelli’s”, rather, “who is Buccelli” !? When something is created with such passion, it is difficult to separate the product from the creator; the person from the place.

Bruno Buccelli, born and raised in Rome, is the son of a produce wholesaler. His appreciation of quality produce is inherent. For the best food you must first use the best ingredients.

That is true, but only part of the story.

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ABOVE LEFT: Pork Fillet & Wild Mushroom ABOVE: Sicilian Ragu FAR LEFT: Burrata & Tomato LEFT: Some Of The Produce To Purchase

But what you do with those ingredients is the truly artistic element, as is where you experience the delights.

But what brought this Roman to Lancaster, love. Bruno was an Editor/ Videographer working predominately in Europe. Whilst on a cruise ship he met Nicola, a Hammond School of Dance prodigy. Once married they decided to put down roots in Lancaster, where Nicola was from.

Now having a family of their own, Nicola runs ‘Diddi Dance’ in Lancaster, Preston and Kendal, which is for children aged 18 months to 4 years old. In November 2016, Bruno opened Buccelli’s on Church Street and returned to his passion, food.

Buccelli’s is a Cafe, Restaurant and Delicatessen. When you walk through the door your senses are assaulted; there’s Italian radio chatting away www.lancmag.com

in the background. Your eyes don’t know which way to look with Italian memorabilia on the walls, racks of incredible wines (Amarone, Brunello di Montalcino, Valpolicella Ripasso are a few of the fabulous wines you will find on the “Lista dei Vini”), pasta’s, sauces and biscuits. The fridges are filled with a whole host of deli produce, cheeses, cured meats, cakes, pastries and one of my favourites, Cannolo.

Take a seat and take in the menu, every dish is both interesting and tasty.

The Specials Board is used as it should be, for seasonal dishes and to augment an already superb menu.

There are many regional dishes from the most recognisable areas of Italy. Some of the recipes are hundreds of years old, cooked by “Nonna” and passed by generation to generation.

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RIGHT: Buccelli’s inside. BELOW: Buccelli’s

ABOVE & BELOW: Lancaster Festa Italia - Vehicles, Music, Food, Entertainment

discover these unique flavours.

Ingredients such as ‘Nduja spreadable salame and Pecorino Romano mixed together and filled inside an egg pasta parcel, Gnocchetti Sardi from the island of Sardinia, or fresh Orecchiette pasta from the south region of Puglia are only a few of the mouth melting dishes being offered.

Most of the dishes, as with a lot of Italian food, are vegetarian and vegan friendly and Buccelli’s is very happy to modify their sauces for anyone who has dietary restrictions.

In September 2017 Bruno launched their ‘Osteria’ menu, a fixed price, three-course menu reflecting how Italian’s dine out in Italy, side by side with other customers; authentic and relaxed. A thing worth remembering, all the produce you see, in the fridges and on the racks, are available to purchase so that you can enhance your own Italian cooking at home, and the 198

Lancaster Festa Italia - Market Square

vast majority of produce have been directly imported from Italy.

Every Wednesday between 3pm and 4pm, there is a ‘Let’s Speak Italiano’ group for those interesting in practicing their Italian. One Thursday every month, Buccelli’s hosts a ‘Wine Tasting Evening’ (limited tickets available).

As it is a Cafe, you are welcome to pop in for just a drink. The coffee, ‘Palombini Caffe’, is one of the oldest coffees of Rome. Nothing is compromised, some claim to offer the true taste of Italy, Buccelli’s offer the true Italian experience, in every sense.

(Opening hours are: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and also Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm till 10pm) However, entitling this article “Lancaster’s Roman” isn’t just because of what Bruno has created at 29 Church Street, it is because of his wider

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contribution to Lancaster and his ethos.

Having only opened Buccelli’s a year earlier, Bruno and I were talking and he expressed his desire and ideas about putting on an Italian Event in Lancaster; everything Italian, not a Food Festival or a Music Festival. This was in the Autumn of 2017 .

