Jason Gleaves, UFOnly

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. The witness stated: this unknown 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 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.

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.

Based 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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

Changing Weather and Changing EmotionsChanging 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.

Our 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, Human life at its core has alwaysseasonal changes in nature still remain to have a direct impact on been deeply rooted and connected to nature. But with rapid technological advancementour minds and bodies. In fact, it in the last 20 years that changed the history of mankind forever, it might seem a little hardhas been scientifically proven that with changes in seasons, there is a to feel so. Our focus has moved from the natural changes within and around us to our dailsignificant change in one’s mood and y important tasks that cause us a lot of mental havoc. Even with all thabehaviour. t, seasonal changes in nature still remain to have a direct impact on our minds and bodies. In fact, it has beenAs Autumn approaches with the scientifically proven that with changes in seasons, there is a significant change in one’s moodmagical sight of golden foliage all around, it triggers memories and behaviour. of Halloween and ripe harvests of As Autumn approaches with thpumpkin. The grocery stores become e magical sight of golden foliage all around, it triggers memories of Halloween and ripefull of seasonal vegetables and there is a chill in the air. harvests of pumpkin. The grocery stores become full of seasonal vegetables and thereAs metaphorical as it sounds, it is a is a chill in the air. time of change for both the Earth and As metaphorical as it sounds, our bodies. So, this is the time to look it is a time of change for both the Earth and our bodies. So, this is the time to look inwards inwards and learn how to deal with the changes that the season brings us. and learn how to deal with the changes that the season brings us.

UNDERSTANDING HOW AUTUMN AFFECTS OUR BODIES

With the arrival of autumn as nature withers, people seem to get a bit off during the season.

The temperature starts dropping, making way for cosy sweaters out of the closet. The days become shorter and nights fall quicker, leading our body to receive less sunlight. Because of this, the circadian rhythm of our bodies is thrown off, messing with our sleep cycles. You may tend to start sleeping longer compared to the duration of sleep during the summers.

In a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, it was found that people during this time of the year sleep an average of 2.7 hours more at

night, which is the highest during the entire year. You might also end up noticing a pigmentation on the skin that turns the skin somewhat pale or lighter in shade. This too happens due to the lack of Vitamin D from the lack of sunlight or UV rays from the sun. Vitamin D is vital for keeping our bones and immunity strong to prevent us from having seasonal illnesses such as common colds and touches of flu during the winter. MANGE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH Because of all the changes happening in and around us, quite a few people are likely to be affected by SAD (Seasonal affective disorder)  162 LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE www.lancmag.com

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.

GET ENOUGH SUNLIGHT

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. 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.

INCREASE MENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH SIMPLE ACTIVITIES

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 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.

MEDITATE

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.

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

The Vegetarian Society Cookery School Reopens

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

Classes 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!” 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. 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.

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

Above: Photo by www.lucybarden.co.uk

Number Yan for Distilling Essence of Lake District

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

At 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

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.” 

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