Live Preston & Fylde Issue 108 (September 2022)

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YOUR PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING • ISSUE 108 COSTUME DRAMA DESIGNER MAXINE TUTTY BAND OF BROTHERS AMAZING LIFESAVING CAMPAIGN BUCKING THE TREND PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS FIRST CITIZEN MEET THE MAYOR

Natuzzi Editions 227 Brook Street Preston, PR1 7ND Tel: 01772 880082 Get inspired by autumn colours and spice up your home with special offers on our latest collections.  Kick off the season with a new sofa to welcome back you and all those you love. Until September 30th.

62 MEET THE MAYOR Emma Brereton chats to Neil Darby Preston’s 694th Mayor and one of the youngest to hold the role at the age of just 34.

CONTENTS FEATURES REGULARS 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 15 HOMES INSIDE OUT 40 FASHION 51 HEALTH & BEAUTY 62 LIFESTYLE 90 EDUCATION 102 BUSINESS 107 MOTORS 110 SPORT 112 FOOD & DRINK 122 AR TS & CULTURE 124 PROPERTY 12 12 IT’S SHOWTIME!

Maxine Tutty of Maxine’s Feathers leads the way in the worldwide demand for extravagantly decorated theatre and showgirl costumes.

52 BAND OF BROTHERS Alex Christopher, who signed up to the DKMS stem cell register four years ago, went on to save the life of US-based Patrick Languzzi, with whom he has since forged a strong friendship.

110 BUCKING THE TREND As Gareth Dyer departs from his role as Director of Rugby at Grasshoppers, David Fearnhead asks him about the philosophy behind running the renowned Preston club.

112 HIGHEST HONOUR

Recently awarded the UK’s highest culinary accolade, chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen is spearheading a ground-breaking apprenticeship programme. 62110

Chairman: Simon Smith Managing Director: Tedd Walmsley Company Secretary: Elizabeth Walmsley

Editorial Contributors: Paul Agnew, Gail Bailey, Emma Brereton, David Fearnhead and Meena McDonald Live Magazines Limited Office 9, The Old Bakery Green Street Lytham FY8 5LG T: 01772 319 www.live-magazines.co.uklive@live-magazines.co.uk465

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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Editor: Jan Woolley Graphic Designers: Nick Dittrich and Rob Walmsley Operations Manager: Kate Hyde Production Manager: James Britton Photography: Roger Moore, Kirsten Platt and Andy Tighe Sales Account Manager: Jane Hughes 07875 696 928

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So, as we leave summer behind and head into autumn, I hope you enjoy your September issue of Live Preston & Fylde magazine.

Louise

Editor Live Preston & Fylde Courtesy of: Showgirl EntertainmentsPhotographer: Cherry Rock Photography Model:

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Part of the Live Magazines portfolio,

Forging friendships and teamwork is a subject also close to Gareth Dyer’s heart. He is departing from his role as Director of Rugby at Preston Grasshoppers, after a hugely successful year that has seen promotions, trophies and a host of records. He speaks to David Fearnhead about his bid to introduce more young people to the sport and the importance of being part of a team, making friends and understanding what can be achieved by working together.

Feathers Costume:

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Preston & Fylde Jan EditorWoolley

Headdress: Maxine’s Sarah Owenincluding Live

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The scorched leaves that have been falling during the summer months are now being replaced by the fall that heralds the onset of autumn. An early morning nip in the air confirms that the seasons are indeed changing, and our lifestyles will also gradually transition – warming winter casseroles will replace crisp summer salads, cotton will be layered with cashmere, crackling log fires and scented candles will take centre stage. For Maxine Tutty autumn heralds the run-up to one of the busiest times of the year – panto season!

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IT’S SHOWTIME! GREAT DAYS OUT HIGH-FLYER TEMPEST AWARD WINNER BEST BAR NONE BUSINESS HOUR GAME ON SCENES WILL LYTE SIMPSON MEDIA SENSATION KATE PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING • ISSUE 108 COSTUME DRAMA DESIGNER MAXINE TUTTY BAND OF BROTHERS AMAZING LIFESAVING CAMPAIGN BUCKING THE TREND PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS FIRST CITIZEN MEET THE MAYOR

Maxine of Maxine’s Feathers is heavily involved in this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk panto production at the London Palladium. Blackpool-based Maxine and her team have feathered and bejewelled costumes for Julian Clary, who is taking a starring role, along with Dawn French and Alexandra Burke. In this issue of live Preston & Fylde magazine we talk to Maxine about her work that has taken her all over the world. Also in this issue, we meet Alex Christopher, who has an amazing story to tell. After discovering that a work colleague and mentor had a form of blood cancer, Lancashire-born Alex put his name down on the DKMS stem cell register and was found to have a 100 per cent match with someone in the United States. He went on to save the life of Patrick Languzzi, a stage and film actor from Massachusetts. At a fund-raising DKMS gala in London, Alex, his work colleague Peter and Patrick met to talk about their experience – they were called the Band of Brothers, due to the strong bond they have forged.

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MooreRogerPhotography:

Maxine’s Feathers are global leaders in the entertainment industry when it comes to creating stage, film and theatre costumes that are richly embellished with coloured feathers and sparkling jewels. “We’re currently working on Jack and the Beanstalk at the London Palladium,” says Maxine, as she points out a work in progress –a wildly decorative, emerald green, featheradorned costume and headdress commissioned for Julian Clary, who is due for a fitting with Maxine the following week. “The costume we are making at the moment for him is the opening costume for the whole production. In total, Julian has 12 costume changes – it’s a very lavish production,” says Maxine, who explains that the base of the opening costume, before

axine Tutty of Maxine’s Feathers leads the way in the worldwide demand for extravagantly decorated theatre and showgirl costumes. She has worked on internationally acclaimed films including Rocketman, she has made costumes for five out of six Take That tours, she has worked with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing and most recently Julian Clary, Dawn French and Alexandra Burke at the LondonBlackpool-basedPalladium.

IT’S SHOWTIME!

Maxine’s team feathered it, was made by UK-based Mike Coltman, whose specialist costumes and props have appeared in theatre, TV and film for the past 25 years. Over that time, he has been involved in many TV shows and films including the Vicar of Dibley, The Royal Variety Show, French & Saunders and Love Actually. Maxine explains that feathering the costume for Julian Clary has taken her team more than four days: “For the majority of our costumes we use silver pheasant feathers from China or ostrich feathers from South Africa.”

EntertainmentsGirlShowofcourtesyImage

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Shutterstock.com/AgencyPhotoFeatureflashPhotography:Shutterstock.com/RoseTomPhotography: Shutterstock.com/AgencyPhotoFeatureflashPhotography:Shutterstock.com/AgencyPhotoFeatureflashPhotography: I WAS YOUNGER, HAD A HUGE CRUSH ON GARY BARLOW – SO WHEN I FIRST MET HIM, I COULD HARDLY SPEAK!

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Maxine, who gained a degree in Art and Design, began her career after applying for a job at Blackpool Pleasure Beach: “As part of the interview I was asked to design three headdresses which I had never done before – but, I got the job! I worked there for seven years.” As time went on, Maxine wanted more of a challenge – creating her own designs, Maxine Tutty is known across the globe for her glamorous costumes that are lavishly embellished with beautiful feathers and glittering gems

In the same production at the London Palladium is Dawn French, of whom Maxine says: “Having met her, she is definitely among my favourites!

“She is funny and really down to earth. In fact, we have worked with her a few times. We once visited her at her home in Fowey. The house was beautiful – it was a rainy day, we had coffee then she lent us waterproofs and we all went for a walk, as there were steps leading from the house directly down to the beach.”

WHEN

localfocus 13

MooreRogerPhotography:

It was 27 years ago when Maxine began working independently from her spare room at Shehome.kept in touch with many of her old contacts and made many new ones and began to forge a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail and lavish decorations. In 2016 Maxine’s Feather’s moved to business premises on Whitehills Industrial Park in Blackpool.

Shutterstock.com/LSarunyuPhotogaphy: MooreRogerPhotography: THE SPECIAL EFFECTS ARE OFTEN THE MOST EXCITING PART OF THE SHOW AT THE OPENING AND THE GRAND FINALE MooreRogerPhotography: MooreRogerPhotography:

“I have designed quite a few of the dancers’ costumes for the Palladium but Hugh originated the designs for Julian Clary, Dawn French and Alexandra Burke, who are also in the show.

“The special effects are often the most exciting part of the show at the opening and the grand finale,” says Maxine. “Billy and I work well together, we’re a good team.”

Reflecting on how Maxine’s Feathers has evolved over the years, Maxine says: “When I set out on my own all those years ago, I never imagined I would be working with such big, internationallyknown names.

“It’s been hard work getting here and there’s been a lot of late nights, blood, sweat and tears along the way. But we did it and I’m very proud of what we have achieved.” n maxinesfeathers.co.uk

Maxine and her team have also worked with Girls Aloud: “We spent a lively few days with them and had dinner together,” recalls Maxine, who has also worked regularly with the Strictly Come Dancing team: “We know when the show comes to Blackpool we’ll be getting a phone call.”

Speaking of the memorable huge feather wings worn by Taron Egerton as Elton John in Rocketman, Maxine recalls: “We had to make two pairs, the first pair was the fullblown feathered ones and the second had to be made using a softer more flexible base as they needed to be folded for a scene of Taron wearing them in a taxi.”

While Maxine loves getting involved in the design of many costumes, quite a number of them are designed by award winning Hugh Durrant who has designed for the likes of Cher, Wayne Sleep and Andrea Boticelli.

Maxine has worked regularly with Take That – back in 2006 they asked Maxine to create costumes for their Could it be Magic Tour. Since then, she has worked on four more tours creating ‘showgirl’ style costumes for on-stage dancers: “I’ve met all the band members. When I was younger, I had a huge crush on Gary Barlow – so when I first met him, I could hardly speak!” she laughs.

Behind the scenes is Billy, Maxine’s husband of 16 years and techno wizard. While Maxine is the creative, Billy is constantly keeping ahead of the curve in terms of 21st century technology that can move the business forward. It is Billy, who operates the latest, impressive laser cutter that zips through acrylic sheeting to make patterns for the costumes and a state-of-the-art printer that creates patterns and logos that can eventually be embossed onto fabric.

Over two floors the place is buzzing – it’s a hive of activity, where Maxine’s five-strong team are busy sewing, spraying, sticking and putting together the stunning costumes.

When we meet Billy, he’s in the process of making a pattern for bat masks for a different panto. He explains that he’s had to source electro-luminescent wire to incorporate into the masks, that can be remote-controlled by a backstage team.

14 localfocus as she explains: “I wanted a change, it was time to move on. I loved my time at the Pleasure Beach – it suited me and I learnt such a lot.”

“I love what I do as every day is different, we meet some wonderful people and there’s always a deadline to work towards,” says Maxine, whose work has also featured on the covers of Vogue and Marie Claire.

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The new floor is robust and hard wearing with a non-slip, easy-clean surface and looks absolutely stunning.

Julia Blacklett, Church Steward, commented: “We worked closely with Vicky from Gainsborough who gave us various options and prices for new flooring.

FREE FLOORING TO LOCAL CHURCH

“The concept perfectly complements the church’s values and as it would also save us money, it was the perfect solution.”

Gainsborough Flooring 26 Heatley Street, Preston PR1 2XB 01772 gainsboroughflooring.co.ukvicky@gainsboroughflooring.co.uk250682BEFORE THE

The church is over 200 years old with a long history of social action. The coffee shop is a welcoming hub for people to meet up and make friends and new volunteers and customers are always welcome in the Why not pop into the café on Lune Street and take a look for yourself?

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homesinsideout Gainsborough Flooring 26 Heatley Street Preston PR1 2XB 01772 250 gainsboroughflooring.co.uk682

W hen The Olive Grove Cafe in Central Methodist Church in the heart of Preston required new flooring, the team at Gainsborough Flooring pulled together Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) including Amtico, Karndean and Polyflor from numerous local flooring suppliers to deliver a stunning new floor free of charge. Once Gainsborough had collated the excess flooring and donated any extra that was required, it left the church to raise funds for the installation only.

Gainsborough Flooring transforms homes and commercial premises to create stunning and unique spaces. They pride themselves on their customer service which is reflected by the repeat business and recommendations received. With over 50 years’ experience in the industry, they work closely with key manufacturers to deliver contemporary as well as traditional flooring choices. Visit the extensive showroom in the heart of Preston to see their eclectic range of flooring. n

MONEY,THEPERFECTLYCONCEPTCOMPLEMENTSCHURCH’SVALUESANDASITWOULDALSOSAVEUSITWASTHEPERFECTSOLUTION

that would otherwise go to landfill was explained to those present.

Ensuring as little wastage as possible when installing flooring and finding creative ways to utilise excess stock rather than letting it go to landfill is a key focus for Gainsborough Flooring

“The church then held a gift day to raise money and at the open day the options were available to discuss. The idea of an eco floor where we could reuse flooring community cafe. With cinema style seating and refurbished meeting rooms, there are lots of opportunities for community groups to meet and also enjoy the new coffee shop.

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Inside the house, a two-floor glass walkover featured LED strips and in the contemporary kitchen, designed by Stuart Frazer, bespoke fittings included three German pendant lights over the breakfast bar and German-manufactured track lighting creating a floating detail across the ceiling.

T he expert team at James Kok Lighting have worked on many prestigious projects throughout the north of England. One such project was a five-bedroom new-build house in the South Lakes, as James Kok explains: “We were contacted by the client at the outset – they were knocking down an old cottage and building a contemporary home on the site, which was in a beautiful location next to a canal.”

Working with global lighting powerhouses along with some of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers, James Kok recently helped transform a newly-built South Lakes property with stunning contemporary lighting homesinsideout 23 www.kok.lighting

The master bedroom features a three-tier modern pendant from a Spanish supplier, while each of the four bathrooms have fitted contemporary recess spotlights. Having completed the digital visuals for the exterior lighting, James was delighted to present them to the client, as he explains: “Outside the property is a lovely water feature with a blade pond illuminated with colour-changing LED spots, there is also a number of uplighters picking out copper tree features and stone walls and there is a stunning feature wall where the hot tub is

The dining room features an Italian pendant light while a games room has colour-changing contemporary LEDs.

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE…

“While the house was very contemporary it also featured a lot of natural oak which gave it warmth,” recalls James, who advised on feature lighting above a central oak staircase. “We liaised closely with the architect and a metal fabricator with regard to the feature stairwell pendant as we needed to select suitable lighting for a pitched roof.”

OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY IS A LOVELY WATER FEATURE WITH A BLADE POND LIGHT ALONG WITH COLOURCHANGING LED SPOTS

James was delighted that the client had made contact at the initial stages of the new-build, enabling him to work alongside the architect and homeowner from the outset: “It meant that we had input with regards to the lighting from the beginning and as we were commissioned to supply the interior and exterior lights, it was important that we all worked closely together.”

“Welocated.produced a total lighting layout and visuals that enabled the client to see how the ambience in the gardens and around the hot tub could be totally transformed with well-designed lighting.” n

TOP FIVE TILE TRENDS

W

hile tiles are a practical and long-lasting solution for your home, they also offer a charming statement to any room with their variation in colours and style. Take a look at the latest tile trends and with careful design, you can allow your unique design to fit into your home’s aesthetic seamlessly. MAKE THEM MATCH Matching your wall and floor tiles has become an increasingly popular décor choice, most commonly found in bathrooms. Using large profile tiles, you can make your bathroom units stand out, providing a spa-like aesthetic with natural stone tiles. We have seen an increase in homeowners choosing these tiles for simplicity and elegance. Teamed with bright white fixtures and fittings, they can provide your room with tranquility. These tiles would also be perfect for kitchen and hallway floors due to their durability.

Tiles offer any home a functional and beautiful element. Their form can provide easy maintenance, allowing you to have a gleaming home with little cleaning required

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26 homesinsideout TIE COLOURS WITH PATTERNS Finding the right tile for your room can be challenging. Choosing a patterned tile can be overwhelming, with so many colours and styles from which to choose. A favourable choice is to tie in the fixtures and fittings with the tile pattern’s colour. A vintage style choice offers a contemporary twist on tradition. With these tiles, you can help bring out the beautiful colours and even add a pop of colour to contrast, providing stylish tones to your room.

Just because you wish to tile a room doesn’t leave out the option of adding texture to either your walls or floors. This trend is popular and a slight nod to incorporating an aspect of nature into your room’s aesthetics. Paired with a plain tile, it could offer another way to add sophistication to your However,bathroom.adding this kind of texture to your tiles would be better alongside more natural stone finishes such as limestone or natural porcelain finishes. Another feature to consider is the grout. Finding a suitable grout will help bring the texture to life. When it comes to grout, it can help your tiles stand out or blend in, which is why if you choose a darker tile, finding a lighter grout such as white can really extenuate your style. country-cottage feel to a room and paired with natural wood worktops, makes a timeless addition to any kitchen.

MODERN YET TRADITIONAL FLOORING

One of the most popular current trends is adding white tiled splashbacks to kitchen walls. This style is great for embracing a TILING WITH TEXTURE

If you happen to have a small or more modest-sized kitchen, this style will help reflect the natural light and make the room appear much bigger than it is. You could also add your own touch with a contrasting black grout to highlight the individual tiles, adding a sleek finish.

As specialists in floor tiles, Rockform offers a vast range of tiles and flooring options in our bathroom showroom. We have everything you need to create the interior décor of your dreams. If you are in the process of looking for tiles, why not visit our showroom filled with all the inspiration you need to add a touch of luxury to your home. n rockform.co.uk

Who says the walls have to be the feature of the room? At Rockform, possibly our most favourable style is introducing a patterned floor tile to your interior décor. If you have the space to add some patterns to your floor, we highly recommend it. Whilst providing tiles, we are also Farrow & Ball stockists, so you can ensure you have the best shade of paint to match your beautiful tiled flooring. This modern style encompassing a classic touch, provides an exquisite look to any bathroom or kitchen. In addition, making the floor a feature creates a statement piece in your home and could have the potential to add value if you’re looking to sell.

COUNTRY STYLE KITCHENS

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“While I had a broad idea of what we wanted I couldn’t visualise it in detail. Maureen and the team put together mood boards which we considered during a second meeting, and everything really started to come together and take shape.”

28 homesinsideout

Commenting on the Ribble Valley project, Maureen says: “We discussed the brief at length and Jerry was very enthusiastic and receptive to our ideas for the public spaces.

Ribble Valley based rehabilitation centre that provides wide-ranging facilities and treatments for frontline workers, has recently undergone a fabulous refurbishment.

“Our contractors delivered some outstanding pieces, on budget and on time and I am delighted that Jerry had the foresight to use Theofano. We feel the results speak for themselves – there is a lovely convivial atmosphere to the orangery and the link rooms, which is exactly what we set out to achieve.” n

Theofano, which carries out prestigious

Theofano Interior Design 5a Accrington Road, Whalley BB7 9TD 01254 theofanointeriors.com825275

A calming colour palette has been used throughout including the bedrooms, which are relaxing and comfortable with ambient lighting.

“They project managed the whole thing from start to finish, there was lots of dialogue and they delivered on the timeline too. They transformed the space and totally exceeded our expectations.”

“He quickly acknowledged the need for Theofano Interiors to plan the furniture layouts as well as providing colour boards and finally dressing the spaces.

INTERIORS FOR WELLBEING

“The new look has completely changed the ambience of the centre,” adds Jerry. “Maureen and the team put a lot of careful thought into the decoration, furniture and projects throughout the UK on private homes, hotels and commercial premises, offers a total interiors design service from initial concept to completion.

