Live Preston & Fylde Issue 103 November/December 2021 by Live_Magazines

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CONTENTS F E AT U R E S

14 CARING, COMPASSIONATE AND COMMITTED St Catherine’s Hospice here to help people have quality of life, to the end of life 62 STEP INTO CHRISTMAS LOOKING AND FEELING AMAZING Getting glam for the festive season 100 HOW SAMLESBURY BECAME HOME OF THE NATIONAL CYBER FORCE A new branch of the military, is gearing up to fight battles in cyber space from Lancashire 108

SPORTS TO IMPROVE ANXIETY Which sports are best for mood boosters

110 CHRISTMAS DINNER FIT FOR THE QUEEN What the Royals eat at Christmas 126 CAN’T STOP THE BEAT John Thompson makes musical debut in Hairspray

REGULARS 10 EDITOR’S LETTER 17 HOMES INSIDE OUT 46 FASHION 64 HEALTH & BEAUTY 76 LIFESTYLE 94 EDUCATION 100 BUSINESS 105 MOTORS 108 SPORT 110 FOOD & DRINK 124 WHAT’S ON 126 ENTERTAINMENT

108

128 PROPERTY 130 GOOD READ

126

LIVE MAGAZINES Chairman: Simon Smith Managing Director: Tedd Walmsley Company Secretary: Elizabeth Walmsley Editor: Helen Sanderson Graphic Designers: Nick Dittrich and Rob Walmsley Operations Manager: Kate Hyde Production Manager: James Britton Photography: Paul Currie, Robin Lyndon, Roger Moore and Kirsten Platt Sales Account Manager: Jane Hughes 07875 696 928 Editorial Contributors: Sarah Airey, Kate Bowyer, Catherine Dunlop, Meena Macdonald, Samantha Martin and Sarah Varley Live Magazines Limited Office 2, The Old Bakery Green Street Lytham FY8 5LG T: 01772 319 465 live@live-magazines.co.uk www.live-magazines.co.uk LIVE PRESTON & FYLDE magazine is hand delivered to selected households and businesses in Barton, Bretherton, Broughton, Buckshaw Village, Cottam, Croston, Eaves, Elswick, Garstang, Great Eccleston, Freckleton, Fulwood, Hutton, Kirkham, Little Eccleston, Longton, Lytham, Much Hoole, New Longton, Newton with Scales, Penwortham, Warton, Wesham, Whittle-Le-Woods, and Wrea Green. Live Magazines Limited cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts or photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Live Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors. We reserve the right to publish and credit any letters. All rights reserved. An annual subscription is available at £17.50, to cover postage and packaging. For details of subscriptions please email subscriptions@live-magazines.co.uk. For advertising please contact us on 01772 319 465.

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Magazines Editor Welcome to the Christmas issue of Live Preston & Fylde magazine. I’m not sure where this year has gone, it feels like two minutes since our Prime Minister was locking down the country and almost cancelling last years Christmas. I’m already on the Christmas countdown, my daughters have circled half of the Argos catalogue ready to write their lists. My friends are sharing outfit ideas for our planned nights out to enjoy a few cocktails and my family have dinners and theatre trips planned. I really need to take on board some of the advice in Sam’s article on page 62 so that I can feel my best in my little black dresses which come out of the wardrobe at this time of year. Christmas last year was really lovely and I spent it with my close family, but I did miss putting on my sequins and catching up with old friends and colleagues over mulled wine, mince pies and fizz. I’ll be making the most of the freedom this year! This weekend I’m off to the Christmas Markets to start my shopping. Christmas isn’t fun for everyone; we are expected to have fun with friends and family which can make grief feel bigger. The person you love is ‘missing’ from the festivities and there may be an empty chair at your Christmas table. To all of those of you who are missing someone this Christmas, my heart goes out to you. This year may be particularly hard for those who have lost loved ones in the COVID Pandemic. If you are grieving this Christmas then the advice that St Catherine’s have provided on page 14 may help. From me and my daughters, and all the team at Live Preston & Fylde Magazine may I wish you the very best of the festive season. Have fun, take care and I shall see you in 2022! Have a magical Christmas! Love Helen Helen Sanderson Editor

YOUR PREMIER GUIDE

TO LUXURY LIVING • ISSUE 102

LANCASHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING I S S U E 12 9

THE PRESTON MODEL WHY NEW YORK IS EMULATING OUR CITY AUTUMN FASHION COSY CASUALS FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS PLANNING YOUR CHRISTMAS ‘GET TOGETHERS’

CHRISTMAS IN CLITHEROE EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING GUIDE EAT SIMPLER CAMPAIGN RADIO 4’S SHEILA DILLON CYBER FORCE SENSATION ECONOMY BOOST FOR THE VALLEY CARVING A CAREER THE ART OF BOOK FOLDING

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TO LUXURY LIVING • ISSUE 103

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From showroom to show home Carole and Brian were so impressed with Kitchen Design Centre’s new Urmston showroom that they commissioned designer Rowan Chick to design their perfect kitchen. Living not far from the new showroom, the couple loved visiting and perusing all the displays. Initially Carole liked a shaker style display in the window and asked Rowan to do a design based on this. Her husband preferred a more modern style though. After designs based on several displays, the couple were wowed with a design inspired by one of the large contemporary displays in the showroom which incorporated copper and neutral tones. Carole wanted an island or peninsular but a set of two French doors to the garden meant wall space was limited. Rowan introduced a square island in the middle of the room and an ‘L’ shaped design that wrapped the kitchen along two of the walls. Open black metal shelves also allowed Carole to display items and created difference within the space. With several designs to choose from, it took a while to settle on their dream design but they felt like they were in excellent hands and praised Rowan’s organisational skills and patience. “Rowan put so much hard work in to designing our kitchen. He was incredibly patient and an absolute star. The fitters were also exceptional. Our kitchen is really beautiful.”

Designer Rowan Chick says, “Our showroom offers so much choice, Brian and Carole were literally spoilt for choice, resulting in several design options. In the end we found the perfect combination and their new kitchen looks fantastic.”

To read more about how we designed this kitchen and to view the video tour of it visit: www.kitchendesigncentre.com

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CARING, COMPASSIONATE AND COMMITTED St Catherine’s Hospice is an independent charity which is here to help everyone in Chorley, Preston and South Ribble have quality of life, to the end of life

to meet the specific needs of each individual and their family. Together they work to manage pain and other complex symptoms – with the aim of helping people have the best possible quality of life whilst avoiding the need for hospital admission.

hrough specialised palliative and end-of-life care at the hospice and where people live, the hospice works with patients and families to help them achieve what is important to them, in the time they have. Care is personalised to each individual and their circumstances, and aims to help people live in comfort, and with dignity, independence and choice. They work to meet the physical, emotional and practical needs of those affected by conditions like cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure, supporting patients and their loved ones from diagnosis through bereavement. The hospice values are Caring, Compassionate and Committed. The 19-bed inpatient unit at the hospice in Lostock Hall provides the most intensive round the clock care. Care is personalised

CARE IS PERSONALISED TO EACH INDIVIDUAL AND THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES, AND AIMS TO HELP PEOPLE LIVE IN COMFORT, AND WITH DIGNITY, INDEPENDENCE AND CHOICE Many of the patients are discharged home once their symptoms are better managed, where they may continue to receive care from the Clinical Nurse Specialists. Some patients spend their final days at St Catherine’s,

and the aim is to make them as comfortable as possible whilst also supporting their loved ones. The Clinical Nurse Specialist team visit people where they live across Chorley, Preston and South Ribble, including nursing homes and care homes. They provide assessment, treatment and support, and work together with GPs, district nurses and other health and social care professionals to ensure care is co-ordinated. The support they offer at the end of life is invaluable to people who would prefer to die in their usual place of residence, rather than in a hospital or hospice. The Support Team is made up of qualified social workers who work with patients and their loved ones on the inpatient unit and in the community, as well the general public. They ensure patients’ and families’ social, practical, spiritual and emotional needs are met. They provide counselling including bereavement counselling, as well as support drop-in sessions for the whole community such as those for carers and for those who are bereaved. The Support Team also manages a volunteer-led befriending service which provides a lifeline for carers and those who

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Coping with Grief at Christmas Christmas is most often associated with family gatherings, nights out with friends, parties with colleagues, buying gifts for loved ones and having a lovely time. But it can also be one of the hardest times of the year for people who are grieving. The festive season can add to the pressure people feel to be the best versions of themselves, and it can really bring home how much we miss those who have died. There are many joyful experiences too of course, being gentle and kind to ourselves, and showing patience and consideration for others can make a meaningful difference at this poignant time of year. Here we have compiled some tips and advice to help you cope with feelings of loss around Christmas: – Include the person you are missing in your celebrations – perhaps light a candle or raise a toast. Keep the traditions from previous years which mean the most to you, and start new ones in your loved one’s honour as well. – Don’t feel the need to say ‘yes’ to every single invitation you receive – try to strike a balance by choosing the occasions you feel most comfortable attending, and let people know if you’d rather only be there for a short amount of time. – Keeping busy can be a helpful distraction, but being too busy can be exhausting! Pace yourself and give yourself permission to engage in relaxing activities not associated with Christmas. – People can feel guilty about having fun with family and friends when they are grieving, but remember that enjoying the company of other people and the spirit of the season can be very comforting and uplifting, and the person who has died would want you to be surrounded and supported by your loved ones. – You may feel you’d like a ‘year off’ and decide to skip the celebrations. Why not volunteer at a food bank, take a long walk, or spend time with a neighbour who’s alone on Christmas Day instead? You could make a meal from another country rather than a traditional turkey dinner, and watch a non-festive but feel-good film. Or use the break to discover a new hobby or learn a new skill – something you’ve been ‘meaning to do’ for years.

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The Mill and Shops The Mill Café and The Mill Gift Shop (currently transformed into a Christmas Shop) next door to one another in the grounds of St Catherine’s Park, Lostock Hall. Café open 9am-4pm every day: – breakfast – hot and cold lunches – afternoon teas – Sunday roasts.

are socially isolated. St Catherine’s depends on the generosity and efforts of supporters to raise £4m of the charity’s annual £5.8m running costs, with £1.8m provided by the NHS.

ST CATHERINE’S DEPENDS ON THE GENEROSITY AND EFFORTS OF SUPPORTERS TO RAISE £4M OF THE CHARITY’S ANNUAL £5.8M RUNNING COSTS, WITH £1.8M PROVIDED BY THE NHS Funds are raised in a variety of ways including: donations in wills, a weekly lottery, 19 charity shops and ecommerce platforms. Events such as the Moonlight and Memories Walk and the Santa Dash, remembrance opportunities such as Light Up A Life and Yellow Ribbon dedications, donations and fundraising challenges organised

by supporters. As well as through The Mill Café and Shop, which are set in the welcoming grounds of St Catherine’s Park and operate as a social enterprise with profits to the hospice. n stcatherines.co.uk

JOIN IN THE SANTA DASH! The St Catherine’s Santa Dash is back! The hospice’s three-mile festive fun run returns to Preston Docks on 5th December, and supporters can choose to take on the challenge in their own time this December too. Registration is £10 for adults and £5 for children. To sign up, please visit: www.stcatherines.co.uk or call 01772 629171.

Shop open 10am-4pm every day: – gift sets – clothing – handbags – accessories – handmade crafts – cards – books – Christmas decorations – and more. 16 charity shops across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble including dedicated book and furniture shops and an occasion-wear and bridal boutique in Preston city centre. Mill Café serving Christmas dinners throughout December, with late night openings on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 2nd to the 18th December. And Christmas afternoon tea available in the afternoons. Bookings required: www.themillatstcatherinespark.co.uk

LIGHT UP A LIFE THIS FESTIVE SEASON People will be remembered through a special light display in the grounds of St Catherine’s Hospice this Christmas. Everyone is welcome to make a Light Up A Life dedication in honour of their loved ones, whilst helping to raise vital funds for the charity at this poignant time of year. The Lostock Hall hospice will host lights switch-on and dedication evenings in St Catherine’s Park on 30th November and 1st December, and names of everyone being remembered will feature in the charity’s Light Up A Life Remembrance Book. To make a dedication, please visit: stcatherines.co.uk or call 01772 629171.

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Family and friends have been stunned at the beauty of the flooring and just how tremendous it looks, and many have thought it was real wood until Sam has told them otherwise! One of the major benefits of Amtico compared to engineered board, which Sam learnt from the Gainsborough team, is that if a board is scratched, it can simply be lifted out and a new one glued into its place. There is no sanding and resealing required as there is with wood, therefore causing minimal disruption.

JUST PERFECT! Flooring experts Gainsborough have played a major part in creating a beautiful new two-storey home extension, writes Meena McDonald. Photography: Jack Pomfret

all the pros and cons of doing this and I was extremely grateful for his advice, and incredibly pleased at how spectacular the flooring actually turned out. Not only that, it saved a considerable amount of money compared to engineered board.”

pfront and honest was a comment from a recent client, who had the majority of their flooring installed by Gainsborough Flooring. Sam Ames, who owns and manages a couple of local businesses in Lancashire, had undertaken a major refurbishment project to his new home with a large two-storey and side extension. After initially considering engineered tongue and groove boarding, Sam visited visited the impressive Gainsborough showroom in the heart of Preston. “Whilst I was in the showroom, I spotted a pattern from the Amtico Spacia Collection wood effect flooring range which was a combination of three different types of oak board, which I was extremely taken with,” explains Sam. “Just to make things more complicated, I decided to add a fourth board to the collection! Eddy Brown, Contracts Manager at Gainsborough Flooring talked through

The installation ran extremely smoothly much to Sam’s delight: “Rick, the fitter spent a considerable amount of time asking me how I wanted the flooring to look and where I would like the patterns. He was very keen for the flooring to be perfect for me, which was very refreshing.”

Sam has been delighted with the Gainsborough team’s knowledge, skill and most importantly their honesty. Having now lived in his new home for around seven months Sam is overjoyed with his choice of Amtico flooring, especially as it is much more dog friendly than wood. The cost of the flooring worked out at around £100 per square metre including VAT & fitting, which included the stairs which are generally more expensive to fit due to the intricacy involved. If you’d like to see how Gainsborough Flooring can help transform your home visit their stunning showroom in the heart of Preston. n Gainsborough Flooring 26 Heatley Street, Preston PR1 2XB 01772 250682 vicky@gainsboroughflooring.co.uk gainsboroughflooring.co.uk

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rather than later to avoid disappointment,” says Nick. Since reopening after the lockdowns of the last 20 months, the gallery has seen a real increase in new customers. “People have really seen the benefit of having pieces professionally framed since we have been able to reopen. It transforms a magical memory or moment into a lasting feature or talking point in their homes.” Alongside fine art and picture framing, the gallery also offers other services. From stretching needle works, framing sports shirts and restoring art to framing uniquely bespoke pieces – the gallery offers it all.

TRULY UNIQUE In the run up to Christmas, Longridge Gallery is enjoying its busiest time of year

hile some companies might be thinking Christmas parties, getting annual leave used up and who has who for Secret Santa, Longridge Gallery is well into its busiest time of the year. “We have been taking Christmas orders for a while now,” explains owner Nick Smith, who took over the family business earlier this year.

“We have customers wanting us to source specific pieces of art, and others bringing framing in early to ensure it is completed for a Christmas gift.” Working with a combination of some of the UK’s most collectable artists and top local talent, it is no surprise the gallery has been inundated with requests recently. Local artists including Steven Townsend, Geoff Rollinson, Steve Rostron, Ricky Young and Veronica Gornall continue to be incredibly popular at the gallery. “With winter releases from the biggest names in the British art market including Doug Hyde, Leigh Lambert and Mackenzie Thorpe due soon, contact the gallery earlier

As the hours of light in the day decrease, it appears the hours the gallery is open will be increasing. “We will undoubtedly be open longer hours in the run into Christmas, to ensure we are able to get all of our customers work completed for that perfect gift.” The gallery has already confirmed it will be open late Thursday 25th November for Longridge Does Christmas, along with a number of other stores along Berry Lane. “Keep an eye on our social media for updated gallery opening times and to catch a first look at new artwork,” concludes Nick. n

Longridge Gallery 78 Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston PR3 3WH 01772 782006 info@longridgegallery.co.uk longridgegallery.co.uk /Longridge-Gallery @longridgegallery @longridgegall

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LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE Lighting makes all the difference and as the festive season approaches, you can create atmosphere and ambience with decorations that represent classic nostalgia

ostalgic decor is a key theme this Christmas with bright colours and retro shapes taking centre stage. Adding nostalgic touches can help to introduce charm to any home during the festive season as Lucy Kirk, Creative & Photography Manager at Lights4fun, explains: “Capturing the nostalgia of the season lets us escape for a moment into a simpler and less complicated time, whilst we look forwards to the future with optimism.” This festive season will focus on traditional features paired with classic Christmas colours. Berry red tones always

go down a treat and lots of LED candles are a must. Also, the Pom Pom Osby Star is a unique and playful take on the traditional festive star and is a great feature to put, pride of place, on a mantel in a living room or on a shelf in a kitchen. Playful decorations featuring shapes such as ribbons and bows capture the joy of the season perfectly. Lights4fun’s Falala felt Christmas garland is a fun feature for Christmas and looks great paired alongside micro lights to add some seasonal sparkle. Why not drape from either end of a sideboard or fireplace as a festive finishing touch, with mini tea lights or baubles scattered alongside to complete the look. Get nostalgic this Christmas and capture the merriness of the season with decorative festive styling! n

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REDSCAR KITCHENS (PRESTON) LTD A23 Red Scar Business Park (off Longridge Road) Preston Lancashire PR2 5NE 01772 700012 | jlholderness@outlook.com | redscarkitchens.com

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Live Magazines need enthusiastic and reliable delivery people to join our established teams across Preston & Fylde. These opportunities are ideally suited to distributors working independently across two or three areas. To do this you’ll need to be physically fit, have access to your own transport and have somewhere to store the magazines.

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STYLISH YET

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS

We all know that decorating traditionally for Christmas is a sure way to make a house feel warm, cosy and festive. So if you’d like to create that traditional feel this year with your Christmas decorations, have a look at some of our tips so this theme still feels fresh and chic The Colours

For this theme, your main colours are quite clear – red, green with a touch of gold. This colour combination screams Christmas. This means lots of foliage and some luxe materials like velvet to give your decorations that elegant finish. Bring in some natural pops of red too with red poinsettia flowers, and of course a wreath!

Dress your Mantelpiece

If you have a mantelpiece, this is a key area to spruce up with some Christmas decor. To make the room feel super cosy, it always helps to bring the outside in. If you’re feeling creative, you could make your own! You can’t get more traditional than foraging in your garden for your own foliage like holly.

Or if you’d prefer, you can always fake it with artificial garlands saving you time and still looking fabulous. And of course, no mantelpiece or fireplace would be complete without hanging some beautiful stockings!

The Tree

With this theme, you want to achieve timeless and classic. To ensure that your tree doesn’t look over the top, we suggest selecting a few decorations, like large red and gold matte baubles, with a few crimson bows or ribbons. It’s going to look super fresh. The whole feeling of a traditional Christmas decorating theme is warm, cosy and timeless. So for your lighting, opt for a warm white to bring that soft glow that’ll give you that fuzzy feeling! Why not add some candlelight running through areas of your home. White candles accentuated with red garlands and berries will help reinforce the natural element of this decor.

Setting the Table

Continuing your theme through to your table will make it look extra special and refined. You have your select colours so stick to this with the addition of some natural decor. Having a foliage garland running down the centre of the table or creating a beautiful centre piece will finish your table off perfectly. Candles are also a great way to create some Christmas magic. If you’re struggling to fit everything onto the table, bigger isn’t always better so bringing some dainty fairy lights or the odd foliage sprigs throughout the table will do just the trick. n

F U E L YO U R I M A G I NAT I O N B E A U T I F U L F I R E S TO ENHANCE ANY ROOM

Call in today and view our large range of:

FA M I LY F I R M call in and let us help you make the right choice...