Being a Director of “Lancaster Business Improvement District” (LBID) at the time, I took this idea, with Bruno’s blessing, to the Management Board. Bruno Buccelli saw his dream materialise. He worked in conjunction with LBID and on the 9th September 2018, Lancaster hosted the inaugural “Lancaster Festa Italia”.

Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Ducatis, Lambrettas, Vespas, live music around the city centre, street entertainers, stalls selling Italian foods, drinks and produce. The day ended with Opera at Lancaster Castle. Poor Bruno only got to see snatches of the day because his www.lancmag.com

place was heaving. His parents flew in for the event and his sister Roberta, who often helps Bruno out, was running Buccelli’s Produce stall.

“Lancaster Festa Italia” had its second event in 2019 and is second, only to the “Lancaster’s Christmas Light Switch On”, for the most successful single day Event in Lancaster. “Lancaster Festa Italia 2020” will be in September again this year and is set to be a regular fixture on Lancaster’s Event Calendar. Bruno has now been invited to sit on the Management Board of LBID. On his day off, Bruno can be found at Lancaster & Morecambe College (LMC) running an Italian Cookery Masterclass, most recently demonstrating fresh pasta making. Bruno is keen to share his passion and knowledge and actively seeks to help students find experience and employment.

Aaron, a student he met at LMC, is now employed at Buccelli’s as a Commis Chef. www.lancmag.com

This is the story of one man and his love for his adopted city, and the contribution he has made to Lancaster in a little over four years. But Bruno is one of many that have, and are, contributing to this great city. Lancaster is so rich in independent businesses, family owned businesses, not only in the hospitality and catering sectors, but in the retail and beauty sectors. A great many have also adopted Lancaster as their home to both live and work.

See you soon.

TOP: Pasta Masterclass At LMC ABOVE: Next Generation - Mia Buccelli ABOVE LEFT: Lancaster Festa Italia - On Street Entertainment BELOW: The Buccelli Family At Lacaster Festa Italia 2019

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BLACKPOOL CARE HOMES For a warm, relaxed, happy lifestyle We provide first class 24 hour residential care in modern day care homes

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To the US from us Washington. We hear the name on TV almost every day, if not every day. I don’t know what my old granddad would have thought of that; indeed, I am not sure what I think of it.

Words: Bevan Ridehalgh

O

f course, the Washington we hear about is across the pond, in the USA. But we have our own Washington, some fifty miles or so, to the north east of us. The origin of the name is unknown but it could mean “people of the hill by the stream” although that does not mean much to us.

During Roman times, as Britain’s population grew, it was no longer possible just to call people Atticus or Magnus or Camilla or Priscilla. I suppose a classical scholar could tell us why men’s names have changed so much whilst the lady’s names are still fairly common. Whatever, a further tag was added to the names – what we now call a surname. Generally, surnames told people what Atticus’s job was; was he a carter or a miller? Or perhaps, it told where his was from; was he from Preston or Thornton or Washington?

Of course, those spellings were different then.

The later is the case for the Washington family, it is so called because it originated in our Washington area. In the 13th century, a male member of the family moved to live in the Warton area. That is the Warton area north of Lancaster, not the one in the Fylde. His descendants became a family of distinction and they were granted land by Henry VIII. They have a crest - a Coat of Arms - and it seems likely that this dates from Henry VIII’s time at least; probably, even earlier.

A representation of this Coat of Arms was originally carried in

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stonework on the outside of their old home village of Warton’s St. Oswald Church tower. Unsurprisingly, it suffered heavy weathering and so was moved to the inside of the church in 1955.

Many of the Washington family fell on to hard times after the Puritan government of Oliver Cromwell came into being in1653. As a result, Lawrence Washington migrated to America in 1657. He prospered and his descendant’s did, too. His grandson, George Washington led America to victory in the War of Independence and became its first president. Of course, a country needs a Coat of Arms and it is claimed that George Washington looked at his family’s and said “We could have some stars and stripes.”

Coat of arms of George_Washington

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Around the region The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, Receives a Donation From Tk Maxx and Homesense Foundation The Sophie Lancaster Foundation has received a donation for £500 from the TK Maxx and Homesense Foundation. The grant was applied for by a member of staff from the Burnley store, Amy Braysford.