WE FEEL THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES –THERE IS A LOVELY CONVIVIAL ATMOSPHERE WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT WE SET OUT TO ACHIEVE

The orangery, which had not been used for many months, has also been transformed with existing sofas and chairs recovered in luxurious, yet practical fabrics while lamps and rugs add to the chic, country house feel.

The project has transformed what was a clinical setting into a comfortable and relaxing space in keeping with the holistic and therapeutic services the centre provides. Featuring a pool, gym, health and wellbeing studio, 20 bedrooms and a recently re-roofed orangery, the centre’s CEO Jerry Graham and the trustees turned to Whalley-based Theofano when it came to refurbishing seven of the bedrooms and the spacious orangery.

“While the bedrooms were okay, they were quite sparse and clinical so we wanted to achieve something more comfortable to a boutique standard,” says Jerry.

A

A prestigious design project has transformed a residential centre into a calming and comfortable country-house style interior

accessories to promote a relaxing, comforting atmosphere, which is very much in keeping with the work we do here.

Theofano owner Maureen Bentley, and her team of interior designers initially met with Jerry to discuss budgets along with the style and ambience they wanted to achieve.

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From working in his father’s business in the school holidays, Andrew Dickinson has continued the philosophy of the original company his father founded – and has developed it further to ensure they stay one step ahead of today’s fast-paced and evolving technology. “My father, who had been a radio technician in the Royal Air Force, started the business in 1959, driven by his love of listening to music at its very best. “He started with a radio shop, and as the world of radio and television has developed so much over the years, so have we. I am proud that we have embraced the changes and have so much enthusiasm for the digital era and the benefits it brings,” says Andrew, who left college in 1979 following his A levels and has been in the business ever since.

“As we further progress, we realise the importance and availability of data networks and the speed now needed in homes, and we work closely with homeowners, developers and designers to meet this need in an aesthetically pleasing and fluid way.”

“The 1980’s were an exciting time to be involved in television and radio. It was the rise of video recording and at the time, it was a hugely exciting concept to be able to record from the TV.” Although the business has since taken different directions, what hasn’t changed since Bernard Dickinson founded the company, is the core belief in giving their customers the very best in service and product design, always providing the best solutions for clients’ home entertainment needs. This commitment to quality and service was recognised and given the highest accolade by Jens Bang – the son of Bang & Olufsen co-founder Peter Bang, as Andrew recalls: “We received a phone call and Jens told us he was coming to visit and could we collect him from the airport. “I wasn’t sure who he was at the time, but he said he knew about our company and that we both worked for our fathers. We became firm friends and have a lot of special memories of times spent together with our respective families.” Bernard Dickinson was the only independent retailer in the world to feature in Jens Bang’s 2005 book, ‘From Spark to Icon’ in which he stated: “The Dickinson family’s way of doing business is like Bang & Olufsen’s. They have been around for generations, developing the brand and the distribution in a partnership that is all about people – sincere, honest andWhilstcommitted.”theconnection with Bang & Olufsen is special and an important part of their history, Bernard Dickinson has become a strong brand in its own right. “It is our level of customer care and attention to detail that has set us apart for all these years and our original passion for the very best in audio and visual has now transferred to lighting and shade and the evolving technology is what still drives us forward,” adds Andrew.

The ‘smart home’ era has made accessibility so much more efficient and Bernard Dickinson has many brands and technologies that allows them the freedom to create outstanding design experiences using light and shade technology to give the perfect ambience in a home day or night. While Bernard Dickinson embraces modern technology and aims to keep ahead of the curve, they still have a core belief in tactile products.

“People still want to touch and feel something. We carry out all our own installations and all our own service and after-sales. It is about the whole experience – we have honesty, transparency and commitment at our core, with lots of second and third generation families who areAscustomers.”mosthomes now have a television and they have become a commodity rather than a special purchase, Andrew’s business has evolved to make TV special again: “We install TVs that don’t look like TVs and instead seamlessly become part of the“Weroom.created our first home cinema system in 1999 for a young Liverpool footballer and by today’s standards it now seems modest but was hugely satisfying. He loved it and some of his team mates then had similar installations and we now work with interior designers and architects to produce bespoke systems to fit clients’ individual needs, budget and lifestyle.”

Over the past few years Andrew has seen a shift in people’s priorities when it comes to their homes, with beautiful media systems, cinemas, wireless connection speakers and ‘smart home’ blinds and lighting becoming increasingly popular.

“Our learning hasn’t ceased since those early days,” says Andrew. “Technology and our clients’ desires have and continue to move us forward, creating and recreating beautiful spaces within homes.” n homes

Working with state-of-the-art and innovative suppliers such as Bang & Olufsen, Pro-Ject Turntables, Dali and Artcoustic for sound, Lutron for lighting and Control 4 for the best in smart home automation, has set Bernard Dickinson ahead of the rest.

insideout 35 bernarddickinson.co.uk

MEET THE DESIGNER

Andrew Dickinson of Bernard Dickinson Ltd chats to Gail Bailey about his business ethos and embracing the ever-changing technology landscape WE CREATED OUR FIRST HOME CINEMA SYSTEM IN 1999 FOR A YOUNG LIVERPOOL FOOTBALLER AND BY TODAY’S STANDARDS IT NOW SEEMS MODEST BUT WAS HUGELY SATISFYING BERNARD DICKINSON HAS MANY BRANDS AND TECHNOLOGIES THAT ALLOWS THEM THE FREEDOM TO CREATE OUTSTANDING DESIGN EXPERIENCES

T: 01772 703 777 W: Preston,PittmanUnitwww.croftconservatories.co.uk6PittmanCourt,Way,Fulwood,PR29ZGLookingtoimprovethe energy efficiency of your home?

Windows | Doors | Roofline | Sun Lounges | Conservatories Garden Pods | Orangeries | Garden Rooms Visit our showroom or speak to an advisor for more information on how we can help you improve your home this winter.

The value of your property will most likely govern the amount you spend on home improvements. You don’t want to invest a huge amount if it’s not reflected in the value of the property. However, if you love your home and have no intention of selling, the sky’s the limit!

The kitchen is the hub of the home where most of us spend our time, but it can also be the most expensive room to upgrade. Shop around and you will find any number of kitchen suppliers who cater for most budgets. From bespoke craftsman-made cabinetry to sturdy, locally-manufactured

Whether it’s simply a refresh to your walls or a full-blown makeover, keeping on top of your home can be a full-time job HOME IMPROVEMENTS WILL ALSO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND ADD VALUE TO YOUR PROPERTY WHEN IT COMES TO SELLING

units, whatever you choose, you can stamp your own style on the most important room of the Withhouse.energy bills increasing, you may be considering a log burning stove to heat your home. From contemporary to traditional, the latest log burners are super-efficient! They are economical to run and many of them will still have glowing embers when you get up in the morning for you to re-light for the day ahead.

Another way you can help with household finances is to change all your bulbs to energy-saving ones and look to replace your boiler to a more efficient one as well as checking your loft insulation. If your appliances need changing, make sure you get energy efficient ones. Keep on top of the exterior of your home too. It might just be a case of adding some pots at the entrance to smarten it up or you could change your front door to something that is not only ultra-secure but fits in with the style of your home too.

Similarly, if you have got space for a garden room then it is worth considering adding useful extra space. Whether it’s a traditional wooden-built structure or one of the latest contemporary pods, the space can be used as a home office, a hobby room, extra accommodation for guests or simply a place where you can get away from the rest of the household and enjoy some peace and quiet! n

MAKE YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL 38 homesinsideout From beautiful kitchens to homely roaring fires, improving our surroundings has a positive effect on our lifestyle.

It’s the feel-good factor – appreciating the investment you have made in your living space. Home improvements will also make a difference and add value to your property when it comes to selling.

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As the leaves begin to fall we turn our thoughts WARMING UP While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change. SOCKSHOUGHTON£14.95 vareys.co.uk MENS DUNE LONDON CHECK TAN BOOTS £140 dunelondon.com BARBOUR WELLSLEY WOOL COAT £429 Varey’s Town and Country 2 Market Place Clitheroe BB7 2DB 01200423267 LOUIS VUITTON JASMINE BOWLING BAG IN ORANGE EPI LEATHER (2005) £645 theatelier.world 18CT YELLOW GOLD OVAL DROP PENDANT AND CHAIN £1,195 18CT YELLOW GOLD 1.44CT DIAMOND LINE BRACELET £3,750 18CT YELLOW GOLD 0.32CT DIAMOND OVAL DROP EARRINGS £1,795 Leonard Dews Church Street Blackpool FY1 1EW 01253 leonarddews.co.uk754940 BARBOUR FAIRFIELD WOOL COAT £299 vareys.co.uk FATFACE PAIGE CORD WIDE LEG TROUSER IN DARK RED £55 ROSE ARTISAN GEO TOP IN BLACK £32.50 fatface.com OLIVER BONAS LAIDBACK LONDON SETSU CROCHET GOLD SHIMMER ANKLE BOOT £160 oliverbonas.com BARBOUR LADY JANE GLOVES £49.95 vareys.co.uk BARBOUR YALESIDE TAILORED SHIRT £69.95 barbour.com

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allowing you the option to understand how they get in your way, and how to let go of them. It can also be that your life currently does not align with your true values and so, after uncovering what those values are, we can work on a plan for you to live in line with them, giving you greater satisfaction and happiness. Please don’t settle for a life half lived or dreams unfulfilled. If support is what you need to move forward, reach out. It will be the greatest gift you ever gave yourself.

If anyone would like information on things you can do to help yourself move forward from that position of being stuck, please call or email me. n Feeling stuck? Can’t move on? So many of my clients come to see me with those feelings. The treadmill of life gets in the way of focusing on and finding a solution to that deep belief that all is not right and that things need to change. Life is simply too short to ‘settle’. Often as the feelings intensify, mood and motivation diminish and eventually they seek help. Often those feeling stuck, have a feeling that they are in a position of being trapped, unhappy. It is a fact that so many people live the majority of theirs lives unhappy and/orSadly,unfulfilled.thenumber one regret of the dying, according to Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, is: ‘I wish I’d had the courage to live life true to myself, not what others expected of me.’

THEMATTERSIWISHI’DHADCOURAGETOLIVELIFETRUETOMYSELF,NOTWHATOTHERSEXPECTEDOFME

Looking at a situation through a different map of the world can be immensely helpful. In therapy this is a something we focus on a Dependinglot.on the issues, I use a 10-step process that really helps and supports a change of mindset and opens up the possibility that life can be different.

If the issues run deeper, we look at your limiting beliefs and where they came from,

Therapeutic coach Lynn Scholes explains how a change of mindset can help you live a life fulfilled with greater satisfaction and happiness

People who are feeling stuck usually believe that they have no options, but that is not true. In every situation we have choices, even if that choice is a change of mindset about a circumstance. The issue is that when we are in that position of being stuck, we cannot see the choices.

The reasons for being stuck are rich and varied and I couldn’t begin to cover them all in this article. The point is that unless something changes, nothing will change. Power and choice represent two fundamental forces that govern human behavior. Feeling stuck screws up people’s life in many ways. It may mean you don’t ever reach your full potential at work, or you are in a relationship that makes you

MIND

Call Lynn at focus101 on: 07753579745 or email: lynn@focus101.co.uk

health&beauty 51 they cannot change their situation, but the thought of living the life they have, or putting up with the feelings they have, terrifies them. The mere act of seeking help is a huge relief and a step forward. Doing nothing, is not an option for many and shouldn’t be an option for anyone.

If you are interested in learning more then please don’t hesitate to get in touch

When Peter suggested Alex join the register, Lancashire-born Alex took the suggestion totally seriously and he joined the register so that maybe he could help someone. Surprisingly, Alex was found to have a 100 per cent match with someone in the US – and he went on to save the life of Patrick Languzzi a stage and film actor from Massachusetts.

Alex Christopher, who signed up to the DKMS stem cell register four years ago, went on to save the life of US-based Patrick Languzzi, with whom he has since forged a strong friendship, writes Jan Woolley

Four years ago, his good friend, mentor and work colleague Peter McCleave was diagnosed with myloma – a former of blood“Wecancer.asked what we could do to help,” recalls Alex. “Peter half-jokingly said, ‘Join the stem cell donor register’.”

DURING THE CELEBRITY GALA IN LONDON ALEX, PATRICK AND PETER WENT ON STAGE TO TELL THE AUDIENCE ABOUT THEIR INCREDIBLE STORY

BAND OF BROTHERS

Nat West compliance manager Alex Christopher has a remarkable story to tell – so let’s start at the beginning.

When Alex was told he had a match his reaction was almost disbelief: “It was a bit

The DKMS foundation is the biggest stem cell register in the UK. It has registered over 900,000 blood stem cell donors to date and has helped to give over 1,700 people a second chance at life. Stem cell donorship helps those with blood cancer and blood disorders.

During a recent DKMS glittering gala in London, Alex and colleague Peter met Patrick for the first time: “It was a very emotional experience,” says Alex. “Patrick has started acting again and has also returned to the gym. He is a medical marvel!”

Alex, who is married to Katy and has a one-year-old daughter, recalls: “Katy also signed up to the register when she came to London with me. My family have been really supportive.”

“Before the procedure, which took four hours, I was given medication to boost my stem cell production, so you are simply donating the surplus.”

overwhelming. It is quite scary knowing you have the potential to save someone’s life.” Patrick had undergone a particularly aggressive form of chemotherapy to treat blood cancer and the chemo had killed off his stem cells – medics gave him a three per cent chance of survival. However, since Alex donated his stem cells, Patrick’s doctors are amazed at his recovery and have now pronounced him cancer-free.Meanwhile, back in the UK Peter, who is still awaiting a match, launched a one-man campaign urging people to join the DKMS register, and he got a phenomenal response – 100,000 people joined resulting in 17 matches with people around the world benefitting from Peter’s campaign: “He has literally changed 17 lives,” adds Alex.

At the fund-raising gala, which was attended by celebrities and influencers in a bid to help in the DKMS campaign to recruit more stem cell donors, Alex, Patrick and Peter went on stage to tell the audience about their incredible story. “They called us the Band of Brothers because of the close bond and friendship we have forged between us. We are all passionate about the campaign to recruit moreSincedonors.”Patrick’s visit to the UK, he has returned to the US to emulate Peter’s drive to recruit thousands of donors across“DonatingAmerica.stem cells is a very simple process. A lot of people have the misconception that it involves painful surgery but science has come a long way,” says Alex. “You apply to join the register and you initially are sent three swabs that are taken from the inside of your cheek. Just a few months later I was told that I had a perfect 100 per cent match with Patrick.”

“It is a simple painless procedure,” says Alex. “Ninety per cent of stem cells are now donated in this way.

DKMS arranged for Alex and his wife to go to London where he underwent a peripheral blood stem cell procedure –whereby blood is taken from one of the donor’s arms, a machine extracts the stem cells and the donor’s blood is then returned to them through the other arm.

On reflection Alex could not believe how simple the donation procedure was – and the incredible outcome: “It was unbelievable. Part of me still can’t compute the magnitude of Takingit.” the first steps to register as a potential donor is simple. If you are between 17 and 55 and in general good health you can sign up for a home swab kit online, which can be returned in a pre-paid envelope to DKMS and your details will be added to the register. n Go to: dkms.org.uk

PATRICK HAS STARTED ACTING AGAIN AND HAS ALSO RETURNED TO THE GYM. HE IS A MEDICAL MARVEL!

health&beauty 53

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

RejuvaMed Health & Wellness Holmes Cottage, Woone Lane Clitheroe BB7 1BG 01200 rejuvamed.co.uk538668

RejuvaMed offers you a permanent solution to underarm sweating in just one treatment session. Our Clitheroe health and wellness clinic, recently rated GOOD in all categories by the CQC, is the most northerly miraDry centre in the UK and has welcomed patients from as far away as Aberdeen, undertaking close to 100 miraDry treatments to miraDrydate. is simple and easy. Thermal electromagnetic energy targets and eliminates the sweat glands in your underarm area. Once those glands are eliminated, they do not grow back, giving you a long-lasting reduction in sweat and odour. Not only does miraDry remove the glands which cause sweat and odour, it also removes hair follicles in the underarm area at the same time, making it look better and feel much smoother!Priorto treatment the underarm area is numbed with a local anaesthetic by our medical director Dr Grant, or our nurse practitioner Helen. A temporary tattoo is then applied to the skin which gives a perfect guide for our aestheticians Rachael or Gemma to position the miraDry handpiece. Slight suction is emitted from the handpiece to ensure that the skin and sweat glands are as close to the surface as possible for maximum results. Thermal energy is then delivered, and the sweat glands are eliminated. At the same time, the system is cooling to protect your skin and minimise discomfort.

AutumnmiraDryoffer! Save £100 If you mention LIVE magazine when booking NO SWEAT… NO STRESS 54 health&beauty Do you suffer Would(excessivehyperhidrosiswithsweating)?youliketo feel more confident that you can attend work meetings, or nights out, without worrying about sweat patches on your clothes under your arms?

The professionals at

To arrange a telephone consultation to discuss miraDry with Dr Grant, call 01200 538668 or email the clinic at: info@rejuvamed.co.uk and change your life! RejuvaMed

Whilst your body needs sweat glands to cool itself, it has two to four million sweat glands and only around two per cent of these are found in your underarm area. Eliminating this two per cent of sweat glands does not affect your body’s natural ability to cool itself. After miraDry, you will experience the many benefits of reducing sweat in the underarm area, but you will continue to sweat normally in other areas of the body. Once the miraDry treatment eliminates the sweat glands, they’re gone for good. The treatment is clinically proven to have an average of 82 per cent sweatUnlikereduction.othertreatments for hyperhidrosis which need to be repeated regularly for continuous results, such as underam Botox injections, just one miraDry treatment is typically required for permanent results. Treatment appointments generally last around 90 minutes, so you are in and out of the clinic in no time. Most patients describe the treatment as painless, with little or no downtime, and return to normal activity (such as returning to work) immediately. Exercise is typically resumed within a few days. Some patients never have to wear anti-perspirant or deodorant again! miraDry is normally priced at £1550. However, RejuvaMed is offering this life-changing treatment at the discounted price of £1450 until 30th November for patients who mention LIVE magazine when booking, saving youWe£100.also offer interest-free finance (subject to status). n

explain how you can dramatically reduce sweatingunderarmandodour

EMA only ever delivers the highest quality of service, and you can be fully confident that value for money is always achieved. That being said EMA is offering Live readers two Plasma treatment areas of the same value for the price of one. For a limited time only, offer ends 7th October 2022. Call to book your complimentary consultation now.

health&beauty 55

SPECIAL OFFER – TWO FOR ONE!

WHAT CLIENTS SAY… “I have been coming to Emma for skin treatments for almost a year now. My face looks amazing, the results have been beyond my expectations and have given me so much more confidence in myself and how I look. So much so that even after my relocation back to Glasgow I drive to Preston and back once a month for my facial treatment with Emma. A trip well worth it! Thank you so much Emma.” Alison G.

EMA Skin Aesthetics Ltd Upstairs at Toni & Guy 86 Fishergate, Preston PR1 2NJ 01772 821600 07547 emaskinaesthetics.co.ukinfo@emaskinaesthetics.co.uk802062

YOUTHFUL RESULTS WITH SAFE AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS

Emma has achieved 99.9 per cent satisfaction for her clients with the PlasmaPen, Hyapen and all the extensive non-invasive treatments she offers. They are all unquestionably ideal for natural and impeccable results.

advice on how to take care of their skin. The focus of every treatment Emma carries out is to ensure clients remain looking like themselves, whilst achieving sought-after anti-ageing results. Emma ensures your skin becomes youthful, safely and effectively, without having to seek invasive treatments.