10% discount if you order by the end of November 2021

FESTIVE FIRS Cut Christmas trees have been a festive favourite in Britain since the 1830s, Michael Cookson, owner of Newgate Nurseries, guides us through his best-selling trees

CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING IS A FAMILY TRADITION AT NEWGATE NURSERIES

Owner Michael Cookson explains: “My grandfather and father started hand making wreaths in the late 1950s and we are still at it today.” Not a lot has changed. All Newgate’s wreaths are hand made on site at the extensive plant nursery which is open to the public and trade seven days a week throughout the year. We cut holly from sustainable sources, only lightly prune the trees, so we can keep going back. The holly is then trimmed to size by trained cutters and then mixed into handfuls with pre cut conifer. This is then skill fully wrapped onto a circular straw base. Eight or nine handfuls later the wreath is finished and ready for decorating.” Newgate sell thousands of Christmas wreaths through its Whitestake Nursery and market stall in Clitheroe. On top of this Newgate also produce large quantities of Christmas pots and holly crosses, as well as selling almost 1000 Christmas trees. It also stocks an extensive range of turf/compost/pottery and water features and with plans to open a tea room in the next 12 months, Michael is excited about the future.

View our full range of Christmas trees and wreaths @

newgatedirect.co.uk Newgate Nurseries, 75 Newgate Lane, Whitestake, Preston, PR4 4JU.

Call 01772 612 336 or visit www.newgatenurseries.co.uk

NORWAY SPRUCE

The original Christmas tree and the most scented. Be warned this tree sheds its needles so either bring inside late or get your hoover ready.

LODGEPOLE/SCOTCH PINE

A beautiful pine fragrance combined with good needle retention makes this an excellent choice.

FRASIR FIR

This slim non-drop tree is the only option for those with a tight space to fill. Blue/silver needles with a mild fragrance.

NORDMAN FIR

The most popular cut Christmas tree due to its outstanding needle retention, deep green foliage and traditional shape. This tree can be quite wide though so be prepared to give it some space.

LIVING TREES

Living trees with roots grown in containers are available in all the above varieties as well as Blue and Serbian Spruce but are smaller versions.

HOW TO KEEP IT FRESH

• De net your tree and keep outside until you’re ready to get festive • Bang the tree on the floor, allowing needles to shed and cut the bottom 2cm off the trunk and soak base in water • Don’t place near fires or radiators • Place in a stand that allows you to add water to keep hydrated • Living trees need to be brought indoors late, water regularly, then repot in John Innes ericaceous compost and keep outside after Christmas. n Pick your tree on line @ newgatedirect.co.uk

Open 7 days a week...

Be assured of a warm welcome. Our tea rooms are open from 9:30am to 4pm. The antiques centre is open 10am to 5pm.

We are the ideal location to source unusual and personal gifts. Our staff are helpful and knowledgeable whether you are buying or selling.

OVER 40 ANTIQUE DEALERS ON TWO FLOORS COUNTRY & FINE FURNITURE, JEWELLERY, CLOCKS & WATCHES, BOOKS, PAINTINGS, MILITARIA, CERAMICS AND CONTEMPORARY WORKS OF MERIT.

welcome

to our tea rooms A stylish yet relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy an excellent range of homemade food throughout the day.

01706 830803 www.holdenwood.co.uk

Holden Wood Antiques & Tea Rooms, Grane road, Haslingden Lancashire, BB4 4AT

homesinsideout Pop Goes the Fizz is the sparkliest bunch of the collection and a wonderful way to add some festive magic to your home. This is happiness in a bunch, inspired by glittering celebrations and parties. This bunch features silver glittery dried ruscus and delicate pink dried gypsophila. Sugarplum Dreamland is inspired by all things sparkly and festive. Featuring glittery

SEASONAL CHEER These baked blossom arrangements will add a touch of sparkle to your home

he Happy Blossoms are delighted to introduce their Christmas 2021 collection. Send happiness in the post with this collection of festive Baked Blossom bunches – each has been designed to deliver joy through vibrant colour and a touch of sparkle. They make the perfect treat, displayed as an adornment on a dinner table or shelf in the home. Bunches can be mixed and matched with place settings to create unique arrangements or choose from seven different colour palettes to gift a bunch to a loved one. There are seven designs and different colour palettes available in the collection which features wreaths, swags and place settings. The Fairy Light Confetti is the brightest bunch and a festive nod to The Happy Blossoms’ most popular bunch – Sherbert Macaroon. Bursting with a variety of shapes and bright colours, this makes a statement in any space and is reminiscent of twinkling fairy lights on a tree. It’s a magnificent array of pastel dried phalaris and bunny

tails, combined with swirls of lilac and gold scattered throughout. You can decorate your home with the Fairy Light Confetti swag, which features dried fluffy bunny tails and a mixture of dried pastel grasses tied together in a pretty pastel bow. The Happy Blossoms suggest teaming this up with the range of Fairy Light Confetti bunches and table settings to create a magical ambience. The place settings are adorable little bunches which have been designed to fit perfectly as a decoration on your festive table.They are approx 25cm-30cm in length and can be cut down carefully using scissors or secateurs to fit your display.

dried ruscus leaves and silver dried wheat this bunch glows and sparkles and is available in place settings. Chocolate for Breakfast is a mix of rich pink and chocolate tones and is inspired by all things sweet. Full of texture, it features fluffy bunny tails and leafy dried ruscus with a pop of bronze scattered throughout. Hurry Down the Chimney is inspired by a roaring, warm fire on a cosy evening – imagine sitting by the fireplace drinking a mug of hot chocolate. Made up of fiery orange tones and bold pinks, this bunch is a real statement piece and is also available in wreaths, swags and place settings. Peppermint Swirl Frosting bunch is inspired by frosty mornings with its alluring silver painted dried poppy heads and wheat. This is winter in a bunch, featuring a mix of soft bunny tails and grasses, bold green eucalyptus and relaxing dried lavender. Wrap Me Up in Tinsel is a more traditional festive colour palette, with a Happy Blossoms twist! This bunch features pretty pale pink stems which add depth and softness and a glimmer of gold sprinkled throughout for some festive cheer. n

thehappyblossoms.com

Creative lighting for your home & business Showroom by appointment only Showroom address: 13 Cable Court, Pittman Way, Fulwood, Preston PR2 9YW www.kok.lighting james@kok.lighting 01772 977 677 07540 372 615

HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS We can help and take the stress away for you If you have something you need to sell? Let us sell it for you.

Get in touch with us today call: 01706 213333 or 07538141436 Email: mark@lancashireauctionhouse.co.uk Visit: www.lancashireauctionhouse.com

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Unit 6 Pittman Court, Unit 6 Pittman Court, Pittman Way, Fulwood, Preston, Pittman Way, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9ZG Lancashire, PR2 9ZG

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Unit Unit6 6Pittman PittmanCourt, Court, Pittman PittmanWay, Way,Fulwood, Fulwood,Preston, Preston, Lancashire, Lancashire,PR2 PR29ZG 9ZG

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Unit 6 6 Pittman Pittman Court, Court, Pittman Pittman Way, Way, Fulwood, Fulwood, Preston, Preston, Lancashire, Unit Lancashire, PR2 PR2 9 9

Call us us on: on: 01772 01772 703 703 777 777 or or visit visit croftconservatories.co. croftconservatories.co. Call

homesinsideout

PLANET FRIENDLY DECORATIONS

With gilded foliage and Annie Sloan’s new Terre Verte pigment in rich sage, seasonal decorations can be beautiful and eco-friendly

his Christmas, take inspiration from nature with Terre Verte, a new shade from Annie Sloan’s pigment-rich wall paint collection. With a calming, delicate energy, sage is the perfect choice for a serene scheme which will work all year round. “Sage is a gentle shade and at Christmas it pairs wonderfully with natural foliage,” explains Annie. Hang and drape greenery foraged from winter walks for decorations that are both beautiful and planet-friendly. “For an extra magical touch, apply gilding wax to the edge of branches and leaves. It’s an easy, cost-effective way to breathe fresh life into your traditional wreath.”

FOR AN EXTRA MAGICAL TOUCH, APPLY GILDING WAX TO THE EDGE OF BRANCHES AND LEAVES Make a focal point of the dining table for the festive period, this is where family and friends come together, and new memories are made. Playful, yet sophisticated, a skirted tablecloth will bring a dash of chintz and charm to your Christmas table. Combine with matching seat cushions for a polished, cohesive look. As a final touch, use any leftover Chalk Paint™ to give candlesticks and baubles a matte, chalky finish. n

Wall paint in Terre Verte £49.95 for 2.5 ltr. Furniture and accessories in Chalk Paint™ from £5.95, tablecloth and seat cushions in ticking £39.95 per metre, gilding wax £7.95 anniesloan.com

Summer Swallows and the Fox of Autumn JACKIE MORRIS LIMITED EDITION PRINT WITH HAND APPLIED GOLD LEAF

MULTI AWARD WINNER  UK RETAIL ART GALLERY OF THE YEAR Over 300 artworks AVAILABLE ONLINE

Specialists in collectable original paintings, limited edition prints and sculpture by leading northern and international artists

www.hepplestonefineart.com Visit the Gallery, we are 5 minutes from Junction 27 off the M6. Open 7 days with Ample Free Parking OR Buy On-line with FREE UK Mainland Delivery.

HESKIN HALL SHOPPING VILLAGE, WOOD LANE, HESKIN, CHORLEY, LANCASHIRE PR7 5PA 01257 451121  SALES@HEPPLESTONEFINEART.COM

Masai Goril black lace tunic £149 Novello 101 Fishergate Preston PR1 2AE 01772 555454 novellos.co.uk

Christmas Day in Style

Maudsley brown boot £165 LANX Unit 25 Mitton Road Business Park Mitton Road Whalley BB7 9YE lanxshoes.com

2ND Day Ann Pink Peacock Attired Trousers £150, 2ND Day Janet Pink Peacock Attired Blazer £220 Will & Ward 43 Clifton Street Lytham FY8 5ER willandward.com

Marc Cain metallic jersey dress with Swarovski crystals £299 Shaw’s 2b Lynton Road Hillside Southport PR8 3AN 01704 563612 shawsfashion.co.uk

Black dress with diamante buttons £60 15 Clifton Steet La Tete et Tout Lytham Saint Annes FY8 5EP 51 Market Place 01253 732986 Garstang ltet.co.uk Preston PR3 1ZA 01995 602211

Wraparound Aztec maxi dress £55 A la Mode Boutique The Spud Shed @ Owd Barn Spencers Farm Rufford Road Bispham Nr Ormskirk L40 3SA 07791 098326

Reykjavik Eyes frames £420 Japanese titanium hand-made in Italy. The Spectacle Factory Unit 1 Dewhurst Row Bamber Bridge Preston PR5 6BB 01772 312213 thespectaclefactory.com

Musli Poetry Print Dress with Puff Sleeves £29, Musli Cozy Me Leggings in Pesto £12 Poetry Print Headband (2 pack) £18 all organic cotton The Den Kids Wear The Spud Shed@ Owd Barn Spencers Farm Rufford Road Bispham Nr Ormskirk L40 3SA thedenkidswear.com

FABIENNE CHAPOT LEONIE SOLID BURNT ORANGE FRILL TOP £130

SAMSØE SAMSØE SIMONES VEST WHITE £180

SELECTED FEMME LURA SEQUINS BUCKET BAG PUMPKIN SPICE £35 SIRENS FIFI WRAP DRESS PINK £199

SELECTED FEMME STAR LONG SLEEVE RIB STRIPE KNIT PUMPKIN SPICE £55 SAMSØE SAMSØE NOR HAT MAHOGANY ROSE £38.50

SELECTED FEMME ANNA 4-PACK SOCK GIFTBOX £20 MUNTHE NEAT CHECKED SHACKET £269

SAMSØE SAMSØE MAKALU CHELSEA BOOTS CHOCOLATE CHIP £220

OUR EDIT O F C U RATED THINGS AT

DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN EDWARD SHORT PUFF COAT KANGAROO £330

SELECTED FEMME TALLY BRUNERA SCARF BLUE £50

MUNTHE NIEVE VEGAN LEATHER DRESS BLACK £299 JUMPER 1234 STRIPE HEM CASHMERE SWEAT BROWN £209

ICANDI ROCKS WENDY MOON NECKLACEGOLD £79 JUMPER 1234 STRIPE CASHMERE JOGGERS BROWN £279 SELECTED FEMME ANTEA LONG SLEEVE SHORT DRESS BLACK £85

STARDUST MERLIN WRAP DRESS TARROT RASPBERRY £189

ICANDI ROCKS FAIRYTALE SELECTED FEMME SELENE WIDE HUGGIES MAXI SEQUINS PANTS SILVER £130 GOLD £55

43 Clifton Street Lytham FY8 5ER | www.willandward.com |

willandwardboutique

Charles Campbell Bespoke Tailoring was born from a desire to provide the unsurpassed fit, style and experience that only bespoke tailoring can bring. Contemporary style meets the very best of tradition at Charles Campbell. Our tailoring respects the ageold values of gentlemen’s dressing while adding a gently subversive new detail. The Charles Campbell style has been carefully developed to produce polished yet comfortable suits every single time. We bring together the very best of both English and Italian tailoring. The customer is at the heart of everything we do. A Charles Campbell bespoke suit can change the way you feel about yourself, because it is designed to flatter your unique shape and figure. We harness our expert knowledge and tailoring to subtly accentuate your best features. The possibilities in designing your perfect suit are both endless and exciting.

We harness our expert knowledge and tailoring to subtly accentuate your best features.

Your bespoke suit is uniquely yours, and we guide you through the process so that the finished result is pleasing in every aspect of comfort and style, from the cloth and lining to the pockets and buttonholes. Located in the heart of Lancashire’s stunning Ribble Valley, a visit to our premises finds you in a beautifully converted barn surrounded by views of the idyllic countryside. This is a great, relaxed environment to get inspiration from the cloths available and work we have done, with comfortable fitting rooms, ample parking and one-to-one consultations. We are here to make your life easier so we are also happy to hold consultations and fittings at your home if you prefer, and we regularly travel to our clients in London and across the country.

t: 01254 367968 m: 07714 758 296 w: charlescampbellbespoke.co.uk e: info@charlescampbellbespoke.co.uk charlescampbellbespoke

fashion

PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFTS With Christmas fast approaching, mum and daughter team Bridget and Hannah who run Novello are very excited to offer their customers a range of unique and beautiful Christmas gifts as well as gift vouchers

eing located in the same premises for 107 years reflects the trust and loyalty that generations of customer’s place on the high street fashion store. Hannah who is the fifth generation in the family to be managing the shop on Fishergate, commented: “We put our success down to the fabulous ladies’

fashion brands we stock such as Masai, Robell, Gerry Weber and Betty Barclay. This combined with our loyal customer base who continually recommend us to family and friends. We have such a rich history and many customers originally came into the shop with their grandparents and have so many entertaining stories to tell!” Hannah and the team attend many clothes shows to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and in the past year have started an online shop, so everything you see in-store can be purchased online and if you live locally in Preston, they’ll be delivered to your home for free!

Precious at Whalley 33 KING STREET, WHALLEY, CLITHEROE B7 9SP

Hannah concluded: “For Christmas we have a beautiful range of very affordable gloves, scarves, hats and jewellery, as well as gift vouchers for those who prefer to choose for themselves.” Pop along to Novello and see for yourself. The team is very welcoming and friendly and we’re sure you will find something that is just perfect for you. n

Novello 101 Fishergate, Preston PR1 2AE 01772 555454 novellos.co.uk

TELEPHONE: 01254 822620 WWW.PRECIOUSATWHALLEY.CO.UK

RACHEL JACKSON MAMA NECKLACE FROM £55 (Available in sterling silver or gold plated sterling silver) sarahlayton.co.uk

FOPE 18ct GOLD PANORAMA FLEX’IT BRACELET £7,310 Sarah Layton 71 King Street Whalley BB7 9SW 01254 822062 sarahlayton.co.uk

ENCHANTED KINGDOM PRINTED SCARF £25 Owd Barn at Bispham owdbarn.com 01704 823435

WARM AND COSY BOBBLE HAT £25 Owd Barn at Bispham owdbarn.com 01704 823435

GORGEOUS GIFTS

GUCCI G-TIMELESS AUTOMATIC 38MM WATCH £1,400 Leonard Dews Church St Blackpool FY1 1EW 01253 754940 leonarddews.co.uk

WHALLEY BLACK GRAINED BOOTS £190 lanxshoes.comww

From unique works of art to cosy winter woollens, these lovely accessories make gifting easy this Christmas SLEEPEZE CALMING HIMALAYAN BATH SALTS £5 Melt Twitter Lane Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200443377 themeltco.com

BECKSÖNDERGAARD LILAYA PILLO BAG BLACK £69 willandward.com

SAMSØE SAMSØE KEI TURTLENECK JUMPER WHISPER WHITE £180 Will & Ward 43 Clifton Street Lytham FY8 5ER willandward.com

MARC CAIN NUDE QUILTED BAG £159 Shaw’s 2b Lynton Road Hillside Southport PR8 3AN 01704 563612 shawsfashion.co.uk

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change. LAPIERRE OVERVOLT AM 5.5. FULL SUSPENSION ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE £3,499 Powered by Yamaha’s PW-ST Drive System with frame-integrated 500wh battery. Ribble Valley E Bike Dunsop Bridge BB7 3BB 01200 426246 ribblevalley-e-bikes.co.uk

SAXON BY FROGMAN LIMITED EDITION BRONZE SCULPTURE £512 Hepplestone Fine Art Ltd Heskin Shopping Village Wood Lane Heskin Chorley PR7 5PA 01257 451121 hepplestonefineart.com ESTÉE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR SERUM 50ML £61.50 (RRP £82) The Cosmetic Company Boundary Outlet Vivary Way Colne BB8 9NW 01282 856200boundaryoutlet.com

YAYA LEATHER QUILTED CLUTCH £69.95 preciousatwhalley.co.uk

SOUTHPORTS’ PREMIER LADIES FASHION RETAILER OUTHPORTS’ PREMIER LADIES SOUTHPORTS’ FASHION RETAILER PREMIER LADIES FASHION RETAILER

2b Lynton Road, Hillside, Southport Merseyside PR8 3AN 2b Lynton Road, Hillside, Southport Merseyside 2b Lynton PR8 3AN Road, Hillside, Southport Merseyside PR8 3AN t: 01704 563612 w: shawsfashion.co.uk e: sales@shawsfashion.co.uk t: 01704 563612 w: shawsfashion.co.uk e:t:sales@shawsfashion.co.uk 01704 563612 w: shawsfashion.co.uk e: sales@shawsfashion.co.uk

NATURALLY SPECTACULAR Glasses have become much more of a fashion statement with an increasing number of people embracing and enjoying their eyewear and seeing their glasses as an accessory, much like a beautiful watch or ring, writes Meena McDonald

magine being able to combine your stunning eyewear with handmade environmentally friendly products. The Spectacle Factory’s exclusive Lucas de Staël glasses enable you to not only look spectacular but also feel incredibly comfortable wearing completely natural products such as leather and, believe it or not, even stone! This unique range, created in Paris, uses only natural materials and is finished entirely by hand. The production of these exceptional leather glasses is on a limited scale and only three pairs are hand-produced to absolute perfection each day. One pair of Lucas de Staël leather glasses takes 30 steps to produce from start to finish and can be crafted individually in the material and colour of each customer’s choosing. As the only UK stockist of these glasses, The Spectacle Factory has experienced a huge upsurge in interest from customers in the past year.

It isn’t just their beauty and soft leather comfort which appeals to people but also their functionality. The soft attractive leather means their durability is rather astounding and unlike standard glasses, which are rigid and easily breakable, these are much more

flexible and robust. As with any leather product they also age gracefully and look even more impressive the longer you possess them, making the longevity and sustainability of the glasses much more appealing to customers. There’s a fantastic range of colours, shapes and finishes from which to choose, they are remarkably striking, so you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. A different collection made in the same factory in Paris is the ‘Undostrial’ range (pictured above), delivering a much more simplistic and minimalist sporty style. The unique and quirky name comes from the fact that they are created by hand and in the least industrial way possible!

