23 minute read
NOT DROWNING, BUT WAVING
It would be a lucky person indeed who had navigated the last eighteen months without worries around family, jobs, finances, or mental health. The crisis has brought to a head many everyday stresses we place ourselves under, thanks to life’s increasing pace and pressure.
In a month where mental health is given the prominence it deserves, artist Carla Raads is driving for open, honest and supportive conversations about stress and depression. It’s also intrinsically linked to the unique and very hands-on way she creates her artwork, as I am to discover.
Born and raised on the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa, Carla’s family knew they could always find her on the beach, as she describes: “In thrall to the sound, the powerful thunder of the rising tide.”
Moving aged 16 to the UK with her family and settling on the Fylde coast, the
THE LYTHAM ARTIST PAINTING UP A STORM TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH
With rising mental health issues exacerbated by the Covid pandemic creating a perfect storm for an already overstretched NHS, Kate Bowyer meets Carla Raads, whose very personal journey through depression has led to her creating her own ‘perfect storms’ – on canvas
familiarity of the sea helped Carla feel at home, and sealed her lifelong love of the wildest elements of nature.
Studying fine art at Blackpool College, Carla went on to study design and interiors at Manchester Metropolitan University, after which her striking looks were spotted by a modelling scout. The unplanned and high-octane 12-year modelling, acting and presenting career which followed led to her paintbrushes lying fallow for longer and longer periods.
Looking at the powerful, vivid sea and skyscapes gracing the walls of her light-filled Lytham home, it’s hard to envisage the dark path that drew Carla back to rediscovering her creativity ten years later. Describing that moment, Carla simply holds up her hands.
“These are my only paintbrushes and I like to say that makes them bigger than anyone else’s! It certainly wasn’t planned, in 2017, I was in a loving, stable relationship, happily pregnant, but then I sank into severe postnatal depression. Something so many women suffer from, I really want to help remove the stigma that can still cloak women getting help. Outside you present a ‘front’ of coping – being a mum, breast feeding, robotically putting meals on the table, but inside you are totally lost, and terrified.
“It’s like being lost in a crowd. My husband and family were, and continue to be, incredibly supportive, and I had a great group of mums around me, but I think that’s what women especially do, we blame ourselves for failing unrealistic high standards, and tell ourselves we’re undeserving of help. Because I had bonded with my son, I didn’t even realise this crippling tiredness, anxiety and disconnect could be postnatal depression, I blamed hormones and my own inadequacies – sounds familiar?” I find myself nodding.
“I’m hoping by sharing my personal journey I can help women find the strength to find their own voice, self-worth, and path to health. In the depths of it, one night I couldn’t sleep and was overtaken by an urgent desire to paint. After 10 years, I had no oils or canvases, I used some old flooring, and a pot of emulsion left over from the decorating! I never even looked for brushes, instinctively I just plunged my hands into the pot and spread them across the canvas.”
Carla’s first paintings were of dark, stormy, encroaching seas: “I continue to paint through instinct, using my bare hands to channel the energy of the elements,” she says, leading me into her basement studio, where she worked first when son Clifton was in bed, and now while he is at school. “It was only when I realised the storms had given way to vibrant, powerful waves and sun-gilded, scudding clouds, I realised my vision was literally, like my health, looking up.”
Now a full-time artist, exhibiting her work via Instagram also gives Carla a platform to share her story and connect, inspire and help other women: “I’m lucky to have my art, but I don’t consider myself special, or a victim, I feel more like a warrior, as we all can be! I don’t regret anything, including my time away from art, I would not be the artist and person I am without those life experiences.
“Modelling in itself is an art form, you are a creative tool helping realise someone’s vision. It also taught me discipline, and the thick skin you need as an artist, just like any self-employed person, or anyone faced with significant life and career changes, post-Covid.”
