The Lancashire & North West Magazine | October 2020

www.lancmag.com

Obscure places

to visit in Lancashire

Red Rum a Southport legend

October 2020

ÂŁ2.45

Autumn Fashion Are there

Werewolves in Lancashire?

Iconic North West The year I became a

Spitfire hunter part 2

Achieve your health goals with PT Health Coaching

aircraft

Pet care

& accessories

Adlington Retirement Apartments, a community with zest for later life

FUNKY FEMININE & VERSATILE Collections include: Marc Cain Tory Burch Hale Bob Roland Mouret D.Exterior Max et Moi Paul Smith Penny Black Riani Joyce & Girls and more

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Opening hours: please visit www.facebook.com/si.belle.torporley for the latest information Please call or text 07894 276071 to make an appointment.

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Carlisle

Macclesfield

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Contents...

Poulton

Features

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42

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30

8

Unusual Lancashire

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The future of your home fire

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Virtual illuminations switch on

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Walk a million steps for wildlife

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Andrew Harris documents the North West’s most iconic aircraft

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Sea Watch

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Heart UK - eat more fibre

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Unique ladies

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Red Rum, the Southport legend

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Keeping a check on Cholesterol

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Philip Schofield

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The return of the Nightjar

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Werewolves in Lancashire

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Historic steamship cruise

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The man who gave us the word ‘dinosaur’

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Catching a glimpse of the kingfisher

112 Slade announce December tour 114 The alternative to coffee

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120 Prevent muscle loss 124 Fitness fanatics 134 Our food critic 142 Dalvis Indian Restaurant 146 Scary porridge recipe 154 Annie’s Halloween tips 156 Red squirrel appeal 162 Paul Joseph fashion 170 Biodegradable underwear 182 The Spitfire Hunter part 2 192 Ambient Spas 196 Adlington retirement apartments 200 Niche Kitchens

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202 Pippa dog beds 205 Lockdown talents

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Contents Regulars 64

Books

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Wildlife

October 2020 • Volume 43 Number 10

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138 Recipe 148 Aiming Higher 151 Peter Rutt 158 The life of Di 160 Around the region 166 Colour me beautiful 172 Moo style 176 Nelly’s Blog 206 Horoscope 210 Business index

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www.lancmag.com

Obscure places

to visit in Lancashire

Red Rum a Southport legend

October 2020

£2.45

Autumn Fashion Are there

Werewolves

Spitfire hunter part 2

aircraft

Pet care

Achieve your health goals with PT Health Coaching

& accessories

Adlington Retirement Apartments, a community with zest for later life

4

Editorial 01253 336588 editorial@lancashiremagazine.co.uk

in Lancashire?

Iconic North West The year I became a

Managing Director Natalie Christopher natalie@lancashiremagazine.co.uk

Sales Enquiries • 07918 685673 Design Manager • Hugh Dairy Designers • Maralette Wenham Roget Pode Accounts • 01253 336582

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General enquiries/subscriptions Sharon Henry 01253 336588 sharon@countymags.co.uk The Lancashire & North West Magazine Ltd, Seasiders Way, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 6NZ Writers Jessica Gregson • Stephen Roberts • Andrew Harris • Duncan Hodgson • Bevan Ridehalgh • Carl Lee • Karen Pennington • Bernard Bale • Tony Burdon • Pam Graham • Mairead Mahon • Stephanie Monk

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Note to contributors. While every care is taken with manuscripts, drawings, photographs and transparencies, no responsibility is accepted during transmission or while in the Editor’s hands. The contents of this magazine are fully protected and nothing may be used or reproduced without permission.

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In this issue...

Halo, Rossendale, which has the look of a UFO about it and lights up at night (author – Ian Roberts, source – ‘Halo – a Panopticon for Rossendale’).

Yes it’s the October issue. We will still get the odd nice sunny warm day, it’s starting to get darker a little earlier, and you notice you are drawing your curtains sooner than you are used to.

but we have a special spooky porridge recipe along with our regular ones. Annie’s Halloween suggestions give us a few tips on how to enjoy Halloween but while maintaining social distancing due to our present COVID-19 pandemic.

With this being our October issue, we have a few weird and wonderful things inside. Stephen Roberts has a list of weird and obscure things to see and experience in our county, from panopticons to mussel tanks, from butter pies to French liqueur, it’s a diverse mix to experience.

Continuing with the weird and wonderful, Debbie Hatswell documents some cases of strange creatures being seen in the Forest of Bowland. Stories of werewolves, wulvers or dogmen, that some of our Lancashire residents have come into close contact with and share their chilling accounts. Experiences that only exists in your nightmares.

Our regular contributor Andrew Harris tells the story of the companies and factories in the north-west that have been instrumental in the making of some of the most iconic aircraft. From the first world war to the present day, our region has and still is, a major force in aircraft production.

Starting with the Avro 504 biplane in service during world war 1, to the futuristic Tempest, it’s a timeline, packed with fascinating history.

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‘I felt hunted that night’ Continuing with aircraft, our second instalment of the ‘Spitfire Hunter’ carries on where it left off last month. ‘To the mountain’, is the final part of the tale, travelling to Norway to find and retrieve the spitfire, the friends made, hardship endured and problems overcome to complete this mission. This story is well documented and lots of images, and a fascinating tale.

Of course we can’t have the October issue without a mention of Halloween.

We have already told of the werewolves,

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We have the story of the Southport horse racing legend ‘Red Rum’. His ownership changing hands in the late 60’s until trainer Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain became involved, and as they say, the rest is history. Our fitness is something we should all be mindful of and we cover it in this issue. The nations health due to the Coronavirus epidemic has sparked debate.

We have tips to improve our wellbeing from exercise and diet to helping stop smoking and preventing muscle loss.

Our county coverage locations are; Carlisle, Macclesfield and Poulton, with their usual mix of history and unique story. The Kingfisher and Red squirrel are a few of the wildlife stories we have and of course our regular fashion updates.

From werewolves, planes, food reviews and health tips, we hope you find something to read about during your quiet ten minutes with a brew.

Happy Halloween

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Lancashire -

the Unusual & the Obscure

By Stephen Roberts

B

eing something of a Bohemian eccentric (a writer you see), I do prefer things a bit unusual, somewhat obscure, quirky even. I hate to follow the mainstream, so the only reason I own a pesky so-called smartphone is because my much-loved, and perfectly adequate dumb-phone, did a bit of ‘tombstoning’ on to a pavement and failed to bounce. I don’t like driving much either. I didn’t even bother to learn until I was about 30, figuring it was one of life’s less important distractions. Even now I prefer to drive something decidedly naff and unglamorous.

And my point is? Well, I think it’s possible to go off in a slightly rebellious, unfashionable direction, yet still have fun. Here’s some ideas for unusual and obscure things you might get up to in Lancashire. Think of it like a bucket list, that’s well, unusual and obscure.

Above: Colourfields, Blackburn, which utilises a former cannon battery as its base (author – ‘Xmastree’, source – Own work).

Above: The Atom, Pendle (author – ‘SG2020’, source – www.flickr.com).

The Singing Ringing Tree et al Now, this is an example of one of the ‘Panopticons’ (an arts and regeneration project of the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network). These 21st century figures, or ‘structures with a view’ (that’s what a Panopticon is), are symbols of renaissance (rebirth) and there are currently four of them to go and see, offering a little mini-tour of Burnley, Rossendale, Pendle and Blackburn.

The ‘Singing Ringing Tree’ overlooks Burnley and is described as a ‘musical sculpture’. Built from pipes of galvanised steel, I’m sure that it does sing when the wind gets at it. If you want to get the full set you need to search out the ‘Atom’ (Pendle) which is bronze-coated glass fibre reinforced concrete (or GFRC) and thoughtfully had a shelter incorporated in case the wind got too tasty, then there’s ‘Colourfields’ (Blackburn) which uses a former cannon battery as its base, and finally the ‘Halo’ (Haslingden, Rossendale) which utilises a onetime landfill site (hence renaissance) and comprises a steel lattice facility on a tripod, which can be lit at night using low-energy LEDs sourced by a nearby wind turbine. It appears to hover over the town like a UFO and indeed it does have a look of ‘The War of the Worlds’ about it.

Above: Halo, Rossendale, which has the look of a UFO about it and lights up at night (author – Ian Roberts, source – ‘Halo – a Panopticon for Rossendale’).

OBSCURITIES: Renaissance – the European cultural rebirth, 14th-17th centuries, following the Middle Ages.

The War of the Worlds – novel by H.G. Wells (1898) describing a Martian invasion of Earth.

Panopticon – the original ‘Panopticon’ enabled all prisoners to be observed by one guard.

OBSCURITIES: Mussels – the common name for members of several families of bivalve molluscs.

Ribble Cruising Club – established in 1950, the club has a cruising fleet of around 100 yachts.

Left: In search of the Lytham Mussel Tanks – the Ribble Cruising Club, which sits next to the RNLI, these two establishments occupy two of the three former mussel tanks (author – Terry Robinson, source www.geograph.org.uk).

The Lytham Mussel Tanks Officially opened in May 2019, the Lytham Mussel Tanks site already provided a base for both the town’s RNLI and Ribble Cruising Club buildings, which sit atop two (the chlorination and cleansing tanks) of the three sections of the former mussel tanks. The tanks had first been built in 1934 to give local fishermen somewhere to clean their catch before being sold following several outbreaks of food poisoning related to shellfish caught in the Ribble Estuary. The tanks were in use the following year, 1935, the opening ceremony having been performed by the poeticallynamed ‘Chair of the Mussels Purification Sub-Committee’. I’m not sure I would have displayed that on my business card. The tanks had a fairly short shelf-life as they fell into disuse during the 1940s (although 12,000 bags of mussels were still being cleaned here in 1946) before the industry ceased during the following decade (the year of my birth, 1957).

A series of enterprises followed, including a restaurant, nightclub and roller skating venue, whilst the third and final section of the former tanks (the storage tank) became an informal swimming pool before the recent restoration provided a lovely place for folk to sit, admire the views, learn a bit about the history and enjoy the artwork (interpretation, art wall and sculpture, e.g. of an oversize mussel). Sounds like a fun trip out.

Above: Preston Corn Exchange with the memorial to the Preston Martyrs of 1842 in front (author – Francis C. Franklin, source – Own work).

The Preston Martyrs Memorial So, we’ve had some artwork and some regeneration, which makes me feel it’s time for some history. The Preston Martyrs Memorial was unveiled in 1992, the 150th anniversary of the 1842 cotton workers’ strike. The strike was prompted by the depression of 1841-42, and fuelled by the demands of the Chartists and Government rejection of their petition of 1838. A mass meeting had been demanded in Preston, which led to the strike commencing (12th August 1842), but with some workers returning the following day, unrest broke out between strikers and waverers. Troops were called in to help restore order, and after a bout of stone throwing by strikers, shots were fired resulting in the deaths of four strikers, aged between 17 and 27. The official verdict was ‘justifiable homicide’, whilst a dozen other strikers received prison sentences. The modern memorial is a reminder that ‘never without sacrifice have gains been made towards justice and democracy’. It’s an impressive if harrowing sculpture and is worth seeing and reflecting on.

OBSCURITIES Chartists – the mass Chartist movement (1838-57) had 6 demands for Parliamentary Reform. • 1842 – the 1842 Restaurant & Bar is Preston’s most unique & is based in the Corn Exchange.

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A Lancashire Butter Pie

Above: A French equivalent to the Lancashire Butter Pie – the ‘Pâté aux pommes de terre’. Not sure you’ll get this in Lancashire though (author – ‘Babsy’, source – Own work).

OBSCURITIES Pâté aux pommes de terre –French equivalent (potatoes, crème fraîche & puff pastry. • Butter tart – Sweet Canadian equivalent (with raisins, pecans or walnuts added).

This bucket list can’t be just about looking at things, there has to be some sampling too, so how about a Lancashire Butter Pie? Now, I’ve written about Culinary Lancashire before (March 2017) so I know a thing or two about this subject. To my knowledge, however, I didn’t explore the delights of the Lancashire Butter Pie. For the uninitiated, if you think it’s sounding a bit like bread and butter pud, you’d be wrong. This is no pud, it’s savoury, and mostly comprises onions and potatoes. Also known as ‘Air Pie’, it’s widely available in the likes of chip shops, sarnie shops, corner shops and supermarkets. I’m told that it has history in Wigan (home of the ‘pie-eaters’), Preston (synonymous with the Butter Pie), Chorley, Blackburn and Bolton among other places, and that its origins go back to the county’s large Catholic population which avoided meat on Fridays, hence the Butter Pie. It actually goes back centuries, so more history as well as culinary. I will also be writing in this issue on the subject of getting fit, so I’m claiming that the Butter Pie is vegetarian. You can have a recipe if you wish but I’ll give you some clues: you’ll need a large onion and three large spuds; it’s about four inches in diameter; there’s salt and plenty of pepper included; oh, and it includes butter (almost forgot).

A bit of French liqueur

Left: A nice bottle of Bénédictine. Look out for one in Lancashire, particularly if you’re in Burnley, Accrington or Blackburn (author – ‘Chriusha’, source – Own work).

I realise I’ve thrown in a curve-ball in my ‘obscurities’ with a French equivalent to the good old Lancashire Butter Pie which might be a tad hard to come by. To compensate, here is something very French that you’ll definitely be able to get your hands on. This story goes back to WW1 (or just after) when Lancashire lads were based in France around Le Havre, Harfleur and Fecamp and developed a liking for a French liqueur, Bénédictine, which apparently warmed the cockles. When the war was over the drink was imported back to the county courtesy of the 11th (Service) Battalion, East Lancs, and today the Burnley Miners’ Club is reputedly one of the biggest consumers of the liqueur in the world (some 1,000 bottles a year), with Burnley, Accrington and Blackburn making up the largest consumer of the beverage outside France itself. Their preferred variant is the so-called ‘Bene’n’hot’, which is 50% Bénédictine and 50% hot water. It puts one in mind of a mulled wine at Christmas. The liqueur dates back much further than the Great War, of course, possibly as far back as the early-16th century when the monks in those French parts were dabbling.

OBSCURITIES:

So, there you have it, a mini bucket list: some Panopticons (four of); mussels (make sure you try some); a memorial (you could pop into the ‘1842’ pub maybe); and some food (a butter pie) and drink (a touch of liqueur). It just sounds like the perfect day out to me and what’s even better about it, why, it’s all in Lancashire. www.lancmag.com

Benedictines – the Benedictine order was founded in 529

by Benedict at Monte Cassino, Italy.

11th Battalion – the East Lancs 11th (Service) Battalion was dubbed the ‘Accrington Pals’.

And finally – why not try fruit cake with Benedictine, or a Benedictine Tart?

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 11

The future of your home fire Mark Bateman takes a look at what’s going to happen to our coal fires.

For as long as people have existed, they have burnt wood, and later coal, as a means to produce heating, to cook on, hot water and as a means of providing comfort, security, and protection.

Everyone loves a log, or coal, fire at home, or a wood burning stove. Fires, in all their forms, provide heat, and hot water and connect with a primitive need in our souls for warmth and comfort.

But there is a growing problem with continuing to burn fossil fuels (coal, gas, and oil) and wood. As population levels have grown, and industry has developed, more of these fuels are being burnt. The problem with all of them is that they all create varying levels of pollutants such as Carbon Dioxide (the biggest greenhouse gas) and Sulphur Dioxide (a cause of acid rain) that are damaging to our health and the wider environment we live in. In fact, 87% of all human Carbon Dioxide emissions come from the burning (at home, or in industry) of fossil fuels: Coal, natural gas, and oil.

In Ireland burning peat briquettes are still a popular choice but these produce a lot of smoke and emissions 12

and actually produce less energy than coal, so they are perhaps the least efficient choice.

1.5 million people use wood for fuel across the U.K. and these make up a whopping 38% of emissions of fine particulate matter or PM2.5’s. This compares to 16% of total emissions from Industrial combustion, 12% from road transport and 13% from Industrial solvents and industrial processes.

These PM2.5’s are small particles of pollution which find their way into people’s lungs and blood and cause a whole range of health problems. To give you an idea of the amount of pollution produced it has been shown that a wood burning stove emits more particles per hour than a diesel truck.

Gas fires are also a popular choice and are generally 3 times more efficient than an open fire as most of the heat produced stays in the room. However, they still burn fossil fuels and contribute to pollution in the atmosphere.

So, what is going to change? There are already Government created plans in place to reduce the burning of the most polluting fuels, but these are

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going to become stricter over the next few years.

Over the next couple of years, you will see some serious changes coming into the types of fuel legally permitted to be sold and used as the Government phases out the use of the most polluting fuels. This is all part of the 2019 ‘Government Clean Air Strategy’ which aims to reduce emissions across transport, farming, industry, and the home.

For example, the Traditional ‘net of logs’ sold at garages and garden centres will be phased out. This is because these often contain what is known as ‘wet’ or ‘green’ wood. These are logs that have not been seasoned or dried. A 1kg wet log can contain over 1 pint of water which takes a long time to burn off making it an inefficient fuel choice.

These logs, when burnt also allow soot and tar to build up in chimneys which damages them.

Sales of wet wood in volumes below 2 metres cubed will be phased out from February 2021 and wet wood sold in volumes of over 2 metres cubed will have to be dried, either by being stacked www.lancmag.com

PM2.5 Emissions in home. Extract from Government Clean air Stategy 2019, Reproduced under Open Service Licence

and air dried or dried in a kiln.

Another change will be that by 2021 sales of traditional high- sulphur (Bituminous house- coal) bagged coal will be phased out and by 2023 high – sulphur loose coal will no longer be offered for sale directly to customers.

The providers of solid fuel will also need to show that their products have low sulphur emissions and are either totally smokeless or produce exceptionally low levels of smoke. The government will be looking to apply a sulphur standard across all fuels of less than 2% harmful emissions. This does not mean that coal or wood burning stoves or fires are being banned but rather that customers will be offered more environmentally friendly fuels where possible.

So, what are the alternatives? What fuels should we be looking for and what will be offered to burn?

One new initiative is the ‘Woodsure’ scheme which labels logs that are ready to be burnt immediately. This dry or seasoned wood normally has a water content of less than 20% so burns much more efficiently than wet wood. It also www.lancmag.com

reduces emissions by 50% over wet wood. So far over 50 UK log suppliers have signed up to this scheme.

There are plenty of so-called recycled fuels available and more are coming on to the market all the time.

For example, these include devices to allow people to compress old newspaper into briquettes to make a low pollution fuel.

Wood by products from forestry operations are also becoming more popular. Wood pellets do not contain bark or dirt, and have low moisture levels, so they burn more efficiently than logs and are a good source of fuel in biomass boilers. Another popular choice is wood briquettes are made from recycled wood chips that are a by

product from forestry operations.

Coffee logs are also an environmentally sound choice. These are made from compressed coffee grounds which would traditionally have ended up in landfill where they produce methane that is 34 x more polluting than Carbon Dioxide. Coffee logs burn 20% hotter than even kiln- dried wood and last 20% longer than wood.

They also release only one fifth of the pollution caused by burning wet wood.

The traditional open fires and log burners that we are so fond of in this country will continue to play an important role in heating our homes, but now we can look forward to enjoying them without damaging our health and that of the planet.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 13

Melanie C

The stars line up for a virtual blackpool illuminations switch-on The stars of Blackpool’s first ever virtual Illuminations Switch-On event have been revealed.

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Spice Girl Melanie C, Fleur East, Becky Hill, Tom Grennan, Diversity and Blackpool’s very own Rae Morris will all perform in the hour-long streamed event which is being staged by MTV at 8.30pm on Friday 4 September.

The virtual show, which will be hosted by Diversity’s Ashley and Jordan Banjo, will also feature chart-topping DJ, Joel Corry.

It will be free to access on MTV and VisitBlackpool channels, and will feature a mixture of exclusive pre-recorded performances at home and live performances filmed inside the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, as well as the all-important Switch-On moment, details of which will follow over the coming weeks.

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Fleur East

Rae Morris

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The Switch-On, which normally takes place on the Tower Festival Headland in front of a 20,000 strong audience, will act as the curtain-raiser for Blackpool’s Illuminations season which has been extended by two months and will now run from September 4 to January 3, 2021, It will be the first time in more than 70 years that the resort has been unable to hold a live Switch-On celebration – but also the first time that a Switch-On event has been accessible to a national and international audience.

Melanie C is one of the most famous female pop stars on the planet. Last year, saw the Spice Girls’ blockbuster reunion tour with sell-out stadium concerts that served as a joyous reminder of the spell that 90s girl power still casts on pop.

2019 also saw Melanie travel around the globe, performing with the LGBTQ+ club collective, Sink The Pink, at Pride parades in Amsterdam, Santiago, London, Cologne, Berlin, Brighton, Belfast, Dublin and New York’s Times Square.

During the lockdown pandemic Melanie was seen DJ’ing from her home to a global audience using the power of IGTV and YouTube.

On October 2, Melanie’s eighth studio album “MELANIE C” will be released featuring collaborations with Biff Stannard and Nadia Rose. The first and second singles from the album “Who I Am’ and “Blame It On Me” have already been huge airplay hits.

Rae Morris, who will return to her home town to do a live performance on a closed set in the magnificent Tower Ballroom, said: “Being a part of the Illuminations Switch-On is a huge deal for me. It was always the highlight of my summer as a kid, a magical ending.

“This year will be slightly different, but an extended period of Illuminations on the seafront is a silver-lining that’ll bring muchneeded joy! I’ll be performing from inside the ballroom and will do my best to channel its spirit out into your devices!”

Becky Hill and Fleur East are no strangers to Illuminations Switch-On events, both have performed on the Tower Festival Headland stage in previous years.

Singer-songwriter Becky is one of Britain’s most in-demand musical exports and is the second most listened to female artist on Spotify in the UK, notching up over a billion streams and 18 million monthly listeners.

She has had a string of top 40 hits including this year’s top 20 solo record, “Better Off Without You” and current top 20 single “Heaven On My Mind”, as well LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 17

as collaborating with a number of artists including Rudimental, Jonas Blue, Oliver Heldens and Sigala.

The multi-talented Fleur East first rose to fame as a powerhouse finalist on The X Factor, with explosive performances that even landed her a No.1 on iTunes with “Uptown Funk” before the song was even officially released. That was followed by her debut single, “Sax”, which stayed in the Top 10 for seven weeks and has gone on to hit over one 100 million streams on Spotify.

Fleur, who presents The Hits Radio national breakfast show every weekday, wrote and performed the coronavirus song, Not Alone, with all proceeds going to the NHS COVID-19 Appeal.

British singer-songwriter Tom Grennan’s first album, “Lighting Matches”, was one of the best-selling debut albums of 2018. He rose to fame through his first appearance as the guest vocalist on the Chase and Status track, “All Goes Wrong” and has this year released singles ‘This Is The Place’ & ‘Oh Please’ from his forthcoming album.

The show hosts, Diversity’s Ashley and Jordan Banjo, have been an integral part of the Illuminations Switch-On night for the past four years, wowing crowds with the extraordinary routines that have cemented their position as the UK’s most accomplished dance group for more than a decade.

Joel Corry

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Becky Hill

Diversity will perform an exclusive routine produced especially for the virtual Switch-On event.

Ashley said: “Jordan and I are delighted to be hosting Blackpool’s virtual Switch-On. “Blackpool is very much our second home and we cannot wait to return to the resort to host what will be an amazing experience that people will be able to watch, wherever they are.”

Diversity won Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and have since completed nine sell-out arena tours, performed in front of The Queen and in 2021, will embark on their Connected Tour.

Joel Corry, who will provide the post Switch-On entertainment, broke on to the music scene last summer with his remake of UK Garage classic, “Sorry”, followed by the release of “Lonely” earlier this year which spent 11 weeks in the UK Top 10 and is currently the biggest-selling record by a UK artist this year.

Joel’s new single, “Head & Heart”, a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter MNEK, has just earned him his first ever UK #1 in only its third week on the chart.

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The show will start at 8.30pm on Friday 4 September and can be viewed at: visitblackpool.com/switchon, youtube.com/mtvinternational and facebook.com/mtvmusicuk

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Cabinet Member for Tourism & Culture for Blackpool Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce an all-star line-up for what will definitely go down as the most unique SwitchOn event in Illuminations history!

“Demand for tickets for our traditional live event hugely outweighs the number available, so it is great that everyone will get the opportunity to see this year’s Switch-On concert from the comfort of their homes.

“It promises to be a fabulous start to our extended Illuminations season.”

Virginia Monaghan, Vice President, Events and Experiences, ViacomCBS Networks International commented: “We are delighted that MTV will help launch the first live virtual Blackpool illuminations switch–on celebration. While we may not be able to go ahead with the event as originally planned, we are incredibly excited to now be able to bring this fantastic night of entertainment for audiences to enjoy at home!”

Ashley & Jordan

Go to www.visitblackpool.com/switchon for regular updates.

Tom Grennan

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 19

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Walk a million steps for wildlife

Go through new gates

Walking is a great way to stay active, lose weight and to get to know the wild and wonderful world around us.

D

uring the pandemic walking has given many of us a way out of our homes, even if it’s just a stroll to the end of the road.

And the sights and sounds of nature have been the soundtrack to many of our walks highlighting the benefits we all get from our wildlife.

Now The Lancashire Wildlife Trust is combining walking and wildlife for a week, August 24-30 – giving you an opportunity to takes steps for nature’s recovery.

Individual Giving Officer Vicki Lamb said: “Summer is a great time to get outside and go for a walk, especially in the

It’s time to walk

countryside or along a river path. It’s a great time of year to see wildlife and it can be surprising what you find when you look.”

During Wild Walk Week, the Wildlife Trust wants families, friends and colleagues to get together and walk one million steps for wildlife.

It’s easy – if 10 people walk five miles for seven days that adds up to 100,000 steps over the week and 1,000,000 steps overall. It means adding a few miles to your 10,000 daily steps and wandering into areas you haven’t visited in years – or brand new areas.

Of course you can set your own targets, using the step 22

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tracker on your mobile phone – 1,000 steps a day or 70,000 steps a week, or walk to the shops and back instead of driving. If you walk around your garden you will be supported by your noisy sparrows and starlings.

At the same time the Wildlife Trust will be asking you to fundraise for its conservation work – so everything you see on your walks, birds, bees, butterflies, mammals and plants and trees, will benefit for years to come. In fact, you are making your own patch more friendly for our diverse wildlife.

Why should you join in? Vicki said: “Wildlife is struggling from new developments across towns and cities, polluted www.lancmag.com

water, intensive farming and the affects from climate change. The State of Nature Report 2019 shows that 15 per cent of species are under threat of extinction in the UK, two percent have already gone.

“We are here to protect vulnerable species and habitats from these threats. The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside manages over 40 nature reserves across the region and is restoring incredibly rare peatlands to their former glory.”

Fundraising through the Wild Walk Week can do much more for nature locally, safeguarding the future for wildlife. Every day, the Wildlife Trust looks after and manages over 3,000 hectares of land (more than 7,000 acres) across the North West region.

Habitats vary from limestone cliffs in Carnforth, wetlands in Merseyside, broadleaf woodlands and grasslands in East Lancashire and incredibly rare mosslands across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Vicki said: “These are homes to hundreds of incredible species such as red squirrel, large heath butterfly, peregrine falcon and water vole. Funds raised through Wild Walk Week will help to protect these wonderful places and wildlife for the future.”

There are fantastic walks across the region - Wild Walk Week can be done anywhere, in local parks, along canal towpaths, along the beach, even in the big cities.

Walking for wildlife

To find more information please visit the Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s webpage: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/wild-walk-week

Walking takes you to wild places by Alan Wright

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 27,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call 01948 820728 or go to cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 23

Poulton-le-Fylde

By Stephen Roberts

I

like Poulton-le-Fylde. It’s got one of those wonderfully quaint English place names like Shiptonunder-Wychwood, Seaton Delaval, Chaddesley Corbett or Chorlton-cumHardy. People refer to it as just plain ‘Poulton’ sometimes which seems a bit of a shame to me and perhaps should constitute an offence under the ‘Denial of Quaintness Act, 2020’, with a suitable period of time spent in the stocks (of which more later).

My trusty guide to everything English, 1973-style, has just the one paragraph devoted to Poulton-leFylde, which seems a pity. It describes it as an old market town, then raves about the church of St Chad, which it says has an early-17th century tower 24

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in Perpendicular style, although the rest of the building was later rebuilt in stone in the mid-18th century (175253), with the Romanesque chancel being a Victorian addition of 1868. It does sound a bit of a gem with Doric pedimented doorways, a Georgian interior, a staircase leading to galleries containing square pews replete with candle sockets, wall monuments to local worthies (Fleetwoods and Heskeths), a vault dating to 1699, a baptistry with a 17th century screen, and a carved Jacobean pulpit. I am breathless and you might well be too having read all that lot. There are 16 Listed buildings in Poulton-le-Fylde, but only one of those is Grade II* Listed (particularly significant and of more than local interest) and there are www.lancmag.com

Poulton-le-Fylde, looking south towards the Market Place, July 2019 (author – ‘NewTestLeper79’, source – Own work)

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no guesses allowed, or indeed prizes allotted, for working out which one that might be. The other 15 have the slightly lower Grade II listing (special architectural or historic interest). My trusty guide is slightly less than trusty at this point as it says nothing further about Poulton-leFylde, preferring to move on to places such as Preston. I will try and fill in the gaps.

For starters, the other Listed structures are an eclectic mix. There’s the old Poulton Savings Bank of 1839, which is now a shop, plus several domestic buildings (cottages, farmhouses, houses and town houses), one of which may date back as far as the late-17th century. The former Roman Catholic chapel of St John was built in 1813, and is Listed, but was replaced after almost a century of use by a larger chapel close by.

The Fish Stones (or Slabs) date probably to the 18th century and comprise two stone slabs, raised up on legs, which were used by market traders selling, well, fish of course. I guess if you’d flogged sub-standard fish that resulted in tummy upsets, a stint in the stocks might have been considered. They certainly seem to have taken a no-nonsense approach to law and order in Poulton-le-Fylde with both ye olde stocks and a whipping post (the town where I hang

Grade II Listed Fish stones or slabs, c.18th century, August 2010 (author – ‘Belovedfreak’, source – Own work)

Grade II* Listed St Chad’s church, which mostly dates from the mid-18th century, May 2011 (author – ‘Belovedfreak’, source – Own work)

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my hat also has both of these deterrents to bad behaviour). Poulton’s manifestations are both probably of 18th century origin and I would imagine that neither has been used for some time, other than for the odd photographic selfie, which is another latter-day offence worthy of a session in the stocks, much like reducing Poulton-le-Fylde to Poulton which I see that I did earlier in this paragraph. Whoopsie. My personal view is that if you have perfectly serviceable stocks to hand, well then you may as well use them for all those modern forms of anti-social behaviour such as waving camera phones about at inappropriate moments or eating loudly and/ or messily in a public place. I’m sure these things never occur in Poulton-le-Fylde, or Chorlton-cum-Hardy for that matter.

Returning to one of my fav subjects of Listed structures, I’ve noted that there’s a red phone box as you approach the market place from the north. This is no ordinary red phone box (not that there are any ‘ordinary’ red phone boxes any more). This my friends is a ‘K6’, designed in 1935 by none other than Giles Gilbert Scott, to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V (having acceded in May 1910, George V achieved 25 years on the throne, but died not that long after in January 1936). Giles Gilbert Scott (1880-1960) meanwhile was just one of the architects from the famed Gilbert Scott family, a grandson of the more famous Sir (George) Gilbert Scott (1811-78), who designed the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras. Among our Giles’s more famous commissions was the Roman Catholic cathedral in Liverpool, Battersea Power Station, and that iconic red phone box.

Also, not to be missed are the market cross, which is probably 17th century, and resembles the one at Garstang (a town which was featured in September’s

Grade II Listed Red K6 telephone box, August 2010. This box was designed

by Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935 to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V (author – ‘Belovedfreak’, source – Own work)

issue) and the war memorial of 1921. For those folk who either need or like things of interest to be conveniently placed, well, you are in for a treat in Poulton-le-Fylde where the stocks, whipping post, market cross, fish slabs and war memorial are all within touching distance of one another. The phone box is handily nearby too. It’s a right old line up of historic artefacts. As all this implies, it’s a compact

Grade II Listed stocks in Poulton where it clearly didn’t pay to be a miscreant (author – ‘Belovedfreak’, source – Own work)

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yet busy town centre. It’s market day is Monday, the same as the town I inhabit. I feel a connection.

It’s night life is praised too. Don’t get too boisterous though folks as the stocks and whipping post lie in wait. Poulton appears to have been a happening place for the last 15 years or so, its rising stock (rather than stocks) reflected in ascending house prices, which might be good if you’re lucky enough to own one, not so good if you’re still trying to acquire one.

Poulton is, of course, on the Fylde coastal plain, hence the ‘le-Fylde’ bit, and has a population of around 18,500 (2011 Census). There was a minor agricultural settlement here around the time of

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Poulton’s Grade II Listed market cross, which is probably from the 17th century (author – ‘Belovedfreak’, source – Own work)

the 1066 conquest and the original St Chad’s was recorded in 1094 during the reign of the Conqueror’s son, William II, or ‘Rufus’. Beyond the Middle Ages, Poulton-le-Fylde was larger and more prosperous because of its market, and as the reign of Queen Victoria got underway in 1837, the town was being described as the ‘metropolis of the Fylde’. This would be sadly short-lived as it was superseded in local bragging rights by the emerging coastal resorts of Blackpool and Fleetwood. Poulton has much to commend it, but one thing it lacks is a coastline. You can’t often fight against geography (one notable exception being Manchester when it defied its inland position by building the Manchester

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Ship Canal). Poulton’s not far off though, being close to the Fylde coast and only five miles from Blackpool town centre. It’s also well-served with rail links, as you can head to Blackpool one way, or Preston the other. It would have been possible to head to Fleetwood as well, until 1970, when passenger services were withdrawn along that line.

That railway history is fascinating as the line betwixt Poulton-le-Fylde and Fleetwood was there first in 1840, with the original Poulton station located north-east of today’s station. In 1846, a junction was added just north of that old station, as the line to Blackpool was opened. That junction, and its tight curve for Blackpool, was the source of a fatal accident in 1893 when a train derailed, which,

Poulton-le-Fylde Junction is where the main line to Blackpool (left) joins with the closed Fleetwood Branch Line (right). Photographed from the bridge adjacent to Poulton-le-Fylde railway station, September 2008 (author – ‘Dr Greg’, source – Own work)

in turn, led to today’s Poulton station being opened, south-west of the original in 1896, with a new junction just to the west of today’s station, and new track alignments for both Blackpool and Fleetwood.

The now closed Fleetwood line is still extant, albeit a bit overgrown, but the fact that it remains in situ offers the future hope of a reopening possibly as a heritage line. A handy view of the junction can be obtained from the bridge adjacent to the station.

I am coming to an end of my journey around the delightful Poulton-le-Fylde, which ticks all my boxes. I can get there on the train (always preferred in my opinion to automotive hades) and there are buildings to admire and things to do once I arrive.

I like an old church with ‘stuff’, a café where I can have my Americano whilst I watch the world slip by, a market to browse (must remember to attend on a Monday), and local, characterful shops where I might just find that thing I’ve been hankering after.

Above: Grade II Listed whipping post in Poulton – behave yourselves folks! (author – ‘Belovedfreak’, source – Own work)

Below: The former Roman Catholic chapel of St John the Evangelist, with attached presbytery to the right, August 2010 (author – ‘Belovedfreak’, source – Own work)

Below: Impressive, traditional station sign at Poulton-le-Fylde railway station (author – ‘Umontu’, source – Own work).

References The Shell Guide to England (Ed. J. Hadfield, 1973) Visit Poulton-le-Fylde (www.visitpoulton-le-fylde.co.uk) Visit Lancashire (www.visitlancashire.com) Lancashire Life (www.lancashirelife.co.uk) www.lancmag.com

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The Most Iconic Aircraft Made in the North West

By Andrew Harris

The Avro 504

F

rom a modest start in the First World War – and a lull between the wars – our region became a major force in aircraft production during the 1939-45 conflict and has maintained this role to this day. This is a story of great aircraft and the companies and factories in the north-west which built them - and continue to build great aircraft.

We start more than 100 years ago, honour 15 types of aircraft which changed the world, mention those that got away and glimpse the future.

When World War 1 broke out, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service – which combined to form the RAF in April 1918 – were using the 2-seat Avro 504 biplane. Although designed pre-war in 1913 the Avro 504 became the most numerous type of aircraft to serve in what was then called the Great War. During the war this plane was used for reconnaissance, bombing, fighting and training. It had light and powerful controls and was fully aerobatic. No fewer than 4,500 – 42% of all Avro 504s - were built in Avro’s factories in Miles Platting and the Park Works in Newton Heath. Production continued until 1932.

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The Avro Anson

The Avro Anson first flew just 3 years later – on the 24th March 1935 – and in 1936 was the first twin-engined monoplane to enter service with the RAF. Dependable and sturdy the Anson equipped 26 bomber and coastal squadrons of the RAF by the outbreak of World War 2. Although lacking the glamour of Spitfires and Hurricanes it went on to fulfil vital transport and training roles. Avro built 4,161 Ansons – out of 11,020 built everywhere - at Newton Heath, Chadderton and Woodford. Production ceased in 1952 but in the winter of 1962/3 your columnist dropped bales of hay from an RAF Anson to starving sheep in Northumberland. The last RAF Anson retired 5 years later. www.lancmag.com

The Bristol Blenheim

When it first flew on the 12th April 1935 the Bristol Blenheim was acclaimed as the fastest bomber in the world. However, by the outbreak of war in 1939 it formed the largest part of the RAF’s front-line equipment but was obsolescent and suffered heavy losses. The Blenheim went on to perform night fighting, anti-shipping and reconnaissance roles as well as valuable secondline duties. It had the distinction of being the only aircraft type ever to serve in every RAF Command and every theatre of operations during the war.