AS THE ONLY UK STOCKIST OF THESE GLASSES, THE SPECTACLE FACTORY HAS EXPERIENCED A HUGE UPSURGE IN INTEREST Each pair is created from just one piece of metal and is therefore incredibly durable and light with absolutely no screws, making it completely maintenance free. As with the leather range, only a handful are made each day. The subtlety and comfort make this a very popular choice with customers who want a more minimalist aesthetic. They are customisable with any side colour of your choice.

Another independent eyewear collection stocked by The Spectacle Factory is ‘Eco’ eyewear (pictured above) which is made from recycled metal and bio-based plastics. It’s a really fun and affordable range for the

Photography: Robin Lyndon

fashion

more price and eco-conscious customer. All Eco Eyewear frames come with a magnetic sunclip, so they are glasses and sunglasses in one. The Spectacle Factory showcases a wide range of its high-quality glasses on its YouTube channel, which can be accessed via the QR code below.You’ll be able to view the eclectic range of products which you can then discuss with the knowledgeable and personable team. If you haven’t already had the pleasure of visiting the showroom please go along, you’ll be astounded by the welcoming and stylish surroundings. It really is a far cry from your standard opticians. The fascinating YouTube videos demonstrate the range of outstanding products available

as well as the advanced testing techniques and exclusive equipment utilised to ensure each customer has the best vision possible. The videos have helped to broaden the customer base of The Spectacle Factory, which now has many customers from America, the Middle East and Asia who purchase glasses following a comprehensive online consultation with the vision specialists. The Spectacle Factory really is exceptional in its approach to your eye health investing in the most innovative technology to provide the highest care possible and delivering a superb choice of glasses with brands such as Cartier, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Chloe and Chopard, as well as many unique independent collections sourced from all over the world. Go and take a look for yourself. n

The Spectacle Factory Unit 1, Dewhurst Row Bamber Bridge Preston PR5 6BB 01772 312213 thespectaclefactory.com

GARSTANG TAN & NAVY BOOTS £225 lanxshoes.com

ROBERT CHARLES HAND MADE ITALIAN LEATHER PATCHWORK BELT £90 Cosgroves 64-70 King Street Whalley BB7 9SN 01254 823585 cosgrovesfashion.com BRONSON BY FROGMAN LIMITED EDITION BRONZE SCULPTURE £483 Hepplestone Fine Art Ltd Heskin Shopping Village Wood Lane Heskin Chorley PR7 5PA 01257 451121 hepplestonefineart.com

GIFTS FOR HIM... These lovely gifts will make Christmas all the more special for the man in your life ZEDD ZIRCONIUM RINGS FROM £195 Sarah Layton 71 King Street Whalley BB7 9SW 01254 822062 sarahlayton.co.uk

SHAUN LEANE ARC MULTI LEATHER WRAP BRACELET £350 sarahlayton.co.uk

BARBOUR 5oz HINGED HIPFLASK BROWN £39.95 Varey’s Town and Country 2 Market Place Clitheroe BB7 2DB 01200423267 kenvarey.co.uk

BELSTAFF ‘WATCH’ SCARF £99 BEANIE ‘WATCH’ £65 BOTH IN HARVEST GOLD £149 (Also available in Dark Ink, Black & Grey) Scruples Menswear 85-87 Gisburn Road Barrowford BB9 6DX @scruplesmens GUCCI G-TIMELESS AUTOMATIC 42MM WATCH £1,600 Leonard Dews Church Street Blackpool FY1 1EW 01253 754940 leonarddews.co.uk

BRISTON CLUBMASTER DIVER PRO £580 wolfandbadger.com £580

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change. HAIBIKE HARDSEVEN 4 ELECTRIC HARDTAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE £2,199 Powered by Bosch's Performance Line Drive system with frame-integrated 400wh battery. Ribble Valley E Bike Dunsop Bridge BB7 3BB 01200 426246 ribblevalley-e-bikes.co.uk

FURROW GREEN MERINO LAMBSWOOL SCARF £55 (Sale price is £30) wallacesewell.com

EXCLUSIVE JEWELLERY FROM LEONARD DEWS

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2021 5. Leonard Dews Coloured Stones 18ct White Gold, Emerald and Diamond Hoops. £4,150

8. Leonard Dews Signature Emerald Cut Illusion Drop Earrings. £1,995

2. Leonard Dews Bubble 18ct Yellow Gold 0.36ct Diamond Bubble Drop Necklace. £2,050

6. Leonard Dews Showcase Platinum Cushion Cut, Emerald and Diamond Ring. £19,250

9. Leonard Dews Signature 1.53ct Emerald Cut Diamond 8 Stone Ring. £4,850

3. Leonard Dews Bubble 18ct Yellow Gold 0.41ct Diamond Bubble Cluster Studs. £1,750

10. Leonard Dews Coloured Stones 18ct Rose Gold 1.87ct Rainbow Sapphire Bangle. £2,995

Leonard Dews Bubble 18ct White and Yellow Gold 3 Row Bubble Ring. £2,350

4. Leonard Dews Showcase 18ct White Gold, Emerald and Diamond Bracelet. £15,450

Leonard Dews Signature 18ct White Gold and Diamond Emerald Cut Illusion Pendant and Chain. £1,295

11. Leonard Dews Coloured Stones 18ct Rose Gold 0.73ct Rainbow Sapphire Oval Hoops. £2,795

TOGETHER AT CHRISTMAS

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Leonard Dews, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1EW - 01253 754940 www.leonarddews.co.uk

11.

fashion

STEP INTO CHRISTMAS LOOKING AND FEELING AMAZING Hands up if you’ve forgotten how to get your glam on and wear something other than loungewear? Our very own wearer of the little black dress, Samantha Martin, has been getting her glam on ready for the festive season and getting off the sofa

MISSION CHRISTMAS PARTY

Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry, and an opportunity to get all dressed up and stay up past your usual bedtime. So, before we hit the main event, now’s the time to check that you can still get into your little black dress and guys, do check the waist size of your best trousers. We’ve all been locked down and snack munching for quite some time now and having missed out on last years festivities, we’ve some making up to do. Which is also a good excuse to buy something new for the office Christmas party.You might not have even seen your co-workers in person for some time so you want to up the glam stakes and look fabulous for your non-Zoom meeting. And before the festivities start, it’s probably a good time to get yourself fighting fit before you start to overindulge. Remember, this isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. You may want to make sure your outfit fits you now, but also think about it still fitting come 1st January. As much as we promise ourselves that it’ll be a new year and a new you and the diet will start then. There is a very high chance that just won’t happen.

BEAT THE BLOAT

Unfortunately, alcohol is a major bloater and isn’t going to help in maintaining your LBD figure. Try to avoid gassy, carbonated drinks on your nights out and very high

sugar sweet drinks. Replace fizzy drink mixers with tonics, drink water as much as you can, especially with food, and do not be tempted by a 2am pizza. All the rich foods you’re going to be consuming are also not great for the waistline. Watch what you eat in between indulgences. Perhaps don’t eat all the Quality Street whilst watching the soaps or slip in the odd salad (minus the huge amount of fat-based dressing) at lunchtime.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT IN BETWEEN INDULGENCES. PERHAPS DON’T EAT ALL THE QUALITY STREET WHILST WATCHING THE SOAPS There is no point in going on a crazy crash diet before you party, to then pile it all back on in the space of a few days and probably more besides. Save your indulgences for the times when you want to indulge and try and eat and drink more healthily in between events. But don’t starve yourself to fit in to the tiny little dress.You’re doing yourself more harm than good. Just don’t forget to drink your water before bed.

LOOKING GLAM

Again, alcohol isn’t great for looking glam either. It plays havoc with your skin and add in some late nights and a bit of stress, and your skin will soon be begging you to

take a break. So, if you want to be looking glowing and radiant for your party Instagram photos, it’s important to stay on top of your skincare routine and stay hydrated (water, water, water).You should already know the importance of using the right cleanser for your skin, morning and night, and a wipe or some micellar water does not class as a suitable cleanser. And always, always, properly remove your makeup before bed and make sure you slap on your eye cream and moisturisers. And yes, men, that goes for you too! A brightening eye cream, one with added vitamin C, will be your festive saviour. Correct eye care maintenance can make a heavy night look like a full eight hours sleep. Don’t forget that the weather can be hit and miss this time of year and you’ll be going from cold outside to toasty warm inside and lots of central heating. Your skin will thank you later for protecting it with a good moisturiser and a drop of facial oil. Your hair will also need to be nourished so a deep cleansing hair mask and a fresh trim will keep your locks in shape till January. This year girls, we are still all about the curls, so unfortunately, we are going to have to brave the curling irons and risk burning our fingers yet again.

HAPPY FEET

Footwear can also be a bit of a game of Russian Roulette this time of year. Snow boots hardly look good with your little black dress and sometimes your trainers just don’t cut it. This may also be your first time back in heels, so let’s go easy on those poor feet. Luckily the gods of footwear are smiling on us at the moment and are turning away from stilettos and strappy heels. Thank goodness I hear you cry. Instead, they are offering us platforms and knee boots as an alternative. Ladies, count this as a blessing. But let me give you a little tip. Always, and I mean always, break your heels in before wearing them outside of the house. I do the hoovering in mine. If you’re drinking, then you might be wobbly on your feet as it is without adding in a pair of 6-inch heels you’ve never worn before. And wincing all the next day every time you take a step, really can be avoided. But if all else fails, you can always just delete the photos and start the diet in January. Just remember to enjoy yourself and have a safe and happy Christmas. n

See a private GP at a time to suit you We provide quick and easy access to private GP services – when you need it. There are a range of appointment times available and you can be seen virtually or face to face at Spire Fylde Coast Hospital.

At Spire GP we offer: • Advice and support for your healthcare needs • Appointment times to suit you • Easy access to Spire Healthcare’s network of specialists with no waiting time • Modern, private healthcare settings • Private prescriptions and referrals for further investigations if needed • 30 minutes to discuss your concerns with an experienced GP

Spire GP is part of Spire Fylde Coast Hospital which means we will help provide you with continuity of care if you need further tests or treatment.

Book to see an expert today Search Spire Fylde Coast Hospital Call 01253 308031

health&beauty

REGAIN YOUR YOUTHFUL LOOKS IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS Do you want your skin to look totally stunning for Christmas? Emma can help you achieve this with her revolutionary non-invasive skin treatments

astounding anti-ageing results, restoring youthful skin and self-confidence,” says Emma. “Plasma Pen is phenomenal for tightening and erasing sagging jowls, turkey necks, marionette lines, smile and smokers’ lines around the lips, crow’s feet, puffy eyes, drooping eyelids and chest lines,” says Emma.

mma Pearce is renowned for exceeding all client expectations in achieving transformative results using her advanced training and state-of-the-art and scientifically proven leading technology. Emma says: “With Christmas coming up we all want to look fabulous, whether that’s to go out to parties or celebrate at home with family and friends. With the technology available today, invasive treatments are not required, as non-invasive treatments will give you the same results with the added bonus of lasting longer. You still look like

you, just a lot more youthful, and they are a lot safer.” After intense aesthetic and industry training in the UK, Emma flew to America to begin her career and 10 years later returned home. Back in England, Emma completed further skin aesthetics training and a Masters and in 2016 she opened EMA Skin Aesthetics Ltd offering the most advanced technologies and experience

in the region. Five years on, she have achieved unbeatable client satisfaction and built a large loyal clientele base. Emma’s go-to treatments Plasma Pen and HyapenTM are Emma’s ultimate treatments for clients wanting to turn back the clock. “They’re both non-invasive and work so well together – I have been achieving absolutely

After a very difficult time, my confidence was non-existent. On a friend’s recommendation, I booked Plasma Pen & Hyapen. Emma’s knowledge, professionalism and care was outstanding. My results are alot more than I ever expected or believed could be achieved. I look younger, receive lovely compliments, and most importantly I feel confident.” Claire E

“HyapenTM is the ideal effective, natural non-invasive volumiser for lips and the mouth region, especially if you’re scared of needles,” says Emma. Book a consultation with Emma to see what she can do for you so you can celebrate Christmas with confidence. n

SPECIAL OFFERS! Call now to reserve and take advantage of these offers to Live Readers only.

Plasma Pen treatments start from £250 per area – get £175 off the price of each area! Hyapen non-invasive hyaluronic filler, £200 per ml get 10% off each ml required for desired results. Bonus offer – When booking a combination of both treatments, save an amazing £175 off each Plasma area and 20% off each ml of Hyapen! Offer closing date 23rd December 2021

EMA Skin Aesthetics Ltd Upstairs at Toni & Guy 86 Fishergate, Preston PR1 2NJ 01772 821600 07547 802062 info@emaskinaesthetics.co.uk emaskinaesthetics.co.uk

health&beauty

SHOW A LEG! Make sure your legs are summer-ready at RejuvaMed’s varicose vein treatment centre in Clitheroe

s we look forward past winter and into a much better 2022, most of us will finally be able to head abroad for that long-awaited holiday in the sun, so now is the ideal time to deal with troublesome varicose veins which may be affecting your confidence. The team at RejuvaMed Vein Centre can help. Based at the historic Holmes Mill in Clitheroe, RejuvaMed incorporates the only dedicated varicose vein treatment centre in Lancashire. The vein centre has built a nationwide reputation for quality care and exceptional results and has established itself as the leading provider of varicose vein treatment in the North West, at prices way below Lancashire’s private hospitals. RejuvaMed is delighted to welcome expert consultant vascular surgeon Mr Vittorio Perricone to the vein centre team. Mr Perricone has worked both within the NHS and privately for over 25 years and undertakes his NHS practice at The Royal Blackburn Hospital. He now consults privately solely at RejuvaMed and will be gradually taking over from

Mr Rob Salaman, who will be spending more time in his vital role with the army. Dr McKeating, RejuvaMed’s medical director, explains: “Funding for treatment for varicose veins has been rationed by the NHS, meaning that patients often have to pay for their procedure. Where NHS

can offer the same treatment for up to £2500 less. That’s a huge saving. “There is no need to undergo expensive and risky surgery under general anaesthesia if you wish to say goodbye to your varicose veins, or to travel further afield for your treatment. We welcome patients with private medical insurance and are approved by the major private health insurers. We also offer interest free credit, with repayments easily affordable over 10 months.” As well as offering radiofrequency (RF) ablation treatment for varicose veins, the vein centre also offers the innovative VenaSeal™ procedure,

(which may be in as little as 20 minutes), an adhesive plaster is applied over the small cut, and you are immediately able to be up and about. The procedure is quicker and more comfortable than RF and laser ablation, both during and after treatment, as there are fewer injections required and there is less bruising. A huge benefit of VenaSeal™ over other treatments is that you are not required to wear compression stockings afterwards, meaning you can return to normal activities immediately. In UK clinics and hospitals this treatment is typically offered at a price of £3500. However, RejuvaMed has priced this treatment at only £2295 for one leg, and £2595 for both, which we believe is the cheapest clinic for VenaSeal™ in the UK. n For more information on pricing, or to book a consultation with Mr Perricone, please email us now at: info@rejuvamed.co.uk, or call the vein centre on 01200 538668

treatment is available, waiting lists are now through the roof because of Covid-19. We are therefore pleased to provide safe, relatively painless treatments with excellent results and minimal recovery time. Our appointments are available within just a few weeks, meaning you can get the treatment you need quickly. We don’t have the same overheads as large private hospitals, so we

which uses a medical adhesive rather than a heat source to seal the diseased vein. A small cut is made into the skin under local anaesthetic, and a narrow plastic tube is placed into the vein. A long catheter is then inserted through this sheath and small amounts of adhesive are then injected at intervals along the vein under ultrasound guidance. Once the procedure is complete

RejuvaMed Vein Centre Holmes Cottage, Woone Lane Clitheroe BB7 1BG 01200 538668 www.rejuvamedveincentre.co.uk

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health&beauty

SURVIVING THE CHRISTMAS STRESS

For a time of year that’s supposed to be about joy, love and festivities, Christmas can be awfully stressful for a lot of people. Our very own Grinch, Samantha Martin, has been looking at ways to beat the Christmas stress and survive into the new year

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE GIFTS

Naturally, I, just like everyone else, has my eye on a few certain somethings that I’d love to find under my tree on Christmas Day. But my heart won’t be broken and my Christmas ruined if they aren’t there. I’ll just buy them in the sales myself on Boxing Day. When my daughter was younger, the stress to buy her gifts started the minute she went back to school in September. And once the Christmas catalogues came out and the tv adverts started, I could physically feel my blood pressure rising when I heard the Toys R Us advert. But eventually I realised that no matter how much stress I put myself through, she was always happy on Christmas morning with whatever she got and on the phone to her grandparents later in the day she couldn’t even remember half the things she’d received.

Pushing yourself to breaking point or into debt just for 20 minutes of present unwrapping is not the answer to a merry Christmas.

EVENTUALLY I REALISED THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH STRESS I PUT MYSELF THROUGH, SHE WAS ALWAYS HAPPY ON CHRISTMAS MORNING WITH WHATEVER SHE GOT

A TRADITIONAL DINNER IS NOT COMPULSORY Personally, I’m ok with cooking a Christmas Dinner and only really find it stressful when too many cooks want to get involved. I’ve taken to banning them from my kitchen now. And you can do the same. It’s not compulsory for every single person to have their own dish or speciality they require with their once a year turkey dinner.You

can say no and do it your way. Which also means that you can eat out if you so wish. I know someone that used to get an Indian takeaway for their dinner. His theory was that it was the one day of the year they could and should relax and cooking a big roast dinner was not part of that. Every supermarket now offers a range of pre-prepared veg, ready to roast potatoes and trimmings that just need a couple of minutes in the microwave. This isn’t cheating. It’s saving your sanity.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE MERRY

Let’s face it, for nearly two years now we’ve all been living with an awful lot of stress and upheaval. There seems to be an unwritten rule floating in the air at the moment that we should be having mass family gatherings to make up for lost time. Quite honestly, I’d rather not. I’m happy to stay at home with my nearest and dearest, do nothing, go nowhere and just be happy that we are all happy and healthy. Don’t be afraid to say no to any invites you really don’t want to accept. Or avoid those that won’t make your festive season merry. n

health&beauty

received from Spire Fylde Coast Hospital. I plan to get back on track with my fitness as soon as possible and complete the K2 expedition in Pakistan in 2022.” James’ determination to overcome any setbacks is certainly commendable and he’s well on his way to recovering from his operation and achieving his life ambitions.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

ames completed the amazing challenge of trekking to the Everest Base Camp in 2018 and on his return decided on the K2 adventure, however, with Covid restrictions combined with excruciating back problems, this had to be postponed. Following a referral from his GP, James went to see Mr Khatri, Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon at Spire Fylde Coast Hospital, where he was informed that he had Lumber Spinal Stenosis and would require surgery. Being fully aware of NHS waiting lists, James was overjoyed at being informed his operation would take place in a couple of months. James commented: “After my initial consultation, I had complete confidence in Mr Khatri and his skills and expertise. He had explained the risk attached with spinal surgery, but I felt incredibly positive about the outcome. He informed me that the micro decompression surgery I required carried a 70-80 per cent chance of excellent results, along with a 5 per cent chance of no change to my condition and a 1 per cent chance that it could get worse. After assessing my options, I decided it was well worth going through with the operation so I could get back on track with life and achieve my ambitions.” The day after the successful operation, James was back home recovering and is continuing to make excellent progress. James’ desire for exploration started at the age of 17 when he saved up enough money doing casual jobs to travel to Las Vegas by himself to see Elvis! He realised then that he was a very outdoor person

Adventurous postman James Spittal, aged 64 is back on track with achieving his dream of reaching K2 base camp, thanks to Spire Fylde Coast Hospital, writes Meena McDonald and loved hill walking and cycling. Over the years this had to be restricted to the winter months because he ran a seasonal shop in the centre of Blackpool.