Since Sophie’s death on August 24th 2007, following the horrific attack on her and her partner Rob in Stubbeylee Park, Bacup, Lancashire her family wanted to ensure a lasting legacy to their beautiful, bright creative daughter and so The Sophie Lancaster Foundation was established.

It became a registered charity in 2009.

Sophie and Rob dressed in their unique way, expressing their individuality as creative artistic people. The charity, based in Haslingden, Rossendale, focuses on creating respect for and understanding of subcultures in our communities.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation also works in conjunction with politicians and police forces to ensure individuals who are part of subcultures are protected by the law. In 2013 Greater Manchester Police became the first to monitor and record hate crimes and incidents against people from Alternative Subcultures. Seventeen other police authorities have now followed their example. In 2014, Sylvia Lancaster was awarded an OBE for “Community Cohesion - Especially in Reduction of Hate Crime”.

The TK Maxx and Homesense Foundation invites members of staff to apply for a grant on behalf of a charity that is important to them or their families. These funds will make a real difference in helping The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

The £500 cheque was accepted on behalf of the charity by Sylvia Lancaster,

Sophie’s mother and Chief Executive of the Foundation. Sylvia said: ‘We are so very grateful to the TK Maxx and Homesense Foundation for the grant and their recognition of what we do. We would particularly like to thank Burnley staff member Amy for applying on our behalf.

We know our charity is close to the hearts of many local people and we can only achieve what we do with their help.

We will use the grant to carry out more education work which gives young people a greater understanding of difference and diversity and respect for others. We offer the sessions in both primary and secondary schools and we know from schools and families how much impact it has. Funds like this enable us to reach more children and help them understand the consequences of their actions and give them a deeper knowledge of cultural issues in the wider world.’

The Foundation has developed educational group works which incorporate the Dark Angel animated film and a game which challenges the perceptions of young people about people who are from alternative subcultures. The SOPHIE educational resource is now being used in schools around the country and the Foundation trains teachers and youth workers to deliver sessions in their own communities. The charity also works with businesses, using Sophie¹s story to reflect on diversity and encourage inclusion in the workplace.

The TK Maxx and Homesense Foundation was set up in 2015 with a mission to support vulnerable children and young people in our local communities. Last

year alone the Foundation donated £1,015,410 to over 600 charities. One of the functions is to grant donations to local charities nominated by employees, maybe because they or their family have received support themselves, or simply because they have a passion for the charity. Grants have helped children with moderate and severe learning difficulties, children and families who are affected by terminal illness or death of a loved one and more. Over the last 4 years the Foundation has donated over £3million to local and national charities.

Member of staff, Amy Braysford from TK Maxx store in Burnley said: ‘Sadly we live in a society where intolerance of difference and prejudice against minorities is widespread. The Sophie Lancaster Foundation works tirelessly to challenge and change this, in schools, in our communities and beyond through education and communication. So I made an application to The TK Maxx and Homesense Foundation which supports local charities helping vulnerable children and families. These funds will make a real difference in helping the charity with all the fantastic work that they do. I am so pleased to be able to work for a company which focus on supporting those in need within the local communities that they operate.’

Lovell Partnerships Strengthens Its North West Land Department

All Saints supports NSPCC The children of All Saints Primary School in Hesketh Bank have raised over £1,600.00 for the NSPCC. They held a sponsored ‘Daily Mile’ for a whole week, where everyone did as many miles as they could and then on the Friday they all came into school dressed in their pyjamas and did a ‘Pyjamas Daily Mile’ altogether.

This was a direct result of the School Council inviting the NSPCC to deliver an assembly about the charity and how it helps children like themselves. Mrs Taylor, School Council and Citizenship Lead at All Saints, explained, “14 laps of our playground equates to one mile and in total the children, and staff, walked a whopping 700 miles!” She added, “Thank you to the friends and family who supported our efforts and helped us raise an incredible £1615.70.”

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Lovell Partnerships has strengthened its North West team with the appointment of Russell Drummond as regional land manager.

Russell joins Lovell Partnerships following six and half years as senior land manager with Barratt/David Wilson Homes in the North West.

