The Lancashire & North West Magazine | November 2021 by The Lancashire & North West Magazine

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November 2021

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Liverpool Lighthouse Cinema

Liverpool Lighthouse Cinema opens as a community cinema after reaching crowdfunding target of £25,000.

iverpool Lighthouse is now once again to open as a community cinema after meeting the target of more than £25,000 to buy state-of-the-art equipment that is set to transform the auditorium into an authentic cinema experience. The money was raised through Spacehive, a crowdfunding platform for ideas that bring local spaces to life - the world’s first civic crowdfunding platform. The building was previously a Gaumont cinema, dating from 1931. Andy Brown’s grandfather, Charlie brown, opened and managed the original, art deco cinema, a modern icon of its time and Andy exclaims the joy his grandfather would have had, to know it is still alive as a cinema and serving its community. Andy Brown, grandson of Charlie Brown said: “You are doing what Charlie Brown did back then, the cinema was more than the experience of seeing films, it was supporting the community, going out into the community and bringing entertainment to the community of Anfield. He would have been very proud to know that his legacy is still living on.” Community support for restoring cinema screenings to the building has been overwhelming, with older community members wanting their grandchildren to experience the joys of cinema that they remember from visiting Liverpool Lighthouse in their youth. Rebecca Ross-Williams (89), the new Creative Director of Liverpool Lighthouse said: “We are so fortunate that our venue can once again bring the joy of film to our local communities through a community cinema at Liverpool Lighthouse. It provides an opportunity for local people of all ages and backgrounds to come together in shared experiences which aim to promote happiness – which let’s face it’s much needed. Just to think 90 years later the doors are opening for cinema again!” Spacehive brings together people, organisations, governments and foundations to collaboratively fund projects that communities want: everything from spruced up playgrounds and new street markets, to pocket green spaces and community centres. Spacehive has the highest 4

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success rate of any other crowdfunding platform and works in partnership with funders from across the UK, from the Mayors of London and Sunderland, to BT and the Arts Council; organisations that want to support community projects that make local places better. The restoration of Liverpool Lighthouse involved installing a 10 metre Cine Pro electrical screen along with giving the venue that extra vintage feel back by adding to the Art Deco that has remained preserved such as bringing the historical box office back to life, installing popcorn makers, candyfloss trollies and lighting up the venue outside with a retro ‘now showing’ sign. The older generation can come and reexperience the past and the younger generation can uncover the history of Liverpool Lighthouse. The former Gaumont cinema will no longer be a memory of the past, screenings will be on a regular basis for the community from much loved classics to independent screenings, at an affordable price for all. Liverpool Lighthouse hopes to start screenings from the end of 2021. The history of Liverpool Lighthouse as a Gaumont Cinema along with the fond memories from people within the community is something that Liverpool Lighthouse want to ignite once more. Liverpool Lighthouse is a charity, a community hub for North Liverpool that focuses on reducing isolation, developing skills, engagement within the arts and community cohesion. Liverpool Lighthouse is home to recording studios, workshop rooms and a café where families, younger & older generations get together to take part in events and activities. The venue is also home to a 430 seated auditorium where theatre, dance and music shows take place. However, North Liverpool is lacking a community cinema, at present people have to travel into the centre of the city along with paying a high price for film & this simply isn’t possible for everyone particularly within this current climate. Film unites people, helps develop social skills, relieves stress and anxiety and inspires family and friends to come together along with encouraging new kinships too. There are no cinemas locally and therefore many are excluded from reaping the benefits of film and Liverpool Lighthouse want to change this. In an area that is both economically and culturally classified deprived, supporting such a project will result in creation of jobs and volunteering opportunities for the community too. www.lancmag.com

Liverpool

Blackpool

CONTENTS...

Features

196 18

96 118

168

158 www.lancmag.com

Liverpool Lighthouse Cinema

Ten Notable North-West War Memorials

100 New Vicar at Lancaster Makes History 104 The ArtHouse Gallery, Southport

Hope Menswear

108 Understanding Inheritance Tax

George Mallory “Because it’s there”

Totally Local Lancaster

112 Say Hello to the Older Generation Taking Over TikTok

The Dukes

An Interview with Paul Owen

Smart PA - International Stress Awareness Week

Enterprise Vision Awards - Meet the Finalists

“Did You Think That I Would Leave You Dying?”

In Ordinary Everyday Life, Suddenly Something Magical Can Happen and an Adventure Begins

Engineering Developments are Mitigating Climate Change PART TWO

Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Wall of Names - Have Your Name Immortalised

Great North Bog Rises to the Climate Challenge

Recognition for Wigan Beauty Spot

SELRAP in the Final Push on their Important Rail Campaign

Record Number of Wildlife Observations in The Baltic Triangle

Are There Carnivores in Lancashire?

Law Of Attraction - Bespoke Beauty Salon

Grizedale Revealed as the Location for Major New Sky Arts Series, Landmark

112 Statements Regarding Climate Change 114 Redrow Restocks Scholl Library in Little Sutton 116 New Garden Village Show Home Unveils a Crop of Stylish Homes 118 The Fitzwilliam Gallery 132 Country Woodlands to Visit in Autumn 139 Christmas Gift Guide 154 Tappers Gin collaborate with Simon Rimmer to launch Tickled Pink Gin in Booths Supermarkets 158 Mama Shars Caribbean Cooking 162 Changing Weather and Changing Emotions 166 The Vegetarian Society Cookery School Reopens - and we have a competition for you! 168 Number Yan for Distilling Essence of Lake District 186 Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip - Reduce Meat Consumption 196 Magnetise Success & Create A Life You Love 200 Stroke Survivors in the North West Shape Stroke Research to Rebuild Lives 208 Lancashire Author Among the Contenders for National Award Recognising New Writers

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...CONTENTS

Regulars

November 2021 • Volume 44 Number 11

Aiming Higher

192 Catherine Dean Coaching 28

Colour Me Beautiful

204 Deborah Hatswell 206 Denise Mullen 174 Essentialise 60

Fleetwood RNLI

172 Food Critic 178 Gemma Louise Coaching 182 HayMax 150 Helen James 156 Jason Gleaves, UFOnly 40

Life of Di

202 Karla McCulloch 188 Marcia

150

182

102 Miles Consult & Construct 184 Nicola Parker, Herbalist 52

Peter Rutt

Pets Country Manor

178

175 Reubens Retreat 152 Zodiac Predictions by Manish

174

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Design Manager • Tanjé Beach Writers • Nicola Parker Helen James • Deborah Hatswell Ken Harcombe • Denise Mullen Sarah Harris • Margaret Brecknell Peter Rutt • Harold Cunliffe Jason Gleaves • Catherine Dean Aiming Higher • Norman Harris Lee Chambers • Max Wiseberg Manish Kumar Arora • Diane Wade Megha Seth • Dr Helen Flaherty Sharon Henry • Sajedah Maka-Ismail Gemma Margerison • Richard Sagar Victoria Corcoran • Karla McCulloch Joel Newman • Emily Walker Anthony Joseph Wiaczek Marcia Trotter • Miranda Christopher Pam Molyneux • Peter Pearson Paul Cusimano • Larry Muzondo

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IN THIS ISSUE...

e start off this month with a cracker of a Christmas gift guide - 14 gift-wrap and ribbon-worthy pages! What do you get if you rearrange the letters of Santa?... ...Someone else’s presents. The Fitzwilliam Gallery host a unique collection of original art works in Hawkshead and Grasmere. Lakeland Artisan, the home of award winning food and drink continue to grow as they open their latest branch, Herdwick Distillery. If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, festival or would love a bespoke themed wedding with a twist, look no further than Sharmen Frith Hemmings (Mama Shar) and her amazing businesses. Tappers Gin collaborate with Simon Rimmer to launch Tickled Pink Gin in Booths Supermarkets. Tenet&You tells us about Inheritance Tax (IHT) which has come under the spotlight over 10

the past few years, due largely to the continued rise in house prices. Harold Cunliffe reminds us that at this time of the year our thoughts go to those who did their bit during conflict, those brave servicemen and women who put their lives in the line of fire and Margaret Brecknell shows us ten notable North-West war memorials we should visit to pay our respects. We say hello to the older generation taking over TikTok and we have a fantastic competition for classes at the Vegetarian Society Cookery School! And as always - our regulars. The towns this month are the beautiful Victorian seaside town of Blackpool and the hub of the metropolitan county of Merseyside, Liverpool. Deborah Hatswell tells of how time is just a human concept and it really doesn’t run like we think. Sarah Harris Style takes a look at layering and how it can keep you

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warm and looking stylish throughout the winter, Denise Mullen tells us hilarious stories including one about catching a pigeon, Nicola Parker talks about weight loss, Barrister-turned-food-writer Richard Sagar takes us through some of the finest culinary venues our historic county and surrounding areas have to offer and this month it is the newly renovated and exceptionally tasteful Cross Guns Inn in Egerton. Ken Harcombe the Volunteer Press Officer at Fleetwood RNLI salutes the RNLI’s fund-raisers, we learn all about our new columnist - author, speaker, coach and researcher Gemma Margerison and Miles Consult & Construct show us how to deal with dodgy builders. And of course - homes, health, delicious recipes, fascinating history, and a bit of wildlife and more, all in our November issue. www.lancmag.com

Ten Notable North-West War Memorials By Margaret Brecknell Each year in November the nation remembers those men and women who have lost their lives whilst on active service. This act of remembrance is usually centred around the many war memorials which were built in cities, towns and villages across the country following the end of World War I in 1918.

he North-West’s war memorials come in all shapes and sizes, some designed by leading architects of the day and others by local craftsmen, whose work is not so widely known, but each important to its local community. As Remembrance Day approaches, here is a list of ten notable examples in this region.

In awarding Southport’s Monument a Grade II* listing in 2010, Historic England commented that “The memorial’s massive scale and exceptionally detailed design, and the large number of inscribed names, demonstrates the heroism and sacrifice of the small town of Southport during the Great War, and the immense pride of its people”.

PORT SUNLIGHT

SOUTHPORT

Following the end of World War I, a public appeal was launched in Southport to raise funds for the construction of a war memorial. Architects were invited to submit plans for the planned memorial in an open competition and the winning design, which was chosen from a total of 45 entries, was the work of the Liverpool partnership, Grayson & Barnish. Because of a shortage of skilled stonemasons, work on the memorial was initially delayed but it was finally unveiled in a special ceremony on Remembrance Day in 1923. The Monument, as it has come to be known locally, occupies London Square in the middle of Lord Street. Its elaborate design in Portland stone consists of a tall obelisk over 20 metres high, which is flanked by two colonnades in the style of Greek temples. It is surrounded by gardens on either side, each with its own long rectangular Pool of Remembrance and fountains, and these still provide a 12

tranquil spot to reflect for a while amidst the hubbub of the busy town centre.

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Port Sunlight War Memorial: Credit - Mark Warren 1973/CC BY-SA 4.0

Like Southport’s Monument, Port Sunlight’s war memorial stands in a prominent position right at the heart of this unique community on the Wirral. The “model village” of Port Sunlight was built by businessman and philanthropist Lord Leverhulme for the employees at his Sunlight Soap Factory in the late 19th century and was designed to provide workers with a beneficial environment in which to live. Leverhulme was considering the idea of a memorial to commemorate Port Sunlight workers lost during World War I as early as 1916 when he commissioned the Welsh www.lancmag.com

sculptor, Sir William Goscombe John, to begin work on a design. Goscombe John had previously worked on a bronze sculpture of his wife. The memorial was unveiled in December 1921 by two local ex-servicemen, Private Richard Cruickshank, who had been awarded the Victoria Cross, and Sergeant Eames, who had been blinded at the Battle of the Somme. Raised on a circular mound, the central runic granite cross is surrounded at its base by several larger than life-size bronze figures, which unusually include not only soldiers, but also women and children.

PRESTON

Port Sunlight’s war memorial was given Grade 1 listed status in October 2014, one of only 20 out of 3000 war memorials in the country to be given the highest grade. The listing cites the monument’s sculptural and historic interest, as well as its “significant value as an artistic representation of the paternalistic nature of the Lever Brothers firm”.

ROCHDALE

Rochdale Cenotaph: Credit - Repton1x/CC BY-SA 3.0

Situated on the Esplanade close to Rochdale’s iconic Town Hall, the town’s Cenotaph is another of the region’s Grade 1 listed war memorials. Along with the Cenotaph in Manchester’s St Peter’s Square, it is also one of only a handful of memorials in the region to be designed by the country’s most prominent war memorial architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Lutyens is best-known today for the Cenotaph in Whitehall and Rochdale’s Cenotaph is based on a similar design, but the great architect’s original idea for commemorating Rochdale’s war dead was completely different. He originally planned to build a memorial bridge across the River Roch near the Town Hall. However, this scheme was abandoned when a local dignitary, Alderman William Cunliffe, bought nearby Manor House, an 18th-century building which had been used as a recruitment station during the war, and donated it as a site for the war memorial. Rochdale’s Cenotaph, made of Cornish granite, is around 10 metres in height. At its top is a sculpture of a fallen soldier lying upon a sarcophagus. A stone of remembrance lies to the front of the cenotaph, on which is inscribed in gilded lettering, “Their name liveth for evermore”. In its Grade 1 listing Historic England praises its design quality, describing it as “an elegant complex of a monumental cenotaph – one of Lutyens’ most ambitious”. www.lancmag.com

Preston Cenotaph: Credit - Francis C Franklin/CC BY-SA 4.0

The Cenotaph on Preston’s Flag Market was designed by another of the era’s leading architects, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who is probably best remembered today for designing the iconic red telephone box. His grandfather, Sir George Gilbert Scott, had been responsible for the design of Preston’s grand Town Hall (sadly destroyed by fire in 1947) some 60 years previously. Nearly 2000 Preston men are believed to have lost their lives on active service during World War 1 including many members of the famous “Preston Pals”, who served in the 7th Battalion of the North Lancashire Regiment at the Battle of the Somme and at Ypres. A huge crowd gathered for the official unveiling of the war memorial in June 1926 by the former First Sea Lord, Admiral John Jellicoe. The 70-feet tall monument features a sculptured figure of the goddess, Victory, created by Henry Alfred Pegram. The goddess is normally depicted in a victorious pose, but here, unusually, she is shown as a grieving figure. Following an ambitious restoration project, the monument was officially re-dedicated in 2014 as part of centenary celebrations for the start of World War 1.

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LIVERPOOL

OLDHAM

Liverpool Cenotaph: Credit - John Bradley/CC BY-SA 3.0

Described in Pevsner Architectural Guide as “one of the most remarkable war memorials in the country”, Liverpool’s Grade 1 listed Cenotaph is situated near to St George’s Hall on Lime Street. A permanent memorial in honour of Liverpool’s war dead was first proposed in 1920, but the idea was shelved for several years, as it proved impossible to raise sufficient funds by public subscription because of high unemployment in the city. Following Liverpool City Council’s decision six years later to fund a memorial itself, an open competition was held to find a designer and the winning entry, out of more than 250 submissions, came from local architect, Lionel Budden. Liverpool’s Cenotaph was finally unveiled on Armistice Day in November 1930 in front of a crowd of some 80,000 people. Budden’s horizontal altar-like design perfectly suits its location in front of the imposing St George’s Hall. The long panels on each side have been rightly acclaimed for their bronze-relief sculptures, probably the finest work of Liverpool sculptor Herbert Tyson Smith, which depict soldiers marching off to war on one side and mourners on the other side.

Oldham War Memorial: Credit - Repton1x/CC BY-SA 3.0

The siting of Oldham’s proposed war memorial initially proved controversial in some quarters, when objections were voiced to the suggested location in front of St Mary’s Church because of its proximity to the Greaves Arms public house. In the end, the project went ahead as planned, with local architect, Thomas Taylor, placed in charge. The memorial, which features an impressive bronze sculpture of five soldiers about to climb out of the trenches on top of a large granite pedestal, was officially unveiled in April 1923. The sculpture was the work of the highly experienced Albert Toft, who had been designing public commemorative statues of military and royal figures all the way back to the time of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. In an unusual feature for a civic war memorial, the pedestal was designed with an inner chamber, accessed by doors at each end, which housed rolls of honour for the dead and a space for private prayer. The pedestal was subsequently modified in 1955 to include a window, thus enabling a new mechanised roll of honour to be viewed, which listed those who had lost their lives in World War II. Oldham’s war memorial was awarded as Grade II* listed status in 2016, with Historic England praising the “dynamic and finely modelled composition of outstanding artistic merit by the distinguished sculptor Albert Toft…one of the most ambitious of its type in a civic war memorial”.

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LYTHAM ST ANNES

TOWNELEY PARK, BURNLEY

Lytham St Annes War Memorial: Credit - Ray Hindle/CC BY SA 3.0

Burnley War Memorial, Towneley Park: Credit - David Dixon/CC BY-SA 2.0

The war memorial for the municipal borough of Lytham St Annes is located at Ashton Gardens in St Annes. It was officially unveiled in October 1924 by Alderman Charles Critchley, whose own son, Burton, had been killed in 1918 while serving in the RAF.

The war memorial in the grounds of Burnley’s historic Towneley Hall was partly funded by a bequest from former mayor, Caleb Thornber, with the remaining money raised by public subscription. It is estimated that more than a quarter of the town’s population came to witness its official unveiling ceremony in December 1926.

This impressive memorial was designed by the Scot, Thomas Smith Tait, one of the leading exponents of the Art Deco architectural style. On top of a tall tapering column of white granite stands a bronze statue of a female figure with outstretched arms. At its base are two larger-than-life size bronze statues, one depicting a soldier, who appears shell-shocked, and the other a grieving widow with a child on her lap. The monument is also notable for its series of bronze relief panels, one of which, unusually, features soldiers blinded by gas. The sculptor, Walter Marsden, was a Lancashire man who had been awarded the Military Cross during active service in World War I. His work also features on several of the county’s other notable war memorials including those at Bolton and Heywood, as well as on the monument in his birthplace of Church, near Accrington. In awarding it Grade II* listed status, Historic England cites Marsden’s “high quality and poignant depictions in the round of a shell-shocked soldier and a grieving widow, together with detailed chronological reliefs”. www.lancmag.com

The memorial was designed by Walter Gilbert in collaboration with Swiss-born Louis Weingartner. The two worked together on several other high-profile projects, notably the gates at Buckingham Palace. The Portland stone cenotaph includes carved figures of a soldier, sailor and airman. At its base are two bronze statues, one of a mother, who is laying a wreath, and the other of a sister or sweetheart, who is holding a large floral garland. The statues include some unusual design features such as the cricket bat and ball at the feet of the mother. In awarding a Grade II* listing in 2017, Historic England cited the “remarkable composition of considerable poignancy by the distinguished designers and sculptors Walter Gilbert and Louis Weingartner”.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 15

SLAIDBURN

The war memorial in the Ribble Valley village of Slaidburn is simpler in design than many of the others on this list. It is nonetheless highly effective and complements perfectly the surroundings in which it is set, typifying the kind of memorials which may be found in villages across the North-West. Built close to the site of the village’s former medieval market cross, the memorial commemorates the Slaidburn men who lost their lives during the two World Wars, as well as honouring the fallen from the neighbouring villages of Newton and Dunsop. It features a life-size bronze statue of a soldier on top of an octagonal sandstone column. The soldier is standing in a mourning pose, with his head bowed and rifle pointing downwards. Its sculptor, Louis Frederick Roslyn, was responsible for several other listed war memorials, notably that in the grounds of nearby Clitheroe Castle which is virtually identical in design.

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WESTFIELD WAR MEMORIAL VILLAGE, LANCASTER

Westfield War Memorial Village, Lancaster: Credit - Humphrey Bolton/CC BY-SA 2.0

The monument at the heart of the Westfield War Memorial Village in Lancaster was designed by a local sculptor called Jennie Delahunt, who worked as an art teacher at Lancaster Grammar School for Girls. Her striking bronze sculpture, which was officially unveiled in August 1926, depicts one soldier helping a wounded colleague by giving him a drink of water. Now Grade II* listed, Historic England praises the sculpture for its “well-executed and unusual composition”, as well as citing its importance as a rare example of a war memorial sculpted by a woman. Delahunt’s design was intended to reflect the purpose of the small community in which it was situated. Initially consisting of 30 cottages, the Westfield War Memorial Village was the brainchild of local philanthropist, Sir Thomas Storey, on whose land it was built, and renowned landscape architect, Sir Thomas Mawson, who was born in nearby Scorton. It was formally opened in 1924 to provide a settlement for ex-servicemen, disabled during World War I, and their families. Westfield is still a thriving community today, providing affordable accommodation to veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces.

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Colour and Style

www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

Our section on Colour and Style with Sarah Harris from ‘Colour Me Beautiful’ November is sometimes known as a gloomy month probably because the days are colder and shorter with little sunshine, this can impact on our feeling so I’d like to inspire you to re look at your colours and make sure you understand what you need to be looking for, you might be feeling that your colours aren’t quite right anymore, let’s look at why. We will also look at brightening up those blacks and neutrals by adding colour. And I’ve used Kettlewell’s New Collection to look at layering and how it can keep you warm and looking stylish throughout the winter! DO YOU HAVE A WARDROBE FULL OF CLOTHES AND NOTHING TO WEAR? Do you know why your wardrobe is full of clothes and you don’t know what to wear? Maybe you had a colour analysis 10 or 20 years ago or less and something isn’t quite right. I often see clients who have become at a loss as to why the colours don’t suit them after having a Colour analysis 20 years ago. They tell me that they follow the guidelines and always wear the colours that they had been given when they were younger. Yet they have often forgotten that they have changed, no-one is the same as they were 10 or 20 years ago! Our bodies are constantly changing throughout our lives and with this our hair and skin can also change brought on especially at three major landmarks in a woman’s life - puberty, pregnancy and the perimenopause.

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 am going to show you why a Colour review is so important by using two pictures of Marion, a colleagues mother-in-law, taken a few years apart. If you look at the picture of Marion below when she was first analysed she was a Soft as there was little contrast between her highlighted Blonde hair and skin tone, and her best colours were medium depth worn tonally. The Soft palette is very sophisticated and chic. However, during lockdown Marion decided to embrace her natural hair colour and after having a colour review is now a strong ‘Cool’. Her new palette is much stronger and she looks at her best wearing contrasting colours. The key to ‘going grey’ in a youthful way is to invest in a good cut and hair products. Marion has no colour in her hair but uses a purple shampoo a couple of times a week.

I’d like to inspire you with Colour, Style and Skincare tips every month, I’m hoping to give you an interesting read. If there is something that you would like to know about please email me and I will do my best to help. Email: sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

Marion as a ‘Soft’ after her first consultation

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Marion as a ‘Cool’ after lockdown, embracing her natural hair colour, looking incredible!

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Colour has an impact at any age and if you look at this young woman below and how stunning she is in her vibrant colours she looks amazing!

LOOKING CHIC IN LAYERS! Mixing your textures is an interesting way of layering. Combining knitwear with shirts or vests is great for layers. A round neck jumper in one of your colours combined with a denim or chambray shirt looks great. Also a V-neck jumper with a silk, cotton or jersey top underneath is another flattering combination. (pretty lace detail at the top or bottom will add interest especially if your style personality is romantic!) I have found some great layering pieces at www.kettlewellcolour.co.uk Kettlewell do colours for every season so there is something to suit everyone. This season they have some beautiful pieces and some stunning colour combinations. A Tank Top worn with a long sleeved T Shirt is perfect when the weather is cooler.

My colleague, from Cardiff, Nicole Griffiths was able to transform this young mum and show her how to wear her Clear palette, by adding Jewel colours to her black and grey neutrals she was able to make the most of her existing wardrobe, and doesn’t she look beautiful!

The one left in Ruby Red looks great combined with the Striped Tee in Beaujolais and can be worn as seen with jeans or a skirt.

COLOUR TRANSFORMS YOU, AND KNOWING THE COLOURS THAT SUIT YOU BASED ON YOUR HAIR COLOUR, EYE COLOUR AND SKIN TONE.

Tank Tops or Tabards where popular in the 80’s and had a big come back last year, they add style and warmth to any outfit.

Most of us have some black in our wardrobes and we are often told that a little Black Dress is a wardrobe must have! However, did you know that black doesn’t always do you justice? In fact it can really drag you down and age you! If you are a Light, Soft or Warm Black is better worn away from your face or if you are a Clear or Cool in contrast. At Colour Me Beautiful we show you how to wear Colour, we don’t want you to throw out colours that aren’t your best, we want to show you what you can do to transform your existing wardrobe.

Celia Tank Top in Ruby Red worn with Striped Pima Tee in Beaujolais Stripe

Layering is such a fun way to utilise your summer wardrobe so instead of leaving it hidden all winter you can continue to enjoy it!

HOW TO WEAR BLACK IF YOU’RE … LIGHT: Black is a really strong colour and may overwhelm your delicate look. Keep it away from your face and team with light, fresh shades from your palette such as Sky Blue.

I do Layering Workshops for anyone who is struggling.

DEEP: A really great neutral that you can combine with either deep or light colours, or wear confidently on its own. WARM: Black can drain your natural golden glow, so add one of your best colours such as Coral.

Adding a cardigan for warmth in a contrasting colour is a great way of updating your look and a small patterned scarf will give even more interest.

COOL: You look great in this shade, add some contrast if you plan to wear it with another colour. Hot Pink is a good option. CLEAR: Your strong look means that you are able to carry black really well. Add a striking colour such as Apple Green to mix it up a little. SOFT: You may find that black casts unflattering shadows across your face, so keep an open neckline and add a muted colour such as Natural Beige. Choose a black fabric that absorbs the light, as this will soften it somewhat. www.lancmag.com

Alternatively a sleeveless dress from your summer wardrobe can be worn with this long sleeved T Shirt, tights and boots for extra warmth.

Marianne Fringe Cardigan in Nile Blue with the Cotton Camilla Top in Hyacinth worn with Print Infinity Scarf in Lavender Diamond

This cardigan can also be worn over a dress or with a skirt as it is a simple piece yet by adding accessories you can dress it up or down.

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TRANSITIONING FROM DAY TO EVENING BY ADDING ACCESSORIES Below this outfit can look great for day or evening. Wearing a cardigan or scarf over a dress is an easy way of dressing up or down your outfit. If you’re socialising after work no need to change your outfit just add some accessories maybe a necklace or large earrings or even add hair accessories! The tie wrap left can also be worn loose depending on your body shape.

Short Tie Wrap in Indian Teal worn with the Betty Cowl in Nightshade and the Ruched Skirt also in Nightingale

SCARVES ARE ALSO AN INEXPENSIVE WAY OF GETTING SOME OF THE SEASONS COLOUR/ STYLE TRENDS INTO YOUR WARDROBE. Colour really does make a difference it makes us all feel brighter and at Kettlewell the choices are just what you need on a cold winters day. They have over 300 shades and work with small family run factories who look after their employees and suppliers who source sustainably and they strive for the highest standards in their clothes production. However, remember to choose the colours that compliment you and for any help contact me at www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk I do one to one or group bookings dependant on what you are looking for. I also do talks to larger groups if you work for a large company or are part of a WI group and feel that they would benefit please let me know. Below is a picture of me starting to layer my zebra print dress which I wore all summer! However, when the weather started to get cooler I added a jumper and beret and now I’ve added tights, boots and a long coat! Happy layering!.

Adding a jacket is another layering piece and when the weather changes you can add another layer with a mac or coat for extra warmth and protection! A gorgeous scarf in your colour is the easiest way to layer and add that pop of colour to your outfit, however, be careful to choose the right size and weight of scarf in relation to you. (If you are 6ft tall with a large bone structure you will need a bigger scarf, pattern and heavier fabric and vice versa) And if you are going to any bonfires you will need to wrap up with that perfect scarf!

I hope that you have a colourful November and enjoy layering! Please let me know if you would like to have a colour review or if you’d like to discuss anything about your colour or style. Look after yourselves and each other!

Rachel Jacket in Pink Raspberry with the Maia Print Scoop Neck in Rose Ditsy worn with Florence Infinity Scarf

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Warm Wishes, Sarah x www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk www.lancmag.com

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.”

George Mallory

“Because it’s there” By Anthony Joseph Wiaczek

By 1924, the world had been gripped for a number of years by daring feats of exploration. In the same year, the first aerial circumnavigation was taking place by an American Team. Captain Scott had already perished years ago in 1912, walking back from the South Pole, beaten there by the Norwegian Roald Amundsen. All that appeared to be left was the looming giant of the Earth, Mount Everest. And a Cheshire-born mountaineer was determined to conquer it in a bid that cost his life. 32

eorge Herbert Leigh Mallory was born on 18th June 1886 in Mobberley, Cheshire, to a moderately wealthy and respected clergyman Herbert Leigh-Mallory and his wife Anne Beridge. With two sisters and a younger brother (to be made famous as Air Chief Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory) they lived a comfortable life on Hobcroft Lane. He was sent to boarding school on the south coast at the age of ten and by thirteen had been awarded a scholarship in mathematics at Winchester College. It was here that George discovered mountaineering and took part in trips to the Alps. By 1910 he had gained a degree in history at Magdalene college Cambridge and began teaching at Charterhouse, his efforts reportedly being wasted there

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for attempting to treat his students in a friendly and equal manner, something they could not comprehend. There he met his wife Ruth Turner and the two were married in 1914. Unfortunately the joy was short-lived and the Great War soon came about, forcing George to be parted from his wife’s side. Although somewhat of a pacifist, he begrudged the fact his students were perishing on the front, in December 1915 he was commissioned in the Royal Garrison Artillery, serving in France and at the Somme. Fortunately he came out unscathed (save for a minor ankle injury and the mental anguish of war) and was able to relinquish his commission in 1920 at the rank of lieutenant. It is now that the story of George Mallory truly begins. He had already www.lancmag.com

discovered the East Rongbuk Glacier which is now known as the highway to the summit from the Tibetan side of Mount Everest. Although no aim was set to reach the summit of Everest at 8848m (29,032ft) the party did reach a height of 7020m (23,031ft) when traversing the North Col, this would be the planned route to the summit for two decades thereafter. The expedition had left Darjeeling in May 1921 and returned in October of the same year, but before getting out of Tibet into British India on the return, the Mount Everest Committee who funded the expedition had decided on another for the following year. This time with supplemental oxygen and a bid to reach the top. The use of supplemental oxygen was frowned upon in mountaineering circles, although they knew the air is thinner at altitude, they were unaware of the “death zone”. This is where at above 8000m in altitude, the air is so thin that the human body uses more oxygen than can be replenished, therefore life cannot be supported for an extended period of time. In essence, without supplemental oxygen your body begins to shut down other functions such as digestion to consolidate this lack of air, you are slowly dying.

earned a name as an avid and well respected mountaineer, summiting Mont Blanc in 1911 and establishing “Mallory’s Route” along Pillar Rock in the Lake District. This route is graded as a “hard very severe” 5a in mountaineering terms and one of the hardest in Britain, compared very much like the second step of Mount Everest (which he was also the possible first to surmount). In 1921 he was invited to join the first Mount Everest expedition, with the sole aim of reconnaissance and mapping a route to the top. This group were the first westerners to ever visit the area, as Tibet had only recently opened up to foreigners but Nepal remained closed. They reached the summit of lower peaks around the mountain and later www.lancmag.com

Now knowing the monsoon season only left an April-May window to reach the summit, the 1922 expedition left Darjeeling at the end of March, following the same route through Tibet with permission from the Dalai Lama. Mallory was more certain he could reach the top this time, and with his 12 expedition companions plus around 150 porters in support, they reached base camp on the Rongbuk Glacier on 1st May. This expedition was beset with issues of lost food down the slopes, illness and a tragedy. Mallory was part of the first team to attempt a summit as others in the expedition were slowly falling ill through exhaustion and the altitude. Making camps along the ascent as pit stops, the first team’s attempt was without oxygen and reached a new record height of 8225m on 21st May before turning back. The second attempt, this time with bottled oxygen, was undertaken by George Ingle Finch, Geoffrey Bruce and a Gurkha officer known as Tejbir ascended quickly, thanks to the oxygen. But the weather was turning and growing winds hindered the

climb, food ran short and the primitive oxygen harnesses failed. They were forced to stop the climb at an altitude of 8326m on 27th May, now five hundred metres short of the summit. It was known among the group that another attempt would be reckless, as monsoon season was beginning, creating new snow and harsher conditions. Although exhausted, Mallory, Finch and Howard Somervell wished to try once more. Attempting to tackle the mountain more directly, Mallory led the team and it’s entourage directly through a snow field sitting on the glacier on 7th June. This action triggered an avalanche and while the main members of the team survived, seven Nepalese porters perished. This was the end of the third effort and the expedition as a whole. George Mallory would never forgive himself for this tragedy. It went without saying that another expedition should be undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity. To raise awareness and finances, Mallory embarked on a tour of Britain to give presentations on the previous expedition. Knowing that an expedition in 1923 was not possible due to finances and preparation, the tour was extended by an additional three months to the United States. It was during this American leg that Mallory was asked why he was adamant on conquering Everest and this famous quote was the reply “Because it’s there…. Everest is the highest mountain in the world and no man has reached its summit. It’s existence is a challenge. The answer is instinctive, a part, I suppose, of man’s desire to conquer the universe.” Reaching the age of 37 by the time of the 1924 expedition, Mallory was in fear this would be his last viable opportunity to reach the summit before age overtook his abilities. In contrast to his age, a younger man was also selected to be a member of the 1924 expedition who would share the limelight. Andrew “Sandy” Irvine was 22 years of age when embarking on the 1924 expedition and was recommended for a number of reasons. He had impressed many people with his young engineering mind and daring, with a knack of improving any mechanical design (especially with oxygen harnesses) and once

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as a teenager managed to ride his motorbike 3000 feet to the top of Foel Grach in the Welsh Highlands. It was felt this young blood was what the aging team needed and he was respected by his peers for his ingenuity, companionability and “could be relied upon for anything, except perhaps conversation”.

attempt used his arms to compress his own chest with a huge cough, dislodging and evacuating what appeared to be the frostbitten lining of his throat, he could again breathe freely and continue down to camp. Exhausted and near death, they reached camp IV at 9:30pm meeting up with the rest of the team.

The 1924 expedition set sail on SS California from Liverpool on 29th February 1924, the last time Mallory and Irvine would see Britain. The team arriving at the planned base camp on 29th April had high hopes for a successful summit, even with the slightly harsher weather conditions than previous. This hindered the attempts of preparing advance camps along the route to the summit, with around 150 porters and the team setting up these camps it proved difficult even with the familiarity of the area but by the beginning of June the teams were ready for a summit attempt. Geoffrey Bruce and Mallory formed the first team with 9 of the strongest porters in support, but again the harsh conditions aggrieved them. Four of the porters abandoned their load at 7,700m while the rest of the group attempted to set up advance camp V, the next day another three porters refused to climb any higher and so the first summit attempt was forced to descend without setting up the planned camp VI at 8,170m. On the descent they met the second summit team of Edward F Norton and Dr T Howard Somervell who had already set off and were very surprised to see Mallory and Bruce so soon. Although worried their porters may also abscond, they pushed on to set up Camp VI, the final camp before summit attempts could be realised.

A decision now had to be made, with all members exhausted, could another bid for the summit be attempted? George Mallory had returned to Camp IV with bottled oxygen in tow and was rested after his first attempt. Along with Andrew Irvine, it was agreed these two (despite Irvine’s lack of experience) would make a summit attempt. Noel Odell, the expedition geologist with several porters would be in support, supplying the camps for Mallorys descent; he would be the last to photograph and see the two alive. With bottled oxygen and only a day’s ration, Mallory and Irvine departed at 8:40am on 6th June. This is where the two find their place in history. Noel Odell last reported seeing the two as tiny dots in the distance on 8th June, attempting the second step, before clouds once again rolled in and covered the view. By 11th June there was no sign of the two returning, Odell had been between the remaining camps several times, in hope to find Mallory and Irvine, but no evidence was to be found. From Camp VI he signalled the base camp with six blankets laid in a cross meaning “No trace can be found, given up hope, awaiting orders”. The order was given to descend the mountain and five days later, the expedition left Everest without Mallory and Irvine.

In the early hours of 4th June they began their approach to the summit. By 12pm Somervell no longer had the energy to continue yet Norton pushed on, reaching a new record altitude of 8,570m but he also doubted he could make the summit in time with his failing strength and began to turn back to rejoin Norton, although disaster nearly struck. Norton encountered a blockage in his throat, with such a high altitude and no supplemental oxygen he accepted this as his death sentence and sat down awaiting his demise. After a few short moments he rallied and in one last desperate 34

For years the question was asked, “what happened to Mallory and Irvine’’? Among much speculation a possible answer was presented in 1975 when Chinese climber Wang Hongbao reported to his team mate “English dead at 8,100m”, no further evidence could be provided as the climber was killed in an avalanche shortly after but there was no doubt, this could either be Mallory or Irvine. In addition Andrew Irvine’s ice axe was discovered in the same area in 1933, as well as oxygen canisters found in 1991. It wasn’t until 1999 that some closure was provided, a team of expert climbers set out to solve the mystery once and for all.

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In the short time they arrived in the area Wang had mentioned, they found a body lying face down, with clothes tattered by winds and skin bleached by the sun. With so little moisture, oxygen and at such a low temperature, very little decomposition had taken place. But who was it? There were rope injuries about the waist, a completely broken right leg and a large hole in the upper forehead, the same diameter as an ice axe. This evidence would dictate that the man had fallen and during the tumble had lodged his axe in his own head, a deadly blow. The man’s wrist watch stopped between one and two, was it AM or PM? Had it stopped during the fall? Searching the pockets the team found a pair of goggles, a broken altimeter and letters signed by G.H.L. Mallory, as well as name tags in the clothing, there was no doubt George Mallory had been found. This left two final questions, where was Irvine? And had the summit been reached? Unfortunately to this day Andrew Irvine has not been found and nothing but circumstantial evidence can be provided, Mallory did not carry the Kodak pocket camera, it is hoped this is with Irvine’s still missing body. But it was known that George had promised he would leave a picture of his wife at the summit, this picture was not on or near his person. Other promising evidence is the goggles, one pair was missing while the other were found in his pocket. Many like to think he was descending at night and so had no use for goggles, pocketing them but there are also suggestions this is simply his spare pair while the now missing pair were lost during the fall. Lifetimes can be spent looking at all current evidence and creating diverse hypotheses on the sequence of events, regarding his possible summit and eventual death. Even going further down the rabbit hole to theories regarding a Chinese coverup of Irvine’s body. But it is likely this mystery will never be solved, which on its own merit is a romantic nod to the closing of the age of the great explorers. The body of George Herbert Leigh Mallory still resides on Everest. Now with a stone cairn erected around him, the Cheshireborn schoolmaster peacefully sleeps on the roof of the world, a deserving memorial to an inspiration of many avid mountaineers. www.lancmag.com

Clothing For Every Climate

North Sails C2 Collection

By Paul Cusimano, Joseph Clothing, Lancaster

It has often been said that I don’t promote myself, or my business, in my writing or in most of what I do. I am uncomfortable talking about me. It’s not a recent thing and it is getting worse.

am writing this the day after the twentieth Anniversary of Nine Eleven. Watching Bruce Springsteen perform an almost haunting version of ‘I’ll see you in my dreams’, a song he wrote after the horrors of that day, at the Memorial Service, was so powerful. It was this that got me thinking. I have always believed, and have often stated, that ‘relationships’ are key to everything. We must build them, and build them strong. That is still my fundamental belief, and yet more recently, I find myself questioning life, not in a morbid way, rather seeking to make sense of it.

I have, from a young age, mastered the art of ‘deflecting’ the topic away from me. It has served me well. I am also not a confident public speaker, yet feel comfortable talking to complete strangers endlessly, in my little shop. That’s my Castle and I am happy being King in there. 36

I have had a somewhat eventful life, but not in ways I would have ever chosen, or on occasions, in ways that were remotely pleasant. The fact I have reached fifty-four is testament to the fact that it has been a charmed life, given how close to death I have unwittingly sailed on occasions. To describe myself is to define myself. In defining myself I am opening Pandora’s Box because I, like everyone else, am shaped by my life’s experiences. The people encountered. The roles fulfilled. The love. The losses. The laughter. The joy. The hurt. These, and more, are all our direct experiences. Then there’s

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the impact of events and happenings in our community, country and the wider world.