IMAGES SHOW RESULTS AFTER 3 WEEKS, BEST RESULT ACHIEVED AFTER 3 MONTHS A s a highly skilled and specialistaestheticexperiencedskinwith extensive advanced training in aesthetic skin treatments, using the most pioneering machines, Emma Pearce’s aim is to achieve life-changing results with safe, followingThishaven’ttreatmentclientshowevernormallyPlasmaPentheirdeliversThecomesnotThemadeworkofEmmascientifically-provennon-invasive,technology.comments:“Ispendalottimecarryingoutcorrectivewhenmistakeshavebeenbyinexperiencedtherapists.cheaperoptionisabsolutelythebetteroptionwhenittoyourskin.”treatmentsthatEmmaarerenownedforlong-lastingresults.TheandHyapenresultslastthreeyears,Emmasaysmanywhohavehadthefouryearsagostillneededatopup.ismainlyduetoclientsherindividualised

Emma continues: “My passion and commitment ensure my treatments are safe and noninvasive, to achieve longer lasting results. “Unlike many invasive treatments my treatments don’t have negative long term side effects. Those that follow my personalised guidance on skin care have seen their results last even longer than expected.”

So, for safe and effective treatment that are non-invasive and ensure you remain looking like you, whilst achieving your desired results, please contact Emma. You will quickly realise the true value of the service and treatments she delivers like many other clients who have been delighted with their results. n

A key priority for Emma Pearce from EMA Skin Aesthetics Ltd is safety, writes Meena McDonald

“I had swapped dentists a number of times and then the dentist I moved to retired,” recalls Jack, whose wife Shirley knew Dr Usman Riaz of Renovo Dental, having undergone implants with him almost a decade ago. “She was highly pleased with her implants,” says Jack. “I had always been told that I had insufficient bone to have implants and that it would be too complex – I wasn’t making any progress in improving the situation so I asked Shirley if Usman would see me for an assessment.”

Jack has also seen the benefits to his health and confidence too – and it’s all thanks to the professionals at Renovo Dental.

Usman, a highly experienced clinician with In what was a complex challenge, the professionals at Renovo Dental formulated a dental implant plan that has been a huge success for patient Jack Morris

s an extremely active 83-yearold, Jack Morris has undergone life-changing, dental implant treatment that has given him the smile he has always wanted.

Seeking specialist dental treatment, patients throughout the UK travel to the new, Ribble Valley-based Renovo Dental, where there is a top team of dental specialists, in-house dental technicians and general practitioners working with some of the very latest stateof-the-art technology. After wearing loose dentures for several years and being advised on numerous occasions there was insufficient bone for dental implants, Jack felt he had come to the end of the road in his attempts to resolve the problem. But when he asked for a consultation with the team at Renovo Dental, he began to see light at the end of the tunnel, as he explains: “I had lost my upper teeth at quite an early age and I had a lot dental work done on my lower teeth which was failing.

TOTAL TRANSFORMATIONA

LyndonRobinPhotography: I FEEL THAT I SHOULD LET YOU KNOW THAT I HAVE ENJOYED DINING OUT WHILE IN TENERIFE AND BEING ABLE TO ENJOY EATING THE FOOD I HAVE CHOSEN. MANY THANKS TO YOU, MARK AND KHURRUM FOR ‘RE-BUILDING’ ME!

“All the staff are so reassuring. It’s made a terrific difference to my life,” says Jack, who spends time with Shirley in Tenerife each year. “I can now eat okay – and I like my food!” says the former award-winning Bolton Speakingbutcher.about Jack’s treatment, Usman adds: “Jack is a really sociable guy, prominent in the community and resolving his dental problems was a big thing for him. It wasn’t just about aesthetics it was a functional issue that was affecting his quality of life.”

As a periodontal specialist, he deals with gum disease and the soft tissue surrounding the palate, degenerating bone issues and failing Followingimplants.treatment to improve bone density and the health of Jack’s gums, a period of healing followed before the final implant-supported teeth were fitted – and the results have been transformative for Jack: “The team at Renovo have been superb! I can’t recommend them highly enough. They treat you as a client with total respect –you’re not just a number.

Renovo Dental treats patients throughout the region, who have been referred by their general dentist as well as self-referrals

Renovo Dental Pendle House, Clitheroe Road Chatburn BB7 4JY 01200 @renovodentalrenovodental.co.ukhello@renovodental.co.uk441000

Working alongside Usman on Jack’s dentistry was highly experienced specialist periodontist and implant surgeon Dr Khurrum Hussain, who completed specialist training in periodontology at the prestigious Eastman Dental Institute, London.

LyndonRobinPhotography: LyndonRobinPhotography: WE FIRST MET JACK EARLIER THIS YEAR AND INFORMED HIM NOT ONLY HOW WE COULD HELP, BUT HOW WE COULD GIVE JACK THE SMILE HE ALWAYS WANTED…

Testament to their skills, the team at Renovo, carried out the bone graft procedure in the same visit as the implant placements.

health&beauty 57

Preparation is key to the success and the team of dental nurses, dental technicians and implant surgeons, all play their part on the day. “No two smiles are the same, so there is no ‘one-size-fits all’ when it comes to this level of implant dentistry,” says Usman. “Like all our other patients, the implants have completely changed Jack’s smile,” adds Usman. “Implants can transform people –they gain confidence and restore self-esteem. It may sound clichéd, but this treatment really does change their lives.” n

As a brand-new clinic, Renovo has invested in the latest digital dental technology, including a state-of-the-art CT scanner which allows the team to plan and perform very precise implant surgery. This CT-guided surgery for implants is faster, easier and more efficient for surgeons and safer, more comfortable and results in faster healing for patients.

a special interest in aesthetic and implant dentistry, readily agreed to see Jack, who went along to the beautifully restored Renovo surgery in the village of Chatburn: “Usman carried out the assessment – and while he said implants would be quite complex, he said it was possible.” Usman explains: “Jack had been told that implants just weren’t possible, but he persevered. He was struggling with loose fitting, partial dentures and was finding it difficult to eat. “During the initial assessment a CT scan was done and yes, it revealed Jack didn’t have sufficient bone. So, we agreed that bone grafting was the solution.” Bone grafting was performed to replace destroyed bone surrounding the teeth roots. The bone graft then helped to serve as a platform for the regrowth of natural bone.

Spire Fylde Coast Hospital also has a range of diagnostic imaging services on site, along with a highly-skilled multidisciplinary team that includes consultant radiologists, radiographers and imaging assistants.

Currently Dr Farzaneh Mani runs private GP clinics twice per week at the hospital. She’s very conscious of the immense amount of stress and anxiety waiting for a GP appointment can cause: “Being able to have a face-to-face consultation promptly is so important to patients who need the reassurance that they can be seen and treatedAdditionally,quickly.”she’s keen to reiterate that continuity of care is critical for all patients, and therefore visiting a GP at Spire Fylde Coast Hospital won’t affect the patient’s NHS care whatsoever. With the patient’s consent, the hospital will liaise directly with their GP on any diagnosis, treatment requirements or referrals.

SPEEDY ACCESS TO A GP

The combination of the pandemic and the shortage of GPs in the UK has made access to GPs challenging for patients, writes Meena McDonald.

With an increasing interest in people wanting to use this service, it is highly likely to expand in the future to meet patient demand.

o assist the local community, Spire Fylde Coast Hospital offers a private GP service which is easily accessible to patients who are struggling to access their own GP.

T

Photography: Roger Moore

Mike Sarson, Director of Clinical Services at Spire Fylde Coast Hospital, comments: “Our aim is to provide speed of access to patients so that they can get in to see a GP quickly or at a time to suit them, who can assess, diagnose and refer them on to a specialist if required. Patients can either use their medical insurance to cover the cost or self-pay for a private GP appointment. The process is very simple and straight forward.”

To speed up some treatments the hospital can refer patients internally for blood tests, scans and consultant referrals. All of these will be shared with the patient’s NHS GP so nothing vital is missed.

BY PROVIDING EARLY INTERVENTIONS PLUS FAST DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENTS, WE CAN HELP IMPROVE PATIENT OUTCOMES

The hospital offers simple and complex scans for a wide range of clinical specialties including cardiac CT and MR, breast screening, orthopaedics and spinal surgery, gynaecology, urology, general surgery, vascular and ENT.

Mike Sarson continues: “Having the relocatable MR scanner on site permanently and the CT scanner one to two days per week ensures that we have enough capacity to provide timely diagnostic services, thus reducing wait times for our patients. The upgrade to the plain film x-ray equipment ensures that we have the most up to date equipment, allowing us to provide the highest quality images and high quality care to our patients.” For private patients, the hospital is able to offer MR scans on the same day as their appointment with a consultant. This assists by decreasing the time-frame for diagnosis and treatment and provides an outstanding service for patients. The diagnostic imaging services are available to NHS and private patients who are insured and self-paying patients aged 18 and above.

an appointment with a consultant spinal surgeon and an MR scan on the same day. Following the initial assessment and diagnostic tests a treatment plan will be discussed, along with a fixed price fee package should surgery be required.

They also offer CT and MR scans for chest, abdomen, thorax, pelvis as well as full body scans.

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

WE DEDICATED TO DELIVERING SPEED OF ACCESS TO TREATMENT THE HIGHEST CONSULTANT CARE IN THE REGION

Spire Fylde Coast have invested circa £1.5m in a relocatable MR scanner and an additional £200,000 to upgrade the plain film x-ray equipment within the next couple of months to ensure they have the most up to date equipment so they can provide the highest quality service to all patients. Over the coming weeks, there are plans in place to launch a cardiac MR service which will start with non-complex scans, such as non-stress cardiac MR scans. When this service is established there are plans in place to increase the service by offering more complex stress cardiac scans. The hospital is preparing to introduce a ‘one-stop’ service for spinal patients, where, for a package price, they will get

Mike concludes: “We are dedicated to delivering speed of access to treatment and the highest consultant care in the region. That is our promise to all our patients. By providing early interventions plus fast diagnostics and treatments we can help improve patient outcomes. Our fundamental goal is to enable people to live their lives as fully, healthily and pain free as possible.” n

health&beauty 59

ARE

AND

WITH WELL OVER 100 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE, CUSTOMERS KNOW THEY ARE IN SAFE HANDS WITH THE TEAM AND WILL RECEIVE THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF AVAILABLEHEALTHCARE

THE NEXT STEP IN PODIATRY AND BEAUTY W

Sole and Beauty work collaboratively with the local pharmacist and GP practices and has become the healthcare solution for many in the Fulwood community. With well over 100 years of experience and expertise, customers know they are in safe hands with the team and will receive the highest standard of healthcare available.

Alex Austin owns the business and is a qualified and skilled podiatrist comments: “We treat a wide range of health issues that haven’t been picked up due to the lack of access to medical care during the pandemic, right from treating diabetic symptoms to dealing with wounds and lesions. We refer many of these urgently to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment or deal with them quickly and efficiently ourselves. Our sports injury and physiotherapist services also includes acupuncture, ultrasound and steroid injection therapy. Tasneem Amiji, a Hypnotherapist specialising in weight reduction has also recently joined our team.”

Alex concluded: “What makes us unique is that we offer so many different services that we have people booking in for hours at a time. For example, a podiatry treatment with toenail reconstruction, sports massage with acupuncture, followed by a leg wax all under one roof! We are literally a one stop shop for health and wellbeing therapies. Any clinician looking to join our professional team should contact me on 01772 716500.” n Meena McDonald talks to Sole and Beauty who are on the lookout for clinicians requiring professional rooms Sole and Beauty 333 Garstang Road Fulwood, Preston PR2 9UP 01772 716500 Open Monday to soleandbeauty.comSaturday

Additionally, the hairdressers on the ground floor is looking for a part time colour therapist and anyone interested should contact Anthony at AM1 on 01772 875787.

ell-established and highly respected podiatry, health and beauty clinic Sole and Beauty currently comprises of six HCPC registered podiatrists, a HCPC registered physiotherapist, along with a FHT registered holistic therapist, a beauty therapist and an NHC registered hypnotherapist. As the outlook on health has changed considerably over the past two years with people taking a more proactive approach to their health Sole and Beauty is now looking to expand and complement their current therapists with other clinicians who require the space to practice their trade in a readymade professional environment.

Alex continues: “Our reputation has excelled over the past few years and the demand from clients is so great that we are now looking for clinicians from all professions to join our team. Anyone joining us will be provided with guidance and support as well as specialist equipment, a serviced and relaxed treatment room and access to an extensive client base of over 5,000 people from Lancashire as well as Cumbria andExpertYorkshire.”beautician Libby Bonnar is soon going on maternity leave and cover is required for this role as well as some continued support once she returns. Whoever takes this position can start earning immediately through an existing client list.

FIND US ON… Live Ribble Valley @Live_RV /liveribblevalley www.live-magazines.co.uk issuu.com/live_magazines Live Preston & Fylde @Live_PF /liveprestonfylde

Printed using sustainable material. Please recycle. Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC13954_A4_0613.

Anita, who is keen to introduce yoga and its heritage to a generation of people who may never have tried it before. n

If you or someone you know has cancer, you may find it helpful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through.

If you or someone you know has cancer, you may find it helpful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. A team who can provide personal support and expert information. That’s what we do. So if you have any questions about your treatment, concerns about your finances or just want to talk, you don’t need to go through it alone. We’re here for you. Call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk

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Practising yoga in body-temperature heat enables the muscles to relax, encouraging more movement and enhanced balance. It improves blood flow and oxygen to the muscles giving increased flexibility and because the muscles are warmed, the risk of injury lessens. “This is not an exercise class it is first and foremost a holistic experience suitable for any age group, including beginners. The pod is a dimly lit, heated to 37 degrees and scented immersive experience that works on the body and calms the mind,” adds

Printed using sustainable material. Please recycle. Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC13954_A4_0613.

A team who can provide personal support and expert information. That’s what we do. So if you have any questions about your treatment, concerns about your finances or just want to talk, you don’t need to go through it alone. We’re here for you. Call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk

he first Hotpod Yoga franchise in Lancashire has been launched by expert Anita McGoay, who has been practising yoga all her life. “My parents are of Indian origin so yoga has always been part of family life,” says long-distance runner Anita, who discovered Hotpod Yoga when it first launched in London. “Being a runner, I have always been injury prone so I was interested to find out how heat, yoga and meditation combined, can help.”

WORKING THE BODY… CALMING THE MIND

The Hotpod Yoga Ribble Valley studio is based at Huntleys Samlesbury. To find out more follow: @hotpodyogaribblevalley on Facebook or Instagram Internationally respected Hotpod Yoga, well known for its therapeutic benefits on mind and body, has arrived in the Ribble Valley

health&beauty 61 50% OFF YOUR FIRST HOTPOD CLASS PASS £6 (NORMALLY £12) Discount code: HPYLOVESLIVEMAGZ Valid: 30th August to 30th September INTRODUCTORY OFFER 10 DAYS FOR £15 (New customers only) 07359 044387 WhalleyHuntleysRoad, Samlesbury PR5 OUN 07359 https://hotpodyoga.com/studios/ribble-valley/ribblevalley@hotpodyoga.com044387@hotpodyogaribblevalley

In May this year, the city of Preston formally welcomed Councillor Neil Darby as its 694th Mayor and one of the youngest to hold the role at just 34 years old, writes Emma Brereton .

Photography: Michael Porter Photography

A MAYOR TO BE PROUD OF… Rich in history, the city of Preston has appointed a Mayor since the 1100s when the role had much wider authority and power than it does today. In present time, the position is a civic one with the Mayor acting as the city’s first citizen, which means they speak on behalf of the city and are an important part of its identity.

“The second charity is Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and is in part as a response to the impact that Covid has had on our local hospital and the hard work done by staff throughout the crisis. It is also partly a tribute to the fantastic work done by the NHS in caring for my mum who suffers from a chronic medicalThere’scondition.”nodoubt that Councillor Darby is passionate about the welfare of this city and he is determined to do the best job possible just by listening and treating people with respect. He is a credit to the political system at a very bleak time. n lifestyle 63

Preston Mayor Preston Mayor I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE YOU MUST STICK YOUR HEAD ABOVE THE PARAPET AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD IT’S A DIFFICULT TIME FOR SO MANY HOUSEHOLDS AT THE MOMENT AND IT’S IMPORTANT TO ME THAT RESIDENTS KNOW THEY’RE NOT ALONE AND THEY HAVE A COUNCIL WHO WILL LISTEN AND TAKE ACTION

Each Mayor adopts their own personal approach to the role, establishing their own priorities and interests, such as youth, disabled or elderly people: “I hope to make a positive difference to the community and to provide a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. It’s a difficult time for so many households at the moment and it’s important to me that residents know they’re not alone and they have a council who will listen and take action whereCouncillorneeded.”Darby has selected Intact community centre, Ingol, along with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals charity as his mayoral causes for the year. A keen runner, Neil has completed the Manchester Marathon and will be running Preston’s 10k to raise money for these worthy charities.

Mayoral activities throughout the year will be shared on social media:

The Mayor continues: “My mum has a saying, ‘you either put up or shut up’ and I’m no good at shutting up. I have always believed that if you want to make a difference you must stick your head above the parapet and make your voice heard. “I have several school visits planned where I want to hold sessions for pupils to ask questions about the role of Mayor, the city’s councillors and what they can do to make where they live a better place.” He has represented the Ingol and Cottam ward since its creation in 2019, is the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Preston City Council and has also been on the Planning Committee since that election. “Being the youngest Mayor of Preston in modern times and part of the LGBTQ+ community shows the growing diversity of elected councillors at the City Council and being representative of the current make-up of Preston residents. I will also be representing my community at Preston Pride this year in an official role.”

It’s unusual and refreshing to find a ‘thirty-something’ brave enough to do all they can to make a difference by immersing themselves within the community and running for council. For Councillor Neil Darby, it was a path chosen following his degree in Politics and Parliamentary Studies at Leeds University. There he served a placement year in Preston within the office of Sir Menzies Campbell MP and cemented his political affiliation with the Liberal Democrats. Councillor Darby says: “I joined the Liberal Democrat party while I was at university and when I moved to Preston following my degree, I was lucky enough to work alongside Councillor Bill Winlow.

“I chose Intact after seeing first hand in Ingol and Tanterton the amazing work they do for people in the area to help tackle food and fuel poverty.

“It was working with Bill where I really got to grips with what we could do to make a difference in our local community. We went back to basics, if you like, and knocked on doors. The reception I got was very welcoming. People were surprised to meet a councillor in person, who was there to listen and help where possible.” It’s this tone of ‘taking action’ that emulates from Neil. He is a Mayor who wants to do as much as possible during his year in office. He is someone with integrity who believes that the best way to make change is by connecting with people and, most importantly, the young people in the community.

Located on the Fylde Coast, only minutes from the seaside town of Lytham St Annes, the bright lights of Blackpool and within easy reach of the motorway network.

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This bike sets the benchmark for power assisted, all-terrain performance. Lightweight, agile and composed over loose, technical terrain, the Gravel AL e is the ideal riding partner for long-distance off-road epics. n

GRAVEL AL e

YOURPOWEREVERYDAY

HYBRID AL e Looking to get fit, commute to work or something for the family weekend, the Hybrid AL e is the classic blend of style, comfort and efficiency.

The Hybrid AL e Trail is ready for everything. Practical and capable, it is designed to take you from town to trails, providing the power to explore more.

HYBRID AL e STEP THROUGH Ditching the car or riding for leisure the Hybrid AL e Step Through is designed to make your everyday life easier. This easyto-use and comfy-to-ride electric hybrid is a stylish and fun get-around.