With over 11 year’s experience in land acquisition and disposal, specialising in residential land, he has a strong track record of delivering complex land purchases across the region.

Russell, who also worked in planning and development for Knight Frank in Zambia, said: “It’s clear that there is a real hunger for growth in this region; I’m looking forward to realising this opportunity and expanding Lovell’s acquisition of land whilst broadening my understanding of a partnerships business.

“Outside of my primary land role, I’m keen to contribute to the direction

of the business and work alongside the team to influence its aspirations and deliver success.”

Lovell Homes North West has numerous mixed tenure outlets across the Northwest from Cheshire in the South to Cumbria in the North. The latest development to come to market is Shawbrook Manor, located in Leyland, Lancashire, which is part of the Government’s ‘Accelerated Construction’ programme.

Lee Sale, managing director at Lovell Homes North West, said: “Russell brings a wealth of local land experience and is already enhancing our established team to deliver our partnerships strategy for 2020 and beyond.”

For more information about Lovell please visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow @Lovell_UK on Twitter.

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Keeping you up to date with events around the North West Jungle Delights On The Doorstep A world of jungle adventures is waiting to be explored at a Lancaster gallery. During his expeditions over the past 20 years, Simon Chapman has carried a sketchpad and paints to remind him of his adventures.

And an exhibition of his rainforest paintings can be viewed in the gallery upstairs at Pizza Margherita in Moor Lane, until April 23.

Simon is a physics teacher at Morecambe Bay Academy and during school holidays he explores some of the world¹s most far flung locations.

But his interest in painting the wild and wonderful scenes he encounters came about by accident.

‘My camera broke on my first Borneo jungle trip and I happened to have a children¹s watercolour paints set with me so I painted the scenes instead,’ he explained. ‘Once, when in Bolivia, I was sketching by a creek and resting my leg on what I thought was a log but then I felt it moving and it was a 2ft baby crocodile. Another time I was so absorbed in my drawing that when I looked up, a deer was nose to nose with me.’

The watercolours on exhibition are developed from sketches during expeditions to South America, Asia and Africa.

They feature elephants and red river hogs in Gabon; spider

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) plans to hold its Global Summit in Autumn 2020 monkeys and macaws in Bolivia; and others painted on trips to Brazil, Sri Lanka and Ecuador.

All profits from any sales will be donated to the World Wide Fund For Nature.

Simon, who lives in Lancaster, is giving a talk on the stories behind the paintings on March 25 at 7.30pm.

He prepares for his expeditions by canoeing and kayaking along the Rivers Lune and Eden and also trekking in the Lake District.

He plans to canoe down the BolivianPeruvian border this summer and is sometimes joined by photographer Dave Clark who now lives in Hong Kong but established the Folly Gallery in Lancaster during the 1990s. In 2018, they looked for and found Shangri La. Simon hopes to visit Mongolia in the future, following in the footsteps of the real Indiana Jones, Roy Chapman Andrews.

When not going on adventures and painting them, Simon writes about them too and has many books to his name.

For more information, visit: www.simonsjungle.co.uk

The World Travel & Tourism Council [WTTC], which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, and the Government of Quintana Roo in Mexico, have announced that the 20th Global Summit will take place in the Autumn of 2020.

WTTC’s annual Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar, where the highest-level industry leaders meet with key government representatives to take action on the biggest and most important issues across the international agenda.

The 2020 Global Summit will take place in Cancun in early Autumn, giving the Travel & Tourism sector time to recover from the current Covid-19 outbreak and its impact.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: ³We stand in solidarity with governments, countries and organizations which are being affected by Covid-19 and look forward to hosting our Global Summit in the Autumn.

This will provide a global platform to discuss the sector¹s recovery and future plans.² Carlos Joaquin, Governor of Quintana Roo said: ‘Cancun and the State of Quintana Roo are continuing to plan a full schedule of events, meetings and conventions against the global backdrop of Covid-19. We have no Covid-19 cases but stand ready to support those around the world.