“My shop is my Castle and that’s where I am King” The events of that day twenty years ago, have had a wide reaching effect, that have quite possibly defined the lives of tens of millions of people. In accepting that these are the things that shape us into who we are, who we are is a reflection of everything and everyone we surround ourselves with. My shop is my Castle and that’s where I am King. So let’s talk shop. At nine years old I wanted to be an ambulance driver when I grew up. That idea lasted a couple of years. By twelve, I wanted to work with my Dad. I wanted to be a tailor. He told me to try other things first. I did. I didn’t like. Then I was offered a job working at ‘Joseph Clothes’, as it was known in nineteen eighty five. I took it and here I’ve stayed.  www.lancmag.com

A More Casual Bond

Daniel Craig - James Bond

Although many would consider it a lowly job, being a shop assistant, it combined the two things I loved; clothing and the principles of ‘tailoring’. We are all built differently and regardless of the trend of the time, clothing should always fit properly, and that’s imperative. Take Daniel Craig as James Bond, his clothes fit him perfectly. I use him as a reference to explain fit. Undoubtedly the clothes will have been tailored to him, and that’s a service we offer, we will do any tweaks required to obtain the perfect fit, whether it’s a polo shirt or a three piece suit. If you leave with a perfectly fitted garment, you immediately become my best advert. The service we offer has to be matched with the products we sell. The beauty of being an independent business, is that you decide what you do and don’t sell. I choose everything. The buck stops with me. From sock to suits, and everything in between. The brands. The styles. The colours. It makes it simple, if I don’t like it, I don’t buy it.

Tramarossa - ‘The Best Jeans In The World’

www.lancmag.com

Having taken over the business in twenty ten, I did not anticipate the City centre being constrained for twenty months as the Victorian sewage system needed overhauling (2013-14), which was to be followed by being flooded twice (2015 & 2017), then vital structural works being carried out on one of the two bridges into the City. This caused huge disruption, all day every day, for another ten months (2018).  LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 37

Above: Paul Smith - You Want Colour

Enough. No. Twenty-twenty sees the world plunged into utter chaos by a virus, originating from a little known place in China, Wuhan. My life experiences have moulded me into being the ‘ever optimist’. By March twenty-twenty one, even my optimism was wearing thin but I wasn’t going to roll over. Sometimes, just sometimes, you have to face the challenge head on. Sometimes, doors open, opportunities arise. I had been looking to add a new brand or two to Below: Pal Zileri - Beautiful Lines

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Above: Pal Zileri - Beautiful Fabrics

our offering for a couple of years. There was nothing that I felt would sit, and that was commercial, for me to stock in Lancaster. Then, out of the blue, a (clothing) agent walked into the shop. This wasn’t an uncommon. Amongst the Brands his agency carried, was ‘Pal Zileri’. I had always admired this Brand. It isn’t as well known in this country as Armani, for example, but it is equally as beautiful but slightly more understated.  Below: Pal Zileri - A Hoodie But Not As You’ve Known

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Above: Jacob Cohen - Ultimate Luxury Denim

In the mid-eighties I remember there was a film called “My Beautiful Laundrette”, well this is ‘my beautiful shop’, perhaps not the most beautiful to everyone else, but it is to me, and it is filled with some pretty special clothing and a great deal of passion for it.

We talked, as is my customary way, and I agreed to view the collection. Like a child in a sweet shop, I loved the collection. Similarly, I loved the ‘Baldessarini’ collection, oh and well, I couldn’t leave without some ‘Jacob Cohen’. As I said, child in a sweet shop !?

Is the shop defined by me, or am I defined by the shop. I still can’t figure that one out. Call in, have a chat and you decide. 

Paul Cusimano, Joseph Clothing M 54 North Road, Lancaster LA1 1LT

What had begun to eat away at me during the Lockdown at the beginning of this year, the third one of this pandemic, was the uncertainty around further Lockdowns, further disruption to the business and to my life. After all, the business is my life, what I love doing and being involved in. My business had been closed for a total of thirty weeks during a fourteen month period. Uncertainty plays with your mind, and it was playing with mine. Thankfully this was happening to me towards the end of March, literally days before the announcement was made that ‘non-essential retail’ would be allowed to reopen on the twelfth of April. Uncertainty was suddenly gone, like the flicking of a switch. Replaced by the excitement of reopening and receiving my first shipments from ‘Baldessarini’ and ‘Jacob Cohen’, having already received the ‘Pal Zileri’. Contrasting emotions ! www.lancmag.com

Above: Jacob Cohen - Trying Is Believing

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The life of Di

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

SHRINKING DAYS, SOCKS AND SHOES

utumn says many things to me, starting with shrinking days, socks and shoes (instead of strappy sandals), books, bonfires, and hibernation. Then I might think Green Drive, (aflame with red, orange, and gold), pumpkin lanterns, treacle toffee, Bake-off, Strictly, and the illuminations. So all in all, I’ve always rather liked autumn, even if it DOES tend to signal the end of those lovely long, light nights, and the final gallop down to Christmas, with its betokening of the end of another year. At the time of writing however, it’s still very much summer, (you can tell from the fact it’s dark AFTER four o’clock, and only Arctic SOME of the time), so I’m loath quite yet to start thinking about the season of hotpots, thermal undies, and having to remind myself how the heating works again. Not that summer has been all sweetness and light. For large parts indeed it’s been all dispiriting news, dodgy workmen, and a shedload of computer problems: I’ve heard it suggested that gremlins are wont to get into one’s wardrobe and alter the labels on all one’s clothes. Shouldn’t be at all surprised. However, I’d go one step further and say they get everywhere, and there wreak havoc untold including moving things

around, (to the most unhelpful extent possible), getting into stuff one desperately needs, and wrecking it, (at the most inopportune time), having your TV record the Sewer Men when you actually wanted the new Sean Bean, and much much more. I also suspect one of them removed the teabag from my mug this morning as I found I’d only boiling water when I came to take it out myself. However, this MIGHT have had something to do with my having been up half the night watching the Olympics: It’s always possible. Even before my night-time roofraisings in the cause of swimmers, divers, mountain-bikers, triathletes, and everyone but the kitchen sinkrelated really, sport had begun turning summer from a mere term into a triumph. I was delighted by the return of Wimbledon, and once that was done, (the strawberries and cream all devoured, and the obligatory wry speculation as to our next SW19 champion put to bed for another year), I was happy enough to sit in the garden, (admiring my azaleas, and marvelling at my marigolds), listening to the final day of the Open from a serene-sounding Royal St George’s – punctuated by updates from the thrilling events at Silverstone. What a

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race that was. Equally however, there were the long-awaited forays into areas beyond one’s immediate back yard, and which occasions moreover seemed to epitomize summer, I.E. summer as it ought to be, not as we are apt to know it. In Morecambe, the sun shone, people flocked to the rides, swam in the sea, ate icecream, laughed, joked, and generally enjoyed themselves – and it was lovely to see Eric, the iconic façade of the Midlands, and the enthralling vista of the surrounding hills again. There was just an air of feel-good about the whole day. Walking by the river in Preston by contrast provided sun-bathed weeping willows, golden privet, mirror-like waters, peace, and tranquillity. Finally, Lytham presented yachts, ducks, geese, dog-walkers, and, outside the restaurant where, on a whim, we stopped for a wondrous seafood risotto, (like you do – don’t you?), some glorious flowers, and a guy performing magic tricks – ignored by practically everyone, poor guy. So one way or another, autumn can definitely wait to my mind. Then again, I guess there’s always the US Open, the Ryder Cup, the gymnastics world championships, and the rugby league world cup. Not all bad then. www.lancmag.com

WE ARE STILL HERE WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF ONLY IN A DIFFERENT WAY Our teams are working from home, taking calls and answering any questions you have about moving home, family matters, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. We can still do all of these things for you and more, just in a slightly different way.

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To find out more call us on 01772 555 176 to speak to any of our team or email enquiries@vslaw.co.uk. We are here for you.

Jungle Animals & Mighty Bugs take over The Dukes Jungle Animals & Mighty Bugs are taking over The Dukes, Lancaster this season all in the form of some wonderful puppetry and costumes of course! But that won’t stop the fun as your imagination is set to run wild as The Dukes delight younger audiences with their fabulous family programme of some of the most well known children’s stories.

Join us at The Dukes this Christmas as we bring Beauty & The Beast to The Round theatre. Created by the team who brought you our highly acclaimed productions of Cinderella: A Fairytale and Sleeping Beauty, this brandnew production is a thoroughly festive adventure that all the family will love.

winging in this October is the wonderful story of Tarzanna; a playful aerial theatre show for all the family to enjoy. Join our performers as they climb, jump and swing through the air in this acrobatic show which takes Anna on a stunning journey through the jungle of her dreams led by a mischievous bunch of wild animals. This magical production is sure to have both younger and older audiences marvel as performers majestically move around the theatre supported by a host of cheeky characters.

Tarzanna - Saturday 23rd October Tickets £8

As one set of animals leave, another enters as The Dukes welcomes the timeless classic: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this childhood favourite is reinvigorated as it jumps off the page and comes to life. Created by author/illustrator Eric Carle this story has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 43 million copies worldwide with his iconic colourful hand-painted tissue paper collage illustrations and distinctively simple stories being recognised across the globe.

Whether you join us for swinging monkeys, giant caterpillars, joyous dancing or magical stories you’re sure to have a glorious time and we can’t wait to see you!

Tarzanna is a playful aerial theatre show for all the family to enjoy. Join the performers as they climb, jump and swing through the air. Anna doesn’t like the bugs in her garden, she likes things to keep things clean and tidy. But her world is turned upside down when she is magically transported to a rainforest world. A mischievous bunch of wild animals take her on a journey through the jungle of her dreams, where they teach her the lessons of the wild. But when her new home is put in danger can she let go and become the wild Tarzanna she needs to be in order to save her new-found friends?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been introducing generations of children to a bigger, brighter world–and to their first experience of reading itself - and who knows, this story may even introduce some children to their first ever theatre experience too. Leading us out of November is the delightful story of Little Prince who leaves behind his own tiny asteroid and beloved rose and journeys through the universe, coming face to face with the baffling world of grown-ups! Based on the world-famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince is brought to life using Protein’s awardwinning mix of dance, humour, singing and spoken word. And finally, to finish the year a magical festive family production of Beauty and the Beast. Filled with magic, dancing and songs that you’ll love to sing along to follow the story of Bella who with her mother live alone in the countryside, scrimping and saving to make ends meet. But, not far from their farm, in the forest, there is a terrible secret waiting to be uncovered that has made the land barren. Kidnapped by the fearsome Beast, Bella discovers that he might not be the mean-spirited creature that she has been told about – and that the curse he is under can be broken., this is Beauty & The Beast done Dukes-style! 42

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The Hungry Caterpillar - Saturday6th & Sunday 7th November Tickets: £14 The timeless classic has made its way off the page and onto the stage. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by author/illustrator Eric Carle has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 43 million copies worldwide. Eric’s well-known books captivated readers with his iconic colourful hand-painted tissue paper collage illustrations and distinctively simple stories, introducing generations of children to a bigger, brighter world– and to their first experience of reading itself.

Little Prince - Saturday 27th November Tickets: £13

Have you ever heard of a king who reigns over nothing? Or a businessman obsessively counting stars?

A story of love and friendship for children and grown-ups alike. Welcome to the incredible story of the Little Prince, retold in this live show by a pilot stranded in the desert.

Once on planet Earth, the Little Prince is welcomed by a mysterious snake and a truly wise and friendly fox before encountering the lone pilot. Together they discover the power and beauty of friendship and the complexity of love.

Luca Silvestrini’s Protein Nominated for Best Modern Choreography at National Dance Awards, 2021 Winner of the Fantastic for Families Best Family Event Award, 2020 Find out how the Little Prince leaves behind his own tiny asteroid and beloved rose and journeys through the universe, coming face to face with the baffling world of grown-ups!

Based on the world-famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince is brought to life using Protein’s award-winning mix of dance, humour, singing and spoken word. With an original score by Frank Moon, design by Yann Seabra, video design by Daniel Denton and lighting by Jackie Shemesh, this new show invites us to look at the world through one’s heart and to reconnect with our inner child.

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show The Very Hungry Caterpillar who celebrated its 50th Birthday in 2019.

www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 43

Theatre to Stick your Teeth Into Prepare for a scare this Halloween as The Dukes open their doors for Dracula: The Untold Story.

ew Year’s Eve, 1965, London, England. Just before midnight, as revellers celebrate the beginning of another year, a young woman enters Marylebone Police Station and confesses to a brutal murder.. She claims to be Mina Harker, the last living survivor of the intrepid group that brought about Count Dracula’s destruction some 70 years before. But Mina Harker has not been seen since 1901. And if she were alive, she would be ninety years old. Unfolding on stage as a live graphic novel and using the latest digital technologies imitating the dog are known for, Dracula: The Untold Story is a chilling new version of the classic gothic vampire tale that you thought you knew so well.

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Created by imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse, the creators of last year’s critically acclaimed unique shotfor-shot stage recreation of George A. Romero’s classic 1968 zombie movie – Night of The Living Dead™ Remix comes a radical new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic horror novel. Andrew Quick, Co-Director and Artistic Director of imitating the dog said: “It’s extremely exciting to be working on this new adaptation of Dracula. We are doing something quite different with the story, coming at it afresh. We have great respect for Bram Stoker’s original storyline, and we do revisit it a lot in our production. But I think this version is relevant to our times and we cannot wait to be in front of audiences again. It’s been too long.” Written and directed by imitating the dog’s co-artistic directors Andrew Quick and Pete Brooks, Dracula: The Untold Story will be performed at The Dukes, Lancaster from 29 Oct – 30 Oct as part of a UK tour. www.lancmag.com

The Chilling Story of a Local Killer A brand new production about the Infamous Buck Ruxton case will take to the stage at The Dukes, Lancaster this November as part of a chilling series of productions that take place across the season.

hen several wrapped bundles containing human remains are discovered in Moffat, Scotland in 1935 a landmark police investigation begins that will eventually lead back to two women in Lancaster and to the man who killed them. Based on the true story of the murders of Isabella “Belle” Ruxton and Mary Jane Rogerson. Still regarded as one of the most shocking crimes of the last century, this infamous case of jealousy, deception and tragedy also marked a pivotal moment in forensic detection. 46

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This brand new production explores why the notorious local Buck Ruxton case is still so resonant and relevant today. Belle & Mary will be performed at The Dukes, Lancaster from Thur 18th - Sat 20th November.

M The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QE D Website: www.dukeslancaster.org E Booking Enquiries: tickets@dukeslancaster.org E General Enquiries: ask@dukeslancaster.org N Box Office: 01524 598500 OPENING TIMES Sun: Closed | Mon - Sat: 10:30am – 4pm

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An Interview with Paul Owen By Sharon Henry

Above: Paul with his children, Matthew and Penny-Rae

Sharon Henry caught up with Buzz Manchester Radio D.J. Paul Owen to discuss the gruelling challenge he has set himself to help raise money for MIND Charity.

orn in Manchester in 1979, Paul Owen served as an Infantry soldier in the Kings Regiment from 1996 until 2006. He survived tours of Northern Ireland, Iraq, the 2nd Gulf War and the Middle East. At that time, Military Veterans returning home were put on a plane and given a contact if they felt they needed any counselling and not much else support. Many of Paul’s friends suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the horrific experiences they had encountered. This included flashbacks, nightmares, feeling very anxious and having difficulty sleeping. Paul himself said he would often wake and think someone was standing at the end of his bed. Any noise in the house would make him quite edgy and would stir him quite easily. Many of Paul’s friends contemplated suicide and some succeeded. He said “it is sometimes very difficult to relax when not on tour and was difficult to wind down after the different experiences in the likes of Basra, with very little counselling and support. Nowadays you can be sent for Decompression and get guidance from the British Legion.” www.lancmag.com

When Paul left the army he became a telecoms engineer in a Senior role as a quality advisor. He also slipped into TV and Radio, with his friend Denis Ferrige and worked as a presenters at Manchester Radio Online, which was owned by Mr Manchester himself, Dave Foran and then Fab Radio International. Paul and Denis did not want to do commercial radio but wanted to promote up and coming local music. He started working as a senior presenter/producer on That’s TV Manchester on The Big Slice Music Show, interviewing local bands. From this he worked on various community music based projects and also developed The Rum 100 Festival and The Sunflower Playlist Festival with Denis and Dawn Roach. Where they also promoted charities, working also with Forever Manchester. Paul is also an Ambassador at White Ribbon UK, a leading charity that is ending male violence against women. Paul’s cousin Lee Mellor, who also served in the military, is a paramedic and he realised that the “Blue Light Services” also have a demanding role and are sometimes desperate for support after the scenes they sometimes attend. A family member recently tried to commit suicide and the emergency services that attended saved his life, despite their horrific injuries. All these things have inspired Paul to try and raise awareness and money for the charity MIND.

He has kept fit in the past by doing triathlons and mountaineering. This gave him the idea to do a 15 day climb to Everest base camp in 2019. He had planned to climb Mont Blanc last year and then the Matterhorn in 2021 but because of the covid pandemic, last year’s climb was cancelled. So in a moment of madness, he has now decided to ascend both summits in the same week. His big challenge starts on the 20th June 2022 and he will make his final descent on the 26th June, his birthday. He will be climbing alone only with his guide from Mercury Adventures. He is hoping to raise £2,000 for the charity. He will be keeping a video diary on social media. Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. But hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling. MIND is a mental health charity in England and Wales. It is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Their President is Stephen Fry. He is their figurehead and leading ambassador promoting causes and advocating on their behalf. MIND offers information and advice to people with mental health problems and lobbies government and local authorities on their behalf. Please support Paul in the biggest challenge of his life by donating whatever you can afford on the following Go Fund link: www.gofundme.com/f/montblanc-summit-june-2021

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 47

Pam Molyneux THEN WE WARMUP: • Move your head to the right, so your chin is aligned with your shoulder, take a few deep breaths

• Move your head to the left, so your chin is aligned with your shoulder and slowly tilt your head backwards • Hold for 5 seconds • Back to central, take a few deep breaths LET’S DO THE FISH MOUTH:

• Back to central position, take a few deep breaths International Stress Awareness Week runs 1-5 November, created to raise awareness about stress prevention. ISMA has lots of usual techniques on their website and there are amazing coaches who are featured regularly in this magazine, so check them out.

am a massive advocate of selfcare and workplace wellness, like many others learning from hard lessons and we all need to find things that work when coping with everyday stresses. I wanted to share a stress reducing practice I love - Face Yoga. There are benefits in firmer skin if practiced regularly but additional benefits I have found are clarity of thinking, feeling relaxed and reduced headaches. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths as per this very basic practice of conscious breathing where we stop, be in the moment and focus on the control of our breathing. This will make you feel immediately more relaxed: • Breathe in deeply and slowly out through your nose • Breathe from the diaphragm – your stomach expands and contracts • Really focus

• Bend your head backwards so your chin is up towards the ceiling, take a few deep breaths • Back to central, take a few deep breaths • Tilt your head forwards so your chin is close to your chest, take a few deep breaths • Back to central, take a few deep breaths • Move your head to the left, so your chin is aligned with your shoulder, take a few deep breaths • Back to central, take a few deep breaths • Roll your neck slightly back and start to move it around in a slow circle • Back to central A GREAT EXERCISE TO DO NOW IS THE SWAN NECK: • Moving from your central position, turn your head to the right, so your chin is aligned with your shoulder and slowly tilt your head backwards • Hold for 5 seconds

• Suck in your cheeks as far as you can • Hold for 10 seconds • Repeat 5 times Sit for a moment and take a few deep breaths to cool down. I do hope those are useful and they help ground you and be in the moment – go gently and build up slowly – I would love to hear of your experience and of your stress busting practices. (The photos will make you laugh if nothing else and that relieves stress). Please only try these if you have no medical conditions – if in doubt, check with your doctor. Solver of distractions to keep business owners focused on their business with SmartPA E @pammolyneuxsmartpa D www.smart-pa.com N 07977 459177

• Back to central, take a few deep breaths

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Aiming Higher YOU CAN DONATE TO AIMING HIGHER USING THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

WEBSITE | www.aiminghighercharity.org.uk/donate JUST GIVING | www.justgiving/aiminghigher/donate/ PAYPAL | Found on Aiming Higher website or call to make donations by phone POST | Aiming Higher, 231 – 233 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 3PB. To see more of what we do please visit our website www.aiminghighercharity.org.uk or follow us on facebook @aiminghighercharity. Please ring us on 01253 206447 for further information.

FROM TODDLER TO STARTING SCHOOL - how Aiming Higher’s Pre-School Activities helped us

lanna was born very premature and spent 132 days in hospital. She has several health conditions some from birth and others have developed over the years. Alanna was oxygen dependant and on an apnea monitor for severe BPD (a form of chronic lung disease) and had two types of holes in her heart when she first visited Aiming Higher. The holes have since corrected and Alanna only requires oxygen now when sleeping. She also has general and focal epilepsy, joint hyper mobility, delayed development, sensitive hearing, sensory issues, sleep issues and autistic traits.

PICTURED ABOVE: Alanna at her first Aiming Higher visit back in 2017

In November 2017, 13 month old Alanna and her mum Helen walked through the doors of Aiming Higher for the first time. The council’s Portage team used the Aiming Higher Centre for some of their group sessions and they had come to attend one of these, unaware of the Charity or the support it offered to families just like theirs in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. 50

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Mum Helen said that the time she had been told the portage session would start was an hour out but that she was greeted with a warm welcome from the Aiming Higher team when they arrived and never looked back: “The Aiming Higher team opened the door with ‘come on in, it’s not time for the portage session yet, but we’re doing this, come and have a look, meet some parents’ and we went to the sensory wall and other families came to say hello and meet Alanna and I just thought how have I never heard of this place? When it quietened down Lisa came over and said this is a timetable of activities, you can come and join in at any time and there’s different parents here for you to get to know at different sessions. I couldn’t believe I’d never heard of the charity.” Helen says that working with Aiming Higher and accessing the peer support that she got through attending the preschool sessions has really helped her self-confidence. “I feel a lot more confident. Because prior to accessing Aiming Higher, my daughter was poorly, and while she did get respite care elsewhere it wasn’t like Aiming Higher where there was always someone on the team or another parent to www.lancmag.com

say, ‘if you need any help you can go to that service or ooh maybe that service could help you or even just sometimes have you tried this cream for her rash’. At the Aiming Higher sessions, we found ourselves discussing things you wouldn’t even think of if your child didn’t have that need - Like oxygen prongs, or special shoes.”

PICTURED ABOVE: Alanna joins in with a Jo Jingles session in July 2018

Helen felt that she couldn’t take Alanna, who was on oxygen 24-7 at the time to regular mums and tots groups – she had been lead to believe the oxygen tank was a Health & Safety risk because it was flammable and she also felt self-conscious with people staring: “the looks you’d get, oh the looks... but at Aiming Higher none of that existed, it always made us smile. When it was quiet, I was allowed to bring her extension cable so she could access the whole big room without moving her oxygen tank which was an absolute god send to her. Aiming Higher is so accessible for everyone with different medical conditions and wheelchairs, they are so supportive and it’s great to get real life information from an experienced team and other parents that you can’t get from Google.” Alanna is now 4 and has just started school but Helen feels she has had a

great start because of the pre-school activities at Aiming Higher. Even with covid restrictions interrupting she has accessed stay and play groups, gardening sessions, craft groups, swimming (where she didn’t let a little thing like an oxygen tube stop her from accessing a slide and soaking Ella, our activities co-ordinator, from head to foot!), trips out in the community and Makaton, a form of sign language. Alanna wasn’t keen on staying within the circle of children and parents at the Makaton classes and would sometimes get up to play with other toys in the room but she was still soaking things up like a sponge! Helen remembers, “They did Twinkle Twinkle Little Star one week and she’d walked off from the group but she took it all in because on the Sunday in the car she sang and signed the whole of Twinkle Twinkle. Even though she wasn’t in that circle she’d observed from a distance and then signed like for nearly an hour, Twinkle Twinkle on repeat and the sense of achievement on her face was just amazing.” The family have also accessed family support through the charity and now that Alanna is at school, will continue to keep in touch by accessing the weekend trips and activities that Aiming Higher run monthly.

PICTURED ABOVE: Alanna enjoying a gardening activity in 2019

Like all charities, Aiming Higher saw fund-raising activity decrease in 2020 and 2021, so if you can support them in any way possible, any assistance will be gratefully received. Please send your ideas to: heatherholt@aiminghighercharity.org.uk

PICTURED ABOVE: Crafts in October 2019

PICTURED ABOVE: Alanna enjoying the Aiming Higher Centre just before lockdown

www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 51

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

art 1 of 3. Regular readers will know I love weird and wacky stories, even if they are not true. So imagine my pleasure when I came across the sensation of alleged time slips in Liverpool. Various people claim they slipped back in time, usually to the 1950’s or 1960’s. One claimed he slipped back to early 1900’s. He said as he walked down Bold Street the sky went very dark and what had been that year in the decade of the 1990’s changed to early 1900’s judging by the fashion he spied. Also the shops were old fashioned. Gone were the modern day stores as were modern day cars, replaced by horse drawn carriages. There was air there was sound and if he felt more confident he would have interacted with a person. here was an important job to Imagine whipping out your smartphone besomeone done from and the everybody was to show early 1900’s! asked to do it. Everybody Or go a step further and take photoswas sure somebody would dowould it. Anybody or film what you see. What your could have done it, but nobody did phone record? it. Somebody got annoyed about There is the story of a man who that, because it was everybody’s job. walked near to Bold Street and he Everybody could do alleges as hethought turned aanybody corner, was it but nobody realized that everybody faced with a dead end. An old wall wouldn’t endedday uphad that that wasn’t do thereit.theItprevious everybody blamed somebody when suddenly appeared. Like the previous nobody did the what could have man he said skyanybody became suddenly done! darker prior to this obstacle being there. HeAccountability even touched the construction in this day and and age is it was solid. Confused, he back nobody can be blamed inheaded case it upsets the way he came. the culprit and they feel awful. Mental Mostplays of thea stories centre on aAs part health big part in this. period of 1993-1997 apart from the the of a team the one who caused one in the next paragraph. They may by issue can’t be mentioned publically well be Urban Tales and tall ones a boss or teacher. Everybody in aatteam that. Butreprimanded it is thought provoking. Butif the is then equally. But there are three particular stories I will offender keeps quiet about their faux centre on. pas and one of the team discover who This allegedly in not 2006be it is, theone chances areoccurred they may when a lad called Sean admitted he trusted. So if one makes a mistake, fess shoplifted item and ranitout of the all up. Admitanthe mistake, removes shop pursued by a Security Guard. As the distrust and people respect those Sean got to a corner (and the sky went for being truthful. Communication is dark) he turned and carried on running the key to unlock the guilt. but when he looked back he noticed

STOP BLAMING OTHERS

BE RESPONSIBLE

Throughout the pandemic and lock downs some people to a certain extent became more introverted, looking inwards. Dealing with the climate of fear and in some cases sadly those who are no longer with us hurt us. Social media seemed like a lifeline during dark times. But this huge increase highlighted problems. Crimes and scams increased, communication tended to divide us due to differing personal or social interests. Some joined organisations whotohad a bigger his pursuer was nowhere be seen. voice to he communicate whatinI his could Relieved, stopped and took surroundings. Everybody was wearing centrally see as being negative, despite clothes from the 1960’s and cars were positive rhetoric. We went from Love old fashioned from Thy Neighbour to Ithis willera. beStarting your friend worryinterests he brought out with his modern ifto your align mine. Of mobile phone, but itbecause displayedwe noare all course we didn’t signal.and As he walked back past store equal at the same time all the different. he robbed he noticed it wasn’t the one our nationahead have heSome enteredclaim earlier. As he looked become mentally lazy.world. I have been he could see the modern When dealing certainhim public bodies he took a with look behind it was still in throughout The theLancashire 1960’s. Frightened by his 2021. experience first paragraph in onebus line or another he caught a (modern) to get away. describe communication breakhim downs The Security Guard that chased that he was only a few paces Iasserted experienced. behind the thief but as he got to that When you are chasing an issue corner, the lad had vanished. He was because bemused no by person this. has communicated

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information I get “Somebody must have told you” or “I told her/him to tell you” and those claiming I had not communicated something when I had. This public body representative was adamant I had not said something when I had and would not budge. Black and white printed words are easy to use as proof but this person probably felt safe and thought it was only words so they were safe as it was verbal, my word against theirs. I countered “Can youappear just in wait a The other two stories moment because I recorded May’s edition and a plausible answerthe to the conundrum. But going back to call, I need to scroll through onanmy earlier point, is ofcaller interaction, phone to findwhich it?” The suddenly I pondered on this. If you talk to have back tracked suggesting I may someone from a long ago era and communicated something but hung influence them to take different up the call. They did anot want course to be to one they didaccountable. take, would blamed, be historically in the wrong, that have ramifications on the here and There was another now? Also if you collectin anthe itemsummer from when threedoes public bodies failed talk the 1950’s, it travel with you to back to onepresent another and my wife having to the day? to speak to each of these companies to communicate because they were making claims based on one person’s mistake who did not want to be blamed for getting it so wrong. We are all human, own up. Our standing will improve if we do. www.lancmag.com

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Enterprise Vision Awards Meet the Finalists By Joel Newman and Emily Walker The Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs) are the largest business awards outside of London to celebrate the women behind businesses.

he EVAs are open to all business women in the North West of England, anyone from employees to CEOs are welcome to enter in order to promote the incredible work that these women do. The EVAs do not just celebrate the business but what goes on behind it, the ethos of the company, its values and what it is trying to achieve. Finalists may have been selected based on the ecological benefits of their company, making products sustainable. Other finalists success may stem from their mission to deliver quality goods to people but for a fair price. With this information into consideration there is a specific procedure the EVA www.lancmag.com

panel use to determine the winner. The finalists we feature below have all been short-listed from a list of entrants and undergone an interview where the EVA really focus on the heart of the business in order to ascertain who they think is most deserving of an EVA, to be announced at the final ceremony taking place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. As this is the 10 year celebration of the EVAs there are more categories than ever before, the entrants have been separated into 18 sectors with an award available for each. This years categories to name only a few include Business Woman, Charity, Employee and Young Entrepreneur and each one has a specification the judges are looking for. In the Solo Business category the entrants were asked about their inspiration, their achievements, their future plans and what was the drive and passion behind the business. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 55

THE FINALISTS INCLUDE MANDY CROSLEY FROM MC ACCOUNTING FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES With over 20 years of experience as an accountant Mandy moved to St. Annes to start her own accountancy business. Values were really important to Mandy, she wanted to have a family business and soon her husband joined the team helping with the book keeping. The business started small but their success began to grow as they built their reputation, offering only the best advice, growing their client base to over 130 people. This success became more prominent throughout the last 18 months, with the challenges of covid a lot of businesses became unsure and needed to regain some clarity. Mandy helped so many people to do this, in some instances she even published free advice on her social media pages so that people felt secure in having the relevant knowledge. In addition to this Mandy said one of the goals of her company is to restore a work life balance for her clients. Lots of the people she helps are business owners themselves and would find they were working late into the night to finish their accounts. Mandy found she was able to relieve some of that stress by completing their accounts, restoring a balance for them and in the process making herself an EVA finalist. MC Accounting: N 07543 442965 E mandy@mcccountingbusiness.co.uk

LYNNE WEBSTER FROM BABY BAMBOO AND BEYOND FOR SOLO BUSINESS Lynne has always been hard-working, with experience working for British Airways and the Civil Service but it was always her dream to own her own company, the difficulty was that she did not know what that business would be. It was not until she was in a presentation at work focusing on the positive health benefits of bamboo that she had her light-bulb moment. The qualities bamboo products presented was that they were completely natural and 100% biodegradable as well as being known for stemming the implication of menopause such as hot sweats. Lynne started to sell these products herself, but also by collaborating with other businesses that were looking to stock such products. The items on offer include bamboo cloths and cleaning pads but also wool, coconut and silk products again all completely natural resources. Along her journey Lynne has build up a presence on social media such as Facebook and Instagram and is always looking to work with companies that hold similar ideals to her in that where possible thinks should be natural, sustainable and affordable, all key values that make Lynne an EVA finalist. Baby Bamboo and beyond: N 07971 074589 D www.babybambooandbeyond.com

SARA DEWHURST FROM LYTHAM GIN FOR RETAIL BUSINESS Sara was working as a chemistry teacher when a desire to make gin changed her life. She soon started Lytham Gin and had what she describes as the best 3 years of her career. Her company has gone from strength to strength as they’ve built up to having 6 different flavour gins all containing natural and local products. This passion has motivated Sara through the difficulties of covid, despite an 56

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initial struggle when companies were no longer in need of the product, she adapted her service to offer more variety including gift and personalisation options. In addition to this, Sara worked on changing part of her distillery into a tasting parlour so that she is now able to offer in person experiences of the product also. Having already won one EVA Sara is now a finalist again for exhibiting real determination with her business this year as well as her sustainable approach using natural ingredients and natural colourings such as flowers to create the product and her plastic free sustainable packaging approach. Lytham Gin: E Info@sandgrownspirits.co.uk D www.sandgrownspirits.co.uk

MARY SPEAKMAN FROM CODE GALAXY FOR INTERNET INDUSTRY Mary started her business in 2017 with the aim of providing bespoke software and website design to help people develop their projects, working alongside the NHS and businesses across the UK. They set themselves apart from other website designers as they offered an additional tailored software that was of maximum efficiency for example, if a company needed to access four different databases, they can create a platform where you can access all four with a single use. Despite an initial dip when covid arrived Mary continued working with compassion, understanding that some staff would need to care for loved ones, she accounted for this on her venture to help businesses move online. Mary cleverly built in delivery systems for pre-established businesses such as Blackpool’s local Notarianni’s. This approach has allowed their business to develop leading to a 585% growth this year and resulting in Mary being an EVA finalist. Code Galaxy: N 01253 963062 D www.codegalaxy.co.uk

TRILBY BEETHAM FROM TRILBY THE CELEBRANT FOR CUSTOMER SERVICES When Trilby’s son and his wife wanted to celebrate 10 years of their marriage they had to travel to find somebody able to host the ceremony. Trilby then realised that she could bring this service closer to home hosting events such as weddings, baby naming ceremonies and ash scattering. The difficulty was that not long after starting her business 3 years ago, covid arrived in the UK. This resulted in the UK lockdowns and a ban on all the events Trilby would have ordinarily been planning. This was problematic as Trilby was nor permitted to work but it is important to note that nobody cancelled. As a true testament to the service Trilby provides and the reputation she has earned everybody simply postponed their plans and as soon as restrictions were eased slightly Trilby managed to plan celebrations to accommodate, making herself aware of some stunning outside locations to host the ceremonies that were again permitted with this hard work and quality of service resulting in Trilby being a EVA finalist. She is also looking to incorporate into her celebrations proms and birthdays. Trilby is willing to travel and loves to meet the people/families to make sure she really is delivering the day they dream of. Trilby the Celebrant: D www.yourdayyourway.me N 07971 808305 F Trilby the Celebrant

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BELLA KOWALSKA FROM NAIL BUS LTD FOR BEAUTY BUSINESS

LOUISE O’TOOLE FROM JAMES CARTER HOMES FOR CUSTOMER SERVICES

Bella operates the Beauty Bus, a mobile Salon all over the Fylde coast spending one day in each location. For today’s society when time seems more scarce than ever this service is so important you can book your appointment and receive treatment in your area. This service has been particularly valuable to care homes as people there are often unable to go out to receive treatment so they bring the treatments to them building a community as they go with on board facilities such as their book swap library. Building this community along with other core values such as the solar panels on the bus are all fundamental in the fact that Bella is an EVA finalist and her work extends far beyond the standard week. Throughout covid she was helping her clients receive remote treatments and dedicates her weekends to hiring out the beauty bus for parties, weddings and other events.

Louise is a Director at James Carter Homes, a company she named after her son instantly illustrating the key values at the heart of this business. It is all about family, with her father also part of the team, taking care of the marketing aspect and several projects named after her daughter Holly. James Carter alongside their partnering business Fylde Joinery and Building services construct and sell high quality homes with luxuries such as under floor heating being made a standard requirement for people. The quality of the work they produce is further evidenced by the fact that on their most recent project the architect ended up buying one of the houses. The focus for Louise is to make the experience of buying a house as an enjoyable process as possible and that focus on customer service is why she is a finalist in that category for an EVA.

Nail Bus Ltd: N 07309 262848 D www.nailbus.co.uk

GEMMA WALKER FROM HELISPEED FOR BUSINESS WOMAN

RACHEL GROUNDS FROM SASSY CHIC FOR CUSTOMER SERVICES

Helispeed began their journey to find a better way for helicopter pilots and operators to work together in 2009. Since then, it’s been their mission to keep on building a large pool of professional and experienced pilots and to connect them with operators and other services providers in need of pilots. They have pilots ready to fly at short notice on Boeing, Bell, Airbus, Sikorsky and Leonardo helicopters and work with commercial operators, government agencies, maintenance organisations, lessors or brokers. The contracts Helispeed can handle are short to long term, up to three years. They let pilots focus on flying and operators concentrate on operations, because they take care of all the administrative and logistics tasks involved with each contract and mission. It is with this professional approach that Gemma is a finalist for the Business Woman EVA.

Rachel set up Sassy Chic two years ago with the goal of helping women to build their confidence. Her extensive range is priced between £5 and £35 and consists of a variety of accessories including headbands and earrings to make women feel beautiful. She stocks a variety of styles, acknowledging that no two women are the same but also helping people further by donating some items for charity raffles. Rachel has noticed that a lot of compliments women give to each other can be about appearance, appreciating what someone is wearing for example. It is her hope that these accessories will help provide some of that positivity amongst women. It is with such a strong ethos that Rachel is an EVA finalist, she maintains a strong online presence across social media to stay in touch with her customers and to offer help whenever she can. Sassy Chic: E racel83@yahoo.co.uk D sassychicclub.bigcartel.com

James Carter Homes: N 07850 103023 D www.jamescarterhomes.co.uk

Helispeed: N 01253 808888 D www.helispeed.co.uk

WENDY MAHONEY FROM FYLDE TUITION CENTRE FOR TRAINING AND COACHING

Jane has worked in the events industry for 20+ years but on realising the extended long-term impact COVID-19 would have on her business she set up A Toast in the Post during lockdown, a business idea she’d had for years but never had time to ignite. A Toast in the Post allows people to celebrate moments in life when they cannot be together by sending a drink of your choice in the post along with a personalised photo message card. Jane is incredibly proud of the stylish 100% recyclable packaging which was a real challenge to create to present the toasts perfectly to the recipient. The business showcases small artisan UK distilleries including neighbouring Lytham Gin and Kin Vodka. With over 7,500 drinks sold and 2 National awards in their first 9 months the overwhelming success of a Toast in the Post is a key reason that Jane is now an EVA finalist.

With 20 years experience teaching, working with children and teens and specialising in specific learning difficulties with a key passion for helping people with dyslexia, Wendy decided she wanted to open her own centre where she could care for everyone. She was motivated by the belief that nobodies opportunities should be limited because of a condition or disability she therefore offers her help to give people equal opportunities and offer extra support where is needed to ensure there is a level playfield. Covid presented some difficulties for Fylde tuition as they could no longer see people face to face but they managed remotely, Wendy created her own online platform so that every student could still access their education. She also enabled all her students to gain success in GCSE Maths and English despite the situation. Her determination was soon discovered which enticed students around the UK wishing to join her online for future success. Fylde Tuition Centre is fully operational with the key goal of letting people know they are there, for parents and children alike to receive support and have somebody they know they can go to. It is for this reason that Wendy is a finalist for the EVA.

A Toast in the Post: D www.atoastinthepost.co.uk E toastoffice@atoastinthepost.co.uk

Fylde Tuition Centre: N 01253 446955 D www.fyldetuitioncentre.co.uk

JANE CHARNLEY FROM A TOAST IN THE POST FOR NEW BUSINESS

Good Luck to all these well deserved finalists and to get involved with the EVA visit: www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk

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By Ken Harcombe - Volunteer Press Officer, Fleetwood RNLI The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charity that saves lives at sea. Founded by Sir William Hillary, his vision was to provide a 24/7 search and rescue service, run where possible by volunteers and funded by donations. Since its formation in 1824 – nearly 200 years ago - it has saved over 143,000 lives.

and lost control of the jet-ski. On-lookers on the pier watched in horror as the jet-ski rammed into the pier’s metal supports. The emergency services were quickly on scene and the local lifeboat crew launched immediately to help. The Blackpool RNLI volunteers quickly picked up the unconscious pair and rushed them to the waiting ambulances.

The RNLI is incredibly fortunate and grateful to attract fund-raisers from all walks of life and through all age groups.