Despite the name, 3,560 Bristol Blenheims were built by Rootes Securities and Avro at Speke, Woodford, Chadderton and Newton Heath.

Production stopped in 1942 by when 60% of all Blenheims had been built in the north-west.

No other British bomber was built in such numbers as the Vickers Wellington. A total of 11,461 were completed of which no fewer than 8,946 or 78% were built at Broughton near Chester, Cranage near Holmes Chapel and in a huge factory at Squires Gate in Blackpool. Until the 4-engined Halifaxes and Lancasters became available in large numbers the Wellington formed the backbone of RAF Bomber Command. First flown on the 15th June 1936, it equipped six squadrons by the outbreak of war. It incorporated the innovative geodetic construction – as illustrated - developed by (later Sir) Barnes Wallis who went on to make www.lancmag.com

the dambuster and other raids possible. As a result the Wellington was incredibly strong. The Wellington was used worldwide in many roles. It helped to win the war.

Above: The Vickers Wellington flying over the Blackpool factory where it was made. Picture from an un-named source.

Right: The geodetic construction which made the Wellington so strong.

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The Halifax may not be as well-remembered as the Lancaster but it offered greater versatility and bore the brunt of the RAF’s bomber campaign in the difficult early days. A total of 6,178 Halifaxes were built - more than half of them (3,215) by English Electric at Preston and Samlesbury and Rootes Securities at Speke in Liverpool. The potential of the Halifax was achieved when the Merlin engine gave way to the more powerful Hercules radial engine. The type was flown by the Free French from RAF Elvington east of York which is now the Yorkshire Air Museum where a preserved Halifax is a major attraction.

Below: The Handley Page Halifax

The first Lancaster didn’t fly until the 9th January 1941 but quickly became the mainstay of RAF Bomber Command. Its main claim to fame was a huge bomb bay which enabled it to carry a massive payload. This eventually involved the bouncing bombs of the dambuster raid and the 12,000-22,000 lb ‘Grand Slam’ weapons which devastated targets like the Tirpitz battleship which menaced the arctic convoys until it was sunk.

The famous Avro Lancaster

By March 1945 there were 56 Lancaster Squadrons in RAF Bomber Command. 4,365 Lancasters were built by Avro in Chadderton, Ringway and Woodford, by Metropolitan Vickers at Trafford Park and Vickers Armstong at Broughton near Chester. About two-thirds of all Lancasters were built in the north-west but the saddest statistic is that 55,523 aircrew of RAF Bomber Command died.

Britain’s first jet fighter flew on the 5th March 1943 but was of a conventional design. The De Havilland Vampire followed on the 20th September 1943 but had a more radical twinboom structure. It entered RAF service in April 1946 and the Vampire Mk 3 – with a more powerful Goblin engine – made the first transatlantic crossing by a jet aircraft in July 1948. The same 32

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The de Havilland Vampire

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The Avro Shackleton maritime patrol aircraft

month saw the first jet – a Sea Vampire - being launched from a carrier by catapult. Vampires were sold to more than 30 countries and the type was refined to become the Venom which flew on the 2nd September 1949. It looked similar but had a slimmer swept-back wing, a more powerful de hallivand Ghost turbojet and wingtip tanks. More than half – 2,212 – of all Vampires and Venons were built by de Havilland at Broughton near Chester and Fairey Aviation at Ringway – now Manchester Airport.

We joined the jet age early!

The Avro Shackleton is probably the most cleverly adapted aircraft of all time. It was indirectly descended from the Avro Lancaster and first flew on the 9th March 1949. Primarily designed for long-range maritime patrols (your columnist spend 23 hours in one over the Atlantic) all 185 were built from 1948-58 by Avro at Woodford and Chadderton and entered RAF service in April 1951 and were capable of a 3,000 nautical mile range using features like contra-rotating propellers. Mk 2 had a retractable radome but the Mk 3 was refined with a tricycle undercarriage, better radar and more weapons like homing torpedoes and Lulu nuclear depth charges. The biggest tribute is that for more than 20 years it remained in RAF service in the maritime patrol and Airborne Early Warning roles until replace by the Nimrod in the 1970s.

The English Electric Canberra first flew on the 13th May 1949 and was Britain’s first jet bomber.

After the relatively slow cumbersome bombers of World War 2 the new plane must have been amazing. The test pilot Wing Commander Roland Beamont was rebuked for flying it as a fighter www.lancmag.com

when he demonstrated it at the Farnborough Air Show. He later flew from Aldergrove in North Ireland to Gander Lake in Newfoundland in 4 hrs 18½ minutes – an average speed of 480 mph. The Canberra sold to 15 nations including the USA. This amazing aircraft served many roles. More than half - 706 - of all Canberras were built in the north-west; 631 by English Electric at Preston, Samlesbury, Warton and Accrington and 75 by Avro at Chadderton and Woodford. The aircraft was so good it served the RAF for 55 years - until July 2006. A record!

The beautiful English Electric Canberra

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The Avro Vulcan

When it first flew on the 30th August 1952 the Vulcan’s huge delta wing was a radical departure for an aircraft of its size. The first Vulcans entered RAF service in August 1956 but it wasn’t until July 1960 that the first Mk 2 Vulcans - with a kink in the leading edge of the wing and uprated Olympus engines instead of the planned Avons – equipped 4 more RAF squadrons and all Mk 1 versions were upgraded to be Mk 2 Vulcans. Nine years later the RAF lost its nuclear role to the Royal Navy but in 1982 the Vulcan performed record-breaking 9-hour 4,100 mile ‘Black Buck’ sorties when they attacked Argentine targets in the Falklands to good effect. Two years later the type was finally retired but Vulcan XH558 – which first flew on 25th May 1960 – retired after more than 55 years on the 28th October 2015. All 136 Vulcans were made by Avro – part of Hawker Siddeley Aviation from 1963 - at Woodford and Chadderton from 1951-65.

A true icon!

The Hawker Siddeley / BAe Hawk

Arguably the most impressive British jet fighter ever produced, the Lightning thrilled pilots and public alike with its awesome performance and sleek appearance. It was the first RAF Mach 2 interceptor and last all-British fighter with that capability. Its crisp handling and superb acceleration was only let down by its limited endurance and basic mission systems. Range and endurance were improved by a ventral and overwing tanks as illustrated.

The lightning prototype first flew on the 4th August 1954 and all 341 aircraft were built by English Electric and (from 1960) British Aircraft Corporation at Preston, Warton, Samlesbury and Accrington from 1953 to 1972.

As the Shackleton evolved from the Lancaster so did the Nimrod from the Comet – the world’s first jet airliner. Designed to replace the ageing Shackleton it produced an amazingly capable aircraft to fulfil maritime surveillance, antisubmarine and (later) airborne early warning roles. It first flew on the 23rd May 1967 and served in the RAF for an astonishing 42 years 34

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from 1969 to 2011. All 46 Nimrods were built by Hawker Siddeley Aviation and (from 1977) the British Aerospace Aircraft Group at Woodford and Broughton near Chester between 1966 and 1986.

The nine advanced MRA4 versions were aborted in 2010 after unacceptable cost increases.

The English Electric Lightning

The Tornado first flew on the 14th August 1974 and entered RAF service in 1982. It was designed to fly low and fast. Guided by terrain-following radar, with variable-geometry wings that could be cranked back for high-speed flight, no aircraft was www.lancmag.com

faster at 50 feet when it first appeared. Developed from 1968 as a joint programme between Britain, (then) West Germany and Italy the twin engine Tornado had a bombload comparable to the much larger Lancaster, a top speed faster than Concorde yet with swept wings it was smaller than the Lightning. During the Desert Storm conflict the fighter versions flew combat air patrols and the bomber versions attacked Iraqi air bases but 7 were lost. In 2003 the more advanced GR4 versions returned to Iraq without losing a single plane. Between 1973 and 1998 BAE Systems (as it became) produced 527 Tornados at Warton. The last planned flights of RAF Tornados were on the 14th March 2019 which brought 37 years of service to an end.

The Hawker Siddeley – later BAe – Hawk is considered by many to be the finest jet trainer ever and production at Warton continues to this day. It first flew on the 21st August 1974 and entered RAF service in April 1976. The US Navy have operated more than 200 specially adapted versions of the Hawk which has been flown to great effect by the Red Arrows since 1979. Now used by 19 countries the Hawk was the last aircraft from the Hawker Siddeley stable but BAE Systems continued production near Hull and latterly at Warton so we don’t know how many Hawks will be built but it will probably be over 1,000.

Like the Tornado, the Eurofighter Typhoon is the product or European collaboration and is thought to be the best fighter RAF has had since the English Electric Lightning in the 1960s. It is still a fourth-generation fighter with a low radar profile but without the new ‘stealth’ technology.

The Typhoon first flew on the 27th March 1994 but due to much haggling between the partners about work sharing, production deliveries didn’t start until 2003. It entered front-line RAF service in March 2006 and took over Quick Reaction Alert duties the following year. Following modifications

Above: The Panavia Tornado shows its power

it was declared multi-role in 2008 and was able to take over the ground attack role of the Tornado by the time the older type retired in 2019. Typhoons for the RAF and Saudi Arabia were all assembled at Warton.

Left: Two Eurofighter Typhoons

Above: The Hawker Siddeley / BAe Nimrod

Sadly we can’t honour all types built in the north-west. The Short Sunderland was a magnificent and massive flying boat but only 35 of 749 were built here – at White Cross Bay on Lake Windermere. 770 Handley Page Hampden twin-engined light bombers were built by English www.lancmag.com

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Electric at Strand Road, Preston and Samlesbury between 1939 and 1942 but this wasn’t a successful aircraft. 300 Sepecat Jaguar strike and training aircraft were built by BAC – now BAE Systems - at Warton. A collaboration between the UK, France and India, the Jaguar was upstaged by other types and had a relatively short service life.

The cost and expertise involved in developing and producing modern aircraft dictate the way ahead. This is illustrated by two aircraft types – one in production and one on the drawing board.

Such collaboration is the future and, thanks to BAE Systems, we in the north-west continue to be winners in an intensely competitive industry.

The fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F35 Lightning ll is the most advance military aircraft in the world. It comes in three variants: conventional, short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) and for carriers at sea. The UK is the sole Tier 1 partner which ensures a good share – of about 15% by value – of the work. BAE Systems at Samlesbury build the rear section of the plane and the vertical lifting jet is made by Rolls Royce with other UK companies providing specialist inputs like ejector seats and parts of the undercarriage.

Since the USA plans to buy 2,456 F35s through to 2044 the scale and value of work is massive. This is one form that the future is taking. For the other read on . . .

As threats and capabilities evolve the future need – after 2035 – will be for a sixth-generation which will have to be stealthy, able to fly unmanned, use swarming technology to control drones, incorporate artificial intelligence and a ‘virtual’ cockpit using the pilot’s helmetmounted display or the equivalent on the ground.

The concept is the ‘Tempest’ which is being overseen by the Rapid Capabilities Office of the Royal Air Force. The project is British-led but in partnership with Italy and Sweden and possibly other nations. Industry partners are BAE Systems based at Warton, MBDA, Leonardo and two

A mock-up of how the Tempest might look

other Italian companies. The Ministry of Defence has committed the equivalent of $2.6 billion to develop the concept through to 2025 when the partners will decide whether to roll out the completed aircraft by 2035.The final form of the aircraft might change but the mock-up featured shows how it might look. Very futuristic!

In 1945 the British aircraft industry comprised 27 airframe manufacturers, 8 companies making aero-engines and many specialist suppliers. These have since consolidated into BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce but still with many expert suppliers.

The north-west can be proud of its history of producing excellent aircraft. This tradition is safe in the hands of BAE Systems based at Warton and Samlesbury. The future of combat aircraft is both exciting and frightening. But the north-west is part of that future.

Andrew E. Harris gratefully acknowledges the help provided by many sources including James H. Longworth’s magisterial work ‘Triplane to Typhoon’.

Unless otherwise attributed the images are courtesy of BAE Systems. For our previous articles about BAE Systems at Warton and Samlesbury, ‘The Passing of the Tornado’ and ‘Tempest – A Vision of the Future’ go to published articles/aviation topics at www.andreweharris.co.uk

The F35 Lightning ll

Autumn at Beetham Take inspiration from the rich autumnal colour palettes throughout The Growing Nursery and Garden Centre

Apple

10th - 11th October

Weekend

10% discount on all apple & fruit trees Exclusive fruity menu in The Garden Cafe Apple expert Andy Gilchrist (Sunday 11th) Family Treasure Hunt

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Housebuilder pushes forward with raft of launches REDROW’S Cheshire-based North West division is readying itself for an exciting period as it gears up to launch 14 show homes over the next four months.

T

hey include a show village of seven properties at Woodford Garden Village, in Woodford, near Stockport, plus four fully furnished show homes at King’s Moat Garden Village, in Chester.

Completing the mix are two showcase properties at The Pastures, in Backford Cross, and another new show home at nearby Ledsham Garden Village.

Anna Evans-Kerr, head of sales at Redrow Homes (NW), based at Daresbury, near Warrington, says: “We definitely have an exciting few months coming up – in fact, this may be the most show homes we’ve launched in such a short period

of time. We’ll begin with The Pastures at the end of August and will then have a programme of openings through to the end of November.

“Lockdown halted many people’s plans to move and now things feel like they are slowly getting back to normal – or as near normal as they can be - we feel these show home openings can’t come at a better time. And, of course, when they do open, they will all be subject to our new Covid-19 social distancing protocols to ensure the safety of customers and staff.”

Customers don’t have to wait until show homes are ready, however, as all four developments are already open for people to reserve their new home off-plan, view existing show homes or travel to a nearby development where similar properties can be explored.

“In fact, there’s a strong argument to act now and not to wait for the show homes to be ready,” says Anna, “especially

14 show homes are due to open across Redrow’s NW developments.

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if buyers want to be sure of benefiting from the Stamp Duty Holiday and, potentially, Help to Buy before the incentives change in 2021.”

All of the planned new show homes are from Redrow’s Arts & Crafts inspired Heritage Collection and are designed to inspire potential purchasers, as well as show off the wide range of specification choices and potential upgrades available to customers.

At Woodford Garden Village there will be a mix of three and four-bedroom show homes, including the Leamington Lifestyle – a larger than average three-bedroom detached home where every bedroom has an en-suite and the main bedroom includes the luxury of a walk-in wardrobe.

The Leamington Lifestyle will also be one of four fully furnished show homes at King’s Moat Garden Village, off Wrexham Rod, Chester, together with the four-bedroom detached Marlow, Sunningdale and Richmond.

“This is one of our newest developments, in a prime location close to Chester city centre, Chester Business Park and the King’s School. Savvy customers are already buying off plan but we can’t wait to be able to show people inside some of the properties too,” Anna adds.

Also selling successfully off-plan is The Pastures, in Backford Cross, not far from Chester and close to the Cheshire Oaks designer shopping outlet and leisure park. It will have a three-bedroom detached Letchworth and fourbedroom Marlow show home.

Just a few miles away at Hawthorn Court, part of Redrow’s popular Ledsham Garden Village, a fully furnished fourbedroom Kensington will help promote the townhouses, semis and apartments that make up this phase.

Construction work is back in full swing at all four locations, subject to new Covid safe working practices including a dedicated Covid-19 supervisor on every site, enhanced signage and PPE, plus strict social distancing in place which must be adhered to by all trades.

Special measures are also in place to keep customers safe too, as Anna explains: “We’ve put a range of steps in place to ensure the safety of both our customers and our staff. These include asking visitors to wait in a designated area until invited in to the sales centre by the sales consultant. We’ve also installed hand sanitiser stations and rearranged our furniture and seating areas, and, in line with other retailers, we will also be asking customers to wear a face covering while visiting our sales centres.

“Where we have existing show homes open, visitors are welcome to view them and will be given disposable gloves to wear during the tour. Although our sales consultant won’t be able to accompany them around the property, there is plenty of signage within the properties and consultants will also be able to use digital technology to show them the development and individual properties.”

To find out more about these and other Redrow developments across Cheshire and parts of Merseyside and North East Wales visit www.redrow.co.uk/northwest To find out more about Redrow’s social distancing protocols for customers go to www.redrow.co.uk/visiting-us www.lancmag.com

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Sea Watch Foundation The UK’s whales and dolphins need YOU! This year’s Sea Watch National Whale and Dolphin Watch takes place from Saturday 25th July to Sunday 2nd August 2020, and we’re asking members of the public to help.

Collecting data about our resident cetaceans has never been more important. Rising sea surface temperatures and anthropogenic activities have been impacting marine species in the British waters for many years now. The most recent human lockdowns most certainly has had an effect on marine species which is also worth investigating.

Last year’s Watch revealed an impressive 13 separate species of whales and dolphins in British waters, and the highest (over 2,000) ever recorded number of cetacean sightings.

The event allows Sea Watch, a charity which has been running for 30 years, to take direct action to protect species. Sea Watch Foundation research studies of bottlenose dolphins helped lead to two areas in Cardigan Bay being recommended as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) for the species. Since 2001, the organisation has monitored the semi-resident bottlenose dolphin population in Cardigan Bay, providing data for the Welsh Government through Natural Resources Wales.

Left: SWF Volunteer conducting a watch at Hoxa Head ©Jenni Kakkonen_Sea Watch Foundation

Right: Common dolphin©PHG Evans_Sea Watch Foundation

Who can help?

No previous experience is needed; anyone who is in the UK and near the sea during the event and wants to help can. All that people need to take part is safe access to the coast, patience, a lot of enthusiasm, binoculars, a copy of the Sea Watch recording forms and a cetacean identification guide (downloadable from the Sea Watch website). However, in order to ensure everyone follows UK-government Covid-19 restrictions and to comply with social distancing rules, Sea Watch advises people to conduct watches individually or with a member of their household, unless government guidelines instruct otherwise by the time of the event.

What might you see?

“The most memorable sightings from last year’s Watch week included humpback whales in Cornwall and the Outer Hebrides, Northern bottlenose whales in the Inner Hebrides, beaked whales off the Isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, fin whales in the Outer Hebrides, and large pods of Atlantic white-sided dolphins off Freester in Shetland.”, says Dr Chiara Giulia Bertulli, Sightings Officer and lead organiser of the NWDW event for the Sea Watch Foundation.

Which parts of the UK are key?

Scotland recorded the highest number of sightings particularly along the western coast and on the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

In England, the greatest number of sightings was collected in the South around Cornwall and South Devon with similar numbers also collected on the North-East coast. In Wales, the highest number of sightings was collected on the West coast. But whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises can pop up anywhere all around the UK, so watching from any coastline is important. www.lancmag.com

Above: Bottlenose dolphin©Giovanna Pesante_Sea Watch Foundation

Left: Humbpack whale©PGH Evans_Sea Watch Foundation

Sea Watch Foundation are seeking volunteers to take part in the National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2020 this summer, which takes place 25th July – 2nd August.

The team at Sea Watch will offer online training and advice on how to take part: https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw-2020-onlinetraining/ Sponsors have also donated amazing prizes for people who participate in the NWDW watches: https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nationalwhale-dolphin-watch-2020-competition/ Visit https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw/ for details, or contact nwdw@seawatchfoundation.org.uk.

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Eat more fibre

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip,

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

Dietary fibre comes from the plants we eat and it is an essential part of a healthy diet. It is well known that eating fibre can prevent constipation, but did you know it can also lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer? Most of us do not eat enough fibre and this may be putting our health at risk.

Check out our tips below to help you increase the amount of fibre in your diet.

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Which foods are high in fibre?

Dietary fibre can only be found in foods that come from plants, such as wholegrain cereals, wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, brown rice, fruit, vegetables, beans, and lentils. Checking the labels on food products will show you how much fibre they contain. A product that is “high fibre” is one that has at least 6g of fibre per 100g. White bread, white pasta, white rice and non-wholegrain cereals are lower in fibre because the fibrous part of the plant (the bran) is removed during processing.

Reasons to eat more fibre Fibre contains the parts of plants that are not absorbed by the body. When you eat plant foods, the fibre passes through your stomach and intestines relatively intact.

This adds bulk to your stools and makes them easier to pass. By increasing the amount of fibre you eat, you can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. Fibre also helps to lower high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure to keep your heart healthy. Including plenty of fibre in your diet can also help you to achieve or maintain a healthy weight, which is important for good heart health.

• Add extra vegetables or pulses, such as beans, lentils and chickpeas to your favourite meals like curries, bolognaise, chilli, soups and stews. You can also try adding linseeds to yoghurts, soups or juices.

• For breakfast why not choose a high-fibre cereal.

Look out for cereals that are labelled as “whole grain” or with “bran” or “fibre” in their name. Try to choose plain varieties with no added sugars. You could also try porridge topped with some fruit.

• Some people worry that if they increase their fibre intake it will cause them to suffer from flatulence (wind). To avoid this, you should gradually increase the amount of fibre in your diet to allow your body time to adjust • Instead of white bread, white rice and white pasta, try switching to wholemeal or granary bread, brown rice and wholemeal pasta.

Tips to increase your fibre intake Obtaining fibre from a variety of food sources is a great way to ensure a healthy balanced diet. It is important to make sure you are drinking enough fluid as this will help the fibre to do its job.

• For snacks choose unsalted nuts and seeds, fresh fruit, vegetable sticks or oatcakes.

• Opt for potatoes with their skins on, like jacket potato or boiled new potatoes.

For more healthy tips, please visit heartresearch.org.uk

• Aim to have at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Remember, frozen, dried and tinned fruit and vegetables count towards your 5 a day. Choose tinned fruit in natural juice rather than syrup, which is high in sugar.

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Check openi times ng du Coron ring av restric irus tions

Unique ladies S

uzy Orr is a Lancashire Lass through and through, brought up around Chorley she did a stint “down south” then relocated to Euxton where she’s been for 15 years. Suzy was a single mum with a great career in, the very male dominated IT and telecoms industries, but became disillusioned with corporate life and had the idea to create a Women Only Business Network, simply to give women a platform to Network, as women, in a comfortable environment, without necessarily having to be “booted and suited”.

Unique Ladies launched in March 2015 with 45 ladies in attendance at the Lancashire Manor Hotel, the rest is history.

Suzy now has sixteen franchises running across the county, into Cumbria, West Yorkshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

These groups are supportive, helpful, and empowering to all the ladies who attend and the ladies who have taken on the franchises. Suzy says, “I now know I was menopausal and had started to suffer with anxiety and memory loss, I became completely disenchanted with my corporate role, and recognised that women needed a different way of networking. I didn’t like the way other networks charged huge amounts and didn’t help you make connections, so at Unique Ladies we offer a free membership, pay as you go, way of networking, because let’s face it we all need a flexible way of working. We also are genuinely interested in the ladies who attend, and interested in helping them make the right connections for themselves personally and for their business” I’ve learned huge lessons on the way, and continue to do so, but I 46

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Suzy Orr - Unique Ladies Networking

absolutely love what we do every day, our groups are full of fabulous inspirational ladies, and always open and welcoming to more.

at both the Manchester and Liverpool Lifestyle awards and is also nominated for 3 separate “She Inspires” awards this year.

The format of bringing in inspirational speakers, is a winner, as an example over the next few months we have Edwina Currie and Baroness Helen Newlove joining us, and some more great ladies lined up for 2021.

Not busy enough, Suzy is also co-director of Windoworld UPVC, which she owns with her hubby Ronnie, and has branches in Liverpool and Chorley. Via each of her groups she supports various charities, this year it’ includes Derian House, Horseheard, The Endeavour Project, in Bolton, for whom she is their first Business Ambassador, and Rainbow Hub, Mawdeley, this makes for a very busy lady but Suzy is happiest walking through the fields around Euxton with her Golden Doodle , Daisy or chilling out on her Yoga mat!!

During lockdown we decided to run our events free, and via Zoom, which was a great way of gaining momentum, as distance wasn’t an issue and we had ladies as far away as London, joining us. The Zooms worked so well that we intend to continue doing in addition to our physical meet ups. I was also approached to run some more online networks for the Boost Lancashire Team, which are continuing.

I still run three of the groups, my home town Chorley, Bolton and Sefton, so I’m very much hands on when it comes to networking.

www.uniqueladies.co.uk www.windoworldupvc.co.uk

Many doors have been opened through Unique Ladies, Suzy was recently involved with an ITV initiative #womeninnews which involved TV interviews with the Granada Reports Team and Julie Etchingham. Suzy is a multi award winning networker with Best Networker wins www.lancmag.com

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Red Rum A Southport Legend

By Margaret Brecknell

Red Rum at Castle Park Bristol 1980 Credit Rick Weston CCBY2.0

I

n October 1995 the UK lost one of its favourite sporting heroes, a performer who in the 1970s had captivated viewers and won many people’s hearts. To many, he remains the greatest ever in his sport. On the 25th anniversary of his death let’s look back at the life and achievements of the incomparable Red Rum. Red Rum is now so closely associated with North West England that it may come as a surprise to discover that he was born in May 1965 across the water at the Rossenara Stud in County Kilkenny in the Irish Republic. The young horse was given the name Red Rum from the last three letters of the names of his mother Mared and his father Quorum.

He arrived in England as a yearling in 1966.

Initially, he was trained as a sprinter on the Flat and achieved some limited success, but ownership of the horse changed hands on several occasions and he was passed from trainer to trainer.

The year 1972 proved to be a momentous one in the life of Red Rum. At the time he was 48

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owned by Lurline Brotherton, a well-known figure in the sport and one who had achieved several notable successes as an owner including a previous Grand National winner. By this time Red Rum was running over jumps as a steeplechaser. Both his owner and trainer, Anthony Gillam, had high hopes for him at the 1972 Scottish Grand National. The omens did not look good before the race when the plane carrying their first-choice jockey failed to arrive on time. With a replacement jockey in the saddle, Red Rum finished a courageous, but slightly disappointing, fifth, clearly struggling with sore feet towards the end of the race.

Following the Scottish Grand National Mrs Brotherton instructed her trainer to put the horse up for sale.

Part-time trainer Donald “Ginger” McCain had viewed Red Rum’s progress from afar with interest. McCain had been involved with training horses since the early 1950s, but only on a small scale. He used stables which were situated behind his second-hand car business in the Southport suburb of Birkdale and worked as www.lancmag.com

a taxi driver to supplement his income. Through his taxi work he had become acquainted with an elderly local businessman called Noel Le Mare.

Le Mare was accustomed to attending a dinner dance at Southport’s Prince of Wales Hotel every Saturday night and McCain would take him there in his taxi. The pair would often chat about horses and Le Mare told McCain of his lifelong ambition to own a Grand National winner.

When it became known that Red Rum was to be auctioned at Doncaster’s August 1972 Sales, McCain suggested to Noel Le Mare that this horse could be the one. The trainer went to the sale on Le Mare’s behalf and bought Red Rum for 6000 guineas.

When Red Rum first arrived at the stables, he appeared lame and he was diagnosed as having an incurable inflammatory bone disease called pedal osteitis. Ginger McCain came up with a novel method of treating the condition. As a young boy he had seen the restorative effects of the sea on the old horses used by the shrimpers working on the coast at Southport. He started to take Red Rum for a dip in the sea. Soon the salt water of the Irish Sea was working its magic and the horse’s lameness had gone. The beach became Red Rum’s training ground. McCain would prepare a stretch of sand between Birkdale and Ainsdale, ensuring the sand was smooth and clean by preparing it with a harrow attached to the back of his van.

This approach paid dividends. Red Rum won his first five races under his new trainer and owner.

As the 1973 Grand National approached, Red Rum was installed as joint favourite alongside Crisp. On the run-up to the race he was heavily backed by local punters, hopeful of seeing the first winner from the Merseyside area in over 50 years. Such was the support, owner Noel Le Mare appealed to racegoers in the local press on the eve of the National not to spoil Red Rum’s chances by giving him an ovation too soon.

He was worried that the horse would suffer the same fate as that experienced by Devon Loch in the 1956 race, who had collapsed inexplicably as he led down the final straight. Le Mare believed that Devon Loch, owned by the Queen Mother and the then fans’ favourite, had been spooked by the crowd’s cheers.

The 1973 race is now considered to be one of the greatest Nationals of all time. By Becher’s Brook on the second circuit Crisp had built up a significant lead of over 20 lengths and as he jumped the final fence was still over 10 lengths clear. However, at a considerable weight disadvantage to his biggest rival, the gallant Crisp began to tire visibly and Red Rum memorably thundered past him just yards from the line to win the race in a then record time.

It marked a famous second National win for www.lancmag.com

Aintree Entrance Credit Paolo Camera

jockey Brian Fletcher, who had won previously in 1968 on Red Alligator. He remarked after the race that red was now his favourite colour.

Octogenarian owner Le Mare’s lifelong ambition had been finally fulfilled.

A year later Red Rum won again, beating L’Escargot by seven lengths even though this time it was he who carried the top weight of 12 stones. He followed this success up with victory at the Scottish Grand National only three weeks later, thereby becoming the only horse ever to win both races in the same year. Red Rum was at the peak of his powers at this time and with the highly experienced Fletcher in the saddle the pair formed a formidable partnership.

The build-up to the 1975 race focused on whether Red Rum could win a historic hat trick of successive National wins. His main rival again appeared to be L’Escargot, the previous year’s runner-up and a two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. On the day the soft ground suited L’Escargot better and he romped home 15 lengths clear of Red Rum in second place.

This proved to be the last National in which Red Rum and Brian Fletcher teamed up together.

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trainer Ginger McCain was criticised in some quarters for running Red Rum too frequently.

Following one particularly poor showing at Newcastle in late October 1975, the Newcastle Journal reported that “It was upsetting to watch the hero of two Grand Nationals struggle to finish third to Even Swell in the John Eustace Smith Trophy and maybe, both in the interest of the horse and his numerous admirers, the 10-year-old should be retired honourably”.

Brian Fletcher was reported as saying that Red Rum hadn’t given him “the usual feel” and his jumping had been “a bit sticky”. McCain was reportedly furious that Fletcher had commented publicly in this way and immediately sacked him.

Prince of Wales Hotel Sign Southport

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Over the festive period Red Rum was sent on an extended six-week holiday to the Cheshire farm of equine vet, Ted Greenway, and returned rejuvenated. In the spring of 1976 Red Rum lined up to take on the fearsome National course again. Fletcher had been replaced in the saddle by experienced jockey, Tommy Stack.

Red Rum came close to a historic win, in front as the leaders jumped the final fence, but after a typically courageous run was pipped at the post

by Rag Trade.

During the early part of the 1976/77 National Hunt season Red Rum again appeared to be in indifferent form. A record-breaking third Grand National win was now the sole focus, but as the 1977 race approached many expressed the view that the 12-year-old veteran was too old to win the race again. However, trainer Ginger McCain was typically upbeat, predicting a few days before the race that his horse would win

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Much to the delight of an adoring crowd and the watching millions at home, Red Rum proved his trainer right, becoming the easiest winner for 20 years as he romped home 25 lengths clear of the field.

comfortably. Much to the delight of an adoring crowd and the watching millions at home, Red Rum proved his trainer right, becoming the easiest winner for 20 years as he romped home 25 lengths clear of the field.

Later that year Red Rum received a huge ovation when switching on the Blackpool Illuminations, with winning jockey Tommy Stack on his back. His appearance in the studio during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year that year is still fondly remembered. Stack wasn’t there in person, but appeared live on the screen via video link from another location. At the sound of the jockey’s voice Red Rum’s ears pricked up in obvious recognition, much to the delight of everyone in the studio and the TV audience at home. If he had been eligible for the main award, he would surely have won it, notwithstanding Virginia Wade’s famous win at Wimbledon the same year. www.lancmag.com

Red Rum Mural Photo by permission of Paul Curtis

Remarkably Red Rum was trained to make a sixth appearance at the National in 1978, but was withdrawn the day before the race after suffering a hairline fracture.

Many of his supporters were relieved, having been concerned for the safety of the now 13-year-old horse as he tackled Aintree’s legendary fearsome fences. He was immediately retired from racing.

Red Rum enjoyed a busy retirement, much in demand for public appearances and official openings of supermarkets and betting shops. He was still a regular visitor to Aintree too, usually being at the head of the Parade of Champions which preceded the big race.

In 1990 Ginger McCain left his beloved Southport, moving his stables to Bankhouse, near the village of Cholmondeley in the heart of the Cheshire countryside.

His most famous horse naturally moved with him and this was where Red Rum died peacefully on 18th October 1995 at the grand old age of 30. In a fitting tribute to the Grand National legend, he was laid to rest near the winning post at Aintree.

Red Rum is also commemorated at the racecourse in the form of a life-size bronze statue, the work of Philip Blacker, who was certainly well qualified for the job. Blacker is now a highly regarded equestrian sculptor, but he started his working life as a National Hunt jockey and finished fourth behind Red Rum in the legendary 1973 Grand National. www.lancmag.com

As for trainer Ginger McCain, he proved wrong all the critics who had dismissed him as a one-horse wonder, by training another Grand National winner, Amberleigh House, in 2004. Two years later he retired, handing over control of the stables to his son Donald who was already heavily involved in the business. Donald trained his own National winner, Ballabriggs, in 2011, just a few months before his father’s death in September 2011.

Red Rum may have ended his days in retirement in leafy Cheshire, but he has never been forgotten by the town in which he lived for many years. The Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport has been home to a bronze sculpture of the legendary horse since 1979, although reportedly the notoriously outspoken Ginger McCain was not a fan of it.

Sadly McCain is no longer around to express an opinion, but he would surely have approved of the mural of Red Rum by acclaimed street artist, Paul Curtis, which was unveiled earlier this year. Painted on the side of a building at the top of Scarisbrick Avenue by the Promenade, the huge mural depicts Red Rum galloping through the sea on Southport beach. It is a striking and memorable piece of art and one which makes a fitting tribute to the iconic Red Rum. He may have died 25 years ago, but, like all legends, he remains very much in the hearts of the public who adored him.

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Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip,

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

Keeping a check on Cholesterol Cholesterol travels around the body in our blood and it is present in our cells. We all need some cholesterol to stay healthy, but high levels of cholesterol can increase our risk of heart disease. Nearly half of all adults in the UK are estimated to have high levels of cholesterol in their blood.

Many people are unaware that their cholesterol is high because there are usually no symptoms.

In this healthy heart tip, we explain what cholesterol is and we provide some tips for keeping your cholesterol levels healthy.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance made in the liver and it is present in foods, such as eggs, liver and prawns.

Cholesterol is needed in the cells of our body. It helps to make vitamin D and some hormones which keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Cholesterol also helps our digestive system process the fats we eat. Having too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to a build-up in your arteries, which puts you at a higher risk of having a heart attack.

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There are two main types of cholesterol.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) more commonly known as “bad cholesterol” and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) more commonly known as “good cholesterol”. Too much “bad” LDL cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.

The role of “good” HDL cholesterol is to transport excess cholesterol back to the liver. Therefore, it is important that you have enough “good” HDL cholesterol and not too much “bad” LDL cholesterol in your blood.

What can I do to maintain a healthy cholesterol level?

The cholesterol we eat in food has little impact on the level of cholesterol in our blood. Making some simple changes to your lifestyle can help reduce your cholesterol.

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Reduce the amount of fatty foods you eat Saturated fat increases the amount of “bad” LDL cholesterol in your blood. Saturated fat is found in foods, such as meat pies, sausages, cakes, biscuits, butter, lard, hard cheeses (e.g. cheddar), and foods containing palm or coconut oils.

Replace foods that are high in saturated fat with foods containing unsaturated fats such as, olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds and oily fish (e.g. salmon and mackerel). Aim for at least one portion of oily fish each week.

Eat more fibre High fibre foods can reduce your risk of heart disease and help lower the amount of “bad” LDL cholesterol in your blood. Good sources of fibre include fruit and vegetables (eat at least five portions every day), brown rice, wholemeal bread, oats, beans and pulses.

Reduce your alcohol intake It is recommended that men and women avoid drinking more than 14 units of alcohol each week.

Information on alcohol units can be found on the OneYou website: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-yourbody/drink-less/know-your-alcohol-units/ Take a test It is recommended that adults over the age of 40, or anyone at high risk of heart disease should get their cholesterol levels checked. If you want a cholesterol check, you should speak to your GP. Anyone can have high cholesterol and it is very common. There are usually no symptoms so, unless you get a test, you may be unaware of your risk of developing heart disease.

Get active Aim to do 150 minutes of moderate exercise (e.g. brisk walking, swimming or cycling) or any activity which gets your heart beating faster. Active people have increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol meaning their bodies are good at removing the “bad” LDL cholesterol away from the arteries.

Stop smoking Smoking reduces the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol in your blood and this can result in higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol. If you would like to stop smoking, you can get help from your GP or the NHS Stop Smoking Service.

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Importers and stockists of exceptional tiles and stone

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

Philip Schofield P

hilip Bryan Schofield was born April 1st 1962 in Oldham, Lancashire, to Pat and Brian Schofield. He and his brother Tim were raised in Newquay, Cornwall. He attended Trenance infant School followed by Newquay Tretherras School. At the age of 15 he earned his place on the Sunday radio show Hospital Radio Plymouth. He spent the next two years writing to the BBC until, when at 17, he took the position of bookings clerk and tea boy for BBC Radio at Broadcasting House in London, being the youngest employee at the time.

The show lasted one series. In 2006, Schofield presented two episodes of the ITVgame show It’s Now or Never, before the network cancelled the show, due to poor ratings.

The Schofield family moved to New Zealand when Philip was 19 which benefited Philip greatly as he made his television debut as the initial presenter of Shazam! On February 28 1882. He also worked for the Auckland-based station Radio Hauraki for 2 years. He returned to the UK in 1985 to begin working as the first invasion continuity presenter for Children’s BBC on weekdays. He continued to do this for 2 years. He worked in ‘The Broom Cupboard’. he left here to present Going Live on Saturday mornings until 1991, when he became the host of Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, a pop-magazine awards show.