We look forward to hosting the 20th WTTC Global Summit in the Autumn and ensuring it is the most successful Global Summit ever’

Film Sparks Food For Thought A new documentary highlighting food bank use among young people has been produced by teenagers in the Lancaster district.

Food For Thought was instigated and created by young people at Lancashire Youth Challenge(LYC), a Lancaster-based charity which supports young people to build confidence and resilience by taking part in physical, creative and cultural activities and outdoor expeditions In 2018, two of LYC’s participants, who were living in temporary supported accommodation in Lancaster, shared their feelings of embarrassment and stigma about having to use food banks on a regular basis.

‘The young people commented as to how these feelings of shame and embarrassment were negatively affecting their mental health and sense of worth,’ said LYC chief executive, Guy Christiansen.

Other young people involved with LYC wanted to raise awareness of the issue and thanks to funding from the iWill Youth Social Action Fund, LYC commissioned a professional writer and film-maker to help them produce a film.

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Among the skills they learned were writing a script, producing storyboards, operating cameras and sound equipment, interviewing people and editing film.

The group then interviewed users, volunteers and managers at food banks in Lancaster, Morecambe and also in Liverpool which has a food bank specifically for people aged 16-25.

One of those involved, Jo Prescott from Lancaster, so enjoyed the process that she took a film-making course at Kendal College and will be going to study for a degree in media production at Cardiff University later this year.

The film, together with a behind the scenes documentary, was premiered earlier this month at an event at More Music in Morecambe where local young artists, poets, singers and rappers performed.

The event also prompted a debate following a presentation by Dr Cassie Earl, a Lancaster University lecturer in education and social justice who spoke about the reasons for the rise in food banks across the UK. The films are now available to view on LYC¹s website: http://www.lancashireyouthchallenge.co.uk/food-for-thought-2/ and LYC would be happy for them to be used by any youth and charitable organisations.

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Your star horoscope

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: Mar 21 – Apr 19 The sphere of finances will bring you several opportunities in May, ones that are quite real and with potential. The celestial forces will be on your side, but through your earthly environment you will find a couple foes through which Mars will seriously try to ruin your hopes and plans. Do not jump ahead about new acquaintances, even if the person fully likes you. Your relationships to those around you will be practically ideal, as you will start to find common points even in the most complicated and provocative of situations.

Favourable Dates : May 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26 Favourable Colours : White &Yellow

Leo: Jul 23 – Aug 22 It’ll be a period of erotic fantasies, secret wishes and forbidden love stories. The sentimental life seems to be surrounded by some discretion uncharacteristic of you. Career and personal achievements will take a backseat. There will be a large number of family celebrations and social entertainment. It will dictate and you’ll obey. You can experience sublime moments, but guard yourself against excesses as you can experience troubles. The untold magnificent atmosphere of light and warmth will surround you not only within your household, but also outside of its walls. Favourable Dates : May 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 Favourable Colours : Blue & Red

Sagittarius: Nov 22 – Dec 21 Financially, there are optimistic signals. But again, the issue is with patience and strategy. In case you apply the correct strategies, success will come, and it will reach its highest visibility.Envy and disinclination to listen to your association can cause to an immediate romantic endeavors end, so just want to prevent this. The formula for satisfying family associates interaction continues to be the same: passion. Pain, and investing the nights at the house with family associates and not in the workplace in the organization of other workaholics remains the core. Favourable Dates : May 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 Favourable Colours : White & Blue

Taurus: Apr 20 – May 20 You can make a lot of progress.

The period will lend you energy, ambition and enterprising spirit.

It will take you to the centre of attention, highlighting your qualities and bringing you the respect and admiration of the people around you. It is now the right time to insist, as you can count on strong support.It is possible that sometimes you’ll encounter enmity or that things will develop more slowly than you wish.You should know how to trust, as accepting everyone in your circle would be a serious mistake. Favourable Dates : May 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 23 Favourable Colours : White & Red

Virgo: Aug 23 – Sep 22 This monthyou will be presented with plenty of opportunities to get into love relationships. Love will be volatile initially, but becomes very delightful after 21st. Love is to be found in social parties. The last week of May will be seductive and very sensual. The sentimental enthusiasm will reach its peak, and your devastating charm will make victims.A passionate month., the blood will go faster in your veins, your wishes will be more ardent and the impulses will be expressed more forcefully.