Above: Debbie (centre) with friends Maureen and Mel

Sadly, Ian never survived the tragic accident and Debbie spent 12 months in recuperation, following a series of major surgical operations. She returned to the lifeboat station to thank the volunteers at Blackpool on the first anniversary of the accident and met the crew who saved her life. This was the inspiration for Debbie to help those that helped her.

Easter 2003 and the Good Friday provided an opportunity for the Hales family from Bolton to enjoy quality time together at Blackpool. The family took turns on their powerful jet-ski, making the most of the early Spring sunshine. As the afternoon drew to a close, husband Ian decided to take wife Debbie for one final run along the coast.

As well as volunteering to help in the RNLI shop at Blackpool, Debbie was heavily involved in their fundraising activities and was always there when support was required. But her thoughts turned to those inland residents nearer to her home, where visits to the seaside are often carefree and without thought to the dangers and unpredictability of the sea. She saw an opportunity to increase awareness of sea safety and also to raise much needed funds.

Debbie has no recollection of what happened next, but it was reported that as the pair approached the town’s historic North Pier, Ian suffered a major heart attack

In 2018, the Blackburn and Darwen RNLI Fund-raisers started their important work. Debbie and her fellow volunteers have now raised over £30,000, despite the current

Fund-raising inspiration sometimes originates from a personal experience.

Debbie’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. She was awarded the Excellence in Volunteering Award by the charity for her work in setting up the Blackburn and Darwen RNLI Fundraisers and the sincerest gratitude from the RNLI Chairman, Mark Dowie, in recognition of Debbie’s continued dedication to saving lives at sea. At Fleetwood RNLI, we are lucky enough to find a willing volunteer in Roy Lyons. Roy served with the RAF as Radio Operator at RAF Changai, now Changai International airport in Singapore, during the Malay Crisis. After Roy retired, he was very much aware of the work of the RNLI when out sailing. But his knowledge of the volunteer’s courage came from extensive reading and he knew he wanted to help raise funds for the charity.

he RNLI operates a professional 24/7 search and rescue service at 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland, in addition to other lifesaving initiatives, which would not be possible without donations. Over 5,000 volunteer lifeboat crew members often display unfailing courage and selflessness, whilst on rescues. However, a further 20,000 community fund-raising volunteers devote time and energy, through RNLI branches, shops, guilds and visitor centres, to ensure the money is raised to pay for the best training and equipment for crews to launch on service to help others. Other fundraisers help raise money when they can, through sponsored events.

pandemic and continue to inform the local community of sea safety.

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So, in 1994, he joined the Knott End branch of RNLI fund-raisers and despite the occasional breaks for health reasons, has pretty much continued through to the present time. Roy lives in Knott End and despite being less than half a mile from Fleetwood by Lancashire’s only in county ferry, the Wyre Rose, it’s nearly 14 miles away when the ferry can’t sail. This didn’t deter Roy from joining the Fleetwood branch of the RNLI fundraisers in 2000, then becoming RNLI shop Treasurer, or becoming the station treasure in 2011. Roy eventually retired from the Treasury position in 2016, but continues to fund-raise when possible and is still helping out in the RNLI shop at Fleetwood.

Above: Roy Lyons with Wing Commander Paul Bell 605 Squadron

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Henry and Victoria returned to Morecambe RNLI a few weeks later to host their fund-raising day, along with Captain Jack Sparrow and the sea-shanty group, The Mizzen Crew.

Roy has many memorable moments and recalls the many grateful visitors to the shop who recounted tales of relatives being rescued by the RNLI. Fleetwood RNLI Shop has also received letters of thanks from across the world. Every Christmas, the late Captain ‘Bob’ Arnott, former captain of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2, who retired to the family home in Fleetwood, used to pop into the RNLI shop for his Christmas cards and Roy recalls the long chats he had with him. Roy’s service to the station was recognised in 2017. A visit was planned by members of 605 Squadron, including Wing Commander Paul Bell, who had attended the naming ceremony for Fleetwood’s new Shannon class all-weather lifeboat in 2016. The station’s new all-weather lifeboat was named Kenneth James Pierpoint, a former RAF Pilot Officer with 605 Squadron, who tragically died in a training accident in 1942. The visit to Fleetwood was to mark the 75th anniversary of Kenneth’s death. Following a short service, lunch was arranged in the town’s North Euston Hotel and Wing Commander Bell surprised his former RAF colleague by presenting a signed photo of the new Shannon, signed by the crew, in recognition of his valued service to the lifeboat station. Roy said: ‘I was shocked when Wing Commander Bell asked me to come up front and he presented the framed photo to me. It was quite an emotional moment for me and one I’ll treasure for a long time’. The charity’s work also inspires a new generation of supporters. This summer, six-year-old Henry WilsonStephenson was chatting to neighbour, Tracey Hope, a trainee crew member at Lytham lifeboat station. Tracey told Henry about the work of the volunteers at the RNLI and he decided to help raise funds for them. But he had no idea of the best way to do it. Henry and mum, Victoria Wilson, discussed ways to raise funds for the charity and because of Henry’s love of cycling, they decided that Henry could take part in a sponsored cycle ride from their local lifeboat station in Lytham, to its sister station in St Annes. Victoria bravely offered to run alongside her son. It was going to be a great adventure for the young fundraiser. www.lancmag.com

Henry has cycled over 30 miles to raise much needed funds for his favourite charity and continued to support it right through his summer holidays. His target is £1,000, a remarkable achievement for such a young person and a huge credit to mum, Victoria. Above: Young Henry Morecambe Jack Sparrow

The original idea was to ‘piggy-back’ RNLI Lytham St Anne’s annual fundraising campaign, ‘Leg it for Lytham’ and the intrepid fund-raisers set off for St Annes. But Henry surprised Victoria on arrival at St Annes by insisting on continuing the journey another five miles to Blackpool lifeboat station! Henry made his contribution to the Lytham ‘Leg it’ campaign and enjoyed it so much, he wondered if they could continue their adventure in the future and raise even more funds for the charity. They discovered Fleetwood RNLI was about ten miles from the Blackpool lifeboat station and decided that would be their next challenge! Two weeks later, Henry and Victoria set off from RNLI Blackpool and reached Fleetwood lifeboat station just over two hours later. Henry’s promise of a fish and chip lunch certainly spurred him on and after meeting with volunteers from the Fleetwood lifeboat station, devoured his favourite lunch, happily donated to the young fundraiser by The Ferry Café. But Henry wasn’t finished. Victoria contacted RNLI Morecambe, who arranged for a cycle ride around Morecambe from the in-shore lifeboat station to the hovercraft station, accompanied by Captain Jack Sparrow (Laurraine Smith), dressed in appropriate pirate costume.

Above:Young Henry Morecambe Mizzen Crew

Personally, I find it a huge privilege to be involved with the RNLI and discover just how many people are devoted to the charity. You are constantly humbled by the time and effort that people are prepared to give to help others. In Lancashire, we at the RNLI are fortunate to have people like Debbie, Roy and Henry, who continue to inspire others with their dedication and personal story to help save lives at sea. We salute our fund-raisers and thank them for their incredible commitment and devotion to the RNLI. Without our fund-raisers there would be no lifeboat. There are a number of volunteering opportunities available across the RNLI. Some supporters think that you can only volunteer as crew and aren’t aware of ‘land-based’ roles that are essential to saving lives at sea. To find out more on how you can support the charity visit rnli.org.uk/support-us

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT FLEETWOOD RNLI GO TO: www.fleetwoodlifeboat.org.uk TO DONATE OR SUPPORT THE RNLI GO TO: https://rnli.org.uk/support-us LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 61

“Did You Think That I Would Leave You Dying?” By Harold Cunliffe At this time of the year our thoughts go to those who did their bit during conflict. Those brave servicemen and women who put their lives in the line of fire.

t is hard to imagine the feeling that many parents had as they waved their beloved sons off to fight in foreign lands, with the prospect of never, ever, seeing them again.

“CLIMB ABOARD” WW1, Lance-Corp Joel Halliwell was the only resident in the town of Middleton, Manchester, to be awarded a V.C. for his bravery during the First World War. His actions could be described in the words of the famous song, “Two Little Boys.” Thirty seven year old Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell captured a stray German horse, then went in to no man’s land to rescue injured soldiers who were facing death by being in the path of the advancing German army. Halliwell rescued a number of men only ceasing his actions when his Colonel ordered him to stop for his own safety. Initially the fantastic news of this award arrived via a letter to the Halliwell home, 3 Parkfield, during July 1918, in which Joel wrote to his mother explaining how he came to acquire the coveted honour. The exact contents of his letter follows. “I have been very lucky of late, and very busy, my word! I thought once, mother, I should never see you again till the war was over, for with the enemy advancing so quickly we were almost surrounded a time or two, and the Colonel took me and the horses into action. We went without anything to eat or drink for two days, and could not get away 62

until we had fought way through, and our stretcher bearers were so busy taking wounded away until we had not a stretcher left. I was down at battalion, a few yards behind the line. We had formed up from the time we were holding them. The Colonel went up to the lads to see how things were going on, and when he came back he says to me, “Halliwell, we haven’t a stretcher left: can you fetch some of those fellows in who are left wounded?” Mind you, they were then in between our lines and the Germans’. So he said, “Can you fetch some of those poor fellows in with your horse?” I said, “Yes if it is possible,” and off I went, and all the time Fritz was firing his shells at me, but nothing hit me. My first care was an officer, and then men, how many I cannot say, I was that excited, but I should say about eight. I went that often until I had almost got captured myself, and the Colonel had to stop me. During the night nothing happened, and early the next morning we were in action again, and I was still with the boys behind the lines, ready for wounded, for anything. I was dashing about with messages, as well as doing the other work, until the boys got surrounded, and then the Colonel said, “Halliwell, get out of it as quickly as you can,” and I thought to myself, “Now which way shall I make for the best?” so I mounted my horse and flew down the first road that offered itself, and after a lot of dodging about I found the transport; not without accident, though, for my horse got wounded in the back, but it carried me just through in time. Later in the day we heard that the battalion had all got captured, so you see from that part of the line there is only me left to tell the tale. According to what the rumour is, the Colonel said to the officer and men he was going to recommend me in dispatches.”

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

A second letter arrived which gave details of his award. He related to his mother, “It will be great news to all at home that I am recommended for the Victoria Cross., and I am only waiting for the word to come from the War Office to see what I am going to get, and if it is going to be what they have put me in for, I shall soon be with you again, and we will have a fine time, and then I can tell you all about it. All the boys in the brigade wish me the best of luck.” Great excitement spread through this little mill town, which is located between Manchester and Rochdale. It was the Town’s Mayor, Alderman, William Martin Wiggins who started a fund to provide the town’s hero with an engraved gold pocket watch, plus a gift of money in the form of War Bonds for which £100 was required. A great deal of the townsfolk supported Mr Mayor, one such person was the owner of a local combined Cinema and Theatre, Mr Tom Baker. At this place of entertainment a ‘Grand Patriotic Concert’ was produced in which to raise funds. Joel Halliwell was in a protected trade during the war, being a foreman at a mill in Oldham, but following the appeal made by Lord Kitchener, he attended his nearest recruiting office, then he was put into khaki and entered the Lancashire Fusiliers after being classed as medically fit. Could it have been the loss of his younger brother on the Somme during September 1916 that inspired Joel to do his bit against the enemy? People knew him as a typical young man who grew up in the district of Parkfield. His hobby was football, but not the taking part. It is documented that he had a fantastic knowledge of footballers and their clubs. If asked a question on this subject he could recite the details of hundreds of footballers, plus their teams with amazing accuracy. www.lancmag.com

Above: Well wishers wave off the 1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers outside the Drill Hall

Above: Concert in aid of Joel Halliwell

Above: Gold Watch presented to Lance Corp Halliwell by the Mayor of the town

Above: Concert in aid of Joel Halliwell

Above: Visit by the Prince of Wales, 1921. Arrowed is Joel Halliwell.

Above: Street sign in same location as above

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Above: Brothers Tom Halliwell left and Joel far right photographed in the mill

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 63

Above: Royal Visit to Heaton Park. Middleton’s V.C. far left, looking very happy.

You may imagine that communications were not as instant as they are today, but it was early one morning at the end of July that the Mayor of Middleton was informed that our hero was on his way home, and was not far from Lancashire. Word spread like wildfire which instilled thousands of townsfolk to turn out to cheer our V.C., as he passed along on the route from the railway station to his family home at Parkfield. There was no doubt that he was surprised by the turnout, especially as he approached his family home where the residents had erected patriotic flags and bunting in his honour. “Thursday morning was gala day for Parkfield, for Halliwell is a Parkfield lad, and Parkfield people are very proud of him,” commented the editor of the local newspaper. There was an element of sadness too as he towns hero made his way through the street. One tradesman, who was observed looking out of his workshop window must have had a heavy heart. Both of his sons, both fine lads, were lost during this awful conflict. VISIT TO BUCK HOUSE

Above: Toms Grave as featured on the Antiques Roadshow

Above: Original gravestone. Middleton Cemetery.

A public ceremony was planned to take place upon the Market Place, but this coincided with the day that Halliwell had been summoned to Buckingham Palace, for that was the day the King was presenting him with his Victoria Cross. The Mayor arranged for Saturday, September the 14th for the celebration to take place. On that day he presented our V.C. with an illuminated address and a gold pocket watch gifted by the Mayor and Mayoress, Alderman and Mrs W.M.Wiggins, plus war bonds to the value of £135-10s. In which £130 was given in war bonds, residue being cash. We discover that Joel became a quite a celebrity, in high demand. Many clubs and organisations invited him as a guest of honour and in some cases making an award too. An example was at the Tonge Football and Bowling Club, there he was given life membership and a gift of a cigarette case by the chairman, Mr C. Shuttleworth. Our humble Lancashire lad became known to the Royal family. Lance-Corp, Halliwell was personally invited to attend the Royal Visit at Heaton Park, and also to meet the Prince of Wales during his 1921 tour of Lancashire. An old photograph taken at the time of the 1921 to visit to

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

Middleton was unearthed in the loft of a house at Todmorden. Next, following hours of restoration we discover our V.C. in attendance. The newspapers at the period stated that the Prince, who was keen to meet ex-servicemen wanted to meet Joel and they both had a long and interesting chat. NEW PLACE OF LEARNING Today we have little to document the memory of the town’s only V.C. apart from a memorial plaque at the cemetery and a street named after him, one with no houses. Ironically, two of our images featured are located within a few feet of each other. The present street sign is very close to the spot Joel is standing in the Royal Visit picture of 1921. It is estimated in around three years’ time a new school is to be completed at a place known as Bowlee. During the Second World War this was area was used by the R.A.F. Joel however relates to the First World War. Maybe it is time for Rochdale Council to step up and to honour our brave son by naming the new seat of learning after the only Middleton resident to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Halliwell was honoured for not taking human life, but for saving it. 100 YEARS ON From the moment I was contacted until It was aired, I could not wait to view the coverage broadcast on the B.B.C television’s “Antique Roadshow,” where in April 2014 a section was devoted to Joel Halliwell, V.C. The story was related of the bravery which took place that day by their expert, who incidentally was reduced to tears. Fiona Bruce presented the item with Dora Gartside, (Joel’s daughter), and other family members being present at the cemetery, Albert, France, where the item was recorded. During the recording the cigarette case which had been presented to Lance Corp Halliwell at Tonge Club was shown. Then in a final emotional twist to the feature, the expert identified a grave close by. This was the grave of Private Tom Halliwell, 18014. Border Regiment. 2nd Oct 1916. Previously unvisited by family members it is the uncle to Dora and brother of Joel. Special mention to Rochdale Museum Service and Local Studies for acquiring the gold pocket watch and allowing use of their images. The watch is within a display as you enter the Art Gallery and Museum. www.lancmag.com

AN AMAZING STORY It was around 2005 when two people I know became interested in documenting in book form those from Middleton who fell in the Great War to be named, “Doing Our Bit.” Originally it was the local newspaper, the Middleton Guardian, who published an inexpensive book documenting the fallen in 1919. The contents of the book were based upon a series of news items which detailed the fallen in the column known as “Middleton’s Brave Sons.” This book, costing one shilling (5p today) only documented the servicemen in which the families released details to the newspaper, so was not a conclusive record, but was and still is a valuable record. At the time of publication the idea was to provide the relatives with a permanent memorial to the fallen member of the family. Martin Purdy and Ian Dawson enthusiastically took on this task of recording the men from this town. Both would visit my home once a week where I would pass on my findings. One day I happened to be passing the house of a family friend, Mr and Mrs Etherington. This couple, now deceased were of a very sociable character. “Come in Harold, I will put the kettle on,” was Maureen’s greeting. Sitting next to her husband in the kitchen Ralph and Maureen enquired what I was up to. At that period I was the person who produced a weekly column in the newspaper, memories of yesteryear, known as “Bygone days,” so many people like Maureen and Ralph were interested in knowing what story I was working on, and wondering what to expect in future issues. Naturally I mentioned the WW1 book in which I was supporting, and currently researching material. Maureen, standing at the kitchen sink, in her Lancashire accent, started to relate a story which was amazing, but so sad. “Eh, our Alfred. You know that was awful, so sad you know. He had a wife and two boys, had a good job too, and then he volunteered. Well his mother was furious, she did not agree at all. Why risk losing your life when you had no need to? and what she said you know as he was going haunted her for the rest of her life” Alfred Whittaker re-joined the www.lancmag.com

colours, but on the day he left the Kay Street home, heading to France, his mother made a comment, no doubt in anger or frustration which she would live to regret for the rest of her life, and be a talking point for others, said, “Get gone, I hope you never come back.” Little did she realise that this was to come true, this was the last time she would see her son; he was in fact killed and never returned home. This was a story in which I thought Martin and Ian would like to feature, so my next job was to visit family members who each had a snippet of information. Eventually, once the book was published, Martin and Ian had a surprise, for the picture I had copied of Alfred Whittaker in his formal regimental pose was featured on the front cover. In the first instance Private Alfred Whittaker’s death was not conveyed to his family officially, via a telegram from the War Office but by a family friend. The details were reported in the press, “We regret to inform you that another Middleton man has been called upon to make the great sacrifice in his country’s cause. This is Private Alfred Whittaker, of 2nd Manchester Regiment, the information of his death was conveyed to his wife, Clara, in a letter received by Mrs Walters from her husband, Sergeant Walters, of the same regiment. This communication was dated April 11th, and stated that Private Whittaker had been buried that night. The writer promised to forward further information as soon as it was available.” It was understood that Pvt Whittaker had spent time in the trenches, but at the time of his death (10th April) was engaged on transport duties. It was while he was carrying out this activity that he almost lost his life a few months prior. His water bottle was responsible for saving him, for it was found to contain a snipers bullet. Alfred had received two letters in the days leading up to his death. One from Miss Blything, a school teacher and the other was from his two sons, James aged seven and Arthur aged five. The teacher asked James if he would like to send a letter to his daddy who was serving abroad, at this prospect the little lads face beamed with delight. It took James several attempts to write out his letter, which was posted to Private Whittaker along with a packet of

Above: “Doing Our Bit.”

Above: Alfred Whittaker

Above: Clara Whittaker with her sons, James and Arthur

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cigarettes in which all the class had made a contribution. It is thought that Alfred shared the cigarettes with his comrades. Members of the Whittaker family are proud to have the cherished items on display. Visiting the grandson I found a memorial on one of the walls of the house including his death penny. Images used in this feature are kindly reproduced. Also the original letters have been kept safe. Seven year old James’s letter reads, “Dear dad, I hope you are well. I wish the war was over and then you can come home. My class is sending you some cigarettes for you to smoke. Arthur (aged 5) and I send our love. We are good boys and help mother. From your loving son James. Xxx” Alfred’s brother Arthur lived a few minutes’ walk away at Wood Street. He had a lucky escape in 1915, by surviving an injury to his head. In a letter to his sister he stated, “I am a lucky man” claimed the 27 year old, “You want to see my hat, it has nine holes in it, but only two of the bullets caught me. I was sitting on the back of the trench when it happened.” “WE WATCHED MANCHESTER BURN” Sadly the number of people who survived the Manchester Blitz

are now few in number. Having interviewed many of those who had memories of this frightening time their experiences can be related. 23rd December 1940 was the Christmas Blitz, but once the fires had been extinguished, a teenager, the late Roger Burton set off to Manchester where he was employed as a fifteen year old office boy. It was when he was a mile from the city centre that a policeman asked him where he was going, “To work in the office, near Portland Street in the centre of town,” he replied. “Not today,” replied the officer. Roger feared for his livelihood, no work, no pay, so insisted he at least turned up, so once again attempted to pass. “Listen son,” commented the policeman, “you do not have an office t go to, it has all gone, nothing left, now go home.” Another fifteen year old was about to find out that life was about to change forever whilst out delivering milk, a product from the family’s farm. Today Arthur Warhurst has vivid memories of deliveries on the road which leads to Manchester. Back then he used a horse and trap type of vehicle. It was while he was standing at the front door of one of his customers on Sunday 3rd September 1939 that she invited him inside her home to hear a message by the King which was being broadcast on the radio.

Arthur, along with other members of her family stood in silence as King George VI announces, “We are at war with Germany.” The Warhurst family farm was located high on the hill above the town of Middleton, thus giving a clear view of the centre of Manchester. During the nights of the Manchester Blitz he and his brother John stood outside their farmhouse and watched Manchester burn. They could hear the sights and sounds as wave after wave of bombers dropped their deadly load upon the city. The Warhurst sons kept watch upon the wellbeing of their animals. But they themselves were in the firing line. Being over five miles away from the danger zone, you were not safe. Arthur said, “We were in the fields making sure that our animals were safe. Should one be hit with shrapnel it could bleed to death. John and I heard a whizzing sound followed by a thud, it was dark so we had no idea what it was. Early the next day we were out in the fields when we noticed a hole in the ground. We were keen to find out what it was that flew over our heads the previous night so we set to and dug the object out. Once cleaned we found that it was a brass nose cone from a shell. That was a close call so after that we dug a trench and kept watch from eye level and the safety of being in a dug-out.”

Above: The houses in the centre of the image show the home where Arthur Warhurst was invited in to hear the Kings announcement. Joel Halliwell was a neighbour, living at number 24.

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SURRENDER Another family friend and exserviceman who was lucky to return home was the late Les Lord. While in the R.A.F. serving in Rangoon he purchased a camera with which he took a number of snaps including the surrender of the Japanese. A few years ago the postman delivered a package, I was not expecting a package, next upon opening I found it was the photo albums which Les acquired while serving in Rangoon. “I thought that you would be interested in looking at these,” Les stated in his letter, “You can copy and use all you like!” This I did as insurance just in case the package should be lost within its return journey. Mr Lord who was 20 years old at the time was at the airport where a local surrender was signed, Les said, “We had heard about the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki through Radio SEAC, our Forces station, but didn’t really expect the Japanese to give up so quickly.” Photographs taken from the album are the Surrender of the Japanese at Mingladon (Rangoon) Airport, August 1945, and the memorial at Akyab (Burma). “In memory of our comrades of the 9th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment who fell in the Arakan. 1944-45.” Each Sunday evening Les would phone from his Doncaster home to have a chat. One night however I was in for a surprise. I knew the details of his time serving in the R.A.F. so when I spotted a mock-up of a Spitfire at Fairhaven Lake, Lytham, I had to photograph it and email it over. But in doing so I spent half an hour on image manipulation to remove the pole which kept the model simulating flight. I messaged stating that I had had a fantastic day at the coast, plus a Spitfire flew over. Without reading the information plaque I had no idea why this memorial was present. Les however did. Being an amazing researcher he instantly recognised the plane. Then could not believe his eyes, it was a link to his family. As a child his uncle was the owner of a sports and toy shop, where each Sunday he would enjoy playing with the items in stock with his cousin, Alan, happy days spent in the shop filled with delights while the adults chatted in the rooms above. The www.lancmag.com

Mark Vb Spitfire, W3644 was lost on the 23rd June 1942 along with the pilot, Sgt Alan Lever Ridings. Sgt Ridings was the cousin he met each Sunday. A family reunion took place on the green at Lytham. I feel humble to have a number of mentions in his

book, “Les’s Story,” which he wrote in his ninety third year. He described the Spitfire find as an exciting time of his life and doubted if he would have many more to record in his advancing age.

Above: The Lytham Spitfire in memory of Sgt Alan Ridings

Above: Memorial to Lancashire lads who fell at Akyab

Above: Japanese surrender

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How to Help your Cat Start Using Their Litter Tray By Victoria Corcoran, Pets Country Manor www.petscountrymanor.com | www.kittyhampurrs.com

When we adopted one of our cats called Francisco from the RSPCA in Liverpool back in 2015 he didn’t really know how to use the litter tray.

adly, before we adopted him, he was taken back to the RSPCA three times within just 10 months for the reason of toileting around the house. I’m not sure what people are expecting when they have pets, as these happen? Firstly, cats can take a while to settle in –not just a few days, but months and months, so you really need to be patient. Francisco needed time to settle into his new home here with us at the Pets Country Manor. I really think he was waiting to be shipped off back to the rescue centre, then carted off to yet another home - so couldn’t truly relax. Make sure the litter tray is big enough. We couldn’t find any litter trays that were suitable, so we bought an under-thebed storage container from Poundland, which is ideal as it’s a great size! Most vets recommend that the size of the tray should be one and a half times the length

of your cat (from their nose to the base of their tail). Sometimes cats may not be using their litter tray because they are stressed - you may have only recently brought your new cat home? Moved house? A new baby? A new cat in the neighbourhood? Even something like decorating or moving furniture around can make your cat feel slightly stressed. Try using a calming plugin or spray such as Pet Remedy, which will help relax your cat. Have more than one litter tray, sometimes cats don’t like to use the same litter tray twice if they’ve already been in it, so to save you emptying a few times per day, have more than one tray and keep it nice and clean. You should also have more than one litter tray for each cat so they don’t need to share. Try two trays for one cat, three trays for two cats etc. Make sure their litter tray is in a quiet part of the house, not a busy hallway or kitchen area – would you like someone watching you every time you used the facilities? You can also try some hooded litter trays so your cats have extra privacy. Try different types of cat litters – woodbased cat pellets, clumping clay, granules

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– there’s lots of different varieties – but give your cat time to get used to each different one. Try putting less or more litter in your tray – some cats like a lot of litter to dig through and some just like a little sprinkling. If they still don’t seem a fan you could try putting just newspaper in their trays. If your cat is still going to the toilet in one particular place in your house, then try putting their litter tray in that place to see if they’ll use it. If it’s not an ideal place to keep the litter tray, then after a few days of your cat using it - try moving it further away from that spot. Or if it really isn’t ideal to place the litter tray in this spot, you can try putting tinfoil down on the floor. A lot of cats don’t like walking on tinfoil so will look for a different place to go – hopefully this will be in the litter tray! However, if your cat normally uses a litter tray, but now they aren’t using it and are going around the house or even just to side of the litter tray, then your cat could be trying to tell you there’s a problem. They could have something like a urinary tract infection or kidney problems, so it’s best to take them to the vets for a blood test.

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CHILDREN’S BOOKS | DETECTIVE BOOKS | SCI-FI BOOKS

AUTHOR OF ADULT AND CHILDREN’S FICTION LEADING ADVOCATE FOR EQUALITY, DISABILITY RIGHTS, AND ANIMAL WELFARE

PUBLISHERS LIST:

Dave Gregson is a fiction writer who has written in genres for both adults and children and is the author of The Clever Trick and Piggy. Dave has worked in several jobs, firstly training in Askham Bryan College obtaining HND in Amenity Horticulture, working in landscape and tree and shrub growing before moving into a career in social care between 1996 and 2018. Dave obtained a Higher Certificate in Management in Health and Social Care from Leeds University during that time and worked in a range of care settings. Dave has since his most recent employment worked independently as a volunteer, fundraiser, and campaigner on a wide range of causes and issues, Dave has a big believer in diversity and inclusion and has travelled to some of the more off the beaten track places across the world to witness different cultural experiences and meet new people. Dave is a supporter of several animal welfare organisations and charities both large and small. Animals are very close to Dave’s heart and many of his stories involve lively animal characters.

T dave gregson401 | L dave-gregson-16a624156

www.davegregson.co.uk

In Ordinary Everyday Life, Suddenly Something Magical Can Happen and an Adventure Begins By Dave Gregson

My reason for doing what I do is to support others and raise awareness and support the vulnerable. It’s not so much about me, it’s by sharing my story publicly - I want to help others.

rom March 1996 till December 2018 I worked in front line heath and social care. One of the jobs, I was made redundant from in December 2010 and the other I was dismissed under the Capability Policy in December 2018. This lead me to take my previous employer (a large charity) to a Tribunal and won the case.

workplaces are at understanding autism despite having all these policies and procedures.

So I used that to set up the non for profit and then had unexpected success with my writing.

It was clear that many employees who had suffered bullying and lost their jobs but were not in a position to take their cases to a tribunal.

I also share with people that I suffered bullying and abuse at school and did finally report this and received some compensation, nearly 30 years later. It is important to share the fact that whether school or workplace or anywhere bullying has devastating consequences and ultimately costs lives.

I wanted to also join the community of others who were also dedicated to this and since that period more and more people are talking about workplace cultures and bullying. The Tribunal case was fairly high profile and was covered in the media and this also made it very difficult for me to work in the care sector again. Not because of me but care organisations were naturally worried about unwanted media attention and publicity.

Safeguarding is an obligation on everyone. It was also evident through publicity that certain large charities governed themselves very badly and the business partner model was a failing. Think the reports governance, CEO salaries, high profile cases. I questioned whether such “charities” can even call themselves “non for profit”.

What became apparent was just how toxic a workplace can be allowed to get and what was clearly the harm caused by workplace bullying and how both prevalent it was and also how little people were then talking about it. I was diagnosed with autism in January 2018 and what also became apparent was how poor some 70

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At the same time in 2019, I became a registered full time carer for both my Parents and I was literally staggered by how much we as a community and society rely on the unpaid carers, they are paid the least, less than £70 per week, but they come from all ages and backgrounds and without them the health and social care system would have collapsed in the last year. I wanted to campaign and raise awareness for support and increased support for unpaid carers too. During lockdown, what has also become apparent is how much the voluntary sector and unpaid do with little or no resources and provide front line life saving outreach services. All my stories include common themes running through them including anti bullying, mental health and tolerance and kindness to both people and animals. All my stories for younger readers are animal stories, I always enjoyed talking animal stories and created imaginary worlds and now I realise that my autism is a big factor in that, which is positive. My stories include often many vivid memories of childhood, such as my Grandmas house, with its old iron fireplace, where such as the tin bath went. Sadly, she passed away in 1979. These feature in “Tales of Lanehouse” which is in part set in the village of Trawden in Lancashire. I remember also visiting various great aunts and uncles every Saturday morning for many years and doing things like helping out feeding the chickens down at the pen and playing in the fields. My father told me a lot about village life and I wish to include this as a sort of memory and tribute and thank you to my Parents. It was also a clear motive to promote the beauty and history of Lancashire and that’s one of the reason real places are used. With the other stories, I have always created clear worlds and imaginary characters whilst growing up, so I wanted to also use this within my writing. The “Secret Wild Wolves of Britain” , is one such project. Set against the country coming out of the pandemic and a different take on some of the issues such as rewilding, understanding and tolerance and also sharing information on wildlife and countryside organisations. There is also deliberate characterisations such as a central character who is autistic and one who has experienced mental health and overcome workplace bullying. “Nothing of Interest” and “The Mystery of Melsham Wood” are mysteries and with that twist of the unexpected, which I have always clearly created in my imagination. www.lancmag.com

The book “The Night of The Sleepoons” I purposely set against the memories of family holiday cottages and exploring and finding new adventures. One of the themes is to look back at good memories to get strength to move forward. That’s why I set the book against an adult revisiting the memories of a childhood adventures way back in the summer of 1978. One future project under review is a similar take of fantasy and mystery that is called “The Return of The Children of The Night” featuring garden gnomes that came to life at night and used to help the central character out as a child and then years later as an adult, these old stone gnomes who have sat for years at the bottom of the garden hidden away for years, come to life again to help the storyteller as an adult. With my writing, I wish to write books that are suitable for all ranges of audiences, so I leave out graphic violence or such images, and tell tales of mystery and in some cases fantasy that can be read by both children, younger people and adults. Dave Gregson’s children’s, detective and sci-fi books are all available to purchase from Amazon.co.uk, Waterstones, WH Smith, Goodreads and Barnes and Noble. T dave gregson401 L dave-gregson-16a624156 D www.davegregson.co.uk LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 71

Engineering Developments are Mitigating Climate Change PART TWO By Norman Harris

I hope that you found Part One of Engineering Mitigating Climate Change interesting. In Part TWO I deal with the developments that reduce or change the major ways that energy is used and thus reduce CO2 emissions and conserve the planet’s resources.

irst I want to address tackling the Green House Gases (GHG) directly. CO2 is the leading such gas. Others such the refrigerator gas freon, have strict have strict regulations on their disposal. Methane is natural gas from animals and vegetable decomposition and is harder to control (except by banning meat), but methane is 72

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relatively easy to convert into something useful. However, returning to CO2 which is produced in great quantities by combustion. Efforts are now underway to extract it directly from the atmosphere. There are schemes to build huge man-made trees with membrane leaves which react with the air and capture the CO2. Singapore has turned them into an artwork. But calculations show that to really make an impact there would have to be many more of them and much bigger, higher in other words and if we are going to get more severe storms because of climate change, they may not survive. Something much more robust is needed that actively removes CO2, such installations are called Direct Air Capture. www.lancmag.com

DIRECT AIR CAPTURE Working in the atmosphere there is a new technology which captures CO2 from the air by passing it through vanes or radiators, which react chemically and produce a carbonbased by-product, probably a fuel which can be collected and used as it is carbon neutral. The CO2 is reduced in that area. Iceland is building a plant to take 4,000 tonnes p.a. of CO2 out of their atmosphere, a small amount but a start. The DAC plants cannot be rotated and so catch the wind, so power to drive the fans is needed. This can be surplus wind or solar energy. I have a personally idea that a unit on a wind turbine would always be into the wind and if the wind drops the fuel created could be used for a period of calm to drive the turbine and still create power. DAC installations are big and not pretty. Perhaps eventually they too will go offshore on say a barge. Heating homes and workplaces is responsible for a third of all energy consumed in Europe and vies with transport as the top UK creator of CO2. While renewable energy will help reduce emissions, it is not always readily available when needed. For example, there is less solar energy available in the dark and cold winter months. When it is more needed, fortunately there may be more wind. Everything we are doing to avoid burning fossil fuels is increasing the demand for electricity. ENERGY STORAGE With the variability of the totally clean and renewable energy sources of wind and solar, greater developmental attention has been forced onto how energy is stored. Energy storage has much expected of it, and it is indeed an essential way to iron out the production variations of natural power sources such as wind, solar, and tide. Storage is vital to smooth out the varying supply to meet the varying demand. Day by day, and season by season. Considerable research is going into it, with Norway leading the way in terms if the percentage of national R&D expenditure. Then in this www.lancmag.com

international league comes South Korea. Japan, Germany, Britain, and the US. But of course, the US R&D Budget is bigger than all these nations. What are they achieving? The first UK operational energy storage site was in Wales at Dinorwig near Snowdonia in the National Park. It was called locally Electric Mountain. The procedure is that during the night when the National Grid had power to spare, water is pumped up to a lake on the top of the hill. During daytime peak hours it was let out down the hill to drive turbines generating electrical energy. Its efficiency is more than double that of the coal fired stations I referred to in part one. It was a massive tunnelling project built in 1984 after a construction period of 10 years. Another innovative, but experimental, pumped-storage hydroelectricity technology uses a sphere located on the seabed. The surrounding seawater provides the necessary water pressure. This has significant potential to provide grid-level energy storage. There are many storage ideas doing the rounds. One idea is to wind heavy weights up mine shafts when power is “spare” and then let them descend to generate power when it is needed. It has the advantage not needing a local mountain, but I have not heard of an operational application of the idea. There are thoughts of compressing air into old mine workings. There is an operational plant in Germany, but the thermal issues of compressing and then expanding air reduces the efficiency making the justification of projects difficult. BATTERY STORAGE We are all familiar with the batteries of all shapes and sizes that we put into torches, toys, and many other household items. But what is needed is a huge increase in grid-level energy storage. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 73

The UK has the largest offshore wind generating capacity in the world and now the Government has eased planning restrictions to build energy storage capacity, essential to even out the grid loading. Unlike batteries for transport applications the weight and size of the unit are not issues. Energy storage will be required over a large range of discharge times, from seconds to months. Mediumduration energy storage must do the heavy lifting if we are to achieve “net zero”. Battery storage up to 12 hours discharge is the cheapest build for controlling peaks in demand. Other initiatives cover the manipulation of both chemical and physics-based research. It is fair to say that this topic is work in progress, balancing the cost of rare metals such as lithium and vanadium with cheaper materials such as sodium. The expensive metals are capable of higher energy density but are getting scarcer and ever more expensive. HYDROGEN

filling rather the slower charging by electricity. JCB are in final stages of producing the first hydrogen powered excavator. In addition, prototypes of trains and planes exist. Once again it is a delicate balance of weight and the density of amount of energy that can be stored. For example, hydrogen has only one seventh of the useable energy in the same volume of diesel. It is possible that the medium for carrying hydrogen will be ammonia, which does not require as much refrigeration and is 50% more energy dense. So, hydrogen is not a panacea as it is estimated to require around 30 times more offshore wind farm capacity than is currently available in the UK to produce enough green hydrogen to replace all domestic gas boilers. This estimate was supported by Chris Stark, Head of the Climate Change Committee on C4 News. We must recognize that the sun goes out 12 hours per day on average and the wind does not blow all the time, so

This is the topic that is making the most progress with several applications that are working. I confess I was sceptical, even horrified, when I first heard of these initiatives remembering the film clips of the Hindenburg and the R101 tragedies. These problems were largely because a huge quantity of the gas was in a flimsy container next to the air. I have queried the danger with experts and have had assurances that those problems are behind us. But like the gas in our homes, it has to be correctly handled. Hydrogen comes in a range of 7 colours, devised by man, from Black to Green. The hydrogen gas is the same, the colour merely reflects how the gas is produced, by coal/oil (black) or by clean, carbon free processes (blue). Indeed, in times of excess energy from renewable sources it can be seen as another form of energy storage by converting seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. Catalysts are being developed to improve the conversion rate from water to the hydrogen gas. In addition, there are several offshore wind farms being constructed not to produce any electricity for homes or industry, but for producing hydrogen. Nuclear stations operate best at a steady load, so an exciting project is designing them to produce hydrogen when the sun shines and the wind blows. Trials are underway to heat small areas of say 300 homes to meet the desire to decarbonise the heating of our homes by hydrogen but that faces the problem that hydrogen gas carries much less energy than town gas so eventually the diameter of the mains will have to be increased or more likely new mains laid. But the even bigger question is who is going to pay to insulate every home and to build and replace all the heating units? The main visible developments to save the planet are in the fuels used to power movement. Hydrogen powered buses are in operation in Aberdeen and London. Their emissions are just warm water, but they are more expensive to buy. But as is the usual way, as the engineering is developed and volumes increase, the price should come down. Cheaper catalysts are going to be key in this. HGVs are being tested that can run for 500 miles. There is a further advantage to adoption of hydrogen and that is if there is a tank at the depot the refuelling time equates to petrol/diesel tank 74

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Above: UK Government projected Energy Mix

will be burning oil with CCS for many, many more years. There is even a small amount of coal, with CCS in this UK Government projection. You will pay to be green MORE ON TRANSPORT Transport is the largest UK source of CO2 so needs and is receiving considerable attention. I have already mentioned hydrogen powered, buses, HGVs, trains and even planes. But far more commonly known are hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), both with and without a self-charging feature. EVs are more expensive, and a home charging installation could cost £2,000. Developments are gradually overcoming “range anxiety” with a doubling of the operational voltage to 800v in the latest designs. Charging time and range are improving and experiments are being made in charging taxis and buses when stationary at their stands. The infrastructure for purely electric vehicles is simply not in place and huge public and private investment is required to allow care-free travel, over distances, in cars with no petrol/diesel fuel on board as backup. But since September, there has been a new petrol on sale, which 95% of cars on the road can use. It is E10, which contains www.lancmag.com

some ethanol and produces considerably less CO2, around 750,00 tonnes less p.a. is estimated. There is an equivalent B7 for diesel vehicles.

Sewage produces both methane and ammonia. A water company is looking to capture the ammonia produced in sewage operations and use its hydrogen content.

It is estimated that the use of oil in transport will start to decline from the middle of this decade, consequently the demand for electricity will rise and rise.