Since April 2008, he and Fern Britton have hosted a revival of the ITV game show Mr. and Mrs., renamed as All Star Mr & Mrs. In 2010, the show took a break but returned in 2012 without Britton.

Schofield then moved from adult-orientated television with various programmes such as ITV such as Schofield’s Quest, Schofield’s ball and Ten Ball. He presented Talking Telephone numbers for five series for 3 years and in 1997 he hosted a show about remarkable coincidences called One In A Million. He also co-authored the book which came out of the series. In the following decade, Philip presented the National Lottery Winning Lines for BBC One until October 2004. In addition, between 2002 and 2006 he co-hosted the BBC quiz show Test The Nation with Anne Robinson. In July 2006, he signed an exclusive two-year contract with ITV, reported to be worth £5 million. The exclusive deal also meant he could no longer present Test The Nation and was replaced by Danny Wallace.

Since 2002 Schofield has presented ITV daytime show This morning, and since 2009 with Holly Willoughby. He took a break from the show in 2008 due to his father passing away of a heart condition, being temporarily replaced by John Barrowman.

Starting in 2005, Schofield presented two series of Have I Been Here Before?, a daytime programme where a celebrity attempted to use regression to get in touch with a previous life.

Since 2006, he has presented The British Soap Awards.

Between 2006 and 2008, he hosted the programme with Fern Britton but since 2009, alone.

During the run of the ITV reality show I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here!, he co-hosted the spin-off series I’m a Celebrity, Get Me out of Here! Exclusive with Sheree Murphy.

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Schofield presented Dancing on Ice on ITV with Holly Willoughby from 2006 until 2011 and Christine Bleakley from 2012 until 2014. It was announced in the summer of 2013 that Dancing on Ice was to come to an end following the 2014 series. Schofield returned to co-present the show in 2018 following ITV’s choice to reboot the series after four years away.

From 2009 until 2015, he presented the primetime game show The Cube. Schofield returned to present the show in 2020 following ITV’s choice to reboot the series after five years away. He also hosted A Night of Heroes: The Sun Military Awards with Amanda Holden from 2009 until 2014.

Schofield hosted the annual comedy show The Comedy Annual on ITV 2010 - 2011. From 2011 until 2015, He co-hosted the Christmas charity show Text Santa on ITV with Christine Lampard in 2011, 2014 and 2015 and Holly Willoughby in 2012 and 2013.

In April 2011 and June 2012, Schofield co-hosted ITV’s coverage of the Royal Wedding and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with Julie Etchingham.

In March 2014, Schofield narrated the one-off ITV2 show Educating Joey Essex. The show was commissioned for a full series which was aired throughout 2014. The show was commissioned for a seven part second series, filming began in April 2016 and the series will air in summer 2016 with the first episode titled The Queen’s 90th Birthday.

Philip undertook a live 24-hour TV marathon to raise money for Text Santa, where, as well as appearing on This Morning, he appeared on various other programmes throughout the day, including being a guest panellist on Loose Women in December 2014.

He presented two series of the prime time game show You’re Back in the Room for ITV in 2015 and 2016.

In 2016, he travelled to South Africa with his wife, as part of a series of short clips for This Morning. Following this, ITV aired a 3x30 minute episode in a prime time slot, called Schofield’s South African Adventure. Since March 2017, he has presented 5 Gold Rings, a new game show format for ITV. In 2017, Schofield presented a three-part factual series How To Spend It Well at Christmas with Phillip Schofield in which he tested the latest must-have festive gifts.

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Philip Schofield and Stephanie Lowe arriving for the 2013 Pride of Britain Awards, at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. 07/10/2013

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The return of the nightjar to Manchester’s peatlands Evidence suggests that the elusive nightjar has returned and possibly bred on one of Manchester’s peatlands for the first time in 20 years.

Male nightjar - credit David Tipling.2020VISION

O

nce a common sight around the peatlands of Chat Moss in Greater Manchester, destruction of its lowland heath breeding grounds meant that this rare bird had become increasingly scare. Until this summer when nightjars were recorded in the area for around four weeks, suggesting a breeding pair had possibly taken up residence for the first time since 2000.

Nightjars are amber listed as a species for conservation concern in the UK, and whilst some southern areas have seen a moderate rise in numbers in recent years, the peatlands of Greater Manchester have enjoyed nothing other than a few fleeting visits since the last breeding pair of these birds were recorded in the area 20 years ago.

Lancashire Peatland Project Officer, Mike Longden, commented, “Nightjars are one of our more elusive birds, generally flying at dusk and dawn to catch the moths, beetles and other flying insects that make up their diet.

During the day they tend to stay within areas of scrub woodland and lowland heath, where they lay their eggs directly on the ground.

Being incredibly well camouflaged to their preferred lowland heath habitats, that border many of the surviving Chat Moss peatlands, nightjars are most often identified by their distinctive ‘churring’ call. Sounding not unlike the mechanical whirring of a distant engine, the call of the nightjar isn’t easily confused with that of any other bird, especially not during the dusky times when they are at their most active.”

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Nightjar - credit Dave Steel

Nightjars are migratory, arriving in the UK from Africa in April or May to breed, before returning around September.

The Chat Moss nightjar was first recorded at the end of May, with successive surveys recording its presence for the following four weeks. Previously nightjars have been recorded in the area, but only for a day or two before moving on. However, the length of it’s stay this year suggests the possibility of a breeding pair. www.lancmag.com

Nigthjar sitting on eggs - credit David Tipling.2020VISION

If nightjars have returned to the Chat Moss area and bred, this would not only be a fantastic boost for the species, showing that its population is increasing and expanding further northwards, but also prove that restoration efforts in the area are working.

Local birder and peatland enthusiast, Dave Steel, said, “the decades of hope that they would return, was on this evening of fading light, realised. Nightjars were back on our mosslands, churring their breeding season song over a landscape that Lancashire Wildlife Trust has painstakingly and lovingly restored back to a habitat fit for so much wildlife - and when the nightjar approves you know all the effort has begun to pay off.�

Nightjars breed in the lowland heath areas that border many of our peatlands, but with the UK having lost approximately 84% of this special habitat their numbers had drastically fallen in our area. However, thanks to restoration efforts, such as those funded by Viridor Credits and undertaken by Lancashire Wildlife Trust in the area, these habitats are ready to welcome this fascinating bird again.

Nightjar on Chat Moss - Andy Hankinson

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 27,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call 01948 820728 or go to cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

Lancashire Wulvers.

‘It’ had brown and black matted fur and the face had a snout like a Dog ‘I felt hunted that night’

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As Halloween approaches and I would take the opportunity to share some of the Stranger Autumn rolls in, Ithought reports I have received whilst collecting personal stories from

ordinary folks who live in Lancashire. Stories of Upright Wolves, commonly known as Werewolves, Wulvers or Dogmen. These Creatures are often described as being as “large as a Pony and thickly muscled. With snouted faces and Canine teeth” these Creatures are the critters from our nightmares, they are certainly fierce enough to keep you up at night. Some Lancashire residents came face to face with these inexplicable horrors in some of our most beautiful Places.

The Forest of Bowland hosts a very strange Creature and ‘It’ was witnessed by two Lancashire Residents in the 1990’s and in 2014.

One witness is a resident of Lancashire enjoying a family break. The other is a wild camper who has camped in some of our remotest areas alone until an event at Wolfs Hole Crag ended that hobby for him. The witnesses both contacted me by email and are happy to share their encounters in the hopes of finding some answers.

What Creature was watching me in the Forest of Bowland, 2014 - Witness Report: Ray: “My encounter happened a few years ago at night, I think around September time, when I had gone out on a remote excursion to see a meteor shower. I love wild camping and I am always looking for new spots to set up camp. It was the first time I’d ever been to the Crags or the Bowland Area. That night it was drizzling and slightly wet and I was camping up near Wolf Hole Crags. I had settled in for the night when I realised I was not alone.

I first noticed something watching me from outside the camp when I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. I could also hear ‘It’ as it was moving around. It was shifting in the shadows and this shifting movement lasted for about 15 or 20 minutes. I kept watch as whatever was out there lurked around the area where I was camping. ‘It’ would move every few moments to a different spot and ‘It’ was watching me the whole time. It was almost Canine in appearance, but it would rise up on two legs, or belly crawl low to the ground. ‘It’ sat in a crouched or hunched position, just watching me. Coming closer and closer to where I was sitting back up to the rock.

I will be honest, I was scared witless for a while there, not by anything the Creature did or by any noise ‘It’ made. It was bad enough seeing ‘It’ and knowing I was alone out there but even more creepily ‘It’ kept changing positions and watching me constantly. ‘It’ never took ‘It’s eyes off me, it was very unnerving and I was quite frightened at the time. I could hear the sound of ‘It’ getting up and running a short distance then ‘It’ would squat down again in a strange hunched stance. I didn’t have a fire going at the time so I was fairly well in the dark but the sky provided a slight bit of light, just enough to see the ‘thing’ as ‘It’ lurked around my camp. From that crouched position ‘It’ looked to be maybe three or four feet tall but when ‘It’ stood up and lurched away ‘It’ became maybe five feet tall but always with that hunched posture. How tall was it standing up straight? And how did it move so strategically.

No human could move like that. The whole event was absolutely terrifying. www.lancmag.com

As you can imagine, I didn’t sleep at all that night. I just huddled there in the cold waiting for daylight, and when it was almost morning I made my way back out of there, but I was keeping a watch behind me the whole way out, just in case ‘It’ was still there and following me, but as far as I could tell ‘It’ was gone. It was really intimidating and that night has put me right off camping which is most unlike me, but experiencing something like that leaves quite an impression on you.

Whatever ‘It’ was I got the feeling ‘It’ was probably somewhat annoyed at my being there that night.

As if I had intruded somehow? During the encounter the Creature kept getting closer and closer to me, a little bit at a time. I didn’t know whether to get up and run, or stay huddled against the rock? I would have left immediately but I was too scared to leave the spot I was in, just in case that started a pursuit. I felt hunted that night. Although to stay put was the lesser of two evils it was not easy sitting in camp until sunrise when I packed up and left.

I just sat it out until the sky began to get light and made a break for it then” Ray.

A Young Girl Comes Face to Face With A Snouted Creature in the Forest of Bowland 1990’s read on...

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A Young Girl Comes Face to Face With A Snouted Creature in the Forest of Bowland 1990’s As many readers will know, the Forest of Bowland is a

mystical place. Full of woodlands and rivers, gorges and caverns. A place we visit for hikes or just to drink in the beauty which surrounds you. I love to camp here with my Husband. And we visit the places where many of the strange stories I report take place. One family visiting the area had a day out to remember when a young girl was left with a terrible memory that never faded away.

Witness Report Beth: I have never forgotten that day in the Trough of Bowland and the events that happened and this is why I wrote it down and got in touch with you. I am hoping by sharing this it will bring me an explanation of what happened that day, or will bring someone forward who has also seen ‘It’ I remember that day clearly my Dad took all us kids to a huge Forest and let us run riot. Something we would do often. It was a large forest and even though the sun was blazing hot, it was much cooler and darker within the trees. I wandered off on my own and I hadn’t realised just how far I had gone and I was a little confused about the way back. I stopped to get my bearings when I noticed something crouching behind a tree. I thought it was one of my siblings waiting to play a prank on me. I could see the shape of a head, and the slight outline of shoulders behind the trunk, I crept closer thinking I was just going to scare them first, when I realised what I was seeing and froze to the spot.

It was hard to make out much detail at first, and when my eyes adjusted I saw arms that were wrapped around the trunk of the tree and a head tilted to watch me. I realised at that point this was not a human, it was a Creature of some kind? This Creature was sitting there watching my every move. ‘It’ used the tree trunk to hide behind and I would

So what did Beth and Ray see? What horror of the night was watching them in the wilds of Bowland.

I interviewed both witnesses, Ray in 2015 and Beth in 2019. During an investigation I will ask for a description, or ask the witness if they can draw what they saw. Beth picked this illustration (Image A), she had searched the web for years trying to find a likeness and had stumbled on this image in a forum discussing British Wulver Accounts.

Beth stated “Although the image was not perfect in any sense, it does give a very good impression of what I saw that day, the Face and Build are very close to the Creature watching me from behind the tree” I then sent over the image mixed with eight others to Ray (image B). I didn’t give Ray any background on the images provided or share Beth’s story, I simply asked him to 62

see ‘It’s’ head in the same position. I could see ‘It’ was covered in long fur or hair. I still remember the fear I felt swelling inside of me. Releasing the danger I was in, I ran as fast as I could towards the light. As I turned to look back at the ‘thing’, THUMP! I ran face first into a tree busting my face and nose. Dazed I carried on until I found my Dad again. My face was cut and bloody, it took weeks for the cuts and bruises to heal. I found it impossible to explain to my Dad what I had just seen. I really tried to forget it all but the event has never left me.

I remember the Creature or whatever ‘It’ was, had pointy ears on ‘It’s head like a Dogs, ‘It’ had brown and black matted fur or hair and the face had a snout. Back then my Dad used to let me watch “strange but true” so I knew all the weird and wonderful things supposedly out there and I immediately on seeing the Creature closely I thought Werewolf! ‘It’s arms were really big and muscled. ‘It’ just watched me as I walked around, “It” never moved, even when I got pretty close to “it” I think it was the fear of the whole event that made me run off looking back at “it” hence why I legged it head first into a tree. I have never forgotten this, and now I research Paranormal accounts in the Bolton Area and all across Lancashire.

Beth.

pick from the eight images to see if any looked similar to the Creature watching him from outside his camp that night.

Ray picked the same image that had been provided by Beth? Did they see the same Creature? Years apart? Or more worryingly, like Wolves do these Creatures roam in packs?

So the next time you take a ride out to the Forest of Bowland, keep a keen eye on the Trees, something may just be watching you in return.

Image B

Image A

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debbiehatswell@gmail.com

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Southport

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BOOKS Our roundup of this months literary delights

manhunt Hunting Britain’s Most Wanted Murderer

Finding Kevin Parle britain’s most wanted murderer.

Armed only with a notepad, pen and mobile phone, author and former Scotland Yard detective and undercover cop, Peter Bleksley is on the hunt for Kevin Parle.

For more than fifteen years, the six-foot six-inch, broadly built, gingerhaired Parle has been wanted by the police for two murders. In the early hours of 19 June 2004, 16-year-old Liam Kelly was lured to a location in Liverpool and shot dead. The following year, another Liverpudlian, 22-yearold mother of three, Lucy Hargreaves, was shot dead in her own home. Her partner and their 2-year-old daughter escaped after the house was set alight

by leaping from a first-floor bedroom window.

How could Parle have evaded national and international crime investigators for so long? Who is harbouring him? Bleksley is determined to find the answers. Immersing himself in the world of serious and organised crime, he has vowed not to rest until Parle is found.

Two murders, one fugitive and a hunter tracking down the target. This is the gripping true story of hunting Britain’s most wanted murderer, and goes behind the scenes of the hit BBC Sounds Podcast, Manhunt: Finding Kevin Parle.

About Peter Bleksley Ex-detective Peter Bleksley is best known as ‘The Chief’, the star of Channel 4’s hit shows Hunted and Celebrity Hunted.

Drawing on his former career as a fearless undercover cop at London’s Scotland Yard, Bleksley was the brains behind the hunters and fronted six series from 2015 to 2019.

Since leaving the show, Bleksley has not let his remarkable skills flounder and is on a one-man mission to find elusive fugitive Kevin Parle.

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www.lancmag.com

Residents keeping in touch with their families.

Quotes taken from CQC Inspection Report 27th February 2020.

“I am very safe – the staff are very good. I don’t know what I would do without them”

CQC Inspection Report 27th February 2020: OVERALL GOOD.

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Excellent home cooked food (5 star rating) Private garden to rear of property and beautifully presented gardens. (Winners of Lytham in Bloom awards for 8 consecutive years).

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Macclesfield

By Stephen Roberts

The Silk Museum, May 2019 (author – ‘Geni’, source – photo by user: geni).

I

’m slipping across the border, passport in hand, as I head for Macclesfield in Cheshire. I’m happy as I’ve been let off the leash and two of my basic needs have been met immediately: the town has both a railway station to convey me in and out, and a football ground where I can admire the scenery and hopefully, sometime soon, watch a game of footie once more. I will return to these pet themes.

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Macclesfield emerged as one of the leading centres for silk manufacture in England and relics persist to this day with the town benefiting from an architectural legacy of 18th and 19th century mills, which undoubtedly add something characterful to the vista.

The town’s famous Silk Museum, in Park Lane, is in the former Art School, where artists and designers trained for the silk industry, and is the place to head for if you want to be enlightened as to how this

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modestly-sized town became a global manufacturing giant. That vista I mentioned is also enhanced

by Macclesfield’s situation, being ensconced in between the Cheshire Plain and the Peak District. It’s a nice juxtaposition of town and country.

Mentioned in Domesday Book, Macclesfield was part of the demesne of Edwin, the Earl of Chester, back in Anglo-Saxon times, although lists of the Earls of Chester generally seem to start with the Norman conquerors.

In 1261, a charter granted by Prince www.lancmag.com

Church Street, leading to St Michael and All Angels with its pinnacled west tower (author – Daniel Case, source – Own work).

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Above: The Town Hall in Macclesfield, August 2014 (author – Daniel Case, source – Own work).

Edward, the then Earl of Chester, and future Edward I, constituted Macclesfield a free borough, and, in 1278, the by then King Edward I, and his Queen, Eleanor, founded Macclesfield’s Parochial Chapel, which was dedicated to All Saints, but later re-dedicated to St Michael and All Angels during the 18th century. The church can be reached from the expansive market place, or from below by ascending a flight of 108 steps. Little remains of Eleanor’s chapel today as the church has been rebuilt twice, in the 18th century (1739), in a Classical style, and at the turn of the 20th (1898-1901).

Among many treasures inside is a tablet to John Brownsword, poet and grammarian, who taught at the grammar school in Stratford-uponAvon, which may well have been attended by the young William Shakespeare, although it appears that Brownsword might have been there just before the future Bard’s time.

I also like the sound of the ‘Legh Pardon Brass’ (1506) which shows Roger Legh kneeling with his sons before a vision of Pope St Gregory, 68

its inscription recording that Legh had been rewarded for his good works and prayers, with a pardon for himself and his family that would extend for 26,000 years and 26 days.

That seems incredibly precise and puts me in mind of the joke about the museum volunteer who told visitors that a fossil in the collection was one of the world’s most venerable, coming in at three billion 6½ years old. When asked how it could be dated so precisely, the man replied in all seriousness, ‘well, the fossil was three billion years old when I started here, and I’ve been here 6½ years’. Hopefully the Legh family is continuing to enjoy its pardon.

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Above: Hovis Mill on the Macclesfield Canal in the town, August 2009 (author – David Jones from the Isle of Wight, source – Hovis Mill, Macclesfield).

Below: The main stand at Moss Rose, the home ground of Macclesfield Town FC, November 2007 (author – ‘Ingy the Wingy’, source – www.flickr.com).

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Then there’s the Town Hall, a fine late-Georgian building designed by Francis Goodwin (1784-1835) in 1823. Goodwin obtained several commissions for civic buildings, including town halls (Manchester as well as Macclesfield) and market buildings, for example, at Salford.

The market cross, which stood formerly in the centre of the market square, but was transferred to West Park, was the scene for proclamations to be read, as in both 1485 (Bosworth) and 1513 (Flodden) when the borough’s yeomen and archers went off to fight in battle. The former dust-up would result in the death of an English king (Richard III), the last of his number to die in battle, whilst the latter, coincidentally, would see the death of a Scottish king (James IV), who managed to trump even Richard III by rendering himself the last king to die on any British battlefield. It seems that Macclesfield folk liked to be present when history was being made.

West Park is actually a good place to hang about as it also has some old iron stocks, which are remarkably well-preserved (and as with Poultonle-Fylde, elsewhere in this issue, a reminder that citizens were expected to behave in times gone by), plus one of the north’s largest crown green bowling arenas, which occupies approximately one acre. If that’s not enough fresh air for you, and you desire more, then you should head five miles east to Macclesfield Forest, the last remaining part of the onetime Royal Forest of Macclesfield, where you’ll find some wilder country.

I do like to extoll the virtues of Listed buildings, but it’s fair to say that there are so many in Macclesfield that I’d need to write a book, rather than an article, to cover them all. There are well over 200 listed buildings in the town, with 18 of these coming in at the middle designation of Grade II* Listed, which include St Michael’s, and the former Sunday School of 181314, which is today’s Macclesfield Heritage Centre, plus that Georgian Town Hall of 1823-24, which was constructed in a Greek Revival style, later augmented by James Stevens, over 1869-71, in a similar style, with a further extension being added in the late-20th century. www.lancmag.com

Above: Macclesfield, as viewed from the railway station, August 2014 (author – Daniel Case, source – Own work).

Right: Macclesfield railway station, August 2014 (author – Daniel Case, source – Own work).

Above: MADS Little Theatre sign, Lord Street, Macclesfield, September 2018 (author – ‘Smurfy’, source – Own work).

Macclesfield Town FC has some vintage too, having been formed in 1874 and played its home matches at Moss Rose since 1891. The club made a bit of history in 1970 when it became the first ever winners of the FA Trophy, Non-League football’s equivalent of the FA Cup, a feat it repeated in 1996. Twice promoted to the Football League in 1997 and 2018, Macclesfield narrowly averted a return to Non-League football in 2020 when the EFL’s League Two had to be abandoned due to Coronavirus with final league placings determined on a points-per-game basis. With Bury’s sad expulsion from League One, this meant that only one team was relegated from League Two and Macclesfield avoided the dreaded bottom slot by the narrowest of margins (a points per game of 0.62 v.

0.61). The club, of course, is known as ‘The Silkmen’ in a respectful nod to the town’s silken heritage. If you fancy a trip out to the footie, you could always rock up on the train.

Macclesfield station opened in 1873, the year before the football club took flight, and is a stop on the West Coast Main Line, betwixt Stafford LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 69

Above: The façade of Macclesfield Sunday School, Macclesfield Heritage Centre today) on Roe Street, September 2013 (author – ‘Mike in Macc’, source – Own work).

and Manchester. Around 1¾ million folk use the station annually. There’s some quite nice views to be had from the station actually, including of St Michael and All Angels.

Macclesfield is not just the home of silk, but also Hovis, as it was the original home of Hovis bread makers, the loaves being made in a mill alongside the Macclesfield Canal. Whatever its proper nomenclature should be (‘Publicity Works Mill’ or ‘Union Flour Mill’) it makes little difference, as locally it will always be referred to as the ‘Hovis Mill’. The mill was built in 1831 as a flour mill, although by 1914 the firm had expanded to such an extent that the site was no longer large enough to grind all the flour that was needed, so moved on to ancillary duties such as manufacturing the company’s bags and tins.

I like to be entertained when in town and Macclesfield has the Macclesfield Amateur Dramatic Society (or ‘MADS’), which was first established in 1947, has a rolling membership of around 100-120, and now performs at its Little Theatre on Lord Street. As someone who is noted for his eccentricity (borderline bonkers), MADS really does appeal to me. Live theatre, just like live sport, has been severely impacted by the Coronavirus, and we hope that normal service can be resumed in the not too distant future for not only the livelihoods of these clubs and societies but also the wealth and health of the nation.

Macclesfield has much to attract the visitor then. As well as the history and heritage which your scribe always 70

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finds a healthy draw, the town has successfully reinvented itself as a popular shopping venue, a place to eat out, and also an events town where there always seems to be something going on, such as the monthly ‘Treacle Market’, where you’ll be able to snap up local produce. This seems to be the way ahead these days, to have interesting things from the past complemented by life and vitality.

Macclesfield succeeds in having both.

References The Shell Guide to England (Ed. J. Hadfield, 1973) Nationwide Football Annual, 2019-2020 Shakespeare Oxford Fellowship (www.shakespeareoxfordfellowship.org).

Historic England (www.historicengland.org.uk) Cheshire East Council (www.livewellservices.cheshireeast.gov.uk) Visit Macclesfield (www.visitmacclesfield.co.uk) Macclesfield Museums (www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk) Visit Cheshire (www.visitcheshire.com) Experience Peak District & Derbyshire (www.peakdistrict.com) After this feature was written it was confirmed that Macclesfield FC would be relegated to the National League after all, after the EFL (English Football League) won an appeal regarding points deductions.

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Haverigg Beach H

averigg is a small village on the coast in South West Cumbria located near to the town of Millom. The name comes from old Norse and means ‘the hill where the oats are grown.’ You might not find many oats growing there today, but what you will find is a fantastic blue flag beach that is not only beautiful but is of great importance to rare flora and fauna.

Haverigg is located at the mouth of the river Duddon estuary which lies between Morecambe Bay and the West Cumbrian Coast. The area is so rich in plants and wildlife that in 1990 it was designated a S.S.S.I. (Site of Special Scientific Interest).

It is an important habitat for the rare Natterjack Toad. Five of the fifty sites it can be found at in the U.K. are located on the Duddon Estuary.

It is also an especially important area for bird life. Species such as Pintail, Red Knot, Red Shank, and rare sandwich terns can be found here. It is also home to over 20,000 migratory wildfowl in winter including the Shelduck, Ringed Plover and Red Breasted Merganser.

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The area is also botanically rich in flora as well. The varied ecosystems including salt marsh and sand dunes along the beach are home to a wide variety of plants such as Sand wort and sea rocket. The dunes also support some of the rare Dune Helleborine.

Haverigg beach itself is a magnificent, seemingly never- ending expanse of golden sand. There is a children’s adventure playground located near to the car park. There is also an eye catching 7 tonne sculpture called ‘Escape to the Light’ by the famous sculptress Josefina De Vasconcellos located near the Haverigg inshore lifeboat station. It is an intriguing piece of artwork, well worth a look, which is dedicated to all the inshore rescue teams in the U.K. Another great attraction located on the estuary is the Hodbarrow light house also known as Haverigg Lighthouse and the Millom Breakwater lighthouse. In April 1900, the Hodbarrow mining company decided to build a breakwater to protect the iron ore workings which extended under the riverbed of the Duddon Estuary.

The breakwater was completed in 1905 and the current cast iron lighthouse was erected. It

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and the Duddon Estuary is a 30-foot-tall tower with two floors reached by internal ladders. The lamp was originally fuelled by paraffin as there was no electricity on site until 1929. When it was lit up it was visible for 10 miles.

Unfortunately, trade declined and in 1949 the light was extinguished after 44 years.

Soon after the mines ceased production and were allowed to flood. The story does have a happy ending though – in April 2003 £20,000 of lottery money was allocated to restore the lighthouse and between April 2003 and November 2003 it was restored to its former glory.

The flooding of the mines did have one benefit though, it created the site where RSPB Hodborrow is now located. The coastal lagoon and grasslands now support breeding terns, ringed plovers, redshanks, and oystercatchers. It is also home to the protected species of crested grebes who nest on the island here.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different with a great beach to relax on then head to Haverigg on a sunny day and enjoy a fantastic day out.

www.lancmag.com

Left: Haverigg beach shingle

Left: Haverigg Lighthouse

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An autumn scene with the ‘Danny’ cruising above Dutton Railway Viaduct

The “Danny” Team Plan For Record Year On The River Weaver Historic steamship cruise schedule announced for 2021

Timothy West steers the ‘Danny’ near Weston Point

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T

he team at the charity managing the 1903 built steamship The Danny, are planning to break all records next year when the vessel returns to full steam on the River Weaver, in a public cruising schedule beginning on 7th May and not finishing until 1st October 2021.

The ship, full name “Daniel Adamson”, can carry 100 passengers but will not now cruise in 2020 as officials monitor government guidelines and put the health and safety of their passengers and volunteer crews to the fore. Bookings in 2020 were already at an all time high and the majority of these customers have requested to transfer to a cruise next year.

Great Canal Journeys” TV boost Bookings had already been boosted by the television appearance of the Danny with Timothy West and Prunella Scales on board in late 2019, in the “Great Canal Journeys” documentary, which enjoyed great popularity with the public. The use of the vessel in a programme about waterways in the North West was at the request of Timothy West who had followed the restoration of the “Danny” on social media.

Andrea Ward (Director) said “Our bookings were already increasing year on year and we were well prepared for the TV audience impact on our website and booking system.

It is estimated that in line with the rest of the heritage market, the programme gave the “Danny” a boost in bookings of approximately 15 to 20%. It was great for our volunteers to be praised highly by Tim and see their great work nationally recognised on T.V.”

Above: The Art Deco saloons renovated in 2014

Left: The ‘Danny’ at Ellesmere Port about to tow a schooner out to sea

Additional Themed Cruises In 2019 gin tasting cruises were introduced, in partnership with the Liverpool Gin Company, and these proved to be extremely popular - some selling out in hours. In the knowledge that the public like to enjoy a tipple, in 2021 Rum and Vodka cruises will be introduced giving customers the opportunity to appreciate the national drinks of Russia and the Caribbean.

Andrea Ward (Director) said “ Our volunteers work incredibly hard all year, whether it be painting the ship, maintaining the engines, manning the decks or giving guided tours for visitors when we are berthed, and they relish the days when customers come on board, and with a full head of steam, they cast off and head out into the river”

Details of the “Danny” including her unique history, working life, restoration, volunteering opportunities and how to book can be found on www.thedanny.co.uk or by emailing enquiries @ danieladamson.co.uk

The ‘Danny’ cruising above Sutton Weaver

Cheshire`s Stunning Countryside The cruises, varying in length from a short 90-minute cruise, ideal for families, to a full 5-hour waterway experience, will take in many historic architectural features in the stunning Weaver valley. The vessel will steam silently at a steady pace for all to enjoy the sights including the prolific wildlife. www.lancmag.com

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Sir Richard Owen (1804-92)

By Stephen Roberts

Richard Owen with a giant moa skeleton (author – ‘Memoirs on the Extinct Wingless Birds of New Zealand, vol. 2, 1879 by Richard Owen, publisher - John van Voorst, London, source – www.lib.utexas.edu).

H

e gave us the word ‘dinosaur’ (or ‘terrible reptile’). For that service alone he deserves to have his story told. Sir Richard Owen was a controversial figure but with a gift for fossil interpretation. A ‘preDarwinian’, he’d be a dissenting voice as far as some evolutionist theories were concerned and would become an outspoken critic of none other than Charles Darwin.

A zoologist to be, Richard Owen was born in Lancaster, on 20th July 1804, one of six children of a merchant and was educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School (1809-19), where he is commemorated with a blue plaque. A boyhood tutor described him as ‘lazy and impudent’.

He would certainly not be lazy in the future, but the impudence seems to have stayed with him. He had a gift for rubbing people up the wrong way, which sometimes can be an unfortunate character trait of brilliant bods (i.e. ‘not a people person’). He did have a dark sense of humour though (like me).

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The Natural History Museum, London. Sir Richard Owen was the driving force behind the establishment of the museum, which opened in 1881 (Photo by David Iliff. License: CC BY-SA 3.0).

It looked like his future career would be in medicine. Owen was apprenticed to a local surgeon-apothecary in 1820, when he was in his mid-teens, then in 1824, aged 20, he briefly studied medicine at Edinburgh University and also at St Bartholomew’s, London, from 1825. He became curator/ conservator of the museum of the Royal College of Surgeons and in that capacity produced a stunning series of descriptive catalogues of the collection, those established by the renowned anatomist, John Hunter (1728-93). It was really because of this position that his interests switched from medicine to scientific research.

In 1834, Owen became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) and then between 183455, a period of just over 20 years, Owen www.lancmag.com

lectured as Professor of Comparative Anatomy, firstly for a period of a couple of years at St Bart’s and then at the College of Surgeons. He was also married in 1835 to Caroline Clift, with whom he had one son, William, both of whom he would outlive. Caroline was the daughter of William Clift (1775-1849) who had been Owen’s predecessor as conservator of the Hunterian collection at the Royal College of Surgeons.

Owen was also the first president of the Microscopical Society of London (1839) and edited many of its journal’s issues, which one hopes was only microscopic in name, and not in nature (as it were). Owen’s fifteen minutes of fame came in 1842 when he classified a new group separate from today’s reptiles, which he called ‘Dinosauria’ (or Dinosaurs).

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Drawing by Richard Owen showing that he was also an accomplished artist.

This is a picture of a camel’s skeleton (author – Richard Owen, source – ‘On the Anatomy of Vertebrates’, 1866, Vol. 2 ‘Birds & Mammals’, transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by User:Shizhao using CommonsHelper).

He was the first scientist to recognise dinosaurs as being an entirely different classification. He served as a commissioner of health (1843-46) and at Prince Albert’s suggestion designed the dinosaur exhibits for the Great Exhibition of 1851.

In 1856, Owen became superintendent of the natural history department of the British Museum (at that time there was not a dedicated natural history museum in London).

It was clear to Owen that the deficiency needed to be remedied and he would be instrumental in the establishment of the Natural History Museum, in South Kensington (1881). He wanted somewhere with sufficient space to display the collections, including the largest specimens of all, whales, which therefore featured at the heart of his argument, although a dedicated ‘Whale Hall’ would not materialise until the 1930s, long after Owen’s demise.

We can thank Owen for changing our perceptions of museums and giving us our reasonable expectations of what a modern museum should offer, especially as it was Owen who fought to make the Natural History Museum an ‘institution for everyone’. I like the man. He may have been engaged in highbrow pursuits, but he also had that common touch, or at least appreciated the need to make the stuff that fascinated him accessible to all. The museum has in its possession the Owen Collection (1861-92), which covers many of his achievements, including the campaign for a Natural History Museum.

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Owen also continued lecturing at the Royal Institution, as well as at other bodies. He was also President of the British Association (1857) and associate of the French Institute (1859). That spat with Charles Darwin (180982) occurred around this time because of his ‘On the Origin of Species’ (1859), in which Darwin set out his theories of evolution. It wasn’t that Owen fundamentally disagreed.

Owen agreed that evolution took place, but argued vehemently that the whole process was a lot more complex than Darwin made it out to be. With Richard Owen having the look of a mad professor about him, one can just imagine the two scientists coming to evolutionary fisticuffs in the local boozer.

This would be entirely in character for Owen who rivals described as difficult to work with, ambitious, divisive, arrogant, and even a ‘damned liar’.

He was the first scientist to recognise dinosaurs as being an entirely different classification.

One thing that seemed behind Owen’s opposition to Darwin appeared to be his fear that his pre-eminence in the field was about to be challenged. Although they had been friends and colleagues for more than two decades, Owen set about discrediting Darwin’s theories, even going as far as to write an anonymous review, replete with deliberate misquotations, which sounds a bit like the antics of a modern Tripadvisor Troll, although, as Darwin’s theories were increasingly adopted, Owen was quick to backtrack and claim that he’d been among the first to see merit in what Darwin had produced. Nifty. On a more serious note, it appears that Owen’s own views gained support from the 1930s www.lancmag.com

Sir Richard Owen, 1878, when he was approaching his mid70s, with a bit of the look of a mad professor about him (author – Lock & Whitfield, published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle & Rivington, source – www.nhm.ac.uk).

Below: The young Richard Owen (author – ‘Ballista’, source – taken from the English Wikipedia).

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Below: A caricature of Richard Owen riding his hobby, 1873 (author – Frederick Wally, illustrator, derivative work – Billingshurst sDrewth, source – www. archive.org).

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Statue of Richard Owen in the Natural History Museum (author – ‘AnemoneProjectors (talk) on www.flickr. com’, source – Natural History Museum 081, uploaded by ‘maybeMaybeMaybe’).

onwards with the emergence of ‘evolutionary biology’, suggesting that his theories were a little ahead of their time. Owen’s opposition to Darwin has left a legacy, however, of him being regarded, rightly or wrongly, as 19th century biology’s bad boy. It wasn’t just Darwin he feuded with either. Darwin’s buddy and fellow biologist, Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-95), also felt the full force of Owen’s ire as they contested, over 1860-62, the similarity (or not) of human and chimpanzee brains (‘Gorilla Warfare’ you might say).

when he was awarded the Royal Medal for some ‘ground-breaking’ research, groundbreaking research, however, in which he’d failed to acknowledge an earlier contribution by an amateur biologist, who’d drawn similar conclusions four years earlier. There was a right ‘to-do’ about it, which led to a bit of a scandal and Owen being voted off various councils, including that of the Royal Society.

Although Owen was a controversial figure, his scientific beliefs were orthodox, so I guess we could view him as a bit of a mainstream maverick.

his theories were a little ahead of their time

Controversy would follow Owen around like a faithful hound, including accusations that he took personal credit for the work of others. This rather came to a head in 1846 80

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The Old School House, Lancaster Royal Grammar School, which Richard Owen attended (author – D.M. Gerrard).

A rather sweet picture of Richard Owen with his granddaughter Emily, c.1890s. Emily was one of three grandchildren of Richard Owen from the marriage of his son William to Emily to whom Owen left much of his fortune (author – unknown, source – www.sciencephoto. com).

Owen was honoured by being admitted to the Order of the Bath, firstly as a Companion (CB) in 1873 and then as a Knight Commander (KCB) ten years later (1883). He was also the recipient of many scientific medals, honorary titles and degrees from different countries. Owen’s essay on ‘Parthenogenesis’ was a pioneering piece of work, but he didn’t always get it right. His interpretation of the ‘Archaeopteryx’, the first known fossil bird, later proved to have been incorrect. Apparently, Owen had it upside down and had missed a couple of its most important features, one of which was its inability to fly (it could glide though).

We can forgive him the odd glitch for he was undoubtedly the leading comparative anatomist and palaeontologist of that era. He was still publishing ‘stuff’ at the age of 85.

Richard Owen enjoyed a quiet retirement (which sounds a tad out of character) and died a week before Christmas, on 18th December 1892, aged 88, at his home, Sheen Lodge, in Richmond Park, London, which had been presented to him by the royal family 40 years before. The Natural History Museum meanwhile has statues of both Owen and Darwin although Darwin’s is more prominently displayed.