I DECIDED IT WAS WELL WORTH GOING THROUGH WITH THE OPERATION SO I COULD GET BACK ON TRACK WITH LIFE AND ACHIEVE MY AMBITIONS Following his wife’s death in 2003, James and a friend decided they would climb Kilimanjaro which they found thoroughly exhilarating, leading to further exciting adventures. He also sold his car around 15 years ago and cycling and walking everywhere which helps him to keep fit. James continued: “I have every intention of recovering from this surgery and am so grateful for the support and care I have

Mr Khatri Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon commented: “It was a pleasure to meet James and to be able to treat him and offer surgery here at Spire Fylde Coast. I wish him every success on his K2 challenge in 2022.” Rather than struggle and have their lives restricted, many people are instead choosing to utilise private health cover or self-fund procedures to enable them to get back to living their lives as they choose. Those individuals wishing to access private healthcare services also have the option of 0 per cent finance for a 12-month period through the hospital. n

Spire Fylde Coast Hospital St. Walburgas Road, Blackpool FY3 8BP Main Switchboard: 01253 394188 Self-pay treatment enquiries: 01253 308031 spirehealthcare.com/

garstang&beyond

The hugely popular Victorian Christmas Festival has had to be cancelled for the second year running due to Covid. However, the town still has lots going on this festive period there is the Christmas Fair (4th December) and the very popular Santa Dash (5th December). Garstang and the villages really have a community spirit which has been evident over the last 18-months. The retailers have

GARSTANG AND BEYOND IN LIGHTS! Garstang and the villages around are a great place to visit any time of year but they are particularly lovely at Christmas

n the early 1980’s Garstang became one of the first towns in our area to have their own Christmas lights. The Chamber of Trade took it upon themselves to hire festoon lighting from Blackpool and with help from locals got ladders out one Wednesday afternoon and put the lights up themselves. These days people from across the town fundraise to ensure that the town is ‘lit up’ during the festive season. This year the Garstang light switch on will be virtual so we can all join from the comfort of your own homes on Facebook Live. Search Garstang’s Christmas Lights which starts at 6pm on Monday 23rd November. The virtual switch on will be a traditional family celebration with music, carols and a warm festive feeling! The villages surrounding Garstang, such

as Barton, Bonds, and Catterall all go to town at this time of year with beautiful festive displays along their main high streets.

THERE ARE LOTS OF INDEPENDENT STORES IN THESE AREAS WHICH ARE PERFECT FOR FINDING A UNIQUE GIFT

pulled together to make sure that visitors and locals feel safe when they are shopping. Many outlets particularly Barton Grange Garden Centre have had to adapt to do business differently. There are lots of independent stores in these areas which are perfect for finding a unique gift. These shops include home wares, flowers, jewellery and a beautiful art shop which sells art and craft handmade in the UK with many local Lancashire artists. Garstang market is a traditional weekly outdoor market held every Thursday and it dates back to the charter established in the reign of Charles II. It takes place along Garstang High Street and Church Street. Its stalls offer everything from plants, clothing, footwear, household goods and fresh produce. Once you have finished your shopping there are plenty of pubs, coffee shops and tearooms to grab something to eat. If you have some spare time, there are lots of lovely walks all round the area, visit visitgarstang.com/walks for some inspiration. Make sure you shop local this Christmas, Garstang and the local villages are a great place to start. n

garstang&beyond

From greeting and guiding socially distanced shoppers to supporting each other, our staff have pulled us through. So it’s wonderful to once again decorate the store, stock the shelves, and relaunch the great Booths traditions that really say it’s Christmas, seeing smiles on colleagues’ and customers’ faces, and knowing we’ve got here together.” Outside Booths is regularly at the centre of community events. Instore, shelves

AT THE HEART OF A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS Last Christmas, we wished for better fortune and a brighter future. Garstang’s Booths store, at the heart of the bustling market town, has long embodied the festive spirit: bringing staff, suppliers and shoppers together through a commitment to friendly service, quality provisions, and delicious food and drink, making life taste that little bit better, writes Kate Bowyer. Photography: Kirsten Platt

hen Garstang streets emptied during lockdown, Booths remained an essential, reliable provider, through all the challenges of maintaining stock, safety, sanitising and staffing. As manager Adam Slater reflects on the joy of once again celebrating with friends and family this festive season, he has paid tribute to Garstang’s community spirit. Adam said: “It brought home how much we depend on our customers, just as they depend on us. Their loyalty, understanding, and patience throughout lockdown was overwhelming. Touchingly, regular customers would often pass me a packet of biscuits

or chocolate from their shopping to give to shop staff; I want those people to know every single gift was shared in the staff room and hugely appreciated.

IT’S WONDERFUL TO ONCE AGAIN DECORATE THE STORE, STOCK THE SHELVES, AND RELAUNCH THE GREAT BOOTHS TRADITIONS THAT REALLY SAY IT’S CHRISTMAS “The fantastic team at Booths Garstang often feels more like family, and those bonds have been tested like never before.

are groaning with Christmas biscuits and beverages, calendars and confectionary, puddings and poinsettias, nut roasts and nibbles and – of course – turkeys and tinsel! There’s even eco-friendly crackers to round it all off with a bang! The famous free Booths Christmas books are flying out, with a final order date 15th December, but Adam advises, with everyone keen to celebrate again, don’t be left behind: “People are definitely stocking up much earlier this year. New year orders are still open until midnight on 21st December (from the book) and to support local shoppers and those who like the personal touch, we’re open until midnight Mon 21st to Thurs 23rd, with plentiful free 3-hour parking. Then our hardworking staff close up at 6pm on Christmas Eve for Christmas and Boxing Day – I reckon we can trust Santa to take it from there!” n

Booths Garstang Cherestanc Square, Park Hill Road Garstang PR3 1EF booths.co.uk/store/garstang orders.booths.co.uk/booths-christmas2021-preview booths.co.uk/christmas-at-booths-2021

garstang&beyond

LIGHTING UP GARSTANG WITH A BURLESQUE-A-THON A group of ladies from a burlesque chair dance class in Garstang came together on 14th November to hold a Burlesque-a-thon with the aim of raising much needed funds for Garstang’s Christmas lights. Photography: Roger Moore

he Burlesque-a-thon was a six-hour burlesque chair dance class held at Garstang Golf Club. The ladies learnt a new dance every hour for six hours. The dancers aged between 21 and 60 come together every week under the guidance of teacher Emma to keep fit, have fun and feel empowered. The ladies are from the Group for Burlesque Chair Dance® Classes in Garstang and surrounding area. Classes are Wednesday at Claughton Parish Hall and Thursday at

Catterall Town Hall. They are suitable for all ages and all abilities. The ladies insist you will get fit, lose weight, build confidence and have fun! At the time of going to print the eight ladies that took part had already raised over £600 for the Christmas Lights Appeal. n Check out the Facebook page or email Emma at: Crimsonstorm@gmx.co.uk for more details, or to donate to their cause burlesquechairdanceUK

garstang&beyond

LATE NIGHT FESTIVE SHOPPING WITH ADDED SPARKLE

arton Grange’s renowned Christmas displays are truly breathtaking this year, themed around ‘A Christmas of New Beginnings’, stylishly combining tree decorations and lights with furnishings, seasonal floristry, Christmas figures, ribbons, décor, delectable treats, gifts, and lots of festive fun! Step into the rich reds and golds of traditional or crystal-sharp contemporary cool in silver ice. Bring the magic of a frosted festive woodland indoors with snowy garden’s natural-hued decorations, or party up a snowstorm with the rainbow flamboyance of kitchmas! There’s plenty to delight Hansels and Gretels of all ages with a feast for the eyes in candy’s lane’s gingerbread and candy stripes. Float away in fairyland’s dreamy midnight blues and contrasting pale pinks, or create your own Christmas wonderland with inspiration from the popular Lemax Village Collection, with a myriad of miniature scenes perfect for the mantelpiece, coffee table, windowsill or shelves. Because Christmas 2021 is too special to rush, even Santa can relax with late night opening until 8pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from Tuesday 16th November until Saturday 18th December 2021.

Christmas is always magical at Barton Grange, especially this year when we’re all looking forward to celebrating with family and friends. With extra-special displays and extended late-night opening, there’s no danger of anyone leaving it till ‘The Night Before Christmas’, writes Kate Bowyer. Photography: Kirsten Platt Giving everyone the opportunity to shop at a time and pace of their choosing, whether making a night of it with the whole family, or enjoying a quiet wander gathering inspiration and securing that perfect present away from the daytime queues.

BECAUSE CHRISTMAS 2021 IS TOO SPECIAL TO RUSH, EVEN SANTA CAN RELAX WITH LATE NIGHT OPENING UNTIL 8PM TUESDAYS TO SATURDAYS Making it really special, from 4pm every late night opening, a sparkling walk of lights will light up the plant area. Treat yourself or catch up with friends over a two or three course Christmas dinner in Willows Restaurant, or enjoy homemade favourites of hotpot supper or pie, peas and gravy (vegetarian options too), in the Riverside Café, from 4pm to

7pm during late night opening. If that inspires you to cook up a Christmas storm, there’s delectable treats and edible gifts aplenty, with show-stealers in the dining and lighting collections to set everything off in style. With special Christmas events, hampers, and gift inspiration for everyone (not forgetting the dog), there’s only one thing left on the list, and luckily, you’re in the right place, the perfect Christmas tree! n

Barton Grange Garden Centre Garstang Road Brock, Preston PR3 0BT 01995 642900 bartongrange.co.uk/christmas

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garstang&beyond

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ALL ROUND A big Happy Birthday to La Tete et Tout! Celebrating three huge milestones in the towns of Garstang, Lytham and Clitheroe. Photography: Kirsten Platt

arstang is celebrating 20 years, Lytham 10 years and their flagship store in Clitheroe is 15 years. Comprised of a mother daughter duo and their team of amazing staff, La Tete et Tout is a one-stop fashion boutique for clothing, footwear and accessories. The shops house

a mix of indie brands, most of which derive from Denmark (as The Danes currently seem to be doing everything right) and the collections that can be re-styled with different accessories over the years to make them timeless pieces. Having a mother and daughter on the buying team means there is something for everyone and every age range at La Tete.

it delivered there. Keep an eye on their social media as they release information on how they will be celebrating their amazing milestones or join them at their fashion show in Clitheroe on Tuesday 23rd November. n

La Tete et Tout

THE SHOPS HOUSE A MIX OF INDIE BRANDS Sometimes, the same item will be purchased by a 30-year-old and a 60-year-old but just styled in different ways which is what the girls at La Tete love to see the most! Their website and social media allow you to see what the other shops have to offer and if you would prefer to try that piece at your local store, they can have

51 Market Place Garstang PR3 1ZA 01995 602211 15 Clifton Street Lytham St Annes FY8 5EP 01253 732986 22 Moor Lane Clitheroe BB7 1BE 01200 429144 ltet.co.uk latete22 latetegarstang latetelytham latete22

Christmas At Wyrebank

Coming this December Murder Mystery Night Christmas Party Nights Christmas Markets Houghton Weavers The Flatlanders Family Christmas Carvery Christmas Lunches

Contact our events team for details! Tel 01995605455 Web www.wyrebank.co.uk Email hello@wyrebank.co.uk

lifestyle

MEET THE TEAM McDade Roberts Chartered Accountants has had a home in Longridge since 2002 alongside its other offices is Bamber Bridge and Fulwood, Preston. We meet its latest director Christine Richards

hristine Richards, the latest director to be appointed within the growing business has been a member of the team since 2007. Her career has grown alongside the McDade Roberts business and now Christine is looking forward to brighter times ahead for all businesses in the area. Following a 13-year career with McDade Roberts, Christine became a director and shareholder of the business in April 2020. Christine explains: “I started as an accounts trainee, then progressed through the business to become the manager of the Longridge branch before being appointed a director last April.

I love our team at McDade Roberts. We all work very hard, but we also know how to be friendly and approachable which is very important to me.” Christine has shown dedication to learning throughout her career and became a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) in 2012. She has extensive experience working with a wide range of businesses, including her specialisms of agriculture and construction and is now in the process of taking on more of Philip McDade’s clients. Philip, one of the original founders of at McDade Roberts welcomes Christine’s input to his client’s businesses. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Christine over the years and know that my clients will be in very safe hands as I continue to reduce my hours with a view to retirement. Succession planning is vital and something we have

helped many businesses with over the years so now it is my turn. I know Christine is up for whatever challenges the business community face post Covid and I agree that there are bright times ahead for

of her free time. Her family background is in farming with her father being a gamekeeper and she has a keen interest in rural pursuits. Out of work, Christine enjoys running, long walks with her family and is a keen reader and member of a book club.

I KNOW CHRISTINE IS UP FOR WHATEVER CHALLENGES THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY FACE POST COVID AND I AGREE THAT THERE ARE BRIGHT TIMES AHEAD

McDade Roberts, as well as the local business community.” Christine was born and still lives in Hurst Green, where two young children take up most

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers 98% of our clients rate our helpfulness, communication, ease of contact and trust they place in us as good or excellent. *

Call for a no obligation meeting to see for yourself.

* Source: December 2019 Client Satisfaction Survey

Longridge Office, Chapel Hill, Longridge, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 3JY T 01772 786 858 | Offices also at Fulwood and Bamber Bridge W www.mcdaderoberts.co.uk E office@mcdaderoberts.co.uk

Christine is equally at home in a pair of wellies as she is in a boardroom and her down to earth and approachable style is synonymous with what makes McDade Roberts such a trusted partner for hundreds of Lancashire businesses. If you would like to contact McDade Roberts to see how its approachable style and no nonsense attitude to accounting could help you to manage and grow your business, offer advice on succession planning, retirement planning or managing your wealth, just give its office a call. The first consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose. n To get in touch with Christine, you can email her on: christinerichards@mcdaderoberts. co.uk or call the Longridge office on 01772 786858 and she will be more than happy to have a chat

mcdaderoberts.co.uk

lifestyle

WHY EYE HEALTH IS SO IMPORTANT If you believe your eye health has been damaged as a result of negligence, you make be able to get the compensation you deserve, advises Leonie Millard of Forbes solicitors

ooking after our eyes is vital, especially during childhood years, while their organs are still developing. Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is thought to affect one in three people in the UK and usually occurs when the eyes grow slightly too long meaning that light doesn’t focus on the light-sensitive tissue (retina) at the back of the eye properly. It is important to speak to your optician if you think there is a problem with your eyesight. The sooner you get treated, the better, as some adults with severe short-sightedness and young children with untreated short-sightedness are more likely to develop other eye problems. These can include: • A squint – a common childhood condition where the eyes point in different directions • A lazy eye – a childhood condition where the vision in one eye doesn’t develop properly • Glaucoma – increased pressure inside the eyes • Cataracts – where cloudy patches develop inside the lens of the eye • Retinal detachment – where the retina

pulls away from the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and nutrients If you are symptomatic, you should contact your doctor or optician promptly for investigation and treatment. As a clinical negligence solicitor, I see clients when something has gone wrong, often with serious consequences. Our eyes are vital, and a negligent mistake can be life changing.

CASE STUDY

In 2018 the claimant attended her local optician with a complaint of blurred vision and a floater in one eye. They were examined and the visual acuity was recorded in each eye. The claimant was found to have lens opacity in each eye. It was alleged there was a failure to dilate the pupils or examine the retina. There was no examination of the visual fields, and no further investigations were recommended. Thirteen days later they returned to the opticians complaining that the sight in one eye was getting worse and that there was a glaze over the eye. They were examined again.The optician did not look at the notes from the previous visit. On examination the condition appeared to be the same, however the visual acuity had deteriorated in one eye. There was no further investigation to explain the worsening symptoms and there was a suggestion they were caused by a cataract. The following day the claimant attended again, complaining of worsening

blurred vision. Nothing was done. The claimant telephoned three days later and was advised to contact the accident and emergency department. The claimant believed they were waiting for cataract surgery and wanted reassurance that the eye was okay. The claimant saw another optician who carried out a very thorough examination and concluded that there was a retinal detachment. The claimant was immediately referred to hospital where attempts were made to treat the detached retina. Unfortunately, they were unable to improve the sight in the right eye and the claimant was left with a permanent loss of vision, leaving them with difficulties navigating, judging distances and work. Liability was denied, however the opticians’ insurers agreed to settle the claim in the sum of £107,000 – £30,000 of which represented general damages, the balance in relation to loss of earnings, care and assistance. If you believe your eye health has been damaged due to a negligent mistake, we can help you through your journey to get the compensation you deserve. We operate on a no win, no fee basis, which ensures there is no financial risk to you in the unlikely event that your compensation claim is unsuccessful. n For more information contact Leonie Millard in our Clinical Negligence department via email: leonie.millard@forbessolicitors.co.uk or phone on 01254 770517

WHATEVER THE MOMENT, WE’RE IN IT

forbessolicitors.co.uk

01254 580 000

Offices in Accrington, Central Lancashire, Leeds, Manchester and Preston.

CHARITIES IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS Whilst most of us will have plenty this Christmas there will be many people in need. If you can spare some money or time, then you could make someone else’s Christmas a little happier

HELP THE HOMELESS THIS CHRISTMAS You can help the homeless through the following ways:

DONATE

Street donations do not help people long term, even if the person you are donating to is in real need. Charity donations (both money and new or used items) are best way of helping the homeless in the longer term, as your donations will be used in the best way possible to reach out to the most vulnerable homeless people.

LOCAL HOMELESS CHARITIES

The following local charities would welcome donations: • The Foxton Centre • The Salvation Army Preston • Emmaus Community • Luv Preston

VOLUNTEER

If you would like to volunteer your time to help the homeless, there are a number of volunteer opportunities listed below: • The Foxton Centre • The Salvation Army Preston • Luv Preston • Local campaigns

REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR

Preston Here for Humanity are hosting a reverse advent calendar to help those less fortunate over the festive period. Rather than take a chocolate from an advent calendar though, you add an item to a box ready for the community interest company to collect on Christmas Eve.

Here is a list of the items that they require: • Tinned tuna • Tinned sweetcorn • Baked beans • Bag of pasta • Tinned custard • Tinned fruit • Tinned potato • Box of cereal • Tinned green beans • Bag of oats • Tinned mushrooms • Tinned mackerel • Tinned tomato soup • Peanut butter • Pasta sauce • Tinned tomatoes • Tinned carrots • Tinned vegetable soup • Packet of spaghetti • Tinned peas • Tinned spam • Bag of rice • Tub of gravy • Tinned rice pudding If you want to take part, email help@ hereforhumanity.org.uk including the address and a phone number where the box will need collecting from.You should put one item from the list in a box to represent each day. Here for Humanity will then contact you to arrange a time for collection and to inform you who will be collecting.

BE A SECRET SANTA THIS CHRISTMAS

Please buy an extra gift for Mission Christmas if you can, and the Rock FM team will make sure that it gets to a disadvantaged child so they’ll wake up to something under the tree on Christmas morning. All gifts should be new and unwrapped, and you can take them to drop-off points across the area. Go to: cashforkids.org.uk/mission n

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A HOLIDAY LODGE WITH PURE LEISURE IS YOUR GATEWAY TO A LIFETIME OF PERFECT STAYCATIONS, WHATEVER YOUR ST YLE.

F O R TH E RU N AWAYS

Escape from it all at our beautiful secluded hideaways, with spectacular views and total tranquility.

FO R TH E E NTE RTA I N E RS

Gather friends and family and enjoy real quality time together, for special occasions, or just because.