Biologists are also playing their part in looking after trees and suppressing disease in them. We all know that planting trees figures in the Government’s climate strategy and any corporate entity that wants to boost its green credentials. These scientists hope to bring back the elm.

It is fascinating that the Shetland Isles are leading the way with EVs, and hydrogen powered flights. Plenty of sea and wind and limited distances. And Orkney has the first UK wave power turbine in reliable operation. Those more remote islands will soon be totally green if they are not so already. For a long time, marine transport was literally out of sight, and usually flying under flags of convenience. But under pressure from the UN’s International Maritime Organisation, ships are now being built with hydrogen and ammonia power units and sails, yes sails. BIOENGINEERING Biogas from agricultural waste is growing rapidly, providing fuel for HGV transport. Waste oil from Fish & Chip shops can also be used in suitably modified engines. It is not totally clean, but it is cleaner and cheap. Wasting food is sinful, but it happens, and it is also a sin not to capture its energy (Waste to Energy described in Part One). Incineration is not the only way to produce energy from food waste. Organic wastes can also be broken down inside an anaerobic digester to create fertilisers and biogas. With a supportive policy environment and investment, anaerobic digestion (AD) technology could produce 8 billion m3 biomethane/year, enough to heat 6.4 million homes, by 2030. This would deliver a 6% reduction in total UK greenhouse gases emissions and 30% of the reduction needed by 2030 to meet our legally binding carbon budget. Heathrow Airport, for example, is to replace all gas outlets to green biomethane from on-site anaerobic digestion plants by March 2022, this demonstrates all that has been said in this section so far.

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I have not covered the many changes of production processes being made that reduce amount of energy needed to complete them. Most companies now have a nominated energy saving officer in post. But what else can we do? USING CLIMATE CHANGE TO OUR ADVANTAGE Nobody seems to be talking about this so I will start. If we have excess heat/sun from the warming climate, use it to power desalination plants and suitable sites usually have a desert quite near that needs irrigation to bring the land back into useful life. There were discussions of scheme to pump water from the Mediterranean in the 1920s, but although the engineering was feasible (more so now) the locals, especially fishermen, did not like their lifestyles interfered with so dramatically. It might even slow the rise in sea levels as well! Excess heat could also be used to power Direct Air Capture installations. NUCLEAR FUSION In its 26 June 2021 edition, The Economist wrote the oft repeated phrase that Nuclear Fusion is 30 years away and always will be. It is true that scientists and engineers have striven for this goal since the 1950s. It is a proven source of power as every sun in the Universe works that way. It has many advantages, it produces no CO2 as coal or oil do, it produces its output in all weathers, unlike wind and solar and no by-products that can be used in nuclear weapons. When this elixir is achieved, I will write Part THREE posthumously.

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Wall of Names Have Your Name Immortalised

As part of the 125 years anniversary celebration of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 2021, a special Wall of Names has been created to mark this impressive milestone in its history. Guests to the park can purchase a brick with names and message, and become not just part of the wall, but also part of Blackpool Pleasure Beach history.

his is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the anniversary by becoming immortalised with a personalised brick in the wall.

The Wall of Names is situated on the ramp next to Pleasure Beach Arena where everyone can see it and take a close look. The bricks have already proved to be hugely popular - with many in place already - but time is running out to get one and become a part of history, as they will only be available for a limited period. Any personal name, place, occasion or special message can be engraved onto the brick with each order. Some of 76

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the messages already up on the wall include: ‘My Happy Place’ ‘Eggies Skating Through Lights’, ‘No Bench Needed’, ‘Making Memories’, ‘Best Times’, ‘Thrillseekers’, ‘Funshine Forever’, ‘I Love Riding’, ‘What a View’, ‘The Big One King’, ‘Coaster Fanatic’, ‘Fun Times At BPB’, ‘Do Dare To Ride’, ‘Married 10 Years’, ‘Days Of Our Lives’, ‘Ride Enthusiast’ and ‘Hold My Teeth’! Once a brick has been purchased, a commemorative certificate of authentication will be sent out, which can be displayed at homes and offices. Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Amanda Thompson OBE: “I’m extremely proud to be the custodian of this family-owned park, which was founded by my great-grandfather, WG Bean 125 years ago in 1896. I’m passionate about everything that the park has to offer and The Wall of Names is a great way for fans of Blackpool Pleasure Beach to be a part of it forever!” For more details of how to order the bricks here: https://retail.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/ product/brick/

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Great North Bog Rises to the Climate Challenge The Wildlife Trusts unveil 12 new nature recovery projects – restoring peatlands, saltmarsh, kelp forests, chalk grassland, wetlands and woods – to store carbon. Among them is Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s work with the Great North Bog.

ancashire Wildlife Trust is working with Trusts and other partners in Cumbria, Durham, Yorkshire and Northumberland to restore a huge swathe of peat bog across the north of England. The Great North Bog project aims to put over 4,000 hectares of upland peatland under restoration management, with estimated annual savings in carbon emissions of at least 8,590 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare, per year. Funding will scale up the project, to include: • developing up to 15 new restoration plans

• marketing peatland restoration to private investors

• conducting long-term monitoring over 20 years with techniques and equipment developed by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme and University of Manchester Areas within the Forest of Bowland will see detailed restoration plans developed, including techniques to block gullies and slow the flow of water from the upland areas, allowing bare and degraded peatlands to gradually re-wet and re-vegetate. This will start to halt carbon release, along with boosting biodiversity, providing natural flood mitigation, reducing wildfire risk and even naturally filtering our drinking water. The 12 nature recovery projects, which will help the UK achieve its ambition of reaching net zero carbon emissions by

2050, are able to move forward thanks to almost £2 million in funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. In other areas, new seagrass habitats will be planted in the Solent, fragmented woodlands will be restored and connected throughout Derbyshire, habitat features to protect temperaturesensitive chalk grassland butterflies in Bedfordshire will be created, and support will be given to a pioneering project to rewild a kelp forest off the Sussex coast. As the UK gears up to hosting the UN climate conference COP 26 in November, The Wildlife Trusts – a movement of 46 nature charities – are delivering onthe-ground solutions to ensure the UK plays its part in tackling the interlinked climate and nature crises.

Photo: Areas of the Forest of Bowland AONB will have peatland restoration plans developed. Photo Credit: Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

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The restoration of the natural world is fundamental to realising the ambition to restrict global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Photo: Coir logs can be used to block gullies during peatland restoration. Photo Credit: Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Sarah Johnson, Lancashire Peatlands Initiative Project Manager at Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: “When in a healthy condition the peatlands across the north of England, including those in Lancashire, can play a crucial role in tackling the twin crises of biodiversity and climate change. The People’s Postcode Lottery funding is providing a significant opportunity for us to work with partners to scale up our peatland restoration efforts, working in areas such as the Forest of Bowland.” Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says: “Nature can be our biggest ally in limiting global temperature rises, but we have to give it a huge helping hand. We need to cut emissions at source to fight climate change – and we can also have a big impact by restoring nature because wilder places lock-up carbon. “That means repairing the amazing habitats in our seas, rewetting peatlands, dramatically changing how we manage farmland, rewilding landscapes, and bringing back habitats that have been lost. “Crucially, we need to fund projects that get results. Thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we’re delighted to move forward with these 12 high-impact schemes, which will help to bring nature back and store carbon – both on land and at sea.”

“Players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting these projects as part of our Postcode Climate Challenge initiative, which is providing 12 charities with an additional £24 million in funding for initiatives tackling climate change this year.” The diversity of the 12 projects reflects the vast and varied ways nature can help to tackle climate change. They also show how the UK can become a world leader in transforming its land and seas to lock in carbon and bring wildlife back as well.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have been supporting The Wildlife Trusts since 2008 and have raised over £15 million to date. Funding has helped The Wildlife Trusts to protect wild places and wildlife, provide opportunities for children to explore nature, create outdoor learning areas, and empower people of all ages to help wildlife in their daily lives. To find out more about The Wildlife Trusts nature-based solutions programmes, visit: wildlifetrusts. org/what-we-do/natural-solutionsclimate-change

Photo: Leaky dams help to slow the flow of water on damaged peatlands. Photo Credit: Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, says: “We’re delighted funding raised by our players is helping The Wildlife Trusts restore habitats across the country that play a key role in accumulating and storing carbon. By helping nature thrive, these ambitious projects offer solutions to the challenges we face from climate change so these landscapes and the wildlife there can be enjoyed by future generations.

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

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 79

BLACKPOOL By Megha Seth

Located on the coast of the Irish Sea, Blackpool is a beautiful Victorian seaside town situated in Lancashire. Synonymous with family holidays and fun getaways, this place became a thriving tourism hub in the mid-1800s.

t was transformed from a minor coastal town into a thriving resort town for elite visitors with the introduction of railways and the famous piers that stand strong even today. The town has seen an increase in visitors ever since its additions of various landmarks, amusement parks, fun activities and of course, the timeless beauty and serenity of the sea. Millions of holidaymakers plan their holidays in Blackpool and not without a good reason!

PLACES TO VISIT IN BLACKPOOL Blackpool has a number of places and activities to offer that makes it memorable as a holiday destination. Therefore, we have curated a list giving you the absolute Blackpool experience that you would want to take back with you. BLACKPOOL BEACH AND PIERS Places evolve with time. Be it the environment or the culture or a mixture and impact of both. Blackpool Beach was not in the A game for its cleanliness in the last 20th century. But with time, Blackpool Beach’s reputation shot up as it took a delve into receiving its Blue Flag Certification in the last couple of years- Beaches that are spotlessly clean are worthy of this honorary title.

If a day at the beach is your perfect idea of fun, then the Blackpool beach is a view straight out of a storybook. From the beautiful English seaside to donkey rides and ice creams and deckchairs, this is a typical day of letting loose while enjoying yourself to the fullest. From building sandcastles to playing in the sea, this beach is a perfect place for adults as well as children. The sand of the beach is very light in colour and the sea withdraws for hundreds of metres during a low tide. Blackpool Piers have stood the test of time, even before Blackpool transitioned into a coastal resort town. Its three very famous Victorian piers are iconic- The North Pier, The Central Pier, also home to the Big Wheel, a very iconic landmark and the South Pier. The length of the promenade between the North and South Piers is known as the Golden Mile. Each pier is very different from the others and this Golden Mile can be covered within 35 minutes if you plan on taking a long relaxing walk. The view, absolutely tranquil and mesmerizing. BLACKPOOL TOWER The Blackpool Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Britain. It is situated in the heart of Blackpool. This 158-metre beauty takes its inspiration 80

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from the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1894, Blackpool was the tallest man-made structure during its era. The design is striking and the view from the top, breathtaking. Take the lift to the top to catch a glimpse of the expansive Irish Sea. On clear days, Wales in the South and the Lake District is also visible from this tallest observation point in North-western UK. The tower is lit up by 25,000 LED lights at night. Sometimes, the lights are changed to particular colours to show solidarity for a good or grave cause. The main attractions of this tower are the Blackpool Circus that has never missed a season and runs from late March to November, the gorgeous Tower Ballroom, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, the Blackpool Tower Eye and the Fifth Floor. WINTER GARDENS If you’re a lover of fine arts and most certainly, the finer things in life then Winter Gardens is your place to be. Inaugurated in 1878, this place is a colossal entertainment centre. It houses the Opera House that has a capacity of 3000 heads and is considered one of the largest theatres in the UK. Winter Gardens also houses the Empress Ballroom, a huge concert venue as www.lancmag.com

well as the venue for conferences held by the main UK political parties. There are numerous auditoriums and halls at Winter Gardens, here, we are mainly listing the prominent ones. The ground floor has the largest venues in the complex characterised by an art Deco corridor. Any day of the week is a good time to visit until and unless you are looking for something specific. The dazzling Grade II listed complex hosts concerts, comedy shows, musicals, exhibitions, etc. all year round. The cherry on the cake is its aesthetic glory that has been further accentuated by the uncovering of the original plasterwork by the film set designer Andrew Mazzei, restored after refurbishment. BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH Blackpool Pleasure Beach has everything that you need to be in the top 20 most popular theme parks in the world. Since its inception in 1896, the ownership of this lively place has not changed hands and is being run by the Thompson family. Taking pride in having the maximum number of roller coasters in the country, this place is known to break European and world records. Are you someone who craves adrenaline? This place can be your ideal dreamland as you seek thrill on

of its first generation of tramways, this is also one of the oldest tram systems in the world. Enjoy a joyride with your family as you enjoy the heritage. HOME AWAY FROM HOME If you’re traveling with family for a fun and relaxing getaway, choosing the perfect place to stay becomes one of the top priorities. Blackpool has fine properties that live up to the fame of the beach resort town. When you want to soak in luxury at a seafront property, Boulevard Hotel becomes the first option for most of the travellers. Their outstanding swanky rooms, convenient location in the heart of the city and great in-house services definitely makes it a trip worth remembering. When you’re looking for something more budget friendly, Harleys Reads Avenue is the perfect place in town. Again, with an amazing location, wonderful cosy rooms and amazing hosts, this bed and breakfast will definitely give you that warm and welcoming stay that one looks forward to.

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Infusion, which is the only roller coaster in the UK that is completely suspended over water. While the amusement park also houses the oldest inverting steel roller coaster in Europe- Revolution. People who love taking a ride down memory lane can also check out the Big Dipper dating back to 1923, which is one of the four wooden roller coasters in the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. BLACKPOOL PROMENADE A day at the Blackpool Promenade should have you covered when it comes to touristing all the major attractions. One of the highlights of this promenade is the Comedy Carpet which is a unique installation featuring jokes, lyrics and catchphrases of all comedians around the world. It is a 2200 metre square art piece made up of thousands of granite letters embedded in concrete. The very renowned Madame Tussauds has a branch in Blackpool. This very famous gallery with lifelike waxworks of mostly British stars has always been a tourist attraction. You can also visit Sealife to have a wonderful time with your family marvelling at the beautiful marine creatures. The Blackpool tramway is the anchor of the promenade since 1885. UK’s last and rarest

TEASE YOUR TASTE BUDS Exploring cuisines and eateries is a quick way of learning so much about the place that you visit, more so when it comes to trying out delicacies that is unique to the place in terms of taste and culture. The Bank Bar & Grill is known for their top notch food, service and drinks. From amazing grilled bass, ribs, their amazing signature burger to vegan friendly options, not forgetting the palatable sinful deserts and lovely cocktails and drinks to wash it down with. This place is perfect to spend a lovely evening treating your tastebuds. Visiting a beach resort town and not trying out their sea food is a mistake hat gluttons cannot afford to make. Yorkshire Fisheries serve the best traditional British food and fast food, their specialty being the good ol’ fish and chips, with hundreds of testimonials to keep their business at the top of the food game. Blackpool is that perfect destination for the fun laden beach holiday that you’ve been looking forward to all year round. From amazing tourist attractions to endless activities, there will never be a dull moment when you head to this beautiful Victorian coastal town! LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 81

Recognition for Wigan Beauty Spot There is a natural heart beating in Wigan, and soon the flashes and its neighbouring beauty spots could get some well-deserved recognition according to the Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Becky Royce and Alan Wright. heron family, their superb camouflage makes them really elusive in the vast reed beds of Scotsman’s Flash. Made up of a variety of habitats, Wigan Flashes contains clusters of Sites of Special Scientific Interests (SSSIs) and Local Nature Reserves (LNRs). On the doorstep of hundreds of thousands of people, the Wigan Flashes is a wildlife haven for those bitterns, willow tits and orchids. The rarest of these plants is the greenwinged orchid which can be found in some of 60 hectares of species-rich grassland that has been created by the Wildlife Trust and Wigan Council. The pinky-purple flowers have a green vein, giving them that green-winged name.

n Wigan, we have always realised we have something special down at the Flashes, just outside the busy town centre. This is former coal-mining territory and some, in the South, still regard our town as pit shafts and coalstained mining communities.

Photo: Willow tit feeding young by Peter Smith (2)

been visitors to Wigan Flashes for some years now and, we believe, they bred for the first time in 2019. A member of the

Yet, 10 minutes’ walk from the shops and businesses of Wallgate, Nature has reclaimed slag heaps and collapsed mine shafts, replacing them with greenery and some rare wild plants and creatures.

Of course, The Industrial Revolution and extraction for the coal to fuel it, had a major impact on the environment around Wigan and Leigh, which left much of these areas uninhabitable for most wildlife. 

Photo: Frogs on the flashes by Dave Bennion

Willow tits are the UK’s most endangered small bird, but they have made a home in the woodlands around the waters of the flashes. Some say their awkwardness reflects Wigan nicely, as they insist on nesting in rotten trees about 100 metres apart. The flashes are the centre of a network of willow tit communities that stretches out to Preston and Chorley. Then there is the bittern, the famous booming bird of reed beds. Bittern have

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Now a proposal for a National Nature Reserve is planned to keep this natural improvement moving forward. A National Nature Reserve for Wigan and Leigh, I have been told that it could be named the Wigan NNR, try telling the people of Leigh! Wigan Flashes will just be part of this, along with Amberswood Common, Low Hall, Bryn Marsh and Ince Moss, Bickershaw Country Park, Pennington Flash, Abram Flash, Viridor Wood and Three Sisters, all are important green areas and many have been designated as SSSI, SBI or Local Nature Reserves. The plan is to join them together under the National Nature Reserve with the key being the urban nature of the sites on restored coalfields. The key bird species will be willow tit, bittern, gadwall, jack snipe and water rail, all have more than five per cent of the UK population living in this new NNR. And then there are the important and rare plants like the dune helleborine and the marsh orchid. Thanks to the Wigan Council and organisations like the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and their volunteers, lots of these areas have been brought back to life. With green spaces being so important not only for wildlife but for the people who visit them, it is imperative that these places are protected so they can continue to thrive in the future.

The Carbon Landscape Partnership led the development of this project in conjunction with Wigan Borough Council, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Greater Manchester Ecology Unit and The University of Manchester. It will engage with the local community and wildlife groups “to develop an evidence-based long-term vision and potential management plan.” In other words, it will continue the superb restoration and enhancement work that has been going on for decades. The Lancashire Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Tom Burditt said: “This

Photo: 10 Autumn fly agaric at Wigan Flashes by Alan Wright

Photo: Bittern spotted at Brockholes by Darin Smith

place really does encapsulate so much of what we do when we are at our best: vision, hard work, partnership working, creativity, community engagement, with a really diverse range of audiences, science and monitoring, to create an incredible (and very large) interconnected resource that is thriving with people and with wildlife, both reclaiming the black dust of the cradle of the industrial revolution. “I can see why Natural England are so keen for National Nature Reserve Status.” There is no doubt that the work we have done, with our partners and many volunteers, has been welcomed by the wildlife, which flourishes within the boundaries of the new National Nature Reserve. Working with the council and others on the Great Manchester Wetlands Partnership, it has been a blueprint that other areas of the UK should follow. And it will finally give Wigan the national recognition it deserves. If you haven’t been I suggest you pop in and enjoy Nature’s return.  To keep up to date on how the proposed National Nature Reserve is going keep an eye on the news sections at www.carbonlandscape.org.uk

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

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LEVELLING UP THE NORTH

SELRAP in the Final Push on their Important Rail Campaign SELRAP, the action group campaigning to reinstate just 12 miles of rail track between Colne and Skipton, are building up to a major last push to get the project over the line. A new rail corridor will be transformational - forming the North’s freight trans-Pennine link, supporting the levellingup of the Northern economy.

campaign video has been produced, to illustrate how such a relatively small infrastructure project would be transformational not just for passengers, but creating a highly important freight rail corridor coast to coast, benefitting the new proposed freeports as well as existing businesses. The reinstatement of the track will connect the Airedale line, a modern and fast train service running from 88

Leeds, into East Lancashire. Two trains will be scheduled per hour, with a new station built at Earby and a replacement station built in Colne. This will bring the ColneLeeds journey time down to just 50 minutes, with significant benefits for students, commuting, leisure and tourism opportunities in East Lancs and the Yorkshire Dales. Freight is another significant benefit the project will bring to the region. Additional freight trains on this route will make this a strategic freight rail corridor from coast to coast, connecting Hull with Liverpool and routes inbetween. This will significantly reduce congestion pressure on the M62, and will have a great benefit on the environment. This project will also open up other future projects, such as the building of a strategically placed freight terminal at Huncoat. High profile supporters have lent their voice to the campaign, including the Chamber of

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Commerce, Skipton Building Society, Drax Power Station, Leeds City Council, and MPs along the route corridor. The campaign has also been mentioned in Parliament, most noticeably this week by MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, Sara Britcliffe. Peter Bryson, Chairman of SELRAP, said: “We’ve had so much support from leading figures already on our project, and 2021 is the year we will get this over the line and secure the funding. We hope people will understand more now about why this project is so important for the whole of the North, and will really get behind us and show support!” You can find out more and show your support by sharing the video on Facebook at: facebook.com/ reopenskiptontocolne and reading more on the SELRAP website here: www.selrap.org.uk and also watch the campaign video on the YouTube channel: Skipton and East Lancs Rail Action Partnership. www.lancmag.com

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LIVERPOOL By Megha Seth

Located in north-west England, Liverpool is a port city and the hub of the metropolitan county of Merseyside, which lies within Lancashire’s historic county boundaries. HISTORY OF LIVERPOOL Historically, the first mention of Liverpool was recorded as early as 1190 as ‘Liuerpul’. It originates from the Old English word ‘lifer’, meaning thick, muddy water, and ‘pōl ‘, which means a pool or creek – a bit dismal! Over time, many other spellings of the name emerged, including ‘Leuerepul’, ‘Lyuerpole’, ‘Lytherpole’, ‘Litherpool’ and finally, ‘Liverpool’. This is possibly a reference to the Pool, the inlet flowing through Whitechapel and Paradise Street, which today is part of the river Mersey. The ‘liver’ element is more controversial as some historians refer to the weeds growing along the stream as “livered,” or slow flowing water. According to other interpretations, this would be a sign of the mythical liverbird or a similar bird that adores water.

Following a few years, Liverpool Castle was completed in 1235. On the aptly named Castle Street, the building once stood on the site where the Victoria monument now stands. It was removed in 1726. In medieval times, the town had a slow growth rate, with a population of only 500 at the middle of the 16th century. The city would remain relatively small and unimportant until the early 1800s, when the transatlantic trade would bring Liverpool to prominence. In the following years, the port of Liverpool became the second most important port in Britain as a result of profitable trade with the Americas and the West Indies. A wet dock was built on the river Mersey in Liverpool in 1715, the first ever commercial one. Four additional docks were built along the Mersey by the end of the century, making the port surpass London itself. By the beginning of the nineteenth century, Liverpool handled 40% of the world’s trade, and the city’s wealth was reflected in the construction of many major buildings. During the Great Famine of the 1840s, the Irish began arriving by the thousands by the hundreds of thousands, causing the population to climb rapidly.

It wasn’t until 1207 that King John of England gave a charter to establish a new town – ‘Livpul’.

Liverpool became a magnet for emigrants throughout Europe as early as the 20th century. Liverpool was hit by 80 air raids during the Blitz in WWII, destroying homes and killing more than 2,700 people. The decline of manufacturing at the Liverpool docks caused people to struggle after the war. For the people of Liverpool, music became an escape during that time. In 1960, Liverpool became home to one of the world’s most famous bands, The Beatles. Youth culture flourished in Liverpool at the time. Nevertheless, the city has been declining economically since the 1950s, when numerous employers left and from the 1970s onward, Liverpool’s docks and traditional manufacturing industries began to decline significantly. During the early 1980s, Liverpool’s unemployment rate was one of the highest in the country. Liverpool was undergoing regeneration at the end of the 20th century, which is still underway today, with the city receiving the accolade of European Capital of Culture in 2008.

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SPORTS IN LIVERPOOL Liverpool has two Premier League football clubs: Everton F.C. at Goodison Park and Liverpool F.C. at Anfield. Premier League is the highest tier of English football. Wirral’s Tranmere Rovers play in League One, third highest tier of English football at Prenton Park in Birkenhead. Liverpool FC is the most successful English Club in history with 6 European Cups, an English club record, 3 UEFA Cups/Europa Leagues, 4 UEFA Super Cups, 19 League titles (Including 1 Premier League), 7 FA Cups, 8 EFL Cupsanother English record and 1 FIFA Club World Cup title. People from all around the world support Liverpool FC and therefore the Anfield Stadium is a huge tourist attraction as well. England’s Golf Coast is also located in Liverpool, an area of stunning championship golf with no fewer than three Royal Links courses that have hosted countless Open Championships and Ryder Cups. Among them are Royal Birkdale in Southport, Royal Liverpool at Hoylake, and Wallasey Golf Club in Wirral, the home of Stableford. In the adjacent Sefton borough of the city of Liverpool, Aintree

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Racecourse hosts the famous steeplechase, the Grand National. This is one of the most prestigious events on the international horse racing calendar, and it takes place during the first week of April every year. The racecourse has also hosted motor races in the past, including the British Grand Prix in the 1950s and 1960s. A number of top rugby teams are also close by in Liverpool, including St Helens (Saints) - the most successful Rugby League team of the Super League era. In the city, rugby is played at amateur and student levels. Liverpool City, which folded in the 1960s, was the last professional team bearing the city’s name. Liverpool Harriers, which meet at Wavertree Athletics Centre, is one of five athletic clubs in Liverpool. The city of Liverpool has been a home to many high-level amateur boxing events and has produced boxers like John Conteh, Alan Rudkin and Paul Hodkinson. The Park Road Gymnastics Centre provides training of the highest calibre. For eight of the past eleven years, the City of Liverpool Swimming Club has been the champion in the National Speedo League.

the Red Triangle Karate Club, which has its headquarters in Liverpool. A few of the most prominent instructors are Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda, Sensei Frank Brennan, Sensei Andy Sherry and Sensei Terry O’Neill, who is also famous for his acting roles. With a multitude of watersports centres in the city region, including Liverpool Watersports Centre and Wirral Sailing Centre, the city is the perfect place to try out watersports. THINGS TO DO IN LIVERPOOL Music, theatre, and performing arts abound in Liverpool, a city internationally known as a cultural destination. The city is the birthplace of the famous rock group The Beatles and the musical style Merseybeat. Liverpool has a number of museums and galleries across the City Region. Whatever interests you, whether it is the sea, the world, art, or even a deep dive into Liverpool’s history, you might find it at the Maritime Museum, World Museum, Lady Lever Art Gallery, or the Museum of Liverpool. A number of music venues are spread throughout the city.

One of the largest tennis development programmes in the UK is based at Wavertree Tennis Centre in Liverpool. A significant number of the 1990 squad that won the World Shotokan Championships in Sunderland came from

A variety of venues include the historic Cavern Club and the modern Invisible Wind Factory. The city of Liverpool is home to legendary nightclub Cream, where house music began and now thrives.

Many excellent restaurants and bars can be found in Liverpool’s food and drink scene. The Liverpool Waterfront hosts the Bordeaux Wine Festival every year, while Duke Street Market is home to some of the best small plate restaurants throughout the year. In a truly international city, food will reflect that - from the Italian Club Fish to Sanskruti’s Vegan Curries. You’ll find a haven of eateries along Bold Street, which is home to the first ever Mowgli and features Mexican, Greek, Lebanese, Turkish, American, British, and many more cuisines.

Henri, McGough, and Brian Patten, have been sold since it was published in 1967.

The Liverpool Biennial is an arts event held (two times a year) in Liverpool. From late September to November, the festival is divided into three main sections: International, Independents, and New Contemporaries, with many fringe events coordinated to coincide. A naked woman’s pubic area was featured on the main shopping street of the city during this event in 2004 that caused widespread public protest. Although protests were made, the work continued to be displayed. Liverpool also became well known for its poets during the late 1960s, including Roger McGough and the late Adrian Henri. Over 500,000 copies of The Mersey Sound, edited by

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FAMOUS PEOPLE OF LIVERPOOL Some of the famous people from Liverpool other than the Beatles are Jodie Comer, a well-known actress, Melanie C – aka Sporty Spice – who is, of course, one fifth of the Spice Girls, Kim Catrall of Sex and the city fame, Daniel Craig, actor most famous for the portrayal of James Bond, Steven Gerrard, Rangers F.C. Manager, Former Liverpool F.C. & England National Team captain. Known for its culture, sports, and The Beatles, Liverpool offers something for every group. Everyone will enjoy a stroll along the waterfront. You can spend a day visiting Anfield, home of Liverpool Football Club, or play a round on one of the region’s championship golf courses. The Liverpool ONE shopping district is a shoppers’ paradise. Liverpool is the ideal day trip from London, as well as a good starting point to explore the whole of North West England and North Wales.

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Record Number of Wildlife Observations in The Baltic Triangle Bees, daisies and herring gulls and much rarer species have been recorded as part of a project to assess populations of urban wildlife in Merseyside.

isitors and volunteers shared more than 800 observations using the iNaturalist app as part of the Baltic Triangle Project, which began this year. Before the wildlife recording project, relatively little was known about urban wildlife in the area. Now, thanks to the efforts of local wildlife lovers, community groups and visitors to the area, more than 270 different species have been recorded in the Baltic Triangle, covering 13 different groups of plant, animal and fungi. Species common to the area, like buddleja, daisy and herring gull, have been found in large numbers. However, several species uploaded to the iNaturalist app for identification are new to the wildlife list of the Baltic Triangle and surrounding area. These include the tree bumblebee, as well as species new to the county such as the mildew, erysiphe rayssiae, and lichen, pleurosticta acetabulum.

The project wants to encourage everyone to share their wildlife sightings using the free app. iNaturalist is a nature identification website that allows anyone to upload pictures of animals and plants to be identified by other website users. The more people using iNaturalist; the more species could be discovered in Liverpool. Ben Deed is the BioBank Officer for Merseyside BioBank: “Reporting sightings of wildlife or recording wildlife are two of the most rewarding, and at the same time useful contributions anyone can make to help protect nature now and into the future. The very act of exploring the natural environment, looking for wildlife, means that you are outdoors and experiencing the kinds of things that people would normally just walk on past. By stopping to look, you learn to tell those things apart in a way that genuinely opens your eyes to the incredible range of wildlife that still finds a home in even the most urban centres of our cities.

Photo: Herring gull by Amy Lewis

“Projects like Urban GreenUP in Liverpool offer really special opportunities for people who take the time to stop and look for nature.

Photo: Buff-tailed BumbleBee ©Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography

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As Green Interventions are put in place throughout the city, oases are being created for wildlife and no-one really knows how these places will be used or what species of plant and animal might colonise them. The route through the Baltic Triangle in particular provides a corridor through which wildlife like pollinators, bats and birds might travel, bringing in the kinds of things you might only see in the outer city parks. There is no doubt that there is so much still to discover in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle and much, much more in the coming years.” The Wildlife Trust has led six wildlife recording walks over the past month in conjunction with the Urban GreenUP project. These events focused on a variety of the green intervention sites of the project, including the living green wall on Parr Street and floating ecosystem at Wapping Dock. Attendees walked the Baltic Triangle’s green route, visiting the ten pollinator pillars that are being installed there using lamp posts as a framework on which to grow plants. Each pillar features a solar-powered irrigation system that minimises water loss and a bird box to increase the nesting spaces for wildlife. Three different types of pillar have been planted in Liverpool: biodiversity, flowering and pollution. Their environmental benefits include improving biodiversity and mitigating air pollution, as well as increasing the inclusion of attractive foliage and colour in the urban landscape.

Other green interventions due to appear across the Baltic Triangle over the next 12 months include wildflower pollinator spaces for different city habitats and the replacement of concrete bollards with trees in containers. Along St James Street, work has begun to create a woodland pollinator space that will include bulbs and plants native to the area, as well as a walkway of reclaimed cobbles. The contractors have used flamethrowers to clear the grass as a trial form of clearance, as this is better for nesting bees and the ground than the use of chemicals. Bumblebees and other insect pollinators are increasingly under threat in the UK. The European Red List for Bees reports that almost one in ten species of wild bee face extinction and the State of Nature Report indicates that half of bee, butterfly and moth species have declined over the past 50 years. It is hoped that the addition of wildflower pollinator spaces and pollinator poles will provide some additional support for pollinators in the city centre.

doing so create insect flight paths into urban city areas. “The smart pillar planting can be customised to help improve local air quality, introduce nectar sources, or just provide street colour and interest. They can also host insect homes and bird boxes as well as linking up green spaces and providing colourful signposting along our emerging green city corridors.” The Urban GreenUP project is funded by the EU 2020 Horizon Programme. Ten pollinator pillars are being installed across the city as part of the Urban GreenUP project. Photo: Caroline Rothschild

Dr Juliet Staples, the Senior Conservation Officer for Liverpool City Council: “In Liverpool, like many cities, it’s not always easy to find available horizontal space for wildflower or pollinator planting. Trialling the smart pillars (with solar powered irrigation) on street lamp posts allows us to introduce vertical spaces and ‘stepping stones’ for pollinator planting and in

Anyone can upload their sightings of wildlife using iNaturalist – you just need to take a photo. Photo: Charlotte Valera

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

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Are There Carnivores in Lancashire? Lancashire’s peatlands are home to a myriad of amazing plants and animals, including the weird and wonderful carnivorous sundew. Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Jenny Bennion explores their amazing world. When you think of carnivorous plants you may think of exotic species such as the Venus fly trap of subtropical America, and the pitcher plants of southeast Asia. But would you expect to find such weird and wonderful plants in Lancashire?

Photo: Great Sundew with prey. Photo Credit: Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Well look no further than some of our region’s peatlands and you might just be lucky enough to find a tiny, jewel bright, plant with a gruesome eating habit – the sundew. Sundews are one of 13 species of carnivorous plants that are native to the UK and have evolved to get their nutrition from passing insects rather than the soil, like many other plants do. Peatlands are naturally acidic and low in nutrients, so the sundews have had to adapt to survive. There are actually three species of sundews found in our area; round-leaved sundew, oblong-leaved sundew and great sundew, the main difference being the size and shape of their leaves, but they all catch their prey in the same way. Sundew leaves are crowned by a series of tendrils, each tipped with what looks like a glistening droplet of dew (hence their name). However, this ‘dew’ is actually a sticky substance that traps insects, holding them in place until the leaf curls up around them, where enzymes then break the insect down into a kind of insect soup which is then digested by the plant. Sundews also produce clusters of beautiful white flowers, many of which have the ability to self-pollinate, removing the need for insects to come along and pollinate them between different plants – also leaving more insects for them to devour! Once the flowers have been pollinated the plant will then set seed, which in turn drop to the ground and produce new plants. Throughout the year’s sundews have cemented their place in folklore –

unsurprising really when you think what glorious oddities they are! It was once believed that if you put a sundew unnoticed into someone’s clothing it would act as a love potion. Alternatively, it was thought that mixing the juice of a sundew with milk would remove freckles or sunburn, or even provide a cure for old age. So far we’ve not seen any evidence for any of these whilst out tending this wonderful little plants on any of our peatland nature reserves, but we’re always hopeful! Sundews are just one of the truly amazing species that we find on our peatlands. Often overlooked as waste or desolate land, peatlands are in fact wet and boggy superhero habitats. They are a vital biodiversity booster being home to lots of species that you simply don’t find anywhere else. Heathers can turn peatlands purple in high summer, whilst cotton grasses carpet our peatlands with their fluffy white seed heads in late spring, and a wealth of invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and mammals call them home. But not only that, our peatlands have a vital role to play in fighting climate change. A healthy peatland is able to

absorb carbon from the atmosphere locking it away in its peaty soils for millennia. However as soon as a peatland is drained or degraded this carbon is released then contributing to the climate emergency. And there’s more, healthy peatlands can absorb rainfall releasing it slowly downstream providing natural flood mitigation, and they even filter our drinking water. But again, as soon as they are damaged they lose this function and can actually contribute to the problem. We have lost 98 per cent of the lowland peatlands in our region, and 80 per cent of UK peatlands are damaged, so these amazing habitats need our help. You can campaign to stop the burning of our upland peatlands, but one of the simplest steps that we can all take right now is to go peat-free in our gardens. Unless that bag of compost that you pick up from the garden centre has ‘peat-free’ splashed all over it then up to 100 per cent of its contents will be made up of peat that has been dug out of a precious peatland that has been destroyed specifically for that purpose. So please, go peat-free today and help to save our sundews.

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

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comfort as clients waited for and received treatments. The Salon was ready to open for business as soon as lockdown lifted.

fter 14 years in the pharmaceutical industry Louise was ready for a change in profession and qualified as a nail technician. She embarked on her new venture providing a mobile nail service to a range of clientele in her local area. The business was doing well but the UK heading into the first lockdown presented further change for Louise, she was no longer able to visit her clients homes to deliver treatment and so instead she pursued her dream with more determination than ever as she established her own salon in the heart of Lytham St. Annes.

As the different waves of Lockdowns lifted Law of Attraction started to welcome clients through the door, increasing their client base and adding new members to the team. Their quality and skill meant the salon soon became successful, they were operating appointment only treatments due to the high demand and they were obtaining lots of good reviews. As lockdowns are easing further, they are looking to continue expanding the team and client base to offer more treatments in their salon.

After finding the perfect location the duration of lockdown provided Louise with an opportunity to renovate the building into her stylish yet classy salon where she could offer a multitude of different treatments. She added modern yet elegant furnishings and installed the most reliable equipment. What once was an empty shell had transformed in a luxury salon that provided quality and

Their town centre salon hosts their team currently consisting of 5 experts in their given fields, with an aesthetic technician specialising in Botox and filler as well as their incredible team of beauticians providing treatments such as waxing and acrylic nails, their collective experience spanning 25 years is evident in the quality of the treatment that is provided.

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THEIR ARRAY OF TREATMENTS INCLUDE: NAILS - Their range of services and styles include gel polish, acrylic overlay and extensions providing a smart and sophisticated style. Add a dash of glitter for the Christmas party or relax with a luxury pedicure. BROWS - The vast array of brow treatments are all provided by experienced technicians. The treatments include lamination to correct the shape of eyebrows, precision brows for the highly defined look or microblading to ensure the perfect shape and colour. Each one of these services is personalised to the client to ensure it is the correct shape and colour for them to create their ideal brows. LASHES - Looking for fuller, thicker lashes? Law of Attraction are offering Lash tints to make your lashes more defined. They also offer the LVL treatment that lifts and tints the lashes for a thicker, fuller look.

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WAXING - Feel confident with your smooth and beautiful skin after one of the facial hair waxing treatments, available for lip, chin and nose. OTHER AESTHETIC TREATMENTS INCLUDE Filler, Botox, vitamin injections and Profhilo provided by their own fully trained and experienced expert. Book an appointment to avoid disappointment by visiting their Instagram/Facebook page by selecting your treatment, time and technician. If you were happy with your last appointment you can repeat your previous sessions ensuring the same treatment and the same professional. Alternatively, you can call: 01253 735124 THEIR SALON CAN BE FOUND AT: 9a Park Street, Lytham St. Annes, FY8 5LU.

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Grizedale Revealed as the Location for Major New Sky Arts Series, Landmark By Forestry England

Above: Saad Qureshi, Flight Grizedale

Above: Sadie Clayton, Home of the Rose Grizedale

Above: Steven Anwar, Only Breath Grizedale

It seems quite apt that Grizedale, the UK’s first forest for sculpture, should have been selected as the location to launch Sky Arts’ bold new series Landmark. Since 1977 leading international artists have created sculptures at and for Grizedale Forest and now the forest welcomes three artists who are competing against each other to create local landmarks for their home region.

so we can expect three very different outcomes. Will Sadie Clayton with her fashion background and expertise with copper create a sculpture to rival established artist Saad Qureshi? Or will relative newcomer Steve Anwar’s deep-rooted connection to Sheffield win over the judges?

‘We were very excited when Sky Arts contacted us with their proposal for a new arts programme about public sculpture featuring such a strong line up of artists and designers and delighted to hear that Grizedale would be the launch location for the public to see the works created in the North of England heat. We were pleased to be able to support the artist’s and production company in finding appropriate locations for their pieces within this working forest. The pieces add to the 50 plus sculptures currently in the forest sculpture collection which is sited over 24km2 of forest managed by Forestry England.’

he first episode brings together Northern artists Sadie Clayton, Saad Qureshi, and sapien studio (Steve Anwar). They will build, weld and sculpt under the watchful eyes of two expert judges: Clare Lilley, curator and Director of Programme at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and artist Hetain Patel; and a celebrity guest judge representing their region – Mark Radcliffe, one of national radio’s most respected and distinctive voices for over two decades is guest judge for the North England heat. Each artist brings very different skills to the North of England heat,

Landmark delves into the purpose and power of public art and forms Sky Arts’ mission to create the UK’s next major landmark. Sky Arts will invest £700,000 in public art over the course of the series, with £250,000 dedicated to the final piece. This covers materials, artist fees and maintaining the regional and national landmarks for years to come. At the end of each heat, the landmarks will be unveiled to the local community, who will join the judges to deliberate on which piece best sums up their area. The winning artist will gain a coveted place in the final where they will pitch for a national landmark which one of them will be commissioned to create. The final landmark will be on display in Coventry, UK City of Culture for 2021. Hazel Stone, Arts Development Manager, Forestry England said:

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The whole experience was very positive, meeting the artists, supporting the production team, bringing new work to the forest and then having to keep it all secret - it’s a relief to be able to finally share the news.’ The work by Sadie Clayton, Saad Qureshi, and Steve Anwar will be on display at Grizedale for a period after all the shows have been aired – the schedule will be announced after the final show – but there will be plenty of time for people to come and see them.