66 lifestyle From road, off-road and hybrid, Ribble Cycles’ e-bike range is extensive and versatile. Whether you want to make your daily commute easier, your epic bike-packing journey less arduous, make that hill section of your favourite group ride seem effortless or take your off-road experience to a new level – Ribble Cycles has something in the range for everyone, no matter what your age, bike-riding experience or style of e-bike.

ENDURANCE SL e The Endurance SL e is the ultimate stealth e-road bike and one of the lightest e-road bikes in the world. Designed to look like a traditional road bike, everything is fully integrated and weighs a mere 10.5kg. Ideal for providing that boost over previously unimagined mountain passes or keeping up on a hilly group ride!

URBAN AL e

WITH AN EXQUISITE E-BIKE

Visit the Ribble Showroom at Clitheroe to discover more or visit ribblecycles.co.uk/bikes/ electric-bikes/ Ribble is leading the charge with one of the lightest e-bike ranges in the world. Design-considered, award-winning and created for an array of adventures, Jaco Van Zitterat, Ribble Cycles’ showroom manager, takes us through the range Ribble ribblecycles.co.ukCycles

Stylishly designed the Urban AL e is a sophisticated way to explore the city and beyond – the ideal companion for zipping around, shopping for groceries or commuting to work.

HYBRID TRAIL AL e

T he region’s farmers have been working harder than usual this year to make sure we all have food on our tables despite record-breaking temperatures over recent months and with harvest season almost here, buying local produce is one of the best ways to show gratitude for their hard work.

OWD BARN IS PERFECT FOR A DAY OUT SHOPPING FOR ITEMS YOU WON’T FIND ON YOUR NORMAL HIGH STREET

Helen added: “Our tea room is also available for private functions. We have the space to cater for baby showers, christenings, birthday parties and any other special occasion you may have planned.” n

Helen Charlesworth, who is part of the family who own Owd Barn and runs the farm shop said: “We have been busy preparing for the run up to, dare I say it – Christmas. “The farm shop is packed with everything from our home-grown cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes and cabbage and we have been choosing British brands to fill the shelves in the gift shop from jewellery by Hot Tomato, homeware by Kate of Kensington and beautiful winter accessories by Powder.”

A FEAST OF FESTIVITIES

Owd Barn is perfect for a day out shopping for items you won’t find on your normal high street. It has several nooks and crannies to explore and a loft space displaying homeware and gifts. You will also find a very reputable butchers on site, Butcher Farrell’s Meat Emporium, as well as ice cream from Fredrick’s, baked goods and regional beers and spirits. The farm hosts a monthly market for local retailers and in December there will be Christmas markets every weekend. “We have seven independent businesses on site,” says Helen. “A hairdressers, toy shop, spa and an artisan jeweller who is launching this autumn. There’s ample parking too so if you visit you can make a day of it and see everything we have to offerOwdhere.”Barn is very family friendly too which is reflective in its events programme for autumn and winter. At Halloween there will be home-grown pumpkins buy-ready for carving and during the month of December families can book breakfast with Santa, which will be held every Saturday morning. Breakfast with Santa is held in the on-site tea room which serves everything from light lunches, hot drinks and delicious desserts as well as afternoon tea starting at £15 per person – you can even add Prosecco or a bottle of beer for a small additional charge.

Owd Barn at Bispham is one of the most well-respected farm shops in Lancashire and is currently working hard to prepare for the busiest four months of its calendar year. The 16th century barn conversion in rural West Lancs is located on Spencers Farm, has an award-winning tea room, traditional butchers and much more.

Looking forward to the autumnal crisp in the air after a long hot summer? The delights this season has in store are moments away, writes Emma Brereton. Photography: Roger Moore lifestyle 67 Owd Barn at Bispham Spencers Farm, Rufford Road Bispham, Nr Ormskirk L40 3SA 01704 owdbarn.cominfo@owdbarn.com823435

Shutterstock.com/Dave0Photography:

“There was further analysis to include an Environmental Visual Audit of the area, and this identified key issues to be addressed in the area and determined the priority focus of the work in the project.”

“The money secured for Lancashire through the Safer Streets Fund is a great example of how, by working together, identifying issues and committing to a proactive, solutions-based approach we can invest into communities and fight crime.

The funding being sought is match-funded with the council working with partner organisations the Foxton Centre and Preston North End Community and Education Trust. n

The bid included proposals to: Increase the CCTV provision in the city centre by three cameras Improve facilities available for sexual violence recovery services Diversionary activities, engagement and education for young people Street monitors to focus on anti-social behaviour Training on vulnerability in the night-time economy sector and within communities and additional taxi CabinetstewardingMemberfor Environment and Community Safety, Councillor Robert

Church Street and Lancaster Road are just two areas of Preston set to become safer thanks to recent Home Office funding to reduce crime

I SUPPORTED THIS BID BECAUSE IT IS EXACTLY WHAT MY FIGHTING CRIME PLAN IS ALL ABOUT –PROTECTING THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF LAW-ABIDING PEOPLE

“That’s also why I launched my Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund earlier this year to address local concerns and support the work of local policing teams to make a lasting difference.”

The programme of funded work is to continue until the end of September 2023

SAFER STREETS 68 lifestyle P

Boswell said: “This is really positive news for the city. The criteria for the selection of areas are prescribed by the Home Office’s terms and for Preston this was agreed with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire as comprising three Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs), two in the city centre and a third area adjoining the city centre in Saint Matthew’s ward.

reston City Council has won a bid of £146,568 in the latest round of the Government’s Safer Streets Fund aimed at tackling neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and ensuring safety inside and outside licensed premises.

“Development of the bid included completion of a ‘scanning’ section which identified the types and incidences of crime and anti-social behaviour which are most prevalent in the LSOAs.

The bids have been prioritised and supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire Constabulary, Andrew Snowden, who said: “I’m delighted Preston City Council’s bid has been successful and will see investment into keeping people in Preston safer. I supported this bid because it is exactly what my Fighting Crime Plan is all about, making Lancashire a hostile place for criminals and protecting the overwhelming majority of law-abiding people who just want to get on with their lives.

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in the event of your passing, have specific wishes for your funeral, or how you would like to be laid to rest, having a Will in place is vital. A Will can also set out provisions for the care of any children or dependants you have.

It’ll be Christmas before we know it!

If you already have a Will in place but haven’t touched it for several years, it may be worth reviewing to check that it is still up to date. You should take the time to review the contents of your Will every couple of years or following major life events like births, marriages, significant purchases and deaths of beneficiaries or intended executors. In particular, if you have entered into a marriage or civil partnership since your last Will, this may have revoked that earlier Will.

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

DON’T WAIT UNTIL

I sn’t time flying? How are we more than halfway through the year already?

It’s easy to let time get away from you and put certain things to the back of your mind thinking you’ll have plenty of time to sort them at a later date, but here is your reminder to act today and review these important documents, before it’s too late.

IT’S TOO LATE

WILLS If you own items of considerable value, whether monetary or sentimental, which you would like to be given to certain people

If you don’t have a valid Will in place, your loved ones may not receive the inheritance you want them to, or they could be left with a complex and drawnout probate process. While nobody particularly wants to think about their own mortality, having a plan in place, regardless of your age now, will ensure your loved ones are provided for.

Did you know, only 29 per cent of 58 to 76-year-olds, commonly referred to as the ‘boomer’ generation have Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) in place? An LPA is an appointed person who is legally permitted to manage your financial, legal or healthrelated affairs should you lose the capacity to do so yourself. Your loss of capacity can come due to old age, an illness or as the result of an accident, so it is not always possible to predict when the need for an LPA will arise. For this reason, you may want to seriously consider having an LPA in place. If you are ready to draft or review your Will or put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, our team at Farleys is on hand to help. n Ashley Marshall, Private Client Solicitor at Farleys discusses the importance of having your affairs in order, no matter what stage you are in life lifestyle 71

I’m almost certain you’ll have heard words to that effect at least once over the last few weeks as we hurtle through another year.

Get in touch today on 01254 368040 email: info@farleys.com or visit: www.farleys.com for more information

W

Fairhaven Adventure Golf is open all year round and if you’re in the area, why not have a go at golf and then stop off in the café which has great views across the water? It’s that time of year when we start to see a large influx of migrating birds into the area and a visit to the RSPB Ribble Discovery Centre at Fairhaven Lake will will be the annual walk with Pudsey along this stretch of promenade in aid of Children In PopNeed.into the Lowther Theatre which has a packed event programme all year round –while the pantomime is a little way off yet, in the meantime, there’s plenty of music, Woofers Comedy and cinema too – just check out their website – lowtherpavilion.co.uk for more details. The award-winning Lowther Gardens are well worth exploring too and you can also now see the recently unveiled statue of local resident and comedy legend – Bobby Ball. n prove useful to find out more about recent arrivals, plus also the heritage of the lake. If you haven’t yet visited the recently recreated Japanese Garden, then please head over to see it – much planting has recently taken place and it’s beginning to bed in. Go for a walk along the beautiful promenade which has commanding views over to Southport, Formby Point and North Wales. You can now walk from St Paul’s car park right to the windmill and beyond and it has proved very popular with walkers and cyclists alike. On 16th October there

72 lifestyle

As autumn approaches, Tim Dixon Fylde Council’s Tourism and Cultural Services manager suggests days out, wonderful walks, cycle rides and interesting destinations to visit

For more information about things to do, upcoming events and places to visit, log on to: discoverfylde.co.uk

Take a walk through Green Drive, Park View, explore Sparrow Park or even the grounds of Fairhaven Lake or Ashton Gardens in St Annes – there’s so much choice right on your doorstep. Fairhaven Lake has had a very busy summer season and the stand-up paddleboard sessions have proved a huge success as have the leisure boats.

The grounds at the magnificent Grade I listed 78-acre Lytham Hall estate are well worth visiting and what a great excuse for a stop-off in their dog friendly café. During the autumn they have a very busy events programme, including the Mega Mini Meet on 18th September and an Antique Valuation Day on 6th October. Check out their website – lythamhall.org.uk

ith a very busy summer events season now behind us we turn towards late summer and early autumn. At this time of year the colours change and greens are replaced by yellows, browns and orange, so it’s a great time to get out and explore what Fylde has to offer.

McNeillMarkPhotography:

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR WHEN WE START TO SEE A LARGE INFLUX OF MIGRATING BIRDS INTO THE AREA

AUTUMN DAYS OUT & DESTINATIONS

BURGERS&BOWLING!BEERS Enjoy Boo k Online... HOLMESMILL.CO.UK/BOILER-HOUSE-BOWLING 01200 407120 | Holmes Mill, Greenacre St, BB7 1EB Boiler House Bowling is ready to roll! Whether you’re planning a full on tournament or just a bit of quick fun, we have a host of both full and quick-fire games that will be right up your alley. £18 £30 FORMINS30 FORMINS60PRICE P E R LANE PRICE P E R LANE BOWLINGDUCKPIN NOW OPEN! NOW OPEN! NOW OPEN!

45% of our children waiting to be adopted are brothers and sisters MAKE THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS FRIENDSBEST Could you adopt siblings and keep them together? adoptionlancashireblackpool.org.uk • 0300 123 6727 COULD YOU ADOPT BROTHERS AND SISTERS? 74 lifestyle A

doption Lancashire and Blackpool are looking for adoptive parents who can offer permanent, loving homes for groups of brothers and sisters of varying sizes and ages, some of which have been waiting 18 months or longer to find a home. Brothers and sisters make the best friends and many of these children have been through difficult experiences. Having a brother or sister who has been there all along can help adopted children to feel safe, settle quickly into their new home and provides them with ongoing companionship and emotional support throughout their lives. We will support you all the way We know that adopting a family group could feel daunting but there is a range of support services available. As it’s our priority to keep brothers and sisters together, if you are willing to adopt brothers and sisters it means the time spent matching you will be shorter than if you are waiting to be matched to a baby or individual child. Also, adopting brothers and sisters together means you only need to go through the process once, rather than per child. n half of the children currently waiting to be adopted in Lancashire and Blackpool are brothers and sisters more information, or to book on an information event, visit: adoptionlancashireblackpool.org.uk or call 0300 123 6727

For

Nearly

TYPES OF CLAIMS

HOW CAN WE HELP?

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The most common disputes involve:

The solicitor who drafted the disputed Will was heavily criticised and found to have created a false trail of evidence in the Will file. This case provides a useful example of a successful challenge to a Will, even when professionally drafted.

It is vital to seek professional advice with regards to disputes concerning Wills and trust funds, explains Tom Howcroft of Forbes Solicitors, who have a proven track record of successfully concluding contentious probate issues

The findings of dishonesty against the daughter were down to the opposition’s preparation and pursuance of every available avenue, to ensure that all relevant evidence was before the court at trial.

WILL HELD TO BE INVALID IN £100m ESTATE

• Challenges to the validity of a Will.

In addition to lack of knowledge and approval, the following are the most common grounds relied upon when challenging the validity of a Will: • Lack of testamentary capacity • Undue influence and fraud • Lack of proper formalities (ie a failure to validly execute the Will)

If you would like to discuss any Will dispute on a free, no obligation basis, contact Tom Howcroft, Senior Associate, on 0333 207 1130 or email: tom.howcroft@forbessolicitors.co.uk

• Claims for financial provision from an estate under the Inheritance (Provision for family and dependents) Act 1975 by persons who were excluded as beneficiaries or who did not receive as much as they had expected.

• Claims regarding how an estate or trust is being administered.

Mr Justice Michael Green ordered against the validity of the deceased’s 2014 Will on the grounds that the deceased executed the Will without the required knowledge and approval of its terms. Within the judgement the deceased’s daughter is heavily criticised as being the instigator of the disputed Will, which would have resulted in her receiving 80 per cent of the estate.

The party seeking to challenge the 2014 Will had obtained mobile phone records, solicitors’ notebooks and investigated relevant property transactions and social media, to ensure they were able to disprove key parts of the opposition’s witness evidence.

W hen someone dies those left behind often have a strong desire to seek expert legal advice and support to decide whether to bring or to defend a claim against the estate.

forbessolicitors.co.uk 01254 580000 Offices in Central Lancashire, Leeds, Manchester and Preston. APPROACH TO LIFE’S CHALLENGES

Disputes concerning the administration or the distribution of trust funds or a deceased persons estate are increasing.

A STRAIGHTFORWARD

Forbes are a nationally recognised law firm with a specialist team of solicitors who have a proven track record of successfully concluding all manners of contentious probate issues quickly and cost-effectively. We undertake complex and high-value cases and represent both claimants and defendants. Our team has real expertise, and you can therefore be assured that you will receive the best quality expert advice and service. We offer a free, no obligation initial conversation and will assess how we can assist you with your dispute. We will discuss flexible options in relation to funding including fixed fees, deferred fees, or no win, no fee arrangements. n

CHALLENGE TO THE VALIDITY OF A WILL

The recent case of Reeves v Drew & Ors decided earlier this year, is interesting not just due to the size of the estate, but upon the findings of dishonesty against several witnesses at trial including the Will draftsman.

Forbes offer a fixed fee to carry out initial investigations so that we can review and advise upon the prospects of a validity challenge before the costs and risks of court proceedings are incurred.

FUN AT THE FAIR

s we approach autumn our thoughts turn to Christmas and at Samlesbury Hall the team are planning well ahead. Winter weddings are set to take place within the main hall throughout the season, while in the Heritage Café and within the beautiful grounds, there is a whole host of festive events on the horizon!

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OPENWEDDINGEVENING

FESTIVITIES ON THE HORIZON

29th September 2022, 5pm-7pm Free entry with drink on arrival

SUNDAYS AT SAMLESBURY

There are guided tours of the hall on Sunday. Samlesbury Hall is a registered charity so all proceeds go towards the upkeep of this historic Lancashire gem. The great hall was built in 1325 and has changed hands numerous times. Interestingly, in 1862 it was bought by leading Blackburn philanthropist and entrepreneur, Joseph Harrison, an iron founder and mill owner. He exhibited one of his power looms at the Great Exhibition of the Industries of all Nations in Crystal Palace in 1851 and its success there brought rapid expansion to the business, both at home and abroad and they were appointed machinists to Prince Albert. theatre-style production that will take visitors back in time as the Christmas tale comes vividly to life. The audience is invited to ‘step into the story’ during the performances that start at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm and 10pm on various nights. Suitable for families, ticket fee is £20 and must be booked in advance.

The 14th century hall will be dressed in splendour – and the evening will feature the hall’s usual favourite local wedding suppliers. When you see this amazing venue there will be nowhere else you would want to go on your big day! Menu tastings available on request. There lots going on at Samlesbury Hall in the coming months so why not pay this historic gem a visit?

On the last Sunday of November Samlesbury Hall is hosting a fabulously festive Christmas Fair. Put a date in your diary as it’s an event not to be missed! The fair will feature more than 50 stalls selling goods that have been hand-made locally – the perfect opportunity to buy unique Christmas gifts! There will be turkey baps, mince pies and mulled wine to enjoy. Santa will also be hopefully making an appearance on the day too.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL There will be an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ ghost story, A Christmas Carol, on selected nights throughout December at Samlesbury Hall. The hall will form the backdrop to this spine-tingling promenade

FESTIVE DINNER & OVERNIGHT STAY

CHRISTMAS AT THE HAMLET

HERITAGE CAFÉ Throughout December the Heritage Café in the grounds of Samlesbury Hall will be serving delicious home-made Christmas lunches. The set menu features a number of delicious dishes – expect to find warming winter vegetable soup and prawn Marie Rose on sourdough among the starters while the main courses include turkey and all the trimmings and slow cooked beef and ale pie – delicious! Christmas pudding features in the desserts, plus there is also a lovely lemon cheesecake or mouth-watering sticky toffee pudding. In the evening the café will be open for bookings for larger parties of more than 20. So, if you’re looking for a stunning venue for your office party why not give them a call? The café, which can host up to 80 guests, will be decorated with festoon lighting and there will be a twinkling Christmas tree and festive music.

GIFT VOUCHERS

DOTTIE’S WAFFLERY

More than 20 people in your group?

Down at Dottie’s Wafflery there will be Christmas pudding flavoured waffles and gingerbread hot chocolate. All the warming flavours of the festive season – so make sure you pop in and see Maria, who runs this uniquely popular wafflery in the courtyard of the hall.

Perfect for a gift, visitors can purchase vouchers from Samlesbury Hall and the recipient can spend on whatever they enjoy – afternoon tea at the Heritage Café with a glass of bubbly, a tour of the hall, a festive waffle in Dottie’s Wafflery or a fantastic overnight stay in the Shepherd’s Hut Hamlet.

Enjoy the cosiest evening in one of Samlesbury Hall’s fabulous, heated shepherd’s huts, complete with festive toasted marshmallows and firepit kit. Each hut sleeps up to four people – perfect for a festive break or a Christmas party! Just £65 per hut (saving £42) Quote: XmasHut22 to redeem the offer Available dates: 1st, 2nd, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st December 2022

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Book an evening Christmas dinner at the Heritage Café at Samlesbury Hall – £28 for three fabulous festive courses. Combine your dinner with an overnight stay, £60.50 per person for your food and accommodation! Based on two sharing one shepherd’s hut. If you would like to spend some time in the run-up to the festive period at Samlesbury Hall don’t hesitate to get in touch! n Opening times and tickets please call, or go to: PrestonSamlesburysamlesburyhall.co.ukHallNewRoad,Samlesbury PR5 0UP 01254 samlesburyhall.co.uk812010

All proceeds from the entrance fee to the event, which was the second to be held, will go to charities including North West Air Ambulance, Blood Bikes, Trinity Hospice, Donna’s Dream House and Space.

cars, steam rollers, motorbikes and even a good old Sinclair C5 – the forerunner to the current electric vehicle industry.