FO R TH E E X PLO R E RS

Get out and about in the Lake District or Trough of Bowland and see what you can discover from your doorstep.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 01524 784290 OR VISIT PURE-LEISURE.CO.UK

Live Preston - A4 - November 2021.indd 1

05/11/2021 14:59:46

lifestyle

This route is quite challenging in terms of gradients, but cyclists will be rewarded with some breath-taking views

CLITHEROE LOOP VIA SLAIDBURN AND LONGRIDGE FELL Route: 31.88miles / 51.3km Elevation: 3101ft / 945m Difficulty: 4 / 5 To view the route go to: https://www.strava.com/ routes/2886234587821417704

LET’S TAKE A RIDE…

arlier this year Matt Gibson from Ribble Cycles’ Weldtite team collected his new Ultra SL R from the Clitheroe showroom which he debuted at the Tour of Britain. He first tested it out on the Lancashire roads and climbs of the Forest of Bowland and this route follows some of those roads. Head north out of Clitheroe on the A671 towards Chatburn. As you enter the village, take the left turn signposted for Grindleton by the Spar shop. Head over the River Ribble and upon reaching the T-junction at the end, turn right. It’s out of the saddle for a short climb up Grindleton Brow into Grindleton, then as the road

Dunsop Bridge and Whitewell. Continue out of Whitewell for a distance of approximately 5.6km until you reach a T-junction. Take the right turn, followed by the first left. Continue past

descends out, follow it to the junction at the end. Turn left, staying on Sawley Road, follow it for approximately 3km before taking the left turn for Holden at the Copy Nook Free House. The road begins to climb for the next 2km, follow the signs for Slaidburn until you drop into the village. Top tip – the Riverbank tearoom offers a great café stop! Head up through the village and out along the road for Lancaster. The next 10km will take you through Newton,

Carr Side Equestrian to the end of the road, turn left up Rock Brow, then first right for Jeffrey Hill. It’s time to engage a low gear and push hard for gradients topping out at up to 20 per cent. Your efforts are rewarded with some fantastic views when you reach the summit. As you drop down the other side you will reach a crossroads on which sits the now closed New Drop Inn, take the left turn onto Old Clitheroe Road and follow this road all the way down Birdy Brow. At the bottom take a right and follow the signs back into Clitheroe for a well-earned recovery stop. n ribblecycles.co.uk

SPEED THROUGH INNOVATION ULTRA SL R ribblecycles.co.uk

LUXURY LODGES FOR SALE www.ribblesdalelodges.co.uk

A division of Gisburne Park Estate Ltd.

lifestyle claims to the first genuine Christmas market. The Striezelmarkt in Dresden dates back to 1434. If not the oldest, it is certainly one of the oldest and most authentic Christmas fairs in Germany. Today during the four-week Advent season leading up to Christmas, almost any town of moderate size in the German-speaking world has at least one Christmas market. (Some markets open as early as mid-November.) Larger cities usually have many, with Berlin boasting 60 or so prior to the Covid pandemic. Known as a Weihnachtsmarkt in German, Christmas markets also have other German names, including Advent(s)markt, Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Nikolausmarkt, Striezelmarkt, and Krippenmarkt.

CHRISTMAS MARKET TIME Christmas markets are back this festive season, with most towns and villages in our area hosting one in the coming weeks

he Christmas market originated in what is now Germany. Open-air street markets have a long history dating back long before anyone celebrated Christmas. In Europe in the Late Middle Ages special winter markets, often open only for a day or two in early winter, offered townspeople a chance to stock up on food and supplies to tide them over in the cold months. An example is Vienna’s Dezembermarkt, first held around 1294/1296. Similar ‘Wintermärkte’ also took place elsewhere in Europe, but they were not really Christmas markets. With time, craftspeople began setting up stands at winter markets to sell baskets, toys and woodcarvings. There were also booths for almonds, nuts, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and other baked goods. These items were often purchased as gifts to be given out for Christmas or on New Year’s Day. These winter markets were the precursor of contemporary Christmas markets. Claims that the first documented genuine Christmas markets were found in Munich (1310), Bautzen (1384) and Frankfurt am Main (Weihnachtsmarkt am

Römerberg, 1393) have recently been called into question. Those may not have been real Christmas markets, but winter markets similar to the ones described above. Dresden may have one of the strongest

If you don’t fancy a trip to Germany this festive season you can still enjoy a Christmas market here in the UK. Manchester and Liverpool’s Christmas markets are back this year and open mid November where Birmingham, has its Frankfurt Market which one of the largest ‘German’ Christmas markets outside of Germany. There are plenty of local markets here in Preston and the Fylde including: Ribby Hall Winter Wonderland 14th November Hoghton Gift Market 28th November Mitton Hall 3rd December Morecambe Lantern Festival 4th December Ashton Gardens, St Anne’s 9th-12th December Penwortham 15th December New Longton, All Saint’s 17th December. n

Earl Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2JA @prestonmarkets

selling everything from beer and gin to jewellery, toiletries, wax melts, wooden gifts, artisan bread and cakes. All perfect for Christmas gifts or to enjoy a cheeky festive tipple. There are festive treats aplenty in the Owd Barn farm shop with ‘Williams Handbaked’ biscuits and cakes as well as a huge selection of chutneys and homegrown vegetables from the family’s own 200-acre farm. Orders are now being taken for Christmas vegetable boxes and Christmas trees and wreaths will also be available to purchase from the first week in December.

FEEL THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS The festive spirit is in full swing at Owd Barn at Bispham and neighbouring retail space The Spud Shed, writes Sarah Ulyatt. Photography: Roger Moore

The cosy setting of Owd Barn is a stunning backdrop to their beautiful Christmas decorations and displays as well as the home and gift lofts which are packed full of inspiration to either treat yourself, or others. And after a bit of shopping why not relax and treat yourself to some home-made

ith its farm shop, licensed tearoom and gift and home interiors loft, the Owd Barn at Bispham and The Spud Shed retail barn combine to make a wonderful one-stop destination for everything Christmas. Making it even more festive, Christmas pop-up markets will be there every Saturday from 20th November to 11th December 10am-4pm, featuring local makers and crafters

winter warmer food and drinks by the log burner in Owd Barn’s licensed tearoom. The Spud Shed, situated opposite the 16th century Owd Barn, has been open a year and is home to a range of local businesses including a florist, ladies’ boutique, kids wear store, hairdressers and yoga and pilates studio. The Spud Shed and Owd Barn at Bispham have so much to offer, and with lots of free parking and only 30 minutes’ drive from central Preston, it really is the perfect place to relax, shop and eat this festive season. n

Owd Barn at Bispham and Spud Shed @ Owd Barn at Bispham Spencer’s Farm, Rufford Road Bispham, Near Ormskirk L40 3SA 01704 823435 owdbarn.com Owd Barn opening times Tuesday to Sunday: 10am-5pm Monday: Closed (open Bank Holiday Monday) Spud Shed business opening times vary, check before you visit

Butcher Farrell’s Meat Emporium

Bringing you an innovative blend of traditional butchers craft and a new philosophy of meat eating – that’s the aim of butcher Jonny Farrell who has returned to his roots in the north west after honing his butchery skills in Shanghai, Hong Kong and with Jimmy Doherty, star of Channel 4’s ‘Jimmy’s Farm’. Jonny’s brand-new butchers shop, set within Owd Barn’s farm shop, aims to be a butchers with a difference. All meat is ethically produced from small independent UK farms that practice high welfare and regenerative farming to heal the land and do their bit to combat climate change. For the best quality meat and something a bit different, Butcher Farrell’s Meat Emporium really is a cut above. Opening offer: 10% off when you mention Live Preston. butcherfarrell.co.uk butcherfarrell

lifestyle

A La Mode Boutique

If you’re looking for stylish, affordable Parisian ladies’ wear and accessories with beautiful detail and an edge of luxury, then look no further than A La Mode Boutique. Colour co-ordinated displays make it easy to style your look, from seasonal dresses to cosy knitwear, and handbags and scarves to add that extra ooh la la! If you need styling advice or help picking out that perfect Christmas gift then owner Alison, who has previously worked as a designer for several leading brands, will always be on hand to help. Gift vouchers are also available. The boutique includes hand-picked Parisian labels including Malissa J, 3Trois Paris, Exquiss’s Paris, Choklate and Bluoltre. Alamodeladieswear

@_alamode_boutique

The Den Kidswear

The Den is a kidswear destination for all ages, featuring fun, bright, design-led brands all with an ethical and sustainable ethos. Stockists include outerwear specialists Muddy Puddles with garments made from recycled plastic, Tobias and the Bear with their organic cotton romper suits and Turtledove London, a unisex organic brand using fabrics with Azo free dyestuffs and Musli, a stylish Danish brand. Owner Lucy has 20 years’ experience in buying and merchandising and selects only the best sustainable clothing that is super durable, affordable and perfect for our stylish environmentally savvy children! thedenkidswear.com

The Den Kidswear

@thedenkidswear

New U Hair

The team at New U Hair will always give you a warm, relaxing welcome at their Spud Shed salon, whether that’s for a cut, colour, extensions or a complete hair transformation. Luxury hair products, Neal and Wolf and Olaplex are used in all of their treatments, which are also available to buy from the salon. With a free drinks menu to choose from, including Prosecco, you can really kick back and relax in the run up to the festive season! To book, call 01704 790236 or email: newuhair.info@gmail.com Late nights Wednesdays 8pm and Thursdays 6pm, Sundays by appointment NewUHairOwdBarn

@newuhair

The Yoga Collaboration

The Spud Shed offers a perfect country setting for The Yoga Collaboration’s boutique Yoga, Pilates and Wellbeing studio. With its peaceful, clam and tranquil atmosphere, this is a perfect place to escape to, allowing you to take time just for you. Offering something for every ability and age, classes are small and social and include Beginners Yoga and Pilates courses, Gentle Yoga Flows, Restorative Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Yin Yoga. There are also courses in pre and post-natal Pilates as well as Yoga in pregnancy. Workshops and retreats are run on a monthly basis and include: Navigate YourMenopause, Chakra Healing with Meditation,Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga with props and Yin Yoga. Book a class at: theyogacollaboration.co.uk the_yoga_collaboration

www.mittonhallhotel.co.uk

THE MAGIC OF WINTER S TAY C AT I O N S

f rom £135*

per couple

A stunning country house hotel in the heart of the Ribble Valley. The dining experience at Mitton Hall is completely unique, taking freshly sourced ingredients, prepared with style, and mixing decadent cocktails with flair. All of our rooms feature individual design and exquisite finishing touches, from four-poster suites to modern, superior double rooms. Enjoy a night away with 2-course dinner and hearty Lancashire breakfast with prices starting from just £135 per couple.*

Enjoy extraordinary every day T. 01254 827181 | Mitton, Whalley, Lancashire, BB7 9PQ Based on a classic double room for 2, staying Sunday - Thursday prior to the 31st March 2022.

lifestyle people’s pleasure in that excellent distinction – true Lancastrians, proud of the Red Rose and loyal to our Sovereign Duke. GOD BLESS LANCASHIRE AND GOD SAVE THE QUEEN, DUKE OF LANCASTER.

Lancashire Day celebrations Lancashire Day Alreet Cha? Celebrate Lancashire Day in style with Porsche Club GB Lancashire Region. They shall be meeting at Porsche Centre Preston and then for our drive out, Graham Bath has organised an excellent route taking in some Lancashire landmarks. Pre-booking essential. Please book through David Baker at: r18@porscheclubgb.com

Lancashire Hot Pot, songs & clogs On Wednesday 27th November we will be hosting a Lancashire Day Celebration Event. We have the amazing Jennifer Reid ‘Pre-eminent broadside balladress’. Lancashire Hot Pot will be served and there will be the Loyal Proclamation and Toast to HM Queen, Duke of Lancaster. Tickets are available from All Souls and on: eventbrite.co.uk

HAPPY LANCASHIRE DAY! 27th November is Lancashire Day, our very own day to celebrate all that’s great about the Red Rose County. There seems to be a day for everything but red blooded Lancastrians have officially marked this day since 1996

ancashire Day commemorates the day in 1295 when Lancashire first sent representatives to Parliament to attend the Model Parliament of King Edward I. Curated by the Friends of Real Lancashire, it is observed and celebrated from everywhere within the county. The day is marked throughout the historic county by town criers announcing the Lancashire Day proclamation which declares the historic regions boundaries of the county, and finishes with “God bless Lancashire, and God save the Queen, Duke of Lancaster”. The historic county of Lancashire is the area established for administration by the Normans. Historic counties were often based on earlier kingdoms and shires created by the Anglo-Saxons and others.

The Lancashire Day proclamation: To the people of the city and county palatine of Lancaster Greetings! Know ye that this day, November 27th in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty One, the 70th year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Duke of Lancaster, is Lancashire Day Know ye also, and rejoice, that by virtue of Her Majesty’s County Palatine of Lancaster, the citizens of the Hundreds of Lonsdale, North and South of the Sands, Amounderness, Leyland, Blackburn, Salford andWest Derby are forever entitled to style themselves Lancastrians. Throughout the County Palatine, from the Furness Fells to the River Mersey, from the Irish Sea to the Pennines, this day shall ever mark the

Tea party to celebrate Lancashire spirit Brew brand Lancashire Tea to help celebrate this year’s Lancashire Day on 27th November. The tea company is asking community groups, organisations, or families to get in touch and tell them why their village or town represents Lancastrian spirit. The tea maker is keen to understand what makes the people who live there stay, how they support each other and what gives them a strong sense of community. To nominate your town or village please contact: communitea@lancashiretea.co.uk

Lancashire Day Social Media Campaign Help raise awareness and encourage promotion of Lancashire Day across the UK, Marketing Lancashire has launched a social media campaign, inviting proud Lancastrians and visitors to share images that best illustrate the Visit Lancashire strap line: #WhereLifeFeelsGood. n

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lifestyle

PRESTON GETS FESTIVE Whether you’re doing your Christmas shopping, catching up with friends or going ‘Out Out’ Preston City Centre has all the festive cheer you’re looking for

upporting the high street, Preston City Council has commissioned a series of ‘Christmas Enhancements’ to make visiting the city centre a little more special this year, working with partners to ensure there’s something extra every weekend during the festive period. It all kicks off on Saturday 20th November with the much anticipated Christmas Lights Switch On event, brought to you by Preston BID and Smooth Radio North West, featuring a host of famous names to get us all in the festive mood. On Saturday 27th November head to Winckley Square Gardens between 11am and 3pm for a magical event. Visitors will be able to meet and greet some of Father Christmas’ reindeer, have their face painted, and have photo opportunities with the iconic sleigh, as well as an interactive snow globe. The reindeer and sleigh are back in Winckley Square Gardens the following

weekend, Saturday 4th December, with the Salvation Army Band and the popular Record Fair, both at Preston Markets. Returning to the Flag Market on Saturday 11th December is the ever-popular Preston Makers Market, plus bands from Salvation Army and St George the Martyr performing festive and traditional tunes at Preston Markets. Later that day, you don’t want to miss the ‘Bratwurst & Butter Pie’ late night shopping event hosted by independent businesses on Cannon Street, Winckley Street and Guildhall Street. The next day join The Friends of Winckley Square for their Christmas Concert in the Gardens on Sunday 12th December, 3pm-5.30pm.

A Winter Wonderland is coming to Winckley Square Gardens on Saturday 18th December with merry fun, refreshments and activities for all the family to enjoy. You’ll meet familiar characters, be able to take part in Christmas adventures and of course, meet with Father Christmas himself. Over at Preston Markets, there will be more festive live music. All in all, along with selected dates and times for free city centre parking, the festive offer in 2021 is about coming back to the high street and supporting your city centre, funded by ERDF and HM Government. Not forgetting you could just visit to see the gorgeous Christmas lights and much loved traditional nativity. n

Explore Preston Safely this Festive Period

www.visitpreston.com/visit-safely

Presents

The Swan Courtyard Whalley

Astley Hall Chorley

Sat 27th — Sun 28th November Sat 18th — Sun 19th December

Sat 11th — Sun 12th December

Bespoke Handmade Gifts, Trinkets, Treasures & Treats, Fine Foods & Merriment!

lifestyle

DOTTIE’S WAFFLERY The wafflery at Samlesbury Hall is incredibly popular throughout the year. Famed for its decadent desserts, mouth-watering milkshakes, cakes, local ice-cream and speciality teas and coffee, at Christmas visitors can expect super-seasonal waffles and gingerbread hot chocolate!

STEP INTO THE STORY AT THIS HISTORIC HALL Steeped in history yet with modern-day facilities, Samlesbury Hall is a major tourist destination that is set to come alive this Christmas!

n the run up to the festive season it’s all about Christmas at Samlesbury Hall with a host of events planned over the coming weeks. With free parking, the historic hall forms a stunning backdrop, where visitors will be given a truly warm welcome.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHES In the Heritage Café Christmas lunches will be served from 23rd November to 23rd December and, for groups of 20 or more, festive lunches will be served in the magnificent Great Hall in front of a roaring log fire – what better way to start the seasonal celebrations! Pre-booking is essential.

LA BOHÈME Traditionally decorated with Christmas trees from the end of November, the Great Hall is also set to host a performance of Puccini’s La Bohème by Outreach Opera on 12th December – this promises to be a fabulous evening of music against the historic backdrop of the hall. Mulled wine and hot mince pies will be served. Tickets are available through the website.

SUNDAY TOURS Samlesbury’s usual Sunday tours will take place on the 5th and 12th December and as

always, will be free of charge. Join Spooky Simon Entwistle, or wicked witch Janey as they take you around the atmospheric hall.

THE LADY IN WHITE Samlesbury Hall presents The Lady in White – a ghost story for Christmas and a promenade theatre play designed for families and lovers of spooky tales. Travel back in time as a tragic love story comes vividly to life in the candlelit hallways of Lancashire’s most haunted house. The Lady in White combines live actors and theatrical storytelling to present a seasonal Christmas play which tells the 16th century tale of Lady Dorothy Southworth – the hall’s most famous ghost. Step into the story as the action unfolds around you in this promenade performance with a little festive fright! Presented on 13th, 14th, 16th, 19th, 20th and 23rd December. Tickets available online.

CHRISTMAS FAIR & MARKET With more than 50 stalls, the Samlesbury Hall Christmas Fair will feature hot food throughout the day and a whole host of local vendors. A great opportunity to buy unusual Christmas gifts and to experience all the hall has to offer. The fair is to be held on 28th November with free entry.

TAPAS AT THE HERITAGE CAFÉ The Heritage Café will be decked out in a suitably seasonal manner and, as usual, will be serving tapas on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. The café is also open daily for breakfasts and lunches (Tuesday to Sunday).

CHRISTMAS GIFTS Events and experiences at Samlesbury Hall make lovely Christmas gifts – why not buy afternoon tea for a loved one or tickets to one of the forthcoming Clairvoyant Evenings? A seasonal gift that will truly be appreciated! To give the hardworking team a well-earned rest over Christmas, Samlesbury Hall will close on Christmas Eve and re-open on 9th January 2022

Samlesbury Hall Preston New Road Samlesbury PR5 0UP 01254 812010 samlesburyhall.co.uk Opening times Please call or go to: samlesburyhall.co.uk TM

EDUCATIONN E W S TIME CAPSULE

MAKING HISTORY

SUPPORTING OTHERS

The present moment was brought into focus as the children placed a time capsule in the walls of the new Prep school, due to open in September 2022. Westholme, are a school with a proud history and whilst they are immensely proud of what they are now, an academic school with an unrivalled holistic offering, they are looking forward to what the future has to offer. When the Prep building opens its doors they will have the advantages of a large campus and facilities whilst still retaining the character and intimacy that is unique to Westholme.

At the start of term, Stonyhurst opened its doors to the largest school role in its history and celebrated world-class academic achievements. Over 800 pupils joined Stonyhurst at the beginning of the term, the largest number in its 428-year history. Pupils have joined the prestigious boarding school from across the world, adding to the global diversity of the school, yet over 65 per cent of the cohort remains British. Children choosing to study at Stonyhurst are from over 27 countries, including those across Europe, America, and Asia.

Oakhill Prep met with the THOMAS group and helped fill up their van with all the goods that had been donated. As always the children were eager to help carry tins, bags, packets, pictures and even a jigsaw without complaint. Bev was overwhelmed with the kindness shown from the Oakhill Family and passes on her thanks on behalf of THOMAS. We have been supporting them for over 20 years and we will hopefully be able to send some more items before Christmas so thank you very much for helping us to help those that need it.

TATLER’S SCHOOLS GUIDE

MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Stonyhurst is delighted to begin the new school year with a wonderful review from Tatler Schools Guide 2022. Only ‘the top prep and public schools in the UK’ are chosen to feature in Tatler’s Schools Guide and Stonyhurst is delighted to have been included this year. “Parents are pleased that their children are ‘encouraged to discuss, debate and think for themselves’ and that the school continues to embody the vision of the founding Jesuits whilst being at the forefront of contemporary Roman Catholic education.”

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is among a select group of institutions which have been chosen by the Government to deliver mental health programmes to support students. Led by UCLan’s Creative Innovation Zone, the Creative Mental Health Framework has received Government funding which aims to reduce the mental health stigma for the LGBTQ+ community. The project, which is one of 18 selected nationwide, will be delivered by students, for students, harnessing creativity to raise awareness, reduce barriers and tackle stigma. Students will learn how to support each other, practise self-care and understand mental health triggers. Through the production of arts and media content, they will develop a strong mutual understanding of LGBTQ+ and mental health issues.