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New Vicar at Lancaster Makes History

The new vicar at Lancaster’s oldest church is making her own mark in the history of the parish and the city.

hen Canon Leah Vasey-Saunders is inducted at Lancaster Priory on September 8, she will be the first female Vicar of Lancaster.

Leah is joined by her husband of 20 years, Dr Rev Mark Vasey-Saunders, an academic tutor at St Hild Theological College in Yorkshire; and their children: Reuben, aged 17, a student at Chetham’s School of Music; Jude,16; Elias,14; and Miriam,11, who will attend Ripley St Thomas CE High School. “Lancaster is beautiful and reminds me of places we’ve lived before. It’s a wonderful place with heritage, culture and arts opportunities,“ said Leah. “ Lancaster feels like a place that has legs, it’s going somewhere. The parish is interesting because it’s in the city centre, part of a heritage site, as well as including the Marsh estate and new housing. It’s got opportunities from every possible perspective and I anticipate it will draw on my experiences of past parishes and cathedral.” Leah will lead worship at many civic occasions in Lancaster and at regular services but such demands don’t faze the former Canon Precentor at Wakefield Cathedral where she organised arts and cultural events. Music was Leah’s first love as a child born in Grimsby where she joined the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Youth Orchestra.

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The family moved to Saudi Arabia for a couple of years with her dad’s work, an important experience in Leah’s faith journey. But it wasn’t until Leah joined the church choir at Huddersfield University where she studied music, that she first contemplated a church career. And even when a fellow bellringer suggested Leah could be a priest, it took time for her to come to that conclusion. “I was from a working class background and not sure if I’d fit in so I took two gap years to explore what it was like to work in the church.” Five years of training and studying followed until she was ordained in 2003, aged 25. After curacies in Newcastle, Leah was appointed to parishes in Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire before joining Wakefield Cathedral’s clergy team. Leah’s first challenge at Lancaster Priory will be guiding the parish through its pandemic recovery. During lockdown, Leah’s family led the Church of England’s national virtual service from their lounge. “Everyone I’ve met so far has been really welcoming. I’ll be listening to as many people as possible and I want to go into schools and shops, get to know the Duchy , the Castle and people at Lancaster City Council.” “And I really want people to have fun. Church should be something people treasure and enjoy.” www.lancmag.com

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ASK MILES CONSULT & CONSTRUCT... HOW TO DEAL WITH DODGY BUILDERS! his is now becoming a very common issue within the Construction Industry. I always get calls about contractors not performing and over charging. It can not only disrupt the work, but can be very stressful for individuals having to manage them, to the point it can quite easily take over their life.

Cowboy builders are the bane of the construction industry. There are, on average, at least 100,000 complaints every year about them. They ruin things for perfectly reputable builders, and for all the talk about them, they’re in the minority – it just happens to be a minority that gets a lot of publicity.

All of the above should raise red flags. You can protect yourself by having everything in writing and ask for a guarantee. Check references, talk to the people who’ve had the work done, and look at the work if possible. Ask your family and your friends for recommendations. Get several estimates and remember, cheapest isn’t always a savings.

A cowboy builder keeps finding extra jobs - unexpected problems can happen, that is what contingency budgets are for, but be suspicious if your builder keeps coming to you with extra issues and offers to fix as a favour while they are on site… for a fee. This could not only stretch your patience too far, but your budget, too.

The best thing is to learn to spot the cowboy builders early, so you can turn them away – it saves a lot of trouble later. WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF A “COWBOY” BUILDER?

The first tip-off is if they asked to be paid in cash, or cash-in-hand all with a promise on no VAT to be paid. No legitimate business will work off the books like that.

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If they say a contract isn’t necessary, watch out – it’s vital in a business transaction

Most rogue builders don’t carry insurance, either, which again could work to your detriment if an accident occurred.

Always ask for a written estimate and costings for the job, as well as a time frame for each stage of the work? A proper tradesman would, quite gladly.

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Where they do offer a quote, it could be unusually low, and they might offer to begin work immediately.

Do they have references? Do they have premises and a landline number, or simply a van and a mobile?

Is there timekeeping poor? It is not unusual for builders to juggle multiple jobs, but if your hired professional is disappearing for hours or days at a time – saying they’re going to be a few minutes and then don’t turn up until lunchtime, or they are constantly knocking off early – be wary. Question whether this is the start of a pattern that ends in them never turning up again and your new extension left only half-done.

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...A DEDICATED COLUMN

FOR ALL YOU DIY LOVERS AND PROFESSIONALS

WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION

AND DESIGN INDUSTRY

Cowboy builders can ruin a house extension or renovation project, making a large project with a large budget even more expensive. Of course, finding a reliable builder is key to your home project running smoothly and to achieving a result that reflects what you wanted and that will last. GATHER YOUR EVIDENCE

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Before taking any steps with the trader, you want to be clear on what exactly the problem is, and where you stand. It’s a good idea to gather receipts and any paperwork related to the job.

Supplement this with notes about what exactly has happened. It’s helpful to note dates and times to strengthen your case.

Take photos of any shoddy work too. With all the evidence at your fingertips, you’ll be in a good place if you need to take the complaint further.

The next step is to explain the situation to the trader. Even though you may not be happy, it’s important to remain professional.

If you call the trader, it’s good to send a letter or email afterwards so you’ve got a paper trail. In the message, confirm the problem, what you all agreed, and what the trader should do about it, and by when. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM You need to know your rights and any defective or poor workmanship can be fixed. Any work that has begun after the 1 October 2015, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 should have your back. If the builder refuses to put the job right, then you can contact the Trading Standards. • This is a regulatory body and will guide you on the correct steps you should take. • Trading Standards runs a Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, which keeps a list of trusted traders committed to providing the best service to customers. • The Schemes includes a dispute resolution service should you have problems with builders who are signed up to this scheme. • They may even recommend you contact the Citizens Advice Bureau on 0808 223 1133 • If all else fails, then you can take the matter to a small claims court, which is a relatively simple process, where you can claim up to £10,000 compensation from a company or individual. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OR SEND AN EMAIL TO: E N N D

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

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

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The ArtHouse Gallery SCA / ArtHouse, 65 Eastbank Street, Southport PR8 1EJ

Man’s Best Friend Becomes A Work Of Art.

arlier this year, Ainsdale portrait artist, Neil Prior, has been whetting the discerning local art aficionados’ appetite with his 2nd one-man show at The ArtHouse Gallery in Southport. Originally from Christchurch in Dorset, Neil recently moved into the area with his wife, Martha and their two Bedlington Terriers, Bruce and Herbert, who equally stepped into the limelight by making local news in 2019 due to eating palm oil that had washed up on Ainsdale Beach from the Maltese ship, Kimya, that capsized nearly 30 years ago after storms dislodged its toxic cargo. Having retired from full service as a police officer with the Leicestershire constabulary in 2018, Neil has now finally swapped his truncheon for his paintbrush, and switched his life-long love of oil painting into a professional business as a full-time Dog Portrait artist. Unbelievably, Neil only began painting in 2008 following a oneday workshop on ‘How to Paint like Bob Ross’ facilitated by Jayne Goode using the wet-on-wet technique. He followed this up with a weekend course with professional artist Mike Skidmore on Fine Art technique. During the next decade, 104

Neil developed his own signature portraiture style and techniques with oils, resulting in two solo exhibitions in 2017 and 2018 back in Hinckley, Leicestershire. His life-like portrait of ‘Kinta the Tiger’, which is currently on display at The Barrel House in Birkdale Village, admirably shows his impressive skill in articulating the animal form in oils. “During my first solo exhibition in June 2017, I completed the portrait of the Malaysian Tiger and entitled it KINTA, which was an anagram of the exhibition venue (ATKIN’S BUILDING) and just happened to be the name of the river that runs through Malaysia where these beautiful animals are from.” Neil always enjoys pushing his painting skills to the limit to achieve as realistic an interpretation to as possible. He invariably begins by painting the eyes of his subject believing that this then aids him building up and completing a more realistic representation: “I believe painting the eyes early on gives me a better understanding and feeling of the subject, almost an empathy with the animal.“ Neil and Martha’s longstanding devotion to all things canine also took another turn earlier this year, when they opened Southport’s own ‘Pooch Perfect’ grooming parlour in the town.

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“During lockdown we found a premises (a previous sandwich bar on Shakespeare Street) that we set about turning in to a Dog Grooming Salon (‘Martha’s Groomies’). We designed, refurbished and kitted it out with all the essential dog grooming facilities. It has been up and running since the February, as the then Covid restrictions permitted dogs with welfare issues.” Neil explains how the salon has taken off since opening in February 2021: “As the pandemic came upon us, both of us made the decision for Martha to up her grooming qualification to enable her to groom independently and during lockdown she achieved the level 3 status. Martha started working from home prior to the opening of the salon which now has a doggy client base of 140 plus.” Although Neil doesn’t get involved with the grooming, in between working at his easel he helps out as Martha’s assistant, washing the dogs and sweeping up! A section of the salon is now dedicated to a gallery of Neil’s pet paintings, prints and greeting cards of a number of local dogs that he has captured in oils. Neil’s work is always available to view on Facebook via Neil Prior Artist and he can be contacted for commissions@neilprior.com.

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“COLOUR AND COLLAGE” Amanda Clark-Price Solo Show 28th September – 9th October 2021.

o stranger to the local art scene, mixed media artist, Amanda Clark-Price, will finally be stepping into the spotlight with her first solo exhibition that represents her own work in progress to date. Originally from Liverpool but now living and working in Burscough, Amanda has always been keen to pass her skills onto others at her classes at Southport Contemporary Arts and in on-line workshops. After many years developing artwork in others, Amanda is now really enjoying having the space to focus on producing her own distinctive work for the exhibition. Amanda explains: “I had always produced artwork to support my teaching practice but now have the time to develop work for myself. Most of the work in this exhibition is abstract in nature. I wanted to explore layers, colours and mixing of media. My style of work ranges from abstract, semi-abstract and realism often brightly coloured and layered with collage”. Her toolkit for reinvention is all embracing: “I use drawing, collage, print, acrylic, watercolour, papiermâché, pencil and pen in my mixed media pieces and I also enjoy ‘just’ pencil”. Amanda operates like a prospector seeking out the hidden ‘gold’ in the www.lancmag.com

discarded ephemera of life, attacking each project with the serendipity of the unchartered traveller, with open arms to the consequences: “I do little preparatory work. I start literally with a blank canvas then look for scraps of paper amongst my worryingly large collection of discarded music manuscripts, old maps and books to use as collage. The pieces usually develop organically and seem to grow as I work. I stick things on with tape until I like the composition then glue them down. Next, I sometimes look for words or phrases in the text to outline. Some of them relate to the work or have simply made me smile or captured my imagination. The pieces of maps are usually Lancashire, Sefton and Merseyside with certain places highlighted”. The rhythm of the assembled imagery within her complex compositions runs parallel to her love of music as can be seen in ‘Unfinished Journey’ and her latest composition, ‘Triptych’: “I often break up the spaces with a mixture of curved and straight lines. I often use the treble clef symbol in my work either in collage form or as a motif. It has become my signature calling card”. Colour remains paramount to the development of each artwork: “I take my inspiration from a variety of sources. From the natural world, the changing colours of leaves and sky, rain on metal and painted surfaces. I often aim for contrast of colour and look back to the support of good old colour theory. I work initially with acrylic paint, adding it in washes then more thickly in layers before adding spattered areas of texture. I sometimes add permanent marker to sharpen and highlight shapes or add

drawn detail”. Recently, Amanda joined with the Ainsdale Discovery Centre as part of the national “Back From the Brink” programme with their own “Gems in the Dunes” project along the Sefton coast. “I ran three online workshops during lockdown designed so that people who had little or no art equipment and materials could take part. One was drawing just using pencil and kitchen roll or tissue, another painting with coffee and the last one scribbling with black pen. We had some great results. I supplied images of the dunes at Ainsdale and we completed the work over Zoom.” Amanda’s enthusiasm has also recently been directed at the SCA Young Creatives who rallied to her callout: “I ran weekly sessions during term time for ages 7-15 (pretty much full following current guidelines) and they have just completed a mixed media Cubism project and will be looking next at Frida Kahlo, Dia de Los Muertos and self-image”. This exclusive showing is certainly not one to be missed. Amanda’s distinctive artwork will be on display at the ArtHouse, Eastbank Street from 28th September – 9th October 2021. The gallery is open Tuesday – Friday 10.00-15.00. Saturday 11.00-16.00. In line with current Government guidance, the SCA team have introduced strict measures to keep visitors to the Gallery as safe as possible: There will be a policy of 2 visitors at a time, with social distancing once inside, and hand sanitize dispensers at the door to use on arrival.

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Adding, “Printing, like weaving, has a lot of problem solving and practical considerations, which I have always found satisfying. In parallel with this, I also enjoy the process of developing concepts or ideas, exploring variations and producing work in a series, which printing allows me to do easily.” Kate is using the current exhibition as a chance to take stock of her characteristic artistic style and method: “This exhibition is a chance for me to celebrate how far I have come in my printmaking journey and the work I have produced along the way, while also highlighting my current work, focussed on my immediate environment.”

“FROM THE LAND: A PLACE IN TIME” Kate Tidmarsh Solo Show 2nd – 13th November 2021

ocal experimental collagraphic printmaker, Kate Tidmarsh, will be mounting an exciting new exhibition this month at the ArtHouse Gallery in Eastbank Street. It will provide a much-anticipated opportunity to view Kate’s latest artistic exploitations using her versatile hand printing techniques that includes monoprint, drypoint, lino print and collagraph printing using oil-based inks across a variety of surfaces. Kate explains, “I started my artistic journey many years ago as a freelance woven textile designer, designing and selling to the contract furnishing fabric trade. Now living in West Lancashire, I am at a point in my life when I have more time to devote to what I like doing best - creating images through exploration and experimental printmaking.” 106

Latterly, Kate has been increasingly drawn to documenting the route she takes when pursuing her ideas through a personal cycle of exploration, process and consequence. “I work in equal parts from the distilled memory of a place and in response to the colour and pattern in my immediate environment, producing unique or very small editions of hand pulled prints. I develop what I see through my minds eye - combining my observations with the memory of previous places and journeys. I am very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the country, with access to both the coast and wonderful inland countryside to serve as inspiration.” Undeterred by any technical applications involved, Kate always rises to each new challenge with her customary enthusiasm for the media: “Printing has a lot of problem solving and practical considerations running alongside constructing and creating. I am particularly drawn

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to the experimental (and slightly unpredictable!) aspects of printing, using unusual materials and starting points to develop interpretations of the world around me. I enjoy the process of developing concepts or ideas, exploring variations and producing work in a series, which printing allows me to do easily. Documenting this journey of exploration is an important part of my work.” Because all Kate’s prints are handmade and individually inked there is always an element of surprise when pealing back the plates. “I am most happy combining these technical skills with a ‘what would happen if’ approach, resulting in unique exciting investigations and outcomes. This can include folding, overlays, marbling or collage. Currently I am experimenting with a variety of recycled plate materials (‘Tetra Pak’ packaging), as well as exploring layering of colour with printed acetate collage enclosed in a perspex block. Using these techniques, I aim to capture both what I see and what I remember.” This exclusive showing is certainly not one to be missed. Kate’s distinctive artwork will be on display at the ArtHouse, Eastbank Street from 2nd – 13th November 2021. The gallery is open Tuesday – Friday 10.00-15.00. Saturday 11.00-16.00. In line with current Government guidance, the SCA team have introduced strict measures to keep visitors to the Gallery as safe as possible: There will be a policy of 2 visitors at a time, with social distancing once inside, and hand sanitize dispensers at the door to use on arrival. www.lancmag.com

Now open, 327 Garstang Road We’re delighted to open our North West hub, offering you the advice you need and help ensure your finances are in the best possible place to match your individual circumstances and aspirations and give you complete financial peace of mind.

Whether you’re thinking about planning for retirement, gifting some of your savings for a child/grandchild’s university fees, wedding, or house purchase, or even just wanting to protect your lifestyle from the unexpected, our expert team of advisers can advise you across all the different financial planning.

To speak with one of our advisers, either drop in and visit us at 327 Garstang Road, Fulwood, PR2 9UP, or call us on 01772 787011.

To celebrate our hub opening in Preston, we’re giving one lucky winner the chance to win a luxury Marks & Spencer hamper To enter, all you need to do is answer the following question:

How many advisers do we have at our Tenet&You hub in Preston? P.S. You can find the answer on our website, www.tenetandyou.co.uk/preston. To submit your answer, please visit www.tenetandyou.co.uk/lancashiremagazine. For full terms and conditions, visit/click here www.tenetandyou.co.uk/lancashiremagazineterms.

The value of investments and the income from them may go down. You may not get back the original amount invested.

Understanding Inheritance Tax By Peter Pearson – Independent Financial Adviser, Tenet&You

hese days, you don’t have to be hugely wealthy to be affected by IHT. More people than ever before are calculating the value of their estates and finding they have a greater liability to IHT than they’d first thought. IHT can cost your estate thousands of pounds when you die; however, the good news is that expert financial planning with a Financial Adviser can legitimately mitigate this tax, meaning you can pass on assets to your family as you’d intended. WHAT IS IHT? IHT is a tax payable on money, savings or any other assets you pass on when you die, and potentially on some gifts you make during your lifetime. The amount payable is calculated after debts and funeral expenses have been deducted. WHO PAYS IHT?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) has come under the spotlight over the past few years, due largely to the continued rise in house prices.

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When someone dies, the distribution of their estate will fall to their executors if they’ve made a Will, or their administrators if they die intestate. If the estate is liable for IHT, it is usually payable at 40%. Your executor will be responsible for paying the tax, which can only come from the deceased person’s estate with the prior agreement of HM Revenue & Customs. Once the tax has been paid, then the Grant of Probate can be made, allowing the assets or their proceeds to be distributed to the beneficiaries. 

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WHAT IS THE CURRENT INHERITANCE TAX THRESHOLD?

HOW DOES THE MAIN RESIDENCE NIL-RATE BAND WORK?

The current threshold is £325,000 for an individual and £650,000 for a married couple or civil partners. Any unused portion of the nil-rate band can be passed to the surviving spouse or civil partner on death.

This nil-rate band will apply if you want to pass your main residence to a direct descendant like a child or grandchild (including step, adopted or foster children). It’s important to note that as only direct descendants can benefit, not everyone will be able to rely on it for IHT planning purposes.

If one partner has already died, the survivor’s total allowance could be the full £650,000. In response to the continuing rise in house prices, the government introduced an additional nil rate band when a residence is passed on death to a direct descendant. This was introduced in April 2017.

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The nil-rate band increased to £175,000 from 6/4/20. When added to the existing threshold of £325,000 this could potentially give rise to an overall allowance of £500,000 for those who are single or divorced, or £1m for those who are married or in civil partnerships. However, it’s important to be aware that

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larger estates will find that residence relief is tapered; it will reduce by £1 for every £2 of value for estates valued over £2 million. WHAT IS THE 7-YEAR RULE, AND HOW DOES IT WORK? To reduce the amount of IHT payable, many families consider giving their assets away during their lifetime. These are called ‘potentially exempt transfers’. The catch is that for these gifts not to be counted as part of your estate on your death, you must outlive the gift by 7 years. If you die within 7 years and the gifts are worth more than the nil-rate band, taper relief applies so that if you die say within 6 years, the tax will be less than if you were to die a year after making the gift.

Gifts must be outright, and you can no longer benefit from them. So, if you were to gift your home, but continue to reside there without paying a commercial rent, HMRC would consider this to be a ‘gift with reservation’ and include the value as part of your estate. CAN I MAKE GIFTS THAT ARE AUTOMATICALLY FREE FROM IHT? Yes, you can. Each financial year you can make gifts of up £3,000 (in total, not per recipient) and if you don’t use this in one tax year, you can carry over any leftover allowance to the next year. If you do this, you have to use up all your allowance in the next tax year, you can’t accumulate several years’ worth of allowance and use it up in a single gift. Gifts of up to £250 per person per financial year to any number of people are exempt. Each parent of a bride or groom can give up to £5,000; grandparents or other relatives can give up to £2,500 and any wellwisher can give £1,000. Gifts to registered charities and political parties are also exempt from IHT. There is another simple way of passing money to the next generation which allows for gifts to be made from surplus income. Conditions apply, and advice would be needed to ensure that the gifts are made in the right way. WE’RE HERE TO HELP IHT is an integral part of financial planning which is why it’s important you seek advice so that you can legitimately mitigate this tax, allowing you to pass on any assets to your family as you’d like. We’re only a phone call away, so if you have queries or would like to discuss any aspect of inheritance tax planning, please do get in touch on 01772 787011 or come and visit us in person, at Tenet&You, 327 Garstang Road, Fulwood, PR2 9UP. You can also find out more about Tenet&You on our website, www.tenetandyou.co.uk Information is based on our current understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of, and reliefs from taxation, are subject to change. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Inheritance Tax planning.

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Statements Regarding Climate Change Today, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s climate report gives a stark warning that a global temperature increase of at least 1.5C by 2040 is now largely inevitable, with consequent increases in extreme heat, flooding, sea level rise, drought and wildfire. However, the report also says that global emissions reductions to Net Zero by 2050 is extremely likely to keep global temp rise below 2ºC. STATEMENT FROM THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS Kathryn Brown, Interim Director of Climate Action at The Wildlife Trusts says: “Climate change is already affecting people, places and nature in every region of the world, and is having profound effects on wildlife in the UK – yet nature, when it’s restored, will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving resilience to inevitable change. “This is hugely urgent – we need to act right now to stop burning fossil fuels, and restore nature at scale as fast as possible. The Wildlife Trusts are repairing habitats and creating new ones across the UK – nature-based solutions can help tackle the climate crisis and increase our ability to adapt to it. But nature needs time to store carbon on the vast scale that’s needed which is why we need to restore 30% of our land for nature by 2030. “Organisations that are putting nature into recovery need support to do this work – and a new designation known as Wildbelt is vital to protect land where nature is being repaired. All government departments must agree that we are fighting both a climate and nature crisis. Currently we risk being undermined by destructive infrastructure projects such as HS2 and the £27 billion being spent on road building – as well as plans for new coal mines and further oil and gas in the North Sea. The Government cuts to foreign aid have had a negative impact too, by undermining our diplomatic negotiating power ahead of COP26. “We can all do something to help tackle the crisis – but the Government must change its ways, show stronger leadership, and enable everyone to play their part.”

Statement from the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside: “We are concerned about the warning of a global temperatures increase and how it will affect our local wildlife. We are already facing a biodiversity crisis and it could mean extinctions both locally, nationally and internationally. “In the North West we are combatting change with our work in the Irish Sea, woodlands and peatlands. Our peatlands, Little Woolden Moss, Cadishead Moss, Astley Moss, Winmarleigh Moss and Heysham, in particular, are and, will continue to be, important in capturing and storing carbon. At the same time the work that we are doing will create amazing habitats for wildlife, some of which has not been seen in these areas for more than a century. “Seeing Manchester argus butterflies, lesser bladderwort, sphagnum moss and rare dragonflies on a moss means it is recovering and becoming carbon stores, which are helping the environment. “We are also working with partners to create carbon farms in the region and in Europe. These could offer a way for farmers to join the fight against climate change and for businesses to ‘do their bit’ by aiming for zero carbon emissions. “The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside has a duty of care for the wild plants and creatures in our beautiful region and our work will make a difference for the environment by restoring these areas for wildlife. “But we need to work together – the Wildlife Trust, industry, retail, farmers, decision makers and everyone who is concerned about the climate and biodiversity crisis. Please join us, together we can save our planet and everything that lives here.”

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

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Redrow Restocks Scholl Library in Little Sutton LITTLE Sutton C of E Primary School received a special delivery from Redrow – new books for their library.

Above Left: Little Sutton C of E Primary School received new library books with help from Redrow. Redrow’s Olivia Cook and parent governor Katie Sykes are pictured reading with children.

It follows a successful application to the homebuilder’s West Cheshire Community Fund, which saw the school awarded a £500 grant. Parent governor Katie Sykes explained: “I volunteer at school to listen to children read in years one and two (aged five to seven) and applied to Redrow for help as the library of books was outdated and didn’t match the programme of phonics. This meant that some children struggled when reading, as they were coming across words with sounds they hadn’t learnt yet. “Being able to purchase new books with Redrow’s help, has made a huge impact on the learning and progress our children make. Now they can learn the phonemes (sounds) and graphemes (associated letters) in class and then practise them when reading their books, both in school and at home.” Diana Boycott, (English Lead), commented “We are so very happy and grateful to have received this donation from Redrow. Our children are keen readers and are looking forward to enjoying these new books when they arrive.” The donation to the school was made via a £10,000 West Cheshire Community Fund linked to new Redrow homes at

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Above Right: Redrow’s Olivia Cook joins parent governor Katie Sykes at Little Sutton C of E Primary School, where funding from the homebuilder has helped purchase new books

Ledsham Garden Village and The Pastures at Backford Cross. Redrow area sales manager Amanda Hollins said: “Reading is such an important skill for children to learn and having the right tools for the job makes it much easier. We were pleased to be able to help Little Sutton C of E Primary School restock their library with an up-to-date range of books that matches their learning programme.” Redrow’s West Cheshire Community Fund is in addition to the homebuilder’s investment in the wider area linked to two local housing developments. Ledsham Garden Village is a scheme of circa 2,000 homes set amid 100 acres of open space, with Redrow having committed to investing £13 million to support the growth of the neighbourhood. The Pastures is a 100-home development that will also see almost £250,000 invested in local education, healthcare amenities and towards sports pitches in the area.

Visit redrow.co.uk for more details. www.lancmag.com

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

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

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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New Garden Village Show Home Unveils a Crop of Stylish Homes REDROW unveiled its latest show home at Ledsham Garden Village over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Left: Redrow’s Grantham house style, now featured as a show home at Hawthorn Court.

“And it’s this space which is perhaps the most flexible,” says Simon. “It can provide the perfect sanctuary for mum and dad – like checking into their own hotel room suite every evening – but it would also make a great hideaway for a grown-up son or daughter still living at home, or a luxurious guest suite.” A new Grantham style property opened on Saturday August 28th at Hawthorn Court, an integral part of Redrow’s flourishing garden village. It gives customers the chance to view the professionally styled, fully furnished home and appreciate its high specification, as well as the housebuilder’s award-winning standards and design expertise. The Grantham townhouse is a truly versatile design, offering superb amounts of space over three floors, along with style and practicality to ensure an enviable lifestyle for couples and families alike. Simon Bennett, interim sales director at Redrow NW, says: “The Grantham is a much sought-after home because of the flexibility it has, along with all the must-have features wanted by today’s homeowners. “Visiting one that’s been dressed and furnished gives would-be customers the chance to see it close up and view first-hand the unbeatable quality and finish of a Redrow home. It offers a far better insight into the layout and flow of the Grantham, and how they might adapt and use each room.” Offering value for money as well as the very best in townhouse living, the ground floor of the Grantham boasts an open plan kitchen/dining room, a generous lounge with French windows opening out onto the garden, and a cloakroom; while on the first floor are three good-sized bedrooms and a bathroom. The top floor has a magnificent bedroom suite, complete with its own shower room. 116

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And he adds: “One of the other bedrooms might make a great home office – something that’s becoming increasingly essential nowadays - and can be fitted out ready for work with bespoke office furniture via the My Redrow online design tool. Those who frequently work from home or use streaming services regularly will also be pleased to know that our homes come with fibre to the premises for ultrafast broadband. “Looking around a Grantham before you purchase gives any customer a far better idea of how they might use the space and storage, so they can plan everything before they move in.” Current prices start from £263,995 for a Grantham Mid property, and those with an existing home to sell can use Redrow’s Help to Sell scheme for practical and financial support. Hawthorn Court is part of the already-thriving Ledsham Garden Village, off Ledsham Road, which will eventually feature 2,000 homes as well as a shop, community building, allotments, meadow parkland and an orchard. Within easy reach is the Cheshire Oaks designer outlet village with a wealth of shopping and leisure opportunities; and Eastham Woods, ideal for walks and the chance to enjoy the great outdoors, is just a few miles away. Commuters can be assured of its excellent access to Liverpool, Chester and Manchester via road and rail links.

The new Grantham show home will be open seven days a week, usually from 10am to 5.30pm. For information about viewing the show home or to find out more about Hawthorn Court and all homes available, speak to the sales team on 0151 391 5238 or visit www.redrow.co.uk/hawthorncourt www.lancmag.com

THE FITZWILLIAM GALLERY FINE PAINTINGS IN HAWKSHEAD & GRASMERE

CARL WHITFIELD

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Discover The Treasures of Hawkshead & Grasmere M The Square, Hawkshead LA22 0NZ N 015394 36248 M Church Bridge, Grasmere LA22 9SN N 015394 35714

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VIEW ALL OUR ARTI ONLI STS NE

Above: Emelio Payes b 1935 Modern impressionist oil paintings of Venice

THE FITZWILLIAM GALLERY Hosting a unique collection of original art works in Hawkshead and Grasmere By Joel Newman & Emily Walker

Art loving couple Tim and Denise Hardy bring over 40 years of experience to their galleries where they display and sell an array of original fine art, with examples of wildlife, still life, landscapes and specialist paintings available.

ach piece exhibited is unique and can only be found at Fitzwilliam Galleries. Over the decades the gallery has forged some strong connections with some very talented artists, with their business relationships spanning over three decades. It is the work of these incredible artists that line the walls of the galleries where their work can be admired, appreciated and purchased with free worldwide delivery. These artists include the award winning Carl Whitfield and his collection of finely detailed wildlife paintings, Alfredo Navarro who was born into a successful art family and now hosts his own magnificent collection demonstrating a unique skill of depicting the sea in all its many forms and Ric Duffield, a recognised artist for his work recreating stunning landscapes and wildlife.

The galleries are proud to also host an array of exclusive paintings from the Georgian and Victorian Era alongside authenticated signed prints from names such as Sir William Russell Flint R. A. in their specialist paintings archive. Together Tim and Denise source these paintings from all over the world, they then restore them to museum quality by re-framing them, before they are made available to the public at their galleries. The incredible talent featured in their collection includes: Alfred Heaton Cooper: Alfred’s watercolour paintings were renowned for their beauty, depicting some of the most exquisite landscapes across the lake district. Edward H Thompson: born in Cumbria, Edward took inspiration from the wonders of nature around him recreating scenes of the lakes in stunning watercolour creations. Furthermore, if you have interest in a particular artist the gallery are happy to use their extensive list of contacts to see what is available on the market.

Below: Original Chalk drawing by Sir William Russell Flint R. A. 1880 - 1969

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Above: Original Alfred Heaton Cooper

Discover the Treasures of Hawkshead & Grasmere... TO VIEW THE WORKS THEY CURRENTLY HAVE AVAILABLE, VISIT THE WEBSITE: D www.fitzwilliamgallery.co.uk/specialist-paintings.html VISIT THE GALLERIES OR CALL TO SPEAK TO ONE OF THE TEAM WHO WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU WITH AVAILABILITY AND PRICES:

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M The Square, Hawkshead LA22 0NZ

N 01539 436248

M Church Bridge, Grasmere LA22 9SN

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Say Hello to the Older Generation Taking Over TikTok By Larry Muzondo

At what point do you start to feel ‘old?’ Well, according to the World Health Organisation, you become old the moment you turn 60.

owever, we believe that the phrase ‘you’re as young as you feel’ is far truer than this statistic from the WHO. And we have a ton of evidence to back up our claim! Instagram, TikTok, and the like are social platforms that have taken the world by storm, and with it, influencers and the money they make. Heralded 122

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as a platform for ‘young people’, many who would be considered ‘old’ by the WHO’s standard find tons of success as ‘granfluencers’. WHAT IS A GRANFLUENCER? A granfluencer is essentially a ‘senior’ influencer – somebody who has an enormous amount of online followers who engage with their social videos and posts. Granfluencers also use their popularity to make money. Who says retirement has to be dull?  www.lancmag.com

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WHO IS THE OLDEST INFLUENCER?

@grandma_droniak

If you think you’re too old to learn how to use the tech and use it well enough to gain enough followers to become a granfluencer, think again! Amy Hawkins is 110 years old and has, on average, 3,343 views on each video she publishes on TikTok of her singing.

90 year old Lillian Droniak, aka A Lill wonder has over 3million followers on TikTok and often answers fan questions about her life. The grandma from the USA knows how to get the likes on her videos, resulting in a sponsorship of £1,937.80.

WHO IS THE HIGHEST-PAID GRANFLUENCER?

@dolly_broadway

That would be Helen Ruth Elam, who, at 93 years old, is the most followed senior influencer on Instagram with 3.5 million followers. She earns £32,000 a year, which is around £6,790 for every fashion and beauty post.

Dolores Paolino, aka Dolly Broadway knows how to live her best life! Her comedy and dance videos are loved by her 2.3million followers, giving her a post value of £1,557.55.

77-year-old Lynn Yamada Davis takes second place with her cookery account on TikTok, where she charges £3,480.73 per post.

Jenny Krupa is nearly 90 but is as spritely as someone less than half of age. Even we feel tired watching her. With nearly 2million followers, this granfluencer can earn up to £1,330.87 per post.

The Chainz Family takes bronze for their TikTok account, where they also publish music videos and make £3,414.91 for every post. THE TOP 10 HIGHEST EARNING OLDER TIKTOK INFLUENCERS There’s plenty of Granfluencers taking over TikTok, but who can earn the most from the platform? We’ve crunched the numbers to work out potential earnings per post based on their following and average engagement rate. THE OLDER STARS OF TIKTOK: @cookingwithlynja At 77 years old Lynn Yamada Davis shares cooking videos with her followers. On average her videos receive 1.5million views, allowing her to charge £3,480.73 per post. @thechainzfamily The Chainz Family feature their 93 year old grandma in many of their TikTok videos, appealing to over 93million people! With a following like that, it’s no surprise they can charge £3,414.91 per post.

@its_j_dog

@rosssmith Pauline Kana, aka Gangster Granny features heavily on Ross Smith’s channel – it’s a fantastic channel for a good chuckle and a reminder that you’re never too old to have fun. With over 18million followers and a 3% engagement rate, Gangster Granny can take home £1,273.91 per post. HOW DO YOU BECOME A SENIOR INFLUENCER? While it will take a considerable amount of time and effort to reach the type of income Helen Ruth Elam makes, these fantastic seniors have more than proved the WHO wrong – age really is just a number. More than that, platforms like TikTok and Instagram aren’t just for young people. We easily found 40 granfluencers across the USA and UK who are having tons of fun posting videos. So, if you’re interested in trying something new, why not give becoming a granfluencer a go? Here are a few ways to get started. Download the apps and create an account

Joe Allington, aka Poppa Joe shares his day to life with over 4.5million followers. From his horses to lunches at Maccies, he’s become a fan favourite, earning £2,829.92 per post.

Before you start posting any videos, you need to choose a platform to post on. Start by downloading both TikTok and Instagram and scroll through some videos. Which platform do you prefer to engage with? Which is easiest to use? This will most likely be the platform you use to launch your granfluencer account properly.

@lilihayes

Choose a theme and run with it

73 year old Lili Hayes loves to share her comedy chops with her 4 million followers. Her videos have racked up over 119million views, allowing her to charge £2,727.54 per post.

What is your favourite hobby? We recommend choosing this as your theme, as your passion will shine through the most. Your chosen theme may also have an impact on the platform you choose. Our research shows music, dance, and cooking granfluencers are most successful on TikTok, whereas if your hobby is related to fashion, beauty or travel, then Instagram may be the best platform for you.

@grandadjoe1933

@charlesmallet Charles and his family share his life with his 4.8million followers. From his health journey to stories about his wife, it’s no surprise Charles has a legion of fans and can charge £2,654.42 per post. @Reggie1936 84 year old Reggie shares his journey of life with a disability with his audience, earning him over 80K likes. His charm and zest for life is the perfect pickup to your day. 124

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Have fun The most important secret to granfluencer success is to have fun! Although you may be able to make some money from your account, this should be an enjoyable experience for you first and foremost. If it starts to feel like work, you’re doing it wrong. 

So, are you ready to get started? www.lancmag.com

From Crag to Cloth Cable and Blake design, create and sell locally produced Herdwick fabrics, that have been inspired by the surrounding Lakeland landscape. Fabric of the Lakes. Our fabrics are made from Herdwick wool, sourced from local farms and woven on traditional hand looms. We have a Book of Bloom, a Book of Thought and a Book for Madam which showcase our fabrics. We are combining traditional skills and industries to develop this undervalued wool into a high quality, bespoke fabric. Our unique designs and prints bring a modern twist to the Lake District heritage, as well as bringing value to the local community. We have collaborated with a number of local producers to create a range of products which can be purchased from our store or online shop.

CABLE & BLAKE, 177 HIGHGATE, KENDAL, ENGLAND, LA9 4EN, UNITED KINGDOM N 07834 485 657 | E hello@cableandblake.co.uk T cableandblake | I cableandblake-fabrics | F cableandblakefabricsofthelakes WWW.CABLEANDBLAKE.CO.UK

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High quality products made by our parent company JJO in the Rossendale Valley. Financially secured through JJO. Plus risk free 12 months ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ option (subject to status)

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Jones Homes in Rufford Jones Homes Rufford Jones Homes inin Rufford

Stunning homes for those who Stunninghomes homesfor forthose thosewho who Stunning appreciate the difference. appreciatethe thedifference. difference. appreciate

If you dream of living in a beautiful new home with a high quality interior youdream dreamofofliving livingininaabeautiful beautifulnew newhome homewith withaahigh highquality qualityinterior interior IfIfyou in a sought after location, it can all be yours at Moorfield Park. soughtafter afterlocation, location,ititcan canall allbe beyours yoursatatMoorfield MoorfieldPark. Park. ininaasought Moorfield Park MoorfieldPark Park Moorfield Garstang Road East, Poulton-le-Fylde,

Garstang Road East, Poulton-le-Fylde, Garstang Road Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire FY6East, 7SY Lancashire FY6 7SY Lancashire FY6 7SY Prices and details correct at time of production. Images for illustrative purposes only. Prices and details correct at time of production. Images for illustrative purposes Prices and details correct at time of production. Images for illustrative purposes only. only.

01253 808440 01253808440 808440 01253

jones-homes.co.uk/moorfield-park jones-homes.co.uk/moorfield-park jones-homes.co.uk/moorfield-park Open 7 days 11am -5.30pm Open7 7days days11am 11am-5.30pm -5.30pm Open

Stunning33bedroom bedroomhomes homes Stunning that include includemore moreas asstandard. standard. that Each and every Jones home is thoughtfully designed and Each and every Jones home is thoughtfully designed and highly specified throughout. highly specified throughout. Not only do our homes look attractive on the outside, at Jones Homes Not only do ourand homes lookthat attractive on the outside, at Jones Homes many fixtures fittings other builders might sell as extras are many fixtures and fittings that other builders might sell as extras included as standard. From the LED downlights to the polishedare chrome included as standard. From the LED downlights to the polishedAnd chrome door handles, we consider every last detail to be important. it’s not door handles, we consider every last detail to be important. And it’s not just the interior of your new home that we’re committed to getting just just the interior of your new home that we’re committed to getting just right. We’ve given equal care and attention to the landscaping around our right. We’ve given care andand attention to the around our developments to equal help preserve improve thelandscaping natural environment. developments to help preserve and improve the natural environment. You’ll find a contemporary kitchen with integrated appliances, and You’ll findbathrooms a contemporary kitchen with integrated appliances, and modern with Aqualisa showers, low profile shower trays and modern bathrooms with Aqualisa showers, low profile shower trays and a choice of stunning Porcelanosa tiles. a choice of stunning Porcelanosa tiles. You’re at the heart of everything we do, from concept to completion. You’re at the heart of everything we do, from concept to completion.