There were many new exhibitors as well as all those exhibiting last year – they had found it so successful and enjoyable they came back again. On display this year were steam engines, steam bikes, tractors, vintage K irkham and Rural Fylde Rotary Steam Fair attracted crowds to The Villa, Wrea Green recently raising much-needed funds for local charities.

There were stalls selling everything from craft goods and artisan food plus there was a bouncy castle and small rides for the children. It was a real family fun day out on the Fylde Coast. The fair was busy throughout the Saturday and Sunday and the organisers are hoping to have exceeded last year’s fundraising success in aid of these worthwhile charities. n

A steam fair and family fun day was a huge success attracting thousands of visitors to the Fylde and raising funds for local charities

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FULL STEAM AHEAD…

After last year’s hugely successful debut organisers are confident of another bumper year raising thousands of pounds.

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everything-retreat.comhello@everything-retreat.com965095everythingretreateverythingretreatER_RibbleValley

ANYTHING YOU NEED, ASK AND THEY WILL ENDEAVOUR TO MAKE IT HAPPEN 80 lifestyle

Our lodge was the Highland Bothy – the Scottish theme ran throughout with tartan and tweed accessories and luxurious fur throws giving a real authentic and opulent feel. Centre stage was the huge bed, from which you had a perfect view of the scenery beyond.

In fact, whichever window you looked through the views were quite simply stunning. So, to describe it as a ‘room with a view’ doesn’t do it justice as there were multiple views from the impressive vantage point on which our deluxe lodge stood.

The lodge is a perfect get away-from-itall bolthole, with the offering of graze boxes for breakfast, afternoon tea and charcuterie – you can really sit back and lose yourself in your own little piece of heaven. Should you decide you want to venture further afield there are walks in abundance and bike rides within the vicinity and once you have worked up an appetite, the Ribble Valley restaurants are plentiful. With advice on hand should you need help on deciding where to go, not only will the concierge service book you a table they will also arrange transport for you. Anything you need, ask and they will endeavour to make it happen. This is just the beginning for Louise and her team. There are exciting times ahead with plans for a wellness studio this winter, available exclusively for guests at the Retreat. Keep an eye on their socials for all the updates. I for one cannot wait to go back. n

Ihave been waiting with excitement for the Everything Retreat to open, having seen it from conception to reality via the pages of the magazine and when given the chance to stay I couldn’t say yes quick enough! Less than an hour’s drive from our South Manchester address, my partner and I found ourselves in the scenic Ribble Valley, pulling into the very sunny Everything Retreat, which was to be our home for the evening. The lodge where you check-in gives you a sneak peek of the luxury that awaits. Welcomed with a house gin and tonic (not compulsory, but oh it should be!) alongside a selection of dainty cakes, we’d have been happy setting up home there for the Lucynight!checked us in with a casual efficiency that was knowledgeable and welcoming, telling us all about the six individually themed lodges (all based on owner Louise’s favourite places) and six signature lodges each of them offering top-end fixtures and fittings, with private hot tubs nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens.

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

EVERYTHING retreat

The open plan space included a modern kitchen complete with breakfast bar and stools and a sumptuous bathroom with gold fixtures and marble effect panelling. Each space has been meticulously thought out and lovingly pulled together.

the

visits the newly opened Everything Retreat Everything

Kate Hyde discovers ultimate in luxury she Retreat Primrose Hill, Primrose Lane, Mellor BB2 7EQ 01254

when

DECORATIONS As well as using locally sourced and seasonal flowers, there are beautiful decorations available to hire from local companies that can be reused, such as giant letters or lanterns instead of balloons.

INVITATIONS Invitations can set the tone for your forthcoming wedding, so if you don’t want to go paperless with e-invites or save the dates, you can find beautiful stationery made using recycled paper products or sustainable materials such as bamboo and vegetable-based inks that are chemical-free.

Some paper products are even plantable, embedded with seeds such as wild flowers, so guests can plant them in their gardens afterwards and the paper turns into flowers, plants or herbs providing another lovely reminder of your day.

You can work with your venue or caterer to incorporate locally sourced food into your wedding menu as much as possible, ensuring food on the day has a low carbon-footprint as well as making the most of the delicious food on offer locally! You can also get advice on vegan options.

TRANSPORT Suggest that guests coming from similar locations can car-pool, or consider organising transport such as a coach or even a decorated double-decker bus to cut down on the amount of vehicles used to get to your wedding. n

VENUES When it comes to venues many are already incorporating lots of eco-friendly, sustainable practices into their everyday running, have a look on their websites or ask for more details.

FLOWERS Opt for locally-grown, seasonal flowers with sustainability and the environment in Trendsmind.are moving towards smaller, more delicate bouquets filled with fresh, fragrant flowers that smell amazing, such as sweet peas, peonies, digitalis and other seasonal blooms.

CONFETTI Dried flower-petal confetti is beautiful and a great way to get that confetti moment at your wedding in a way that is safe for the environment and wildlife.

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FAVOURS Look out for environmentally-friendly wedding favour ideas such as packets of seeds that help bee populations.

here are lots of things you can do to make your wedding day eco-friendly. Here are just a few of them.

FABULOUSLY ECO-FRIENDLY

In times when everyone is aware of the environment and climate-change let’s explore some simple ideas to help make a wedding fabulously eco-friendly!

T

FOOD

Floral installations are popular and make a stunning statement, and can be achieved in a more eco-friendly way. Keep them foam-free using chicken wire, water vials and vessels – chemical-free options that can be used again. You could also consider potted plants for centre-pieces instead of cut flowers.

HOURGLASS

WEDDING DAY BEAUTY

LINERWATERPROOFVOYEUR™LIQUID£33

TOM FORD EYE COLOR QUAD ROSE PRISME £68 Designed to create an array of looks the wet/dry eye shadows multidimensionaloffer effects –from a soft wash of colour to a bold smoky statement. tomford.co.uk RADIANT GLOW ORGANIC FACE MASK £25 This rich mask blended with raw cacao powder and clay revitalises and purifies, whilst coconut particles buff the skin to silky perfection. elvolvebeauty.co.uk

A highly pigmented, gel-like eyeliner KEVYN AUCOIN THE ETHEREALIST SKIN ILLUMINATING FOUNDATION £47 Create a luminous, flawless complexion with this lightweight liquid foundation which builds from medium to full coverage to provide a luxurious satin finish. spacenk.com

A

A

EVOLVE

BY TERRY MASCARA TERRYBLY WATERPROOF £35 Delivers volume, length, curl and a glossy finish. The waterproof formula will ensure a flawless finish throughout. byterry.com

These beauty essentials will ensure you look fabulous throughout your big day

PERRICONE MD NO MAKEUP BLUSH £30 gel-cream blush that adds natural-looking rosiness and a healthy, youthful glow. perriconemd.co.uk

Waterproof formula which dries quickly to prevent smudging or transfer for all-day hourglasscosmetics.co.ukwear.

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BENEFIT

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change. KATE UNCOMPLIKATEDSOMERVILLESPF 50 SOFT FOCUS MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY £36 no-fuss fine-misting SPF 50 face sunscreen that instantly sets makeup, reduces shine and provides a matte finish for a soft-focus katesomerville.co.ukeffect.

DIOR LIP TATTOO £29.50 With its 12-hour wear, comfortable formula and weightless no transfer finish, the colour fuses to the lips just seconds after application dior.com GIMME BROW £23.50 volumising fibre gel, tames and tints revealing a natural looking brow that is water resistant and long wearing. benefitcosmetics.com

Dedicated events manager Chloe Dearden says: “The wedding team welcomes all weddings – we adapt to whatever people’s preferences are. It is all totally bespoke. We cater for any size of gatherings as we also have the Manor Room which is perfect for smaller weddings.”

W eddings at Barton Manor are truly magical affairs. Whether it’s a small intimate gathering for family and friends or a grand, formal occasion for up to 200, Barton Manor is perfectly placed to welcome you!

LATEPACKAGES!AVAILABILITY TWILIGHT PACKAGES! To find out more call 01772 862551 BARTON MANOR WEDDING SHOWCASE 9th October 2022 01772 862551

The events team at Barton Manor can create a glittering wedding day, making it a memorable occasion for you and your Photography:guests.Kirsten Garstang Road Barton, Preston PR3 5AA 01772 bartonmanorhotel.co.uksales@bartonmanorhotel.co.uk862551

The newly refurbished Barton Suite within the hotel is the main location for weddings – the suite is partitioned with heritage-coloured bi-fold panelling that can adapt to suit any size of celebration. Adorned with glittering chandeliers, the space sparkles with charm and elegance.

Platt weddings 83 Barton Manor Hotel & Spa 746-768

TIME TO SPARKLE

On trend at the moment are ‘twilight’ packages with the ceremony held later in the day transitioning into an evening party –as well as late availability packages which are currently proving exceptionally popular. “We are very flexible here at Barton Manor,” says Chloe. “Even if it is a late availability we work around our brides and grooms creating their perfect day. Nothing is too much trouble.” With 57 rooms, with the executive suites recently upgraded, Barton Manor also has a luxurious bridal suite that comes with all Barton Manor’s wedding packages –including late availability. Being ultimately flexible, menus for the wedding breakfast or evening celebration can be discussed and adapted to suit individual couples and preferences. To see what Barton Manor has to offer in terms of weddings, availability and accommodation, there is a Wedding Showcase to be held 9th October when there will be a bride and groom catwalk, specialist service providers and Chloe and the events team will be on hand to answer any questions.n For more information catch up with Barton Manor on social media or go to their website

The Out Barn exudes architectural delights with its 17th Century heritage and traditional stone-built hay barn. It has now been lovingly restored and developed to incorporate an elliptical shaped room, the perfect blend of rustic and contemporary. The Out Barn is unique in both creation as well as delivery. We are a flexible venue, family owned and run, sitting in 360 acres of stunning privatelyowned estate illustrating our true exclusivity. • DESIGNED SEATING CAPACITY OF 60 - 150 WITH AVERAGE OF 80 - 100 • SIX FABULOUS PREFERRED CATERERS • RECEPTION & TOAST DRINKS INCLUDED IN ALL OUR PACKAGES • 250 PERSON CAPACITY FOR THE EVENING RECEPTION • LICENSED FOR CIVIL MARRIAGE CEREMONIES FOR UP TO 150 GUESTS • TWO FAIRYTALE OUTDOOR CEREMONY LOCATIONS FOR YOU TO CHOOSE FROM • BRIDAL SUITE INCLUDED FOR THE BRIDE & GROOM • LATE NIGHT LICENSE UNTIL 1AM Bashall Eaves, Waddington, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 3JH 01254 826 285 | www.cloughbottom.co.uk | info@cloughbottom.co.uk @theoutbarn @the_out_barn @theoutbarn

From gorgeous gowns to glittering jewels, these wedding day accessories and gifts are simply perfect GLITTERINGOCCASION MEISTERSTÜCKMONTBLANC BLUE 3CC CARD HOLDER £140 leonarddews.co.uk DUNE SHOESSUPERIORLONDONBLACK£125 dunelondon.com 18CT WHITE GOLD 0.26CT DIAMOND TEARDROP PENDANT AND CHAIN £1,350 leonarddews.co.uk 18CT WHITE GOLD 0.31CT DIAMOND TEARDROP HOOP EARRINGS £1,395 leonarddews.co.uk DUNE COMMITTEDLONDONHEELS £175 dunelondon.com OMEGA DE VILLE TRÉSOR CO-AXIAL 40MMCHRONOMETERMASTERWATCH£6,290 leonarddews.co.uk BLOUSON BRIDAL MAXI DRESS IVORY £359 RHONDA EMBELLISHED SHORTER LENGTH DRESS BROWN £170 KATHY EMBROIDERED MAXI DRESS IN RECYCLED POLYESTER SILVER £150 monsoon.co.uk DUNE LONDON WEDDING LUXE SLIPPERS £75 dunelondon.com HATS TO HIRE OR BUY FROM £50 getaheadhats.co.uk BLUSH SPOT PRINT DRESS GL/AMOUR BY SONDER STUDIO £79 sonderstudio.co.uk

KEEPING IT PERSONAL

Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Centre Bowgreave Drive, Garstang PR3 1YE 01995 garstanghotelandgolf.com reception@garstanghotelandgolf.com600100

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datesWeekendavailableApril-August2023from£7,995* You & Me 2023 Let love blossom and embrace our romantic lakeside setting in the Yorkshire Dales, with a Spring/Summer wedding on the Coniston Estate. Outdoor ceremonies, iconic backdrops, changing seasons, budding flowers, along with remarkable hospitality, we have all you need at The Coniston to help spring your vision to life! The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa | Coniston Cold, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 4EA Tel: (+44) 1756 748080 | Email: info@theconistonhotel.com | Web: theconistonhotel.com *Based on 50 day and evening guests

A warm welcome awaits in the family-owned hotel, small enough to care and large enough to exceed your expectations. With several beautiful rooms licenced for civil wedding and partnership ceremonies, wedding breakfasts and evening receptions from 30 to 300, you’ll find the romantic setting and memorable experience you always dreamed of. Special inclusive packages are offered on selected dates: Classic, Intimate, and the ultra-romantic Twilight. Enjoy complete, use as a basis to build your special day, or go entirely bespoke, including bringing your own outside catering. What’s unique about Garstang Country Hotel is the understanding that your wedding day is just that, your day. The experienced and enthusiastic team love to turn your dream wedding into reality, whether that’s arriving by horse, leaving by helicopter, or attempting the world record for wedding cupcake-eating in between! Your booking guarantees exclusive access from spacious bedrooms to glorious private gardens and countryside views, not forgetting the luxurious Bridal Suite. Call 01995 600100 to arrange a visit, starting with a cuppa by the crackling fire to celebrate your engagement, and discover the service and style you’ve been seeking. n Built by stone from Greenhalgh Castle, nestled in rolling Lancashire Countryside beside the romantic river Wyre, Garstang Country Hotel is the scenic canvas on which you can paint your perfect wedding day wedding

Photography: Paul Baybut weddings 89 2023 dates still available with an option of wedding packages Winter wedding deals also available November 2022 – March 2023

SHAW HILL GOLF & SPA HOTEL

amily owned for over 25 years, the team at Shaw Hill Golf & Spa Hotel are devoted to offering you the perfect backdrop for your special day. No matter what the weather holds or what the seasons are, we are here to make your dreams come true. As the sun sets, the views over the golf course are simply breath-taking creating a spectacular evening in the courtyard for your

Sunday

WEDDING EVENTS AT SHAW

Wedding Fayre

Ourguests.award-winning venue offers small, intimate or large weddings with devoted staff and skilled chefs helping you make your dreams become reality. Sit back and relax, let us do all the hard work. We are fully licensed to hold civil wedding ceremonies with an option of beautiful rooms to exchange your vows and say ‘I do’ in style. With 30 ensuite rooms to accommodate your guests, full leisure facilities to relax, and an Elemis spa for all your pre-wedding pampering, combined with our fully inclusive wedding packages and dedicated wedding team, Shaw Hill Golf & Spa Hotel has everything covered. You can be confident you are in safe hands and together we will bring your wedding dreams to life. n Shaw Hill Golf & Spa Hotel is a prestigious Georgian manor house overlooking a stunning 192-acre golf course.

Wedding

AS THE SUN

Contact our wedding team on 01257 269221 or weddings@shaw-hill.co.uk for more details and to arrange a viewing HILL Sunday 18th September 2022 12pm – 3pm Showcase 16th October 2022 12pm – 3pm Shaw Hill Golf & Spa Hotel Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley PR6 7PP 01257 shaw-hill.co.ukweddings@shaw-hill.co.uk269221 SETS,

DATES AVAILABLE!

DREAM DAY F

THE VIEWS OVER THE GOLF COURSE ARE SIMPLY BREATH-TAKING CREATING A SPECTACULAR EVENING IN THE COURTYARD FOR YOUR GUESTS

If they’ve been used to lazing about all day and sleeping in over the summer break, a new routine can be hard work, especially in the mornings. Easier said than done but try to make sure they get their uniform ready the night before, pack bags, make their lunch and avoid any distractions such as TV. There is nothing more stressful than rushing and worrying if they are going start the day late.

Encourage your kids to try as many after-school clubs as possible. This is when they not only make friends but discover new skills and find out likes and dislikes in activities they’ve not tried before.

O

Most children don’t want to talk about school when they come home, it’s normal. But if they are having problems settling in, let them know they can speak to someone – whether it’s mum or dad or someone at school.

nce the holidays are over, it’s preparation time to get classroom ready. This usually heralds buying a new uniform, shoes and stationery but don’t let the stress get to you. There are ways to make it an enjoyable experience in the run up to starting school and over the first few months until they settle in. Shop together and leave it as close as possible to their start date. Children have a habit of growing and you don’t want to spend a fortune on new shoes at the beginning of the summer holidays only to find they are too small on day one. While schools can have strict rules about uniform you can still let your children choose which style to a degree. Getting them involved will make it much easier.

Whether your children are starting a new year or a new school, beginning a fresh term can be exciting – as well as stressful

If they’ve not been on a school bus before, do a dummy run so they’re not nervous about what to expect. They will soon become independent and it will be second nature in a few days.

Your child’s happiness at school is all-important – it is an indicator as to how well they will do and the progress they make academically and socially. Good luck! n

EASIER SAID THAN DONE BUT TRY TO MAKE SURE THEY GET THEIR UNIFORM READY THE NIGHT BEFORE AND PACK SCHOOL BAGS

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A SPRINGBOARD TO A LIFE OF PURPOSE thatAlltheycanbe. The leading Catholic co-educational boarding and day school in Lancashire for pupils aged 3-18 years, with full and weekly boarding available from age 7. DISCOVER MORE AT: WWW.STONYHURST.AC.UK SCHOLARSHIPSAVAILABLEINARANGEOFDISCIPLINES. Sixth Form Open Evening | 22nd September Prep School Open Day | 8th October College Open Day | 15th October 2022 | Open Days Registerhere

Our once-a-year opportunity welcomes families to experience what makes Westholme School so di erent. Our unrivalled holistic approach provides a distinctive educational journey like no other for children from 4 to 18 years. Join us for our open evening to hear rst hand from our current pupils, parents and sta why Westholme is the school of choice in Lancashire. Register Now to join us: Email: registrar@westholmeschool.com Tel: 01254 506070 We look forward to welcoming your family into our Westholme family. EVENINGOPENANNUAL6october,6pm9pm www.westholmeschool.com

Stonyhurst is delighted to announce that their outstanding Pre-Prep is now offering 15 hours of Early Education Funding from September 2022. Families can claim up to 15 hours of childcare per week, from the term after a child turns three until the term their child turns five through the government scheme. Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall Pre-Prep also accepts childcare vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare. For more information about Stonyhurst’s Early Years Provision, please contact their admissions smhadmissions@stonyhurst.ac.ukteam:

A remarkable 81 per cent of Westholme GCSE students achieved grade 7s and above representing a phenomenal achievement across the whole year group. Westholme’s Principal, Dr Richard Robson, said: “I am so proud of each and every student, they have applied themselves so diligently to prepare for public examinations. It was a tremendous day – we celebrate outstanding attainment against a national backdrop of reduced top grades.” He said the teaching staff had been extremely dedicated ensuring each pupil excelled.