As part of Black History month last month, Year 4 at Oakhill studied Marcus Rashford and found out all about the amazing things that he’d done for others that are less fortunate than himself during the pandemic. They decided to write him a letter to tell him how amazing he is. The letters have since been sent and the Oakhill pupils are hoping when he receives them, they make him extremely proud of himself.

Year 7, 9 and 12 Scholarship Application Deadline F R I D AY 3 R D D E C E M B E R

Apply Now www.rossall.org.uk SCHOLARSHIPS FOR: ACADEMICS, ART, DRAMA, MUSIC, AND SPORT INCLUDING GOLF AND FOOTBALL FOR ENTRY INTO YEARS 7, 9 AND 12

JUNIOR SCHOOL GROWTH & INVESTMENT

he seed was already planted by Westholme’s second Principal Mr Arthur Rouse in 1968 and in September 2022 his vision will finally come to fruition. His dream was to bring the whole school together on one site and with the development of the new prep school, the junior provision will move to Wilmar Lodge bringing together the whole Westholme family. With extensive growth and investment, the junior provision is already expanding rapidly and by September 2022 to coincide with the opening of the new site, each junior year group from Years 3 to 6 will increase from one class to two.

What will the new junior provision deliver?

The whole ethos of Westholme is to provide a fully rounded education to each student,

Bringing the whole of Westholme School together on one site has been a long-held dream, which will finally be realised next year, writes Meena McDonald

THE SCHOOL IS NOW ONE OF THE HIGHEST ACHIEVING INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

developing and nurturing the essential skills employers are seeking in young people, such as communication, confidence, leadership, independence, teamwork and problem solving. Westholme can prepare your child for the future with the highest academic provision combined with fantastic facilities for every student to take advantage of. The hugely spacious facilities offer superb outdoor learning opportunities through nature with the leafy forest school, centenary garden, fields and outside playing area, along with outstanding sporting facilities including astro turf, netball pitches, football

education

and hockey pitches and swimming pool. Of course, it isn’t just outdoor and sporting facilities which are at the disposal of all students, there’s also a whole host of dedicated spaces to deliver unbelievable experiences in technology, graphic design, food technology, art and design, as well as a fully professional theatre and new state-of-the-art music department. This is not like any ordinary junior education! School Principal Dr Richard Robson commented: “There is so much excitement about our new expansion and the growth is a genuine reflection of the investment we’ve made into the first-class educational provision at Westholme. Every junior pupil will experience something quite extraordinary giving them exceptional educational opportunities like no other school. As well as the warm, family feel of the pupils, the incredible facilities enable each student to access to the most advanced resources and individual subject specialists.”

EACH STUDENT HAS ACCESS TO THE MOST ADVANCED RESOURCES FOR SUBJECTS SUCH AS COMPUTING AND ROBOTICS, SCIENCE, ART, LANGUAGES, MATHS AND HUMANITIES Those attending the prep school will also gain automatic entry into the senior school and with admissions expanding rapidly, there is much greater demand for entry into Year 7 already. The school took the biggest Year 7 intake this September in over five years and the current Year 12 cohort in the INSPIRED Sixth Form is the largest in the school’s history. Dr Robson continued: “The school is well known for its unrivalled holistic approach and wholesome education provision that creates happy pupils who love coming to school, we have also reaped amazing academic results, and the school is now one of the highest achieving independent schools in the North of England. We know that fulfilled, thriving students perform much better and strive to achieve the highest possible results for themselves. It’s quite extraordinary to be part of it – you could not imagine a better school anywhere in the whole country.”

Access for all

With students having access to the same facilities, it means prep school students will be able to utilise the same advanced

scientific laboratories and equipment that an A level student would be using. The older students will also be on hand to support the younger ones with their learning. This will enable the younger students to interact, learn and build their confidence whilst communicating with older students, and in turn, the older students can develop their leadership and communication skills. The sense of family is a thread running through every aspect of the school. During a recent school inspection, surveys taken by students, parents and teachers reflected everyone’s commitment and high praise of this unique and tangible ethos. The school plans to host Open House Sessions in June 2022 where everyone will have the opportunity to view the tremendous new facilities.

Dr Robson concluded: “Westholme does have a truly impressive history and an incredibly bright future. “The atmosphere is totally unique and whilst the students are fortunate enough to be surrounded by an extraordinary range of facilities and innovative resources, they are genuinely diligent, purposeful and down to earth. A true recipe for success.” n

Westholme School Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road Blackburn BB2 6QU 01254 506070 westholmeschool.com

68209 Girls Taster Live Mag A4 copy.qxp_1 10/11/2021 09:42 Page 1

Give Y our Daughter the Very Best Start in Life At our Junior Girls’ School (ages 7-11) your daughter will benefit from:

A purposeful atmosphere which supports academic and extra-curricular success

Specialist teaching in languages, science, music and sport

Excellent facilities, including a laboratory, art studio, computer suite and library and access to the campus swimming pool, theatre and sports fields

A school which mixes tradition and innovation – pupils have made excellent use of their iPads during the pandemic

Outstanding extra-curricular opportunities in sport, music and drama

Exciting trips and visits, including to Patterdale Hall, our own outdoor centre in the Lake District

Excellent preparation for Senior School

Contact us to arrange your private tour with our Headteacher Telephone: 01204 434761 www.boltonschool.org/juniorgirls Twitter: @BoltonJnrGirls

s of Tour ool h c s the ble availa daily

Lim it pla ed ces ava ila Rec ble for e Cla ption ss 2 022 Aspiration, Attitude, Achievement Exceptional academic achievement Established ethos of learning outside the classroom Incredible, purpose-built facilities Wraparound care 7:00-18:00 daily

Lindle Lane · Hutton · Preston

01772 619900 · info@ashbridgeschool.co.uk

‘Meet me after Midnight’ – 40x40cm Box Canvas Acrylic on handstitched canvas with bottle tops

‘Return to Eden’ – 40x40cm Box Canvas Acrylic on handstitched canvas

‘Whispers and Innuendos’ – 40x40cm Box Canvas Acrylic on handstitched canvas with spot varnish

‘Fragmental’ – 20x20cm Box Canvas Artist’s thumbprint relief collage using receipts

Creativity unbound…

Artist Nick Dittrich creates original artworks using a variety of mediums (acrylic and oil paint, charcoal, graphite, pastels and chalks) or anything else that comes to hand – object trouvé, bottle tops, advertising billboard posters or purchase receipts. ‘All our lies’ – 20x20cm Box Canvas Billboard poster collage and dry transfer letters

He considers the canvas to be a part of the artwork and not just the substrate, so often manipulates the canvas by stitching it together, cutting or ripping it, sanding the surface, spot varnishing elements, embedding or inserting objects through the surface – to create another dimension in his artworks. To purchase, or to commission an artwork call: 01279 861863 / 07909 850462 email: endartistuk @ gmail.com

To view his gallery visit: www.endarts.co.uk @ endartistuk

operations since at least 2010, but the NCF marks a step-change in the UK’s response to hostile state hacking, terrorism and high-tech criminals. Cyber is viewed, along with space, as the next military domain, and the NCF will go beyond defending against cyber attacks to using hacking techniques to undermine adversaries.

This Business Hour, Phil Goodwin explains how Samlesbury became home of The National Cyber Force

he National Cyber Force, a new branch of the military, is gearing up to fight battles in cyber space from the fields of Lancashire. Its presence is expected to bring a high-tech renaissance to the region. The battle to win the headquarters of the UK’s National Cyber Force (NCF) has been quietly fought out of the public eye for the past 12 months. Samlesbury, in the Ribble Valley, saw off stiff competition from Manchester, the home of GCHQ’s northern office, to

become the site of the UK’s headquarters for military operations in cyber space against nation states, terrorists and criminals. The arrival of the NCF brings with it an investment of £5bn to the Lancashire economy, the largest seen in the area for 50 years. By 2023, more than 3,000 people will be working at the NCF headquarters, which will be built on land on the former Samlesbury Aerodrome, alongside BAE Systems’ aircraft components site. The UK has been conducting cyber

THE NATIONAL CYBER FORCE MARKS A STEP-CHANGE IN THE UK’S RESPONSE TO HOSTILE STATE HACKING, TERRORISM AND HIGH-TECH CRIMINALS Under the control of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Strategic Command, the NCF will draw its staff from the MoD, GCHQ, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) at Porton Down. As many as 2,000 jobs are likely to be created in the region, said Sarah Kemp, CEO of Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership.

business

She has no doubt that the NCF will encourage high-tech businesses to move to the area, creating a corridor of expertise that could run from Manchester to Lancaster. “It will be a centre of gravity, attracting business in digital technology, cyber defence and security,” she said. Ministers believe the NCF could transform Samlesbury in the same way that GCHQ transformed the small town of Cheltenham in 1951. Internally, the cyber force headquarters is known as “GCHQ2”, reflecting the ambition and scale of the operation. Building work on the NCF campus is due to start next year. Its exact location is being kept under wraps, but the Salmesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone, which has a capacity of one million square feet, is the likely candidate. It is already home to BAE Systems, which manufactures parts for military aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, the BAE Academy for Skills & Knowledge (ASK), which trains 200 apprenticeships a year and a solar power plant. An Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, which will offer businesses access

to a research and development team, is also being developed on the site, with the backing of Sheffield University and a £20m grant from Lancashire Local Enterprise partnership. Since January 2021, a small coterie of local councillors and academics have been lobbying intensively to persuade the Ministry of Defence to choose Samlesbury as the base for the National Cyber Force. The bid had political support from local MPs, including the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, and his deputy, Nigel Evans, Conservative MP for the Ribble Valley. Ben Wallace, secretary of state for defence, who announced the win for Samlesbury, represents Lancashire’s Wyre and Preston North constituency. For Westminster, the decision represents a concrete outcome for the government’s “levelling up” policy and a boost for the growth of a “northern powerhouse”. One of the attractions for the NCF is the expertise of the area’s universities, including Lancaster University, which has won recognition for its work on cyber security. The university’s cyber masters programme, its academic centre for excellence for cyber education and academic centre for excellence for cyber research, have each been accredited by GHCQ’s National Cyber Security Centre. Dion Williams, associate dean for enterprise engagement at Lancaster, said there are huge opportunities for research collaborations between the NCF and universities in the region. Lancaster, for example, is working with Manchester and Salford universities on a research partnership sponsored by GCHQ. It is also the lead academic partner in a Digital Innovation and Security Hub (DISH). Housed in the same building as

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GCHQ’s Manchester headquarters, DISH aims to enable academics, entrepreneurs and business to collaborate on innovate digital and cyber security projects. One of the NCF’s stated aims is to hire employees with a diverse range of backgrounds. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), which offers a range of courses in digital technology and computer networks, believes it can play a key role in developing the skills of young people.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE NCF IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT MORE HIGH-TECH BUSINESSES TO THE REGION It runs a programme that brings young people into medicine through an apprenticeship scheme that combines work and study that people can follow at their own pace. That brings in young people from communities in Preston, Blackburn, Burnley and further north. StJohn Crean, pro-vice chancellor of UCLAN, believes a similar programme could bring more young people into high-tech careers at the NCF. “We, as a university, are well positioned,” he said. The NCF will employ military personnel, but the majority of jobs will go to civilians from Lancashire and elsewhere in the country. The arrival of the NCF is expected to attract more high-tech businesses to the region.The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership received its first enquiries from interested organisations on the day the NCF plan was announced. The £5bn investment for the NCF comes alongside other development projects in the region, including investment in transport infrastructure and a government sponsored project to build 9,000 homes. n

BUSINESS MATTERS

tbc lifestyle 102 business

Business continues to boom across Preston and Fylde If you have any business news to share then get in touch with the editor at: helen.sanderson@live-magazines.co.uk

PRESTON FIRM RECOGNISED Preston-based PR and marketing communications firm Freshfield has been highly commended at the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA)’s National Awards. It was highly commended for its work with Lancashire County Council’s £6m Business Growth Hub to support the Lancashire business community through the Covid-19 pandemic. #AskForHelp was a campaign devised and ran by Freshfield from the beginning of lockdown to the end of 2020. It helped transform the Growth Hub (Boost) into a support service dedicated to helping worried business owners impacted by coronavirus.

BEAUTY AWARD WIN

FREE PARKING IN THE CITY

Preston-based hair product range has landed top accolades at The Pure Beauty Awards. FYC, based in Cotton Court, is a product range for mixed textured curls and has won the awards one year after launching. The range received shortlist nominations for two products in the Best New Textured Hair Product category. FYC Leave-In Conditioner received bronze, and the Refresh and Detangle Spray was the winner with the gold. FYC co-founder Rob Binns accepted the award at a ceremony in London hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Cheryl Hole.

Preston City Council have taken to social media to let the community know about free car parking over the Christmas period.

HELPING JOB SEEKERS A Preston training provider has secured a contract to provide qualifications for job seekers across the county. PHX Training has offices in Preston, Blackpool and Morecambe and has been selected by PeoplePlus to deliver qualifications to help fill job vacancies in Lancashire. Lancashire job vacancies are at an all-time high time following the pandemic, with the Office for National Statistics reporting that one million job vacancies currently need filling, the highest level since records began. But job claimant figures in Lancashire suggest around 50,000 people in the county are still unemployed, almost 15,000 higher than before the start of the pandemic.

The free parking will be at the following car parks: – Penny Street – Trinity Square – Tenterfield Street This is to encourage residents and people from further afield to do some Christmas shopping in Preston. The car parks are free from 3pm on the following dates: – Wednesday 1 – Friday 3 December – Wednesday 8 – Friday 10 December – Wednesday 15 – Friday 17 December The car parks are free all day on the following dates: – Sunday 5 December – Sunday 12 December – Sunday 19 December – Monday 20 – Thursday 23 December Please note: The free parking periods are from the date and time shown until midnight the same day.

TRUCKING FOR CANCER A seven-week campaign led by Leyland Trucks has raised over £25,000 for local cancer charities. Helping Hand, a non-profit organisation run by a committee of Leyland Trucks and PACCAR Parts employees launched a programme of challenges for the #StrongerTogether event. The event replaced the annual Factory to Festival fundraiser, cancelled for a second time because of Covid-19. The money raised went to St Catherine’s Hospice, Rosemere Cancer Foundation, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support.

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BEING AN ATTORNEY Lasting Powers of Attorney registrations are growing. In this article Sean Aldridge, a specialist in estate planning, explains the role of an attorney

nd ing

What are the responsibilities of an attorney?

best

s line

ccording to the Ministry of Justice, in the quarter April to June 2021, 160,431 Lasting Powers of Attorney were registered – an increase of 61 per cent over the same period in 2020. When a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is created, the donor of the power appoints one or more attorneys to act on their behalf should they find themselves unable to deal with their own affairs. There are two types of LPA, the first covering a person’s property and financial affairs and the second relating to decisions on health and welfare matters.

An attorney must ensure they follow any instructions set out in the LPA.This includes considering any wishes expressed by the donor who must be helped to make as many of their own decisions as they can. Whilst using an LPA, the attorney must also respect the donor’s human and civil rights and act in their best interests. Attorneys can be appointed jointly (all must agree with a decision) or jointly and severally, meaning any of the attorneys can make decisions independently. A Property & Financial Affairs LPA enables attorneys to deal with money, pay bills, manage bank accounts and investments, and buy or sell property on the donor’s behalf. The attorney will also be able to deal with any benefits or pension arrangements but must always keep any funds or investments separate to their own. An attorney has limited powers to make gifts on behalf of the donor, usually relatively small amounts on customary occasions such as birthdays or Christmas, to friends and family.

napthens.co.uk

When it’s time to plan the future Let’s plan it together None of us know what will happen next. So it’s important to make plans. Whether you’re arranging a will, setting up a power of attorney or dealing with inheritance tax and wealth management plans, you need expert help – so let’s do it together. Email or call

together@napthens.co.uk 0345 671 0276

together is better

The Health & Welfare LPA enables an attorney to make general care and welfare decisions such as medical care, washing and dressing and more serious matters such as life sustaining medical treatment. Whether an attorney is appointed under a Property & Finance or Health & Welfare LPA or both, the attorney also has a duty to keep proper records of significant decisions made, how finances have been dealt with and how money has been spent. Lasting Powers of Attorney are a prudent thing to consider, allowing attorneys to assist in the management of affairs should a person lose mental capacity. As an important part of estate planning for the future, Lasting Powers of Attorney should be created at an early stage to avoid difficulties further down the line as people age. Talk to a specialist legal adviser for guidance. n

Sean Aldridge is a Senior Associate at regional law firm Napthens napthens.co.uk

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business

THE REFILL SHOP If you haven’t heard of the concept of a refill shop before (also known as a zero waste shop) it’s where customers bring their own containers to refill products and therefore cut out the need for plastic packaging. All sorts of products can be refilled, from lentils to laundry liquid, from shampoo to sesame seeds and from vinegar to vegan sweets

urtleBee was founded in Summer 2019 by Claire Plowes, a former primary school teacher and mum to three children. As a busy family of five, the household created a lot of waste, mostly packaging from food and cleaning products. Whilst unpacking the family supermarket shop one day, Claire was suddenly horrified at the amount of

AS WELL AS PLASTIC FREE REFILLS OF DRIED FOODS AND CLEANING PRODUCTS, CUSTOMERS CAN BUY LOOSE FRESH PRODUCE NEXT DOOR IN THE FOOD HALL

plastic and vowed to find ways to reduce the family waste. Researching ways to reduce waste led Claire to start using the local greengrocer with her own reusable bags for fruit and vegetables. She also came across the concept of a refill shop but the nearest one was a 25 minute drive away which didn’t seem very eco friendly! With encouragement from her husband, Claire decided to open her own shop in Great Harwood with the hope that other people would want to shop this way too and that it could become a business. A second shop was opened in Padiham, near Burnley in December 2019 and a third in Samlesbury at Huntley’s Country Stores on the A59 near Preston in October 2020. “We were getting customers travelling from Preston to our shop in Great Harwood, so it seemed like there was a need for eco friendly shopping in that part of Lancashire,” recalls Claire. She researched various suburbs of Preston whilst looking for a location but when a unit came up at Huntley’s, it felt like the perfect fit. “It’s a great location with plenty of free parking and easily accessible from the M6. As well as plastic free refills of dried foods and cleaning products, customers can buy loose fresh produce next door in the food hall.” If refill shopping seems daunting at first, pop in the shop to see the sorts of items they stock then you will know that next time you run out of a product, you can simply take in the empty packet/jar/bottle to refill. Staff are always on hand to help you. The important thing is that more people start to give this way of shopping a try. It really does make a difference. As an example, in less than two years, customers refilling at TurtleBee saved over 2000 plastic bottles of washing up liquid! n

turtlebee.co.uk

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30/09/2021 17:22 30/09/2021 17:22

HEAD TURNERS The new versions of the BMW X4 and X3 are exceptional, offering genuine kerb appeal and a sublime driving experience, writes Paul Agnew. Photography: Paul Currie

arning. These cars contain features other drivers may find upsetting.

Anyone familiar with BMW is used to nothing less than motoring excellence. The range is exceptional, both in terms of style and performance, and it is hard to imagine how the designers and engineers could generate improvement. Well they have. This month I had the pleasure of testing not one but two of BMW’s most popular vehicles – the new versions of the X4 and the X3. Just updated (inside and out) and hot from the factory, both cars offered instant visual appeal and a sublime driving experience. Let’s press the start button on the X4. Long considered a stand-out vehicle, with an unmistakable presence, this Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) is every bit as athletic as it looks. Stunning in Sophisto Grey, with a sumptuous oyster Vernasca leather interior, it had me won over before we had even hit the road.