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CHRONOLOGY 1804 – Richard Owen born in Lancaster (20th July).

1824 – Begins medical training at Edinburgh University.

1835 – Marries Caroline Clift in St Pancras.

1842 – Owen classifies a new group, the ‘Dinosauria’.

1846 – Awarded the Royal Medal for ‘ground-breaking’ research.

1856 – Superintendent of the natural history department of the British Museum.

1881 – The Natural History Museum opens in South Kensington.

1892 – Death of Richard Owen (18th December) aged 88.

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Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip,

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

Smoking

In the UK around 6.9 million people over the age of 18 smoke. Although rates of smoking have decreased in recent years, the number of people who smoke remains high. Smoking harms almost all organs in the body and it is the leading cause of preventable deaths in England. Smoking can damage your blood vessels and heart, which increases your risk of having a heart attack.

Quitting smoking can be very difficult, but it is an important step for reducing your risk of heart disease.

We provide some tips for stopping smoking.

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List your reasons for stopping smoking

Decide a time

If you are trying to quit smoking, an effective and simple thing you can do to stay on track is to write a list of the reasons why you wish to quit smoking. Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, you can read this list and it should inspire you to keep going.

As soon as you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease will reduce. The sooner you decide to quit the better. Try to choose a date within the next two weeks. If you leave it too long, you will give yourself time to change your mind.

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Make a plan for when you quit Make a plan to quit smoking and ask your friends, family and co-workers for their support. Identify the triggers that make you feel like smoking and work out how to deal with them in advance. For example, if you hang around with other people who smoke, you could plan to spend more time with non-smokers or do smoke-free activities with friends who are smokers.

If you usually smoke during your break at work, plan to go for a walk instead. Dealing with cigarette withdrawal can be tough and it can lead to you feeling emotional and upset.

Before quitting, ask people to be patient and understanding and remind yourself that these feelings are temporary.

Distract yourself when you get cravings Cigarette cravings are intense urges to smoke.

Quitting smoking requires a huge amount of willpower. Cigarette cravings are temporary and they can last for 5 minutes. To avoid giving in to cigarette cravings, try to distract yourself for 5-10 minutes. You could try doing some physical activity or a bit of housework, do a bit of colouring in or planning a healthy dinner.

Once the craving has passed, you can give yourself a pat on the back.

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You could also consider using a stop smoking aid, such as nicotine patches, gums, lozenges or nasal sprays to help stop the cravings.

Get support to stop smoking There is a lot of support available for people who want to stop smoking. Getting support with stopping smoking can increase your chances of success. You could try contacting your local Stop Smoking Services or chatting to your GP. If you know someone who is also trying to quit smoking, you could offer to support each other. You could also seek advice from a friend or family member who has successfully stopped smoking.

You can get further support with stopping smoking and a free Personal Quit Plan from the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree.

For more healthy tips, recipes and advice, visit heartresearch.org.uk

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Wales Rugby League RL links up with Preston City Council and UCLan With Wales’ men’s team based in Preston for Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RWLC2021), Wales Rugby league (WRL) is entering an exciting partnership with Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to make sure the tournament leaves a lasting legacy in the city.

UCLan Grad Rhodri Loyd who graduated in 2019 John Kear’s men will take on Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands in next autumn’s tournament, with fixture dates and venues announced later in July. Throughout RLWC2021, Wales will call Preston home and train at UCLan’s first-class sports facilities.

WRL, Preston City Council and UCLan, as well as other organisations in the local area, will all be working closely with one another ahead, during and after the tournament.

WRL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gareth Kear said: “We’re delighted RLWC2021 has based us at Preston for the tournament.

“The facilities we’ll be using are excellent, Preston is an ideal location to a lot of places in the north and we’ll be the only team based in the city.

“A number of our players and coaching staff have links to the area and UCLan in particular so we’re really keen and excited to work in partnership with the University and Preston City Council.

“Not only do we want to make sure our squad has the best environment possible to succeed during the tournament, but we also want to help create a lasting legacy for the city and provide plenty of opportunities for local people to get behind RLWC2021.

“We have an exciting squad made up of players who have largely come through our own systems in Wales.

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“We want to highlight the great work going on in Wales during RLWC2021 and inspire future generations to take up rugby league.”

Mayor of Preston, Councillor David Borrow, said: “We’re excited to work closely with Wales Rugby League to ensure that the Dragons’ stay in the city leaves a lasting impression.

“Rugby league is famous for its family and community inclusions and is a sport on the rise.

“We’re looking forward to working with the Wales team to introduce the people of Preston to this incredible game and leave a lasting legacy throughout Lancashire.”

UCLan’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin added: “Our University community is really looking forward to hosting the Welsh team and we’re especially proud to welcome back Rhodri Loyd who graduated from UCLan last year. Our sports facilities will provide the ideal environment for the Welsh players to prepare for some of the most important games of their careers.

“As we navigate through the effect of Covid-19, the opportunities and impact of RLWC21 will be wide ranging and as a University we are delighted to be working with partners from across the city to maximise the legacy for sport, health, business and the local community.” www.lancmag.com

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

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

Discover more about the new homes in Lancashire

Visit: redrow.co.uk/lancashire

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

the time has come to find your first or next 10 reasons to live at Ifhome, take a look at what Taylor’s Chase in Great Sankey, Warrington has to offer and Taylor’s Chase why it could be the ideal place for your move.

Taylor’s Chase actually features two Redrow developments in one - The Brook and The Oaks – between them offering a wide range of quality new homes.

It is also a key component of the £1bn Omega development, which is breathing new life into part of the former Burtonwood Airbase and will deliver jobs and investment to Warrington over the next 25 years.

Sian Pitt, sales director at Redrow Homes (Lancashire) says: “Taylor’s Chase offers so much to buyers, whatever their home requirements.

“In a recent survey conducted by Redrow, 25% of those asked said “yes” when asked if lockdown and the extended time spent at home had changed what they wanted in their next home and 61% of people from the North West said the top three most important factors in their next home would be private outdoor space, a large kitchen with ample space for food preparation and an excellent level of energy efficiency. Our Heritage Collection homes at Taylor’s Chase offer all three.”

“Lots of people’s house hunting was put on hold due to Covid but with our sites now back in construction and our sales centres operating with a number of new steps in place to enable us to welcome customers while maintaining social distancing, we are encouraging people to come and visit to start their new home journey.”

Here are 10 reasons they should put Taylor’s Chase at the top of their list: 1. House styles for all tastes and budgets The Brook, off Sophia Drive, comprises a wide mix of properties including two-bedroom apartments and two, three and fourbedroom houses. Currently prices start at £289,995 for a threebedroom detached Warwick.

Its neighbour, The Oaks, accessed via Omega Boulevard, features larger three, four and five-bedroom detached homes. They include examples of Redrow’s new generation of ‘Lifestyle Homes’, which have been redesigned to create more space in key areas upstairs for those who require fewer but larger and more luxurious bedrooms.

Homes at The Oaks currently start at £393,995 for a Leamington Lifestyle.

2. Great for commuters Located between Manchester and Liverpool in Great Sankey, Warrington, Taylor’s Chase provides excellent access for commuters. Just off junction 8 of the M62, homeowners could be in Manchester in 40 minutes and Liverpool within 30 minutes. For those who don’t want to drive, the new Warrington West station is just over a mile away and offers regular trains to both cities.

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Warrington town centre is around three miles away with all of its shops and leisure facilities, including a brand new market and food court, multi-screen cinema and eateries. There are also two train stations: Warrington Central - providing faster services to Manchester and Liverpool; and Warrington Bank Quay - providing direct trains to London, Glasgow, Leeds and Preston.

3. Local amenities In a recent survey of 2,000 conducted by Redrow, it was found that close proximity to smaller shops, large supermarkets and a doctor’s surgery were some of the most important factors to buyers when choosing their new homes. Luckily Taylor’s Chase is close to all three.

Westbrook (a five-minute drive from Taylor’s Chase) has an ASDA supermarket and medical centre plus a range of smaller shops such as a hairdressers, chemist and Costa Coffee. Gemini retail park (eight minutes away) has an M&S, IKEA, Boots and Next. There’s also a Sainsbury’s at nearby Chapelford Village.

More small shopping and leisure facilities are also proposed for the local community as part of the Omega masterplan.

4. Choice of schools A new primary school has already been delivered providing a new home for Barrow Hall Primary School right alongside Taylor’s Chase. Great Sankey High School is just a few minutes away and is undergoing a £3 million expansion programme to provide extra places for residents of the new developments in the area.

Attached to the high school is Barrow Hall College, an £8 million, purpose built sixth form centre. This, plus the new primary school which opened in September 2016, provide families with modern educational facilities on their doorstep.

5. Open space As part of the regeneration of the former Burtonwood Airbase, the development will be set within a network of vibrant landscaped, woodland, parkland and wildlife areas including a 35 acre ‘Green Heart’ park accessible to residents of Taylor’s Chase and the wider community. Established green spaces like Sankey Valley Park and the Transpennine Trail are also close by.

6. Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub Opened in 2018, the hub includes a swimming pool, gym, library, café and updated sports facilities, and is believed to be the first fully integrated, dementia friendly wellbeing building and public library in the UK. Facilities such as these all contribute to the sustainability and appeal of The Brook and The Oaks at Taylor’s Chase.

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Taylor’s Chase 7. Readymade community With a number of homes already occupied at both Taylor’s Chase developments, there is an established community ready and waiting to be joined that will continue to grow as more people move in. The recent lockdown brought communities together across the globe so now more than ever, we all know how important good neighbours can be.

8. Help to get you moving Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to move to a bigger home to accommodate a growing family, Redrow has a range of options available to help. Help to Buy means eligible customers can apply for a Government-backed equity loan for up to 20% of the property price, leaving them to find only a 5% deposit and a 75% mortgage from a lender of choice. The equity loan is interest free for the first five years.

For those with an existing property to sell, our own Help to Sell incentive uses local estate agents to find a buyer and makes a contribution to selling fees. Plus with the recent announcement of the Stamp Duty holiday, buyers could save even more money when moving.

• Inherently warmer homes mean less time with the heating on • Low energy lighting throughout homes 10. Reserve from the comfort of your home Our online portal My Redrow allows buyers to do everything from browsing for their new home and making appointments, to actually reserving a property, personalising it by choosing from a range of options at the touch of a button, and following the build progress.

The sales centre and show homes at both Taylor’s Chase developments are now open, with new social distancing measures in place to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

To find out more about The Brook call 01925 541479, or go to www.redrow.co.uk/thebrook and for The Oaks call 01925 541558, or go to www.redrow.co.uk/oaks Find out more about booking an appointment and our coronavirus social distancing measures at: www.redrow.co.uk/coronavirus

9. Doing your bit for the planet Buying a Redrow home doesn’t just mean everything is brand new but it will also result in monthly savings and it could help the planet too!

• Living in a brand new Redrow home could potentially halve annual energy bills when compared to an older second hand property * • Modern insulation, boilers and ventilation systems contribute towards reduced CO2 emissions

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*http://www.nhbc.co.uk/media-centre/articles/pressreleases/ Foundation-fuel-bills/ The NHBC data showed that Annual Household Energy Spend for a Victorian, improved 4-bed home is c.£1300 more than a new-build home, built to 2010 building regulations. Redrow updated that figure to £1410 in savings per year, since their homes are all designed to 2013 building regulations which make homes even more efficient.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 91

Catching a glimpse of the colourful kingfisher A mild winter and the lack of people during the lockdown were sure signs that kingfishers would be about this spring and summer, Alan Wright went to search for our most colourful bird.

Kingfisher in flight by Malcolm Brown

I

t’s three years since I’ve seen a kingfisher, so this year was going to be the one when I was reacquainted with Britain’s most colourful bird.

I think most people think of kingfishers as being brilliant blue birds, the size of a pigeon, which sit for hours on a regular perch looking fish.

Kingfishers are nowhere near that big, averaging just six inches from nose to tail, with a slightly longer wingspan. Yes, they do sit on regular perches scanning the river but you would be lucky to see one unless you knew its regular habits.

My first encounter was over a few minutes when I saw a kingfisher on a branch and it was looking at my dog. It seemed fascinated as he grubbed around the riverbank. Of course, I didn’t have a camera.

My most recent sighting, was on a wander around Foxhill Bank, a wonderful urban reserve in the centre of Oswaldtwistle. I was walking with a Radio Lancashire reporter chatting live on air when I exclaimed: “And there’s a kingfisher.” We were able to follow it for a short while. Again no camera.

Any other sightings have been flashes of blue. These are truly wonderfully marked creatures, a mix of bright blue back and metallic copper chest. Males have a black bill, while females have an orangey-red patch at its base.

Kingfishers suffer in cold winters, with iced-over water meaning a lack of fish to eat. Winter was mild and a reduction in pollution in our rivers should have seen an increase in feeding and breeding in 2020. And that probably is the case, it’s just that I haven’t seen it.

Kingfisher takes off from its branch by Peter Hunter

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Dinner time by Peter Hunter I have been out twice a day walking along the kingfisher stretch of the Goit in Brinscall and not seen a one. I, maybe, caught a flash, two years ago when I was told about a nest. You can still see the remains of the nest but, just my luck, the birds didn’t return, they only tend to live an average of two years.

I always pop into the Rufford Hide at our Mere Sands Wood nature reserve in Rufford, because “they are here every year.” I haven’t seen one, nor has one landed at the kingfisher poles, illegally put up by photographers at Wigan Flashes and Lunt Meadows, our youngest reserve in Merseyside.

Birders tell me that a kingfisher often perched on the boardwalk leading to the Brockholes Visitor Village, just not while I was there.

To rub salt in the wounds, I was at the Bolton Environmental Resource Centre last week. This looks out over a large pond, again a regular hunting ground for our bright and speedy birds. I spent a whole two-hour meeting regularly looking at the reeds around the pond . . . nothing.

I walked back to Bolton Railway Station in torrential rain, feeling thoroughly wet and miserable. Then,

Kingfisher has its eye on food by John Wright to make matters worse, my colleague sent me a picture of a kingfisher that had just landed by the pond at the centre. I had missed it by 15 minutes!

I will continue in my search for kingfishers this year. Hopefully one will find a perch over the Goit and become entranced by the fishing swimming below, giving me enough time to get my phone out, onto camera, on video and then… it will probably fly away.

Please help us at the Wildlife Trusts to ensure our lakes, rivers and streams are perfect habitats for kingfishers.

Please don’t throw your litter into the water, it’s not just spoiling it for people it is creating hazards for our wildlife too.

Above: Kingfisher finds a handy post by Dave Bennion

Visit our reserves and look out for kingfishers or join the Wildlife Trust, your membership is a great way to ensure we can continue to make a home for all of our plants and creatures – and especially the kingfisher.

Above: Kingfishers perching on a branch by Peter Hunter

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 27,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call 01948 820728 or go to cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

Severely obese ponies rescued by animal charity

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) have offered a Second Chance to three grossly obese Shetland Pony Stallions.

A

fter being alerted to their plight by a member of the public in the Cumbria area, HAPPA’s Equine Inspector investigated further. On arrival at the scene the Inspector found three unhandled, grossly overweight ponies with extremely overgrown hooves that needed the Charity’s help immediately.

HAPPA’s Equine Inspector, Tracy Heaton explains “This doesn’t happen often, the majority of the time I respond to equines that are underweight, in an extreme contrast these three are so overweight that we needed to act immediately to ensure that we put an end to their suffering. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their animals don’t get this overweight, it is animal cruelty.

As with humans the effects to health can be catastrophic.

The current temporary carer for the ponies didn’t have the knowledge to meet their needs correctly and also informed me that their owner had passed away from Covid-19. It was agreed by all concerned that they needed to be signed into the care of HAPPA to prevent further suffering. All three ponies were taken to safety at the Charity’s Rescue Centre, Shores Hey Farm, based in Burnley, Lancashire”.

Senior Equine Care Officer, Kelly Laird, explains “It will be a difficult recovery ahead for these three cheeky chappies, we will have to manage their weight to ensure they still receive enough nutrients, but begin to lose weight. We will also have to slowly introduce exercise to their daily routine whilst monitoring heart and respiratory rates. I must admit I have never seen ponies this fat before.

My wish is to get them healthy and happy so they have a long, healthy, life and can go on to find that perfect Forever Home”.

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Named by the Charity HAPPA Samson, HAPPA Sunny and HAPPA Sol, all three are now enjoying bespoke rehabilitation plans in order to begin to lose weight, receive farrier treatment for their hooves, and head on the road to a healthier life. Supporters will be able to follow their road to recovery on the charities social media channels.

At this time the Charity is calling for donations to help purchase an equine weigh bridge. Weight management is crucial for both the Shetlands and for all the horses and ponies in HAPPA’s care. A weigh bridge will give an accurate measurement of the ponies’ weights over the coming months to ensure they are on target to a healthy lifestyle.

You can contribute to the Weigh Bridge Appeal by visiting https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/happa-weigh-bridge-appeal or calling 01282 455992. www.lancmag.com

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How to Co-ordinate Rugs a room with rugs, cushions and throws is one of the easiest and most & Cushions Accessorising cost-effective ways to inject style into a room, and switch décors with the seasons, but it can be tricky if you haven’t got a designer’s eye like the experts.

Now offering a wide selection of designer cushions – from brands including Christian Lacroix, Designers Guild and Harlequin, Daniel Prendergast, design director at www.therugseller.co.uk, offers this advice on how to mix, match or clash rugs, cushions and throws like a pro!

“I have to admit – I’m a little bit in love with these The Rug Seller ‘reversible’ cushions

by Christian Lacroix – here’s how we would style them along with rugs,” Daniel Prendergast, Design Director – The Rug Seller

REVERSIBLE design cushions

by Christian Lacroix, - Jungle King, £99, Dona Jirafa, £99 from www.therugseller.co.uk

Rosetta, £99 – (Right image - cushion reverse) and Feu Follett cushion featuring Lacroix signature, £90 from www.therugseller.co.uk 96

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Christian Lacroix Lentrelac and Les Rosales cushion, both £110, from www.therugseller.co.uk “As these cushions have two different strong and vibrant designs to front and back – we would style them with a similar monochrome pattern of rug that features to the reverse.

For example, the Onix Zig Zag or Triangles rugs in Monochrome, £79 each.

“Or stay with the ‘jungle theme’, with a Palm rug from £39, or the Havana tropical rug from £59.99

Christian Lacroix Sunset Mix cushion in Crepuscule, £110, and Pop Venus cushion, £105 from www.therugseller.co.uk

Christian Lacroix Birds Sinfonia cushion, front and reverse, £110 from www.therugseller.co.uk

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Other key looks with cushions & rugs by the Rug seller

VIBRANT FLORALS: “If your rug is patterned, pick out three of the shades for your accessories. They don’t have to match perfectly but stick to the same colour family for cohesion. Or throw in a floral cushion in a toning accent that’s the same as the rug to carry on the flower theme.”

Floreale Modern Floral rug in Fuchsia from £449, Designers Guild Cassia Cushion in Magenta £70 from www.therugseller.co.uk

Kippen rug £429 and Ines Jardin rug £429 – both teamed with lots of floral cushions available from www.therugseller.co.uk 98

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COLOUR CO-ORDINATION: “A plain rug can be easily paired with cushions in designs with complementary colours. Mix and match texture and pattern for added impact. Incorporate shades of the main colour to give a beautifully cohesive look.

“The ‘rule of three’ is a great place to start whether you are applying it to colour or pattern. Odd numbers look more artful and contemporary, whereas even numbers give a more ordered, traditional feel.”

Ascot Bordered Wool Rug from £129, Designers Guild Manipur Cushion £75 and Parterre Geo Cushion £90 from www.therugseller.co.uk

Selection of Designers Guild cushions available at www.therugseller.co.uk

Peacock Painting rug from £249 from www.therugseller.co.uk www.lancmag.com

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MIF invites Greater Manchester artists to meet their perfect creative match

Simone French image courtesy the artist

Cheddar Gorgeous and Simone French host MIF Matchmakers to help local artists find their dream collaborative partners

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ith the creative community seriously affected by the COVID-19 crisis, Manchester International Festival (MIF) has been hosting regular online Artist Drop-Ins to offer support and provide a space for creatives of all kinds to keep in touch and share experiences. Guest speakers have included Manchester-based creatives Pawel Paniczko, Jessica El Mal, and Adam Szabo, as well as international artists HÊlène Binet, Lola Arias and Huang Ruo.

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Next week’s Artist Drop-In, on Thursday 20 August, will see Theatre-maker Simone French and drag legend Cheddar Gorgeous, host ‘MIF Matchmakers’ which will connect artists who are looking to start a new collaboration whilst in solitary confinement.

Cheddar and Simone say “MIF Matchmakers is a creative date-line to help local artists find the perfect collaborative match and also make all of us a little bit more aware of the amazing talent that we have here in the city. This is about growing connections between artists and organisations like the Festival. Each artist will talk about themselves, their practice and what they are looking for in a dream collaborative partner, or partners… no judgement here!”

Known for her unicorn, alien, and other fantastical drag performances, Cheddar Gorgeous is one of the UK’s most celebrated drag queens with over 112,000 online followers.

The ‘drag daddy’ of the Family Gorgeous, Cheddar is one of the driving forces of Manchester’s Home of Fabulous, Cha Cha Boudoir, an infamous and inclusive late-night club cabaret for spectacular creatures. More recently, Cheddar is one of the stars of Channel 4’s new hit show Drag SOS. Her project ‘Hero Worship’, developed through a recent Remote Residency with MIF, is a series of nine photographic portraits showcasing unique drag ‘looks’. Each ‘look’ is made up of specially-designed makeup design and costume pieces that pay homage to a different group of key workers serving our communities during the COVID-19 crisis.

or just up for seeing how an unexpected collaboration might unfold, MIF Matchmakers wants you to get involved.

Feedback from previous pairings “It was a match made in heaven. These were the first people I’ve got to meet in lockdown, I found this queer friendly space and matched with an artist that is so exciting.”

“Probably one of the best ways to meet new artists.”

MIF’s Artist Drop-Ins take place every Thursday at 2pm and are free. Following MIF Matchmakers will be a session with renowned and award-winning poet, playwright and performer Louise Wallwein alongside artist, writer and director Scottee, on Thursday 27 August, 2pm.

Go to mif.co.uk/whats-on/ to find out more.

Artist Drop-Ins are just one of the ways Manchester International Festival has been helping local artists during lockdown. 35 artists and performers from across Greater Manchester have been supported to develop work over the past few months – from online Remote Residencies to workshops and exhibitions. MIF has also continued to actively support and be part of GM Artist Hub, offering advice and resources to the independent practitioners, artists, and companies of Greater Manchester.

Emphasising strong female voices, Simone French is an unconventional theatre-maker, performer, vocalist and arts community facilitator. She is Co-Artistic Director of TomYumSim - an outrageously absurd performance duo, known for queer participatory theatre and transforming unusual spaces into bespoke theatrical worlds.

Whether longing to connect with someone who shares your specialism, looking for help with a particular practice,

Cheddar Gorgeous image courtesy the artist

www.lancmag.com

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Carlisle

By Stephen Roberts

The deanery and Prior’s Tower, August 2013 (author – ‘Northernhenge’, source – Own work).

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ell, I’ve been here before, in a manner of speaking I wrote about Carlisle in the September 2019 issue, so more or less a year ago. My task this time around is to find some new things to say about this endlessly fascinating border stronghold: given what I just said, that hopefully shouldn’t be too difficult. The place was significant in Roman times, conveniently close to that wall of Hadrian, then just as important in the Middle Ages as the Scottish Wars flared up.

First time around, I talked of border conflict, the castle and citadel,‘stuff’ that’s essential to an appreciation of the Carlisle story. I brought in some notable buildings: The Town Hall and Guildhall; the cathedral (once belonging to an Augustinian Priory); the museum and gallery; the Citadel railway station; and some other interesting structures (the Carlisle Cross, from which proclamations were made (as per Macclesfield’s market cross, discussed elsewhere in this issue), and the Cursing Stone, always handy for a good 102

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old, well, curse;. You may recall that I also talked about the near-legendary ‘Carlisle Trip’, a nonsensical coach journey of much duration from Dorset’s south coast to Carlisle, in search of football. I’d like to say that I’ve done it.

So, what’s new? Well, lockdown has certainly seen an increased cursing level in the Roberts household, which has led Mrs Steve to suggest a swear-box, or possibly the adoption of my Celtic Cross (every self-respecting garden should have one) as my very own cursing station, far away from prying eyes and ears. I’m digressing, as I’m only very loosely on the subject of Carlisle here and its residents who probably had far more justification for their curses given all that border strife. If you enjoy listed buildings, as I do, then you certainly won’t be cursing as there’s an absolute plethora of them in Carlisle, some 350 of them to be almost precise, with around 50 of these being almost evenly divided between Grade I and Grade II* Listings, the two highest designations. That really is quite something folks. www.lancmag.com

With my penchant for listed buildings, I feel a mini tour of some of the best might be a way of navigating my way around the city and introducing you to some of the other treasures of Carlisle that I didn’t dwell on last time. If you feel my largely omitting the castle and cathedral (both Grade I Listed) an oversight, then please refer back to your September 2019 issue: they’re safe and well in that one. Now, of course, the cathedral had a life as the church of the Augustinian priory first, so I feel justified in including that former priory, established in the early12th century under Henry I, in my tour, as quite a few bits of that survive, besides the obvious cathedral itself (it was designated a cathedral as long ago as 1133 when Carlisle achieved city status, an honour that still eludes many aspirants today).

The Grade I Listed former sandstone refectory (eating quarters) dates to around 1300 and has been both altered and extended. Remodelled in the late-15th century, as the days of the monks drew to a close, it was restored in the late-Georgian era by that man Robert Smirke (remember him from last time?) and then towards the end of the long Victorian era by G.E. Street. I’m particularly fond of Smirke, who equipped with a name like that, I really feel should have been any of stand-up comic, ventriloquist, or confidence trickster.

Instead, he was a renowned architect.

The onetime priory is worth a look. As well as the cathedral and the refectory (or frater), next to the deanery is the Prior’s Tower (which are both Grade I Listed), the latter a three-storey pele tower of the 14th and 15th century, with undercroft/basement below, another reflection of the border mentality here, where you needed both a look-out and a bolt-hole when things turned nasty. The monks needed somewhere to kip, of course, and the ruins of the former mid-to-late-13th century dormitory are also Grade I Listed, comprising large chunks of red sandstone, and originally a two-storey structure extending from the refectory to today’s cathedral. Just a portion of the west wall’s lower storey survives, plus a bit of the east wall. www.lancmag.com

The remains of the former priory’s refectory, August 2013 (author – ‘Northernhenge’, source – Own work).

Above: Grade I Listed ruins of the former priory’s dormitory, August 2013, which once extended between the refectory and cathedral, which is in the background (author – ‘Northernhenge’, source – Own work).

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I can’t stress enough how important defence was here and the fact that Carlisle’s Grade I Listings include not only the castle’s keep, and some of its towers and walls, plus a battery, and bridge over the outer moat, but also the old priory’s own defences (gatehouse, pele tower,

walls), and then the walls of the city itself, and you get the picture (Carlisle is just ten miles south of the Scottish border). The city walls, which surrounded the centre of the city, actually connected the castle, in the city’s north-west, with the Citadel, in the south-east, and threw up a perimeter that was just under 1½ miles in extent, which was slightly less than the famous walls surrounding Chester. There can’t be many cities that possessed both a castle (late-11th century) and citadel (mid-16th).

The Citadel’s Grade I Listed East Tower (154143) is in fine nick, being altered in the early19th century by famous road and bridge builder, Thomas Telford, and our man Smirke, who seems to have been particularly busy hereabouts. The tower found a new purpose as civil courts (with criminal courts in the neighbouring West Tower) and offices and has a two-storey Gothic-style office building attached to it. The Citadel was built just after the Dissolution of the Monasteries

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Below: Carlisle’s city walls, September 2015.

This is where the surviving fragment of the north walls comes to an end near the castle (author - ‘Northernhenge’, source – Own work).

motivated and styled Reformation. One of the Citadel’s more-famous ‘guests’ would be Mary Queen of Scots.

The city emerged from border bust-ups though to develop in other, more cultural ways.

Last time, I did briefly mention, for example, the Tullie Museum and Gallery, which occupies a house, Tullie House, of 1689, the year after our Glorious Revolution, something that pops up on ‘The Chase’ now and again. The house, including its early-1980s extensions, is Grade I Listed, but so also is the 17th century job-lot of sandstone walls and gate piers, plus cast-iron gates and railings to the front, which stand strong on the pavement. It’s an attractive assemblage.

I’ve often thought I’d quite like to live within the grounds of a cathedral’s precinct, especially if there are imposing walls and gates to keep me safe and snug at night. Carlisle’s ‘The Green’ would fit the bill as it has several standout residences, including Nos. 3 & 6, which date to the late-17th century and was a prebendary or clergy house, later divided into www.lancmag.com

Below: The Citadel’s East Tower, September 2013 (author – ‘calflier001’, source – Carlisle City Cumbria Sep 2013, uploaded

by MainFrame).

two dwellings. Unlike many of Carlisle’s notable buildings, which invest heavily in sandstone, 3/6 is brick-built, albeit with stone dressings, whilst No. 2, also Grade II* Listed, of 166970, is of stone, stone that was pilfered from Wetheral Priory, a fate that afflicted many of the dissolved monasteries. I am feeling that it’s not only defence that has landscaped Carlisle but religion too. This is further exemplified by the twee Bishop’s Registry, of 1699, formerly the cathedral library, which hedged its bets by being brick-built, but having a sandstone plinth and dressings.

Of a totally different character is Grade I Listed Eden Bridge, another Robert Smirke creation, of 1812-16, which carries the main A7 road over the River Eden. It had to be widened in 1932. It’s a sandstone bridge of five arches on round piers with stone seats thoughtfully recessed into the bridge’s parapet at either end with wrought iron lanterns. There’s also the remains of an earlier bridge (1743) underneath.

It pays to take your time walking around Carlisle. www.lancmag.com

Above: Grade I Listed wall, gates and railings of Tullie House, with Tullie House behind, August 2013 (author – ‘Northernhenge’, source – Own work).

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Here’s a place to sit and ponder. Transport matters too, be it bridges, roads or railways.

Junctions 42 to 44 of the M6 ring Carlisle to the east, whilst the A6 (from Junction 42), A69 (Junction 43) and that A7 (Junction 44) head into the city centre.

My personal preference is always to take to the rails though and Carlisle’s Citadel railway station, Grade II* Listed of course, otherwise I wouldn’t be mentioning it, was opened in September 1847 and was added to the ‘Listings list’ 125 years later, in November 1972. Carlisle had morphed into an industrialised mill town and the station, which once had seven different railway companies utilising it, was a part of that transformation as the place also became an important railway town. With eight platforms and well over two million passengers a year,

Eden Bridge, a Grade I Listed structure, June 2014 (author – Bobby Clegg / A7 Eden Bridge / CC BY-SA 2.0, source – www.geograph.org.uk).

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this is a suitably impressive arrival point for a city that punches way above its weight in terms of history and heritage. A city of around 75,000 souls (2011 Census) and a county town to boot, Cumbria’s largest city, Carlisle, has much to drool over and boast about. It is, in every sense, the ‘Great Border City’.

Above: The interior of Carlisle Citadel railway station, June 2005 (author – assumed to be ‘Tagishsimon’, source – Own work assumed).

Right: Nos. 3 & 6, The Abbey, in the grounds of Carlisle Cathedral (author – Kenneth Allen / Grounds of Carlisle Cathedral, source – www.geograph.org.uk).

FEATURED GRADE I LISTED BUILDINGS

FEATURED GRADE II* LISTED BUILDINGS

Priory refectory (c.1300).

Priory dormitory of mid/late-13th century.

Deanery & Prior’s Tower of 14th/15th century.

The Citadel – originally mid-15th century.

Tullie House (1689), including walls, gate and railings.

Eden Bridge (1812-16).

Nos. 3 and 6, The Green (late-17th century).

No. 2, The Green (1669-70).

Bishop’s Registry (1699).

Carlisle Citadel railway station (1847).

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HEARTS FOR HOMES THE QUAINT SHOP IN THE LOVELY TOWN OF RAMSBOTTOM The concept of Hearts of Homes is to bring affordable yet charming home décor and gifts to our customers.

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amsbottom gift shop Hearts for Homes celebrates it’s four year anniversary this April as owner and busy mum of three boys’ Kerry Khan reflects on how life has changed since she opened.

When Kerry first launched this beautiful, unique gift emporium back in 2016, little did she know

that within two years she would be outgrowing the original premises on Bolton Street and moving into a shop with three floors right on the corner of Bridge Street.

This prime spot formerly the Bridge Street News is now well established as Hearts for Homes and it’s pretty pink window display keeps the crowds coming

MADE IN THE UK, LARGE SELECTION OF COLOURS...

STOCKIST OF THE ORIGINAL ARTISAN RANGE • NEW & IMPROVED LABY RANGE • AL FRESCO INSIDE OUTSIDE RANGE • CHALK WALL PAINT • TRIM PAINT • EASY GRADE WAXES • BRUSHES • FRENSLEEN • FINISHING COAT • FRENCHIC SUGAR COAT • STENCILS • ACCESSORIES & OTHER

w www.heartsforhomes.co.uk e kerry@heartsforhomes.co.uk 47 Bridge Street l Ramsbottom l BL0 9AD t 01706 560462 www.lancmag.com

in as it opens seven days a week in peak seasons.

Kerry’s passion for upcycling furniture snowballed into a gift and homeware boutique packed with treasures from floor to ceiling including gifts for mum, dad, baby and even mum to be.

From stunning silver jewellery made with real flowers ideal for Mothers Day to elegant scarves

by Shruti. Books, Manchester Bee unique giftware, wedding gifts, homewares from the Just Slate Company. From clocks to cushions, pebble frames made to order, quotes on cards by Claire, The Mudlark local pottery by Lynn and artwork by another Ramsbottom artist Julian Cohen.

“We have an incredibly loyal local customer base but our customers come from as far as Cheshire to shop here, we source all our suppliers individually and we’re proud to showcase local craftspeople and talent. I am delighted that we have already started holding craft workshops on our newly refurbished top floor too. Local artists have offered their services by popular demand including furniture painting and stained glass craft” adds Kerry.

One of the newest additions to the Hearts for Homes range is the environmentally friendly ‘Frenchic’ furniture paint. A firm Pinterest favourite, Frenchic is a chalk and mineral paint, toxin and solvent free with no odour with a creamy and rich coverage.

Designed not to peel or chip, the paint can be used literally anywhere including nursery furniture and in bathrooms.

“Frenchic has been so popular since we started to stock it” says Kerry. We have sold so much, the colour palette is fantastic and prices start at £8 for a small tin”.

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Redrow helps get second steppers moving REDROW’S handy scheme designed to assist those with an existing house to sell has proved popular post-lockdown and is helping to keep the property market moving.

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elp to Sell is Redrow’s answer for those seeking a quick and easy move with the minimum of fuss. It helps homeowners sell their current property by working with trusted estate agents to achieve a quick sale while also contributing towards fees.

Sian Pitt, sales director at Redrow Homes’ Buckshaw Villagebased Lancashire division, says the last several weeks has seen a significant uptake from the second time buyer market to use the convenient incentive.

“Post lock-down we have seen the second time buyer market become incredibly buoyant. This may be because more time spent at home has made these buyers realise their current homes are no longer suitable in terms of size and space; and with summer holidays off the agenda for many people this year, the extra time and money is being used to make home life that much better by upsizing.”

Since the start of July, around 65% of Redrow’s ongoing sales involve the use of Help to Sell, including some customers who are moving from a previous Redrow home.

Sian continues: “A lot of our current customers are purchasing four-bedroom detached homes after living in three-bed semis previously. They’re largely looking for more space, especially in the

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Homes like the Shaftesbury, available at The Oaks, offer plenty of space for everyone kitchen, bigger gardens and extra space that gives them the option to work from home.

“Our award-winning homes give them everything they need.

They come with a combination of open-plan living spaces and private areas, something that is a huge selling point to buyers, plus en-suites to main bedrooms and other practical features such as ground floor cloakrooms, utility rooms and garages.”

www.lancmag.com

Tabley Green in Fulwood

Property Perspective prides itself on selling houses within a 40-day timeframe, 50% faster than the national average time it takes to sell a home, meaning vendors can proceed with purchasing their new home much faster.

“Homes we’ve been looking after over the past month have received offers within 10 days of being put on the market showing just how much demand there is for properties at the moment,” adds John.

Redrow’s Help to Sell scheme is offered at all developments and can be used whether someone is moving up, down or sideways on the property ladder.

Recent Redrow customers have been buying homes with open-plan kitchen and dining space like this in the Henley available at Tabley Green Home sales specialists, The Property Perspective, work with Redrow to help those wanting to buy a brand new Redrow home to sell their current property. John Jarvis, managing director, says: “According to Rightmove*, last month saw the highest number of properties coming to market

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and the highest number of sales agreed in a month in over 10 years. Our role for Redrow is to value, market and achieve a quick sale of their clients’ current properties at a maximum price so they can move forward with their new Redrow homes as swiftly as possible.”

The Lancashire division is active across central Lancashire and parts of Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. To find a development near you visit: www.redrow.co.uk/Lancashire

*www.rightmove.co.uk/news/ house-price-index/

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SLADE announce December 2020 – UK Tour!

SLADE - Without doubt one of the most exciting bands to come out of Great Britain in the past 50 years. With their unique blend of perfect pop rock’n’roll, outrageous flamboyance and pure fun, and no less than 23 Top-20 singles of which 6 were No-1 smash hits...plus 6 smash albums, Slade have become a firm favourite in the hearts of pop fans all over the world.