Our enhanced specification from the smallest of Our enhanced specification from the smallest of details ensures the biggest of differences where it details ensures the biggest of differences where it matters to you most. matters to you most.

· All floor coverings Included · All floor coverings Included · Oak handrail and newel posts · Oak handrail and newel posts · Double French or bi-fold doors · Double French onto patio areaor bi-fold doors onto patio area · Open plan kitchen diner · Open plan kitchen diner · Integrated kitchen appliances · Integrated by NEFF kitchen appliances by NEFF · Chrome sockets & switches · Chrome sockets & switches

· Villeroy & Boch · Villeroy & Boch bathroom sanitaryware bathroom sanitaryware · Aqualisa showers in bathroom · Aqualisa in bathroom and en showers suite and en suite · Rear garden fenced & turfed · Rear garden fenced & turfed · Fully tiled bathroom walls and · Fully tiled walls and floors in bathroom tiles by Porcelanosa floors in tiles by Porcelanosa · £1,000 legal fees paid. · £1,000 legal fees paid.

New releases of 3 bedroom homes are coming soon! New releases 3 bedroom homes are coming soon! Register yourof email address to ensure you receive Register your email address to ensure you receive notifications direct to your inbox. notifications direct to your inbox.

WE’RE OPEN and pleased to advise that we have created WE’RE and pleased toto advise that weare have created a safe OPEN environment for you visit us and open for 1-2-1 aappointments safe environment for you to visit us and are open 1-2-1 us and personal viewings, so why not for contact appointments and personal viewings, so why not contact us today and let us help you to buy your dream home. today and let us help you to buy your dream home. All properties at this development are Freehold. All properties at this development are Freehold.

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Start Startyour yournew newhome homejourney journeywith withjust justaa 5% 5%deposit depositand andHelp HelpTo ToBuy... Buy... Help to to Buy at at a glance, Help Buy a glance,

Buying aa £197K home Buying £197K home £10K £10K Buyer’s 5%5% deposit Buyer’s deposit

£40K £40K Government’s 20% loan Government’s 20% loan

£148K £148K 75% Mortgage from 75% Mortgage from commercial lender commercial lender

You’ll bebe amazed what you You’ll amazed what you * * can afford with Help toto Buy can afford with Help Buy • Applies to to first-time buyers only • Applies first-time buyers only (2021-23) (2021-23) • You only need a 5% deposit • You only need a 5% deposit • Qualify forfor upup to to a 20% interest-free • Qualify a 20% interest-free government loan* government loan* • Enjoy better rates onon a 75% mortgage • Enjoy better rates a 75% mortgage • 100% of of your new home is all yours • 100% your new home is all yours

As Aslong longasasyou youhave havea a5% 5% deposit, deposit,the thegovernment governmentwill will lend lendyou youupuptoto20% 20%ofofthe the value valueofofa anew newbuild buildproperty property through throughananequity equityloan. loan. This Thisisisinterest-free interest-freefor forthe the first firstfive fiveyears yearsand andyou youcan can repay repayit itwhen whenyou yousell sellyour your home homeororany anytime timebefore. before. You’ll You’llthen thenonly onlyneed needtotoget geta a 75% 75%mortgage, mortgage,which whichopens opens the thedoor doortotoa achoice choiceofofbetter better rates ratesand andlower lowerrepayments. repayments.

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Open Open7 7days days11am 11am-5.30pm -5.30pm01253 01253808440 808440 jones-homes.co.uk/moorfield-park jones-homes.co.uk/moorfield-park

Moorfield MoorfieldPark Park Garstang Road East, Garstang Road East, Poulton-le-Fylde, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire FY6 7SY Lancashire FY6 7SY

WeWe areare pleased to advise that wewe have created pleased to advise that have created a safe environment forfor you to visit usus and areare a safe environment you to visit and open forfor 1-2-1 appointments and personal open 1-2-1 appointments and personal viewings, soso why notnot contact usus today and let let viewings, why contact today and usus help you to buy your dream home. help you to buy your dream home.

†Stamp DutyDuty threshold at single home rate rate onlyonly available on homes up toupthe of £500,000 and and untiluntil 31st31st March 2021, please speak to our Advisor for further details. *The*The government backed HelpHelp to Buy scheme requires purchasers to fund at at †Stamp threshold at single home available on homes to value the value of £500,000 March 2021, please speak to Sales our Sales Advisor for further details. government backed to Buy scheme requires purchasers to fund leastleast 80%80% of the priceprice by means of a of conventional mortgage, savings and and any any deposit where required. Eligible applicants will be an equity loanloan of 20% of the price, interest free free for the five five years. At the of year six asix feea fee of purchase the purchase by means a conventional mortgage, savings deposit where required. Eligible applicants willoffered be offered an equity of 20% of market the market price, interest for first the first years. At start the start of year of 1.75% is payable on the loan,loan, which risesrises annually by RPI plusplus 1%. 1%. HelpHelp to buy is applicable to first timetime buyers onlyonly and and regional priceprice capscaps apply. Terms and and conditions applyapply and and full details will be on request. OnlyOnly available of 1.75% is payable on equity the equity which annually by inflation RPI inflation to buy is applicable to first buyers regional apply. Terms conditions full details willprovided be provided on request. available on selected properties in England. YOUR HOME MAYMAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEPKEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Prices and and details correct at time of production. Images for illustrative purposes only.only. on selected properties in England. YOUR HOME BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Prices details correct at time of production. Images for illustrative purposes

Christmas Decorators Lancashire

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for movies, photoshoots, and aesthetics, nothing can compare to the charm of witnessing the copper foliage firsthand as you take a walk along the enchanting woodlands. The pla with maximum tree trails is the place where this season is most prominent and observabl

Country Woodlands to Visit in Autumn

Woodland walks are a fine and refreshing way of exploring the outdoors to reconnect wit nature, especially during the Autumn months when these places are exploding with color By Megha Seth

The two gorgeous waterfalls are Woodland walks are a fine and Autumn marks the the hidden jewels of this place. The refreshing way of exploring the transition of summer to view certainly lives up to the name. outdoors to reconnect with nature, winter. Although shortin an is adventurous mood, the Autumn months The area of woodland in the especially United during Kingdom as of MarchIf you 31,are 2019, estimated at 3.19 lived, Autumn teaches willing to explore the entirety of the when these places are exploding with million hectares. This represents the country. we have us to seize the moment you canTherefore, wrap up the walk colours.13% of the total area inwoodlands, withinthe three to four hours. A short while experiencing curated a list of beautiful trailsThe that must invisit to witness beautiful woodlands areaone of woodland the United woodland walk, but pretty engaging and embracing the Kingdom as of sights. March 31, 2019, is blanketed with leaves and spectacular nonetheless! impermanence of things. estimated at 3.19 million hectares. Hurst Green Woodland in This represents 13% of the total area Nature plays a beautiful Lancashire in the country. Therefore, we have role in adding warm tones curated a list of beautiful trails that to this time of the year as Inspiration for the world-acclaimed one must visit to witness the beautiful Fairy Glen inbeautiful Lancashire leaves turn into author, J.R.R Tolkien, most commonly woodlands blanketed with leaves and known for the Lord Of The Rings hues of tangerine, red, spectacular sights. trilogy and The Hobbit, Hurst Green is rust, and yellow.

every bit as enchanting as mentioned This woodland walk is said toFairy be Glen oneinofLancashire the most picturesque walks with astonishing view in the adventures in his books. Most hile autumn has been an This woodland walk is said to be people downbrooks the “Tolkien Trail” Filled with woodland colors during Autumn andtravel calm crossing thro inspiration for varioustrees poets changing one of the most picturesque walks as they walk through these woods. and this artists walk and awill perfect the forest, remind of the views straight out of a fairytale. with you astonishing views.

scenic spot for movies, photo-shoots, and aesthetics, nothing can compare to the charm of witnessing the copper foliage first-hand as you take a walk along the enchanting woodlands. The place with maximum tree trails is the place where this season is most prominent and observable.

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Filled with woodland trees changing colours during Autumn and calm brooks crossing through the forest, this walk will remind you of the views straight out of a fairytale.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

Embrace the striking scenery while you explore your way around the trail. The lush woodlands brims with warm colours during autumn with which you can capture the majestic view of Pendle Hill in the distance, the calming waters of Rivers Hodder and Ribble that meander across the route.  www.lancmag.com

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Aira Force and Ullswater around The Lakes

Alderley Edge Woodland Walk in Manchester

Aira Force is best known for its thunderous waterfalls. Experience these woodlands at their best in autumn as you pass through the lush and dense green ferns transitioning to their warmer tones.

This woodland walk begins right at the Alderley Edge railway station, making it very convenient when it comes to accessibility. It lies 12 miles south of Manchester.

Enjoy the view of evergreen specimen conifer trees that tower above the expansive and open meadows. You can also trek up to the summit of Gowbarrow to take in the enthralling views of Ullswater Lake. George Harrison Woodland Walk in Liverpool What can be better than a blend of nature and music? Liverpool is set to inaugurate its new memorial devoted to the legendary musician, George Harrison, famously known as one of The Beatles’ icons for his 77th birthday this year. The woodland will feature art installations that have been directly inspired by Harrison’s lyrics and life. This woodland will also encourage local artists to submit their original ideas for artwork that will be featured here. A separate ‘nature classroom’ will also be featured alongside to help school children learn about the essence of the natural world. This is certainly a must-explore for all nature and music enthusiasts! Delamere Forest and Old Pale Hill in Cheshire Delamere Forest is one of the most convenient woodland walks when it comes to connectivity. Barely a 15-minute drive from Cheshire, with hourly trains leaving from Manchester. Following up the gravelled tracks and stoned paths up the hill, you are certainly headed for a beautiful reward of the never-ending views and vast open skies. The paths are very trek friendly as there are plenty of spots where you can rest, stop and take it all in. After all, the journey is as important as the destination. The grand Old Pale Hill is a spot filled with beauty in abundance. It is also a haven for wildlife, with a valley of wildflowers, and has a natural amphitheatre for events. The standing stones at the viewpoint represent the seven counties that are visible from the top of the hill. 134

The woodland is the site of both archaeological and geological significance. It is set around an impressive sandstone hill. You can find your way around the rolling hills of Cheshire farmland dotted with mature Scottish pine and beech forests. The mesmerizing views, captivating lores with an ancient mining history of the Edge will certainly keep you captivated throughout the walk. The route of the Alderley Edge Woodland walk consists of 4.5 miles of beautiful woodlands with a few peaks and troughs along the way. It also gives a stunning view of both Cheshire and Manchester which is incredibly satisfying. Arnside Knott The “Knott’ is a place of national significance for wildlife such as wood ants, butterflies and is an abode of rare and beautiful wildflowers. It is a beautiful blend of limestone grasslands and mixed woodlands, that looks breathtakingly captivating in the autumnal seasons. If you happen to be here early in the morning around this time of the year, you can see the mists hanging below you with treetops peeping out and watch the sunset across Morecambe Bay. There are various paths that lead you to Red Hills Wood or Heathwaite. Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights and enjoy the atmosphere around you. Storeton Woods in Liverpool Storeton Woods is on the site of what was originally an old Roman quarry. Not too far away from the city of Liverpool, all it takes is a 20-minute drive from the city to begin your woodland expedition. It is indeed blissful to be able to enjoy a serene haven for wildlife in an urban landscape. Fossilized prints of dinosaurs were discovered here in the 1920s, so this is indeed an ancient spot that could

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

have been an abode for dinosaurs too. Those prints are now exhibited in the Liverpool and British Museums. Lantern Wood in Manchester Lantern Wood is a little hidden prize in the treasure hunt game of Manchester. More so in the Autumn months, when the woods are bursting with auburn, earthly and warm hues. The views from this spot are a blend of the surrounding captivating views of nature as well the Manchester cityscape that one can visually feast upon throughout the route. This woodland walk will also have you spotting certain animals like deer and certain species dotted throughout the trail. Blackley Forest Nature Reserve The Blackley Forest Nature Reserve is one of the underrated spots in Manchester generous in flora and fauna. The woodland was planted by the community in the 1950s. Rich in wildlife like deer, minks, and other animals, the forest is beautifully nestled between the River Irk, which flows along both sides of the forest. It is a perfect mini escapade from the monotony of your hectic life and the closed concrete walls of urban buildings. Just across the woodland lies the delightful Heaton Park, which you can also take a quick tour of as you enjoy the local sights. As we get engaged in our everyday lives of fixed schedules and concrete landscapes, the heart craves getaways in the lap of nature. But the getaways do not have to be luxurious long trips in a race against time. It can be as simple as a walk in the enthralling woods, where nature is glimmering at her best beauty. The importance of tiny breaks and getaways must not be overlooked. This is the time when a walk in the woodlands can rejuvenate the heart, mind, and soul so that you can return as fresh as new. While every season has its own beauty and significance, Autumn gives us hope for new beginnings. Autumns are like sunsets of seasons. What better way to enjoy this season than being where it’s the most prominent and can be seen and felt all around? 

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HOUSEPLANTS & ACCESSORIES

CHRISTMAS TREES

GARLANDS

WREATHS

CHRISTMAS VILLAGES

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

NOVELTY CHRISTMAS ANIMATIONS

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

CHRISTMAS LANTERNS & WATER SPINNERS

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GIFT VOUCHERS

HOME FRAGRANCE

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MINIATURE WORLD COLLECTABLES

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BIRD CARE

CANDLES

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Fitzwilliam Gallery

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ALFREDO NAVARRO Reference: 1407

CARL WHITFIELD Reference: 1539

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CARL WHITFIELD Reference: 1114

RIC DUFFIELD Reference: F1089 144

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ALFREDO NAVARRO Reference: 1544

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RIC DUFFIELD Reference: F1173

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RUBY KELLER Reference: F1200

ALLAN MORGAN Reference: 1253

JOHN CORCORAN Reference: 1460 www.lancmag.com

ALLAN MORGAN Reference: 1542

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Lakeland Artisan

www.lakelandartisan.co.uk

SINGLE LIQUEUR BAUBLES

RHUBARB GINGER GIN LIQUEUR

TASTER GIFT BOX SETS

HESSIAN BAGS WITH CHRISTMAS JARS

SPICED FRUIT PUNCH

3 BEER BOX

12 LAKELAND ALES FOR CHRISTMAS

COCKTAIL SYRUP TASTING SET

SMALL WICKER EFFECT BOX WITH 5 MINIATURE GIN LIQUEURS

THREE BOOZY BAUBLES BOX SETS

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Lakeland Artisan

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LAKELAND LUXURY HAMPERS

HERDWICK DISTILLERY YAN GIN GIFT SET

LAKELAND SPICED FRUIT RUM LIQUEUR

GIN LIQUEURS TASTING SET

MULLED FRUIT GIN

PROSECCO GIFT SETS

LAKELAND LIQUEUR CHRISTMAS CRACKERS

YAN GIN

THREE MINIATURE BOTTLES OF WHISKY LIQUEURS BOX SET

LIQUEURS & CHOCOLATES GIFT SETS

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www.cableandblake.co.uk

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HANDMADE FURNITURE MADE TO ORDER

HERDWICK DOG ITEMS

HERDWICK HATS & CAPS

HERDWICK SHEEP

HERDWICK MICE

PRE-LOVED FURNITURE REUPHOLSTERED TO ORDER

PRE-LOVED FURNITURE

HERDWICK BAGS

HERDWICK LAMPSHADES

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HERDWICK UPHOLSTERY FABRIC BOOK FOR MADAM

HERDWICK UPHOLSTERY FABRIC BOOK OF BLOOM

HERDWICK UPHOLSTERY FABRIC BOOK OF THOUGHT

HERDWICK UPHOLSTERY FABRIC BOTANICAL ECO-PRINT

HERDWICK UPHOLSTERY FABRIC IZZIE CASTLE TEXTILES

HERDWICK BONNINGATE BUNNIES

HERDWICK BRACKEN HANDBAG DOVE CRAG

HERDWICK BUNNY DOORSTOP

HERDWICK KEY FOBS

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HELEN JAMES HEALTHY HAPPY

MAKING THE MOST

Beetroot, Walnut, and Feta Filo Pie

METHOD:

INGREDIENTS:

Begin by cooking the walnut and mushroom layer: fry the chopped shallot and minced garlic in a little oil over a medium low heat in a frying pan for about 5 minutes. Then add the walnuts, mushroom and chopped fresh thyme or dried time. Sauté for a couple of minutes - you may need to add a splash of water to prevent the walnuts from catching the bottom of the pan. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat and empty contents into a dish. Leave to cool.

• Approximately 8-10 sheets of filo pastry (ready to use) • Some mild olive oil for cooking and brushing • 100g walnuts (chopped) • 100g mushrooms (chopped) • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or (1 teaspoon dried thyme) • 1 shallot (diced) • Garlic • 200g bag of baby spinach • Pinch of nutmeg • 100g feta cheese • 1 medium-large cooked beetroot (sliced) • Salt and pepper You will need a 20cm diameter loose bottom cake tin. 150

Preheat fan assisted oven to 180°C.

In the same pan, add a little drizzle of oil and the baby spinach and cook over a medium heat. Also, add the pinch of nutmeg and a little salt and black pepper. Mix until the spinach has wilted. Switch off the heat and leave to cool.

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Now to start assembling the pie: Grease the cake tin with a little oil. Start arranging the sheets of filo so they part cover the tin and drape over the top of the tin. Brush with a little oil before overlapping the next sheet and continue until you have circled the whole tin. Add the walnut mix and spread over the bottom of the pie. Then add the spinach layer, followed by the feta cheese - crumble this on top. Finish with the slices of beetroot. Fold over the draped sheets of filo on top of the pie. Press down very gently. Brush the top with a little more oil and place on the middle shelf in the oven for about 25 minutes. This pie can be eaten hot or cold and is great for parties.

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OF SEASONAL VEGETABLES

Butternut Squash and Roasted Tomato Soup SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS: • 1 butternut squash • 1 medium onion • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds • 6 tomatoes • 500ml water or stock of your choice • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, or butter or cooking oil of your choice

METHOD: Roast squash whole on a baking tray at 160°C in a fan assisted oven for about an hour. Tomatoes also need pre-roasting for about half an hour at same temperature. The roasting can be done in advance and the vegetables kept cold in the fridge for a couple of days. When ready to make the soup, in a large saucepan fry the onion and fennel seeds in the fat until the onions soften. Peel the squash and discard the seeds and stringy bits, add the rest to the soup pan along with the tomatoes and water or stock. Bring up to the boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes before blending. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add hot water if you like it thinner.

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MANISH’S ZODIAC PREDICTIONS

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

ARIES: (21 Mar - 19 Apr) Your long-term goals and wishes tend to be broad and perhaps unusual or ahead of the times, and you take great joy in dreaming up ideas for the future. Achieving your goals comes more easily. It may be time to work out some issues or problems with a business partner, if applicable. You might also enjoy a more goal-oriented, freespirited, and tolerant relationship with an existing love partner–you tend to be “on the same page. Your innermost hopes, wishes, and dreams are a driving force behind many of your actions this month. Favourable Dates: Nov 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & White

LEO (23 Jul - 22 Aug) This is a good time for the confidence and courage to say what you want to say and for expressing your ideas and stating your opinion. Tremendous energy and initiative is with you as you embark on a journey of internal change and personal discovery. There can be a new piece of information that gets your heart racing. Pay attention to what seems to push your buttons now as these can be very revealing. You could be feeling more comfortable than usual and, by extension, others have more confidence in you. Favourable Dates: Nov 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Green

SAGITTARIUS (22 Nov - 21 Dec) It is an excellent opportunity period for a bonus or raise that truly makes a difference in your life! You could be taking on a bigger work load at the same time. There could be the possibility of friends from your past coming back into your life but this could also bring about issues or problems with a friend or connection. Changes in the image you project to others, and perhaps your personal style and appearance, continue to take place. You would be breaking free from the expectations of others in these areas. Favourable Dates: Nov 4, 6, 13, 15, 22, 24 Favourable Colours: Red & White

TAURUS (20 Apr - 20 May) This month presents a nice balance of recognition and accomplishment, as well as recreation and love. You have more energy than usual for work, projects, and anything that involves reorganizing and restructuring. You are very busy expanding your horizons, whether it is through actual travel or armchair travel . At times, you may come across as opinionated, but it is more likely enthusiasm for sharing your thoughts. Romance is to be found when you are enjoying non-routine activities. More tolerance of others is displayed now, and you are inclined to take interest in alternative subjects. Favourable Dates: Nov 2, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red

VIRGO (23 Aug - 22 Sept) This is a time when you are more willing to take personal risks. Your behaviour tends to be more spontaneous, and perhaps a little rebellious. Freedom of personal expression is immensely important to you now, and if you turn a few heads or raise some eyebrows in the pursuit thereof, you don’t particularly worry about it! Relationships are seen now as serious matters! Partners are no longer simply for amusement or mirrors of your ego. Responsibilities to partners, the need to compromise, and the realities of the needs of others, become clear. Favourable Dates: Nov 3, 4, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: Red & White

CAPRICORN (22 Dec - 19 Jan) It’s a good time for studies, learning beneficial and handy things, and enjoying small accomplishments that nudge you closer to your goals. Your business income looks fortunate, and benefits come from friendships and group associations. Life is a little more challenging when it comes to closer personal connections with others. Friends or groups can be supportive, and the practical or productive side of your relationships is in focus. This is a good time for gaining clout or respect with associates and networks or friends. Favourable Dates: Nov 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: Green & White

GEMINI (21 May - 20 Jun) You have special magnetic appeal, extra energy, and a real yen for excitement now. This is a time when you need to define, understand, and crystallize your significant relationships with others. You continue a trend towards more freedom of expression. You may have opportunities to join or lead clubs or groups. Group activities and associations could be avenues for fulfilling your own goals. If you already have a partner, this is a time when any issues surrounding compromise, flexibility, and the ability to give your heart to your partner will surface. Favourable Dates: Nov 6, 9, 15, 18, 24, 27 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue CANCER (21 Jun - 22 Jul) This period in your life is a time for building a solid foundation. Understand that moderation at this point in your life is necessary for your spiritual growth and your physical body as well. Recognizing your personal limitations in terms of just how much you can give to others and just how much compassion and understanding you can show is essential now. It’s time to structure your life. In relationships, you may take a friendship into unexplored romantic territory, or meet a significant person through a friend or group association. Favourable Dates: Nov 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 Favourable Colours: Red & Grey

LIBRA (23 Sept - 22 Oct) It is a social time for you and a good time to get out and build connections and meet new people. You are more inspired this month, and your personality fairly bubbles with bursts of enthusiasm. Impulsiveness is something to watch out for, however. It is a mostly easy month, save for some impulsiveness during midmonth, when overspending could be costly. You can rely on your friends for their help and support, and your circle of friends may increase during this fruitful transit. Great energy for attraction, entertainment, and romance is with you. Favourable Dates: Nov 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours: Red & Green SCORPIO (23 Oct - 21 Nov) It’s a fine time to attend to practical details, rearrange, organize, and sort things out. The goal should be long-term satisfaction rather than quick fixes now. You enjoy extra energy and enthusiasm for increasing your income. This is a time for finding ways to strengthen or stabilize your life in key ways, particularly when it comes to your valuables which may need some maintenance, your finances, or your home. Your need for freedom can be so strong that you leave cherished things behind. You would at this time assess what is most important and worthwhile to you. Favourable Dates: Nov 4 5, 13, 14, 22, 23 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Grey

AQUARIUS (20 Jan - 18 Feb) This can be a time of evolving and transforming beliefs, opinions, and ideologies. You tend to connect with the right people to further your goals now, or an investment pays off. You are also called upon to rid yourself of guilt about under-performing in the past. Issues of guilt, worry, and anxiety come to the fore and this is the time to manage them. You experience high hopes and enthusiasm, and others are attracted to your unique self-expression and vision. Aim to put grudges behind you, not so much for others but for yourself. Favourable Dates: Nov 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue PISCES (19 Feb - 20 Mar) You are bringing fresh and original ideas to the work you do and the services you offer. This is an excellent cycle in which to take more pride and find more joy in the work you do or from your daily routines. It can be easier to find employment if you’re looking, although you may have many choices which can be confusing, and if you want to change jobs, this may be a good time to do so. Self-improvement endeavours and health efforts would be beneficial. Favourable Dates: Nov 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours: Purple & Green

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

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Reviving the Art of Gin from our seaside home on the Wirral Peninsula

Available in store at www.tappersgin.com

Tappers Gin collaborate with Simon Rimmer to launch Tickled Pink Gin in Booths Supermarkets

imon Rimmer is delighted with the result, “Since joining the Tappers family in 2020 we’ve worked hard to create a pink gin that we all love. Inspired by our mutual passions for incredible ingredients and flavours, Tickled Pink Gin is made with Provence Red rose petals and hibiscus flowers. An all-natural rose hue reflects the traditional method of cold-compounding, lending a delicately sweet and floral flavour.” Since 2016, The Tappers Gin family-run distillery has been Reviving the Art of gin at their seaside home on the Wirral Peninsula. Independent through and through, Tappers are dedicated

Merseyside’s authentic smallbatch distillery, Tappers have partnered with celebrity chef and Sunday Brunch presenter, Simon Rimmer to launch Tickled Pink, a traditional compounded gin prepared with all-natural ingredients including Tappers signature botanicals with rose and hibiscus providing a delicate flavour in a subtle pink liquid.

to handcrafting distinctly complex gins that stay true to that delicate art. Founder Steve Tapril thoroughly enjoyed creating this pink edition with Simon, “It was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Simon to produce this fantastic addition to the Tappers range. Simon shares our love for great ingredients and great flavour and so of course it’s only natural that Tickled Pink has both!” Tickled Pink Gin by Simon Rimmer is available at www.tappersgin.com and Booths Supermarkets www.booths.co.uk All Tappers Gin products are registered with The Vegan Society.

TICKLED PINK PERFECT SERVE SUGGESTION: Premium Indian Tonic with rose petals or sliced strawberries to garnish.

The French-Connection, The Lille UFO Sighting 2009 By Jason Gleaves, Ufonly on Facebook and International author of UFO PHOTO & The Ufology Umbrella.

I was recently contacted by a UFO witness (who wishes to be kept anonymous) regarding a UFO Sighting which happened to her and a small group (6 members) who had been travelling in a car together from the United Kingdom to Luxembourg during 2009. The sighting occurred in Lille a small city, capital of Nord department and of the Hauts-de-France region of northern France, while they had been passing through on-route to Luxembourg. While waiting at a red traffic light at approximately 01:00 am in the morning, a huge elliptical shaped object, illuminated (yellow/orange in colour) approximately the size of a family car slowly descended out of the sky and landed on a nearby traffic roundabout (Arc de Triomphe), about 3-5 metres away from their stationary vehicle, it stayed there for approximately 2 minutes before ascending and leaving the area completely out of view.

object at the time of the sighting had been making a strange loud noise, when prompted further by myself asking what did they think it sounded like for comparison, she stated: “it sounded like some kind of aircraft landing?”. I also asked the witness who else saw the object at the time, she replied, “Only me and my partner saw it and the rest of the party in the vehicle did not see anything? We both just sat there staring at this strange object through the car window, also at the same time telling the other passengers « look-look » pointing at this unusual object” but alas strangely nobody saw what we did. This can be a common occurrence we’re only certain members of a group witnessing a sighting would see an anomaly and the other members would be totally oblivious too the phenomenon.

The witness stated: this unknown

The weather at the time of the encounter had been raining and foggy and the visibility was not so good. The whole event lasted approximately 2 minutes in duration but felt like an eternity. Also stated by the witness: “It’s noise and bright lights were very difficult to miss”, which confused and frustrated the witness and their partner wondering why the others couldn’t see what they were seeing...? “I felt paralyzed by what I saw”. People to whom I have spoken to about it since have asked If was scared “No I wasn’t , I was kind of paralyzed, not having time to realized what happened. Strangely the few hundred kilometers left to reach our destination Luxembourg, we didn’t say a word in a car although we were sure what we saw the only question raised was why others did not see it”. The UFO images in 2009 had been taken using a very basic LG mobile phone camera and are remarkably clear, as the witness said, “As much as I was shocked to see it, I still somehow managed remarkably to take these 2 photographs with my cell phone”. Upon analysing the original source images fascinating detail can be seen within the illuminated mass, exposing a detailed structure, also central too the overall structure a brighter illuminated mass is exhibited and could be the objects propulsion system or power source. The overall glow and Illumination of the unknown object is accentuated because of the weather conditions stated at the time as poor and foggy. It doesn’t appear to be any type of known conventional aircraft in use today or at the time (2009) fixed wing or helicopter. Verdict: Unidentified.

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MAMA SHAR’S CARIBBEAN COOKING

We boast authentic, delicious and affordable Caribbean meals and Celebration Cakes. We can work with any budget and give you amazing flavour and homemade taste.

SHAR FRITH EVENTS

We provide event planning, catering, festivals, street food. We provide an altogether high standard of service to all our clients.

Photography credit: John Cox

MAMA SHAR’S CARIBBEAN COOKING E info@mamashars.com N 07988 890974 FI @mamashars SHAR FRITH EVENTS #E info@sharfrithevents.co.uk N 07988 890974 FI @sharfrithevents

HELPING DREAMS COME TRUE with Sharmen Frith Hemmings

By Sharon Henry

If you are celebrating a Birthday, Anniversary, Festival or would love a Bespoke Themed Wedding with a twist, look no further than Sharmen Frith Hemmings and her amazing businesses.

Sharmen discovered her love and passion for crafts and creativity when she was 8 years of age and growing up on the exotic island of Montserrat. She learned to crochet making doilies and then progressed to cardigans and skirts. Sharmen’s Godmother had a sewing machine and taught her how to sew. Pennies were tight, so the only way to afford new clothes was to make your own to go church, which is a very big part of her life and to go out to parties. In 1988, when Sharmen was 15, she found herself pregnant and her Godmother showed her how to make her first maternity dress. As she loved sewing so much, she started to make her daughters clothes. She left Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory, shortly after a volcanic eruption, which covered

everywhere with ash and caused devastation. She found herself joining her Mum, who was already living in Burnley, Lancashire to start a new life in the late 90’s. In 2000, Sharmen got married and made everything from her dress to the table decorations. From this she got the idea to help others create their perfect wedding. She makes everything from chair covers and sashes to table decorations, printed napkins and favours. She loves to create amazing cakes too. Her daughter became involved in the Preston Carnival and was the Carnival Queen for 2 years running. Sharmen accompanied her daughter and so became involved helping with the carnival costumes.

ased in Burnley, Sharmen is fulfilling her passion of creating beautiful, authentic Caribbean food and spices with her company Mama Shars Caribbean Cooking and making dreams come true with her celebrations and Event Decor business Shar Friths Events. They provide event planning, catering, festivals, Street food all with an altogether high standard of service to all their clients. Their aim is to simply create something wonderful every time. Sharmen is constantly discovering new ideas with her creative passion and enthusiasm.

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Unfortunately, the educational qualifications Sharmen had, were not recognised in the UK when she arrived, so she set about re-educating herself and went back to college and university. Here she achieved a degree in Law and worked her way up to an Admin Supervisor at the Courts, then went back to University and studied a Masters in Social Work. She practised as a social worker for over 10 years. During this time her Mum became ill and had a stroke, Sharmen had to work part – time to look after and care for her Mum, after training to be a personal trainer, teaching weight lifting, she received an injury and took some time out.

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Sharmen had found a passion for cooking and used to cook with her brother at home. She started to create some of her Caribbean recipes for her friends as she found some of their food tasteless and unexciting and they loved them. That is how Mama Shars was born! In 2019 she hired a kitchen in Burnley and launched her business. Everything in the kitchen was recycled and took her and her family 8 months to get it functioning properly. She started deliveries. Using leaflets and social media to advertise her business then Lockdown happened….this created a massive loss and set back!

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She took this time to re-educate herself again and set about doing diplomas in Food Production, Team Leading, Infection Control and Human Resources. In addition she learned how to set up Social Media and use Instagram to her advantage. She also kept herself busy doing The Lean Programme Diploma, which is geared up to not have any waste in food production... now her business was all ready to run successfully. She has a shop on Brennand Street in Burnley, where she conducts with enthusiasm Caribbean Cooking Classes, details are on her Facebook page. Here you can learn

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What’s next for this vivacious, hard-working lady?

how to create mouth-watering meals, using different techniques and culinary skills.

She also has a mobile catering van and can attend any events or celebrations. She has attended the Yorkshire Dale Food Festival and also the Preston Windrush Festival this year already. You can also find her in the Summer at Read Cricket Club, Whalley Rd, Burnley and Padiham Football Club. She has created a range of spices, sauces and seasonings with her own label, which you can purchase. These include Meat Seasonings, Home - Made Jerk Sauce and Hot Pepper Sauce. If you follow her Facebook page you will find tips for livening your pastry up using her new seasoning range. Starting in November, she will be taking pre-orders for a Caribbean Roast Dinners for Christmas day, made the Caribbean Way, using her amazing spices. Also, she is holding Christmas Cookery courses in the evenings to teach you how to create the mouth – watering Caribbean recipes, using useful techniques for daily culinary practice. She really does have the full package to help make dreams come true.

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You can catch her amazing cooking at the 5th Manchester Coffee Festival being held at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Longridge Rd. Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester on the 6th and 7th of November 2021... Oh and she plans to write a recipe book next year! In January 2022, Sharmen will be bringing a taste of the Caribbean to the Lancashire and North West Magazine as she is going to be writing a monthly column for us. Here she will tell us about all the individual islands of the Caribbean, tell you about their history, their cultures, celebrate their amazing traditions, their food influences, including English, African and Portuguese authentic flavours and create recipes for us to make like Jerk Chicken, Fried Chicken Wings, Fried Dumplings and Bean dishes. Something to brighten us up in the cold Winter months, celebrate the gorgeous food and dream of exotic places. M 5 Brennand Street, Burnley BB10 1SU E info@mamashars.com N 07988 890974 F @mamashars I @mamashars

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Changing Weather and Changing Emotions Changing Weather and Changing Emotions By Megha Seth

Human life at its core has always been deeply rooted and connected to nature. But with rapid technological advancement in the last 20 years that changed the history of mankind forever, it might seem a little hard to feel so.

ur focus has moved from the natural changes within and around us to our daily important tasks that cause us a lot of mental havoc. Even with all that, UNDERSTANDING HOW night, which is the highest during the seasonal changes in nature still AUTUMN AFFECTS OUR BODIES entire year. Human at aitsdirect coreimpact has always been deeply rooted and connected to nature. But with remain tolife have on With thelast arrival autumnthat as nature also of endmankind up noticing a our minds and bodies.advancement In fact, it rapid technological in the 20ofyears changedYou themight history withers, people seem to get a bit off pigmentation on the skin that turns has been scientifically proven that forever, it might seem a little hardduring to feel so. Our focus has moved from the natural changes the season. the skin somewhat pale or lighter with changes in seasons, there is a within and around us mood to ourand daily important tasks that cause us ainlotshade. of mental havoc. Even This too happens due to significant change in one’s The temperature starts dropping, the lack of Vitamin D from the behaviour. with all that, seasonal changes inmaking to have impact on our minds lack nature waystill for remain cosy sweaters out ofa direct of sunlight or UV rays from the sun. the closet. The proven days become As bodies. Autumn approaches with been the scientifically and In fact, it has that shorter with changes is aour VitamininDseasons, is vital forthere keeping and nights fall quicker, leading our magical sight of golden foliage bones and immunity strong to prevent significant change in one’s moodbody andtobehaviour. receive less sunlight. Because all around, it triggers memories us from having seasonal illnesses such of this, the circadian rhythm of our of Halloween and ripe harvests of as common colds and touches of flu is thrown off,golden messingfoliage with all pumpkin. The approaches grocery stores become As Autumn with the bodies magical sight of around, it triggers during the winter. our sleep cycles. You may tend to full of seasonal vegetables and there memories ofair. Halloween and ripestart harvests pumpkin. The grocery stores become full of sleepingof longer compared to the MANGE MENTAL AND is a chill in the seasonal vegetables and there isduration a chillofinsleep theduring air. the summers. EMOTIONAL HEALTH As metaphorical as it sounds, it is a In a study conducted by Harvard Because of all the changes time of change for both the Earth and Medical School, it was found that happening and bodies. around us, quite a our bodies. So, this is the time to look As metaphorical as it sounds, it is a time of change for both the Earth andinour So, people during this time of the year few people are likely to be affected by inwards and learn how to deal with this is the that time look brings inwards learn how of to2.7 deal with the that the season sleep an average hours more at changes SAD (Seasonal affective disorder)  the changes thetoseason us. and

brings us. LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

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LYTHAM GIN Inspired by Lancashire’s coastline. Distilled with love in the Ancient Parish of Lytham.

Find out more at: www.sandgrownspirits.co.uk and get 15% OFF all purchases in our online store using the coupon code Lancashire2021 at checkout

that usually spikes up the symptoms of anxiety and depression the most during the autumn season. But there are some ways to prevent us from getting affected by the seasonal emotional changes that could prove to be life-saving techniques for those seriously affected by it.

With an increased convenience and comfort of living, we should not forget to keep the body healthy and running. So, physical activities like jogging, cycling, sports, cleaning, or even organizing the house are all simple ways to use the body and keep the system healthy.

recommended to take a cold shower once in the morning and once in the evening before going to sleep. This is to help give an energetic start to the day and to help you have a good night’s sleep.

GET ENOUGH SUNLIGHT

INCREASE MENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH SIMPLE ACTIVITIES

Mediation is of many types but the simplest one, that one can do, is to sit cross-legged on a flat surface, with eyes closed, and to just be aware of your breath pattern for 15 minutes a day.

The sun is, without a doubt, the main source of life in our solar system. Since human beings are mainly powered by the sun, the movement of the planet or rather the distance between the earth and the sun determines various factors such as mood, energy levels, motivation, health, and immunity. As the days become shorter and nights longer, the importance of waking up early and exposing yourself to natural sunlight becomes an important factor for your health and well-being. So, you can try to spend some time outdoors during this time to get some fresh air and stock up on the sunlight to keep you healthy and energetic throughout the day. A minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour worth of sunlight in a day would be sufficient for getting enough vitamin D, for increased blood flow to keep you warm and powered all through the season. GET ENOUGH SLEEP As we are exposed to less sunlight, our bodies get confused and we end up requiring more sleep to recover from it. This hypersomnia, in turn, causes havoc in the sleep cycle that ends up directly affecting both our minds and bodies. So instead of sleeping longer at one stretch and still waking up fatigued, you can take short naps during the day. This will make up for the less sunrays received and pick up your energy levels in little instalments every time you feel drained. EXERCISE AND ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY A machine is only good as long as it runs. Similarly, the human body is as good as it is used, with the only exception that our bodies get better with use. World Health Organisation says that the majority of physical and mental ailments in the world are caused by the lack of daily physical activity. 164

Another reason why one may suffer from the Autumn Blues is the lack of mental awareness of oneself during any activity. It is said that more than 90% of people’s physical, mental and emotional activities are unconscious. In other words, the actions that one performs are compulsive in nature. When we are driven by the compulsions of the body and mind, the ability to take charge of one’s experience of life becomes less of a possibility. Being at the peak of evolution on this planet, it goes against the exclusive nature of human beings to perform activity consciously unlike other animals. A simple practice or exercise to help develop awareness would be to perform the same daily activities but in a slightly different way. For example, brushing teeth with the nondominant hand, taking a bath with the lights off, eating slowly, counting the number of steps you walk in a day are some activities that would increase your awareness throughout the day. In breaking the usual patterns of behaviour, the awareness during an activity is increased and in turn, empowers you with control over the basic aspects of physical and mental activities, thereby making yourself less available to the forces of nature or our compulsions. HAVE A COLD SHOWER Cold showers are known and spoken about in several communities of fitness, sports, mental health, and spirituality for the numerous benefits it has to offer. Taking a cold shower helps release stress, increase endorphins, improve blood circulation, fight common illnesses, improve metabolism, strengthen immunity, and has many other benefits. Anything under 21 degrees is considered a cold shower. It is

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MEDITATE

There is a certain correlation of the breath with the psychological aspect of a person. When you’re sad, you will breathe in a certain way, when you’re angry you’ll breathe in a certain way and when you’re happy you’ll breathe in another way. So, from this correlation, you can control your psychological process with the control of your breath. Sitting for 15 minutes a day in total awareness enhances the way we function and we become more flexible in situations without being hampered by the influences of the weather. If 15 minutes a day seems too long then starting with 5 minutes a day and gradually increasing it to 15 minutes is also something you can do. You can find many free guided meditation videos online that have been scientifically researched by institutes like Harvard Medical School. These practices have been proven to be highly effective if followed and practiced on a regular basis. Although the changes in season affect us emotionally, we don’t have to be entrapped by the changing season. The effect is just a way of nature acclaiming our connection with it. This time around autumn, enjoy the beauty of nature, take a walk in the woods, and try to keep yourself as healthy as possible.  REFERENCE LINKS gravityblankets.co.uk/autumn-blues-how-todefine-and-deal-with-it/ www.youveda.com/how-autumn-affects-ourbody/ www.bustle.com/articles/113060-6-weirdthings-that-happen-to-your-body-and-mindwhen-autumn-arrives gravityblankets.co.uk/autumn-blues-how-todefine-and-deal-with-it

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CHRISTMAS AT

A WARM ITALIAN WELCOME AWAITS YOU AT DON ALBERTO’S Don Alberto's @ The Loom | Derby Street | Leigh | WN7 4BA F @Donalbertostheloom | N 01942 673 858

The Vegetarian Society Cookery School Reopens Vegan Street Food Make your own incredible vegan street food at home. This class will show you how to use readily available vegan ingredients to make the kind of delectable, indulgent food that gets you drooling simply by reading the menu.