OFFERING A SUITE OF CLASS-LEADING TECHNOLOGIES AND CONNECTIVITY FEATURES, THE X4 ENSURES YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Externally there’s a dramatic new kidney grille, a sculpted rear apron and dominant full LED rear lights. Inside, the live digital cockpit with navigation function includes a cluster consisting of a fully-digital 12.3 inch instrument display and a high-resolution 12.3 inch control display – as standard. You can also opt for galvanic controls by way of an electroplated finish on selected interior buttons and switches. I drove the xDrive2.0d model with four

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cylinders providing 190bhp – easily taking you from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, while offering close to 50mpg. Topping the charts is the M40i three-litre petrol variant with six cylinders, 360bhp, 0-62mph in under five seconds and 30mpg. Expect to be better connected than ever before with ultimate flexibility and freedom at your fingertips thanks to BMW ConnectedDrive. Offering a suite of class-leading technologies and connectivity features, the X4 ensures you have everything you need before, during and after your journey.

TO SIMPLY SIT IN THE X3 IS A TREAT IN ITSELF, BUT TO HEAR IT PURR AND FIZZ AND TO FEEL THE QUALITY ALL AROUND IS VERY SPECIAL With the BMW Operating System 7.0 – also included as standard – there is no better multimedia experience on the market. In short, this is a car with much going for it. Genuine kerb appeal, superb handling, really smooth engine and great tech spec – the optional comfort pack even affords you a heated steering wheel.You might be surprised by the price for all of this. Go check. Moving swiftly on to the X3, in my case the top-of-the-range M40i performance petrol option in Brooklyn Grey – stop right there! This is a brand new colour and boy does it work well. It’s a beaut, in every possible respect. Again you’ll find an entirely new apron with a sportier, more angular look to it. The re-shaped kidney grille sits between new, slimmer headlamps with new lighting signatures. A fresh rear bumper is joined by striking new tail-light signatures. The newer model is more striking and more eye-catching. Even the alloys get your blood pumping. Not to mention the black chrome exhaust tailpipe finishers and the welcome light carpet on either side of the vehicle. As for performance, how about 360bhp accelerating from 0-62mph in under five seconds and still giving more than 30mph, with an impressive emissions figure thrown in? Technology? Your on-board Co-Pilot looks after everything (and that’s an awful lot) and don’t forget the My BMW App for

direct connection inside and outside.You can plan your next trip, check the status of your vehicle or use the many remote service functions – all right to hand on your smartphone. Like the X4, there is nothing to dislike here. A professional fault-finder would have his work cut out. To simply sit in the X3 is a treat in itself, but to hear it purr and

fizz and to feel the quality all around is very special. So, all things considered, two cracking motors. Believe it or not, there are people out there with a preference for a plain car, one that doesn’t have too many features or attract too much attention. If that strikes a chord, then the best advice is probably to steer clear of the new BMW X3 and X4. For these are cars designed to turn heads, impress and deliver. And they certainly do. n Bowker Preston BMW Channel Way Preston PR2 2YA 01772 769976 bowkerprestonbmw.co.uk @BowkerBMW @BowkerMotorGroup BowkerMotorGroup @BowkerBMW TM

SPORTS

TO IMPROVE ANXIETY situations or events causing it whilst for

After a year like no other, it’s other people it’s not as easy to switch no surprise that more Brits than off those feelings of irritability, anger or moodiness. ever are battling anxiety

o help with those battling anxieties sports therapist and former elite athlete Karen Mack, from Well Lab shares her top ten sporting activities to help us cope with anxious feelings and stop a stressed seasonal transition. “Everyone suffers from anxiety and stress during their life – from childhood right through to adulthood. For some people it’s a constant battle and for others it’s a ‘once in a while’ when life throws a few curve balls,” says Karen, who has nearly thirty years’ experience working with international elite athletes. “Firstly, it’s good to know that there are two different types of anxiety, Acute Anxiety and Chronic Anxiety. Acute Anxiety is caused by an active stress response – something short lived, whereas Chronic Anxiety is caused by chronic stress (stress-response hyperstimulation) where the stress hormones stimulate the body over a longer period. “Some people are lucky enough to manage their stress and anxiety and deal with the

“Sadly, there isn’t a one-fix-all answer when it comes to anxiety – it’s a very personal problem. Advice, nutritional plans and the thousands of products on the market offering to help you cope better might not work for you. “However, exercise can be the key to unlocking some relief. There’s such a powerful link between your mental and physical health. I love the saying, “the body is the mind, and the mind is the body.” Karen advises that anyone suffering with anxiety should always consult their doctor about treatment options and before you start an exercise programme of any kind. Inspired by her clients across her career, Karen shares her top sports to get those endorphins pumping.

Dancing

“Dancing isn’t just for entertainment it can help control your emotions. You can literally dance your stress out,” continues Karen. “We all know around this time of year Strictly fever is on, where dancing spills throughout the UK and gives many the

inspiration to put on their own dancing shoes. When we dance, we don’t only improve our physical health, but our mental health too.

WHEN WE DANCE, WE DON’T ONLY IMPROVE OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH, BUT OUR MENTAL HEALTH TOO “We release endorphins and elevate dopamine the two neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. It lifts mood, as well as improving posture, flexibility and increases aerobic power and strength. Dancing is also great for building social bonds – something that also helps reduce stress and anxiety. Many will quickly focus on the moves or routine as well as the beats

sport

of the music rather than the causes or feelings of anxiousness.”

Yoga

Karen continued: “The breathing and stretching involved in yoga, is an excellent stress-relief activity. It involves a series of moving and stationary poses, or postures, combined with deep breathing. These are all mind-body activities that strengthen your body’s natural relaxation response to anxiety or stress.” But be wary says Karen, some types of Yoga are not ideal if the main goal is to ease anxiety: “For relief from anxiety or stress opt for gentle yoga, or yoga for beginners, I wouldn’t suggest power yoga – as this may be too intense.”

it disturbs the body’s ‘sleep schedule’, explains Karen. “Cycling will therefore increase the level of serotonin, which will help improve your sleep. We all know that a peaceful night’s sleep can prevent certain mental troubles and help us deal with all matters of life in a much calmer manner. “Also don’t forget cycling outside brings a wealth of further benefits – even just soaking up any sun will help with your vitamin D intake, which can help prevent anxiety.”

If you’re more of a water baby at heart, then taking a dip might be more up your street to help break the cycle of anxiousness. Karen continues: “During swimming you require lengthy muscular movements and deep controlled breathing. This will help stimulate the brain to increase nerve cell development and help produce endorphins and other stress reducing chemicals.

Cycling

Cycling is one of the best forms of cardio that will not only keep you in shape and physically fit but will also improve your mental health. “During cycling the level of cortisol (the stress-causing hormone) reduces in the body and, when cortisol levels are high,

serotine and norepinephrine. If you are not usually the running type, then don’t panic! An easy way to start running is by jogging one minute and walking for two minutes over a 10-20 minute period. This is the structure in the very popular Couch to 5k, which is now supported by the NHS, so if you want further support or guidance this is a great go-to app. “Start slowly and get out in the fresh air, whatever the weather. Also, whilst you’re out and about take in your surroundings – use every one of your senses to absorb your route and breathe in the fresh air. This will all help you focus on the here and now and hopefully help shift some anxiety.”

Walking

Swimming

WE ALL KNOW THAT A PEACEFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP CAN PREVENT CERTAIN MENTAL TROUBLES

Running

According to research running for just five minutes a day might help you live longer. Karen explains: “Running will burn calories, reduce food cravings and lower risk of heart disease but more importantly it has shown to improve your mood in many ways. “It causes lasting changes during and after exercise in the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters

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Finally, it might seem like the simplest of activities with many even sitting on the fence when it comes to calling it a sport, but walking is free and one of the easiest ways to start getting active, lose weight and become healthier. Karen says: “Regular walks can cause less occurrences of several stress related illnesses, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Walking can promote deeper breathing, release tension in muscles and has calming effects on your neurological system. “Walking briskly (about 2-3mph pace) for 10 minutes a day will help you burn excess calories, build stamina and help with a healthy heart.” n Find out more at: welllab.co.uk/

CHRISTMAS DINNER FIT FOR THE QUEEN

e all have our own family traditions and the royal family are no different. The senior family members rarely break royal Christmas traditions and former royal senior chef, Darren McGrady, has revealed what the Royals eat on Christmas Day. Shedding light on how the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and Kate, their children and the whole royal family enjoy their festive fare. So, as Christmas fast approaches, find out what the Royals eat on Christmas Day – you may be surprised at some of the less traditional elements…

What do the Royals eat on Christmas Day?

There’s no worrying about being too “full up” for the big lunch in the royal household as the family enjoy a full cooked breakfast before they go to church together, as is tradition on Christmas day.

Have you ever wondered what the Royals eat on Christmas Day? Whilst we tuck into traditional Christmas food, are the royal family sharing a similar festive feast? Or do they have their own traditions? When they return from church, then it is time for the main Christmas meal. Darren said: “The Royal’s are like us all in the fact they have their favourite dishes and as you would imagine they are quite traditional at Christmas. Their favourite dishes include Potted Shrimp, Beef Bourguignon, Shredded Brussels sprouts with onions and bacon, Bubble and Squeak and Date Apple Pastry. “The Queen always enjoys a roast turkey with all the trimmings for Christmas Day lunch, as well as a salad with a shrimp or a lobster.” But which trimmings, exactly? Darren explained: “Usually it was homemade sage and onion stuffing, Brussels sprouts with bacon and chestnuts, sometimes parsnips and

carrots – it varied year to year – mashed potatoes and roast potatoes, homemade gravy. You may be surprised to learn that there’s never any garlic added to the dishes, as garlic is one of few foods Her Majesty doesn’t eat. “As well as Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, the royals enjoy a festive afternoon tea later on in the day. The Queen has a sweet tooth and like many of us adores chocolate. Chocolate always features in the afternoon tea. The cakes include a chocolate Yule log, a Christmas cake made by the chefs in the kitchen and a selection of chocolatey pastries.” As if that wasn’t enough delicious food,

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the royals enjoy a ‘buffet dinner of 15-20 different items – including a variety of roasted meats, seafood, cooked vegetable and gingerbread cookies – with the chefs at the table carving the meats. “Right before the Christmas buffet, the senior chef on duty goes into the dining room and carves the rib roast or turkey or ham and once he’s done, Her Majesty presents the chef with a glass of whiskey and they toast,” Darren explains.

THE ROYAL’S ARE LIKE US ALL IN THE FACT THEY HAVE THEIR FAVOURITE DISHES AND AS YOU WOULD IMAGINE THEY ARE QUITE TRADITIONAL AT CHRISTMAS “That’s the only time the chef goes into the dining room and has a glass of whiskey with the royal family. It’s one of the chef’s favourite traditions.”

What time does the Queen eat Christmas dinner?

After attending the morning church service at St. Mary Magdalene, the Queen and family sit down for lunch at 1pm.

Darren reveals: “They opened their Christmas presents the day before, on Christmas Eve. So after breakfast they’d go to church, come back and go on to lunch.” While this is the tradition, the coronavirus pandemic shook things up last year. This is the first Christmas without Prince Phillip

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which will probably mean a very different Christmas for the Queen this year. She will however be surrounded by her close family and the great grandchildren which will bring lots of fun, laughter and love.

What is it like working for the royal family at Christmas?

Darren McGrady joined the royal household in 1982 and worked his way up through the ranks to become senior chef for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip – a job he enjoyed until 1993. On spending the festive period at the Palace, Darren explains: “We worked alternate Christmases.You would be at Sandringham for two weeks. So, if you wanted to celebrate with your family, you’d have to celebrate with them before or after because usually you’d be up there from 22nd December until after New Year.” Despite being away from his own family, Darren said the royals more than made up for it. “They (the Royal family) always made it special for you. The staff would have lots to drink and there would be loads of food and chocolate – and you’d have the full turkey roast, so you weren’t really missing out because you were enjoying the celebration too.” n

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CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN STYLE

espite Covid we are blessed with lots of new eateries’ in our area and the festive season would be a great opportunity to check them out. Since lockdown there seems to have been an increase in places offering Brunch menu’s as well as small plates, to suit all tastes. The pop up bars that appeared on our high streets last year, serving outside are having a resurrection this year. They make great venues to stop for a festive drink of mulled wine whilst you are out doing your Christmas shopping. Most establishments have reduced the number of people they allow into their venues in order to help reduce Covid transmission. If there is a gang of you heading out its always worth phoning ahead to make reservations. Many of us haven’t seen our work colleagues in person this year. Christmas would be a great time to get together, to

Christmas and New Year is back with a bang. After last year when plans got cancelled and paired back we all have an awful lot of making up to do. So get your friends and family together and get involved with all the fun of the season ditch the Zoom call and celebrate another year. The traditional Christmas party in the office with a Santa hat and a sausage roll, are probably a thing of the past, making way for a more sophisticated lunch or meeting in our towns or villages for a few drinks.

HOWEVER, YOU CHOOSE TO CELEBRATE HAVE FUN Most of the venues around here are offering set menus for larger parties and taking bookings. Most also let you pay a deposit, which allows you to spread the cost over a few weeks.

Lots of the hotels along the Fylde coast are also holding dinner dances. There is usually a set dinner menu, followed by entertainment such as a singer or band, with the opportunity to dance into the small hours with other people who are also enjoying the festive season. This is a great option if you want to get dressed up in your best party clothes and don’t fancy walking from pub to pub in your heels or the winter weather. However, you choose to celebrate have fun. If you are having a festive drink then make sure you leave the car at home, you drink responsibly and you stay safe. n

food&drink

PINTXOS COMES TO PRESTON San Sebastian has more top Michelin starred restaurants than anywhere else and now Bar Pintxos in Preston is serving food inspired from the region in its characteristic atmosphere to customers who want to enjoy a fusion of exciting tastes

intxos are small bite-sized skewers featuring some of the finest delicacies famous in the Basque region. Created as ‘food art’ they are designed to be enjoyed while socialising and are the perfect party partner to friends and fizz. Using authentic continental produce and championing local producers, customers can choose their selection of daily Pintxos and pay for the number of skewers left on their plate at the end like they do in Spain. Dishes include grilled fig and goats cheese,

manchego cheese and serrano hams, stuffed mushrooms with brandy, garlic prawns all freshly made each morning. Enjoy a glass of Anna, from Raventós Codorníu one of the region’s finest sparkling wines and the oldest wine-grower in Spain. Or while you soak up the atmosphere try a Spanish beer or Basque wines such as the light, sparkling Txakoli. Continuing the authentic vibe, you will be looked after by our eclectic mix of English and Spanish staff. Offering a very warm welcome they will keep the drinks flowing

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and talk you through the menu of Pintxos so you can be sure to try everything. If you prefer to sit and chat, venture upstairs to the space known as El Burro. Here booths provide a cosy corner with dark wood benches, luxurious fabrics and walls peppered with artwork from the San Sebastian region. The view of the city through the glass upstairs is breathtaking and provides a leafy frame to the famous flag market beyond. Families are always welcome at Bar Pintxos and there is a mini Pintxos menu for younger diners to enjoy. n

Bar Pintxos 36 Market Place, Preston PR1 2AR 01772 821202 barpintxos.co.uk /BarPintxos @barpintxos_pr1

Party at Bar Pintxos this Christmas Enjoy Christmas San Sebastian Style at Preston’s Bar Pintxos with bookings now open for groups and parties. Themed in the style of a bottomless brunch, enjoy Pintxos including a selection of firm favourites and some surprise festive treats from the Catalan and Basque region of Spain.

At £35 per head, you can enjoy unlimited* Pintxos, speciality Paella and Cava from mid-November every Thursday, Friday and Saturday! *Bookings are for 90 minutes.

Keep your eyes on our social channels for an amazing announcement about New Year’s Eve – one not to be missed!

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change.

CUCKOO TASTING SELECTION RRP £30 Four award winning gins from Cuckoo Gin with matching tonics and garnishes brindledistillery.co.uk

TOTI CHRISTMAS HAMPER FROM £60 Includes a range of delicious, branded products from the TOTI deli at the Cartford Inn. thecartfordinn.co.uk/shop DUO OF RIBBLE VALLEY GINS WITH A RVG SPEAKEASY GLASS £40 ribblevalleygin.co.uk BOWLAND FOOD HALL TASTE OF LANCASHIRE HAMPER £60 Bowland Food Hall holmesmill.co.uk

ROAST & GROUND COFFEE SET £12 booths.co.uk

TIME TO INDULGE During your festivities you can enjoy a host of delicious and luxurious treats, many sourced and crafted locally CUCKOO MINI GIFT PACK RRP £16 Three of Lancashire’s Finest in 5cl format brindledistillery.co.uk

E H BOOTH & CO LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE PORT £14.50 booths.co.uk

E H BOOTH & CO 20-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT £21.50 booths.co.uk

CUCKOO GIN (BRINDLE) CUCKOO CHRISTMAS CRACKERS RRP £7.50 One 5cl bottle of Lancashire’s Finest brindledistillery.co.uk

FOUR BASHALL SPIRITS GIN MINATURES £19 bashallspirits.co.uk

THE ULTIMATE BOWLAND CHRISTMAS DINNER FROM £59 A choice of starters, turkey or beef with all the trimmings followed by a choice of desserts all prepared, ready for you to put in the oven – what could be easier! Quite possibly the ultimate Christmas gift – no dinner prep stress. Bowland Food Hall holmesmill.co.uk

LIVE RIBBLE VALLEY ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • SPORT • TECHNOLOGY • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

LANCASHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING I S S U E 12 9

CHRISTMAS IN CLITHEROE EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING GUIDE

WE ARE RECRUITING DISPLAY SALES EXECUTIVES FULL OR PART TIME

£18K - £25K PRO RATA PLUS UNCAPPED BONUS SCHEME

EAT SIMPLER CAMPAIGN RADIO 4’S SHEILA DILLON CYBER FORCE SENSATION ECONOMY BOOST FOR THE VALLEY

I S S U E

CARVING A CAREER THE ART OF BOOK FOLDING

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LIvE PRESTON & FYLDE ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

YOUR PREMIER GUIDE

TO LUXURY LIVING • ISSUE 103

We seek an experienced and enthusiastic Sales Executive to sell advertising into our already successful portfolio of products covering the Ribble Valley and Preston & Fylde areas.

success so you’ll need to be well presented, articulate and have a strong personality. In return, you’ll work for a growing independent company in an environment where you’ll be allowed to develop your account base and be rewarded accordingly.

Our ideal candidate will already have experience in media sales, as the role will involve selling advertising space both face to face and over the telephone. An ability to build strong client relationships is key to

If you’d like to join our team email your CV and covering letter giving details of your current remuneration to:

@Live_RV I S S U E 103

@Live_PF

www.live-magazines.co.uk

Our magazines are well known in the areas we cover but you’ll need to be pro-active and have a passion for sales.

tedd.walmsley@live-magazines.co.uk

“The Cartford Inn is full of surprises.” MIA AIMARO OGDEN, TRAVEL WRITER, THE SUNDAY TIMES

As we nearly turn the page on all the challenges of 2021, we would like to thank all our followers and visitors for their support, which enabled us to draw that vital energy and continue our journey. The Cartford Inn has won Foodie Hotel of the Year in the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Stay.

MIA AIMARO OGDEN, HIGHLIGHTS:

“The Cartford Inn is full of surprises, the location, the food, the hotel and the charming staff. A hamper of TOTI goodies is the icing on the cake.”

Congratulations and thank you to our team of chefs for their commitment to keep improving and for our youngest staff for their dedication to keep learning.

We have just released our very own TOTI gin. The recipe was developed by the passionate food and drink lovers at TASTE OF THE INN with the expertise and talent of Tony at Black Powder Gin Distillery. The result, a hand-crafted small batch dry gin, using 17 botanicals, most of which are used in our kitchen. The complex aroma provides noticeable flavours of pink grapefruit and pink peppercorn. The perfect base for a dirty martini, with an olive or a refreshing gin and tonic with Mediterranean Fever Tree, a slice of orange and a few pink peppercorns.

The team at TOTI has been busy sourcing some exiting branded new products to fill your hamper and stockings this Christmas. Delicious truffle mayonnaise and Bearnaise from a quality family manufacturer in Belgium, olive oil and balsamic vinegar from Puglia in Italy and soon our very own TOTI wine from Bordeaux, TOTI Rouge and TOTI Blanc. When visiting and shopping in TOTI, you can experience their new tearoom open Thursday to Sunday. Perhaps grab a quick coffee while waiting for your bespoke hamper to be wrapped. There is a fantastic array of hand made patisseries and baked goodies, they even offer a traditional afternoon tea in the tea room when booked in advance.