SLADE’S chart career has spanned 6 decades and their enduring songs “Far Far Away”, “Cum On Feel The Noize” and “Coz I Luv You” are still featured today in TV commercials for some of the World’s biggest companies.

SLADE first hit the road in 1966, touring throughout Great Britain and Europe and becoming a regular concert attraction. Joining forces with the former Animals bass guitarist and Jimi Hendrix Experience manager, Chas Chandler, Slade achieved their first chart hit in May 1971 with the Bobby Marchan song “Get Down And Get With It” then, released in October of the same year “Coz I Luv You” was the band’s first No-1 and a huge hit across Europe.

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Throughout the seventies, Slade became one of Europe’s biggest bands, touring and recording continually and making regular trips to America, Japan and other parts of the world. Slade’s catalogue of hits are synonymous with the era:- “Take Me Bak ‘Ome”, “Mama We’er All Crazee Now”, “Cum On Feel The Noize”, “Gudbye T’ Jane”, along with the many others provided a soundtrack to the Glam Generation and are still today, heavily featured on any retrospective of the time.

At the beginning of the eighties, Slade were invited to appear at the Reading Rock Festival, a massive annual event which attracted over 100,000 people. They literally stole the show, giving some of the world’s biggest rock bands a serious run for their money whilst kindling new interest from a whole new audience. As a result, the band signed a new record deal and unleashed the anthem “We’ll Bring The House Down”, which reached the Top-10 in the UK in January 1981. Slade were back!

Not content to rest on their Glam laurels, Slade began www.lancmag.com

forging a new path through the hugely influential British heavy rock scene. A second successful appearance at Castle Donnington in 1981, before a crowd of over 60,000 people, consolidated the bands position and paved the way for the single “Lock Up Your Daughters”, and the album “Til Deaf Do Us Part”.

While Slade were busy in the UK releasing the massive hit “My Oh My” to huge acclaim, LA metal band Quiet Riot were spreading the word Stateside with their version of “Cum On Feel The Noize”, which proved so successful that they followed it up with “Mama Weer All Crazee Now”.

Throughout the start of the eighties Slade toured and recorded due to them once again being a major force in British pop’n’rock.

The early nineties saw the bands “Radio Wall Of Sound” hit the UK Top-30 and thereby give Slade a solid 30 year chart run! In 1991, due to the continual demand from around the world, founder Slade members Dave Hill and Don Powell decided to return to touring by playing a few select dates in Europe prior to embarking on what turned out to be a very successful two month tour of Australia.

SLADE have continued to tour the world. They are firm favourites on the lucrative German festival scene and undertake an annual UK “Merry Christmas Everybody” tour in December. They have a huge following of fans and regularly play concert dates in Germany, Poland, Belgium,

Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Spain & France. Having just returned from a festival in Gibraltar, next stop is Greenland and Faroe Islands.

Now in 2020, Led by founder member Dave Hill on Lead Guitar with John Berry who joined in 2003 on Lead Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Guitar and Violin. John has also played Bass with Mud, The Sweet, Screaming Lord Sutch, The Tremeloes, Bay City Rollers & The Rubettes. Joining John on Lead Vocals and Keys is Russell Keefe, having played in many original bands in his early years, he has also recorded albums for Polygram & United Artists, Russell has toured with The Pretty Things and Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers, Alex Bines now joins on Drums, Alex has toured with Wilko Johnson, The Rubettes and is also a Drum teacher.

Slade today is still one of the most exciting bands on the road, and their stage performance is a dynamic, powerful and exhilarating roller-coaster ride of pure unadulterated rock’n’roll.

Slade are: Dave Hill, John Berry, Russell Keefe, Alex Bines A date for your diary, Slade are back for Christmaaaas!

SLADE – December 2020 - UK Tour Dates are: Friday 4th December Saturday 5th December Sunday 6th December Thursday 10th December Saturday 12th December Sunday 13th December Thursday 17th December Friday 18th December Saturday 19th December

LONDON – Islington Assembly Hall CARDIFF – Tramshed READING – Sub 89 NEWCASTLE – O2 Academy LEEDS - Warehouse NORWICH – Waterfront – Tickets available from: https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/slade-thewaterfront-tickets/10623265 SOUTHAMPTON – Engine Rooms BIRMINGHAM – Asylum – Tickets available from: https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/sladeasylum-tickets/10631165 MANCHESTER – O2 Ritz – Tickets available from: https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/slade-o2ritz-manchester-tickets/10623235

Tickets for all other dates are available from - https://www.gigantic.com/slade-tickets www.lancmag.com

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Why you should switch your coffee for matcha Coffee is one of the nation’s favourite pick me ups. The caffeine hit we get is often the helping hand we need to get through the morning and start the day feeling energized.

There’s no doubt that coffee is a very popular choice for our morning caffeine fix, but is it the best choice? Or should we be drinking matcha instead?

Wait! What is matcha?

Coffee needs no introduction, but what is matcha? Well, you could call it the espresso of green tea.

Put simply, matcha is stone-ground, whole green tea leaves grown under special conditions. It’s tastier and has way more health benefits than regular green tea. Because you consume the entire leaf, 1 cup of matcha gives you the same nutritional benefits as 10 cups of green tea.

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Matcha doesn’t have the same level of popularity in the West as it does in Japan.

It has been consumed for over 800 years

by Buddhist monks and Samurai warriors because of its ability to put you in a zen-like state of being energised but relaxed, calm and focused at the same time.

If you’re familiar with matcha, you’ve most likely heard of ‘culinary’ and ‘ceremonial’ grades. But the reality is that there are 1000s of blends across a wide spectrum of quality and taste. Despite many brands using the same labels to grade them, the taste can vary a lot.

But I like coffee. Is it bad for me?

Research tends to yo-yo about the benefits and the harmful effects of coffee, but there’s no reason to believe it is an unhealthy option.

Of course, moderation is key and if you’re caffeine sensitive it may not be good for you.

Some of the research into coffee has found indications that it can offer some protection against • • • •

Parkinson’s disease Type 2 diabetes Liver disease, including liver cancer Heart attacks and strokes

But for many of us, coffee can have some harsh side effects. The caffeine buzz can be intense, leading to anxiety and increased heart rates. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can also cause stomach pains. When the coffee wears off, the energy crash we get usually leaves us feeling worse than before. So is it really worth it?

Let’s talk caffeine - how do matcha and coffee compare?

Matcha contains up to 70mg of caffeine per cup, while a cup of coffee contains around 96mg per cup. How strong you like your drinks will affect this, but generally it’s safe to assume matcha has 30-50% less caffeine than a cup of coffee.

If we only look at the caffeine content of matcha and coffee, you’d think coffee is the clear winner. Not so fast – how your body absorbs and reacts to the caffeine in matcha and coffee is very different.

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There are differences in how you absorb the caffeine Caffeine in coffee is absorbed by your body very quickly. That’s why many people experience jitters, anxiety, nausea and increased heart rates. This is especially the case if you’re drinking coffee on an empty stomach or if you’re sensitive to caffeine. How many times have you drunk a cup of coffee and felt like this afterwards?

Matcha is incredibly rich in the amino acid L-Theanine. L-Theanine makes your body absorb caffeine more slowly.

The result is a gentle yet noticeable increase in energy, without any of the harsh side effects of coffee. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or experience the side effects of coffee, matcha is a fantastic alternative.

Drink matcha for longer-lasting energy and no crash Not only can coffee give you a rough time while your body is processing it, the crash you get when it wears off can leave you feeling worse than before. How many times have you had a coffee in the morning, only to reach for another cup a few hours later when you feel your energy levels dropping?

Another benefit to your body absorbing caffeine in matcha more slowly is that the energy lasts for longer. You’ll feel energised and focused for twice as long and, when the caffeine buzz wears off, you won’t have the caffeine crash. Because the energy lasts longer, you’ll find yourself drinking less caffeine throughout the day.

Matcha is really good for you A lot of research has been done on both matcha and green tea (remember that matcha is a much more potent form of green tea).

• Matcha can help with anxiety thanks to its high L-Theanine content. Matcha has been referred to as ‘Nature’s Xanax’. L-Theanine increases dopamine and serotonin production in the brain and enhances alpha brain wave activity, which helps you stay relaxed and lifts your mood.

• Matcha is high in catechin, which can help with lowering cholesterol and weight management.

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• The incredibly high antioxidant count in matcha helps keep your cells healthy, meaning they can better defend against free radicals and even cancerous cells .…It’s also incredible for your skin.

You heard that correctly, you don’t need to drink matcha to enjoy some of its benefits.

There’s a reason why more and more beauty products are creating matcha-based masks – it’s great for your skin!

Matcha contains rutin, polyphenols and vitamins A, B- complex, C, E and K. Some of these are powerful antioxidants and research has discovered great benefits that can help you nourish your skin. Being high in vitamin K, a vitamin that helps improve blood circulation, a matcha face mask can fight against puffiness and inflammation.

Another great compound in matcha for your skin is EGCG (epigallocatechin-3gallate). It has excellent antibacterial and antibiotic properties that can help acne prone skin. Aside from helping with blemishes and acne, EGCG promotes smoother and more supple skin.

Even if all you have at home is matcha, you can still make a quick face mask that’ll leave your face glowing. Simply mix 2tsp of matcha and a little hot water (1:1 ratio). Seriously, that’s it! Whisk until it’s a smooth paste, apply to your face, wait 10-15 minutes and rinse it off once it is completely dry. www.lancmag.com

Say goodbye to coffee breath! f you’ve ever been around somebody who doesn’t like coffee, you might have seen them back off when you talk to them.

Or maybe you’re that person. In any case, you’re probably familiar with coffee breath.

There aren’t many things worse than that in the office. Let’s not forget that coffee isn’t great for those pearly whites, either, as it stains your teeth.

Matcha, on the other hand, contains catechins and doesn’t stain your teeth.

Catechins help to keep your mouth clean and healthy, fighting against the bacteria responsible for bad breath.

What does matcha taste like?

The flavour of matcha is unique and unlike anything else, so it can take a few cups to really understand what’s going on. The sensation is comparable to when you eat the first square of dark chocolate or take your first sip of wine. Unlike regular green tea which often tastes bitter, matcha has a complex, well-balanced flavour.

The taste of matcha can also be affected by how you take it. Like coffee, you can drink it without milk. In fact, this is the traditional way and is usually recommended if you buy the highest quality. If you’re not crazy about matcha on its own (not everybody likes black tea or coffee, either), you can make a delicious latte. The milk adds a little extra sweetness and makes the matcha taste milder.

Add ice for a refreshing caffeine hit or jazz it up with extras such as vanilla, cinnamon and honey to take your latte game to the next level. Experiment until you find your perfect cup of matcha! www.lancmag.com

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So, should you switch?

While both drinks are great sources of natural energy, that’s where the similarities end. When you drink matcha, your body absorbs the caffeine in a way that prevents a lot of the side effects you get from drinking coffee.

You don’t just avoid the negative side effects, you get a lot of positive ones, too! Better mood, increased energy, improved focus and a sense of calm. Buddhist monks have been drinking matcha tea for centuries for this very reason – they are able to remain relaxed, energised and alert without the intensity of other caffeinated drinks.

If you’d like to give matcha a try or you want to learn more about it, visit ensomatcha.co.uk Get 10% off your first order when you sign up to our newsletter Follow us on Instagram @ensomatcha and share your matcha experiences with us!

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How to prevent muscle loss at any age As we get older, we have enough to contend with changes in our body but loss of muscle and strength, can have a massive impact on our life.

During the Lockdown we have all been confined to our homes, no gyms open, no social family and friend gatherings, unable to work or furloughed, so our daily exercise has been limited. The good news is with some simple diet and lifestyle changes, muscle loss can be prevented and rectified.

The best food to help build muscle Without taking steps to prevent muscle loss, it can hinder your ability to move, recover from illness and ultimately lead a healthy and active lifestyle. The good news is with some simple diet and lifestyle changes it can be prevented.

Eat protein-rich foods, such as eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, dairy, beans and legumes. Or consider adding a whey protein shake into your diet. One of the major reasons adults are affected by a decline in muscle mass is they’re not eating enough calories, protein and amino acids. Amino acids is what the muscle uses to build itself.

Protein is best consumed throughout the day and you should aim for a daily allowance of 90 to 100 grams.

Exercise Unfortunately due to closure, we have not been able to hit the gym. Cardiovascular exercise and weight training are crucial, because they consistently activate and signal the muscles to grow. Walking is a very good exercise. It probably tones more muscles than most activities. Try walking around the garden, jogging on the spot, walking up the stairs, try to keep active. Aim for 30 minutes a day.

This will help build muscle and improve strength gradually.

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Sleep After exercise, your body needs time to regenerate itself, this happens when you sleep, try to get seven to nine hours each night.

Don’t cut carbohydrates If you do not eat carbohydrates, you will lack energy and it will make you weak. Instead of white, refined grains, which lack vitamins and fibre, aim to get 6 – 11 servings of whole grains, sweet potatoes, beans, legumes and fruit. What’s more, studies suggest eating a combination of protein and carbohydrates before and after exercise can help build muscle.

Get enough vitamin d A lack of vitamin D can impact your body’s ability to build muscle. Age itself can predispose you to a lack of vitamin D, but if you have darker skin, avoid sun or obese, you’re at risk too.

Make sure to get vitamin D through milk, orange juice, cereals, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, beef, liver or egg yolks or you can take supplements.

Limit your alcohol intake Drinking alcohol can make you dehydrated, which can affect muscle function. So ensure you have 2 litres of water a day to keep you hydrated.

Women should limit their alcohol consumption to one glass per day and men should limit it to two.

Ensure you take care of yourself and keep yourself active. www.lancmag.com

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Cycle to Work Whether you currently work from home or commute to work, getting out on your bike during the working day can help you to maintain a healthy weight and keep your heart healthy.

Adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes a week of moderateintensity aerobic physical activity (e.g. brisk walking or cycling), or 75 minutes a week of vigorousintensity aerobic physical activity (e.g. running or playing football).

Adding in some cycling during the working week could get you nearer to meeting this goal.

This week’s tip is all about how to start cycling to and from work, or how to incorporate cycling into your working day if you work from home.

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip,

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

Finding an affordable bike If you don’t own a bike, but would like to buy one, you may be able to get some financial support from your employer through the cycle to work scheme. Speak to your employer to find out whether they offer this scheme. Alternatively, you can pick up a second-hand bike online or from a bike shop, often for a very reasonable price.

Start small If you don’t yet feel confident or fit enough for a long bike ride, why not start small by going on some shorter bike rides with friends or family. This can increase your confidence and fitness before you tackle a longer route.

Practice your route: It may be a good idea to practice your pre-work bike ride so you know how long it will take, ensuring you are not going to be late for work.

You should allow some extra time to allow for any repairs that may be needed along the way, such as a puncture repair.

Freshening up after your pre-work cycle Check whether your workplace provides shower facilities so you can freshen up after pedalling hard! If you can shower at work, keep toiletries, such as shower gel and shampoo at work, so you don’t have to carry them in each day.

online. Check the weather forecast before setting off on your bike and make sure you have waterproofs if needed.

Fluid is key To be able to perform well at work, you need to stay well hydrated. Avoid becoming dehydrated before the start of your working day by taking a bottle of water on your bike ride. Remember to refill your water bottle if you are cycling home at the end of the day.

Stay safe To stay safe when cycling, you should always wear a helmet and have some decent lights.

You can check out some more safety tips from Cycling UK: https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/ cycling-guide/top-ten-tips-for-cycling-in-traffic For more healthy tips, recipes and advice, please visit heartresearch.org.uk.

Prepare for the worst Carry a puncture repair kit and tools to fix your bike if needed. Try to learn how to do some basic bicycle maintenance by searching for support www.lancmag.com

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Fitness Fanatics

by Stephen Roberts

N

ow, I had one of those free personal health checks a while back (the preventive healthcare NHS Health Check). Have you ever had one of those? I’m pleased to report that the nurse (bless her) told me that I was one of the finest specimens of the adult male (‘maleus adultus’ in Latin) that she’d ever had the pleasure of examining.

This startling conclusion was partly predicated on the fact that I was able to skip the alcohol questionnaire, having not imbibed for over 30 years. I used to have the occasional drink you see, but, having never really found an alcoholic beverage I actually liked, it was relatively easy to embrace a life of coffee, tea, Cadbury’s hot chocolate and Robinson’s squash (oh, plus water, Mrs Steve always tells me to glug lots of water).

I think another factor in my stepping up on to the winner’s podium was the fact that I’ve never smoked, so what with no drink and no tobacco my internal organ bits are all pretty much ‘tickety-boo’. The only downside of my time with the nurse was when she decided to measure my height and concluded that I was five foot nine inches. Having always believed, and furthermore told others, that I was five ten, this came as a mortal blow.

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Left: ‘Thank you NHS’ was the sentiment of many during the first wave of Coronavirus during 2020. Now we need to find a longer-lasting way of showing our gratitude (author – Nathan Wyburn, source – Own work).

It’s not nice for any man to find he’s lost an inch just like that, and the temptation was to do a ‘Mr Selfridge’ and buy lifts for my shoes to make me look five ten again (it’s precisely what the retail entrepreneur did to overcome a perceived lack of height). Perhaps he’d had a health check too.

Where am I going with all this? Well, the nation’s health has become a subject of much debate, and angst, over recent years, but particularly this year, in the light of the Coronavirus epidemic. The science that informs about the virus has been refined and further refined as our understanding of it increases, but one conclusion that we seem agreed on now is that, age notwithstanding, those who are in better health fare better should they www.lancmag.com

Above: The NHS, the start of it all. The Minister of Health, Nye Bevan, on the first day of the NHS, 5th July 1948, visits Park Hospital, Davyhulme, near Manchester (author – University of Liverpool Faculty of Health & Life Sciences).

What do we mean by ‘better health’?

be unfortunate enough to test positive for Covid-19. What do we mean by ‘better health’?

Some of the things that have been mentioned that we have some control over would include: Not being overweight (and certainly not obese); not smoking; and getting regular exercise.

There’s an interesting debate here about getting fitter and taking greater care of ourselves, and looking after our own health more, in line with what the UK Government, and the NHS, is telling us. Of course, we have come to rely on the NHS, that marvellous institution, which came into being in July 1948, and which, thus far, has been able to provide healthcare, free at the point of delivery, in spite of a growing, ageing, and increasingly unhealthy population, regular budget crises, LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 125

and questions being posed re. Central Government’s ability to continue funding the NHS as a ‘free at the point of delivery’ service.

We’ve all grown accustomed to the NHS being there, a monolithic responder to all our health problems, a bail-out when we need it, but how practical is this going forward?

Most of us clapped for our NHS during our Covid crisis (and rightly so), but should we be doing more than clapping?

The indebtedness of the UK Government was somewhere around £1.8 trillion before Coronavirus hit, and with the furlough scheme and all the various bits of assistance that have been provided, this figure must now be north of £2 trillion. It’s an eye-watering amount, and, of course, there have been gloomy predictions about the state of the economy, the National Debt, rising taxes to pay for all this, and so forth. We have to look at the NHS’s future in this context too. Funding it is not going to be easy, so reduced demand would help it. This is where a great many of us can help in future.

I know only too well that, through little or no fault of their own, people will have to avail themselves of the NHS’s care and expertise.

My beloved wife has suffered more than her fair share of catastrophic falls and has broken both wrists and her pelvis in the past. The NHS sorted her out every time. The joke at the time, a tongue-in-cheek one, was that she had an

NHS Loyalty Card. For myself, I managed to avoid any surgery until my 63rd year, and when the moment came, I was able to pay for my own treatment, an option that will certainly not be available to many. I am lucky that I can do that, and I went ahead without hesitation, not because I wanted, or needed, to jump queues, but because I wanted to save the NHS both the time and money. Prevention is better than cure though. It’s an old adage, but it’s so true. As I’ve confirmed, from personal experience, ‘stuff’ happens, that we have little or no control over, but then there’s everything else that most of us can influence. Where do we start?

Above: Clapping for carers, April 2020. Clapping for NHS & care staff, and front-line workers, was certainly wellintentioned and no doubt appreciated in its show of support, but NHS staff made it clear that they also wanted citizens to follow the coronavirus lockdown rules in the short-term and take greater care of themselves in the longer-term to ease the pressure on them (author – Clint Budd, source – www.flickr.com).

The great outdoors – cycling

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One of the few benefits of the Coronavirus epidemic was that we did start exercising more.

When non-essential journeys were banned, we were left for a while with one form of outdoor exercise a day, which was later extended to unlimited exercise outdoors. How we embraced that. With gyms closed, we had to get our kicks in the great British outdoors, and how we loved it. With fewer ‘planes, trains and automobiles’ about, there was less pollution too, so not only were we enjoying fresh air, it really was fresh air, and the nature we were conjoining with was enjoying it too.

I’ll be honest, I’ve never been one for gyms, but everyone to his or her own, and exercise is exercise. For me, it has always been regular walking, or ambulation. BC (‘Before Coronavirus’) I used to walk to my local papershop every morning, a round trek, including numerous interesting bendy bits, of about 1½ miles. Taking the Government’s edict on board that I should only be going out for ‘essentials’ and then as infrequently as possible, I opted to have my papers delivered, but continued my daily plod, now in the evenings, when the pavements were quiet. The numerate among you will have correctly surmised that 1½ miles per day equates to a handy 10½ miles a week. O.k. I’m no elite athlete, I was never an Olympian, but it’s not bad, and it’s helped to keep me slim. My 5 9 (minus that precious inch)

is packed into slightly less than ten stone. I’m a svelte silver fox. I smugly contrast my fortunes with that of my neighbour across the road (to protect the guilty he’ll be known as ‘CarMan’). I’ve surmised that he drinks a ‘bit’ (I’ve sometimes had to put out his glass recycling) and I’ve seen him return from said paper-shop with fags. He’s also a ‘bit’ overweight and never gets any exercise. When I’m plodding the pavements, he will often pass me in his car, driving the same distance. Oops. I doubt that he would ever embrace a free personal health check, which is a pity (prevention being better than cure).

Below: ‘Car-Man’ getting frustrated in another of those BC (‘Before Coronavirus’) bits of traffic gridlock. Best leave the car at home perhaps (author – Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engineer, source – Own work).

I mentioned gyms (not my thing), however, Mrs Steve and I did sign-up for an online personal trainer during lockdown, so there we were, in stockinged feet, in our living room, engaging in squats, arcing movements, twists and turns, thrusts and lunges, with the odd bit of shadow boxing thrown in too (which worked for me: I just imagined it was my friend ‘Car Man’). I’d never really thought about having a personal trainer before, considering it unnecessary, however, I actually found myself quite enjoying the regular activity, adrenaline rush and even the cheerful, admittedly virtual, company. Why is it that personal trainers are always so upbeat?

I hope this doesn’t sound too much like preaching my dear readers. The premise is sound enough though – take responsibility.

I’m also the chef in our household so can make sure we enjoy a balanced diet. Now, we’re not perfect (show me the person who is) and both Mrs Steve & I have sweet teeth, but my definition of a balanced diet is still not ‘a cake in each hand’. For some people making use of the Chancellor’s well-intentioned ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, it does appear to be ‘a burger in www.lancmag.com

Left: Fresh vegetables, looking good enough to eat. Leafy green, cruciferous and other veg can contribute to a healthy, balanced diet (author – Jasper Greek Golangco, source – www.sxc.hu).

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Above: A dog taking its owner for a walk (author – ‘Amin’, source – Own work).

each hand’. Oops again. We’re lucky, as we have a garden, so our balanced diet includes fruit and veg from our own plot, an option which I appreciate is not available to many.

We can all try to eat more healthily though.

All this doesn’t necessarily have to involve major changes to our lives. We’ve picked up some new, or possibly born-again, words and phrases, like the dreaded ‘management speak’ of the office, during 2020 (lockdown, furlough, ‘new normal’, ‘ZOOM’, ‘covidiot’, ‘WFH’ (working from home), ‘Barnard Castle’ etc), but perhaps we should add to it, ‘biohacking’ or ‘body hacking’, which equates to making small, incremental changes to one’s health and well-being, but hopefully reaping large benefits in the long-term because of the attendant improvements. Rather than waiting for health professionals to have to sort you on (a reactive approach if ever there was) this is a do-it-yourself mantra which is highly proactive.I’m sure you would be pleased with the results: equally importantly, so would our precious NHS. 128

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TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY - taken from Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) guidance Stop smoking. Sorry, but there are no if’s and no buts with that one.

Take regular exercise if possible, ideally a brisk walk, cycle or jog.

As strengthening & balancing exercises are also helpful, consider a regular fitness routine.

Maintain a good, balanced diet and try taking smaller portions.

Look after your mental health too, so try and ensure a good night’s sleep.

If you can’t give up alcohol, at least have some alcohol-free days, or a ‘dry January’. www.lancmag.com

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Hi, I’m Paul...

...from PT Health Coaching, a personal health coaching business, based in Darwen in Lancashire. Health coaching isn’t just the traditional personal training. It is personalised approach to all aspects of an individual’s health and wellbeing. Whether you have health goals, such as losing weight or performance goals, such as to run a marathon in a certain time, this is the place to come.

With over 15 years’ experience in this field of work, our knowledge and expertise have helped hundreds of people change their lives for the better. We differ from our competition because we offer a holistic approach to health and wellbeing meaning we assess everything from someone’s activity levels and eating habits, to their sleep and stress levels. We understand that life can sometimes get the better of you and that commitments to work, family and other responsibilities means that you become a lower a priority. Our sessions are about helping you to regain control of your life, to focus on you, which means you can be a better you for others and will ensure you thrive, not just survive.

After the assessment is conducted, a plan will be devised together with the client to improve those areas of need and help them achieve their goals. Clients report overwhelmingly that it is the emotional and motivational support throughout the programme, that is the key factor that enables them to succeed.

I, personally, have been working in the health, fitness and wellbeing industry since graduation from University with a Sports and Exercise Science degree. Since then I have worked in private and public gyms, in occupational therapy at a psychiatric hospital and as a health coach and PHE funded wellbeing service manager. In every industry I have worked, I have found myself working my way up the managerial ladder, however, that’s not where my passion is.

My passion lies in helping others improve their own health and wellbeing and reach their goals. Since starting the business three years ago, seeing my clients succeed has been extremely rewarding and far outweighs anything I have previously achieved in my career.

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Almost two-thirds of the population are overweight or obese with some parts of Lancashire having a 10 year lower life expectancy to some of the more affluent areas of England.

I believe that everybody has the ability to improve their health and wellbeing. Many of the illnesses and diseases that we are experiencing today can are preventable and the symptoms can be improved by making some positive lifestyle changes.

Getting a good night’s sleep improves your immunity to by 28% There is emerging evidence that the global pandemic (COVID-19) has had a detrimental impact on our physical and mental health. Aside from the obvious impact on our physical health of catching the virus itself, reports show that there has been a massive increase in alcohol sales (over 30% increase) and 69% of the population have felt worried about the impact it is having on our lives. Alcohol has a detrimental impact on our immunity, as does worry (stress).

By controlling aspects of our lives we can increase our immunity to the virus and even be better able to fight it off if we do catch it. Eating well, regular exercise, reducing stress and getting a good night’s sleep are all contributing factors in this.

Client story: Wayne Wayne was a 25 stone Dad to a young son, who admitted that he no longer wanted to be the size he was. His reason for change was a powerful one, he wanted to be the best role model he could be to his son. Wayne and I began by assessing his current health and wellbeing via a series of body composition tests, measurements and questionnaires.

Based on those results we devised a plan to help him, not only lose weight, but to improve his fitness levels. Over the last two years, Wayne has lost an amazing 6 stones and 11lbs. Not only that he has completed a series of physical challenges, that he could previously only dream of doing: the Mighty Hikes 26 mile hike for a charity close to his heart, running a 10k race and winning his bout in a white collar boxing competition. For his wedding he wore a 22” collared shirt, he now wears an 18”. He said the ability to walk into a shop and buy clothes now, is a great feeling. He has also now come off prescription medication for his chronic ankle pain thanks to the changes he has made. Here is what Wayne had to say: “Paul offers something different to your stereotypical personal trainer. It’s the combination of physical, nutritional and psychological training that has helped me succeed. I have got just as much from our sessions where we had good coaching conversations than I have from the physical training sessions. I still have a long way to go, but my mind is firmly on the target thanks to Paul’s support.” www.lancmag.com

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Client story: Amy

On the other end of the spectrum, I work with clients whose main objective is to succeed in their chosen athletic field. Amy is a keen ultrarunner, fell runner, rock climber and all-round outdoor exercise lover.

Amy always did well in the races she took part in, but she wanted to take that extra leap onto the podium places. Here’s what she had to say: “My sessions with Paul have been a great eye opener into how small changes to diet and training can make a massive difference in performance. I initially met with him to discuss nutrition for long ultra-running events, and his knowledge on the power of food as endurance fuel

is amazing. The changes he suggested were easy to introduce, and soon had me feeling great, eating loads better and feeling much more energetic.

After this initial success, he has helped me make some changes to my training plan too and I’m currently reaping the benefits, having managed to secure a number of podium finishes in races this season, including first lady at the Gorce Ultra Trail 102km race, in Poland!”

Client story: Mark Mark is a busy Dad and husband, in a teaching role which requires long days at work. He had got into a rut and wanted to make some changes to his situation.

Mark explains more here: “I heard about Paul through a work colleague and had heard good things about him. My weight had been steadily increasing over a number of years (although I’ve never been slim), my lifestyle was poor, and my lack of sleep was something I needed to address. Paul was amazing in supporting the changes I wanted to make. Even from our initial consultation, I felt at ease with Paul. He has encouraged me not judged me when I have slipped, opened my eyes to aspects of my health I had never considered previously and has generally been huge motivational figure. In 7 months, I have lost nearly 5 stone in weight!

My sleep is without a doubt the best it has ever been!

Paul’s holistic approach to supporting me has helped me tap into my growth mindset. When I started, I said I wanted to be ‘fit’. Now I want to be fitter and will strive to improve it. To sum up, I am a healthier and happier 132

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person because of our work together. Thank you for your support, Paul – you have been a game changer for me and I can’t recommend you highly enough!”

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Our work has also helped people manage their long term health condition’s whilst improving their health and athletic performance…

Client story: Claire “I have worked with PT Health Coaching now for nearly 2 years. During this time, I have seen proven physical results from the various training sessions we have done. I was a healthy BMI anyway, but my body composition has changed dramatically: I have lost 13.5 inches of fat, gained muscle and lost 12.5 pounds in total body weight. Overall I feel much fitter and healthier and this is down to the work of Paul. He actively listens to what my goals are, what motivates me, he understands my lifestyle and has quickly learnt about my long-term illness (Ulcerative Colitis) and how this impacts on my life and my training.

Paul is reliable, knowledgeable and honest in everything that he does. He knows when to motivate me and when to support me. Not only does Paul consider my physical training needs but he also provides information and techniques to manage my stress/anxiety levels and my levels of fatigue caused by my illness - it truly is a holistic service that is offered” The first few years have seen the company reach the finals of the Lancashire Business Sub 36 Awards 2019 and the Bolton Health and Wellbeing Awards 2020. It’s been a very humbling experience to have been nominated for these awards so early on in the business, but is really nice to be recognised in the field.

Here are my top tips to help you thrive Eat well: Balance is the key. Treats once or twice a week, the rest of the time, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables with your meals, choose complex carbohydrates rather than white, refined ones and cut your sugar out as much as possible.

Drink water: At least 2 litres, but try to aim for 3. Our bodies are made up of 50-65% water. We need it to function effectively.

Exercise: Complete some sort of physical activity every day. Try to aim for at least 45 mins to 1 hour. It improves your energy levels, increases your immunity, improves your mental health and makes you physically fitter and stronger.

Sleep: Focus on getting a goodnight’s sleep. Switch devices off an hour before bed, have a warm bath or shower and do something relaxing before bed e.g. reading / listening to music. Aim for 8 hours. Sleep is your body’s chance to repair and regrow.

Do you think you would benefit from some extra support? Are you tired of feeling run down and rubbish? Are you ready to change your life for the better? Why not get in touch for a free consultation?

Manage your stress: Chronic stress leads to inflammation, which leads to illness and disease. Meditation, good quality sleep, exercise and time doing something creative or fun are proven ways to reduce stress and improve your mood.

Tel: 07495 892987 Email: paul@pthealthcoaching.com Web: www.pthealthcoaching.com

www.lancmag.com

Paul

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Meet the critic!

As a new series for the Lancashire and North West Magazine, 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 each edition as he quite literally eats his way through the North West!

The Inn at Whitewell

W

hilst enjoying the wonderfully meandering roads en route to this esteemed Inn, the anticipation in the air was sufficiently intense as to seem almost tangible. After all, the opportunity to dine at an establishment forming part of the Queen’s Duchy of Lancaster Estate is not one that comes around every day. Each corner I turned through the joyous woodland surrounding Whitewell took me ever closer to the restaurant, pub and hotel I had heard such good things about; apparently the fish pie is a thing of legend, and the views from the dining room second to none.

As I turned the final corner and caught a glimpse of the building itself, I could well understand all the hype.

Originally a manor house providing residence to the Keepers of the Royal Forest in the 1300s, converted into a resting place for weary travellers during the 1700s, this is a building that simply oozes charm – and does so in abundance.

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As my dining partner and I sauntered towards the impressive entrance, a right royal reception awaited us – with obliging staff, smouldering fire and just the right amount of that special extra something, that lets you know you are truly in for a treat.

with obliging staff, smouldering fire and just the right amount of that special extra something, that lets you know you are truly in for a treat

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We were taken into an area named The Orangery – a light and airy dining room with the most stunning views of the River Hodder and sprawling countryside beyond. A relatively small but perfectly formed daily menu was brought by a bubbly and engaging waitress, whilst our drinks choices were taken by the quietly assured sommelier. The beverages of choice – a lightly sparkling spring water sourced from a site of special scientific interest in Shropshire, and to my great delight, what proved to be a truly exquisite bottle of white Sancerre.

After a leisurely perusal of the menu I opted for a confit duck leg to start, followed by a main of lamb shoulder; www.lancmag.com

my partner in crime feeling somewhat more dietetically virtuous than me going for potted crab before a seared salmon main.

Whilst awaiting the much anticipated starters, I was able to enjoy my first taste of that lovely bottle of Sancerre – a fine offering from the beautiful Loire Valley, offering all the gooseberry and peach aromatics one would expect, along with the characteristic bone dry crispness – together epitomising the quality wines of this celebrated region of France.

Before I had chance to enjoy the wine too much, the starters arrived – pretty as a picture on their crisp white oversized crockery – simply begging to be devoured. The duck, I have to say, was exemplary. The subtle flavours from the new potato and spinach mash contrasting perfectly with the sharp and vibrant niçoise – together pushing and pulling at every mouthful of the indulgent confit Goosnargh duck leg.

The potted Cornish crab I am led to believe was similarly accomplished – with a thick layer of avocado puree

coating the almost crimson coloured crab meat – matched with a cucumber pickle and toasted croutes. With this quality of food, it is easy to understand Head Chef Jamie Cadman’s culinary philosophy – to use only the best local ingredients, cook them simply and let the quality shine through. Now in his 22nd year at the Inn, Jamie is living proof that practice does indeed make perfect.

After the starters were cleared, you could be forgiven for losing yourself in the views from The Orangery – the majestic River Hodder directly below, teeming with life and vibrancy. In the mid-ground an idyllic dairy heard grazing contentedly alongside a handful of well kempt sheep, and in the distance the outline of the imposing Fair Snape Fell.

My wondering mind however was swiftly focussed when the waiting staff delivered the headlining act – our main courses. My buddy’s salmon was thick and cooked to perfection. The garlic butter king prawns large and sumptuous. All artistically arranged on a voluptuous bed of creamed leeks, baby carrots and waxy new potatoes.

My shoulder of lamb, sourced from the Burholme Farm just minutes away from the restaurant was everything one could possibly hope for. Each forkful melted in the mouth with the sweet addition of roast garlic mash, pea puree and a red wine jus.

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This was definitely the result of some high-class sourcing and some very astute and sensitive cooking.

This sensitivity, whilst obvious in the cooking at the Inn at Whitewell, was similarly clear in the way the building has been made fit for the needs of the 21st century. Everything about it screams class, but not in a brash and in-your-face way, but rather a quietly dignified, stately manner. Everything from the on-site wine shop, the well stocked bar (with no less than three real ales – Landlord, Blonde Witch and Wainrights) even to the décor in the toilets, has been done so well.

As lunch was drawing to an end, I just about managed to find room for pudding, which left me well and truly contented. I chose a superb loosely set crème brulee which arrived with two chunks of delicious homemade shortbread – not too sweet and a perfect addition to the dish.

I must confess however, I was ever so slightly envious of the sticky toffee pudding served to my counterpart – bathing in butterscotch sauce and beautiful fresh locally sourced cream – a suitably indulgent pudding for such a special meal.

pleasure and indeed privilege of meeting current owner of The Inn at Whitewell, Charles Bowman. Charles proved to be a thoroughly interesting character, who gave generously of his time and knowledge of the Inn, from both his own memories and those of his father and grandfather before him.

Charles exuded and indeed personified all of those characteristics of the Inn I have previously mentioned – its class, its accomplishment, and its commitment to doing things properly. I dare say with Charles at the helm, it will continue to thrive for many years to come.

And with that sadly comes the end of a most memorable lunch – and one which was memorable for all the right reasons. The service, the quality of the produce, and the care and attention offered to the selection, preparation and cooking of each ingredient all comes together in a perfect harmony at Whitewell – and I would encourage each and every one of you to treat yourself to a little piece of it. You won’t be disappointed.