Sympathize, love, be amazed, “feel” the world around you. Favourable Dates : May 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours : Green & Red

Capricorn: Dec 22 – Jan 19 This would bequite an ambiguous time, despite the fact that all complicated situations will be solved in your favour.The celestial forces will be on your side, but through your earthly environment you will find a couple foes through which stars will seriously try to ruin your hopes and plans. Do not jump ahead about new acquaintances, even if the person fully likes you. Try to consider the situation by staying a few steps ahead and see the most possibilities of how the situation can develop. Favourable Dates : May 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 Favourable Colours : Purple & Grey

Gemini: May 21 – Jun 20 Major changes are expected in your career.. Promotions and pay rises can be expected. Job changes are likely and they will be for the better. Businesses will undergo total transformations.All changes should be viewed from an emotional point of view. Only then will it result in your personal happiness.Avoid ambiguities and blurry preparations with work affiliates, or consequently they will exist you with an invoice that you will be incapable to pay. Partying and entertainment will dominate your love life. This is an auspicious month to plan for a baby. Favourable Dates : May 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favourable Colours : White & Green

Libra: Sep 23 – Oct 22 This month will manifest energetically starting the second week of May, generating great enthusiasm, urging you to make decisions, to open new horizons, to act forcefully.You’ll have to commit, to progress, to fight. You’re not recommended to stagnate.

Inactivity can bring along conflicts and accidents.

You can accomplish great things. However, you need to act wisely, based on a well-thought-of plan made in advance, not in an impulsive or disorganized way.The sphere of finances will bring you several opportunities in May, ones that are quite real and with potential. Favourable Dates : May 1, 9, 10, 18, 19, 27 Favourable Colours : Grey & Red

Aquarius: Jan 20 – Feb 18 This month could find you forming a new business partnership as you clear the way for a new funding stream,. There could be talk of reorganization where joint finances are concerned. Embrace the open road to both travel and education.Developing new ideas and mentoring help you secure much needed income. Putting your ideas to the test can challenge old systems and help you embrace new directions.New responsibilities at work will have you organizing in creative ways. Navigating social connections can be tricky as you bump into territorial types. Favourable Dates : May 2, 7, 11, 18, 22, 27 Favourable Colours : Green & Blue

Scorpio: Oct 23 – Nov21 You are likely toput more attempt on group tasks and make every reasonable effort to make the workplace environment look like the Mediterranean Sea one. You will have their support in accomplishing your financial objectives. Businessmen should focus on promoting their products which will give good returns.Believe the fact that it is far more pleasing to execute among the helpful, pleasant persons than to squabble with co-workers. There’ll appear the impulse of clearing things up, of taking the initiative. Intentions will become explicit, gestures will become bold. Favourable Dates : May 1, 7, 10, 16, 19, 25 Favourable Colours : White & Purple

Pisces: Feb 19 – Mar 20 This month highlights both work and health as your energy gets a boost. Details become increasingly important and double checking your work intensifies. Reorganize and prioritize work to stay on track as the pace picks up.Energy you put behind projects will spur new ideas to both teach and learn. You can turn a dream into a reality as you partner with others that have the same philosophy and goals.Putting your ideas to the test will launch you into a new window of excitement and possibility. Favourable Dates : May 4, 10, 17, 18, 26, 27 Favourable Colours : Brown & Blue

Cancer: Jun 21 – Jul 22 This month will be generous as regards the money that will come by means of chance, by secret procedures or by means of some discrete supporters and will favor serious, long-term investments. Your relationships to those around you will be practically ideal, as you will start to find common points even in the most complicated and provocative of situations. The untold magnificent atmosphere of light and warmth will surround you not only within your household, but also outside of its walls. Channel your strength towards well defined purposes, exercise and get involved in vigorous physical activities. Favourable Dates : May 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21 Favourable Colours : Yellow & Grey

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

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Calendar Days Lets see how many National Days you can celebrate, continuing with May 27.