GREEN CANOPY

RESULTSOUTSTANDING

EDUCATION NEWS

RECORD BREAKERS

Westholme’s INSPIRED Sixth Form results broke records again. “For the second year in a row, A Level records have been smashed again and we could not be prouder of our 2022 class,” said Westholme’s Principal Dr Richard Robson. Ninety-four per cent of students secured their first choice against a backdrop of heightened competition for university places. Sixty-seven per cent of students achieved at least grade A or above while twenty-six per cent leave with at least one A* grade and just over a quarter of students accomplished a clean sweep achieving all A/A* grades.

EARLY FUNDINGEDUCATION

Rossall School’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence received yet another boost with the publication of A Level results. Earlier in the summer, students sitting the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme achieved record-breaking results. This time round it was the turn of A Level and BTEC students. In terms of UCAS points, just under 40 per cent achieved the equivalent of three grade As (at A level) or above. An impressive number of students achieved a clean sweep of A*s and As. Headmaster Jeremy Quartermain remarked: “We are incredibly proud of all our students especially those who have overcome personal challenges to achieve fantastic outcomes.”

EDUCATION AWARDS

Children at Ashbridge Independent School have a permanent reminder of the Jubilee year, with the planting of seven trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy and the opening of a new play and learning area named Jubilee Park. The school, which was recently awarded the highest inspection grade of Excellent by ISI, has incorporated challenging climbing equipment, a bandstand with amphitheatre and outdoor musical instruments into the park.

GCSE SUCCESS

At the East Lancashire Education Awards held at Nelson and Colne College, Oakhill won two awards, the coveted award of Secondary School of the Year and the Technology/ Innovation Award, which was presented to Year 8 pupil, Joel for his amazing Lego model of Oakhill. Also shortlisted were Year 10 pupil Finlay for Secondary Pupil of the Year and for Unsung Hero was parent and head of PTA, Lousie Brett. A fantastic result, well done everyone.

HIGH FLYER

The first cohort of students on a groundbreaking programme aimed at tackling a shortage of psychology professionals in the NHS, have graduated from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). One of the new graduates who studied on the one-yearcourse is Rebecca Jarvis who already had a first-class master’s degree in Clinical and Health Psychology. During her training, the 25-year-old’s typical week consisted of three days in practice, one day working in the community and one day studying at UCLan.

YOUNG ACHIEVER

Rossall School teachers and pupils have much cause to celebrate following another year of excellent achievement. Well over half the GCSE cohort at Rossall achieved a grade 7- 9/A* – A in a huge range of academic subjects. Students will now go on to study A Level, International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications at Rossall Sixth Form where over 60 per cent of students each year go on to study at the top Russell Group universities.

CYCLE CHALLENGE

Stonyhurst College is delighted to share the achievements of Year 13 pupils, who received their exam results after studying for the last two years. In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Stonyhurst continued to out-perform the global average of 31.9, with an average point score of 34.4. Stonyhurst’s A Level results showed 40 per cent of pupils achieved A* / A with two thirds of pupils achieving A*/ B. At CTECH 100 per cent of pupils achieved distinction or a starred distinction.

EDUCATION NEWS

This year’s summer cycling challenge for Oakhill was made up of 10 pupils, teachers and parents who cycled the width of England from Lands End to Lowestoft. The route is over 500 miles and the team rode in aid of North West Air Ambulance, raising muchneeded funds for them. Well done to the team, especially pupils Oliver from Year 11, Finlay from Year 10 and Noah and Charlie from Year 9 – a brilliant achievement!

PERFORMANCEEXCEPTIONAL

A high-flying graduate who gained a firstclass honours degree from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has landed a software engineering role at world-leading BAE Systems. In 2018 Megan Pearson, 22, from Preston, was part of an initial cohort to be offered a place on the Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Scheme (EDAS) at BAE Systems. The company created the four-year programme complete with industry placement opportunities across its Warton and Samlesbury sites.

FIRST COHORT

ACHIEVEMENTEXCELLENT

GCSE results may have fallen nationally but at Oakhill the opposite is true. Nearly a quarter of all the exams taken by this year’s students received the highest grade of 9, awarded to a very small minority of pupils in the country for exceptional performance. An astonishing 93% of students received a 7, 8 or 9 in their GCSEs which would be equivalent to an A, A* or A** and this places Oakhill students very much at the highest level both locally and nationally.

EXAM CELEBRATION

Stonyhurst pupil, Liberty, has won the Young Achiever of the Year Award at the Active Burnley Awards 2022. The award is ‘for some of the most talented, who show exceptional dedication to their sport and have the potential to perform at the highest level.’ Liberty has balanced her Sixth Form studies with her dream of becoming a full-time, professional cricketer for Northwest Thunder and is now pinning her hopes on being chosen for the England squad for the Under 19s Women’s World Cup and securing a full-time contract with Thunder.

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“Stonyhurst is driven by these values. It is part of the Catholic faith and Jesuit spirit which has great integrity. We all have a shared vision.”

On a personal level Fr. Chris enjoys cycling, gardening, walking and reading with a special interest in children’s fiction. Over the summer break he has been researching a series of recently published books for Key Stage 2 and 3 children.

The new headmaster of Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, Fr. Christopher Cann, is set to join the prep school at the start of the September term.

“The extended day beyond the curriculum at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall presents many opportunities in terms of clubs and activities, sport, music and drama – Stonyhurst seeks to challenge pupils to discover their passions and support them in finding the confidence to maximise their potential. Father Christopher Cann is the new headmaster at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, which offers its young pupils a learning environment that enables them to reach their full potential academically, socially and creatively

“I am very much looking forward to my move to Stonyhurst and the Ribble Valley, it is a delightful place!” says Fr. Chris, who shares Stonyhurst’s ethos, which gives pupils many and varied opportunities to enable them to become the best version of themselves.

NEW HEAD AT THE HELM

He has been part of the Independent Schools Inspectorate for 18 years and is a board member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools and the Catholic Independent Schools Conference. Married to Honor, a GP, the couple have six grown-up children.

A linguist, Fr. Chris studied Theology at Oxford and joins Stonyhurst from Ratcliffe College and Prep, a coeducational Catholic independent boarding and day school in Leicestershire, where he was headmaster for 10 years: “In many ways it is very similar to Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall.

THE ETHOS OF TREATING EACH CHILD AS AN INDIVIDUAL IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME

He is also impressed with the rare offering of specialist tuition available to young pupils at Stonyhurst, who benefit from a broad curriculum that celebrates the individual

“I have always been aware of Stonyhurst as it has an impeccable global reputation and the ethos of treating each child as an individual is very important to me. Whilst academic provision is important, I believe it is essential to have strong pastoral care for day pupils and boarders, this is something that Stonyhurst does very well.

“I have worked in co-ed schools before and I’m a great believer in giving them equal opportunities and Stonyhurst is very much a school that allows that.”

Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall Clitheroe BB7 9PU 01254 stonyhurst.ac.uk827073

At each new Key Stage opportunities are unlocked with access to facilities that broaden pupils’ horizons: “The quality of specialist tuition at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall makes this a very attractive school for day pupils and boarders,” says Fr. Chris, who is a great proponent of giving girls and boys parity within an educational environment.

education 99

Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall welcomes children of all faiths. Prospective parents are welcome to visit the school and see the facilities that will give their children a great start on their learning journey. To arrange a private tour or for more information about Stonyhurst please call 01254 827073

Stonyhurst College SCHOOLS GUIDE 2022 and offers them countless opportunities to discover their talents. Taking a solid academic approach combined with specialist teaching, children are able to develop a broad range of skills. Prep School pupils also have access to the vast facilities within the Stonyhurst campus including indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a swimming pool, sports pitches, a theatre, observatory and access to the unique historic museum and archives within Stonyhurst College, which brings history to life for even the youngest of pupils. Highly trained teachers facilitate learning by observing pupils’ interactions and interests, adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of all children making the learning process thought-provoking. Maths, early reading and writing, drama, music, PE, dance, swimming and tennis are integral elements of the school day to make learning engaging and fun.

THE QUALITY OF SPECIALIST TUITION AT STONYHURST ST MARY’S HALL MAKES THIS A VERY ATTRACTIVE SCHOOL FOR DAY PUPILS AND BOARDERS

“I have been given a very warm welcome and I am looking forward to exploring the area and becoming part of the community.”

Fr. Chris takes over from former Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall headmaster Ian Murphy, who was with the school for nine years: “Ian Murphy has done a fantastic job! Stonyhurst is known throughout the world so to keep that sense of it being a wonderful school is “Stonyhurstimportant.isanamazing place for boarders and day pupils as there are so many opportunities within the extended school day. It is a community that has a rich history and we should nurture that.

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CONFIDENCE CURIOSITY KINDNESS T: 01772 719937 | W: www.stpiusx.co.uk | E: admissions@st-piusx.lancs.sch.uk 200 Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 8RD StPiusXCatholicPreparatorySchool HeadStPius stpiusxprepschool St Pius X Preparatory School Independent Catholic Day School for boys & girls aged 2 – 11 years Wellbeing is at the heart of a dynamic curriculum filled with challenge and opportunity. Over 6 acres of safe, secure grounds. This is a great place to grow: give your child the best start in life. #firstchoiceprepschool • Outstanding Care • Superb Individual Progress • Excellent Academic Results • Outdoor Education & Sports • Forest School • Creative & Performing Arts OPEN DAYS/MORNINGS AS FOLLOWS: Tuesday 27th September 9.30am - 12.30pm Saturday 1st October 9.00am - 1.30pm Tuesday 8th November 9.30am - 12.30pm (EYFS fun, focus and registration)

WE ARE PART OF A MOMENT IN HISTORY AND THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MORE EXCITING TIME TO BE AN ENGINEER

Julia Sutcliffe, who holds a degree in Chief Technologist for BAE Systems Julia Sutcliffe talks about her career journey and how the company is embracing its commitment to net zero, writes Gail Bailey

I spent about 10 years,” she explains. In Australia Julia worked primarily on the development of unmanned aircraft systems and was involved in flight testing in an array of places across the country. This included working at the largest testrange in the western world, Woomera Test Range in the remote South Australian desert.

On returning to the UK, Julia became part of the strategic team and initially joined the unmanned aircraft division in Warton where the Taranis unmanned combat aircraft was developed. Here she was working with the MOD and some of the UK’s leading scientists, aerodynamicists and engineers. physics and a PhD in Quantum Mechanics joined BAE Systems originally at their Bristol office as part of the Advanced Technology Group and has been involved in the company on a global scale: “I was researching AI and robotics before moving to the Australian arm of the business where

In 2021 BAE Systems, like many others, joined the United Nations’ ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, committing to achieve netzero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations by 2030 and across the wider supply chain by 2050.

“Everyone is inspired by the net-zero agenda as we know it’s the right thing to do. We launched the ‘Big Switch’ campaign last year which encouraged employees to make a lifestyle change and have also launched a new Masters-level sustainability apprenticeship with Cranfield University –this will play a key role in building a network of sustainability champions across the company who will help to progress the Race to Zero campaign.”

Twenty years ago, I was working on things that seemed so far advanced, which have now become mainstream. Our government is aiming for the UK to become a science and technology superpower which is an inspiring baseline and a fantastic opportunity for young people to become involved.

“Achieving net zero is about teamwork and partnerships – we need to take everyone with us,” Julia says. “It is the biggest change that we have ever seen and affects every facet of our lives – we are part of a moment in history and there has never been a more exciting time to be an engineer.” n

Investing in the design of leaner, lighter products with a low carbon footprint is high on the agenda and a big part of Julia’s role.

Julia says it is difficult to pinpoint a single event that drew her into a career in engineering: “I have always been inspired by the opportunity to create and innovate and do something that will make a difference.

Becoming Head of Engineering, which included the development of simulators and the next generation of training facilities, and now Chief Technologist for the Air Sector, Julia is excited about what the fourth Industrial Revolution (digital technology) now means for the sector especially with the confluence of the Green Revolution: “There has been an acceleration in technology over the years and I have seen how quantum sensing, AI, robotics and advanced manufacturing have matured over time. Technologies being developed in Warton are helping to drive increased use of synthetics and simulation with our customers, helping to save carbon emissions.” One example is making greater use of high-fidelity synthetics and VR to train pilots, and this has had a significant impact on the carbon footprint today. In 2020 BAE delivered over 9,000 training events at RAF bases, which represented nearly 13,000 flying hours conducted virtually. This saved around 75 million litres of aviation fuel – equivalent to 184,000 tonnes of CO2. “We are taking a whole industry approach to make fundamental changes,” Julia explains. “We have already invested in a solar farm in Samlesbury, the size of eight football pitches, which has reduced in the region of 5000 tonnes of carbon emissions to date. At Warton we are creating the ‘factory of the future’ using technology, augmented reality and working closely with blue chip companies and university partners to help achieve this.”

As Julia says: “Ultimately, we will create solutions that align with net-zero, but meet our customers operational performance demands. It isn’t just about what we’re doing, it’s about how we are doing it –we have to be faster and be prepared to look at things differently. Community and working collaboratively is key. business WE HAVE ALREADY INVESTED IN A SOLAR FARM THE SIZE OF EIGHT FOOTBALL PITCHES, WHICH HAS REDUCED IN THE REGION OF 5000 TONNES OF CARBON EMISSIONS TO DATE

A further example Julia provides is the progress being made in 3D printing, or additive layer manufacturing: “This technique enables us to be very precise in terms of the design that can be generated – leading to much less raw material being used. Making a large engine mount for a Typhoon aircraft that used to take 100 weeks can now be completed in just 60 days!”

The creation of innovative products that use alternative fuels, propulsion, battery sources, electrification and hydrogen fuel cells is central to this. The new PHASA-35®, a high-altitude long endurance solar powered vehicle, which can operate within the stratosphere for 12 months without landing or refuelling, is a further example of current innovation. A persistent, low carbon asset that weighs just 150kg.

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tbc lifestyle

anniversary. With health and wellbeing benefits along with the uptake in cycle usage within the city, the cycle path links with the ongoing expansion of cycle routes within the city centre and wider area. BAT BOXES In support InternationalofBat Night last month, Barratt and David Wilson Homes provided a series of tips to welcome the nightime visitors to Lancashire gardens. As part of its efforts to support the local ecosystem with new habitats for wildlife, Barratt and David Wilson Homes has installed bat boxes at its developments at Centurion Village, The Brooks, Inglewhite Meadow, Lightfoot Meadows, Romans Green, Waddow Heights (Barratt) and Waddow Heights (DWH).

LEVELLING UP FUNDING BID

GIFT TO completioninCelebratingLoveanniversarybenefitinFiveCOMMMUNITYTHEgoodcausesLancashirewillfromaspecialgiftwithFromAnwyl.fiveyearsbusinessandtheofits500th

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Preston City Council have submitted a bid for national government funding to make Preston a better place for people to live, work, visit and prosper. The bid, called Active Preston, is for £20m of funding from the Round 2 Levelling Up Fund. The funding bid supports two themed projects focused on the regeneration of Preston’s four main parks and investment in its active travel infrastructure.

Lancashirefinalistsannouncedorganisation,managementboardtheMarketingBACKBOUNCINGLancashire,county’stouristanddestinationhasthefirstintheannualTourismAwards,

home, Anwyl Homes is offering a special community pot to mark the occasion. Although in its relative infancy, Anwyl Homes Lancashire can draw on more than 90 years’ experience of its parent company, the family-run Anwyl Group.

ceremonialTheHANDOVERHARRISHarrismetal key was handed over to Michael Conlon, Chairman of bymonth.ConstructionConlonlastDesignedAlfredGilbertthe key was initially used to open the Harris back in 1893 by Arthur Stanley, the 16th Earl of Derby. Conlon Construction have been appointed as the main contractor for the Harris Your Place project a £14million project to restore and reimagine the Harris.

with around 50 businesses now progressing to the next stage of the competition in 17 categories. Rachel McQueen, Chief Executive said: “Lancashire’s tourism and hospitality businesses are nothing short of remarkable in their resilience and innovation and we look forward to celebrating with all the finalists and our supporters at the Lancashire Tourism Awards in the new year.”

BUSINESS MATTERS

GUILD WHEEL

The Preston Guild Wheel is a 21-mile walking and cycling route, celebratedThetoaPrestonencirclingandprovidinglinkfromthecitythecountryside.routerecentlyits10year

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Preston and Fylde, where business always matters If you have any Business Matters news items contact: jan.woolley@live-magazines.co.uk

RIBBLE CONSERVATION

Bowker BMW and Bowker MINI is volunteering staff time to the Ribble Rivers Trust and they will also invite MINI owners to join them in volunteering activities, including tree planting, clean ups and fencing. For Bowker MINI in Blackburn, Daniel Gibson said: “Many of our staff enjoy the Ribble Valley countryside for recreation and leisure pursuits. Bowker MINI wanted to build on our volunteering and charity partnerships, especially when it comes to helping the local area.”

PENSION SHARING ON DIVORCE: ADVICE IS ESSENTIAL

Reaching agreement Once an agreement on finances has been reached, a financial order must be approved by the Court before agreement on division of assets becomes legally enforceable. A pension sharing order cannot be implemented unless it is part of the financial order following divorce.

napthens.co.uk

Pensions are an asset Sharing pensions upon divorce is a contentious subject, especially for the party with the larger pension! Quite often pensions are a large asset, sometimes the largest asset within the marriage. It is reasonably straight forward ‘This is money.co.uk’ reports that pension sharing orders made by the Court have decreased by one third since the introduction of DIY divorce. With the advent of the new no-fault divorce law in April 2022, things could get worse. Helen Lucking , partner and head of Napthens family team, explains business

Email together@napthens.co.uk or call 0345 671 0276 For life’s biggest challenges Together is better - Live Private Client advert - group of 3 people .indd 1

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A common mistake is to say that each party retains their own pensions, without investigating how much each pension is worth. It is therefore vital to take legal advice from a specialist family solicitor to ensure all possible claims are considered and dealt with appropriately. n No fault divorce is now law, making it relatively straight forward to apply for a divorce online. However, it is extremely important to take legal advice about financial aspects of the marriage following divorce. A divorce dissolves the marriage – if you own a property or have savings or a pension, you also need to sort out financial issues. If you don’t do this, each party is open to a claim from their ex-spouse in future, even years later. Always sort out division of assets before the divorce is finalised.

to share a pension, but it must be done as part of a Court order relating to the finances. A pension sharing order means an amount from one party’s pension is transferred out of their pension pot and placed into a separate pot for the other party. This could be inside the same pension scheme or outside of it, depending upon the type of pension. If there is a dispute as to the amount of pension to be shared or how to divide the pension, advice is often obtained from an actuary. Most parties don’t know the value of their pensions. Long forgotten pensions can sometimes lie hidden but once found can be shared.

04/09/2019 10:06

Helen Lucking is a Partner and Head of Family & Divorce at regional law firm Napthens napthens.co.uk

Moving home. Solving disputes. Divorce. Probate. Estate planning. Complicated issues, often a worry. But the support and advice from our experienced lawyers will guide you through the process. When you’re facing life’s big decisions, together is better.

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Remember, those getting divorced online still need to consider how financial assets of the marriage are to be divided. This is so important – and it’s essential that pensions are considered at that point as part of the overall financial settlement.

Risk Warning: With investing, your capital is at risk. Opinions constitute our judgement as of this date and are subject to change without warning. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance

While soaring inflation drives the cost of living, when times are dark there are usually opportunities to be had, advise the experts at Raymond James Ribble Valley

Thirdly, we are entering a world of de-globalisation, as tensions between the different civilisations break down and countries ‘re-shore’ manufacturing. One of the first things you learn in economics is the law of comparative advantage. It demonstrates that if an economy can manufacture goods or provide services with a lower opportunity cost than another, which has an advantage in producing a different good or service, then by trading there is a net gain to both economies and people will enjoy goods and services more cheaply. If countries choose to trade with less efficient partners and try and produce goods themselves at higher cost, this is indeed inflationary. These elements have been a long time in the making, inflationary pressure had been building for a while even before the pandemic. Re-openings followed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine were just the spark that lit the explosion.