Get hands-on as you chop, slice, dice and knead your way to delicious veggie and vegan dishes at the Vegetarian Society Cookery School.

lasses range from Friday evening supper clubs where you can conjure curries, perfect puddings or savour the best bangers and mash. Or you could take a journey discovering astounding African and Indian street food, and try a taste of Vietnam or Thai cooking. Spend a day foraging, love the loaves you’ll make or become a vegan virtuoso. There really is something for everyone. Visit www.vegsoc.org/cookeryschool for amazing, hands-on cookery experiences. Sam Platt, Head of the Vegetarian Society Cookery School, said: “We are super-excited to welcome you into our kitchen for an amazing cookery experience. Whether you would like to learn more about plantbased food, are a life-long veggie or vegan, or just want an exciting new experience, you’ll love the time you spend at our school. And we can’t wait to see you!”

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Supper Clubs Get your weekend off to a great start by joining in the Friday Evening Supper Clubs. You’ll cook along with expert tutors to make a delicious meal before sitting down to enjoy it. Whether you book with friends or come by yourself, you’ll enjoy the relaxing, social atmosphere as you unwind, chat and eat great food. Children’s Cookery Adventure If you’re looking for a fun activity that your kids will love, check out the Children’s Cookery Adventure. They’ll discover how to follow a recipe, make tasty meals from scratch and experiment with brand new flavours. This activity is suitable for kids aged 6-14. Indian Cookery Join spice guru, Lajina, as she shows you how to make authentic Indian cuisine. You’ll learn how to make enticing, flavour-filled Indian dishes at home. Seasonal Cookery – Autumn Learn how to make delicious, comforting autumn dishes using seasonal produce. This special seasonal class will show you how to take advantage of the incredible fruit and vegetables on offer at this time of year.

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There are lots more classes. Find the class that tickles your taste buds at www.vegsoc.org/cookery. Classes start from £45 and are for all abilities and ages – from full-day classes, half-day classes, evening classes and supper clubs! Class sizes are small and the school is based in Altrincham (near to Dunham Massey). For anyone who loves food, the classes make an amazing present! You can buy gift vouchers for classes on the website. The Vegetarian Society Cookery School is part of the Vegetarian Society, a charity which is here to help everyone with all things veggie and vegan. Did you know that when you buy a cookery class, you’re helping to fund a class for someone else? The money you spend helps to fund community classes for groups such as young carers, people who have experienced domestic abuse and those who have struggled with their mental health. The Vegetarian Society is a charity passionate about veggie food and wants everyone to know how varied and delicious vegetarian dishes are. It’s easy to enjoy a veggie lifestyle – and it’s better for the planet.

WIN 2 COOKERY CLASSES FOR 2 PEOPLE just email us at info@lancashiremagazine.co.uk with your name and which class you’d like to attend from the following classes: www.vegsoc.org/dayclasses

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LAKELAND ARTISAN Award winning Food and Drink

Lakeland Artisan run by husband and wife team Geoff and Mary Monkman is an award-winning artisan food and drink company producing high-quality, hand-crafted products using the finest natural ingredients with no artificial flavours.

The company produces delicious preserves, chutneys and fruit syrups under Cumbrian Delights, a range of soft drinks and cordials as Mawson’s Original Drinks, a range of Gin, Vodka, Rum and Whiskey Liqueurs as Lakeland Liqueurs, new this year is Yan Gin by Herdwick Distillery, and finally Lakeland Hampers that brings all the brand together as well as other quality local produce. With over 65 Great Taste Awards to date and many other accolades - a truly awardwinning company. All our products are naturally delicious with no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives and handcrafted with love and care at our premises on the outskirts of Kendal in the English Lake District.

www.lakelandartisan.co.uk •

FTI @lakelandartisan

Above: Photo by www.lucybarden.co.uk

Number Yan for Distilling Essence of Lake District By Joel Newman & Emily Walker 168

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Lakeland Artisan, the home of award winning food and drink continue to grow as they open their latest branch, Herdwick Distillery.

t the heart of Lakeland Artisan is husband and wife team Geoff and Mary Monkman. Together they have directed the business from its early stages in 2006 to the well established, award winning success we see today, which includes 65 Great Taste Awards. The key focus and indeed the foundations of the business was that they wanted to produce the highest quality of artisan food and drink possible, which has special links to Cumbria and the Lake District and showcases the very best that the region has to offer, with all its unique and delicious flavours. With this in mind they began to work on their hand-crafted products such as preserves and liquors.  Above: Photo by www.lucybarden.co.uk

Above: Mary and Geoff Monkman - Photo by Glynis Bland Photography

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Lakeland Artisan soon flourished, with their success now including six stores spanning from Carlisle to Lancaster, each hosting an array of their quality products including Mawson’s drinks and Hampers. All these incredible and hand crafted products are made at their production unit in Kendal and are also available on their website with free postage included with orders over £30. Herdwick Distillery is the latest branch of Cumbria’s fast-growing artisan food and drinks business, which launched its first product on the 6th August, Yan Gin. From time immemorial, Cumbrian shepherds have been counting their famous Herdwick sheep in the local dialect, beginning with Yan (One). Those who have tasted the amazing new drink say it is truly #1 in capturing the exhilaration of Lake District life and landscape, and its romantic connections to the wider world, hence Yan Gin. Yan Gin is infused with an expertly selected bouquet of over 10 botanicals to make small batch London dry gin, it is distinctly gin, sophisticated but not overwhelmingly flavoured, this makes it ideal for mixing into any gin cocktail or simply with tonic for a unique G&T. It is available in 70cl and 5cl bottles both in stores an online. Herdwick Distillery reflects the desire of Geoff and Mary Monkman to build on their success in producing great award-winning local food and drink, from Cumbrian Delights Jams and Relishes, Mawson’s Soft Drinks and Lakeland Liqueurs. The product has benefited from extra research and development time available during lockdown, combining innovation and local knowledge from the Cumbrian base. Truly number Yan for discerning visitors, locals, and others with respect for authenticity and local interest. Geoff Monkman, Managing Director said “It’s been along time in coming, but well worth the wait. We are so pleased with the taste and look of the Yan Gin.”  Above: Photos by www.lucybarden.co.uk

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Stockists of Yan Gin by Herdwick Distillery include the Carlisle, Keswick, Bowness, Lancaster and Windermere shops of Lakeland Gifts and Honeypot in Hawkshead, Hayes Garden World, Low Sizergh Barn, being joined by other retailers as the launch continues. Any companies wishing to partner with Lakeland Artisan and stock the products should contact mary@lakelandartisan.co.uk for full details.  D www.lakelandartisan.co.uk N 01539 822326

LAKELAND ARTISAN Award winning Food and Drink

Lakeland Artisan 18 Crescent Road, Windermere LA23 1DT Lakeland Gifts and Ales 37 Crag Brow, Bowness LA23 3BX Lakeland Gifts 6 Market Gate, Lancaster LA1 1AL Lakeland Gifts and Ales 2-4 English Street, Carlisle CA3 8HZ Cumbrian Gifts 22 Lake Road, Keswick CA12 5BX Lakeland Gifts and Ales 31 Lake Road, Keswick CA12 5BX

Above: Photo by www.lucybarden.co.uk

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Above: Photos by www.lucybarden.co.uk

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THE FOOD CRITIC

The Lancashire Magazine Eats Out...

The Cross Guns Inn, Egerton, Bolton by Richard Sagar

he thriving village of Egerton is the home of my hostelry of choice this month – the newly renovated and exceptionally tasteful Cross Guns Inn. The attractive stone and hard wood exterior of this 1700s building nestle the Inn into its local environment as it provides an aesthetic pleasure to its patrons and all driving through the village alike. With the refurbishment of the Cross Guns Inn now complete, Egerton, the initial birthplace of Bolton Wanderers FC, now finds itself the birthplace of one of the most stylish and exciting restaurants, bars and cocktail lounges in the North West.

As we entered the premises, the quality of the refurbishments was immediately evident – an exceptionally well stocked bar immediately greets patrons, along with a cheery hello from owner Jon, who kindly took the time to show my dining partner and me around the premises. The décor is completely ‘on point’, and whilst 172

meandering through the establishment, I found areas perfect for anything from Friday afternoon pints in the outdoor bar and covered gardens, to stylish formal celebrations in the private dining area upstairs, and everything in between. Upstairs, we happened upon a charming team of staff, who happily welcomed us into the cocktail lounge - where we decided it would be rude not to spend the first part of our evening. And what a cocktail lounge it is. A classy, stylish area that wouldn’t look out of place in the most affluent areas of the city centre; the cocktail list more than matched the sophisticated environment. With anything from a Twisted Bellini to a Ciao Malfy Spritz, the printed menu has something for everybody – and the skilful staff are happy to use their knowledge of mixology to create your personal favourites too. We went for a French 75 (Monkey 47, Lemon, Sugar and Tattinger Champagne) which proved a perfect aperitif, along with a traditional Sex

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Meet The Food Critic... Barrister-turned-food-writer Richard Sagar takes us through some of the finest culinary venues our historic county and surrounding areas have to offer. Keep an eye out for Richard’s reviews in our editions as he quite literally eats his way through the North West!

The Cross Guns Inn 354 Blackburn Road, Egerton, Bolton, BL7 9TR N 01204 291204 thecrossguns.co.uk

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THE FOOD CRITIC

on the Beach – reminiscent of those sweet memories of summers in the sun abroad. After indulging in the heady delights of these cocktails, we were welcomed downstairs into the main dining area where we were introduced to Alberto, our waiter for the evening. Considering we visited the Cross Guns Inn during only its fifth week of trading, the service we received from Alberto and all the staff was nothing short of exemplary. Taking recommendations from the team, we decided to whet our appetites with the ‘land’ based nibbles board – the tastes from which will stay with me for a long time to come. A sublime combination of perfectly cooked soft-boiled scotch egg, a superbly light but nonetheless punchy chicken liver parfait, a slow cooked duck and pink peppercorn rillette and a pot of pork scratching butter – something I have never tasted before! And my oh my did it work! Served with a collection of artisan breads and chutney, this was certainly the way to start a meal at the Cross Guns!

Moving rather indulgently onto starters, we opted for the ham hock and mustard croquette and the confit duck leg respectively. The croquette was simply magnificent – served on a pea velouté, the flavours and textures together were really very exciting – something of this quality I seldom find outside of a wellestablished, starred restaurant. The duck was as comforting, soft and tender as one could ever hope for – served on top of a light summer salad which cut through the inherent richness of a confit beautifully. In short, the ham hock croquette was a true diamond, and the confit duck, a hug on a plate. Between starters and our main courses, we took a closer look at the outdoor bar and gardens area – an old outbuilding has been converted into a friendly, cosy mini-pub. Complete with exposed stone walls, roaring log burner and proper bar stools, this was an area I could see myself heading to straight from work and enjoying drinks with friends, taking in the good company, doubtlessly fine ale and beautiful gardens. Before I could get too carried away out there, Jon found us to let us know that our main course was now perfectly rested, and was ready to be served. In almost stampede fashion, the two of us charged back to our table in anticipation of something very special – the infamous chateaubriand. Served with truffle and parmesan fries, vine tomatoes, pea shoots, salted fries, peppercorn sauce and a red wine jus, this was simply culinary perfection. The beef fillet was of the very finest quality and had all those delicious buttery flavours and melt-in-your-mouth characteristics in abundance – it almost felt a shame to add any of the sauces, but they

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were exquisite too! The theme continued with the fries – both truffle and parmesan and the plain ones too – everything about this dish was faultless. Alberto had recommended a bottle of St Hallett Gamekeeper’s Shiraz Grenache Touriga to go with the food we had chosen – a recommendation we took and were deeply thankful to have done so. It possessed just enough body and ‘clout’ to hold its own against the fabulous flavours of the food, yet enough refinement and sophistication not to impose upon them. 10/10 there for your pairing Alberto! As the evening drew to a close, we managed to find a little room for pudding. Alex opted for sticky toffee, which was just what one would expect from a sumptuous pudding served in a top class establishment. Meanwhile, I chose the ‘Marathon’ – a word I hardly imagined using after so much delicious food and wine! But it was an absolute treat – three components that when tasted separately were delicious, but when combined together, perfectly replicated the flavours of a firm favourite of mine – a snickers bar! Culinary wizardry at its finest! So, how to conclude this article on the Cross Guns Inn… This place really is something very special. Considering its relative infancy, it ran like a well-oiled machine – and a machine creating phenomenal meals, drinks and most importantly experiences at that. It is one of only a handful of places I have reviewed and immediately booked a table to come back for more. If ever you are in the area, or even remotely close, I cannot recommend this place highly enough.

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Preston Entrepreneur Lee Chambers Victorious at the Greater Manchester Business Awards

Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, founded by psychologist Lee Chambers, has won the Small Business of the Year category at the Greater Manchester Business Awards.

ssentialise Workplace Wellbeing, the Preston headquartered wellbeing and psychology training company, founded by psychologist and entrepreneur Lee Chambers, are celebrating winning an award category at the Greater Manchester Business Awards. Having been shortlisted for two awards, they were up against some of the region’s highest performing and innovative businesses. Given their relative youth at only 18 months old, expectations of winning in either award seemed unlikely. Despite this, they were fortunate enough to be selected as winners by the judges in the category Small Business of the Year (Under five employees). They joined a variety of winning companies on the night, including Feel Good Club, Together Trust and Bluebell Fitted Furniture. Now in its fifth year, the Greater Manchester Business Awards was back in person with a bang after last years virtual event. Organised by the Rich Media Group based in Stockport, this year’s finalists enjoyed a glittering blacktie winner’s evening on Friday 3 September at the new Central Manchester-based Hotel Brooklyn. The event was

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sponsored by GM Business Connect, and £550 was raised for the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trusts Charitable Foundation on the night. The judges were headed up by Andy Preston, International sales coach and motivational speaker. Supporting Andy was Paul Mirage, Co-owner and Director of GM Business Connect, as well as Heather Baker, Founder of Baker Thompson Associates and a Prince’s Trust business mentor, Gavin Redman, Business Development Partner at Express Solicitors and Carole Fossey, founder of Leading Women in Business and The Social Media Mentor. Lee Chambers, founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, said: “Joining so many outstanding local companies at a glamorous venue was an occasion I’ll never forget. I went in with realistic expectations given the tough competition I was up against, so to win was even more special. When I went to collect the trophy, the compare Paul Crone said to me that my face was one of shock and disbelief!” “This award is not so much of a reward for us but more a way to celebrate of all those who’ve been willing to support a wellbeing company that does things differently, from our clients to our collaborators, and those who’ve provided support, guidance and encouragement on what has been a challenging journey since we launched 18 months ago.  www.lancmag.com

I’d also like to extend my thanks to the team at both Rich Media and the Hotel Brooklyn for creating a seamless and thoroughly enjoyable event which was a pleasure to be part of.”

“For me personally, it is a moment to consider the amazing welcome I’ve had from the Preston business community, the wider Lancashire business ecosystem and those who have backed me by opening doors, providing opportunities and given me their time and space. I’m grateful for all the assistance I’ve received and hopefully this is only the start He is a father of two, lives in the Ribble Valley and coach’s See all festive events: reubensretreat.org/events of the impact we can make, both regionally and beyond.” disability football in his spare time. He is passionate about wellbeing and performance, having previously worked for For Chambers and Essentialise, they are hoping for two well-known North West football clubs, and having his continued success after being shortlisted for Startup of the own health journey after losing the ability to walk due to Year at both the BIBA’s and the Business Master Awards, as illness in 2014. well as Service Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. ABOUT ESSENTIALISE WORKPLACE WELLBEING They are also able to help a range of Lancashire businesses with coaching, wellbeing and resilience with no cost attached, thanks to the Peer Networks programme, funded through Boost Lancashire. For more details on if you qualify, contact Essentialise directly as places are limited.

Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing is a Preston based company specialising in helping SME’s with their wellbeing and performance strategy. They also deliver engaging, evidence-based wellbeing workshops and talks. Based in The Watermark on Ribbleton Ln, they work with a range of clients, including Regital, Transport for the North, Anytime Fitness and Ineos. They also work on a oneto-one basis with elite athletes and leaders, supporting them in using psychology and wellbeing to perform at an optimal level. 

Are you a business looking for wellbeing that works, or an individual looking to take your performance to the next level? Give Essentialise a call on 01772 846198 and see how we can support you today.

I’d also like to extend my thanks to the team at both Rich Media and the Hotel Brooklyn for creating a seamless and thoroughly enjoyable event which was a pleasure to be part of.” “For me personally, it is a moment to consider the amazing welcome I’ve had from the Preston business community, the wider Lancashire business ecosystem and those who have backed me by opening doors, providing opportunities and given me their time and space. I’m grateful for all the assistance I’ve received and hopefully this is only the start of the impact we can make, both regionally and beyond.” For Chambers and Essentialise, they are hoping for continued success after being shortlisted for Startup of the Year at both the BIBA’s and the Business Master Awards, as well as Service Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. They are also able to help a range of Lancashire businesses with coaching, wellbeing and resilience with no cost attached, thanks to the Peer Networks programme, funded through Boost Lancashire. For more details on if you qualify, contact Essentialise directly as places are limited.

ABOUT LEE CHAMBERS Lee Chambers is an award-winning psychologist, coach and founder of both PhenomGames and Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing. He is currently involved in research on the impact of hybrid working on employee wellbeing, and is a SEND Enterprise Advisor at Hillside Specialist School in Longridge. He has been interviewed by Vogue, Newsweek and the Guardian, and is a regular on TV and radio sharing expertise on psychology. He is a father of two, lives in the Ribble Valley and coach’s disability football in his spare time. He is passionate about wellbeing and performance, having previously worked for two well-known North West football clubs, and having his own health journey after losing the ability to walk due to illness in 2014. ABOUT ESSENTIALISE WORKPLACE WELLBEING Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing is a Preston based company specialising in helping SME’s with their wellbeing and performance strategy. They also deliver engaging, evidence-based wellbeing workshops and talks. Based in The Watermark on Ribbleton Ln, they work with a range of clients, including Regital, Transport for the North, Anytime Fitness and Ineos. They also work on a oneto-one basis with elite athletes and leaders, supporting them in using psychology and wellbeing to perform at an optimal level. 

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Connected: The 12 Ways of Wellbeing for a Holistically Healthy Life From Author, Speaker, Coach, and Researcher Gemma Margerison

£2 from the sale of every book donated to support the work of Lancashire Mind

Now Available At

You can contact Gemma Margerison on gemmalouisecoaching@gmail.com or visit www.gemmalouisecoaching.com

Author, Speaker, Coach, and Researcher Gemma Margerison

When it comes to resilience, recovery, and wellbeing Gemma Margerison is a busy girl.

s an Author, Speaker, Coach, and Researcher, Gemma divides her time between delivering training, providing one-to-one support to individuals, and promoting her first book Connected: The 12 Ways of Wellbeing for a Holistically Healthy Life, which launched in October this year. Oh, and completing a Doctorate, of course. Gemma’s interest in wellbeing began when she took a short course in Counselling in 2014, but when she received her own PTSD diagnosis just a year later, she began to focus her attention on researching and working specifically within the area of trauma and recovery. After starting a Doctorate in Coaching and Mentoring at Oxford Brookes University a few years later, Gemma knew that this was the role for her.

Gemma’s coaching begins with a complimentary consultation, followed by a block of five sessions approximately an hour each and usually two to three weeks apart. Gemma’s sessions follow a set structure based on her unique model of resilience and recovery. You can read more about her particular coaching style and book a free chemistry session via her website www.gemmalouisecoaching.com or by contacting her via Instagram @gemmalouisecoaching.

“I am first and foremost a coach, specifically The Resilience and Recovery Coach for Gemma Louise Coaching, a company I began in 2019 as a side-hustle,” says Gemma. “From the feedback I received and the passion I felt for coaching, I took the business fulltime from January 2020 after leaving a role within an engineering company. I really enjoyed my time in the corporate world but what I loved most about my role was the one-to-one interactions I had with people who needed to talk.” Since going self-employed, Gemma has supported numerous clients who have been through trauma and difficulty from historic abuse to toxic relationships, from marriage breakdowns to surviving critical illness and injury. The purpose of sessions through Gemma Louise Coaching is to help these individuals rebuild their lives; to improve their strength, confidence, and wellness so that they might overcome their fears and reach their full potential. “I have seen some incredible outcomes for the clients I have worked with. Their sheer determination and growth has resulted in gaining the confidence to leave unhealthy relationships or start new healthy ones, to go back to university or to gain new employment, to move to the other side of the country or to simply believe in and love themselves. My role in all of this has been to be a sounding board and provide tools when required,” she says.

“My second business is Trauma Resilience and Recovery for Uniformed, Care, and Emergency Services, which can thankfully be shortened to TRUCE. TRUCE provides resilience training, trauma debriefing, and follow up coaching for anyone who lives in service of others, and I have had the privilege of working with the NHS, police, local authority adult services, care homes, and youth workers in addition to the military,” says Gemma.

“There is not a session that goes by that I do not learn something about myself or something I can do to improve the services I offer. I am proud to have been able to walk alongside these individuals for as long as they have needed me, and then be able to see them reach a level of independence and go it alone. Coaching is a short-term, future-facing, goal-oriented intervention, which helps you to realise that you already have everything you need, and I love being able to bring that out in people.”

“I began working with armed forces veterans in late 2013 and have done so on and off ever since. The individuals that I met were not only fantastically supportive of me as I went through my own mental health struggles, but continue to be a source of inspiration, motivation, and instruction. I have been additionally fortunate in that I have also worked with serving personnel and military spouses and aim to dedicate my second book to this community.”

Feedback from one of her clients says, “Having had some time to reflect since our last session I am even more satisfied with the experience I had. I feel so much more confident, not only in my everyday interactions but also in my belief that I can cope with whatever comes my way. I am able to now prioritise my self-care and I am able to do it without the guilt I once felt. Having been through one cycle I know I would benefit from more.”

In this capacity Gemma has designed the My Resilient Service Masterclass training package, which, to date, has added value to the work that is already being done to support staff within these organisations, and an outsider perspective has proven to provide a new and different way of looking at things. As someone who defines resilience beyond of the usual ‘bounce-back’ thinking, Gemma’s course aims to work in the preventative and proactive space.

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Earlier this year Gemma spoke at an event for International Women’s Day. Here is what the organiser had to say about her. “Your talk at the Warrior Women event was amazing. You were open and honest and that helped the attendees feel connected to you and more able to share their own stories and vulnerabilities. The conversation and honesty showed that we were in a safe space… The way you speak is engaging and creates a sense of connection and trust.” Gemma’s speaking engagements have seen an increase since the release of her first book, most notably is her return to the #YesSheCan Skills Development Day in December. Here she will be talking about the book, which was released at a World Mental Health Day Book Launch and Wellbeing Fair on 10th October 2021. However, this is not the first time Gemma has seen her name in print, and she hopes it will not be the last. “I have always loved writing and was first published in a collection of poetry gathered from local primary schools in the area I grew up in. Reading, writing, and stories got me through those awkward teenage years of too many emotions, and I went on to complete an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing and English Literature. Being a published author was always the dream,” says Gemma. “Resilience, to me, should not be measured by how well we are able to just keep going regardless of the situation or circumstances. Sometimes taking a break, looking after ourselves, or saying no to things can take just as much, if not more courage, especially within the healing and helping professions where patient care often takes priority over everything else. This requires a knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of who we are as individuals,” she says. Feedback from one particular session says, “Excellent delivery of a thought provoking and under valued subject. We should do more of it and it was great to hear our guys opening up in front of us which a testament to the atmosphere that Gemma created throughout… I feel better placed to improve my own resilience and support others to improve theirs, not just as a reactive measure but as a proactive one ahead of any future challenges that might arise.” While TRUCE is not yet as established as Gemma Louise Coaching, it has enormous potential. The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of our frontline, care, and uniformed services, and now is the time for positive change, for more support, and for the recognition of the sacrifices being made to keep the rest of the population safe and well. For more information, please contact Gemma on gemmalouisecoaching@gmail.com or via Instagram @truce.trauma.resilience. Finally, Gemma is a writer and a speaker. “Over the past few years, I have travelled across the country for guest speaking engagements talking about my personal recovery journey, my work in wellbeing, and also my unique model of resilience. Sharing real life experience is where the connection happens, and it usually only takes someone to be brave to spark much needed conversation in this area,” she says. 180

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That being said, her writing career initially took her into journalism, working for a small national newspaper in Auckland, New Zealand. Gemma describes herself as being fortunate enough to interview politicians, sports stars, music legends and upcoming artists, charity workers, thought leaders, and professionals of all kinds. While it became clear that she did not want to continue in the profession on her return to the UK, it taught her a lot of the skills she still uses now. “Journalism, like coaching, relies heavily on the use of effective questioning and building relationship. My love of story and people combined with a natural curiosity around lived experience meant that I was able to meet a lot of other wellbeing professionals and gather all of their wonderful journeys to where they are now. This gave me an idea for a book, one that would be a cross between self-help and a wellbeing directory,” says Gemma. “When I went selfemployed, I began to work on Connected: The 12 Ways of Wellbeing for a Holistically Healthy Life, so it was over 18-months in the making before its release in October 2021. It has been a real learning curve, but I am so grateful to have met, worked with, and been supported by so many interesting, talented, and passionate contributors who were so willing to share their information, advice, and guidance around the topic of wellness.” In the book Gemma introduces us to her unique model of wellness, The Four Spheres of Connection. “I believe we need to have a connection to ourselves, others, the world, and our purpose in order to live a well-round life. www.lancmag.com

We explore each of these four sections through three sub-chapters; breaking them down into 12 bitesize and easy-to-understand chunks,” she says. The book, which is an entry-level introduction into the world of health and wellbeing, features 45 other UK-based contributors.

both my own experiences as well as my studies to support in the best way I can. If you have any questions or would like to know more, I would love to hear from you,” she says.

Just before the first lockdown in 2020, Gemma was also published in a collaborative book called Unzenable: A Guide to Stress Less & Be More and both of these books are available to purchase via Amazon, with £2 from the sale of every copy of Connected being donated to support the work of Lancashire Mind. You can follow Gemma’s writing and speaking journey on Instagram @gemma.margerison. You can also hear more about the book and its contributors through Gemma’s YouTube channel and podcast also called Connected. With new content released weekly, the Connected YouTube and podcast aims to further showcase the work of contributors to the book and other wellbeing professionals doing amazing things in the health and wellbeing space. The podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon Music, and TuneIn. While Gemma’s hats all seem very different, there are three distinct and important threads weaving them all together: trauma, resilience, and wellbeing. “I absolutely love what I do; every day is unique. I am always meeting people from all backgrounds and walks of life and using www.lancmag.com

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How to Keep Airborne Allergens in Your Home at Bay by Airborne Allergens Expert, Max Wiseberg

n November many of us will be spending more time in our homes, so will be exposed to dust, pet and mould allergens. And for those with indoor allergies, all of this can trigger some unpleasant symptoms that are similar to hay fever. Prevention is key with allergies. If you reduce the amount of allergen you are exposed to, there is a good chance you will reduce (or even stop) the reaction. No home is 100% allergen free, but there are some simple ways to minimise the allergens around you. HERE ARE MY TOP TIPS...

To reduce the amount of dust around the home, damp dust regularly, to remove dust from surfaces and prevent it being dispersed into the air, and vacuum regularly.

Use an allergen barrier balm, such as HayMax (www.haymax.biz), which can be applied to the nostrils and bones of the eyes in the morning and throughout the day. HayMax is organic and drug free and has been proven to trap dust and pet allergens before they enter the body [1] where they can cause symptoms. Less dust and pet allergens, less reaction!

Keep animals clean and well groomed, to remove allergens from their fur.

Consider using an air filter/purifier with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filter to capture dust and pet allergens.

Change your bedding regularly and vacuum the mattress. Use allergy friendly mattress covers and bedding.

Store cuddly toys and blankets in a cupboard to prevent the build-up of allergens on them.

Mould and dust mites thrive in moist environments. Keep the humidity in your house between 40% and 20% to control allergens.

There are also many pharmaceutical products available over the counter to deal with symptoms. Try an antihistamine, a steroid nasal spray or eye drops. Create your own pet and dust allergy first aid kit – one or more natural products, such as HayMax, a saline nasal rinse and a Qu-Chi Hayfever Band, only one antihistamine, only one nasal spray and eye drops. I hope these ideas are helpful to you – do let us know. I’ll be back next month with more info. Have a great month!

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

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ic n i l C G et a r s u B a ck Y r Your Glow at the D Harley Street Aesthetics Expert Launches Merseyside Clinic Redefining the art of aesthetics, the new Dr Yusra Clinic is home to empowered transformations. A medically-led practitioner, Dr Yusra takes a holistic approach to the art of aesthetics, utilising the latest and most effective evidence-based techniques. Her clinic specialises in anti-aging, fat freezing, acne and skin pigmentation, weight loss, skincare, injectables, non-surgical rhinoplasty and hair restoration treatments.

THE CLINIC FEATURES 5 WELLNESS SUITES INCLUDING: •Sculpt Suite - utilising the latest beauty tech, including CoolSculpting and ULTRAcel, to deliver results •Aesthetics Suite - home to aesthetic treatments including botox, fillers, nonsurgical rhinoplasty and bioremodelling •Skin Suite - where Dr Yusra delivers her signature glow and anti-ageing treatments

Get Your Glow Back by Booking a Wellness Consultation F @dryusraclinic I @dryusraclinic E info@dryusra.com N 03332244666

(Mon-Fri 9.30am - 5pm)

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WEIGHT MANAGEMENT By Nicola Parker MNIMH

A number of years ago, I opened a weight loss clinic alongside my herbal medicine practice. I find many weight loss programs to be faddy and difficult to maintain.

would also refuse to stock weight loss products, believing most of them to be ineffective. Many of the products advertised online are e sold alongside herbs that act as a colon cleanse, boasting significant weight loss within days. The problem is, that most colon cleanses are laxatives and since stool weighs fairly heavy, this miracle weight loss is much more likely to be the result of laxative use than actual fat burning. For gym goers and fitness enthusiasts, calorie counting can be an effective method of weight management, but as more and more people came to me for advice, I realised that a different group of people existed. People eating healthily, cutting down their calories, regularly going hungry and still struggling to lose weight. I’d often spend a long time in conversations with people like this, digging into their medical history and current meal program, to isolate the cause of the unexplained weight gain or stagnation in weight loss. These conversations were often rushed, undertaken in a busy environment or with a person who had to rush out and only wanted a quick fix answer. So in response to the lack of any similar services, I opened a weight loss clinic that focuses on a different style of weight management. Locating the source of unexplained, excess, weight. Anyone can reduce their calories, but if you are doing this and still not seeing results, it can lead to a miserable and hungry existence. Here are some of the issues I regularly see in my weight loss clinic that are not calorie related.

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Firstly, it’s not always fat. If the weight you are concerned about is a frontal, pot belly; a swollen, almost pregnant looking tum – chances are, it’s not fat. Frontal, abdominal bloating is often caused by gas or a sluggish bowel. Gas doesn’t weigh anything and a belly full of gas often gets bigger through the day, especially after eating. If your tummy is flat on waking and then gets larger later on, you don’t need a low calorie diet, you need a gut flora overhaul. Cut out sugary foods and excess fruit and juices while taking a probiotic for more effective results. If that middle weight gain isn’t just frontal, but all around the waist, then this may be down to related to poor blood sugar control. Slender arms and legs with an apple or pear-shaped torso? Blood sugar regulation is going to be key in managing your weight. Get your blood sugars tested to ensure you’re not diabetic. If not, then dietary intervention could help a lot more than your waistline. Eat regularly, ensuring you don’t go hungry, focusing on high protein and high fibre. Refined carbs are a no-no for blood sugar diets. Nutrients like chromium and cinnamon can help with sugar cravings and I use a combination formula called Metabolic Balance which is specific to blood sugar support. Feeling lethargic? Can’t lose weight no matter what you eat? Get your thyroid checked. If everything is all clear, bring your results to a local herbalist or ask your GP if it’s possible that you have sub clinical hypothyroidism. This is when your thyroid is slightly sluggish but not enough to warrant medication. If this is the case, your energy will be low and weight loss will be difficult. Dietary intervention can be tough here, but there are nutrients that can support thyroid function, such as sea kelp, selenium and tyrosine. Again, I use a combination formula called Thyroid Support and it does wonders for my patients who show signs of a sluggish thyroid.

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If your diet seems healthy but you're not seeing results, see if there is a local weight management clinic near you that does more than just reduce the number of calories going in. Humans are complex creatures and a healthy diet should not make you miserable. My three rules are that meals should be TASTY, INEXPENSIVE and EASY TO PREPARE. Don’t be a slave to calories, make your food serve you.

Nicola Parker MNIMH has a herbal medicine clinic located on the picturesque coast Morecambe Bay where she offers face to face and virtual appointments. For more information on the topics she writes about or to book an appointment, contact her clinic on 01524 413733 or via email at helpmebehealthy@gmail.com

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Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip

Reduce Meat Consumption

Could you reduce your meat consumption?

TAKE A BREAK FROM RED AND PROCESSED MEAT EVERY WEEK

Many red and processed meats are high in saturated fat. Too much saturated fat in the diet can raise the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood. The NHS recommends a daily meat intake of no more than 70g. Reducing your intake of red and processed meats will not only benefit your health, but it is also good for the environment.

Don’t feel pressured to cut out all meat from your diet. If you tend to eat red and/or processed meat most days, why not challenge yourself to one meat-free day every week? Try searching online or in cookbooks for meat-free recipes. You can also get some inspiration by visiting: www.meatfreemondays.com

We have some tips to help you reduce your red and processed meat consumption. WHAT ARE RED, WHITE AND PROCESSED MEATS? Red meat includes beef, lamb and pork and it tends to be higher in saturated fat. White meat, such as chicken and turkey are lower in total fat and saturated fat. Processed meat includes smoked, cured and preserved meats, such as bacon, salami, sausages and ham.

SWITCH TO WHITE MEAT OR FISH If you cook with a lot of red and processed meat, or if steak is your usual option when eating out, try switching to chicken, turkey or fish instead. This will help to reduce your saturated fat intake. Aim to eat two portions of fish every week, one of which should be an oily fish. Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, contain omega-3 fatty acids which help to keep your heart healthy.

TRY SOME VEGETARIAN ALTERNATIVES Meat substitutes, such as vegetarian sausages, mince and burgers are lower in saturated fat than equivalent meat products. Keep an eye on food labels as some meat substitutes are high in calories and salt. If you’re not a fan of ‘fake meat’ you could try products made with beans, pulses, and nuts as these are all good sources of protein. You can find lots more tips, recipes and health advice at www.heartresearch.org.uk

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

If you’d like to support Heart Research UK’s vital work into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, please visit www.heartresearch.org.uk for inspiration on how you could help. 186

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WORRYING ABOUT HAIR LOSS? SCALP NORTH IS HERE TO HELP!

We offer an 100% effective hair loss treatment, Scalp Micropigmentation. This innovative hair loss remedy has become incredibly popular owing to the fact that it is comparatively affordable, eliminates the appearance of a bald head, has the ability to disguise previous transplant attempts and scars, makes the scalp skin less visible in cases of partial hair loss. Moreover, it is long lasting, requires little maintenance and, perhaps best of all, is non-invasive and nonsurgical.

An extensively trained and experienced SMP artist layers varying complementary shades of all-natural pigments into the dermal layer of the scalp to create the soft, realistic appearance of a freshly shaven scalp. Or can be applied amongst the hair growth to create thicker denser looking hair. To that end, the final look is so amazingly realistic that someone standing inches away will not know unless you tell them!

If you’re considering SMP to remedy your hair loss, expect nothing less than the very best treatment experience and cosmetic result. If you want the best, choose Scalp North. Contact us for a free consultation today. Established in the Micropigmentation industry 2007 and specialising in new Scalp Techniques since 2016.

Scalp Micropigmentation is the replication of hair follicles on the scalp, whether confined to a localized area or over the entire scalp. It is suitable for both men and women of all ages and all hair colours.

N 07773 229 229 E Email: info@scalpnorth.co.uk www.scalpnorth.co.uk

Scalp North Cosmetic Tattoo Clinic, 10a Shaftesbury Avenue Timperley, Altrincham WA15 7LY

PUTTING COLOUR BACK INTO PEOPLE’S LIVES By Marcia Trotter 188

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BEFORE 

AFTER 

BEFORE 

Micropigmentation used to be called cosmetic tattooing but in reality the term doesn’t really do this treatment justice.

o, we no longer refer to it as tattooing although it does of course follow the same principle. Many people will have heard of Microblading, which is a popular form of semi-permanent eyebrow architecture. But not so many are familiar with Micropigmentation, a similar treatment but one which is carried out using a sterile needle and state of the art machine not a blade. I like to call it putting colour back into people’s lives. Micropigmentation is the implantation of medically graded semi-permanent colour pigment into the upper layer of the skin, the Dermis, using a sterile needle. It is more commonly known as Semi-permanent make-up. Here at Marcia Cosmetic Tattoo Clinic we pride ourselves on being one of the very few clinics in the North West to specialise solely in Micropigmentation. As well as the cosmetic procedures we offer, including eyebrow, eyeliner and lip enhancements, we are also kept busy with our many medical treatments. This includes the intricate replacing of colour on the face, scalp and body where natural pigment may have been lost due to illness, accident or surgery.

AFTER 

Vitiligo is a skin disorder which can affect people of all ages and race. It is caused by a deficiency in the melanocyte cells which produce pigment and give the skin it’s colour. Because it is so visible, the patchy appearance of Vitiligo can be distressing, and it is quite difficult to cover up large areas of the skin with make-up. If the client’s medical history and the area is suitable for Micropigmentation then skin coloured pigments are blended and implanted into the hypo-pigmented skin, camouflaging the appearance of Vitiligo. This is carried out over several sessions which are spaced weeks apart giving excellent results. We can also help clients suffering with Alopecia who may be looking to enhance their brows and eyelashes or who want us to create hairlines and fill in patches where there is hair loss. This can be achieved using scalp micropigmentation. Alopecia is hair loss that occurs when a person’s immune system attacks their hair follicles. Where this has happened realistic brows can be created with medical tattooing giving the illusion of ultra fine hairs. If eyelashes have been lost a semi-permanent natural eyelash enhancement or fine semi-permanent eyeliner can give amazing definition without the constant need to reapply make-up. This treatment can restore confidence in the appearance for anyone, male or female, affected by this condition. Scientifically speaking, the term Alopecia refers, in general, to hair loss.

Medical Micropigmentation treatments come in many forms from replacement of a nipple and areola following breast reconstruction post breast cancer to improving the appearance of a scar, giving the illusion of hair follicles on the scalp and camouflaging areas of the skin if pigmentation has been lost.

There are many different types of Alopecia and various degrees of severity resulting in either partial or total hair loss. In modern society we have come to understand Alopecia to mean the total loss of hair on the scalp and/or the body, but there are different forms.

We work with a number of leading medical consultants and health professionals who understand, and want to learn more, about the benefits that medical tattooing can bring to the patients in their care.

For example, a client with Alopecia Totalis client will have lost all hair on the scalp but will have maintained their eyebrows and eyelashes as well as body and facial hair.

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BEFORE

AFTER

An Alopecia Universalis client, as the name implies, has completely lost all hair on the head, face, and body.

only be done 12 months after the skin has initially healed. Usually, MCA is offered first, before considering adding any pigment into the scar, as it will improve the canvas of the skin ready for the pigment.