Post-pudding, whilst enjoying a cafetiere of strong black coffee (primarily to muster some energy and motivation to leave the so comfortable and accommodating Inn!) I had the 136

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www.lancmag.com

Summer in a Can: Introducing Sipful Drinks

Summer 2020 is finally upon us and Sipful has launched a brand-new range of premium canned cocktails and wines perfect for enjoying with friends and family at that longawaited garden get-together.

The start-up company aims to meet the rapidly growing demands for premium, naturally sourced canned wines and cocktails following a frustration at the limited market, hoping to match the wealth of options available to craft beer drinkers.

Focused on authenticity and balance for flavour using only natural ingredients, the range includes a Classic Mimosa, Blood Orange Mimosa and Peach Bellini – all made with real fruit, natural flavours and mixed with organic Spanish bubbly wine. The Arien white wine, from La Mancha in central Spain, is also available on its own.

Sipful Real Orange Mimosa (4.5% ABV)

Sipful Real Blood Orange Mimosa (4.5% ABV)

Sipful Real Peach Bellini (4.5% ABV)

Sipful Organic Bubbles (11% ABV)

12x 250ml cans: £35.85

12x 250ml cans: £35.85

12x 250ml cans: £35.85

12x 250ml cans: £41.55

A real classic, the Real Orange Mimosa is 100% real orange juice mixed with the carefully selected crisp bubbly white wine. Crisp and refreshing!

Giving the Classic Mimosa a modern Sipful twist, the Real Blood Orange Mimosa is 100% real blood orange juice mixed with crisp bubbly white wine. Sharp and sweet!

Expertly mixed using the crisp bubbly white wine with 100% natural peach juice.

Sweet and juicy!

Organic, elegant and balanced, this Arien White Wine was carefully selected for its light body, low acidity and subtle flavours. Delicate stone fruit aromas elevated by a gentle carbonation, organic bubbles in a can.

Sipful drinks are currently available in mixed or single-flavour cases from Amazon and the Sipful website. www.lancmag.com

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Our Sharon’s quick recipe’s

Chicken Liver Pate with Marsala

Ingredients 2 tbs Olive Oil 400g Chicken Livers 1 small Onion, peeled and chopped 1 tbs fresh thyme leaves 3 tbs Marsala wine 100b Salted Butter, melted Juice of 1 Clementine 1 tbs Cognac Salt and ground white pepper 138

Method Heat 1 tbs of oil in a medium – sized frying pan over a medium heat and fry the chicken livers for 10 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon.

Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a food processor or blender.

In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and gently fry the onion and thyme for about 3 minutes. Pour in the Marsala wine and let it bubble for 30 seconds, scraping up the lovely brown caramelised bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon – that is where all the flavour is.

Tip the onion mixture, with the pan juices, into the food processor and add in the 100g butter, clementine juice and Cognac. Season with salt and pepper then blend to a smooth paste.

Spoon the mixture into ramekins or one larger dish and pour over the 40g of melted butter. Leave the pate to set in the fridge, covered with cling film, for 3 hours.

Serve with warm crusty bread.

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www.lancmag.com

Pappardelle Pasta with Sausages and Leeks Ingredients 400G of Sausages with herbs 50g Salted Butter 4 Tbs Olive Oil 1 Large Leek, cut in half lengthwise and slice into 1/2cm pieces 100ml Dry White Wine 1 Tbs fresh Thyme 200g of Porcini or Chestnut Mushrooms, sliced 200ml Double Cream 500g of Pappardelle Pasta

Method Remove the meat from the sausages, place in a bowl and set aside.

Over medium heat, melt the butter with the oil in a large frying pan and fry the sausage meat and leek for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat has browned all over. Add the thyme leaves and mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Pour in the wine and cook for a further minute. Pour in the cream, mix everything together and cook for 2 minutes on a low heat. Set aside away from the heat.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent it sticking. For the perfect al dente, cook the pasta 1 minute less than instructed on the packet. Drain and tip back into the same saucepan. Set the pan over a medium heat and pour over the creamy sausage sauce and the parsley. Mix everything together for 20 seconds to allow the flavours to combine beautifully and the sauce to stick to the pasta.

Check the seasoning one more time and serve immediately.

3 Tbs chopped Flat Leaf Parsley www.lancmag.com

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Pear and Banana Sweet Bread Ingredients 140g Salted Butter, plus extra for greasing 150g Soft Brown Sugar 2 Eggs, beaten 2 ripe large Bananas, mashed 2 ripe Pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1cm cubes 100g Pistachio Nuts, roughly chopped 250g Strong White Flour 1 Tbs Baking Powder

Method Preheat the oven to 180 degrees, gas mark 4. Grease a 1kg loaf tin with butter and line the base with baking parchment.

Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl and whisk together until fluffy and pale in colour.

In three stages, pour in the eggs, whisking well after each addition.

Add the bananas, pears and pistachios to the mixture. Sift the flour and baking powder onto the mixture and add the salt. Add the vanilla extract and gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are just combined.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared tin and bake in the middle of the oven for 55 minutes.

Turn the sweet bread out onto a wire rack to cool.

Pinch of Salt 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

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THE KING OF THE TRICKS Jason Rea is a close-up Magician who is already well established and who is hailed by audiences and critics as fast becoming THE best Magician in the UK. Jason has been hired on numerous occasions to perform at a variety of events and provide close-up magic like no other. From making a signed £10 note appear in a lime to having a signed card appear in a sealed bottle, Jason’s magic is quick, visual, highly entertaining and is sure to make any evening even more magical for everyone concerned. The best Magicians have mentored Jason in the business including Paul Daniels. He is a keen creator of Magic ensuring Magicians all over the world are using his effects including television Magicians such as Dynamo. Young, funny and extremely talented in his art, Jason has been voted Magician of the year on two occasions by his peers. From weddings, private parties, corporate events and trade shows, Jason will provide THE best close up magic ever witnessed in real life. No camera tricks, no stooges, what you witness really is Magic!

A first class performer delivering unbelievable entertainment and skill. Don’t miss your chance to make your next event the most memorable occasion.

www.jasonreamagic.com Tel: 07794298604 Email: info@jasonrea.co.uk

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Dalvi’s Restaurant There’s a brand new, fine dining establishment in town, in Poulton-le-Fylde, and it’s handily near the railway station

‘Lancashire’s top chef’. When I wrote about Seema Dalvi for the February 2020 issue of the Lancashire & North West Magazine it was my very great pleasure to headline her as precisely that.

It was quite a story, how a girl from Mumbai (Bombay as was) came to the UK, trained as a teacher, took up cooking and walked off with the prestigious Lancashire Food and Drink Awards ‘Best Chef’ category in 2019. We’d closed that feature with a look forward to Seema’s next ambition which was to open her own restaurant: it’s time for an update.

Reprising that earlier article briefly, we’re talking here about a lady with a rebellious streak, which I can certainly identify with, someone who arranged her own marriage, rather than having one arranged for her, and someone who wanted to marry for love and not caste, a decision that resulted in temporary estrangement from her own family, whilst her husband and inspiration, Krish, 142

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had parents who supported both the marriage and Seema’s ambitions. She also wanted to work, and work in her chosen career (teaching at the time) which caused further familial fissures.

Not to be denied, Seema had moved to the UK and commenced teaching when she also began cookery lessons, something that she’d always hankered after, and again there was an element here of overcoming the naysayers, as Seema’s father dismissed this as a chosen career path, expressing the belief that women only needed to be able to cook in the home: Professional chefs would therefore be men. Best remember though, this is Seema we’re talking about.

The transition from teaching to cooking was not straightforward as Krish and Seema had also become parents, this now being a family of four, so financial hiccoughs couldn’t be entertained.

Cooking personalised food for friends and neighbours was the start and rave feedback encouraged Seema to take it further, as she set up www.lancmag.com

The transition from teaching to cooking was not straightforward

her own business in January 2017, which became ‘Dalvi’s Fine Indian Cuisine’ the following year, a pre-ordered food delivery service, with everything lovingly prepared and cooked from fresh, marinated ingredients. But the next ambition was that restaurant.

In Seema’s story, nothing ever seems totally straightforward, and achieving goals has always been something of a triumph over adversity. The restaurant opening has been no different. A delay in obtaining the relevant planning permission meant the business would not open when hoped (namely the first week in March), then Coronavirus intervened. Further delays ensued as the work fitting out the restaurant took longer as fewer workmen could be on site at any one time due to social distancing requirements. Everything was finally finished in June. There had been a lot of up-front cost, as the building was old and needed much renovation, so the delayed opening really did hurt.

With lockdown easing announced, Dalvi’s Restaurant (Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde) finally opened on 4th July, albeit for takeaways only at that stage, but at least it was a start. Dining in duly followed on 16th July. Of course, it had been planned to open earlier, so this has been a difficult ride for Seema and Krish and is somewhat emblematic of the hard struggle experienced by so many small businesses this year. As far as Seema is concerned, this new venture just has to work as her family’s future is very much bound up in it and for that reason she will put body and soul into it and will work 24/7 if necessary to make it a success. As a small business that had started from home, and due to circumstances beyond its control, hadn’t been able to open in its new guise when Coronavirus struck, it sadly wasn’t eligible for any help from the UK Government, in spite of the many generous schemes that were announced in the wake of the epidemic. Seema has eight staff (including herself), who are shaping up well, and has her children to think of too, so there are a lot of people depending on her. Seema’s still looking for more staff as the business hopefully grows. www.lancmag.com

As well as businesses struggling this year due to Coronavirus there have been many personal tragedies too and Seema and Krish have not been spared, as Krish lost both his parents really close together. As they both lived back in India there was no possibility of going to see them towards the end, which just added to the grief, a sad experience shared by so many this year. The loss of Seema’s mother-in-law has been a particular blow to her, a wise and thoughtful lady who gave her son and daughter-in-law her blessing, without hesitation, when others withheld theirs. She also always wanted Seema to achieve her dream, whatever that might have been, so was supportive of her career choices too. Even though she was not blessed with much money, Seema’s mother-in-law had started trying to save back in India to assist the restaurant’s cause. That unequivocal support definitely helped Krish and Seema to get through to where they are now and making the restaurant a success can be dedicated to the memory of a lady who supported the couple throughout.

I was delighted to hear that Dalvi’s Restaurant was fully booked on the Tuesday and Wednesday of the week that we spoke, and also on the Tuesday and Wednesday of the following week.

‘Normal’ capacity would be 40 diners, but due to COVID-19 that is down to 28 diners at a time, so it was never more important for people to support LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 143

local businesses and new, brave ventures like this. Seema had already built up an outstanding reputation for food and customer service and now has a really good head chef (another lady!) who is producing beautiful, home-cooked food based on Seema’s recipes. As Seema told me, “almost everything here is freshly cooked using quality ingredients – the only thing you’ll find in the freezer is the ice cream!”

The clientele that the business had built up over last three years have gratifyingly stayed loyal and have supported this new venture by booking a table and showing up.

Dalvi’s Restaurant is participating in the Government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, which had just commenced when we spoke and definitely seems to be helping with midweek bookings. It’s an innovative scheme that’s designed to help small businesses like Seema’s so, whatever our political affiliations, should be supported. Seema told me she’s taking the bookings and paying the discounts, but hasn’t yet worked out how to claim the money back, but I’m sure that will come. It’s just another hurdle to negotiate for this determined lady.

What can you expect if you book a table at Dalvi’s? Well, as previously mentioned, the food is all based on Seema’s own recipes. They’re keeping the menu ‘short and sweet’ with three to four starters, a similar number of mains, rice, chapati (proper ones), and desserts. Whereas in some establishments you’ll need to ask which is the hot curry (for example), there’ll be no need here. You can choose any curry you like, specify whether you’d like it spicy, medium etc and leave the rest to Dalvi’s. This means that a couple could have 144

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On 22nd July Seema picked up two more awards: the same curry but with one stronger than the other. The menu will change every two to three weeks and it will reflect Seema’s desire to provide contemporary dining, so you shouldn’t necessarily expect a typical Indian dessert, for example, as you’ll enjoy something with a little bit of a ‘twist’, as contemporary starters and desserts mingle with traditional mains.

On 22nd July Seema picked up two more awards: the Best Catering Businesswoman in North West England; and the Best Authentic Indian Catering Business of the year, again in North West England. Both awards came courtesy of Acquisition International.

There’s a dream being fulfilled in Poulton-le-Fylde – why not get along and share a bit of the magic? People of all ages (the youngest diner so far was aged just two!) have already started doing exactly that. This particular dream is a very inclusive one: everyone is welcome.

Dalvi’s Restaurant 17 Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 7AA. Website – www.dalvis.co.uk E-mail – orders@dalvis.co.uk F Facebook – www.facebook.com/dalvisrestaurant/ Twitter – www.twitter.com/dalvisindian Tel – 07737 924648 Spice boxes, outside catering and cookery lessons also available www.lancmag.com

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European Regional Development Fund

Scary

Spanish Persimon® and Blueberry Porridge Get Halloween off to a scary start with a bowl of this frighteningly good porridge!

Preparation: 10 minutes

3 Spanish persimon®

Cooking: 8 minutes

200g high fibre porridge oats

Serves 4 Suitable for vegetarians

1 litre oat milk or semi-skimmed milk 4tbsp low fat natural yogurt 8 blueberries 4tsp pumpkin seeds or mixed seeds 1 Chop one persimon® into chunks, removing the leafy stem. Puree in a blender. Cut the other persimon® into slices, removing the leafy stems.

2 Put the porridge oats into a saucepan with the milk and pureed persimon®. Heat, stirring constantly, until the porridge boils and thickens. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring.

3 Share the porridge between 4 serving bowls and level the surface. Top with the persimon® slices, yogurt, blueberries and mixed seeds, arranged to look like scary faces. Serve immediately.

Cook’s tip: If you’re vegan or dairy-intolerant, use oat milk or soya milk and a soya yogurt instead of dairy-based.

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www.lancmag.com

A way to make Europe

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Aiming Higher

You can donate to Aiming Higher using the following methods Website | www.aiminghighercharity.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ Just Giving & PayPal | Found on Aiming Higher website

Post | Aiming Higher. 231 – 233 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 3PB. Please ring 01253 206447 further information

Aiming Higher for Disabled Children & their Families is a Blackpool based charity that supports hundreds of local children and their families.

Vitalka Wilson speaking to Aiming Higher’s Development Project Manager Amy Gunniss

The team from Headstart

Development Worker Darren Foy with one of the information boards from the event

Trustee Andrew Wareing with Mayor of Fylde Councillor Angela Jaques and Deputy mayor Richard Redcliffe.

A

providing activities and days out where iming Higher for Disabled families can meet others in similar Children & their Families is a circumstances.

Blackpool based charity that The team recently held a welcome supports hundreds of local children day for other professionals and local and their families. The charity supports businesses to explain more about what families and creates happy memories Aiming offer and how they can forThe children with life limiting and charity are delighted to report that they wereHigher awarded help. The event was well attended and complex conditions. Raising a disabled £3,116.00 from the Lancashire Foundation to support their gave all who visited the chance to see child can be a wonderful experience, project by contributing to the cost of one to one activities the newly refurbished centre and its however it can also be lonely, isolating withoverpowering. children and to engage families that make sensory room. and The friendly and in activities them feel less isolated.

Isolation is reported time and time were the Mayor In attendance professional team at Aiming Higher are again by families when they first get in touch with Aiming of Wyre Councillor Ann Turner always close at hand and able to support Higher and during recent has exacerbated and Mayoress Councillor Andrea the families registered withtimes them,this easing further by lockdown and self-isolation the most Kay; Mayor of Fylde, Councillor them through any anxieties.

The serviceto protect Angela Jaques and Deputy mayor provided varies with each families’ vulnerable members of the family. needs – from supporting families to Richard Redcliffe with the Mayor of attend appointments at school, hospital, Blackpool’s representative Councillor social services, benefits and housing to Kim Critchley, along with the charity’s

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patron Natalie Christopher, trustees John Child, Hilary Ainge, Andrew Wareing, Anthea Dawson, Alison Gilmore and Norry Ascroft as well as professionals from the Blackpool SEND team, Headstart, Portage service, Better Start,Advocacy service, local special schools and more.

Vitalka Wilson, a local resident who is doing a parachute jump for the charity also came along to learn more.

If you’d like to support the charity and reward Vitalka for his bravery you can do so by visiting his justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ vitalka-wilson1

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Aiming Higher arranged 6 weeks worth of Zoom sessions for children with disabilities/additional needs. They focused primarily on children who had no other support, clubs or activities in place. The sessions were to engage our children in fun activities with an online link to Aiming HIgher staff and to their peers.

There were a range of different activities to appeal to the children’s different interests and needs: Week 1 – Pizza Making Week 2 - Sensory Bottles Week 3 – Deco patch dinosaurs and dino digging Week 4 – Dance session with Ribbons Week 5 – Playdough making Week 6 – Baking Session

The Family Support team created ‘activity packs’ with all the ingredients and instructions for the children and young people to do the activity and delivered them directly to the families’ doors each week. The children then engaged in the activity led by the support workers running the zoom session.

Feedback has been great and the children have loved learning how to create new things and spending virtual time with other children.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, a lot of the charity’s usual fundraising activities have had to cease and big events like the annual fundraising ball have been cancelled. Aiming Higher, like lots of charities, are in need of your help to be able to sustain the levels of support families need at this difficult time.

If you are able to help in any way please contact Aiming Higher or make a donation. Thank you.

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

P

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.

Imagine whipping out your smartphone to show someone from the early 1900’s!

Or gooh a step andgadgets! take photos menfurther love their I’m or filmnowhat you see.

What your exception. When Iwould became phone record? a self-employed part time mobile is the storyknobs of a man DJ,There the more levers dialswho and walked near tohardware Bold Street and he programming I could lay my allegeson, as he corner, hands theturned better.aEven by was the time withbest a dead end.

An oldlight wallshow Ifaced had the sound system, that wasn’t there the previous day and all round performance in townhad it suddenly appeared. still was not enough.Like the previous man he said the sky became suddenly Thenprior a small situation emerged that darker to this obstacle being there.

IHe was quite unprepared for.

The bubble even touched the construction and burst.

And all that gadgetry counted for it was solid.

Confused, he headed back nothing. the way he came.

A similar situation Most of the stories occurred centre onmore a recently for everyone.

The period of 1993-1997 apart latest from smart the phones thatnext contained moreThey data may than one in the paragraph. the Apollo 11 mission space craft.

We well be Urban Tales and tall ones at marvelled cleverness.

We could that. But itatis our thought provoking.

But there areloved threeones particular stories I will contact via various apps, centrelive on.stream etc. after all, we could text, seeThis our friends and family wheninwe one allegedly occurred 2006 wanted. when a lad called Sean admitted he shoplifted item and ransped out of Becausean modern living upthe the shop pursued by a Security Guard. As process these modern conveniences Sean us gotthe to option a corner theloved sky went gave to (and see our ones dark) he turned and carried on running because we did everything quicker.

The but when looked heand noticed family carhe that drivesback faster more

O

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economical. “Contact” via laptops, tablets and smart phones. Eat easier or quicker via take out. I would even go as far as the latest hair dryer that sped up the process so more time could be utilised. It all felt to me at the time as if it was building up to a crescendo or crash as the planet was angled on this axis for the first time in 26,000 years.

That some catastrophe was just round his pursuer was nowhere to be seen. the corner. I am an optimist by nature Relieved, he stopped and took in his so there was noEverybody reason to think this way, surroundings. was wearing but I did. clothes from the 1960’s and cars were have always believed in Starting balance. oldI fashioned from this era.

Good, bad. has to worry he Angel, broughtdemon. out hisThere modern mobile been phone, but it displayed always a sacrifice to moveno forward, signal.

Asor heawalked past thelike store be it war naturalback occurrence a he robbed noticederuption. it wasn’t the one tsunami or he volcanic he But entered earlier.

As he looked did the quicker it took to ahead release he could see the modern world. When that free time cause most of us to see he took a look behind him it was still our loved ones? Or was there something the 1960’s. Frightened by his experience else that took up our time? Be it work, he caught a (modern) bus to get away. gym, going out, gaming, in The Security Guard thatsports chasedetc. him fact any external activity we all took asserted that he was only a few pacesfor granted? behind the thief but as he got to that I did the poselad a conundrum in He an earlier corner, had vanished. was edition of by this column. I asked what bemused this.

would happen if the data most of us are addicted to stopped? Dead phones. No signal. Thankfully that did not happen because a lot of industry including the NHS depend on it as well as us. But we never stopped to think! It was just pursuits with push push push!

Something had to happen to stop us in our tracks so we could stop and takeThe stock.

Seetwo what is really important. other stories appear in Some to carry on as to May’s people editionwill andtry a plausible answer iftheit conundrum. was just a blip in going their pursuit But back toofan personal gratification.

The majority earlier point, which is of interaction, of us will appreciate I pondered on this. Ifwhat you we talktook to for granted. nice to someoneAnd frombea long agoone eraanother? and influence them to take a different People who popped in and out of course our to one they historically didSome take, would lives before, stop and talk. will not that have ramifications on the here and want to, that’s fine. now?

Also if you collect The simple delight of an notitem just from seeing the 1950’s, does it travel with you back a loved one but physically hugging one to the present day? is more important than anything. Family is all and we are all one big family.

Treat one another the way you wish to be treated yourself. This unusually is universal law number one. It has taken a pandemic to remind us of its importance.

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BOOKS Our roundup of this months literary delights

Could fictional characters insist their story is not yet over?

Catherine Finch explains why she believes they can.

At the end of 2017, I wrote the final words of my first novel, Walking Apart, satisfied that David and Helen’s thirty-year marriage was back on track – The End. It was time to immerse myself in a new project; a tale of family relationships in the south west of France with fresh characters and a completely different storyline.

Yet at quiet, sometimes unexpected moments, I found the original characters tugging at my sleeve, whispering in my ear refusing to leave me alone. Eventually, my reluctance to continue the story was overcome and when readers added their voices, keen to know what might happen next, the sequel began to take shape.

The couple’s ascent of Black Fell in the Lake District brings the first book to a close. They take in the panorama of lakes and fells, anticipating a happy and secure future together.

The other woman is even in the same walking party and Helen doesn’t seem to mind.

A wedding at the beginning of Walking Alone, the second novel in this series, sets a scene of family unity and contentment. But lies have a nasty habit of resurfacing, and this one breaks open a wound that had never healed. David insists he was merely withholding the truth to limit further damage; his wife believes otherwise and he discovers that whatever his motives, being selective with the facts was a huge miscalculation. As more details emerge and family relationships fall apart, he decides to leave his home in the shadow of Pendle Hill to take a long, lonely walk along the Camino de Santiago.

For readers who enjoyed Walking Apart, set in the fictional village of Fellburn, the continuing narrative of David, Helen and their family will engage and enthral. The backdrop 152

of northern Spain and fascinating detail about the pilgrim trail provide a beautiful setting.

Admittedly, I may never have written a word if I hadn’t left my post as headteacher of Balderstone School, near Blackburn. It was a difficult decision as I loved my job and the community I worked with. During my thirty-three years as a primary school teacher, I was always writing; stories, plays and musicals for the children, who were unfailingly enthusiastic; long, tedious documents for school inspectors, who were less appreciative! A desire to live in France and to follow my twin passions of writing and walking were both great motivators and with my husband keen to spend more time with his vintage tractors, we gave up our careers for the simple life and we are grateful for the time we can spend together and pursue our interests.

A relatively solitary activity, the written word is only that until it finds an audience, and authors need critical feedback. I discovered this in a most surprising place – a neighbouring French village. Parisot was already establishing itself as a cultural centre with French and English inhabitants working together to host events such as

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Festilitt, which attracts authors from all over France and the United Kingdom.

A writing group had recently been formed and it was this circle of nine expats who welcomed a new member into their fold. The Parisot Writing group are a vibrant, diverse and talented bunch. Three members are published authors, others, including myself, have won writing competitions. I was thrilled to be shortlisted in the Bath Short Story Award 2017, my work featuring in their anthology. We encourage each other and share the successes. I couldn’t have written my novel without them.

The publication of a debut novel is an anxious moment. Your characters, who almost become personal friends, finally meet the readers who have waited eagerly for your book. Excellent reviews soon banished my fears and I was delighted that descriptions of the local area moved both Lancashire residents and those unfamiliar with the Ribble Valley. Although Walking Apart is about a relationship, I took the chance through Helen, to portray some truths about the education system.

The local setting, the issues facing the main characters and the portrayal of the challenges faced by primary schools, make the novel quite unique.

It has been described as; ‘A page turner with very believable characters,’ and; ‘a sensitively rendered story of a relationship at a crossroads.’

The use of familiar settings is an important aspect of my writing, so using the Tarn et Garonne in South West France for my second novel was an easy decision. Holding On Letting Go was published in 2018. When Jo accepts an invitation to join Chris on a visit to his family, they are both unsure of what the future holds. During their stay at Andy and Hannah’s farmhouse in the rural village of Castanet, they discover a corner of France steeped in history with a dramatic beauty that charms them both. In the end, it will be the scorching heat, local wine, and the needs of their children that influence the course of events, and letting go, rather than holding on, may eventually prove the best way to shape the future. www.lancmag.com

In my search for a backdrop to the continuing story of David and Helen Richards, I found the ideal place in Spain. With a friend, I walked the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and in March 2019, we reached the famous city. The Camino is an incredible experience offering a challenge to the most experienced of walkers. The breath-taking and diverse landscape and the comradeship along the way are quite unique. I made detailed notes, knowing that this rich and beautiful setting would enhance a future novel.

The characters in Walking Alone experience a Camino very much as I did. Their story reflects the fascination I felt for my fellow walkers, the diverse and fabulous scenery and the warm welcome from the Spanish people.

The Camino was one of the most challenging, uplifting and incredible things I have done in my life. I had the help of a strong pair of legs, a love of the outdoors and a companion whose unfailing determination and excellent company never faltered. Most of the pilgrims described in the book are based on real people. I sincerely hope that they all reached their goal. Those who intend to set out frequently ask for help.

The best advice is to prepare physically, pack a minimum of essentials, leave with an open mind. ‘Just to warn you,’ a friend tells David, in Walking Alone, ‘the Camino will throw up some surprises. What you set out to discover is not always revealed. You may learn something about yourself that you didn’t expect.’

All of the novels are available from Amazon in kindle and paperback format.

The best way to support the author is to order from the Chaffinch Books website: www.chaffinchbooks.co.uk For the increasing number of bookshop enthusiasts, Number 10 in Clitheroe, and Fred Holdsworth’s in Ambleside stock Catherine’s work.

Walking Alone was released on July 8th 2020.

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Annie’s Halloween suggestions Movie marathon

scary movies are a great way to make memories with family and bond with friends.

Setting aside an evening to watch scary movie after scary movie after scary movie is a fun way to connect. If scary isn't for you then creepy or dark comedy is also fitting, I recommend Tim Burton films.

Distanced trick or treat

this idea is easier to pull off if you are close to your neighbours. If everyone leaves sweets outside their houses for trick or treaters to collect before knocking on doors to frighten people then a two meter distance can be maintained while the children still get candy and the chance to show off their costumes!

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Mask Party

this is efficient for parties with children - masks are common in children's costumes - monsters, witches, vampires etc. but they are also. Efficient face coverings which allow children to interact in closer proximity and also prevent spreading germs due to masks.

Also children are more likely to wear a mask as part of a costume than a mouth and nose covering. Homemade masks are also a creative activity to do with your kids before halloween!

Zoom Party

many of us have found use in video - calling apps during lockdown and even though restrictions are, well, less restrictive now, we still have to stay safe especially if we or our loved ones are in the 'at risk' or 'vulnerable' category.

A safe way to spend the holiday with friends and family is to call them.

Games and quizzes can be played, catching up can be done and music can be played and danced to. Just like a real life party.

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For Flick’s sake support our appeal

An appeal to raise funds to protect the North West’s only stronghold for red squirrels has reached its first target.

Flick is fed by Rachel

F

unding for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust Red Squirrel Project had stalled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Kind-hearted supporters have, so far, raised £2,000 in a Just Giving Appeal to help to keep the project running and officers in jobs until they can apply for support next year.

And Flick, an orphaned red squirrel has now joined the campaign to help the project, which may not be around to protect kittens like her in the future.

Red Squirrel Project Officer Rachel Cripps said: “Flick was about five-weeks-old when she was found in a garden in Hightown in early August. She was physically fine but was a bit dehydrated.

“She is developing really quickly and is now ready to go into the large indoor cage. She will go into the outdoor release pen at the end of August or the beginning of September. She will spend a couple of weeks before we open the door to freedom.”

Wildlife Trust Campaigns Manager Alan Wright said: “Every year we get up to a dozen orphaned red squirrels in and around their Formby stronghold. Our team care for them until they are ready to be released back into the wild.

“Without Rachel and her team these young squirrels would not survive and that is a heartbreaking thought.”

The Red Squirrel Project is more than just orphaned squirrels, it creates prefect habitats for our native squirrel and monitors their numbers to ensure they are healthy.

Without their work the red squirrel population would not have survived in the North West.

There are positive signs that the population is recovering from the most recent outbreak of squirrel pox in 2018-2019, but the critical work continues.

Rachel said: “Sadly, the project will come to an end in September if we can’t find enough funds to continue.

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This would be devastating news for our officers and local volunteers who have worked so hard to protect the reds. It would be another tragic consequence of the pandemic if we lost our red squirrels.”

Together with volunteers and communities, the work of The Wildlife Trust has seen the population recover and flourish after the worst outbreak in 2008.

The project is confident of applying for funds next year but, as with all charities at the moment, funding is hard to access.

Alan said: “This project is protecting a creature that was once common in every area of the North West, now it is limited to a small pocket of Merseyside and West Lancashire.

It is vital that its work continues and the red squirrel begins to increase in numbers again.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has donated to the appeal already but we need more to get us through this difficult period. It also helps to show that there is such a great deal of support for our native red squirrels in the local area.

“Flick is just one of many beautiful squirrels living safely in our Merseyside woodlands. We want her and all her family and friends to flourish.”

The stronghold is the most southerly outpost for red squirrels in England. The squirrels have been seen in western areas of Lancashire and Greater Manchester in recent years as numbers have increased. Red squirrels were common across the whole of the UK a century ago, now they are confined to the North and Scotland.

The Wildlife Trust was in the process of securing funds for the project, however the progress has now been delayed by at least 12 months. Existing funding ends in just under a months’ time. www.lancmag.com

Flick hand pose People can donate to help support the Trust in continuing its work to safeguard our population of red squirrels at www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/lancswt/savereds .

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 27,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call 01948 820728 or go to cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

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

I

t’s astonishing how unfailingly what you don’t want arrives swiftly, seamlessly and in spades, while what you do eludes like gold dust.

I remarked as much to Alexa, who replied that she was having difficulty connecting to the internet at the moment, so if I just went to her ap..

Told her what she could do with that one given the time I’d had with technology lately – which I definitely hadn’t wanted: And as though it weren’t enough for my I-phone daily to turn my dictated texts into a cross between the Goons’ and Monty Python’s maddest bits.

It had started with a flashing green light on my landline. This wasn’t the answering machine, or anything else I could think of, so seemingly didn’t ought to be there. Moreover, while I might never have spotted it myself, my mum saw it straightaway on coming to drop off my fortnightly shop, swore it hadn’t been there last time, and, doing mysteries and being beaten like trainspotting in Siberia, promptly got out the instruction manual and prepared to read it till she’d found a solution. Five hours later, this happy event seemed to have been arrived at. However, while we were still celebrating, the flashing started up again with renewed vigour, and this time, our attempts to extinguish it succeeded only in knocking off the answering machine, and reconfiguring the DVD player. Like you do.

I was still marvelling at how such phantom flashing could dominate a day when I spotted a text from an unknown number announcing that equipment, hopefully to enable me to work from home, would be arriving tomorrow.

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Which all but gave me a litter of kittens as I’d not heard the text arrive, (two hours ago apparently), it was only by chance I’d seen it now, and what if I hadn’t.

As it was, my preoccupation with not missing the delivery next day was such that by the time I hadn’t, I HAD acquired 14 emails from my manager, 12 voicemails from the sender, and a whole bunch of carrier pigeons from goodness knows where by way of unlikely chimney pot adornments.

Hastily explained to one and all how my fear of not hearing the doorbell and thus having my packages whisked off into the great blue yonder again meant that, from sparrow fart to the present time I’d done nothing but sit crosslegged with ears straining – sorry and all that. The equipment-sender for one not only professed himself satisfied with this but asked if I could continue texting him as he’d never had such a good laugh. Oh well.

Which just left the setting up of the new equipment. However, it was settled that my parents would come down the following Tuesday, and do any setting up I couldn’t, aided and abetted by some unknown guy on the other end of the phone.

Meanwhile, I’d just set up the new BT hub I’d apparently desperately needed.

Yeah right.

Twenty-four hours later, it seemed clear that someone else must have done this for me previously as I hadn’t the first idea how to connect my computer to the new Wi-Fi. Twenty-four hours after that, I’d cracked this, but not without an almighty palaver. First I’d had to

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establish from a friend what I was looking for on my computer, though there proved to be a difference between her view of a computer screen and that of my screen-reading technology, which accounted for a fair deal of time. Finally however, I found the information I needed, and duly brought up the password I’d earlier copied down on my phone, only to realize that the said phone didn’t differentiate between upper and lower case letters, ultimately meaning I had to text the password to my friend so she could phone me back and tell me which letters were capitals and which not.

What a ludicrous operation.

Finally, the day before the equipment setting up, I found that the I-phone on which the technician was to phone us had gone blank. This wouldn’t have mattered as it WAS still speaking, only I sometimes had difficulty locating the Accept Call button, and if this happened when the guy rang, my parents would be unable to assist as there was no screen for them to see.

The solution, (which one could never have worked out logically), took a further day of scrolling, searching, appealing to friends, (most of whom judged the case terminal, and asked if I’d thrown the phone across the room any time lately), and finally googling.

And all this before we’d got to the main event, which could, (and emphatically did), open up a whole new can of worms. All enough to make one as mad as a Halloween witch.. www.lancmag.com

Win your Wedding: Introducing your winning couple Three months after the launch of their Win Your Wedding competition, Brockholes Nature Reserve is proud to announce the winners as Amy Hayes and Jamie Shattock from Chorley, Lancashire.

A

fter around 50 entries to the competition, and more than 3,000 votes from the public, the final heroes were announced and invited to Brockholes for a celebration in the sunshine.

Their story won the heart of the nation, with Amy opting for early qualification as a nurse to work on the frontline at Chorley Hospital, and Jamie working as an engineer at Burnley hospital ensuring vital elements of the hospital continued to run smoothly during the pandemic.

The couple met in the NHS four years ago and said ‘we will continue our service for as long as we possibly can’.

On hearing they had won, Amy said: “We were so shocked, we couldn’t quite believe it. We were at Jamie’s parents’ house when we got the call and everyone started dancing round the room. Even Jamie’s Gran was fist pumping she was so excited!

“We are just so excited about getting all the families together for a wonderful celebration. It is giving us something to look forward to after such a difficult few months, which still hasn’t ended. We can’t wait to tell Jamie’s son; it’s going to be the best surprise for him, and all our friends and family.”

The competition was open to anyone who has been helping others during the Coronavirus pandemic; they simply needed to share their story for a chance to win a wedding worth over £9,000.

Caroline Wilson, Wedding CoOrdinator at Brockholes, has been dealing with re-arranging and organising weddings at the floating wedding venue and was the first to reveal the good news to Amy and Jamie.

Caroline said: “All the couples who entered deserved to win with their inspirational and heart warming stories.

“We are over the moon to be able to offer such a wonderful prize to Amy and Jamie who really won the hearts of the region.

“We have a been getting lots of enquiries from couples looking to plan their wedding at Brockholes in the next couple of years, it’s lovely to be able to look ahead to brighter times and help to create some special memories for families once again.”

Brockholes Nature Reserve is back open again now following a three month period of lockdown. Current opening times are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am until 4pm, for the Visitor Village, with a food and drink take away offering, shop and toilet facilities.

The car park and play area is open 6am until 9pm, seven days a week.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 27,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call 01948 820728 or go to cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

Around the region Blackpool postpones world fireworks

Hey Elbow announce new album ŒWe Three¹, out 18th September via Adrian Recordings

Somewhere between the elemental, rabble-rousing pop of MØ and The Knife’s chart-facing experimentalism on ‘Shaking The Habitual’ lies ‘Nurture / Aptitude’, a heady surging block of avant hymnal with a hint of Nordic warcry and hope in its bones. New album ŒWe Three¹ due out this September. ³ŒTell Me¹ carries the weight of the last album¹s multi-textured production with a commanding horn layered atop echoey vocals and synth-wrapped instrumentation. The result is a lush bout of dream-pop tinged by deep synths and orchestral sounds.² Stereogum

T

he annual World Fireworks Championship Blackpool has been postponed.

The four free events were scheduled to take place on successive Fridays – September 11, 18, 25 and October 2.

Organisers VisitBlackpool say that the current restrictions on mass gatherings and safe distancing make it impossible to stage the events, which usually attract tens of thousands of people to the Promenade.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Cabinet Member for Tourism & Culture, said: “We have waited as long as we can to make this decision, but the current guidance simply does not allow for large-scale events such as these.

“It is obviously disappointing not to be staging one of our most popular events, but we are maintaining our position that we will always put the health and safety of our residents and visitors first.

“We will continue to review the guidance in the months ahead and if there is an

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opportunity to stage one or more fireworks events at an appropriate time we will consider that option.

“Either way, we are hoping to see a return of the usual sequence of World Fireworks events in autumn 2021.”

VisitBlackpool has already announced that the autumn Illuminations season will be extended by two months, stretching from September 4 to January 3, 2021.

The display, which will be presented under a theme of Bring On The Light, will feature a special tribute to the heroes of COVID-19 with a display of hearts and rainbows along the famous Golden Mile, as well as the images of more than 50 Corona Heroes from around the UK. The Illuminations will be turned on in a virtual Switch-On event that is being streamed in association with MTV and will be free to access at 8.30pm on September 4.