Low-interest rates and central bank stimulus gave a boom in growth stocks and bonds, which lasted over a decade. We now live in a world characterised by soaring inflation driving cost of living crises. In investing, it is dangerous to extrapolate the past to the future. I would ask all investors, are your portfolios prepared for the past decade or the coming one?

F

Raymond James Ribble Valley 8 Berry Lane, Longridge Preston PR3 3JA 01772 ribblevalley.raymondjames.uk.com7803007

The outlook for western economies is grim, central banks are being forced to raise rates, exacerbating cost of living crises and governments have little room to help, having blitzed more than they could afford implementing lockdowns. However, it is important to remember that it is always darkest before dawn and it is when times are dark that opportunities can be purchased at a heavy discount. They must be bought with the future, not the past in mind though.

The hope is that inflation is only temporary, or ‘transitory’ as economists put it. An element will certainly be transitory as supply chains mend and basic material prices ease. However, it would be remiss to ignore a number of factors that are likely to drive inflation and potentially stagflation throughout the next decade. Firstly, working-age populations in the western world are generally shrinking. An even more important shift is now occurring in China, which has exported deflation across the globe by providing a cheap and efficient workforce for over three decades. Now its workforce is reducing and wages are rising. If you believe in the law of supply and demand, it is reasonable to believe that a diminishing global pool of productive

A well-thought-out plan can not only help you work towards realistic goals, but also help you avoid costly mistakes. Reach out to us today for professional, tailored advice so you can look ahead with confidence. n

A DIFFERENT WORLD

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Ribble Valley workers will command higher prices and drive Secondly,inflation.investment in fossil fuels and nuclear has reduced before renewables are able to sufficiently replace them. For example, falling capital expenditure has led to new discoveries of oil and gas falling from 30m barrels of oil equivalent a day in 2012 to just 5m in 2021. And arguably the biggest policy mistake of the last 10 years is that we have less global nuclear output than a decade ago. The problem with wind and solar is that there currently is no way of effectively storing it, so they only supplement the grid when there is enough wind or sun. This lack of investment in fossil fuels and nuclear will be an inflationary force throughout the coming decade as demand will continue to outstrip supply, in absence of severe recessions. or the majority of the past decade or so, the western world lived in a low inflation environment.

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The revolutionary MINI made a startling first impression when launched in 1959 and, millions of sales later, it remains at the forefront of the motoring industry.

And there is actually a strong case for saying that the latest range is the best to date especially when you look through the equipment and features listed under the new standard ‘Premium Pack’.

With its everyday usability, great ride quality, kerb appeal and entertainment value, the MINI Cooper Exclusive with Premium Pack has a big presence, writes Paul Agnew

A true classic British icon, popular the world over, with a place in history guaranteed. You just can’t help but love it. A bit bigger now than the original, which was marketed and sold on being fun, quirky and affordable, the MINI has changed a lot and yet it hasn’t changed much at all.

First up the colour. Zesty Yellow, a new addition to the palette and one that demands immediate attention, particularly when teamed with black. Striking. As for the key features, it’s crammed with practicality. Comfortably capable of seating five passengers, with rear luggage space of 278 litres, the twin turbo 1.5 litre petrol engine delivers so much more but with far less CapableCO2 of 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and with a top speed of 129 mph, you can still reliably expect around 50 mpg.

Photography: Andy Tighe

IT’S A CLASSIC CAR OF ICONIC STATUS WHICH BROKE THE MOULD, REVOLUTIONISED THE INDUSTRY AND BECAME A NATIONAL BEST-SELLER

Let’s take a closer look at one model in particular – the MINI 5-Door Hatch Cooper Exclusive with Premium Pack.

CLASSIC BRITISH ICON

In fact, it’s evolved beautifully, refusing to stand still or rely on former glories. This is still a car with a look and a personality all of its own.

It’s one thing to make a good first impression, it’s something else entirely to sustain a standard and a standing for more than 60 years.

Well, with its broad appeal, everyday usability, great ride quality, kerb appeal and true entertainment value, the answer my friends is quite simple. Anyone with a driving licence! n

motors 109 THE GO-KART FEELING MAKES IT A THRILL TO ZIP AROUND TIGHT CORNERS AND HELPS TO NEGOTIATE NARROW LANES AND HEAVY TRAFFIC Bowker Preston MINI Channel Way, Ashton-on-Ribble Preston PR2 2YA 01772 bowkerprestonmini.co.uk 761234@BowkerMINI@bowker_miniBowkerMotorGroup@BowkerMINI

How they get so much in is an absolute Asmystery.withevery model in the MINI portfolio, the 5-Door Hatch Cooper Exclusive with Premium Pack is automatic and the essential controls are precisely where they should be (many on the steering wheel). So, we’ve now established that this is a small (ish) car with a big presence. Simple, stylish and self-confident – a classic car of iconic status which broke the mould, revolutionised the industry and became a national best-seller. But just who is it aimed at and what’s the target market?

Thanks to a low centre of gravity, wide-track and sporty chassis, the go-kart feeling makes it a thrill to zip around tight corners and helps to negotiate narrow lanes and heavy It’straffic.good to go when and where you want with little effort and heaps of panache. Rear parking sensors, heated front seats, automatic air-conditioning, Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, MINI Navigation System, Teleservices, ISOFIX child seat system and cruise control are among the standard features that make the Premium Pack stand out. All of that on top of ambient lighting, electric folding mirrors, storage pack, MINI driving modes and comfort access. As for functional equipment, there are 60/40 split folding rear seats, boot release via remote control, heated exterior mirrors and windscreen washer jets, height adjustable driver’s seat, height and reach adjustable steering column, MINI Mobility System, remote central locking (two keys) and start/stop button with keyless start. It’s strong on safety too with active pedestrian protection, six airbags, alarm and immobiliser, antilock braking system, dynamic stability control and tyre pressure warning system. Did I mention the media pack with 8.8” centre display screen, Connected Drive services including online search and weather information, intelligent emergency calling or the folding and auto-dimming mirrors?

CraigMichaelPhotography: CraigMichaelPhotography:

A t the start of August England head coach Eddie Jones fired a broadside at the old guard who run rugby in this country. He lambasted their reliance on southernbased public schools like Harrow, who in his opinion, produced players who led a privileged life and lacked ‘resolve’. Of all his players, only Wigan-born Owen Farrell seemed to have anything of the ‘warrior’ mentality about him. Whilst Jones’ observations upset the As Gareth Dyer departs from his role as Director of Rugby at Grasshoppers, he has much to be proud of – a brace of promotions, a league trophy, two Lancashire Cups and a host of records. He speaks to David Fearnhead about the philosophy behind running the renowned Preston club

BUCKING THE TREND

“Something that was working perfectly well in the past that allowed clubs to nurture their own talent has been taken away.” n SO, PART AND PARCEL OF THIS IS ABOUT BEING PART OF A TEAM, BEING FRIENDS AND UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE IF YOU WORK TOGETHER CONNIE HAS DONE FABULOUSLY WELL. ONE OF OUR KEY ROLES IS TO INTRODUCE YOUNG PEOPLE TO RUGBY AND GIVE THEM THE ENVIRONMENT TO LEARN THE GAME IN THE RIGHT WAY

sport 111 pgrfc.co.uk

RFU, he may well have found one North West club more to his liking. Preston Grasshoppers is bucking the trend of falling numbers in amateur rugby. The famed club dates back to 1869, but it isn’t hung up on its 153 years of history. It continues to be the largest community rugby club in the North.

As Gareth Dyer, the long-serving Director of Rugby, steps away to devote more time to his young family, he is leaving behind a club in healthy shape.

“The problem is that very few will get taken on professionally and those who get cut from the game at 17 or 18 have got nothing really then that ties them into it. They drift out of the game and we can’t really afford that in rugby.

“A lot of clubs are finding they are running fewer and fewer teams than they have in the past. You put all that together and there’s somewhere in the region of 700 players ranging from five and six years old up to people in their fifties and sixties.” Anyone watching the recent Commonwealth Games would have been aware of the Rugby Sevens. Here too, Grasshoppers have enjoyed success as past winners of the Lancashire Sevens. Another Hopper’s success story is Connie Clarke, who was recently selected to represent England U18s – making her debut at the Rugby Europe U18 Sevens Championship in Prague. “Connie has done fabulously well,” says Gareth. “One of our key roles is to introduce young people to rugby and give them the environment to learn the game in the right way. Ladies’ rugby is the fastest growing demographic within the sport. For someone like Connie, who started with us at high school age, to go on to achieve what she has is fabulous for us as it signposts to other young ladies that it’s something they could achieve and it’s right on their doorstep.

CraigMichaelPhotography:

“It’s akin to what happened with football. They seem to want to try professionalising them at a younger and younger age and it takes away that enjoyment factor.

“Ladies’ rugby is something we’ve committed ourselves to and we are starting to get some real recognition for it. All of the success we are seeing is probably down to the hard work of Steve Tiernan, who has put his heart and soul into making sure girls’ rugby at Preston is taken seriously. “We do a lot of stuff like team building away from the field which is about giving girls confidence. We talk a lot about empowering young ladies to be confident and make decisions because there is a lot of negative stuff out there that can lead girls to feel anxious or insecure. “So, part and parcel of this is about being part of a team, being friends and understanding what you can achieve if you work together. If individual or team success comes off the back of that then great, but ultimately what we are trying to say is there is a new way of exploring your strengths and skills. You might be good at something you never thought of –so come and give it a try.”

Gareth’s passion for rugby as a social aspect in one’s broader life is something he worries is being squeezed out of the game at youth level as more and more the focus of those in charge of the game, appears to be discovering new talent for pathways into the professional game.

The son of former Hopper’s player Ian Dyer, his connection to the club goes back to playing as a 10-year-old. Now 44, he’s spent most of his life in the game and became one of the youngest directors of rugby when injury curtailed his own playing career at Blackburn in his 20s. “We’ve got around 500 in the youth system which are boys and girls. We’ve got a fast-growing ladies’ section, with two ladies’ teams last season. In terms of the adult mens we are still managing to have five or six teams out on a Saturday, which is very much against what’s happening elsewhere in the country.

HIGHEST HONOUR C

As a Northcote kitchen apprentice, budding chefs will work closely with Lisa and will be enrolled with Northcote’s training provider, which works together with the kitchen management team to schedule and oversee education, progression and development from start to finish. Over the two-year programme, apprentices will have the opportunity to gain paid work experience.

“A huge shout-out and thank you to my incredible teams at Northcote and The Stafford London, without them, none of this would be possible.”

Lisa’s work with young aspiring chefs has resulted in her spearheading a Northcote apprenticeship programme that gives youngsters a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the Northcote team.

As the 2022 Chef of the Year, Lisa is renowned for her fantastic training culture and is incredibly passionate about developing talent that will help create a path for successful careers. Lisa works across the whole kitchen, managing the team, developing new dishes, handling the commercial side of the kitchen and creating a passionate and positive place in which the team can work.

Offering flexibility for its employees, Northcote’s apprentices work a 40-hour week at set times and also have a number of benefits including: • Up to 50 per cent staff discount on food and beverages throughout the Stafford Collection

The award, which is considered the highest honour of the evening and is seen as an indicator of the top chef in the country in any one year, is chosen by a panel of industry judges.

• Staff accommodation if required

• Up to £3,000 bonus paid bi-monthly

• Reward Gateway membership • Support in entering top industry competitions. n If you are an aspiring young chef and would like to join Northcote’s apprenticeship programme courtney.maksymow@northcote.comcontact:

Recently awarded the UK’s highest culinary accolade, Lancashire’s Lisa Goodwin-Allen is spearheading a ground-breaking apprenticeship programme giving young chefs a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity northcote.com

NORTHCOTE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

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hef Lisa Goodwin-Allen has been named as the 2022 winner of the Chef Award at the Catey’s.

The prestigious awards, known as the ‘hospitality Oscars’, celebrate the best and strongest performing individuals within the Lisa,industry.wholives and works in Lancashire, is executive chef of Michelin-starred Northcote as well as being director of The Game Bird and American Bar at The Stafford London. At the awards she was praised for her work ethic and exquisite cooking. A delighted Lisa said: “Wow! It really is so amazing to be recognised by my peers and to be awarded the Chef Award. It’s such an honour and it brings a tear to my eye. “A Catey is one of those awards that you strive to win in your lifetime. I feel like it’s a dream come true. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and believed in me.

LISA IS RENOWNED FOR HER FANTASTIC TRAINING CULTURE AND IS INCREDIBLY PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING TALENT THAT WILL HELP CREATE A PATH FOR

• Discounts with Pride of Britain hotels

SUCCESSFUL CAREERS WOW! IT REALLY IS SO AMAZING TO BE RECOGNISED BY MY PEERS AND TO BE AWARDED THE CHEF AWARD. IT’S SUCH AN HONOUR AND IT BRINGS A TEAR TO MY EYE

After successfully completing the apprenticeship, all students will be offered a permanent contract as a Northcote chef and the scheme will continue to invest in their development, offering future promotional opportunities. Successful apprentices will receive a Level 2 or 3 qualification in Professional Cookery.

Last year Lisa took over the direction of The Stafford London’s renowned restaurant, The Game Bird, working collaboratively with executive chef Jozef Rogulski. Her adventurous menus are bursting with flavour and tap into celebrated ingredients, delivering on taste and artistic flair. At the Catey Awards, Lisa was described by the judges as having significantly impacted the hospitality industry over the past year, being an incredibly hard-working individual who embraces, showcases and develops young talent – a great, inspirational role model and shining light.

With ambitious expansion plans and stateof-the-art facilities, Northcote is looking to bring in fresh talent to its apprenticeship programme and is on the lookout for five individuals who are enthusiastic about hospitality and want to learn from the best.

LOVE LETTER LANCASHIRE…TO

With autumn comes local seasonal produce that when put in the right hands, can be created into showstopping dishes, writes Emma Brereton.

Photography: Roger Moore

Invited to taste the new menu at Vinro, I was looking forward to meeting chef Tom Gardner, who has more than 25 years’ experience within hotels, fine dining and as head chef for a premier league football club, he has brought all of his knowledge to Vinro and is delighting diners with his exceptional talent. His new menu, simply put, is a love letter to Lancashire. It uses locally sourced ingredients all of which you would associate with autumn. It results in plates of food that not only look beautiful and taste delicious but display outstanding skill and passion for flavour, composition and the best ingredients this beloved county has to offer. When we arrive, we are welcomed warmly. The first course to tantalise our tastebuds is a starter called the Forest of Bowland. It is a vegan dish which Tom hopes will tempt those who aren’t confident

One of the charming things about Vinro is that with only a few well-spaced-out tables, you feel lucky to be dining there and enjoying its culinary creations. However, with a small restaurant comes a small kitchen which makes the level of food, Tom and his sous chef Steve produce, nothing short of remarkable. The first main course is presented.

Fillet of beef with pomme Anna layered with ox-cheek, heritage carrots and bonemarrow jus. The fillet of beef is cooked to pink perfection but it’s the pomme Anna that takes the limelight here. How can a meal look so elegant but be as comforting as eating a roast dinner on a rainy Sunday afternoon? The depth in flavour is phenomenal! The second main course is fish and I’m glad I chose a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to accompany the oven-roasted hake that’s brought to the table. The hake has a crispy potato and smoked bacon topping and is accompanied by pickled cockles, confit potatoes, samphire and a vermouth based pouring sauce. I think it’s the interesting food combinations that will draw customers to this restaurant. The hake is substantial yet delicate and the cockles are so sweet that any memory of eating them out of a polystyrene tub with a plastic fork, doused in vinegar, during a day at the beach, are banishedThankfullyforever.we find room for dessert –the first is a vanilla panna cotta with green apple sorbet, poached blackberries and a blackberry jelly. It’s light and fun in a very sophisticated way! The apple sorbet is the big surprise. It is refreshing yet so moreish. That’s what’s wonderful about Vinro – the food surprises you and broadens the palette.

An intimate restaurant on Liverpool Road in Penwortham, Vinro is casual yet stylish – it’s a place you must make an effort to visit! n

with vegan choices. A collection of wild mushrooms sits on a sprinkling of malt soil with artichokes, flakes of truffle and a quenelle of pistachio butter, which adds an exciting texture complementing the mushrooms perfectly. A second starter arrives. Wood pigeon with black pudding, a fig puree, grilled red chard finished with a red wine jus. If you like strong flavours, this starter is a must. Tom has chosen wood pigeon because game is rich in taste and wood pigeon is often a wasted meat. Every mouthful is savoured before we move onto the main course.

Tom makes everything from scratch.

For opening times visit the website. Bookings for up to four people can be made via the website and for parties of five and more, contact the restaurant directly. food&drink 115 01772 vinro.co.uk369100

Everything at Vinro is made on site and is provided by suppliers in Lancashire including Gornalls Dairy, Penny’s Meats and My Fish at Fleetwood. Tom speaks to them daily and often purchases extra items that go towards a specials menu.

The second dessert is a take on traditional cherry Bakewell – a cherry mousse with poached cherries, almond meringue and an almond gel. It’s exquisite, isn’t over-facing and doesn’t take away from the other courses we thoroughly enjoyed.

Tom says: “I can’t wait to officially launch this menu. I hope diners like and appreciate what we have created and come back to see what we can do with other ingredients that come our way.”

n our summer issue back in June I had the opportunity to chat to Nigel Haworth about his ‘farm to fork’ philosophy and how this lifelong dream was shaping up. This month I had the chance to taste the incredible harvest and I have to say it was truly sublime. Having just recovered from another bout of Covid I was a little apprehensive to test out my tastebuds, but the intensity of flavours made a truly lasting impression on me.

THE PROOF OF THE PUDDINGI

The food options settle into a three, five and signature seven-course tasting menu to satisfy everyone’s appetite and personal choice. We were able to taste five amazing courses with some signature treats to top and tail our al fresco lunch. I must also make the point that the service levels were top notch, the front of house team were engaging, knowledgeable and passionate about both food and wine and had a genuine interest in our feedback, taking great pride in their jobs and excelling on everySpacelevel.doesn’t allow me the luxury of talking about each of the courses in detail, I must however highlight one or two stand-outs as they were truly delicious. Our hay-smoked organic tomatoes were served in their own consommé with tiny garden herbs and elderflower, a superb summer dish and each element executed perfectly. I’d have been happy if the meal had ended there it was so good – but it was just about to start.

Six courses £100 pp with welcome drink

Nigel explained that many of the ingredients on today’s menu were picked around 4am that morning then prepped to be ready for a busy lunchtime service. I was being joined for lunch by my good friend Jason, whose son works at the Fishes – we were in for a treat.