Alopecia is enigmatic since its cause in not fully understood and the duration of time that someone may have the condition is unknown. It may be temporary or it may last many years. All of this uncertainty makes it difficult for clients to choose a remedy. The medical community has posted that Alopecia is an auto-immune condition that attacks the hair follicles. Regardless of the reason, there is a change to the skin texture and condition as a result, thereby making the majority of current hair loss solutions unreliable or unsuitable. Scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical treatment used to treat hair loss for both male and female clients. It is an incredible life-changing treatment that is suitable for different stages of hair loss on all ages, colours and skin types and lasts up to five years. Women are using scalp micropigmentation to replace lost hair density caused by Alopecia, hormonal changes, pregnancy or medication. Many women experience thinning hair at some point in their lives, for a variety of reasons. SMP provides the appearance of a thicker, fuller head of hair to restore your look, and your confidence. Micropigmentation can also be used to treat both scars and burns with a process called Multi Trepannic Collagen Actuation (MCA), also known as Micro Needling. This can 190

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MCA works by stimulating the collagen, elastin and melanin activity in the skin forcing it to repair itself naturally. Using skilled techniques the area is treated helping to blend the scar with the surrounding healthy skin. Re-pigmenting the scar, flattening and relaxing the taught tissue helps improve the overall appearance. If it is still required, pigment can be added to the area in a minimalistic way to improve the colour and tone of the scar tissue. This is known as Skin Camouflage. After breast reconstruction, or mastopexy, ladies may have been left with no or partial areola or nipples. Medical micropigmentation can be used to recreate, correct, colour and contour the areola commonly known as a ‘nipple tattoo’. If only one breast has been reconstructed then pigments are expertly blended to match the existing areola. The 3D nipple enhancement is created using light and shade to give the illusion of protrusion, texture and detail whether a nipple has been surgically recreated or not, the results are very realistic. Following a breast reduction a post surgical scar may remain around the areola. The appearance of scarring can be reduced by blending pigments that are then blushed www.lancmag.com

BEFORE 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

AFTER  through the areola into the scar tissue camouflaging the scar. Before any treatment begins we offer a full consultation, allergy test and colour and skin tone analysis. The consultation will also cover the desired shape, method of application and any other questions clients may have. We like to keep in touch throughout the healing process then the client is invited back for a review and second treatment known as a ‘top up’ if required. We feel very humble and honoured to help and be part of any of our clients’ journeys on the road to the recovery. So I was thrilled that my work was recognised with a ‘Most life changing procedure’ Award after I treated a lady at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for a charity called

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Dans Fund for Burns. This lady went from refusing to leave the house because of her appearance to now standing up in front of an audience to deliver speeches on mental health and well being. That’s what really makes my job worthwhile, making a positive difference to people’s lives.

Marcia Medical & Cosmetic Clinic 10a Shaftesbury Avenue Timperley, Altrincham WA15 7LY N 07773 229 229 E Email: info@marcia.co.uk www.marcia.co.uk

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MY FIVE TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY THIS CHRISTMAS I’m Catherine from Catherine Dean Coaching. I’m a Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach who works with women that are ready to ditch diets, have more energy and feel better. My approach to health and wellbeing isn’t about quick fixes or fad diets. It’s about helping you to create healthy habits that fit around your busy life, make a real difference and, most importantly, last in the long term.

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Is it possible to enjoy Christmas and stay healthy? This is a great question that I’ve been asked more than a few times! I think most of us would agree that Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry but, that doesn’t mean we have to forget about our health. It is absolutely possible to indulge in Christmas treats while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle and in this article I’m going to share my top tips to help you to do exactly that. Taking a more balanced approach to our food and drink over Christmas can mean you wrap up the festive season feeling healthy and energised and instead of tired and bloated. Taking this approach can also help you to move away from the all or nothing dieting mentality, where a month of overindulgence is often followed by a month of dieting and deprivation.

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IT’S WHAT YOU DO CONSISTENTLY NOT OCCASIONALLY THAT MATTERS This is so important to remember any time, but particularly at this time of year. A day or two of eating and drinking is not going to ruin an otherwise healthy lifestyle. Health isn’t just about what you eat. Eating vegetables and other nutritious foods is, of course, an important part of a healthy diet, but it’s not all that matters. Your mental, physical and emotional health are all important too. Food isn’t just fuel, it has emotional and social connections for so many of us and this is especially true at this time of year. It’s also important to remember that when we deprive ourselves of foods we really want or that we’ve labelled as “bad”, we can end up craving those foods, which later leads to overeating, which in turn can cause feelings of guilt or regret. When we just let ourselves have the foods we want and eat them without feeling guilty, we’re much less likely to overeat. So, eat the foods you want, enjoy them and move on without guilt. Remember, it’s what you do consistently not occasionally that matters.

Have A Protein Packed Breakfast

When we start the day with a sugary or high-carb breakfast, such as chocolate or bucks fizz with breakfast on Christmas Day (no judgement, I have done this before!), we can set ourselves off on what’s known as the blood sugar roller coaster. When we eat foods that are high in sugar or starchy carbs, our blood sugar levels increase quickly and then drop quickly. This can lead to a slump in energy levels and is likely to have us reaching for more sugary or starchy snacks as a pick me up.

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When we eat foods that contain protein our blood sugar levels rise more slowly and less steeply (eating food that contains fat can also slow down the rise in blood sugar). Starting the day with a balanced breakfast, that includes protein, can therefore help to keep your blood sugar balanced, support your energy levels and reduce your sugar cravings. Omelette with added veggies (or tofu scramble if you’re vegan) is great if you’re looking for a quick and easy savoury breakfast. You could also try overnight oats made with yoghurt, fruit, nuts and/or seeds for a sweeter option that will keep you feeling satisfied and fuller for longer.

Fill 50% Of Your Plate With Veg

This is one of the simplest, but most effective tips I give my weight loss clients. Most vegetables and fruits are low energy density foods. The energy density of a food is the amount of calories per gram of food. Lower energy density foods provide fewer calories per gram of food and higher energy density foods contain more calories per gram of food. Low energy density foods, like vegetables, tend to be high in water content and fibre. Eating low energy density foods can help us to eat less calories without reducing our portion sizes, so you’re not left feeling hungry. Foods that are high in fibre can also help us to feel fuller for longer and support our gut health. When making meals, including your Christmas dinner, try to make sure that 50% of your plate is made up of vegetables. You can do this at buffets too, fill half your plate with salads, carrot sticks or any other veg first.

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Get Plenty Of Sleep

It’s easy to get out of a sleep routine when we’re not working, but watching Netflix until late at night can affect the quantity and quality of our sleep. Our sleep affects many aspects of our health, including our appetite. When we’re tired or sleep deprived our body produces more of the hormone ghrelin, the hormone that makes us feel hungry and produces less of the amount of the hormone leptin, responsible for helping us to feel full after eating. As much as possible over the Christmas period, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time as usual.

Be Mindful Of Your Alcohol Intake

Over two thirds of drinkers in the UK drink more than they usually would over the festive period, according to a 2019 study by DrinkAware. It can be easy to forget about the calories and sugar content of our drinks and focus on the calories in food, but it is definitely something to be aware of. There’s 7 calories per gram of alcohol, compared to 4 calories per gram of food for carbohydrates and protein, so the calories we get from our drinks can add up. Alcohol also affects our inhibitions, meaning we’re likely to snack more, and can negatively affect the quality of our sleep. I’m not recommending that you go teetotal over Christmas but being more mindful of your alcohol intake can make a difference.

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A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR FESTIVE TIPPLE WITHOUT OVERDOING IT: • Drink a glass of water or soft drink in between each alcoholic drink • Have something to eat before your first alcoholic drink • Make sure you have at least a few alcohol-free days over the festive period.

Enjoy A Guilt Free Christmas

If you do overindulge don’t waste time feeling guilty afterwards, think you need to skip meals the next day or do a juice detox in the New Year. This is not necessary. Instead, simply aim to get back on track as soon as you can. Focus on drinking more water, moving your body more regularly and eating less processed foods. Our bodies are fantastic at detoxing without any special diets or juices and these things can all help to support that process.

that without feeling the need to detox or diet once the New Year rolls around. If you’re ready to ditch diets, feel less stressed and have more energy my coaching packages could be exactly what you’re looking for. My holistic approach to weight loss is perfect for you if you’re fed up of fad diets and want to create healthy habits that last in the long-term. To find out how fully personalised nutrition and lifestyle coaching could help you to achieve your weight loss goals, head to my website: www.catherinedeancoaching.co.uk If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, keep an eye out for more advice from me in future editions of Lancashire Magazine. I’ll be joining you every month throughout 2021. You can also email me if you have any nutrition and lifestyle questions you’d like me to answer in future columns: info@catherinedeancoaching.co.uk

It’s what you do consistently not occasionally that makes the biggest difference to your health and, in my opinion, stressing over the occasional indulgence can actually be worse for us than just enjoying our food. Last Christmas wasn’t the festive season many of us hoped it would be, with limits on the number of people we could celebrate with. This year, more than ever, enjoying quality time with loved ones should be our number one priority. So eat, drink and be merry. Follow the tips in this article to help you do exactly

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MAGNETISE SUCCESS & CREATE A LIFE YOU LOVE WITH MIRANDA CHRISTOPHER

Hey there, Great to see you, I’m Miranda. At my core I am, and always have been, a Transformation Leader - helping businesses and individuals create results that are perceived to be outside their current realm of possibility. Whilst I have an extensive career leading large transformational change, I have a particular passion for helping individuals to breakthrough the conditioning and rules that have held them back, enabling them to reach a fuller and richer life. I’m here to help you to become the conscious creator of your life, to help you achieve that dream you have never dared to dream, to reclaim your power and to write your own rule book.

To live life and do business on YOUR terms.

F 01772 382 982 | E transform@mirandachristopher.com

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Magnetise Success & Create A Life You Love WITH MIRANDA CHRISTOPHER

All Photography By: Pam Sciambarella from Shoot & Bloom Ltd

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Funny how a memory can surface that just seems to explain your experiences in life.

t happens a lot when I have been working one to one with clients. Earlier this week I was speaking with client about how deep ingrained patterns with money that can hold us back in our businesses, in our careers, in fact in any area of our lives. What’s really interesting is that it’s rarely obvious how these patterns are created. As we were exploring her patterns and discussing what she would prefer instead, a memory popped into my head of an executive of an organisation I had previously worked with. A fair and competent guy who had been treated so badly that it cost him his career and mental wellbeing. And somewhere, the thought struck me, “bad things always happen to good people”. Wow. Was this a belief that I had held after witnessing his demise? After sitting with it for a while, I realised that the origin of the belief creation actually came from my childhood, and I had “inherited” it from my family. It reminds me of when I really wanted a pair of those iconic work boots. I remember asking my mother, when I was around twelve or thirteen, could I have a pair? Her immediate response was no. And as a petulant teen in my best whiny hard done-to voice, I asked “Why not? All the girls at school are wearing them”. “Nice girls don’t wear them.” And right there and then I coded into my psyche that nice girls don’t…

people say and do. It led me to start seeing people as problems to solve. It’s no surprise then that I ended up heading towards mathematics and computer programming as my initial career of choice. After graduating, I also stepped into the world of teaching mathematics and IT to adults part-time alongside my day job of computer analyst programmer.

I want it, I’m having it and I’ll work incredibly hard to pay for it! I loved computers; they were easy to code and perform as you needed them too. It was the people involved that were the major challenge. I discovered that I had an aptitude for engaging them and leading them in the direction they needed to go, even if they couldn’t see it for themselves. Post serious life-changing burnout in 2014, after running my own transformation consultancy at full tilt for many years, my body finally gave up on my drive to be superwoman. I started a project. I called it Minerva after the Roman Goddess of trade, strategy, craft and war. I couldn’t work in the way I had previously and doing a full day’s work would lay me out for a week. Yet as you can imagine, I needed something to occupy myself.

It started with a personal development meeting for women. Having used behaviour and language profiling for building high performing teams and functions within my transformation work, I noticed that for a lot of the women in the room, their body language wasn’t consistent with their spoken language. What I came to understand through my explorations was, that the majority of people don’t do change easily and don’t actually hold what I now term a “true vision” for their lives. They are on the treadmill of life, following the expectations of their families, their cultures, their education and society as a whole. Doing what they do, until they retire and die. And sadly, it’s also true for the majority of entrepreneurs and business owners. And whilst traditional research will tell you that businesses fail due to a lack of viable market or running out of cash; the underlying reason comes down to not holding a “true vision”. For women, this is more pertinent than men. As women, 30 or so years ago, we followed the dogma that we could have it all. Yet in our roles as mothers, wives, carers, we have put ourselves at the bottom of the pile. Having it all it is just too exhausting. Recently, I was working with a coach who had hit burnout. She was struggling to find her mojo and get things moving again. Having been in business for ten years, she knew what to do and how to find and retain clients. When I asked her what she truly desired for herself in life – not her family or what she thought she should be doing – she was stumped.

What my mum probably wanted to say was that we couldn’t afford them at that time as a single parent family, whilst we had everything we needed, the luxuries of life weren’t readily accessible to us. For her, that was shortened to a simple no, probably as part of her own money story. As that young person I took that nice girl statement to mean that I had to be a bad girl to have nice things in life. Can you imagine how that played out? I became driven by “I want it, I’m having it and I’ll work incredibly hard to pay for it!” Around this same time in my childhood, I became fascinated with human behaviour and the things www.lancmag.com

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It became obvious to her why she struggled to move herself forward. I recall standing in a high-end department store sometime in 2016 staring at a beautiful colourful blouse, having a similar struggle myself with focus, when an insight struck me. “I’m not broken, people are not broken.” Thus, we are not problems to solve. All my personal development training and the qualifications I had undertaken operate from the perspective of treating people as if they were problems to solve. Now, I know if a computer isn’t performing as expected, then there is probably a rogue line of code in there stopping it functioning as we want it to. We know what results we want from the computer; we just have to do a simple recode to change its behaviour. The computer was never broken. There’s a metaphor I heard a few years ago; people are born brilliant diamonds and they are just covered in the horse poo of life; someone comes along and pours nail varnish over the dung pile. It sets and we believe that this is who we are. A pile of stuff that needs to be shifted. I experienced this in my own life, being driven to always achieve more because my own personal horse poo had me believe that I “wasn’t good enough” or “worthy enough” to have what I had. Until my body and thus my business failed. Think about those people who win the lottery, one day they have a modest income and a certain lifestyle and then suddenly they have millions at their disposal. They go on a spending spree and then they have nothing – they end up back where they started. Their horse poo and nail polish of life has them unconsciously believing that’s where they belong.

It’s not just lottery winners that are stuck in self-destructive dream killing loops. Yo-yo dieting is another classic example – you head towards your goal weight on a diet; you may even reach it – and yet you end up back where you started and maybe a bit worse. It’s the same for relationships and behaviours with money. It’s been scientifically shown how stress and anxiety can create illness in the body, but the real root cause is not external conditions it’s how we respond to these conditions, it’s our internal coding which is usually based on our childhood experiences. I now know that I unconsciously created my life changing burnout to stop me continuing the way I had been. I also know that this is an experience and behaviour that I had integrated into my own horse poo from older members of my family. I’m now working on a new project “I would love to have that but…” and how all that stuff after the but gets in the way of having what we desire in life. I chose Blackpool as the location for my project scoping photo shoot. It has poignant memories for me. Going back to my childhood once again, when I was probably around 10 years old and my sister just 5 years old. On a late autumn evening after we had finished eating, mum instructed us to go and get changed into warm clothes and put on our big coats. It was weird because we would normally have had a bath and got changed into our PJs to watch telly before going to bed. We left the house with me and ‘our kid’ baffled and a bit anxious on where we were going. Had mum finally followed through on her threats to give us away for being naughty? It turns out that we were going on a tour. We

nervously stepped onto a minibus full of mum’s friends and their kids; spirits where high - yet me and my sister must have looked like rabbits caught in a car’s headlights. Everyone else knew where they were going, me and my little sister didn’t have a clue. Mum had thought it would be a nice surprise. It turns out that we were heading to the Blackpool Illuminations! As, we travelled under the bright lights our fears melted to innocent wonder. I am sure mum could never imagine how her behaviour to create a nice surprise for us had instilled in me the absolute need to always know where I am going. I am quite sure this is why I was always outcome focused when doing my transformation work! As I underwent my recovery from burnout, it became very apparent that I would never be able to operate a business in the way I had previously

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done. I am so blessed to have a caring husband who gave me the time and space to re-invent myself through a number of iterations. Inspired by the thought that we are not broken, when I encountered the Magnetic Mind approach it felt like I had finally connected with people who got what I already understood. I loved the approach so much, and it fitted so well with my MINERVA findings that I certified in it during 2020. This approach is so different and is based on leading edge scientific knowledge, yet the results can seem so fantastical. And what I truly love is that we don’t need to know what formed that horse poo! We just do the simple recode, just as I used to do with computers. Like a significant number of people, the events of 2020/2021 have had an impact. We saw many businesses, some long established names amongst www.lancmag.com

them, go under. People have lost their livelihoods, homes and loved ones. Yet, there are people who were able to adapt and have amazing growth in their businesses, who started promising new relationships and those who took the opportunity to change careers. For me, as someone who preferred in person events, I am loving the balance and potential with working both in person in my office in Leyland as well as online using my Money Breakthrough and Magnetic Mind Coaching. As I write this, I have worked this week with people in Melbourne and Sydney as well as California. My own true vision has me travelling the world doing the work I love doing, serving and supporting people to create their own true vision. Who knew a childhood fascination with people and their behaviours would lead to a creating a business where everything I do feels like fun!

www.magnetisesuccesscoach.com Tel: 01772 382 982 transform@mirandachristopher.com

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Stroke Survivors in the North West Shape Stroke Research to Rebuild Lives The Stroke Association, the UK’s leading stroke charity, is announcing the top 10 priorities for stroke research, uncovered by a rigorous study involving stroke survivors, their carers and health and social care professionals in stroke.

he charity’s new report - the first UK-wide project to map research priorities across the entire stroke care and treatment pathway - reveals where research can address the issues holding stroke survivors back from rebuilding their lives after a devastating stroke.

Stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. Every stroke is unique because the brain is so complex and stroke can happen in any part of it. This means there are as many different impacts of stroke as there are stroke survivors, posing a huge challenge for research. “Despite major breakthroughs over the last 10 years, we now know where there are significant blind spots in treatment and care. These are holding people back from rebuilding their lives. With the number of people having strokes

set to rise – it’s predicted that the number of stroke survivors aged 45 and over could rise to 1.4 million in 2025, and 2.1 million in 2035[5], we must act now and invest in the research that will make the biggest difference to the lives of people affected by stroke.” Over 1,400 people affected by stroke and professionals in stroke took part in the project, which was carried out in partnership with the James Lind Alliance (JLA), as well as individuals and organisations representing stroke patients, carers and professionals in stroke.

There are over 100,000 strokes in the UK every year, and there are now over 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK[1,2]. However, according to the most recent figures from the UK Medical Research Council[3], only £30m of public and charity health research spending goes on stroke. This equates to less than £25 per stroke survivor per year compared to £161 per person living with cancer[4]. Jen Gardner, Associate Director of the Stroke Association in the North West said: “One in five people will have a stroke in their lifetime. 200

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Dr Rubina Ahmed, Director of Research and Policy at the Stroke Association, said: “Charities like ours need to look for new ways to help stroke survivors with emotional, mental and communication problems. Establishing what research will make the biggest difference to stroke survivors and those caring for them is just the first step. Stroke research is severely underfunded. Just £1 in every £100 of public and charity spend in health research is on stroke and this just isn’t enough to solve the big and complex issues caused by stroke. “The stroke funding crisis has been worsened by the coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic, which has had a devastating impact on our income, halving the charity’s research budget. Stroke research is at risk, which means recoveries are at risk too. Your support can fund the research that will lead to breakthroughs in treatment and care. If you can, please donate so that we can make sure more stroke survivors can rebuild their lives after stroke. “We would like to thank everyone who took part in this project: stroke survivors, their carers, professionals in stroke, the James Lind Alliance, the Steering Group members and our partners. By having your say for stroke, you have helped to shape stroke research to rebuild lives.” Over the past 30 years the Stroke Association has played a crucial role in supporting stroke research in the UK. By establishing these priorities our charity can support the research that can make the biggest difference to the lives of people affected by stroke.

The Stroke Association is sharing the findings as part of its new report “Shaping Stroke Research to Rebuild Lives: The Stroke Priority Setting Partnership results for investment.” The report sets the agenda for stroke research and identifies the areas that most urgently need investment. There are two lists of 10 priority areas: the first in stroke prevention and acute care, and the second in rehabilitation and longterm care, ranked in order of importance. The top priorities in each list are: • Interventions to stop stroke. Stroke strikes every 5 minutes in the UK, but we know that most (8090%) strokes are preventable[1,6]. We need increased investment in research so people can avoid the devastating effects of stroke in the first place. • Understanding of, and treatment for mental and emotional problems. Three quarters of stroke survivors experience a change in their mental health[7], we need research so that people can overcome significant effects such as anxiety and depression after stroke. REFERENCES: [1] Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) and Scottish Stroke Care Audit (SSCA) [2] England (NHS Digital); Scotland (ISD); Wales (StatsWales); Northern Ireland (DoH) [3] UK Clinical Research Collaboration, UK Health Research Analysis 2018, 2020

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Find out how stroke research helps rebuild lives at: stroke.org.uk/rebuildinglives or to donate, please visit: stroke.org.uk/savingresearch To read the full list of priorities and the report visit: www.stroke.org.uk/psp ABOUT THE STROKE ASSOCIATION Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant. The Stroke Association is a charity working across the UK to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe that everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. From local support services and groups, to online information and support, anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100 to find out about support available locally. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters. With more donations and support, we can help rebuild even more lives. YOU CAN FOLLOW US ON: T @TheStrokeAssoc | F @TheStrokeAssociation I @thestrokeassociation

https://hrcsonline.net/reports/analysisreports/uk-healthresearch-analysis-2018/ [4] Macmillian Cancer Support, Statistic fact sheet https://www.macmillan.org. uk/_images/cancer-statistics-factsheet_ tcm9-260514.pdf [5] The Future Incidence, Prevalance and Costs of Stroke in the UK. Age and Aging 2020: 49:277-282.

[6] Global and regional effects of potentially modifiable risk factors associated with acute stroke in 32 countries (INTERSTROKE): a casecontrol study 2016: 388:761-75 [7] Stroke Association, Lived Experience of stroke: Chapter 1 – Hidden effects of stroke. https://www.stroke.org.uk/livedexperience-of-strokereport/chapter-1hidden-effects-of-stroke

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The Best Is Yet to Come!

t long last it finally feels like we are weathering the storm and the best is yet to come in all aspects of life, not just in travel. Life is resuming slowly to the life we had pre-covid with many returning to the office work, kids back to school, colleges and university, concerts, festivals and the hospitality sector resuming, are we finally emerging from the devastating pandemic with new hope?

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I can only speak for myself, but I am feeling optimistic about the world returning to a new type of normal finally. Both on a personal level and a business level. We are seeing changes impacting the travel industry like never and I for one am so happy that I have held on to the career I have worked on for over 20 years. I started my business venture 2 months before travel closed and believe me had a few wobbles along the way, but the future is looking brighter.

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I attended my first business lunch last week at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester and it was so good to finally be in a face-to-face environment, networking with colleagues, clients and customers alike. The biggest positive I am feeling is the needed now, more than ever before for the importance of trusted ravel advisors like myself as more and more consumers are turning to help from professionals with years of experience rather than the cheaper one click, book option online.

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We are now being given the opportunity to show why booking and trusting a travel advisor has so many more benefits, as travel now is no easy task in these ever-changing times. We are now the experts in all things travel in this changing landscape. We advise on the most up too date travel protocols, rules and restrictions that are not just imposed by the UK government but also the many different countries around the world. Believe me when I say the differences are immense! My statistics are now beginning to show me that the last 18 months or patience and perseverance are finally beginning to work. With a 50% increase in new enquiries for new clients and the volume for bucket list vacations rocketing for travel in 2022, even creeping into 2023 I am finally looking forward with a newfound passion and determination.

secure now in planning, booking or even just being able to reassure you that the time is now right to start making those travel drams a reality. As always if you need any assistance with any travel arrangements, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me on the details below. KARLA MCCULLOCH TRAVEL COUNSELLOR N 01617 440025 07515 945781

Travel 14th May 2022 for 7 nights Staying in a Porto Sea View Room on Half Board basis

E karla.mcculloch@ travelcounsellors.com D tctravelmanagement.co.uk/ karla.mcculloch F facebook.com/KarMcC06

PORTO ELOUNDA, CRETE 20% DISCOUNT FROM £999 PER PERSON BASED ON 2 ADULTS

Return flights from Manchester with EasyJet & return private car transfers BOOK BY 31 JANUARY 2022

We are all facing difficult times still ahead with sometimes unclear travel protocols being changed frequently. However, we are rising to the challenge and proving that travel advisors are the best answer for anyone who wants to feel safe and www.lancmag.com

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DEBORAH LILITH HATSWELL is a phenomenonist,

writer, podcaster, Investigator and the founding member of the Being Believed Research and Investigations group. Deborah is the UK’s leading expert on the British Bigfoot and Dogman phenomenon and she has taken or researched over 3000 personal witness reports from all across the globe. Deborah is based in Lancashire and has formed a team of volunteer investigators researching the many witness reports that are reported each week to BBR.

Deborah is a witness herself to an impossible creature that she saw in 1982: “It took 30 years for me to find an official body that would take myself and my experience seriously. During those years, I found thousands of people in a similar position. Their experiences were with Reptilian or Cryptid

Creatures, Alien Beings and Shadow People, Invisible Entities and all manner of Dimensional Entities. Many of the witnesses are abductees who have had a lifetime of interaction. Some families have had to deal with phenomena for generations. There are cattle mutilations and missing people all across the UK.” Deborah set up BBR to help those people find somewhere they could report their experiences to and encourages them to investigate the cases and theories for themselves. Now it is time to bring all of the so-called ‘alternative subjects’ under the same roof and let’s share our knowledge bases in the hopes of answering some of the still unanswered questions...

TIME IS JUST A HUMAN MADE CONCEPT AND REALLY IT DOESN’T RUN LIKE WE THINK! - WITNESS REPORT, KELLY SHAW:

must be the one responsible for the clip clop noise, I decided she must have been wearing heels and that was what I was hearing.

“Hi Debs, I am a regular listener to your show and I like to hear the experiences people send into you. We chatted recently about the strange coincidence between the area of your sighting and the report of the strange white being at Wythenshawe hall. I am researching as much as I can on the case online for you and I will be in touch as soon as I have new information. I have included some experiences that I had some years ago.

It was a Tuesday morning which seemed a strange time to be out dressed in heels and she also had a warm winter jacket with a hood, the hood was pulled tight, even in all this heat? I ducked inside so she wouldn’t see me as she passed my home. Her clothing was really strange and I realised she also had on warm trousers and what looked like hobnailed boots. It was these boots that made the clip clop sound. Her jacket had the old duffle jacket toggles and looked very old fashioned.

I lived in Manchester when this event happened, on an ordinary estate. This experience took place in 2002. It was the hottest of July days and we had reached 94f that day and by the night time it had only cooled off a little, to around 84f. I couldn’t sleep that night and although I had work at 9am the next morning I was still up around 2am. I went upstairs and opened the bedroom window but it made no difference, there was no air moving. I lay on top of the covers in some light night clothes and no matter how hard I tried I could not settle down to sleep. I tossed and turned until around 4am, then I gave up and started to read a book hoping that would help me drift off to sleep. Around 4am I heard a clopping sound! Clip Clop, Clip Clop! I wanted to know who was out on a horse at this time in the morning, so I got up and looked outside my window. It was daylight by now and I had a clear view of a figure of a woman, I could not see her clearly due to the hedges but I could tell she was female. She 204

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I stood where she could not see me and I thought why would you be out on the hottest day of the year in mid winter clothing and footwear? As she neared my window I could see her side on, her hood was up and she was looking down as she walked. And then she stopped abruptly. She turned and looked directly up at me. I stepped backwards shocked, how did she know I was there? I saw her pale alabaster face, and she had dark eyes and a thin mouth. Everything about her was off kilter to me and the hairs on my neck stood up. I suddenly thought ‘why am I hiding?’ She is the one who is weird. I marched back to the window and she was gone. How had she vanished? I would have heard her running away. I had heard her approaching for long enough. She was nowhere to be seen. I knew all my neighbours and she was not one of them. All of our homes had cast iron gates and you could hear them clang when people came through. I presumed she www.lancmag.com

had somehow silently got into the garden and hid. I waited for her until about 5.30 am, but she didn’t appear and I never saw her again. I wondered if she had a skin condition and that was why she was bundled up. As I watched from the window hoping to see her. I saw two cats walk from both sides of the street. They met at the spot the woman had been standing when she was looking up at me. I found that weird as not only do cats not normally greet each other so well in the street they were not cats I could recognise. You get used to your neighbours’ cats. I slammed that window shut, even in the heat. I had visions of her flying into the window at me. I never slept a wink that night. I had to go to work the next day. I did tell a few people but they never believed me. My second true story was a time slip. I never knew what that meant until seeing a YouTube video on the subject. In 1990 I was 18 and living in Manchester. My father who was 61 at the time was driving the car, I was the passenger. This was in Burnage, south Manchester. There was an old barber’s shop run by a man the locals called chop off Charlie. He had dropped dead month’s earlier and his decrepit shop was closed. It had a rusty old grill, which covered the window. It was more like a metal fence so you could see through to the shop inside. That is, if it wasn’t still filled with old bags for sale and umbrellas. They were nicotine stained and they filled the window top to bottom. Not this night though. The shop had been sold and the rusty grill was gone along with the crappy bags and umbrellas. Instead there was a new bay window and the single light bulb inside was replaced with a fluorescent tube light. Two men were decorating and it looked great. My dad had his eyes on the road, so I said, ‘Dad, you can get your haircut soon, as the barber’s has been bought.’ ‘Great,’ he replied. Driving me home the next night, I’m reading the evening news and we get stuck in traffic outside the barber’s. My dad nudges me and points at the shop and says, ‘I thought you said, it had been bought?’ I turned and looked and it was still for sale? The new decoration, the bay window and the new lights were

gone. The old rusty grills were still in place and the nicotined bags and umbrellas were still blocking the window. I couldn’t understand it. Even the old window frame was back and rotting. I said, ‘it was being renovated yesterday.’ Sure, he replied. Three months later it was bought and a month after that, it looked exactly how I saw it that night. That’s why I think time is just a human made concept and really it doesn’t run like we think, it’s more like layers.” - Kelly

...Until next time, Deborah

E debbiehatswell@gmail.com | D debhatswell.wordpress.com | T BbrDeborah

PATREON: www.patreon.com/DeborahHatswellBigfootReports YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/channel/UCYGn8pR90PO_oBzO jiZ23tA/ SPREAKER: www.spreaker.com/show/british-bigfoot APPLE PODCASTS: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/british-bigfoot-dogman/id1480592906?uo=4

Denise Mullen is a journalist, writer and entrepreneur.

The Best of Times, and the Worst of Times By Denise Mullen

These club huts are basic, in beautiful locations and involve bunk rooms and a big fat zero on the en-suite front. We arrived very late, me a bit fuzzy, John having strapped a head torch to my skull ‘so I wouldn’t wake anyone in the ladies’ dorm.’ Apart from that poor woman in the neighbouring bunk bed I completely dazzled with the head torch while trying to angle my head to see in my bag. Despite saying ‘Sorry, sorry, sorry’ a lot I still failed (in fuzzy state) to realise that the damned light was strapped to my head. I may have been less than totally fair when wondering why she was soooooo grumpy. You see, every time I apologised, I turned her way, which again put her in the thousand watt glare, and me into apology mode. Oh dear. Strike Three.

Above: Johnny France crag ratting in the days when both his knees were his own

ome days crap just happens. Husband’s weekend was one of extreme highs, and extreme lows. Filling up the newly restored Land Rover Discovery at a nearby petrol station he drove off with the nozzle still in the tank. Strike One. He was on his way to the Lake District to do some yearning for mountains (climbing being banned for now, what with the knee replacement). As it happens it coincided with my lovely cousin’s birthday celebrations. We were invited to join the party at a very nice Grasmere eaterie that evening. Because John would be late down from his short hobble around the lower regions of the mountain, with his mate who was there, we think as some sort of crutch, the table would be booked for 9pm. Eventually John and his climbing pal Henry arrived at the pub we were in - for last orders after dinner – at 11.30pm. I managed to buy two pints and two packets of peanuts for them before they turfed us out. Knock yourselves out boys. Strike Two. Unfortunately the deal for the evening also included John, Henry and me staying in one of John’s climbing club’s huts. 206

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Then on Saturday morning, now back home, Mr Capable set to, to fix the quad bike so I could mow the fields – and reversed it sharply into the front of his newly fixed Land Rover, breaking the brand-new indicator light. If you’ve ever watched cartoons where the character drops an anvil on his toe, then starts to do that peculiar high knee action stomping around (including taking off cap and dashing it to the floor) whilst shouting, you’ll get the picture. It’s technically a Mexican hat dance. I had to give him some grudging respect on the high knee action. Given one of them is now titanium. The Jason Streatham smash was especially aggravating (for him) because he’d just told me that I was ‘doing it all wrong’ (ushering me off the quad bike) and I needed to ‘keep the revs up.’ Given the thing was in reverse I think jumping on it and hammering the revs was inadvisable, but I kept mute. Actually, I did mutter under my breath….’yep, that’s how to keep the revs up - properly.’ Strike Four. Anyway, it was a textbook demonstration of how to reverse into a Land Rover indicator lens at high speed and, funnily enough, yes, I had been doing – that - all wrong. I doubt I’d have done the angry dance quite as well either. I also have a bad knee. www.lancmag.com

Catch That Pigeon? By Denise Mullen After that it was on to a new build property in the suburbs. No it wasn’t ‘the one’. Then they tried a luxury apartment, with balcony overlooking a beautiful park on the fringes of the city. There was a lot to like but again, no. What they discovered is they are country people; they just hadn’t known they were. So, staying with them in their lovely new house, me, my husband Johnny (the mongoose) France and our dog Harley, were delighted to find that they were absolutely loving the views, the peace and the occasional challenges of rural living. The challenge I liked best was the one involving the racing pigeon that came to stay. It was a thing of beauty; it had a little ring on its leg and it was pretty friendly. It was helping itself from the bird feeder and clearly had its feet under the table with this pair in a few short hours.

ear friends of ours, dyed in the wool city slickers, have just bought themselves a country pile. It is set in rolling acres, overlooks racing stables and is the sort of place one might see a modern-day Mr Darcy emerging from the lake. They did something interesting before buying their monumentally spacious home. They sold their last – also big – house and decided instead to ‘try’ different ways of living to see what they liked best, and then they’d buy. Genius. Over time they tried an impressive array of abodes. The first involved living in a city-based apart-hotel (although it had a gym and a pool it also had free snacks and drinks on Thursdays – not good for the waistline).

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They called him Jimmy The Pigeon, but they knew they had to try and find his owner. Lucy saddled up Captain Google to find out how best to encourage a racing bird to go home. The best advice was ‘withhold food’. Feeling like the worst pigeon foster mother ever, she passed on the info to Michael and they removed the bird feeders and swept up any dropped seed. They now had a very angry dawn chorus of birds, really ticked off wild rabbits and a very puzzled pigeon who – 48 hours later – was still on their patio. Something else had to be done. Back to Captain Google. They began hand-feeding the pigeon, Lucy having read up on what to feed these racing birds, and eventually Michael had Jimmy literally eating out of his hand and very at home on the warmest tile of the kitchen’s underfloor heating. Three weeks in he was family.

Lucy managed to get a picture of the bird’s ring and work out the numbers. She eventually found, and contacted the owner, who was in Scotland. Very concerned, he said he would be sending a livestock courier to collect JTP just as quickly as possible. He asked Lucy what she’d been feeding the bird and she confirmed ‘rice’. ‘Ach that’s great,’ he said. Coming off the phone she walked into the sunroom to find Michael sitting next to JTP. There was a suspicious-looking food item next to the bird, who had tell-tale beakcrumbs. ‘What Is That!’ she said, pointing at the offending item. Before Michael could speak she recognised it. Chocolate Weetabix. Chocolate Ruddy Weetabix. She couldn’t believe her eyes. She yelled at him. ‘What do you think you’re doing, that bird is an ATHLETE!’ That was indeed true because the other thing JTP’s owner had just told her was that the pigeon came first or second in every race and was worth a fortune. FYI The most expensive racing pigeon sold for $1.9 million in China. But by now Michael was distraught at the thought of never seeing JTP again. JTP had withdrawn to sit on top one of the sunroom’s fans to watch his newest favourite humans parry over diet and separation anxiety issues. Lucy was able to cheer up Michael with the news (from her chat with the owner) that, pigeons have very good memories, and he would likely visit again if he was up that way. We live on a farm and have a close relationship with the wildlife. But the story of Michael and Jimmy The Pigeon really moved me. You don’t get kind of heart-warming interaction from a city pigeon; it basically just wants a bit of your kebab and offski.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 207

Lancashire Author Among the Contenders for National Award Recognising New Writers This year’s debuts show the wide range of stories encompassed by the romance genre, from the house just down the street to the sun-soaked beaches of Italy and that different world that is the past, these books deal with themes we all recognise and hold close to our hearts. In difficult times, these are the books that have comforted us and given us hope. They have made us laugh, cry and believe in a happy ever after.

Lancashire author Suzanne Snow is among the contenders for The Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) prestigious Joan Hessayon Award for new writers, for The Cottage of New Beginnings, published by Canelo.

he contenders for this award are all authors whose debut novels have been accepted for publication after passing through the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme. Each year, unpublished authors are invited to join the scheme which allows them to take full advantage of everything the RNA offers, including conference sessions and opportunities to network and meet industry professionals and other authors. They are also invited to submit their work in progress for a critique by one of the Association’s published authors.

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The Cottage of New Beginnings features one crumbling cottage and one broken heart. When Annie returns to Thorndale in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, she’s looking for a new start. When she clashes with local hero, Jon, Annie can’t help but wonder if coming back was a mistake, especially when everyone in Thorndale seems to be conspiring to throw them together. Suzanne’s writing is often inspired by the landscape around her, and she created the Thorndale series after discovering Arncliffe in the Yorkshire Dales. She has sung in a choir, made huge volumes of soup for charity, trained as a worship leader, and a ranch holiday in Montana is top of her bucket list. She said, “I’m very grateful for the opportunities that the RNA and its New Writers Scheme provides, and thrilled that my debut novel is eligible to be considered for the Joan Hessayon Award with such brilliant and exciting new authors.” Commenting on the contenders for 2021, RNA President Katie Fforde said, “One of the most exciting times in the RNA year is when the Joan Hessayon candidates are announced.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE

These are the writers who have come through our New Writers’ Scheme and have achieved publication. The standard is always high and these ‘New Writers’ often go on to become best sellers. I know I’m not the only one who feels extremely proud of them all. They feel like our own and we all get huge pleasure from their success.” The Award will be announced on 18th September 2021 at the RNA’s York Afternoon Tea at Merchant Taylors’ Hall, Aldwark, York. The Joan Hessayon Award is generously sponsored by gardening expert Dr. David Hessayon OBE, in honour of his late wife, Joan, who was a longstanding member of the RNA and a great supporter of its New Writers’ Scheme. The New Writers’ Scheme has been run by the RNA since 1962 and is unique among professional writing associations. It aims to encourage fresh talent in the writing of romantic novels that reflect all aspects of love and life, contemporary or historical. Manuscripts submitted under the scheme are from unpublished authors and are read by an experienced writer or editor who provides invaluable feedback. Any manuscript that is subsequently published by an RNA-recognised publisher as a debut novel is eligible for the Joan Hessayon Award. All eligible books are judged by a panel of experienced RNA members who are already published authors, and this year the final round judges are Rhoda Baxter, author and Chair of Authors North; Laura Longrigg, MBA Literary Agency and Sara-Jade Virtue, Simon & Schuster. www.lancmag.com

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Deborah Hatswell

Karla McCulloch

Catherine Dean Coaching

Gemma Louise Coaching

Nicola Parker, Herbalist

Marcia

HayMax

Reubens Retreat

Essentialise

Food Critic

Miles Consult & Construct

Jason Gleaves, UFOnly

Colour Me Beautiful

Helen James

Life of Di

Peter Rutt

Aiming Higher

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