The Cartford Inn team would like to wish you a long-awaited, well deserved, happy and Merry Christmas and don’t forget to visit us to place your TOTI hamper order in good time!

The Cartford Inn, Cartford lane, Little Eccleston, PR3 0YP T: (01995)670166 E: office@thecartfordinn.co.uk W: thecartfordinn.co.uk Follow us on social media @tasteoftheinn @cartfordinn

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Tuck into our page of Food Bites which brings you the latest news on our restaurants, rural country inns, chefs and local artisan producers who all make Preston and the Fylde a region of outstanding gastronomy If you have any Food Bites news items, please let me know: helen.sanderson@live-magazines.co.uk

MINI-MARKETS

The Larder Cafe in Preston is holding Christmas mini-market events with local artists and craftspeople. The ‘Made for Christmas’ events begin at the end of October, from 1.30pm to 4.00pm, and will run each Saturday until Christmas. The cafe has now invited artists, photographers, craftspeople and makers to book a table and sell their wares.

FULWOOD MAN PLANS FOODIE HAVEN

The Wellington Inn’s new owner is planning to open the pub as a daytime restaurant this November. Former restaurant manager Jordan Ebbs, 32, originally from Fulwood, began his career in Preston before moving to Manchester for eight years. Jordan has experience working in the food and hospitality sectors, having worked for DoubleTree by Hilton, Turtle Bay and Marco Pierre White.

MASTERCHEF FINALIST ON WINCKLEY SQUARE

POP-UP RESTAURANT OPENS IN MILLER ARCADE

Fino Tapas pop up restaurant has opened in the Miller Arcade whilst renovations are being completed at their Guildhall Street Venue. The pop up is set to be open throughout the festive period. The eatery has temporarily relocated to the former Olive Tree site.

ITALIAN ORCHARD EXPANSION PLANS

A planning application has been submitted for an expansion at The Italian Orchard in Broughton. The application is for a twostorey rear extension that would be built over the area previously used as an open storage area behind the kitchen. The expansion would be 205 square metres and the ground floor would be used for areas for the staff, storage and service accommodation. On the first floor there are plans to have two offices, one meeting room and one admin room, along with a small kitchen and bathrooms.

Mark O’Rourke, restaurant entrepreneur, is preparing for the relaunch of his Preston city centre restaurant ‘263’. Oli Martin, a BBC Masterchef: The Professionals finalist in 2018 and winner of BBC Masterchef The Professionals: A Festive Knockout in 2020, has been appointed as his new Executive Chef. Previously, Oli was Head Chef of Hipping Hall’s 4 AA Rosette restaurant until October this year, but after eight years at Hipping Hall and following several lockdowns during the pandemic Oli wanted a change of scenery. Mark O’Rourke’s fine dining restaurant 263, named in honour of his son’s birth date and located in Preston’s chic Winckley Square Hotel, has now been completely redesigned by Oli. The 32-cover restaurant has new décor, tables, seating, bar and artwork, and the kitchen has also received a major bespoke transformation.

CLAY POT KEBABS

Taste of Turkey in Preston is known for its delicious, authentic food. Now, they have taken their cuisine one step further and have become the first restaurant in the UK to launch delicious clay pot kebabs. Also known as ‘testi kebabs’ it is a traditional kebab variety of the Cappadocia region of Turkey. This Kebab variety has various names in English such as pottery kebab, clay kebab and terracotta kebab. It is made with lamb cubes, shallot onions, tomatoes, garlic, long green pepper, black pepper, butter and tomato paste.

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FOODIE HOTEL OF THE YEAR The Cartford Inn, a hotel near Preston has been named as the UK’s ‘Foodie Hotel of the Year’ in The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay 2021 guide

he Cartford Inn, in Little Eccleston, was revealed as having come top in the foodie category as the newspaper revealed its definitive list of the 100 best places to stay spread throughout the country. The 17th century coaching inn is run by Patrick and Julie Beaumé, a FrancoLancastrian couple. It boasts 15 bedrooms – some of which are in the original inn, and the rest in a new riverside extension and two handmade cabins. A restaurant and a Taste of The Inn deli (TOTI), run by the couple’s daughter, Jean is part of the set up. There is also a gallery, which Julie fills with work from local art schools, and a jewellers run by niece and talented silversmith Tanicia Hayton. A courtyard dotted with fairy lights is perfect for visitors to while away their evenings. Journalist Mia Ogden, who reviewed the hotel, wrote: “The Cartford Inn is full of surprises. The first is its location: on a

mayo, and Lancashire venison loin with shallot tarte tatin, plus passion fruit verrine for pud. “The wine list is splendidly French, but local beers rule at the bar, with Giddy Kipper and Pride of Pendle the stars. Dinner is served in a series of firelit, flagstoned and reclaimed oak dining rooms decorated with posters, paintings and John Ditchfield’s whimsical blown-glass mushrooms. Utterly beguiling.”

THE CARTFORD INN IS FULL OF SURPRISES

bend in the River Wyre, midway between the Forest of Bowland and the Fylde coast, deep in Lancashire’s agricultural heartland, where the cows stare curiously as you cross the old toll bridge leading up to the gates.” She added: “The restaurant is Patrick’s domain, with the head chef Chris Bury at the helm, and a roster of locally sourced, seasonal dishes that might include moulesfrites, lobster thermidor, snails with ’nduja

In response to the accolade, the team at The Cartford Inn posted on Instagram: “The chefs are buzzing! Team Cartford are amazing! We are absolutely thrilled!” Head-Chef Chris is originally from Thornton-Cleveleys, Chris describes himself as “Lancastrian through and through”, and became the head chef at the Cartford Inn in 2016. Commenting on the award, Chris, 34, said: “We are always very proud and honoured when we pick up awards, it gives the team a boost and a sense of achievement. It gives us the energy to keep improving, be more creative and it cultivates a feeling of enjoyment which is so important in a successful kitchen.” Before working at the Cartford Inn, Chris was a chef at the famous Claridge’s in London, and Heston Blumenthal’s three Michelin starred The Fat Duck, amongst other prestigious kitchens. n thecartfordinn.co.uk

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More recently they have developed Country Market, a vegetable-based gin, that’s savoury and ultimately refreshing. Using spring water from a local supplier in the Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley Gin’s original Little Lane Gin features botanicals that can be found in the English countryside, resulting in a deliciously earthy hedgerow flavour. All the craft gins that come out of the micro-distillery are super-smooth, thanks to the vapour infusion method used: “This

ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL the sale of Kingsman go to the regimental charity that helps serving soldiers and their families as well as veterans – so Kingsman makes a lovely, thoughtful Christmas gift.

A seasonal gift from the Ribble Valley Gin Company will make this a very merry Christmas for a loved one

our very distinctive gins are now coming out of the multi-award winning Ribble Valley Gin distillery – and they make great gifts in their own right or why not go for a gin hamper, a trio of gins or a gift voucher? Founders Luke and Justine Moyes developed their first signature Little Lane Gin just over a year ago and more recently they launched Kingsman Gin, made exclusively for the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment and also enjoyed by the Queen, who is Colonel in Chief of the regiment. Following a request from Buckingham Palace, she was sent a bottle of Kingsman, which is a zesty gin, developed using botanicals that grew on the battlefields. Proceeds from

The Ribble Valley Gin distillery has won one award after another, including a Gold at the World Gin Awards, Silver and Bronze at the London Spirits Competition, the Best Small Batch Gin Distillery at the Luxe Life Food and Drink Awards as well as two Great Taste Awards for their seasonal gins, Garden Party and Winter’s Night.

method makes for a really clean taste and flavours that you can identify,” adds Luke. With Christmas on the horizon Ribble Valley Gin has a number of great gift ideas including a trio of 25cl bottles of Little Lane, Garden Party and Winter’s Night gins, a mix and match duo of gins with branded, speakeasy-style glassware and mix and match hampers with Christmas cards designed by a local artist, glassware, vegan truffles by local firm Ko-co Brownies, specialist tonics and garnishes and a cocktail book using signature gins. “For ease customers can choose what they would like to include in a gift hamper, we will pack it and send it direct,” says Justine. “If people can’t decide on a gift then we also have vouchers for any amount.” Local stockists and suppliers of Ribble Valley Gin’s products include 10 Lancashirebased Booths stores, Bowland Food Hall and Byrnes, while UK-wide stockists can be found on Ribble Valley Gin’s website. n

RIBBLE VALLEY GIN COMPANY’S CHRISTMAS GIFTS Christmas hampers including: craft gin, glassware, tonic and garnishes Boxed trio and duo of gins with glassware Vouchers

01772 597791 www.ribblevalleygin.co.uk

WHAT'SON

CRIBFEST

All Saints Church (New Longton)

27th – 28th November

, and ity scenes of different shapes, styles Cribfest is a display of model nativ to come along and enjoy some me welco will You . world the d sizes from aroun for the different cribs brought into church free refreshments as you admire the e. villag weekend from homes around the allsaints.co.uk

INDOOR CHRISTMAS MARKET

Sir Tom Finney – 1st December

The Christmas Markets return for 2021! There will be some amazing local businesses selling some fantastic stocking fillers, Christmas gifts, toys, accessories and much more. Free entry. Open from 4pm, markets start at 6pm. Facebook.com/Thesirtomfinney

Events for the festive season in and around Preston & Fylde for all the family

CRAFTY VINTAGE FESTIVE MARKE

27th November – 19th December

Bespoke handmade gifts, trinkets treasures and treats for all the family . With fine foods and lots of merriment . 27th/28th November and 18/19th December at Swan Court, Whalley 11/12th December at Astley Hall Chor ley craftyvintage.com

WEST END WINTER LANTERN FESTIVAL More Music – 4th December

y Join an afternoon of performances and workshops culminating in a celebrator lantern procession and community singing. Lantern procession starts at 6pm from More Music. 01254 831997 moremusic.org.uk

CHRISTMAS MAGIC IN THE PAR

PENNY FARM FESTIVE FUN DAY Penny Farm – 5th December

from festive fun day, complete with a visit World Horse Welfare are hosting a , carols, rides ey donk with fun e Festiv of Father Christmas. There will be loads in the coffee shop. craft, shopping and loads of treats g re.or worldhorsewelfa

Cuerden Valley Park – 8th & 9th

December

Your ticket includes a delicious break fast or lunch provided by Cuerden View café. After which the children will write a letter to Father Christmas and collec t a trail map to find the Santa’s secre t grotto hidden in the park. The childr en will exchange their letter for an early Christmas gift. £15 per child, £12.50 for accompan ying adults cuerdenvalleypark.org

THE LADY IN WHITE

ASHTON GARDENS CHRISTMAS MARKET 9th December – 12th December

The event will see log cabins and gazebos hosting various local business a small selling their food, drink, seasonal goods and craft items. As well as funfair and Santa’s Grotto. stannesenterprisepartnership.co.uk

NTA

Riva Show Bar – Saturday 18th

& Kitchen – 18th to 24t

h December

Breakfast with Santa is back at Vista with mornin gs not to be missed. Book online to reserve your table for a festive breakfast treat for the who family and they will let le Santa know you’re com ing! vista-morecambe.com

and 23rd Dec

ember A 40-minute production designed for families and lovers of ghost storie s. The audience will travel back in time as a tragic love story comes vividl y to life in four dimensions and will be guide d through the rooms of the hall as they watch each scene in the story unfol d. Tickets are £15pp (+ booking fee) and must be booked in advance. samlesburyhall.co.uk

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

BREAKFAST WITH SA

Vista Italian Soul Bar

Samlesbury Hall – 13th, 14th, 16th , 19th, 20th

December at 1pm

special tmas spirit ready and enjoy a very Get your Christmas jumpers & Chris chance to visit Santa in his Grotto the get will child Every ! Santa Breakfast with we can you have Breakfast with Santa and will receive a FREE gift. Not only . price the in ed includ have lots of other fun activities ta-/35925824/ skiddle.com/.../Breakfast-with-San

NEW YEARS EVE FIREWORKS

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Blackpool – 31st December

The Brook Tavern – 18th Decemb

guest! tmas magic with our very own VIP The Brook Tavern is spreading Chris little your with fast break have to site on be On the 18th December Santa will e on one time with Santa and will receiv one have to able be will child ones. Each tial. essen ing a small gift. Book facebook.com/BrookTavern/event

FREE spectacular firework display for all to enjoy – viewing area betw een Central and North Pier. Arrive early and enjoy the magical Winter Gard ens Wonderland (free entry) with its Chris tmas market, fun fair, live entertainm ent, bars and restaurants. There will be a free Ice Skating Rink on the Towe r Headland plus simulated snow falls, log cabins, illuminated forest and giant illuminated bauble.

visitblackpool.com

JOHN CAN’T STOP THE BEAT

Helen Sanderson spoke to comedy actor John Thomson as he prepared for taking to the stage in the hit musical Hairspray

ohn, who has also appeared in TV favourites including The Fast Show, Coronation Street and Cold Feet, has been cast as Wilbur Turnblad in in the stage production of the musical Hairspray, and will feature when the tour hits Blackpool Winter Gardens for a three-week stint on 13th December. Just like me, John was raised in the village of New Longton, near Preston. “Being raised in a small village that had two carpet shops and two churches probably explains a lot,” laughs John referring to the village that we have both called home. John grew up here in New Longton, attending All Hallows Catholic High School and Runshaw College. John told me: “I grew up in New Longton

and it was there, in my early teens that I got involved in the local drama class and met Kay Peacock. Before I met her I had loved performing, but she introduced me to the world of actors and plays. We read Shakespeare, Chekhov and modern writers and she taught me to love drama. “Around the same time I got a school report which said that if I put as much effort into my work as I put into entertaining the class, I could do anything I wanted to do. That was when I decided I wanted to be an actor.” John who performed in amateur productions and on the comedy circuit in Preston, studied acting at Manchester Polytechnic. While at the polytechnic he met Steve Coogan, who secured him a job

entertainment

on Spitting Image. They would continue to collaborate on programmes such as The Dead Good Show, a 1993 Granada TV pilot also starring Caroline Aherne, Coogan’s Run, the Paul and Pauline Calf video diaries (where he played ‘Fat Bob’) and Knowing Me, Knowing You... with Alan Partridge, which he also contributed to writing. He also appeared in Coogan’s live shows as compère Bernard Righton and the two would be reunited in the 2002 film 24 Hour Party People. The two won the Perrier Comedy Award in 1992 for their act at the Edinburgh Fringe. John is best known for his role of Pete Gifford in Cold Feet, the comedy-drama series produced by Granada Television for the ITV network. John started alongside James Nesbitt, Helen Baxendale, Fay Ripley, Hermione Norris and Robert Bathurst. The original series aired on 15th November 1998 to 16th March 2003. With a revival which aired from 5th September 2016. Now 52, the role in Hairspray will be John’s first professional musical theatre role. When I asked him about the role he

explained: “The producers approached me earlier this year. I had been considering my options and this role fell on my lap. “It’s in Blackpool, I love the town, I know it well and it is close to home. I’m not doing pantomime this year so I thought why not. And now I’m in a heavy schedule of rehearsals, which includes, acting, dancing and singing lessons every day. The cast are brilliant and its such an energetic production, I just love it.” John will take over as Wilbur from Norman Pace, who first played the role in 2017. He joins TV presenter Brenda Edwards who plays Motormouth Maybelle and West End stalwart Alex Bourne as Edna Turnblad in the star-studded cast. The musical is set in Baltimore in 1962, the musical’s story follows big-haired Tracy Turnblad, who is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national television and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. When Tracy becomes a local star, she is able to use her newfound fame to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial

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unity in Baltimore. Based on the original film, which was released in 1988 and starred Divine and Ricki Lake. It’s a fun-filled, feel good show which is bursting with show-stopping numbers, dazzling costumes, and dizzying dance-routines that you can’t help but shimmy too! It also features some of musical theatre’s biggest and best hit songs, including Welcome to The 60s,You Can’t Stop The Beat and Good Morning Baltimore. John concluded: “Hairspray really is a joyous, and uplifting musical that everyone needs right now! It’s a feel-good, fun loving musical that comes Blackpool’s Winter Garden this December and it’s the Christmas party you don’t want to miss!” n

Hairspray The Musical 13th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022 Blackpool Opera House wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

DEVELOPMENT

Lytham St Annes Offers over £895,000

A substantial four bed home with three bathrooms and four reception rooms, all set in spacious gardens and grounds.

Weeton Offers in the Region of £1.5million

An imposing, 5 bedroom detached family home with equestrian facilities set in almost 10 acres of land.

Enjoying some lovely period features this home is nestled between the sought-after village of Wrea Green and popular coastal town of Lytham along the quiet Corka Lane.

A must-view to appreciate layout and facilities, the property has equally impressive gardens. Located close to Weeton it is ideally situated for both commuters and those who yearn for a semi-rural lifestyle.

Catforth Offers in the Region of £895,000

Chipping Asking Price £475,000

A lovely former farmhouse along with traditional brick-built barn set in 3.6 acres. Suitable for a range of purchasers including those who work from home, or with equestrian, agricultural interest this property is tucked away in a rural position off Blackleach Lane and close to the canal.

A modern, detached family home situated just outside the popular village of Chipping. Set within a spacious end plot and with views out to attractive woodland, this contemporary 4-bed home is finished to a high standard and includes a stylish separate gym/work-from-home unit.

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arts&culture

GOOD READ Catherine Dunlop cosies up to review the latest books from a local author

The Ghostly Chronicles of Preston Oldcorn includes ‘Cold Bath Street’ and ‘Written Stone Lane’

A J Hartley Well, if I like my thrillers in the sunshine, ghost stories should only be read as the nights are drawing in and winter starts to creep towards us. A J Hartley, a Proud Prestonian living in America, is a best selling and award winning author of mystery/fantasy fiction for young adults, however, Cold Bath Street and its sequel Written Stone Lane would appeal to anyone with a connection to Preston and the surrounding areas. Not many authors kill their hero off in the first chapter but teenager Preston Oldcorn finds himself plunged into the void between life, death and the afterlife, as he tries to survive in his new form as a “merely dead”, being stalked by an evil and disturbing menace, known as the Leech. Preston is helped in his fight by fellow ghost, Roarer, Tracey, the girl now living in his old house and Nora McIntyre, the housekeeper at the local church. The sequel neatly carries on from where the first book ends and finds our hero back in the land of the living but his actions have set off a chain of terrifying events. Ghosts are now trapped and in danger of the merely subdued Leech, who is an ancient, elemental and powerful force, determined to feed off the terror of the living following its release from its stone tomb. The author creates a truly dark and demonic villain in the Leech, a malicious and malevolent shape shifting spectre which fills the reader with dread. Tragic characters and incidents from old Preston are featured, such as the Bannister Doll, Margaret Banks, who is said to haunt the mysterious Miley Tunnel and the Wellington Pub ghosts, one of whom murdered the other for a penny. Set in the late 70s, both books mention streets, schools and businesses, such as the Booths café (now Waterstones), St John Southworth School and the Harris Library (with a cameo appearance by a very well known portrait). Written Stone Lane is part of an old Roman road and is actually 4 minutes from the offices of this very magazine, with the stone thankfully remaining firmly in place. Published by UCLAN and illustrated by one of their students, the books are a social and cultural homage to Preston. Highly descriptive and written by an accomplished and imaginative author, both books are suspenseful, unsettling and intriguing, sensitively exploring the themes of fate, afterlife and loss. Combining to make a perfect ghost story, the books are an absolute must for fans of local folklore and all things supernatural and spooky. n

At Oakhill we strive for the highest standards and our scholarship pupils make a highly valued contribution to the intellectual, sporting, musical and creative life of the school. We welcome applications at all levels from students who excel or show potential in any of these areas.

To apply or to book a tour of the school, please contact the school registrar Suzanne Spencer on 01254 823546 or email spencer.s@oakhillschool.co.uk. | oakhillschool.co.uk | 01254 823546 | Wiswell Lane, Whalley, Lancashire, BB7 9AF