Tedd Walmsley experiences a sublime five-course menu at The Three Fishes – and discovers a dessert that is the best he has ever tasted ANDREW PERN FROM THE STAR AT HAROME

Wednesday 21st September 2022 7pm for 7.30pm

THE THREE THE THREE PARKINSON SIGNS PAGE 02 THE THREE FISHES LOGO TREATMENT

The slow-cooked duck leg with crispy potatoes was packed with flavour, pickled vegetables enhanced the dish and made us savour each delicious mouthful and accompanied by an excellent wine pairing. Our only midweek indulgence was a white rioja from an impressive list served with our lobster and perfectly matched. Nigel and the team have thought carefully about these wines and have done an excellent job with their pairings. Perhaps the most surprising dish was, on paper, quite simple – a yoghurt soufflé with a raspberry ice cream – now this really did knock our socks off – quite simply one of the best puddings I’ve ever tasted. A bold statement from someone who’s had a lot of puddings, but it really was! As Jason and I sat back replete, we both paid our compliments to the chef. to be savoured so please allow plenty of time for this true gastronomic experience and take advantage of the few remaining Saturday night tables. Let’s not forget the excellent plant-based options and the stunning Sunday lunch offering. As autumn unfolds there will be a series of collaborative events with friends of Nigel which are sure to be sell-outs. They start with Andrew Pern from the Star at Harome in September and the legend that is Ken Hom in October – we are so lucky have these doyennes of hospitality right here in the Ribble Valley. Make sure you keep an eye on both social media and the website for full details. I’ve no doubt Nigel will continue to inject themed events using local produce to demonstrate the amazing bounty both from the sea and his preferred suppliers. Last but by no means least Christmas at the Fishes has just been released – more details in next month’s article but for those wanting to book early, the website has all the details. It’s going to be a busy few months but Nigel and the team have it all in hand to offer you a warm welcome. n As we move into September no doubt the menus will be tweaked to match the autumn harvest and I’m told just today to expect aubergines, kohlrabi, pumpkins and a variety of autumn fruit. Of the main additions to the menu options is the introduction of the new seven-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing, already proving popular –this is Nigel in all his glory. The menu has

food&drink 117 Three @3fishesmitton@thethreefishesmittonthethreefishesmittonthethreefishes.co.uk01254MittonMittonFishesRoadBB79PQ826666KEN HOM Friday 14th October 2022 7pm for 7.30pm Six courses £125 pp with welcome drink Christmas at The Fishes available to book online THIS IS A TRUE GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE SO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FEW REMAINING SATURDAY NIGHT TABLES

The new fillings have launched just as sale donations have hit the £250,000 milestone for the UK’s leading end of life care charity Marie Curie. James Hall & Co is SPAR UK’s primary wholesale and distributor for the North of England, and services 600 SPAR stores across the region from its base at Bowland View in Preston.

James Hall & Co has created four delicious new fillings in the new SPAR Food To Go range as Marie Curie sandwich sales reach £250,000 in donations. Available in SPAR stores across the North West, the new flavours include chicken club, honey and mustard chicken, cheese and carrot chutney and seafood cocktail. Complementing the new sandwiches are three tasty new wraps that have been introduced to the range including cajun chicken, onion bhaji and tomato and basil.

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 Fylde a region of outstanding gastronomy. If you have any Food Bites news items contact: jan.woolley@live-magazines.co.uk

Choc Amor was established in 2012 by husband and wife team Paul and Jacqui Williams. Speaking about the Great Taste awards, Paul, head chocolatier at Choc Amor, located at Cedar Farm said: “We were uncertain if we would enter any awards this year but decided last minute to go for it and we were delighted to have such positive news.

“This takes our overall awards tally to the magical number of 54!”

Bowland Brewery has taken its first step into the world of distilling with the launch of its first gin, Bowland No.1. Based at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe, the brewery invited business people from across Lancashire to sample the new product. Bowland No.1 is a classic London Dry gin which has been created in a copper still located at the back of the Bistro, Bar & Grill at Holmes Mill. The gin is made using juniper, orange and chamomile botanicals. CHARITY BOOST

Great Taste, the world’s most coveted blind-tasted food awards, which celebrates the very best in food and drink, has announced the Great Taste stars of 2022. Out of 14,500 products to be judged, Lancashire’s Choc Amor was awarded three Great Taste awards.

FO D BITES!

TRIPLE AWARD WINNER

A One-Star Award was given for their ‘clever and harmonious’ Dark Chocolate with Coffee bar. This consists of a single origin Colombian 61 per cent dark chocolate with coffee sourced from a local coffee roaster in Cedar Farm.

A One-Star Award was given for Choc Amor’s Dark Chocolate with Kalamata Olive Oil bar. This consists of a single origin Colombian 61 per cent dark chocolate flavoured with first press Greek Kalamata olive oil. The panel commented: “On tasting it is incredibly smooth and there are definite olive notes mingling with the bitter-sweet chocolate. It has a lovely, rounded finish too.”

GIN LAUNCH

This year’s Great Taste awards included a Two-Star Award given for Choc Amor’s Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt and Nibs bar. This consists of a single origin Colombian 61 per cent dark chocolate with Halen Mon pure sea salt and Colombian roasted cocoa nibs. The judging panel said: “Beautifully balanced level of salt and the cocoa nibs add crunch and interest in texture. A moreish, grown-up chocolate.”

To find out more about the Clifton Arms’ Christmas menus and events go to: cliftonarmslytham.com

Tedd and Liz Walmsley and friends sample the stunning new menu at the Clifton Arms in Lytham.

A FABULOUS FOOD EXPERIENCE

Our evening came to an end and having exceeded all our expectations we’ll most definitely be visiting again. Don’t be put off by the fact The Brasserie is located in the hotel – there’s a great ambience, a team of staff who clearly love delivering exceptional service and while I think I have the food covered, I forgot to say – it’s actually great value for money too! n

Signature classics include ox cheek Bourguignon, chicken supreme and fish and chips and there are also some great daily specials, including pies (the pastry is gluten free and totally delicious) absolutely packed full of, in our case, chicken and leek. There’s also catch of the day and a roast of the Considerationday. has also been given to vegetarian and vegan diners with a selection of delicious and varied choices. I managed to secure the superfood salad – a substantial meal in itself, though I was told by Carl that the vegan sweet potato and spinach curry was particularly tasty.

Photography: Roger Moore

Portion sizes were generous too, Trina’s hake fillet was impressive and if you’re extra hungry there’s a choice of additional sides available – although, I was pleased to see that most of the main dishes are accompanied by potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Having eaten my way through starters and a main, I intended to pass on dessert –but with chocolate brownie, sticky toffee pudding and waffles served with caramelized bananas and salted caramel ice-cream –abstinence was not an option. Having been blown away by the vegetarian and vegan choices I tucked into a vegan apple and raspberry crumble with custard and ice cream – which was thoroughly delicious.

Clifton Arms Hotel West Beach, Lytham FY8 5QJ 01253 cliftonarmslytham.com739898

ather than battening down the hatches during enforced lockdown closures, the family-owned Clifton Arms saw an opportunity to embark on an impressive programme of improvements – exterior landscaping and the creation of the drinks terrace. Inside it’s a similar story, with the re-modelling of the bar and public areas and with The Brasserie complete, the refurbishment programme is ongoing across the rest of the hotel. Whilst this work continues, there’s also been lots going on behind the scenes in the kitchen with head chef Scott Anderson and his team working on an impressive new brasserie menu offering all-day dining. Joined by good friends Carl and Trina, we were lucky to sample a wide range of new dishes at a recent launch. Well thought through, the menu comprises everything from light bites through to a substantial meal.

R

Our selection of starters included crispy squid and sweet chilli sauce, king prawns in chilli lemon and garlic butter and a moreish lamb kofta. A creamy dish of gorgonzola mushrooms with basil oil and parmesan crisp was simply delicious – quite a statement for someone who doesn’t generally eat mushrooms. Sharing a selection of starters was great as we all got to sample each dish –there was a debate over who was having the last king prawn, but it ended well.

WWW.BARPINTXOS.CO.UK

Generating lots of column inches, this psychological thriller stars Harry Styles in his biggest movie role to date, alongside the award-winning Florence Pugh.

This is an enchanting tale about a widowed cleaning lady in 1950’s London who falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress and decides she wants one of her own. Lesley Manville captivates in the title role as a woman pursuing her dreams despite many obstacles in her way – one of which is the formidable director at the House of Dior played by Isabelle Huppert. With buckets of old-fashioned charm and a winning central performance, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is the feel-good movie we all need right now. n Julia Roberts and George Clooney reunite on the big screen in this charming crowd pleaser set in Bali. They play squabbling exes who find themselves united in trying to stop their daughter marrying a guy she’s just met. Thanks to their undeniable chemistry and sharp dialogue, this rom com is a cut above the rest. It’s 20 years since Roberts last appeared in a comedy and she recently revealed there was only one way the script could work – with George Clooney. Happily they both signed up and the result is a joy to watch. n

Release Date: 30th September Director: Anthony Fabian Starring: Lesley Manville and Isabelle Huppert Certificate: PG

TICKET TO PARADISE

Certificate: TBC

OPERA HOUSE: MADAMA BUTTERFLY

Release Date: 16th September Director: Ol Parker Starring: Julia Roberts and George Clooney Certificate: TBC

Certificate: ROYALTBC

Check out the latest movie releases being shown at The Flower Bowl in Preston. For more information visit: theflowerbowl.uk

The result is a poignant interpretation of Puccini’s entrancing and heartbreaking opera. Seize the opportunity to see the world’s greatest tear-jerker in a beautiful theatre. n

Release Date: 23rd September Director: Olivia Wilde Starring: Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine and Gemma Chan

Release Date: 27th September Directors: Olivia Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier

MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

ON SCREEN

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Pugh stars as a 1950’s housewife living with her husband in a utopian experimental community. Life seems perfect but she begins to worry that his glamorous company may be hiding disturbing secrets. The highly stylised production has echoes of the classic Stepford Wives and the trailer promises lots of suspense and thrills. n

Starring: Maria Agresta and Joshua Guerrero

DON’T WORRY DARLING

The Royal Opera House’s beautiful performance of Madama Butterfly comes to the big screen. Working with a team including experts on Japanese movement and design, revival director Dan Dooner has made sensitive changes to the production to add greater authenticity and historic accuracy.

Having lost everything – his family, home, career, and every personal possession bar his watch and a few pieces of sheet music – for this pianist, it is music that plays the ultimate role in ensuring his survival, keeping his spirits optimistic, occupying his mind when he is forced to go into hiding and enabling him to form some powerful connections with some very unexpected acquaintances that, it turns out, might just change his life. It is through the power of music and the hope that he may, some day, sit down at a piano and play once more, that the pianist finds the strength to overcome that which might ordinarily destroy even the hardiest of human spirits.

Serving as an antidote to the lighthearted tales of summer romance that usually cover the supermarket shelves at this time of year, Wladyslaw Szpilman’s The Pianist shares the haunting story of one man’s fight to survive in the Warsaw ghetto during the German occupation in World War II. Beautifully complemented with a foreword written by his son, in which it’s claimed that our writer is not a writer at all, but in fact a very talented musician, Szpilman’s words nevertheless seem to jump off the page and come to life, serving as a poignant reminder that the atrocities and human suffering that are by now so firmly planted in history, can never, and should never, be erased from our collective psyche. Szpilman shares with us his unique outlook on life, rich with intelligence and a certain level of poetry that’s perhaps surprising to come from someone who we’re told, first and foremost, is not a writer.

The afterword, provided by Wolf Biermann, serves to further contextualise Szpilman’s memoir and shares with us the fact that Szpilman did not hesitate to make this record of events, and in fact got to work straight away in writing of his experiences as a Jew in the Second World War.

The result is a raw, real and unfiltered account of the events that transpired, and the language is honest. This being said, despite the level of suffering that was ultimately delivered by the hands of German soldiers, and despite the fact that these accounts were noted before our writer had had the chance to fully process the trauma that would no doubt come as a result, there isn’t one line in his memoir in which he expresses an urge to enact any degree of revenge, or witness any level of suffering, for the people who took everything from him. Rather, his narrative is a powerful one, brimming with hope and tales of human endurance. His is a story which seeks to provide us not only with a true account of this period of history, untarnished by time and those trauma responses that inevitably affect memory, but it also seeks to provide us with a very valuable lesson about what it means, and the strength it takes, to believe in the good in people.

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THE WladyslawPIANISTSzpilman

GOOD READ

Lauren Molyneux curls up with a good book to review a latest best seller

A stunning selection of properties for sale across Preston and the Fylde

OIRO

PLOT

OFFERS OVER

LANE BARN GOOSE LANE, CHIPPING PR3

PROPERTY SHOWCASE

The Carrington at D’Urton Grange is an impressive three-bedroom detached home, perfect for family life with lots of space and added storage. There is a sizeable living room and separate open plan contemporary Signature kitchen/dining with integrated appliances and direct access to the ground floor landscaped rear garden. Off the kitchen is a handy utility and storage cupboard. There is a master bedroom and Porcelanosa tiled en-suite, two further well-proportioned bedrooms, a family bathroom and an additional storage cupboard on the first floor. Externally this home benefits from turfed rear garden and double driveway.

Family mealtimes or entertaining friends, the open-plan kitchen/dining area creates the perfect sociable space in this property. In warmer months, play or party outside with double doors opening to the garden. T he kitchen leads to a separate utility room and WC. The generously proportioned lounge with bay window provides a more formal space. Four large bedrooms and a family bathroom occupy the upper floor, allowing plenty of flexibility for a playroom or home office. di ckiemoorehomes.co.uk 162, PR3 5AX £850,000 18 FY5 4GX £325,000 Set on the edge of Chipping, this lovely four bedroom property has a stunning rural backdrop and extensive gardens to all sides. With superb gardens and six reception rooms it is ideal for a busy family and for entertaining. The attractive, stone-built barn conversion includes a detached stable building and timber pole barn, currently acting as a studio/workshop. For those seeking a work-life balance this is a property not to be missed. abarnett.co.uk

DUNLOP THORNTON-CLEVELEYSDRIVE

GOOSE 2QB £975,000

THE CARRINGTON D’URTON GRANGE, PRESTON PR3 5EY HALLIDAYS£263,000 FARM BARTON LANE, BARTON

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business opportunity, this fantastic property offers an attractive well-presented detached character home along with a building operating with 26 kennels and a range of equestrian facilities – ideal for a person looking to run a business from home or who would like a change in lifestyle. Dating back to 1734 in part, this four-bedroom farmhouse is well positioned on the outskirts of Barton, with mature gardens and separate access allowing privacy to the property from the business. Set in 2.8 acres, the equestrian facilities include menage, four stables and grazing paddocks. abarnett.co.uk

Alaurushomes.co.ukwonderfulrural

SPACE

CONTACT US TODAY: Phone: 0161 968 0300 Email: sales@laurushomes.co.uk Visit: laurushomes.co.uk D’Urton Grange Preston PR3 5EY Call us on 0161 968 0124 or email: durtongrange@laurushomes.co.uk Hollins Green Forton PR3 0AA Call us on 0161 968 0530 or email: hollinsgreen@laurushomes.co.uk

everyone A SPACE FOR OUR CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN PRESTON – Prices from £245,000 – Prices from £205,000

A THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU... organisation is built on a very solid foundation - the philosophy of ‘a home for everyone’. This principle drives us to provide better homes and places to live in the North West and further afield. It’s also why we offer a range of purchase options across our developments, including Help to Buy on eligible homes and our Move Easy scheme, where we could contribute towards your estate agents fees if you have a property to sell. With developments across Lancashire, Laurus homes are proud to be creating new neighbourhoods closely connected to the community. Our range of stylish homes are designed with modern living in mind to give you the space you need.

Our

Treales, Preston Offers Over

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OPEN DAY – 25 SEPTEMBER – 12 - 2pm – CALL TO BOOK. Set in the heart of Treales village with access to excellent schools, the coast and road networks, is this modern family property. The spacious, detached home, built in 2015, is beautifully presented by the current vendors and has been well-planned to accommodate modern living with an open dining kitchen, five bedrooms and five bathrooms. £575,000

Elegant and charming, this beautiful property has been improved to an excellent specification. six-bedroom home to include a stunning Clive Christian kitchen and retractable dining table, beautiful bathrooms and wonderful reception spaces. All set in grounds of above one acres in a rural, but not isolated, location.

Much Hoole, Preston Offers Over £1,500,000

OPEN DAY – 25 SEPTEMBER – 12 - 2pm – CALL TO BOOK. A charming property offering generous, family-sized accommodation set in spacious grounds on the edge of Weeton. Well-presented, this five-bedroom period home has been improved by the vendor over the years to an excellent standard. With outdoor space for entertaining, and orchard/paddock and adjacent field offering potential for those with equestrian or agricultural interests. Preston Offers Over £1,000,000

Weeton,

Set in peaceful surroundings with beautiful rural views, this is a lifestyle property that has been considerably modernised by the current owners. This charming, four-bedroom country home offers spacious family accommodation to include three reception rooms and well-maintained gardens. It is within short distance to Garstang and its many amenities. Barnacre, Preston Offers Over £725,000

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Family mealtimes or entertaining friends, the open-plan kitchen/dining area creates the perfect sociable space. In warmer months, play or party outside with double doors opening to the garden. The kitchen leads to a separate utility room and WC. The generously proportioned lounge with bay window provides a more formal space. Four large bedrooms and a family bathroom occupy the upper floor, allowing plenty of flexibility for a playroom or home Remoteoffice.Wi-Fi enabled heating and hot water, sleek internal doors, chrome ironmongery, solar PV panels, energy-saving insulation, car charging port and so the list goes on… We understand that your quality of life is very much dictated by the quality of your living space, and so attention to detail is paramount at every turn.

To enquire contact Ruth Darbyshire 01253 857 555 | ruth@uniquesales.co.uk 23 Victoria Road East, Thornton-Cleveleys FY5 5HT

If you have a site that you wish to sell, get in touch via our website and complete our enquiry form. There may be sites which ZMA would purchase without planning approval, subject to planning approval or enter into a joint venture arrangement. Please provide us with the site address and the ownership boundary and we will do the rest. n

T he hardest part of starting a project is finding the right piece of land. It is one of our most frequent requests from clients who contact us asking: “We are ready to create our dream home but can’t find a piece of land. Do you have any?” We have a growing database of clients requiring land throughout the North West, from the Ribble Valley, Greater Manchester, Rossendale and even Cheshire – and this is where you come in. When people think of a piece of land, they picture a beautiful green field surrounded by open countryside and rolling hills. However, land comes in many different shapes and sizes. Sites don’t need to be empty, green or beautiful to be a suitable piece of land. Remember, before land is developed it The location of a site determines the redevelopment potential, say the experts at Zara Moon Architects, who are always on the lookout for land Zara Moon Architects We transform sites, buildings, and lives. Unit 37, Mitton Road Business Park Mitton Road, Whalley BB7 9YE 01200 zaramoonarchitects.co.ukenquiries@zaramoonarchitects.co.uk403840

Sites can include old garages, stabling, barns, commercial buildings and even an existing house. You may have a large garden which could fit another property on, a mill or a site which once contained a structure. Sites don’t need to be in the middle of nowhere, a site could sit between two buildings, be within a town or village or include a building worthy of retention.

WE WANT YOUR LAND IF YOU HAVE A SITE THAT YOU WISH TO SELL, GET IN TOUCH VIA OUR WEBSITE

Planning policies vary dramatically based on which local authority your site is within, the specific town or village and the specific location in relation to the defined settlement boundary. Therefore, sites don’t always have to work for housing or individual dwellings, it may be the case that an alternative use is more appropriate and acceptable in terms of planning policy or viability.

The location of the land determines the redevelopment potential based on the relevant planning policies for each individual site. For example, a site may not be acceptable for certain types of development, but there could be alternative uses which would be acceptable.

130 property may be untidy and unkempt with existing structures – sites can be transformed into high-quality developments by thinking outside the box.

For more information or to book a tour, 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 We would welcome the opportunity to share our school with you. If you can’t make the dates above, don’t worry. We offer tours all year round at a time that suits you. Thursday 6th October 5pm – 8pm OPEN EVENTSSaturday8thOctober 10am – 1pm

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