Special guest performers include Spice Girl Melanie C, Fleur East, Diversity, Becky Hill, Tom Grennan and Blackpool’s own Rae Morris, who will perform live in a closed set in the Tower Ballroom.

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³A little more straight-ahead than the tracks from Every Other yet still filled with intrigue and mess (thanks to Petersson’s synth and horn genius), “Quest” really comes alive through a gorgeous extended outro filled with soaring vocals, rattling percussion and a dreamy ambient wash.² The Line of Best Fit ³Beautifully adorned and immediate, the new track takes little hints of The Knife¹s crunchier moments and channels it in to something powerful and unhinged, the whole thing gleaming with sumptuous energy as it pours forwards.² - GoldFlakePaint ³Kicking off with a drum beat that might sound like a military march were it not so drenched in reverb, the track hits its stride with a spindly, Grizzly Bear-esque guitar lick, gradually picking up steam as Julia Ringdahl¹s angelic vocals enter the picture.

The band¹s quirkiest lineup feature may be the inclusion of a full-time flugelhorn player, and the way Ellen Petersson decorates ³Quest² with her triumphant brass notes proves itself to be a masterclass in restraint and tonal coloring.² KEXP song of the day

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Keeping you up to date with events around the North West St Helens Theatre Royal to change christmas pantomime title due to pandemic but a show will go on!

Producers Regal Entertainments have changed cinderella to beauty and the beast with full social distancing rules in place.

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egal Entertainments announced today that their 2020 Christmas Pantomime at St Helens Theatre Royal has been changed, but a show will go ahead.

The curtain was due to go up on Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal from Sat 5 Dec ’20 – Sun 3 Jan ’21 and had previously announced Linda Robson in the lead role. However due to the government restrictions now enforced on theatres, it makes the current title not financially viable to continue with, Cinderella is one of the biggest productions in pantomime and carries many additional costs.

Pantomime producers, Regal Entertainments say they have worked tirelessly to look at alternative options for the festive season and they want to ensure that they can continue to provide top entertainment to its community and regular attenders this Christmas. They will now produce Beauty And The Beast, with all the high production values and comedy that audiences have come to enjoy, tickets will go on sale soon.

The new show will be fully adhering to social distancing measures, in order to keep the audience, staff, and the cast safe. They will make all the necessary changes in order

It’s time to support home produced food

British Food Fortnight is approaching fast – 19th September – 4th October –and after the difficult year that saw communities pulling together to ensure everyone had access to food as well as many rediscovering the joys of buying and supporting local producers, we invite all to join the celebrations and share our love for British food.

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to ensure they comply to the government guidance at the time, full details will be announced when the show goes on sale, changes will include reduced capacity auditorium, temperature checks, wearing of face masks, deep cleaning and pre-order drinks and confectionary, to ensure the venue is Covid safe.

Chantelle Nolan, Theatre Manager at St Helens Theatre Royal said: “This has been a very difficult decision to make, but we have to be guided by the government’s rules at this time and we can’t take the financial risk if we have to wait until November for a decision on whether we move away from socially distant shows, so changes have had to be made.

We have now come up with an alternative Christmas show for St Helens, which will have all the high production values the customers have become used to, Beauty And The Beast has always been a firm St Helens favourite and we will ensure it’s a fantastic, fully enjoyable, and a safe festive experience that the whole family can enjoy.

“I would also like to personally take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their continued support and loyalty through these very difficult times.”

Ticket holders for Cinderella are being asked to assist the venue by being patient while changes are being made and they will Now in its 19th year British Food Fortnight has been the catalyst for small and large organisations and community groups across the nation to instil the importance of buying British to protect our farmers, food producers and countryside. This year the Fortnight is poised to take place as usual with menu promotions celebrating British food and, in particular the local food chains that have sustained the country this year.

New for this year is British Food Fortnight’s online show, open to all from Saturday 19th September with new features being added daily throughout the fortnight.

Visitors can see their favourite Ambassadors cooking delicious British ingredients in the cookery theatre; meet producers and hear first-hand about the food they make; and join in the Big British Food Fortnight Debate that will feature leaders responsible for food in our schools, hospitals, care homes and communities. Panel discussions will take place throughout the fortnight discussing key issues such as sustainability; why buy British; and nutritional benefits of different foods.

There will also be trade stands for visitors to visit and enjoy the special promotions on offer.

The team of Love British Food Ambassadors are leading this year’s British Food Fortnight national competition

be contacted first, and directly, as quickly as possible by the box office. The venue will be working throughout August to ensure all patrons that have pre-booked, are rescheduled/re-seated before the show goes on general sale. We will do everything we can to provide you with as close to the original booking as possible.

encouraging us all to show our love for British food. The competition is open to everyone who has been involved in an uplifting gesture or activity that has British food at its heart.

Simply share your story and why you are taking part, the person or group with the most inspiration take on British food and drink will be announced the winner. Closing date for the competition is 24th October and winners will be announced Friday 6th November.

While the Fortnight is an important focal point for British food producers, work behind the scenes is year-round for organisers Love British Food. Working with a number of high-profile celebrities, such as leading chef Raymond Blanc, Liz Earle, Candice Brown and Alex Hollywood and Local Authority Caterers, Hospital Caterers Association and National Association of Care Catering, the campaign for British food has a strong network of big influencers.

For more ideas on how to take part, details of all the activity and 14 things you can do during the fortnight visit www.lovebritishfood.co.uk For more information contact jane@lovebritishfood.co.uk

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Harry Banks Lyon (right) at work

Lancaster - Strength In Depth Every Lancastrian will know the name ‘Banks Lyon’, whether they have shopped there, or not.

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remember as a child being taken to this special shoe shop where my feet would “get measured properly “. I was also told by my mother to be well behaved as she made sure there were no holes in my socks. The ‘Banks Lyon’ name has always been synonymous with quality, service and style.

There was no internet, smart phones or big supermarkets that sold everything back then. City centres were largely made up of independent businesses. People didn’t generally travel far to get what they needed, it was usually a trip “into town”. This was in the nineteen seventies.

The ‘Banks Lyon’ name first appeared the century before. In 1887, Joseph Banks Lyon opened his shoe shop in North Road, Lancaster. It wasn’t long before larger premises were required, and in 1921 Joseph’s son Harry, moved the business, and his family, to their current location in Church Street.

They continued to live above the business until the 1930’s.

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Left: An original receipt dated 10th July 1931

Harry continued to grow the business through both World War’s and when his son Harry returned from WWII, he carried on the family tradition. Through his stewardship he expanded the business into 38 and 40 Church Street.

In the early 1970’s Harry’s eldest son, Jonathan (Jon), took over the family business and in 2010 he was been joined by his daughter Julia, who is the 5th generation Banks Lyon.

The vision Rodney’s great, great, grandfather demonstrated in opening his shoe shop some hundred years earlier, and continued through Jon, was replicated in the opening of the Jewellers.

Success brought the need for larger premises and in 1995 Rodney moved quickly to acquire the premises either side of the business and a major refurbishment was underway to expand and accommodate the success of the business.

1999 saw the business launch its first website, one of the first Jewellers to do so.

Modern day store One of Harry’s other son’s, Rodney, decided on a different retail direction and following a few years away from Lancaster, he returned and in 1985 ‘Banks Lyon Jewellers’ opened, trading from a repurposed 40 Church Street.

Generations 4 and 5: Jasmin and Rodney (L) Alexander and Maxine (R) To ensure longevity, Rodney’s daughter Maxine, and her husband Alexander, joined the business in 2016. The following year, a second store was opened in Kendal.

Banks Lyon - Kendal store As has always been the way, a family tradition, this was always going to be high end. By that, I am referring to not only the products, but the level of personal service and expertise.

From the moment you approach the beautiful concaved glass and chrome sliding doors, you are walking into another experience. The store is simply stunning. www.lancmag.com

In February of this year, I was in London on business.

Surprisingly, this was the first time I had ever been to the Mayfair area in over thirty years of regularly visiting the capital. I found myself strolling along New Bond Street. Wall to wall luxury, brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Hublot, Omega, Prada, Tiffany & Co and Valentino, to name but a few, lined up one after another. It was simply mesmerising.

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It was the discovery of this street, filled with such sumptuous brands, housed in gorgeous Georgian buildings that brought to mind ‘Banks Lyon’. There is no other retailer in Lancaster that has such a heritage and is still family owned.

Banks Lyon Shoes Although they no longer sell children’s shoes, they have a superb selection of both men’s and women’s shoes.

Above: For Sir - Barker shoes

Left: For Sir - Cheaney Shoes

Below: For Madame - A touch of class from Hogl shoes For men there are handcrafted English shoes from Barker, Cheaney and Loake, as well as ranges from Josef Seibel and Bugatti. The women’s selection includes ranges from Hogl, Josef Seibel, Emu, Caprice, HB and Cara.

For Madame - A touch of colour from Hogl

Whatever the brand offering may be, what is customary, is the warmth of the welcome and a beautiful traditional experience. Care is always taken to ensure correct sizing; that your chosen footwear compliments your outfit or the occasion.

All the values and romance of that yesteryear when shopping was a treat, not a chore, when you left the shop pleased with your new purchases and yourself, are all found in this magical

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shop, and summed up by a quote I spotted on their social media “good shoes take you to good places!” fb: @bankslyonshoes instagram: bankslyonshoes twitter: @bankslyonshoes So, to the next good place .....

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Banks Lyon Jewellery/Watches The best of all the exquisite jewellery and watch brands found on New Bond Street, London, are all present here; Breitling, Cartier, Omega, Bremont, Tag Heuer, Hublot, Fope, Georg Jensen, Marco Bicego, Messika are but a few for you to admire and choose from.

I simply can not emphasis enough exactly what you are actually getting here. You will see the finest gemstones, time pieces and ornate and intricate craftsmanship, presented to you in incredible, yet comfortable, surroundings by people who are both passionate and experts in their work.

This is what makes your visit a true experience. Added value to your purchase. Many claim to offer the best customer service and shopping experience, but this is the standard to aspire to.

Below left: Fabulous bracelets by ‘Fope’

Below: Stunning diamond necklace

From classic to sporty, all types of watches available

by Paul Cusimano JOSEPH CLOTHING, Lancaster www.lancmag.com

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Colour and Style

www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

Our section on Colour and Style with Sarah Harris from ‘Colour Me Beautiful’ In this month’s article I’m looking at face shapes and eyewear. Understanding the shape of our face helps us make the right choices when choosing glasses, hats, jewellery and make-up. Along with knowing your face shape you need to know what colours and styles suit you based on your hair colour, eye colour, skin tone and style personality.

The style and colour of your glasses, hats, jewellery and make up says a lot about you and they need to work in harmony with your look.

The face shape is key to everything, for example someone with a small face would look ridiculous in a big hat!

And If, for example, you have a square shaped face a one length straight bob would be the wrong style as it will exaggerate the squareness; you would be better off wearing layers to soften your look. Likewise wearing long straight hair on a rectangular face shape will exaggerate the length, and in order to bring balance a shorter style with fullness at the sides would be much more flattering. I advise my clients on how to achieve an overall look that creates harmony and balance.

We need to understand face shapes to know what is best for us. Everyone has a different shaped face and not everyone falls into one type. The basic shapes are:Oval a balanced shape, the length is longer than width.

Square wide forehead which is in line with your cheeks and a strong jawline.

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.

Rectangle long narrow face with a square chin.

Inverted Triangle The temple and forehead are wider narrowing down to a pointed chin.

Round wide forehead, full cheek bone with little chin definition.

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 • Sarahharrisstyle.co.uk October is here and I’m hoping you are all keeping well. It’s certainly been a rollercoaster of a year! I really can’t believe that we are in Autumn already and summer is behind us. I love the summer months but there is something special about September/October especially if we are lucky enough to have an Indian summer when the days are warm and the nights draw in! It’s a magical time of year.

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Let’s look at Glasses – they should frame your face and enhance what you already have and as a colour and style consultant I take into consideration the colour, style personality and face shape when advising clients on suitable glasses. My aim is to find the perfect pair of glasses that work in harmony with you.

Oval most styles and shapes will suit, but remember the colour and scale and avoid extreme geometric shapes

Eva’s style personality is Creative/dramatic and she looks amazing in her glasses! And look at her hair, so colourful and dramatic!

Eva, looks at the colours that suit her clients, their face shape and also the style’s that will suit their style personalities.

Take a look at some of their amazing glasses and how they are perfectly paired with their clients.

Square You will benefit by softening your strong features, so choose round or oval frames, avoid anything oversized.

Rectangle go for wider frames that will counteract the narrow face, avoid heavy, angular frames as these will emphasise the narrowness. Instead go for lightweight, lighter frames that will balance your features.

Inverted Triangle avoid heavy frames that extend beyond the temples.

Round shapes work really well around the geometry of your face .

Round balance the roundness with angular frames that extend beyond the temples, avoid round shapes and full rimless styles.

Glasses are becoming more popular now than they ever where and many opticians not only have the skill to advise on suitable frames they are even advising on colour.

Eva Dave is a fellow Colour Me Beautiful consultant and has a passion for beautiful eyewear, owner of Style Optique with husband Sam in Market Drayton, Shropshire Eva is an award winning Image consultant, optometrist and eyewear stylist. She created the world’s first accredited eyewear stylist course for the optical industry and they are the UK’s fashion practice of the year! www.styleoptique.co.uk.

Eva Dave of Style Optique

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Eva with her client Zoe checking her best colours

She tells me that many of her clients are creative/ dramatics as is her husband Sam, who is also wearing the perfect glasses and what a great shirt!

Sam, Eva’s husband is a Cool/ Creative his glasses are perfect for his Cool dominant type and creative style personality.

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Another eyewear company that caught my eye is Finlay and co. of London www.finlayandco.com They are a British eyewear brand and their collection is influenced by a need to create frames which applaud the uniqueness of their wearers.

Their eyewear is created by artisans in the foothills of the Italian alps and each frame is crafted by expert craftsmen and women. They are designed in London and handmade in Italy.

There is a lovely video on their website that shows what goes into their creations and it is truly inspiring, why not take a look! The time and detail that goes into each individual pair of glasses shows what an art it is to create beautiful eyewear.

It is nice to see that traditional techniques are still used and the talents of these craftsmen and women are still highly valued.

Finlay also advise on the best frames to suit your face shape and colouring. The Percy and Oswald spectacles below are both classic styles and suit the models colouring and face shapes.

The Percy

Zoe is a wonderful Warm and really suits her glasses along with the colours that highlight her vibrant personality.

Keely is a beautiful Clear and looks gorgeous in her hot pink top and matching glasses.

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The Percy spectacles are the most versatile and is a classic panto shape, one of the most popular in the collection. They suit oval and square shaped faces and the colour is perfect for warmer and softer types. Worn by Meghan Markle in Light Tortoise.

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The Oswald

Finlay and Co. www.finlayandco.com Handcrafted spectacles designed in London and crafted by artisans in the foothills of the Italian Alps.

So remember the next time you purchase your glasses think about the colour, style and your face shape. And also where they are made and for some the craftsmanship that goes into them. This also applies to hats, jewellery and make-up.

I hope that this makes you look at your face shape in a different way!

If you need any advice on your face shape, colours or style let me know! sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk And stay safe.

Warm Wishes, Sarah x The Oswald is an ultra slim round frame with delicate temples, this is a timeless classic. They look great on anyone with square shaped and angular features.

www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk www.lancmag.com

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WFH has never been so Pretty Polly Launches the UK’s comfortable and First Biodegradable Tights and sustainable!

Underwear Range

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o your bit for the environment and work from home in comfort. New Pretty Polly Eco-Wear range is the UK’s first ever biodegradable range of underwear and legwear, designed for everyday wear and fantastic fit.

Seamfree with no wires or plastics, the Pretty Polly EcoWear range is made from the world’s first biodegradable polyamide yarn* and produced in an OEKO-TEX ® certified ‘MADE IN GREEN’ factory. The range combines the great quality, fit, styling and good value that we have come to expect from Pretty Polly, whilst also offering peace of mind that you are making a positive choice for the environment.

leggings, perfect for those lounge-about-the-house days or home yoga sessions and durable 70 denier and 40 denier opaque tights.

All styles are available in S/M, M/L and XL, with underwear and loungewear in black, white and nude, and legwear in black.

Designed to move with your body, Eco-Wear’s soft touch fabric has a luxurious feel and the seamfree designs ensure smooth lines and ultimate comfort. The durable pieces will keep their shape wash after wash, yet, once properly disposed of**, they will biodegrade in just three years. That’s more than 10 times quicker than the average pair of tights (which can take up to 40 years to break down), including those made out of recycled fibres.

“We are passionate about making a real difference for the future and believe that sustainable options should be accessible to everybody. That is why we have designed the Eco-Wear range to offer highly wearable, good value, everyday comfort and we already have plans in place to extend the range next season with more styles, colours and sizes, including larger sizes,” states Caroline Wright, hosiery product manager at Pretty Polly.

The Pretty Polly Eco-Wear range includes every woman’s new best friend, a super soft, comfortable bralet with adjustable straps, as well as a wireless soft comfort bra with wide straps. Also available are a must-have camisole, spaghetti strap body, briefs and comfy shorts. The Pretty Polly Eco-Wear legwear range includes essential black

Available now from www.prettypolly.co.uk and selected stores.

Prices range from £10 for a pair of opaque tights and briefs to £25 for the Eco-Wear body. Furthermore, Pretty Polly Eco-Wear products are presented recyclable packaging. www.lancmag.com

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Our award-winning style guru, Moo, has worked in television for over 20 years with presenters including Natasha Kaplinsky, Kirsty Young, Kirsty Gallacher and is now a personal stylist to us ‘normal women’ sharing all the inside tricks of the trade. If you’d like any personal styling advice or to see more tips please visit www.moostyle.co.uk

I

spend a lot of my time talking colour…I trained with Colour Me Beautiful and I understand how it can totally transform your skin and make you look healthier and younger. It’s also an important part of my job as an image consultant. A client may want to look more authoritative or approachable, and certainly more confident. Colour can do this in a snap. Another part of my job is looking at style.

Don’t forget style is totally different to fashion. We want YOUR style to reflect YOU. Every client I see is the same – they want to feel good and marrying what you wear on the outside with who you are inside is key. It feels and is authentic. I spend time finding your personal style and then show you how to nail it!

Even choosing what shoes you wear reveals a lot about your style personality.

Here’s something a little light hearted to help reveal yours:

Which of these Office shoes are you most drawn to?

1) Creative You don’t follow the crowds, preferring to do your own thing. You love to create unique looks and will feel very much at home in these fabulous silver Toms that you’ll no doubt wear with something fabulous.

2) Dramatic You’re the fashionista amongst your friends. You love following trends and will seek out the ‘it’ thing of the moment. Furry leopardskin slip ons will do nicely thank you.

3) Romantic You love everything pretty and detail is your thing. These St Tropez inspired flip-flops will no doubt win your heart.

4) Classic Your preferred look is smart and classic so a timeless Chanel style pump in a neutral colour is just the job.

5) Natural Feeling comfortable in your clothes is the most important factor, so a pair of no-fuss Birkenstocks will see you through lockdown and beyond.

6) City Chic You tend to follow trends rather than high fashion and invest in items that are stylish and timeless. A classic pair of designer looking mules will be your preferred option.

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Knowing which style personality you are helps save money. Your wardrobe will naturally fit together and you will feel comfortable in each piece so you’ll be happy to get your wear.

A one size fits all capsule wardrobe cannot therefore work as it can’t be everything to all people. For instance, it can often be said you HAVE to have a white shirt. Now not for me! Firstly I look washed out in white and my teeth look yellow. Also I’m not a classic so I will never reach for it in my wardrobe.

But give me a leopard print and I won’t have it off my back. That’s because I’m a creative style personality and boy leopard print features heavily in our wardrobes! Finding your personal style is key to making life easier.

You open your wardrobe and enjoy everything you see.

Classic style personality jacket from John Lewis

We all dress more casually nowadays, even in the corporate world lawyers can now dress down on Fridays. Horror of horrors! Now some style personalities find a dress down look harder to do. I often have to work with my classic style personality clients to reveal their classic side when they are in more casual wear. Grace Kelly and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge are great examples of classics. They like co-ordinated outfits, and always always polished and well groomed. They may fall into the trap of keeping the same hairstyle forever and they may struggle in weekend wear… but once you know you’re a classic then you can embrace it. It may be that we consider when you dress more casually you still add a jacket but a more stretchy rather than formal one. It may be instead of jeans and trainers (that’s a real struggle for classics) we look at ballet pumps with capri trousers or loafers with chinos. Obviously a classic Breton stripe will work a treat (depending on body shape). They will still need to co-ordinate else they will feel uncomfortable. www.lancmag.com

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Wardrobe essentials vary for each style personality, as you now understand. For classics they can stretch from classic sunglasses (what would Jackie Kennedy be without those?) to ballet flats (hello Audrey Heburn) and a little black dress (a la Grace Kelly). For my clients I spend time analysing which are the best labels for them specifically. It obviously depends on a mix of things like colouring, body shape and lifestyle. For classics it may be J.Crew, The White Company, Reiss or Jaegar.

Natural style personality dress from Hush

On the other end of the scale is the natural. For this style personality type think Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Anniston.

They are queens of athleisure wear and comfort is key.

They certainly wouldn’t wear anything that pinched or was restrictive. I often work with these clients to elevate their casual wear. Grooming is always key. Naturals need to remind themselves to have a regular hair cut (and colour). We may need to replace their ‘essentials’ as they have worn them to death. Time for some new box-fresh trainers – after all naturals will wear them all the time so they are worth replacing. We may try a wrap around dress (works for most body shapes) or a shirt dress (no restrictions) with those trainers to show how you can wear comfortable clothing that is anything but simply leisure.

Naturals like clothing that is easy to maintain and definitely unpretentious. Their wardrobe essentials can be basics but carefully selected. T-shirts will need to be the right cut for their body shape – so a wider V neck for a more curvy bust and a round high neck for a pear shape – and in a good weight of fabric. They will like shops more like Boden, Hush and for ease…most department stores!

What I always start with though for all style personalities is encouraging a declutter of your wardrobe. Generally women wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time. We need to see the wood for the trees so let’s clear out. I know, I know, you can feel guilty as you paid good money for those pieces, but you’re not wearing them so there is no point in keeping them doing nothing. We could either sell them or donate them so someone else will get their use from them. Look at what you wear the most and perhaps buy another version in a different colour or a different fabric. We can then work through what gaps there are to give you the most flexibility from your wardrobe. It needs to be super easy to utilise on a daily basis.

Knowing your style personality can bring out the best in you - giving confidence and ease of dressing every day. I always say I’m in the confidence business not the fashion business. I’m here to help if you need any more advice at www.moostyle.co.uk. Or please find me on facebook for lots of style tips and shortcuts, I’m Moo Style VIPs. I even work on line with colour and style consultations, as well as wardrobe weeds and make up lessons from home if you need a ‘lift’ and prefer not to meet in person. Now this month’s homework…start a declutter on your wardrobe.

Try it in sections – all coats one week, all underwear another. It will make you feel better. I promise.

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Antonella Talks Fashion Desoto

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ello again Flowerpots, It’s me, your Auntie Nelly, back for yet another cheeky blog about fashion and style tips! It’s been a rough old year and what better way to cheer you all up than an article all about clothing?! Let’s start by an introduction though, most of you know me by now, but for those of you who don’t I am known as Antonella the Uncensored Reviewer, the name does what it says on the tin and I now rack up almost 1.5 million followers on Facebook and am delving into the Instagram world too. Alongside my social media job, I am a co-owner at the wonderful world of Ruby and Daisy, working with two inspiring ladies Louie and Helena who are women leading the way in fashion. I found that I had fallen out of love with fashion when I struggled shopping with my daughter, R&D took a piece of my heart because I found fashion for all, it’s different from the high street and that’s when I launched my curvy couture range featuring Ruby and Daisy.

Speaking of must have pieces, that takes me on to my next garment. The Must Have Throw On. This is a relatively new piece to our line and it’s been a massive hit with our customers. It covers all ‘those bits’, you know the ones, I don’t have to go into detail. We always talk about versatility over at R&D, you will hear our Helena always say your wardrobe should work for you, and this particular piece is one of those that you can wear over and over as it will go over anything! We are talking, dresses, tops, skirts, jumpsuits.. You name it, this stunning line will match anything, and in such a wide range of colours it’d be rude not to have more than one. At just £15 this is an absolute essential for your Autumn, Winter, Spring or summer wardrobe. It also boasts an amazing fitment range, one size fitting from a size 8-26.

The Must Have Throw on

So; enough about me, let’s get to the nitty gritty, the things that you want to know! The clothing of course! It’s now getting to those chillier, Autumn months and what better way to start than with our massive seller, the long sleeve plain desoto. It’s a winner year after year and it’s no surprise why. The desoto is a stunning piece that flatters any figure and at just £19 it’s an absolute bargain! Featuring a long sleeve to keep you warm on those cooler days and it fits from a size 8-24, yes I know it sounds too good to be true, but I promise you it’s not! We often find that our ladies have a range of different colours packed in their wardrobes of this must have piece.

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Now, we all need a dress in our lives and I have the perfect one for you, The Pocket Dress has been a winner for us since it launched. Featuring a basic dress with deep pockets at each side, now I don’t know why you all love a deep pocket but I will leave that there… It really is no wonder you’ve been going crazy for this dress, at just £27 it’s a steal, and if you don’t want to wear it as a dress for any reason you can team it up with a pair of our famous Magic Trousers. As we like to say up North, you do you! This is just another piece that fits from a size 8-18, if you’re reading this and are on the petite side, don’t you worry my flowerpot, we cater for all shapes and sizes at Ruby and Daisy and even have petite models on our website for you all to see.

The Pocket Dress

We all know that you love a little bit of bling over at R&D, we always aim to please and our Sequin Star Jogger has been another massive triumph with you guys. We are talking about the ultimate comfort piece, the loungewear that we crave on these ever coming dark nights. With just that nice amount of bling, this is a must have for you magpies out there.

At only £24 you’re getting the comfort, the quality and the price, what more could you possibly want? These have an impressive size range going from a size 8-24

Sequin Star Jogger

Last but not least, we have our stunning, military, biker styled boots. These are an essential piece for Autumn, our Bovva Boots are extremely designer inspired and are a fraction of the price, at just £35 you will get wear after wear out of these hardy boots. The possibilities are endless, team them with your favourite pair of Magic Trousers, why not push the Boat out and partner them up with our new Wild Jungle Magic Trouser and a plain desoto as mentioned above for a bold statement look. Alternatively, wear them with our favourite, the pocket dress for a comfortable rock chick kind of look. All of our footwear sizes range from a size 3-8.

Bovva Boots

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Well my sunshines, it looks like that’s it for now. I hope that you’re all staying safe as always, remember, keep positive, believe me I know how hard it sometimes is but we are in it together.

Lots of love Your Aunty Nelly

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The Aesthetics Room Here at The Aesthetics Room we pride ourselves in providing a unique experience in aesthetics, beauty and skin. The Aesthetics Room is based in two of London’s prestigious locations, Harley Street and Mayfair.

Vishul is the aesthetics practitioner and clinical director of The Aesthetics Room. He is a prescriber and a Level 7 Masters Degree graduate in Aesthetics from Harley Academy.

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About Vishul: Vishul is an active member of the ACE Group, which focuses primarily on patient safety. Patient safety is the number one goal in this industry. As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to put patient safety above aesthetic needs. This separates us from a vastly unregulated industry.

One of The Aesthetics Room’s biggest assets is Vishul’s passion for art, creation and design.

In aesthetics, one size does not fit all as every individual is completely unique in their own way. There is no one measurement or dose for everyone.

Vishul brings his art skills into his treatment with a keen eye to detail giving you the precise results you hope to be looking for.

Bespoke Treatment Plan This is where our consultation becomes something you may have never experienced before. We take a holistic approach in finding the right treatment for you, by visually analysing proportions, shape, symmetry, volume, texture. This enables us to discuss a plan that is only bespoke to you. You may have come in for a particular treatment, but it is our job to discuss with you the best possible outcome and that may include alternative treatment options to optimise your results. We maintain a natural look designed to suit you. We want to instil confidence to make you feel more like yourself.

Thinning, Fat dissolving, Weight loss and more.

We provide free virtual consultations and design bespoke skincare packages based on your individual needs, using only evidencebased medical grade skincare products.

All skincare products are delivered direct to your door free of charge anywhere in the UK. Our skincare products range from cleansers and toners to Vitamin C and Retinols. We now offer a skincare range with CBD as the active ingredient. CBD is an amazingly powerful antioxidant and the results we have seen with our skincare range is beyond our expectations.

Our bespoke skincare packages revolve around conditions such as Acne Pigmentation Psoriasis Eczema Aged Skin Sagging Skin Cellulite Dehydrated

We offer a range of clinical services from anti-wrinkle treatments, Dermal Fillers, Hair www.lancmag.com

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Hedgehog dies painful strimmer death Gardeners are being asked to take care before strimming or mowing their green patches in case they harm wildlife.

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edgehogs, in particular, are vulnerable because they hide in long grass and foliage.

And The Lancashire Wildlife Trust is joining the region’s hedgehog rescue centres, in a call to gardeners to check the areas they are cutting for wild creatures.

Wildlife Trust Campaigns Manager Alan Wright was speaking from personal experience when he put out a heartfelt plea to strimmer users today.

Alan said: “I found a poorly hedgehog by the side of the road and had no idea what was wrong with the little fellow. I took advice and took him along to one of the team involved in Preston Hedgehog Rescue.

“Apparently, he had an old strimmer injury which had become infected and there were maggots in the wound. The hospital couldn’t save him and he had to be put to sleep.

“I was devasted that this small bundle of life had probably been in pain for a large percentage of his short existence, before he died.”

Preston Hedgehog Rescue deals with many cases of hedgehogs with strimmer injuries. Strimmers are used in gardens and in parks and road verges to cut long grass and other plants.

Alan said: “The hedgehog would still be alive and would not have had to suffer if the person using the strimmer had taken just a couple of minutes to check on the area they were working.

“All it takes is a rustle around and make a lot of noise to frighten any creatures away. Maybe stop a couple of times to check an area before cutting.

“I am sure most gardeners would be really upset if they knew they had hurt one of the UK’s endangered and iconic mammals.”

Hedgehog numbers have fallen dramatically in recent years mainly because of the removal of hedgerows in the countryside and the increase in traffic and housing development in towns and cities.

The Wildlife Trust is keen to see the decline reversed and is

promoting safe Hedgehog Highways between gardens and a Nature Recovery Network, proving natural corridors for wildlife across the whole of the UK. If you find a hedgehog that is young, injured or out in the open, you should contact your local hedgehog hospital or the RSPCA. There are hedgehog rescue centres in Preston, Blackpool, Chorley, Lowton, Withington and on The Wirral – they are mainly run by volunteers and need your support.

Alan said: “They offer fantastic advice and work tirelessly to help hedgehogs. Many of their hedgehogs survive and are released back into safe areas. The work these centres do is vitally important to the survival of this beautiful creature.

At the same time the Wildlife Trust if pressing for improved habitats for these animals.

“It’s frightening to think that hedgehogs could become extinct in this country unless we do something about it.”

Tiny hoglet at Chorley Hedgehog Rescue by Molly Toal

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 27,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call 01948 820728 or go to cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

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My Spitfire Odyssey The Year I Became A Spitfire Hunter Part 2 - To The Mountain

by Ian Hewitt Following on from September’s article “YES” which tells the tale of how Lancastrian Ian Hewitt was invited to join a Spitfire expedition to Norway and the incredible story of Spitfire AA810 and indeed that of pilot Sandy Gunn. Sandy’s mission to photograph the Tirpitz battleship, the shooting down of his Spitfire, his capture and Sandy’s part in the great escape.

TO THE MOUNTAIN

W

hilst researching the location of Spitfire AA810’s crash site Google offered up a gift. That being the existence of a dam within the locality of Surnadal. The dam was situated approximately 3 miles from Sandy’s crash site.

But more importantly the dam had a private access road up to it. It was this revelation a year prior to our arrival that had convinced Tony Hoskins our expedition leader that an excavation of the crash site was in fact a very real and practical possibility.

We met with our Norwegian team mates on a forest road three miles from the end of which lay our Spitfire. On a bright warm Norwegian summers morning we shook hands 182

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said our hello’s then climbed back into our respective vehicles to begin the climb up to the Surnadal Dam. I must confess that I had pre conceived ideas of what a team of Spitfire hunters would look like, so far my UK compatriots had delivered to that stereotypical assumption.

Mark Khan and Mark Hillier our two military historians dressed in their cerca 1990’s British army gear, Tony in his steel toe capped engineers boots and Peter Arnold our Spitfire hunter/historian extraordinaire in his green country classic waxed jacket and of course me in my swanky expedition sponsors Spitfire Heritage Distillers t-shirt. www.lancmag.com

Our Norwegians on the other hand rocked far less stereotypical look.

Such is the folly of the English gentlemen that we began distributing the spades, metal detectors and general kit amongst the men.

Frode (in orange) was quick to share out his burdens to Guro (pink) and Hege (purple).

Frode knew, what we would learn soon enough that Guro and Hege were mountain machines. In-fact on one occasion I almost resorted to asking them to carry me!

Tony, ever the planner had brought his own gate to lean on.

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Eventually we approached our destination.

Dropping down into a sheltered woodland glade, conversation petered out, this was it, we had arrived, what would we find in this lonely spot?

After establishing our camp we set about planning the dig. Our intel was that Spitfire AA810 had smashed into the mountain pushing up a large bank of earth which over the years had created what I can best describe as a folly surrounded by trees. Across from the folly was a grassy mound which we believed had been created by the Germans as they searched through the crash site throwing Spitfire panels into a stack in order that they could assess the interior workings of this rarest of aircraft a Photo Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) Spitfire which was as yet unknown to the German intelligence. PRU Spits were fitted with additional fuel tanks to enable greater penetration behind enemy lines, and of course a camera. In order to do so all armaments were sacrificed meaning that the PRU Pilots flew deep into hostile territories with no weapons on board.

In no time at all the glade began to offer up her Spitfire.

It was at these two locations that we concentrated our efforts. The youngest members of our group Eskil and Peder set about with metal detectors. In no time at all the detectors started singing but over a much wider area than we had expected. We would have to spread ourselves out!

A great find by Eskil , one of the four compressed air bottles - note the test date 11 09 39

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Gura bagging up pieces with Eskils compressed air bottle to the rear and Radiator in the fore ground.

I don’t think any of us ever called Gura by her name. She was known to us as Eskils Mum!

As each piece was unearthed our experts revealed the nature of each find, making for slow but fascinating progress.

Left: Tony, Frodu and Lilli inspect the half Merlin engine block.

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So how exactly do you get half a Merlin engine block down from a mountain side?

Lilli came up with the perfect solution “Tomorrow I will bring my son”. He was in all fairness a big lad, young enough and daft enough to it. It took three of us to lift it onto his back.

As well as the large pieces we were uncovering hundreds of small elements Guro and Hege volunteered to run up and down the mountain ferrying rucksacks packed with Spitfire parts. That’s a six mile round trip three times a day plus the walk in made for more or less a marathon a day half of which laden with Spitfire bits.

Boy did I feel stupid after offering to carry the spades for them.

For the next four days our routine was set. Up early, drive to the dam, trek up the

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mountain, resume digging, after lunch Gura and Hege would load their rucksacks and run down the mountain to the dam, unload their Spitfire parts and return for another load.

Whilst we continued with the task of digging and collating.

As the excavation progressed it became apparent that Spitfire AA810 had not crashed in the position as believe but was actually some six meters from the bank of soil. She’d crashed in the snow, as the snow melted she’d sunk into a bog below her. Yes we had to dig on our hands and knees in a bog, cold, smelly work but we loved it.

At the end of each day we would gather our larger finds and trek down the mountain.

A muddy smelly band laden with trophies, the finds of that day.

Eskil’s Mum (Guro) with a rucksack full of Spitfire on her final decent of the day, carrying two spades!

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At the end of our last day a melancholy descended on our group. This time spent working together had in some strange way created an almost spiritual connection with Sandy Gunn. We all felt that Sandy was watching and approved of our efforts. Finally, it was time to leave, we gathered ourselves, said a few words of gratitude and left our bog with a Spitfire shaped hole dug in it.

Have you ever tried to carry a Spitfire Radiator? Don’t, they are ridiculously heavy.

But Lilli’s son was back to university and our arms, legs and backs where spent from the days of digging, plus the heat of the day was stifling. So after much anguish we opted to leave the radiator behind.

That night, we sat nursing our beers, feeling beaten by the radiator. Then Tony put it out there. “I’m going back for the radiator tomorrow at first light, who’s coming with me?”.

As the sun rose from behind our mountain Tony, Frode and myself dropped down into Sandy’s wood. There waiting for us was the Radiator of Spitfire AA810, I imagined it smiling as we approached and greeting us with the words “I knew you’d be back”. I also imagined that Sandy was nodding in approval.

We lashed this lump of metal to a wooden frame, gathered our strength and began to drag our prize from out of the wood. Believe me when I say that this was no easy task. It took an hour to climb the few hundred yards out to the woodland. Finally, out from shadow of the trees and a downhill trek before us. We assumed a two man up front, one man behind formation, chipping away at the miles 100 yards at a time between rests and changing of positions. For hours we brow beat our www.lancmag.com

tormentor down the mountain. We had to be back in good time for in the afternoon we had arranged to show the Surnadal people what we had retrieved.

As we grunted and swore our way down the mountain Peter was marking out the shape of a Spitfire on the stage of Surnadal’s theatre, along with the two Marks who were laying out the identifiable parts in the appropriate positions within the plan. That afternoon the three of us placed our radiator as one does the final piece in puzzle. We sat back exhausted and looked at what we had achieved.

