Life of Di

The life of Di

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

SHRINKING DAYS, SOCKS AND SHOES

Autumn 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 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.

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.

Swinging 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.

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.

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!

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.

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 - Saturday 23rd October Tickets £8

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 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.

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. Little Prince - Saturday 27th November Tickets: £13

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

Theatre to Stick your Teeth Into

Prepare for a scare this Halloween as The Dukes open their doors for Dracula: The Untold Story.

New 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.

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.

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.

When 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.

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

By Sharon Henry

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.

Born 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.”

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

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

Pam Molyneux

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.

Iam 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 THEN WE WARMUP:

• Move your head to the right, so your chin is aligned with your shoulder, take a few deep breaths • Back to central position, take a few deep breaths • 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

• Back to central, 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:

• 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.

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E @pammolyneuxsmartpa D www.smart-pa.com N 07977 459177

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Our magazine has been writing about Lancashire for over 50 years. We cover everything from people to places, Lancashire’s history to Lancashire’s future.

www.lancmag.com October 2021 £2.45

We start off this month with a UltraSpace Garden Rooms, who pride themselves on supplying that extra room that you need with a variety of sizes and styles to suit your purpose. Dave Gregson shows us that in ordinary everyday life, suddenly something magical can happen and an adventure begins. Paul Cusimano from Totally Local Lancaster tells us about the biggest single day event in Lancaster’s calendar - ‘Lancaster Festa Italia’. We have a delightful article on gallery set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales - this former Victorian Woollen Mill has gallery spaces, artists’ studios, and weaving looms is the perfect free to visit attraction. The Lancaster Bed Company shows us that everybody needs a good night’s sleep, we feature a fabulous review on the Dr Yusra Clinic and ask Dr Yusra a few

questions too! The Cross Guns Inn based in the village of Egerton reopens with a brand new look, boasting a brand-new art deco cocktail lounge, completely overhauled outdoor drinking and dining area as well as a 60-cover private function space. We urge you to sign the petition to block the reintroduction of animal testing in Lancashire, the co-founder of Twitter helps launch new social platform to rival Clubhouse called Roomkey.co. Harold Cunliffe tells us a few spooky stories, we celebrate alongside Lancashire’s schools and colleges with their fantastic results on GCSE’s and A Levels, The Dukes Theatre present their Autumn 2021 Season, we learn about sharks and why we need to protect them, and there is a new permanent exhibition at Manchester’s Pankhurst Centre called “At Home with the Pankhurst Family”.

IN THIS ISSUE... LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 6LAKELAND Flagship Windermere Store and Café And as always - our regulars. The towns this month are: Bolton, Penrith and Wilmslow. Deborah Hatswell has a few strange and unusual witness reports of unexplained phenomena. Sarah Harris Style talks about National Handbag Day and takes a look at our skin care routines as the weather is becoming cooler, Denise Mullen tells us hilarious stories about snow angels and bodies being a temple, Nicola Parker talks about using herbs for cholesterol, Ken Harcombe the RNLI tells us about the RNLI’s two main assets: its volunteers and their lifeboats, and Miles Consult & Construct are in the mood to decorate. And of course - homes, health, delicious recipes, fascinating history, and a bit of wildlife and more, all in our October issue.

LANCASTER BED COMPANY Here to Help You Get a Great Night’s Sleep Dave Gregson An Adventure Begins

ULTRASPACE GARDEN ROOMS Bespoke Garden Rooms Without a Premium Cost Get Back Your Glow at the Dr Yusra Clinic BACKUP North West Tackling Homelessness Amongst Young People FARFIFIELD MILL Art, craft & heritage gallery set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

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