Monday

28.

Tuesday

Wednesday 29.

Thursday 30.

Friday 1.

May Day, not Aunt May though

Saturday 2.

Worldwide buy a copy of The Lancashire & North West Magazine day

Sunday 3.

National Paranormal Day

8.

National Nic Cage appreciation day

9.

10.

World Migratory Mother’s Day Bird Day

4.

National Star Wars Pun Day

5.

National Teacher Day

6.

7.

National Nurses National Day Tourism Day

11.

National Eat What You Want Day

12.

National Limerick Day

13.

International Hummus Day

14.

15.

National call National Pizza everyone Brian Party Day day - except people actually called Brian, call them Al

18.

19.

National No National Dirty Dishes Day Endangered Species Day

20.

National Be a Millionaire Day

21.

National Waitstaff Day

25.

National Wine Day

27.

National Sunscreen Day

28.

29.

National Falafel Learn About Juggling day Composting Day

30.

National you can’t prove I made some of these days up day

31.

World No Tobacco Day

4.

6.

7.

26.

National Paper Airplane Day

22.

23.

Harvey Milk Day Harvey Dairy Free Day

Wed 6 th May 1.

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16.

69.

National Armed National get the Forces Day date wrong on a Calendar day

5.

24.

National Brothers Day

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Next Month The June issue of your favourite county magazine, on sale from 7th May

Show Us Your Pets If you are spending more time at home over the coming weeks we want to see what you and your pets are doing to fight the boredom, or even what your pets are doing to stop you from working at home, like little Roger below.

We will be featuring a gallery of you and your pets to bring a little joy to our readers, the best entry each month will win a years subscription to the magazine.

Email your photos to info@lancashiremagazine.co.uk

marking the subject as ‘show us your pets’

ADVERTISER INDEX 8020 Health Bar and Kitchen Adam Partridge Adoption Now Ambassador Anatolia

Beetham Nureries Box Brothers

Brinscall Interiors Darius Perfetti

Dobbie Properties Feblands

Feng Shui

185 75 39

201, 211

195 143

49, 177 7

207 75 21 53

Fresh Hearing

147

Rochdale Recycling

51

Happa Shaws Hey Farm

133

Rossendale Interiors

209

H Hogarth Jewellers Hearts for Homes

23

Hedges House

65

Holmes Mill

97, 99

Joseph anxd Co KBL Solicitors

Laurel Farm Kitchens Oswaldtwistle Mill

www.lancmag.com

MAGAZINE • MAY 2020 • VOLUME 43 NUMBER 5 PRESTON • CHESTER • KESWICK

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

117

Sarah Harris - Colour Me Beautiful 101 Scafell Hotel

101

212

Terra Nostra

185

47

Wren Living

14

51

Stokers Limited

39

Wells and Hewitt

2 5

179

89 LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST

or email: sharon@countymags.co.uk

Rothay Manor

29

Si Belle

Redrow

01253 336588

Rockform Limited

155

Pad

To advertise with us please call

210

101

May 2020

Preston, Chester & Keswick Days Out in Lancashire Commemorating VE Day Take a trip to Oswaldtwistle Mill Some Mothers Do Ave’ Em A History of Mills May Fashion with Joseph Clothing

£2.45

www.lancmag.com

Small Shopping

Delivery Service Ambassador Care Home is now offering a Small Shopping delivery service to anyone over 75 years of age in the South Shore, Blackpool area, who is isolated and cannot get out.

As long as we know in advance either using the telephone number or email, just provide a clear name, address and shopping list.

Tel: 01253 406371 Email: davidmoseley580@gmail.com

The Ambassador Residential Care Home

670/672 Lytham Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1RG www.blackpoolcarehomes.co.uk www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 211

Based in the rural village of Goosnargh, Laurel Farm Kitchens has been recognised as one of only a few truly bespoke kitchen manufacturers in the North West receiving a reputation, second to none, on quality and craftsmanship over the past 25 years.

“Our aim, through the creativity of our kitchen designers and their ability to bring out the best in our client’s ideas is to create the most imaginative and workable kitchens from the canvas supplied.”