Note no tail section retrieved….hold that thought!

That afternoon the community came out to us, honouring the amnesty to return their pieces of Sandy’s Spitfire. I watched on as Tony, Peter and the two Marks received each piece of treasure with glee and reverence whilst they listened to stories of grandparent’s water pumps, milking churns, tractor engines and garden gates all powered or made better by parts of our Spitfire. R J Mitchel (designer of the Spitfire) would have been proud of the ingenuity.

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Exhaust

Back of seat pilots head rest

TEAM NORWAY

The following day we loaded Sandy’s Spitfire into the back of a long wheel based transit van and watched as Tony drove away.

He would later tell of passing through customs at the Port of Dover and being asked what was in the van. His reply inspired the entire

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allocation of customs staff to descend upon his transit. With pats on the back and “good on you fella” Tony was sent on his way. To return Spitfire AA810 back to her home after 75 years in exile.

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ON-GOING LEGACY Thankfully this is a story without end. With Sandy’s Spitfire back home the second stage of our journey takes us into the rebuild to flight of Spitfire AA810. With awareness building week by week for the rebuild of Sandy’s Spitfire progress is impressive and with the ongoing parts amnesty in Surnadal we have over 70% of the original aircraft.

In addition to the re build, great progress is being seen in regards to other aspirations of the project. After many months of ongoing work and with the assistance of Luke Graham MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, on June 27th 2019 Sandy and the PRU were recognised by the House of Commons, opening the door for a National Memorial to mark the significant contribution and sacrifice of the pilots of the Photo Reconnaissance Unit.

This was a significant milestone to achieve the project’s aims. For all the lives lost, for all those risked, and for all those men who are still missing.

In August this year the Sandy Gunn Aerospace Careers Programme (ACP) was accepted as a registered charity. The charity exists to promote, develop and support the careers of young people interested in pursuing a future in aerospace engineering.

It is also wonderful to report that the Royal Aeronautical Society has joined the ACP team and will be attending School Presentation Roadshows in starting in winter 2020.

May 2020 saw the structure of our first airworthy assembly complete! The tail unit of AA810 was completed by the engineers at Airframe Assemblies Ltd on the isle of White. The unit will remain with them until the tailplanes are completed and the entire rear end of AA810 will then move to Kennet Aviation for the internal fit out to begin.

It is hard not to feel proud of my association and contribution however small. It is wonderful to know that each week the rebuild marches on and electrifying to consider that in a few years time Spitfire AA810 will take her first flight after 80 years, 72 year of which will had been spent buried in the cold and dark of a Norwegian mountain.

There will be two parties that this Lancastrian will be attending one in Wick and one in Surnadal. And maybe, just maybe a third one, in my home village of Mawdesley as Spitfire AA810 flies over, waggles her wings and take a picture of all us villagers agog

Ian Hewitt

Finally our Spitfire has a tail once more.

Until then…Be Proud of your Spitfire Heritage.

Founder of the SPITFIRE HERITAGE TRUST and brand guardian.

Chief cook and bottle washer at SPITFIRE HERITAGE DISTILLERS Agitant, Rain Maker, Musician.

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A builder of brands and teller of stories.

A believer in the inherent good in people.

Blind to hurdles and a champion of causes!

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Ambient S o, there I was, luxuriant in my hot tub, warm waters bubbling away, Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace’ in my left hand, wine flute in my right, whilst I pondered life’s delights. The sun may have been long gone, and the sky a canopy of twinkling stars, but I was every bit as warm as I would have been inside. I felt at one with the world, the distant hoot of an owl reminding me that I was actually outside, as life’s vicissitudes fell away. The whole composition had a certain ambience about it.

Husband and wife team Mike and Jo Priestley did a brave thing in May when they set up their own business at a time when hunkering down was the order of the day. Ambient Spas, their new business, is based on Preston’s Broughton Business Park, where they have a showroom exhibiting their spas and hot tubs. For any new venture, particularly at the moment, getting out there and getting noticed is vital. One of my Mike’s first moves has been to build the company’s website (his first venture into website building). As someone who has also designed his own website, I felt an immediate empathy. It’s www.ambientspas. co.uk and will tell you a lot of what you need to know about this exciting business start-up.

Spas

Sometimes things just come together. The whole Coronavirus saga has been an immense challenge for governments, businesses and individuals. It also led to Jo being made redundant. A bit of a ‘Jo of All Trades’, Jo has indeed had lots of jobs from being a chef in a pub and a personal fitness trainer, to gym management, and working in the tool hire industry. Crucially though, all her roles have been customer-facing ones, and she has developed that happy knack of dealing with clients, which is paramount for Ambient Spas, which prides itself

on its customer service, including its after-sales support. That redundancy, whilst a blow, was also the push that was needed to try something new.

Husband Mike has always worked in the leisure industry, ever since leaving college, including being a swimming pool engineer. There’s a happy symbiosis here. While Jo is in the office ensuring that Ambient Spa’s customers are taken care of, Mike is the technical person who’ll probably be found ‘grunting under a hot tub’ (Mike’s words).

To be fair it probably would have been hot just recently. With the combination of skills that Jo and Mike possess, the decision to set up their own concern felt like the right move. ‘Why not?’ was the question they asked themselves. Whilst this may be a new venture, Jo and Mike come at it with 20 years of relevant industry experience.

Having been together for five years, and married for the last three, this felt like the next, natural step for a family of three, the other member being ‘Dougie the Dog’, who’s a miniature dachshund and an important part of the household. As Jo explained, Dougie suffers from ‘small dog syndrome’ so likes to chuck his weight, or lack of weight, about to compensate for a perceived absence of stature. ‘He’s a bit noisy and loves to bark’. As we continued with our discussion, the sound of a car door shutting outside set Dougie off www.lancmag.com

and he joined in our chat, and then again later on when the ‘postie’ appeared. Apparently, Dougie has his own spot in the showroom, so is very much a part of the fixtures and fittings.

the other member being ‘Dougie the Dog’,

Having initially relied on sales via the website, Jo and Mike achieved the next stage of their plan when Ambient Spa’s showroom opened early in August. Three hot tubs are on display, although there are many other models that are available, with around 15 different ones being sold, everything from the cheaper, entry-level design, right up to the luxurious, higher-range options.

As well as selling spas and hot tubs, the company also offers a service and repair option for existing units. The business is very much based around the supply and repair of hot tubs: that’s the bread and butter (as it were). Business has been good so far. Customers have been coming in and there has been some passing trade, undeterred by Dougie ‘giving it some’. He means well. It all adds up to a promising start. ‘Getting out there’ is important, so, in addition to the website, Ambient Spas also utilises social media (Facebook and Instagram), leaflet drops, and will make its presence felt at events once these are permitted once more.

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Whilst Coronavirus has presented nothing but tough challenges for many sectors, the spa and hot tub industry bucks this trend. Lockdown was a big factor in this. With people forced to stay at home, holidays looking dubious, particularly overseas ones, the sudden attraction of the ‘staycation’, and staying put rather than moving house, some people began to look at spending their money closer to home, including on their gardens. This is exemplified by what has happened with hot tubs where not so long ago you would have faced a modest turnaround of a week or two on delivery of a new unit, but this has now increased to some 12-14 weeks as interest and orders have multiplied by a factor. What is it they say about an ill wind? Whilst there has undeniably been lots of grim news, there have also been some good news stories, although we tend to hear less of those. For Jo and Mike, it’s very much a case of trying to ride that wave for as long as it lasts, which seems like quite a good analogy for spas and tubs.

If you think mention of a ‘wave’ a little over the top for your average tub, please bear in mind that there’s spas and spas, and tubs and tubs. Although they pretty much fall into the same category, there is something at the top end that is not, in any shape or form, ‘average’. The ‘swim spa’ is a 17 foot hot tub, with ‘swim jets’ down one end, so a bit like a treadmill for swimming, with the hot tub element down t’other end. So, you can get your exercise, then relax afterwards, and all in the same aqua space. As I write this, I’m looking out at my garden wondering which bit I can dig up, the lawn maybe, the vegetable plot, or perhaps my wife’s dedicatedly nurtured main flower bed: ‘Mrs Steve’ just looked over my shoulder and said something to the effect of, ‘Don’t even think about it’. There’s something for every taste and budget though at Ambient Spas, so my beloved could keep her floral displays if I go for the two metre by 1½ metre tub.

Mike did a very low-key, yet effective sales pitch on me by positing that the hot tub is even better in winter, as it’s more refreshing, especially if you ‘get a bit of snow or rain on your head’. It was not something I’d ever considered, but I could see where he was coming from. If you’re concerned about the weather though, your tub can be accommodated in a garden room or summer house. Smart.

Ambient Spas

And the future? It’s still early days, of course, but Jo and Mike have their eyes set ultimately upon expansion, which will hopefully see them able to employ staff for the first time, which will be an opportunity to give something back to the local economy and community.

Unit G, Broughton Business Park, Caxton Road, Preston, PR2 9ZA. E-mail: info@ambientspas.co.uk Web: www.ambientspas.co.uk

Now, I’m off outside to do a bit of gardening (or maybe digging) …

Hot Tub supply • Fault finding • Servicing • Deep clean Repairs • Chemical & accessory supply

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Tel: 07887 406321 (Office), 07503 815611 (Tech Line) Facebook: www.facebook.com/ambientspas Instagram: www.instagram.com/ambient_spas

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Bolton School: Where Children Enjoy the Very Best Start in Life Every year 75 girls and boys set out on their school and, ultimately, career journey when they join the Reception Class at Bolton School Infant School.

A significant proportion come from the adjacent Nursery but many are new to the School. Whatever path lies ahead of them, their parents know they are giving them the very best start in life as they enjoy the fun, creativity and learning that takes place in this Infant School where the Early Years Foundation Stage is consistently ranked as “outstanding” by the ISI. After three years, pupils move up to either the Girls’ or Boys’ Division, which include Junior and Senior Schools with Sixth Forms. The latest ISI school inspection reports awarded both divisions top marks in all categories.

As an academically selective independent school, there is a focus on stretching and challenging every pupil. The curriculum is delivered by highly qualified, experienced and dedicated teachers, who create an industrious and supportive environment where pupils are motivated to learn. Being a 1:1 iPad school, the transition to virtual schooling during Covid-19 was made quickly and effectively, with digital tools already being an established part of teaching and learning. In more ‘normal’ times, pupils reach their full potential through a wide range of extra-curricular activities, regular visits to the School’s outdoor pursuits centre, volunteering and foreign travel. Annual GCSE and A level results place the School amongst the best schools in the North and often within the top 100 nationally. The vast majority of students go on to their first choice university and there is a regular flow of sixth formers to highly competitive courses.

Bolton School regularly wins awards for its educational offer. Last year it was the TES’ Independent School of the Year and the Independent School

Parent Magazine’s School of the Year. The School recently became the first school to achieve the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (the MBE for volunteering). Also, last year the school won the Fundraiser of the Year Award, a campaign which helps some pupils pay less or no fees and the year before that, the school won the TES’ Community Initiative Award and the MEN’s Active Community Award.

To find out more about us or to sign up to one of our virtual open events, please call 01204 840201 or visit www.boltonschool.org.

BOLTON SCHOOL Realising Potential

Bolton School

With consistently high examination results, outstanding inspection reports, excellent facilities and incredible extra-curricular opportunities, this friendly school will enable your child to realise their full potential.

www.boltonschool.org/virtualvisit

A community with a zest for later life An Adlington Retirement Living apartment is far more than just a new home. Our communities offer a safe, secure and happy environment with a circle of friends and a sense of belonging.

In uncertain times, that’s more important than ever. Since our worlds all changed a few months ago, many of our Homeowners have told us how much it helps to have such a strong sense of community and a friendly management team on site to provide advice, assistance and moral support.

Have more fun, make more friends Enjoy the best of both worlds: a beautiful, self-contained apartment of your own where you can retreat to enjoy your own company; and a thriving community offering new friendships, social occasions and safe activities on your doorstep that you can dip into whenever you want to.

“It’s better for both of us here. I can go cycling. Jean can walk to the shops, use her bike and go for a ride if she wants to and there are plenty of people here who she can talk to. We’ve made friends already. We should have moved years ago.”

John and Jean Geddes, The Sailings These new, high-end, developments offer Homeowners the privacy of their own peaceful and spacious apartment, with the option of spending time in the gardens, relaxing in the 196

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hair salon, therapy room or lounge and enjoying the table service restaurant

“The whole ambience and welcoming feeling of the place was marvellous. The day I moved in I sat out on my balcony and thought this is absolute bliss - and I have never stopped thinking that.”

Joyce Burgess, The Chimes Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living, explains: “We aim to provide a community spirit, whilst promoting independence and individual respect. It’s a chance to become part of a thriving community of like-minded people, with a shared outlook.” www.lancmag.com

Less maintenance, more ‘me time’ When the maintenance of your house and garden become a full-time job, you can find yourself lacking the time and energy to do anything else.

“We had a big garden and I was doing everything. I was out all afternoon and half the night. I used to come in for Escape to the Country, have a coffee and go out again. I didn’t want to be tied to the house. I wanted to go out and do things.”

Jean Geddes, The Sailings When you move into an Adlington Retirement Living apartment, you no longer have to worry about repairs, maintenance or mowing!

“I feel like a lady of leisure really – being waited on and not having to do a lot.

We’ve got so much more leisure time to do what we want to do.”

Mabel Griffiths, The Bridges “Once we decided, we realised the benefits of not maintaining a house because I’ve spent my life maintaining everything. We’ve always been DIY people and once we’d taken the dog for a walk, we’d set about doing a job.”

Eddie Griffiths, The Bridges Many of our apartments are available with their own private patio or balcony and all of our developments have beautiful, landscaped gardens, offering quiet corners, a summer house and relaxing spaces to watch the world go by.

“I don’t need to do any gardening, which is heaven. I also have a balcony with a chair and table on it and when it’s fine and warm, I can sit up there. It’s lovely!”

Hannah Douglas, The Folds The extensive, leafy gardens are maintained by an expert team of gardeners and provide a serene and peaceful space for Homeowners to enjoy some time outdoors.

“The delightful gardens enable us to walk around and exercise in a safe environment.”

Mr & Mrs Braithwaite, The Cottons

Life in lockdown During the UK lockdown, we all found new ways to adapt in order to stay safe. Our team members shopped for our Homeowners and collected prescriptions whenever help was needed and we created ‘pop-up shops’ at each development to provide a safe and easy way to pick up everyday essentials.

“It’s been nice to have the company of the staff and they’ve taken care of all my needs, even doing some shopping. It’s given my son peace of mind too, as he lives in Yorkshire.”

Mrs Whalley, The Cottons

Many of our Homeowners chatted to each other from their private balconies and patios and our management teams found new ways to encourage community spirit whilst adhering to social distancing measures.

Our weekly online quiz night was very popular, enabling Homeowners to enjoy each other’s company from the comfort of their own homes, a virtual Physiofit class continues to offer online fun and fitness with friends, and our gardening clubs at some developments have ensured participants keep a safe distance from each other whilst enjoying planting in the raised beds.

When our elegant restaurants had to temporarily close for a period of time, our catering teams offered the same high standard of freshly-prepared, delicious lunchtime meals and delivered them directly to our Homeowners’ front doors, always maintaining social distancing and sanitising trays between deliveries.

“My main lunchtime meal coming to my door was invaluable and Laura the waitress was delightful and had a lovely manner. The cleaning and sanitising, and food trollies is a really good idea.”

Mrs Allen, The Sailings www.lancmag.com

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A smart approach to care Some say age is the price of wisdom. When it comes to peace of mind, owning your own home and spending more time doing the things you love there are wise choices to be considered.

“All the girls here have told me if I need anything at all, I’ve only got to say. Moving here is the best thing I’ve done because I can talk to people, I can get out and about or go for a walk around the garden if I want to. I love it here.”

Mrs Davey, The Folds One of the aspects that appeals to many of our Homeowners is the fact that optional, additional care is available as and when it is needed, for as long as it’s needed. So, if you have an accident and need some additional support for a short time, it’s available, or if you need more long-term support, that’s available too.

Alexandra Johnson explains: “More of our Homeowners are choosing to move to retirement communities whilst they’re fit and healthy, to future-proof their retirement. We offer a personal approach to care to ensure that you receive just the right amount to maintain your independence, allowing you to enjoy your retirement to the full.

“Even though many of our Homeowners do not need specialist care, the Adlington team is always there in the background giving them and their families comfort that in the event of an unexpected fall help is immediately to hand.”

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Our Homeowners have access to round-theclock support from a dedicated team, 365 days a year. Whatever your needs, the 24-hour on-site staff are there to look out for your wellbeing, and arrange tailored care, if required – all of which enables you to maintain your quality of life. It’s completely flexible, so should you find that your requirements change in the future, the discreet care team will be able to accommodate and support you.

All apartments are fitted with a 24-hour emergency call system linked directly to the on-site team. The sophisticated emergency call system not only covers each private apartment but the entire building and gardens, for added peace of mind.

“Having experienced how my husband went downhill so quickly, I looked into the care options when I chose to move here. It was very important to me that I can move in now, when I don’t need any care or additional support, but it’s available if there is a time when I need that.”

Joyce Burgess, The Chimes A significant number of retired doctors have chosen an Adlington Retirement Living apartment for their own future, illustrating the high regard in which our concept is held by health professionals. In fact, at one of our recent developments 13 retired doctors bought an apartment. www.lancmag.com

Pets are welcome too We know that animals are often part of the family, so we’re always happy to welcome well-behaved pets to our retirement communities.

The companionship pets provide is invaluable and can make a really positive impact on our Homeowners’ lives, from increasing levels of physical activity and social interaction to reducing stress and improving mental health and wellbeing.

Award-winning choices for the older generation Our innovative apartments and retirement communities don’t just win over Homeowners and their families; they also win the recognition of our industry peers.

Three of our communities have won Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards for the Best Retirement Development at the WhatHouse? Awards, the UK housebuilding’s most prestigious event. The Bridges in Macclesfield won the Silver Award in 2019, Adlington House in Otley won the Gold Award in 2017 and Adlington House in Portishead won the Bronze Award in 2015.

The judges recognised both our spacious, superbly appointed apartments and our unique approach to independent living, praising the fact that our Homeowners don’t have to compromise on their independence, privacy and social life.

With all the time in the world, a lively social calendar, the company of friendly people and the reassurance of support when you need it, you can truly live life your way.

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Niche

Kitchens

S

ince taking ownership of the respected and established business, husband and wife team Fernando and Marcela Freitas have welcomed an ever-growing number of visitors into their Rawtenstall showroom, with clients old and new looking to take advantage of their professionalism, experience and tireless, commitment to excellence, the new philosophy at Niche Kitchens is simple: to restore the sense of excitement, creativity and innovation traditionally associated with the process of choosing and installing a new kitchen.

products and budgets and working with them on design features – remaining involved until the final fitting. Once decided, customers can view a detailed 3-D digital model on a large screen showing them how their new kitchen will look, ensuring that they are happy to proceed. Once clients are satisfied with the design, they will be assigned a team of Highly skilled and experienced craftsmen and trade professionals who will install their dream kitchen according to the most exacting, fully personalised specifications.

Having spent over 25 years in the industry, Fernando and Marcela have observed many changing trends in lifestyles and the ways in which demanding schedules have influenced how and where families and friends gather together have become increasingly important – and that’s why Niche recognises the need to personalise your kitchen and create a fully bespoke design that works for you as an inviting relaxing and attractive social hub.

Thanks to Fernando and Marcela’s strong unites at competitive prices – savings which they pass directly to the customer to guarantee the very best value available. All work is fully insured and Niche customers enjoy the extra security of extended warranties on appliances. This means that the standard one-year manufacturer’s warranty period is extended to years 1 to 5 Years (depending on the manufacturer).

Fernando and Marcela take personal oversight of every project from the point of first contact with clients, assisting them with measurements, advising them on 200

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Because Niche understand that conform is important, clients are consulted on how best to make their drawer, cabinet and shelving space as accessible as they need it to be. Importantly, all prices quoted are www.lancmag.com

When it comes to kitchens, Niche Kitchens promises to deliver a unique combination of functionality, fashion and flair every time – whatever your tastes.

final so client budgets won’t be affected by hidden extras based on these special fitting requirements.

Depending on the kitchen chosen, installations can be completed in between 4-10 weeks, making now the perfect time to start planning your new look in time for summer.

Whether you want to host friends and family in a beautifully designed, contemporary, retro or ultra-modern kitchen and dining area this sizzling season. Niche Kitchens is the place to go. www.lancmag.com

Niche Kitchens, although based in Rossendale, provide award winning affordable kitchens, bedrooms and office facilities throughout Rossendale, Ramsbottom, Bury, Burnley, Blackburn, Bolton, Preston, Wigan and Manchester.

They are open Monday to Friday 11: am until 5pm and Saturday 11:00am until 4pm. Located on Lea Business Park, there is ample parking and easy access. Be sure to visit soon and choose the perfect kitchen, or bedroom for you!

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 201

British Dog bed collection company, Pippa & Company launches premium range of interior design beds to complement your home.

Ascot Signature Bed (Medium Grey £425)

P

ippa & Company began amongst paint samples, fabrics and paw prints. The renovation of our home was thoughtful, passionate and pain staking. Fortunately, finding the perfect paint hues, kitchen cabinets and curtain fabrics was aided by a myriad of experts.

But when it came to a bed for our beloved dog Pippa, the search was extensive.

And fruitless.

So we created our own from scratch, and Pippa adored it as much as we did. Pippa & Company is passionately determined to craft quality, chic beds for your dog, giving them a luxurious, stylish night’s sleep whether they’re settling down in the country or city. Beds that reflect your personal style, put a smile on your face and a wag in the tail of your deserving dog..

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This British brand is the brainchild of founder and owner Jennifer Taylor, taking inspiration from renovating her own home and the struggle to find a dog bed for her beloved family dog, Pippa, that would complement the carefully chosen design scheme. The collection includes beautiful faux fur blankets starting at £125 to Signature beds from £295 and handy travel beds at £115.

Classic Blanket (Large Oatmeal £195)

mattress bundle infinity blue

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The Collections At Pippa & Company we know from experience that a stylish dog bed is nothing without quality and functionality. We think our dogs feel the same way. After all, when a dog’s version of ‘making the bed’ involves digging and pawing, it makes sense to only use fabrics and trimmings of the very highest quality and durability.

We support small, quality British businesses, sourcing our fabrics, trimmings and fillings from the UK, and make every one of our beds to order here in Britain. Our cushions are lovingly made by hand in Sussex and our beds are handmade by experienced machinists in South London.

The beautiful collections are crafted with your home and hound in mind. With stylish, forward thinking designs, each dog bed will perfectly complement your interior be it your townhouse or a country home. With comfy cushions and a stunning selection of quality fabrics, your dog will love every inch of their bed as much as you do. The collections are arranged by fabric or bed shape, and the beds are fully customisable.

Sandringham Pillow Bed (Large, Aqua Blue £175)

Designed to enrich rather than clash with your interior design, our beds are made with the thoughtfulness that can only come from a dog owner. With concealed zips (no more caught paws), removable, washable covers (goodbye smelly snoozing), your dog can have a relaxing sleep even after the very muddiest of walkies – our water resistant linings make sure of that.

Blanket - Gift Box and Bag (£125)

Classic Blanket (Small, Aqua £125)

Ascot Signature Bed (Medium Grey £425)

www.lancmag.com

Sandringham Signature Bed (Medium, Light Grey £350)

Travel Bed pyramid (£115-145)

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 203

Luxury British Made Dog Collars & Leads

by Pippa & Company

The ultimate in stylish luxury for the discerning hound, Pippa & Company’s collars and leads are handmade in the UK, using fine Italian leather and Yorkshire wool. Available in each of our four signature colours and finished with beautiful Italian hardware, they are the perfect gift for your pooch this Christmas.

Presented in a beautiful keepsake box, our collar and lead sets also make a thoughtful and stylish gift for a new puppy owner.

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Collars (From £60 - £65 Small: to fit 26-32cm (2cm width) Medium: to fit 34-40cm (2cm width Large: to fit 38-44cm (2.5cm width) Extra Large: to fit 46-52cm (2.5cm) Leads (£75) One Size 120 x 2 cm

www.pippaandcompany.co.uk Contact: hello@pippaandcompany.co.uk www.lancmag.com

Lockdown talents

Talents may be artistic or technical, mental or physical, personal or Social. You can be a talented introvert or talented extrovert.

Your talents need not be profitable, useful or conventional, but they will always be your own, a part of what makes you into you.

What talents have you learned or developed during lockdown?

Well, one of our Blackpool readers has become a international recording artist and, before lockdown had never written a song. In fact if asked he would of said that he wasn’t capable of that. He did write his first lyrics to be more poem like rather than a song. He posted it on social media. It was immediately picked up by a San Francisco recording studio and recorded into a song. This was followed by a couple more.

Live Interviews on Radio stations in Milwaukee and San Francisco followed and podcasts were also made.

His name is John Cheetham and I’m sure we are going to hear a lot more from John in the near future.

Here are two of his recordings, including the first one which was inspired by Lockdown.

“I Fear” I woke up with fear and dread. The fear of going outside, the fear of staying in bed.

I fear for the kids that are safer at school. Forced to stay at home where abuse is the rule I fear for the mentally ill that will not recover from this.

The fear that they will not be receiving the treatment, the fear That they will be missed off the waiting list.

I fear for the claustrophobic that suffer from the fear of going outside.

I fear the fact to stay at home they’ve been told.

I fear that they may not see daylight until they are carried out and Cold.

I fear for the N.H.S. The fear of the front line. The fear of the virus and the fear of being infected in time.

I fear for the politicians and I fear of the lies that have been told.

I fear that the truth will never be known.

I fear for the hardworkers that work for themselves and the fear that They cannot afford the food on them supermarket shelves.

I fear for the restaurants and hoteliers. I fear that they may forever close?

Or, may never have guests again I suppose?

I fear for the businesses that have too many loans.

Businesses that have worked hard for a business that they will now never own.

I fear that courage is knowing what not to fear.

Now, that’s me done for the day and I’m out of here. www.lancmag.com

Taming How I love to see your styles And how you make a room smile Like a dainty fruit tree You tear the heart right out of me Your eyes of ocean rain and a heart I cannot tame Your walk of a thousand dances All those admiring glances Taming you girl would take a 1000 years I would like to stop my fears How about you just accept me?

And we can live for eternity You are the champion I would like to fight I’m never losing you from sight You hold the keys to all my dreams Come on and set me free There’s nothing else for me to do I’m falling in love with you We can make this work My feelings for you are reworked Taming you girl would take a 1000 years I would like to stop my fears How about you just accept me And we can live for eternity LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 205

Your star horoscope

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

Aries: Mar 21 – Apr 19 This month brings a renewed sense of energy. Take all those sparks and translate them directly into romance. You can initiate something very sweet, whether it’s with your longtime love or someone brand-new. Couples make interesting new sparks now, while singletons can find someone to warm their heart. If you can push yourself hard, this month will be a snap.

Close out any pressing financial issues as early as possible. Those who will be able to keep on going in profession will see that their efforts are being recognised.

Favourable Dates: Oct 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20 Favourable Colours: White & Yellow

Leo: Jul 23 – Aug 22 You could find yourself laying a new foundation or contributing to people behind the scenes that are in need of your farsightedness and ability to grasp the bigger picture.You’ll be able to reach your goals more easily, as it will be well worth your time and energy to put everything else aside. Keep your eyes open for someone who’s extremely sensual and quite focused on you. You’ll be afforded an unusual opportunity for introspection — your true inner self and heartfelt desires are revealed, if you just take the time to look within.

Favourable Dates: Oct 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: White & Red

Taurus: Apr 20 – May 20 You could be reviewing your finances and creating a budget that makes better sense. You’re at a point where partnering with other people can be very beneficial and can move you and your ideas forward. You’ll be quite intent on making a name for yourself within a group situation. You’ll do a fine job of it, and you’ll be remembered for some time to come for your efforts. This month finds your natural charm turned way up; the coupled up can enjoy some extra cosiness, while singletons can attract someone as loving and loyal as they themselves.

Favourable Dates: Oct 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: White & Red

Virgo: Aug 23 – Sep 22 This month will provide you with the inspiration to keep on going, no matter how hard your work-oriented challenges are — and to finish up.

Being in-charge will come easily to you and you’ll gain new admirers and lots of new friends who can’t believe you’re not too good to be true. The middle of October will bring you a new opportunity that will be exciting, but not completely unexpected.

Jump on it, the ride will be exhausting but fulfilling.

In the last week, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Favourable Dates: Oct 6, 9, 15, 18, 24, 27 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Grey

Gemini: May 21 – Jun 20 This is not a good time to start a new venture on your own, but rather have partners go along with you. The emphasis on partnership is turned up now as you connect with leaders in the community and embrace creative ways to manage your time and resources. You’ll find yourself restless and eager to take on new responsibilities. It could be that you throw yourself into volunteer work, or that you demand a more palatable workload. If you’re coupled up, you can take your relationship down a sweet garden path.

Favourable Dates: Oct 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: Green & Red Cancer: Jun 21 – Jul 22 If you’ve set your sights on a new job or even a promotion, it should come to you. Be open to innovative perspectives and flashes of insight as the month progresses. Letting go of extra activities or associations that drain your time will free you to manage a larger project that is challenging and has it’s structures in the communities foundation. This month promises singles a rollicking good time, while those romantically entangled will enjoy leading their significant other into all sorts of new adventures.

Favourable Dates: Oct 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red

Libra: Sep 23 – Oct 22 The events that seem like setbacks in the past will quickly turn around and become advantageous. Stay focused and you’ll have no serious problems getting where you want to go. You’ll gain remarkable powers of persuasion during the last week of the month, so don’t worry overmuch about getting your way in meetings or conferences. You’ll be inspired to suggest new avenues of business to your partners and colleagues. Your friendships and group connections may change or you may be put in charge of a previously recreational situation - but you’ll just love it.

Favourable Dates: Oct 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20 Favourable Colours: Yellow & White Scorpio: Oct 23 – Nov 21 Projects begin to move forward now and an innovative approach is called for in your career. Powerful allies step up to the plate when you need them most. Bold moves and breakthroughs are changing the routine. It will be tough to talk you into doing anything other than putting your nose to the grindstone. — for now, at least. Singles who risk a big romantic move around can hardly go wrong, and the coupled up can take their relationship to the next level and your passionate powers of persuasion would be on fire.

Favourable Dates: Oct 5, 7, 14, 16, 25, 27 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red

Sagittarius: Nov 22 – Dec 21 t a good time to ask about raises and promotions. Big rewards start to roll in for you, starting in early October.

You might feel drawn to new volunteer work, or perhaps even a shift in focus for your career as a whole thanks to a wider view of the world. New people in your life might pull you in different directions. By the end of the month, you could find yourself stuck in the middle of a workplace battle, but make sure to give as good as you get.

Favourable Dates: Oct 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Blue & Red

Capricorn: Dec 22 – Jan 19 Be ready for some serious rethinking about your feelings vis-a-vis work and your place in the world. It’s an excellent time to jump ship and cast in your lot with a new boss — or go freelance, if that’s your dream. You may also be making your way along a whole new relationship path. You’ll enjoy this new start, and so will those who choose to accompany you. Your perseverance in the love department pays off in a lovely way with someone you’ve longed for landing right in your lap.

Favourable Dates: Oct 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red Aquarius: Jan 20 – Feb 18 Your flair for wit and charm will serve you well, as you’ll need to acquire new contacts and massage old ones to keep ahead of the game. Financial problems will work themselves out as if by magic, and you might find a way to make money from an unexpected source.

Possibilities for your future take shape, as you learn to trust your instincts. Relationships you begin or reinvest in now have especially high chances of blooming amazingly. You can take your love life pretty much anywhere you want it to go.

Favourable Dates: Oct 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27 Favourable Colours: Green & Red Pisces: Feb 19 – Mar 20 The momentum of a creative project takes new shape as the month progresses. Your selfless assistance of someone else in the love arena benefits your romantic karma in amazing ways. Singles fascinate all around them with their allure, while the coupled up captivate their sweeties anew. This bright event will spark up your relationship axis, asking that you turn your attention to one-to-one encounters. Listen to your inner guidance – dreams and your gut feelings are a better gauge than outside sources.

You’re a perfect package, so don’t be afraid to sing your own praises a little.

Favourable Dates: Oct 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 Favourable Colours: Green & Red

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

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“Advertising is saying you’re good. PR is getting someone else to say you’re good.”

Jean-Louis Gassee

LIFESTYLE & DESIGN PR SPECIALISTS KITCHENS, BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS | HOME INTERIORS | DESIGN & ARCHITECTURAL

PR & MARKETING | DESIGN | PUBLISHING | EVENT MANAGEMENT www.publicityengineers.com +44 (0)1992 478 109

Staycationing with your four-legged friend this summer? Don’t forget to pack the new award-winning Be:Loved natural pet care collection Let’s be honest, foreign holidays are off the agenda for most this summer.

But for your four-legged friend this is the best news EVER! Why? Because this means staycations are very much ‘on’ and that means lots of dogs will be tagging along for the ride!

But before you jump in the car and head to the coast, the forest, the mountains or the wilderness, it’s important to ensure you’ve packed everything you are going to need whilst you’re away. Many people will ensure they have their dog’s food, water bowl, collar and bed before heading off but it’s important you are also armed with everything you’ll need to ensure your dog is looking and feeling good whilst strutting their stuff on holiday – allow us to introduce the gorgeous new Be:Loved natural pet care collection, available to purchase from www.wearebeloved.co The Be:Loved Story The Be:Loved range was launched to provide pets with soothing and caring ways to ensure they look and feel their best, something dedicated pet parents strive to do every day.

The inspiration for the range comes from a rather unique source – a family heirloom! This farmhouse recipe and

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animal husbandry book was a treasure chest full of remedies and ointments designed to treat a range of common ailments for farmers and animals alike, all created with nothing more than what could be found on hedgerows and in nature’s harvest. It is these recipes that Be:Loved’s products are borne from; a homage if you will. Sensitively made by hand, using only natural ingredients that are kind to both pooch and human, Be:Loved’s bespoke product range has been sensitively created to be luxurious and moisturising, whilst also helping to soothe and nourish problem skin and troublesome paws and noses.

Since its launch Be:Loved has already garnered legions of fans and within weeks of its market debut it scooped its first award, having won the ‘Best New Product’ Award at the leading pet retail show, PATS 2020.

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Be:Loved 100% Natural Shampoo Bars RRP £5.00 (100g) Sand, sea, leaves, muddy streams, sticky fingers and endless pets can leave your dog’s coat looking less than perfect.

However, with Be:Loved handmade, 100% natural shampoo bars it is possible to wash on the go. There are four to choose from, helping pet parents to make the right choice for their dog’s individual needs: • Be:Clean – perfect for dogs that can manage to find the stinkiest thing possible to roll in! Featuring essential oils and natural growth-boosting green tea, this antibacterial shampoo bar provides a glossy clean coat, a fresh fragrance and helps to keep lice and bacteria at bay.

• Be:Bugfree – packed full of a 100% natural blend of neem oil and insectrepelling citronella, Be:Bugfree is perfect for those dogs that enjoy long walks in the countryside and are more susceptible to bug bites and stings.

• Be:Vegan – this soothing and calming shampoo bar is perfect for those pet parents that practice

what they preach when it comes to living a true vegan lifestyle. Be:Vegan is packed full of naturally calming ingredients including vegan hemp and chamomile, making it the perfect choice for a range of skin issues including dandruff, eczema or rosacea.

• Be:Calm – with the calming scent of lavender and extra moisturising goat’s milk, Be:Calm is the perfect way to help your pet unwind after a long day exploring the local area.

Be:Loved Nose & Paw Balms RRP £8.00 (60g) These Nose and Paw Balms are perfect for on-the-go fixes. For those little aches and scrapes that come from being an adventure dog, the Be:Safe, First Aid & Ache Nose & Paw Balm is just the ticket.

Formulated with a natural blend of essential oils and moisturising beeswax, shea butter and Vitamin E, this balm is designed to soothe minor injuries, like scratches and grazes, and alleviate the discomfort from stings and bites. Simply apply to paws, noses and anywhere else that’s been in the wars.

Be:Loved, Soothing and Nourishing Nose & Paw Balm is the ideal choice when feet and noses have had a busy day out and about. Whether it’s a cracked paw pad, elbow callouses or dry noses, this enriching balm full of shea butter, Vitamin E, avocado oil and manuka honey is the perfect remedy.

Be:Fresh – Probiotic Home & Kennel Sanitising Spray – RRP £12.00

Be:Silky – Skin & Coat Conditioning Pet Massage Oil Rub – RRP £20.00

Accidents happen and when they do it’s easy to clean up with this specially formulated spray.

Use to clean, scent and protect your dog’s bed – the spray is safe for use on fabrics - and surrounding areas whilst on holiday. The smell will remind them of home, whilst hoteliers and holiday homeowners will thank you for the courtesy as the active ingredients get to work if resoiling should occur.

If you don’t have time for a wash, then Be:Loved’s skin and coat oil rub is the perfect alternative whilst on the go. The enriching and conditioning blend of natural botanical oils and essences, including Grape Seed, Lavender, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond and Rose, help to create a fresh, healthy and silky coat. Massaging the oil can help to improve circulation, as well as helping to calm over excited holiday companions and helping to soothe those dogs that love holidays but hate the travelling to get there!

Tested on humans, not animals Every product in the Be:Loved collection is not only handmade in the UK, but it has also been tested on humans – after all, if it’s good enough for us then it’s got to be good enough for our pets! Free

from parabens and MIT (that’s a preservative commonly added to cosmetics), Be:Loved also supports the fight against single-use plastics and uses zero plastic within its packaging and will ensure it never does.

Find out more at www.wearebeloved.co or join the Be:Loved community on Instagram by following www.lancmag.com

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