They say a picture paints a thousand words, but what message would Carla choose? “That everyone deserves to be well, mentally as well as physically. Value yourself enough to ask for help, dream big and remember the dark periods don’t last. Storms can be a blessing and the light will eventually shine through. Keep pushing forward and keep focussed on something that you love. It might be art, singing or even just getting out for a run – but whatever your thing is, know you are not alone, you’re amazing and worth it.” n
artbyraads.com
BLACKPOOL’S ILLUMINATIONS
3rd September – 3rd January 2022 The greatest free light show is back! The Illuminations are to have a two-month extension like last year. Intended to give the resort’s hard-hit tourism industry an added boost with the Covid-19 pandemic expected to cause further disruption over the first few months of the new year. visitblackpool.com YOU WIN AGAIN – CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF THE BEE GEES
Lowther Pavillion – 13th October
Direct from London’s West End, You Win Again – Celebrating The Music of the Bee Gees. Prepare to experience the distinct sound of one of the greatest bands to have ever graced the stage in this unforgettable concert spectacular. lowtherpavillion.co.uk
OWD BARN POP UP MARKET
Spencers Farm – 16th October, 10am-4pm Head on over to the Owd Barn Bispham for their pop up market, which has a great array of stalls selling: artisan bread and cheeses, wax melts and bath products, wood turning and wicker weaving and so much more. Rufford Road Bispham L40 3SA owdbarn.com THE NICK ROSS ORCHESTRA – SOUNDS OF THE GLENN MILLER ERA
Lowther Pavillion – 17th October
Many years before the Beatles stepped onto the world’s most famous zebra crossing, Glenn Miller made his last known recording at London’s Abbey Road Studios on Monday 27 November 1944, just a few short weeks before he “disappeared” on December 15 of that same year. lowtherpavillion.co.uk
LADIES SHOPPING AFTERNOON Hesketh Bank Community Centre – 30th October, 2pm-5pm Charity Fundraising event for S.E.E.D. Charity Lancashire (Support and Education for Eating Disorders)! Browse in the newly built venue and purchase those lovely things we ladies enjoy or those well planned, early Christmas presents. Hesketh Bank Community Centre Station Road, Hesketh Bank, Preston BR4 6SR ED BYRNE: IF I’M HONEST
Lowther Pavilion – 3rd November
Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has ANY traits that are worth passing on to his children. lowtherpavillion.co.uk
ELF THE MUSICAL – 21st-31st OCTOBER
Christmas is arriving in Blackpool early this year as Elf arrives at the Opera House this October. Elf: The Musical features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). FRIENDSFEST LIVE – 5th-19th NOVEMBER FriendsFest will include all the best festive experiences from previous years, including giving fans the chance to recreate the titles in the snow with a digital snow globe photo op, and of course, no holiday season would be complete without a visit to The Holiday Armadillo’s Grotto. Could this BE any more exciting?! Guests will also be able to kick back and relax whilst watching some of the best seasonal moments from the greatest TV show of all time.
COLLABRO – 6th NOVEMBER Featuring the Electric Youth Theatre Company Choir The world’s most successful musical theatre vocal group, COLLABRO, have announced their Greatest Hits tour performing some their most memorable tracks including ‘Stars’, ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘Defying Gravity’. MAGIC GOES WRONG – 24th-27th NOVEMBER Back with their biggest comedy catastrophe to date, multi award-winning Mischief (The Play That Goes Wrong, BBC One’s The Goes Wrong Show) return to the stage with their hilarious new show created with magic legends, Penn & Teller. Raising the bar with their dare-devil stunts, jaw-dropping feats and irresistible comedy genius, Mischief’s Magic Goes Wrong comes direct from the West End. Book your tickets now, before they vanish out of sight (or sellout!). Penn & Teller are co-creators of the show and won’t be appearing on stage.
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – 6th-11th DECEMBER The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity. HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL – 13th DEC - 2nd JAN 2022 Experience the magic of Hairspray The Musical this Christmas with the whole family! Starring John Thomson (Cold Feet, The Fast Show) in his musical theatre stage debut as Wilbur Turnblad alongside musician, actress and television presenter Brenda Edwards (Chicago, We Will Rock You, The X Factor, Loose Women and Songs of Praise) as Motormouth Maybelle.
WHAT’S ON – CHRISTMAS
FOR THE KIDS
In Leyland Farington Lodge are hosting several events for kids including a Christmas Disco on Sunday 5th December with festive fun and games and a visit from Santa along with a deluxe afternoon tea. Barton Grange are also hosting Christmas Parties for kids this December, including Elf Training, entertainment and a visit from Santa himself with Breakfast, Lunch, Tea and Supper dining options available. Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be going Pantomime crazy this year with a production of Aladdin running from the 24th November to Christmas Eve. Steve Royal will be performing as Muddles in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre from the 3rd to the 24th December. Viva Blackpool will be getting very festive with a Santa’s Magical Workshop, an afternoon of festive fun with Santa’s Elves performing a musical magical illusion show in their quest to find Santa. Running from the 19th to the 24th December, this will get your kids well and truly in the festive mood.
LIGHT THEM UP!
Preston will turn on it’s Christmas Lights on Saturday 20th November with an event on the Flag Market hosted by Smooth Radio. At the time of going to press a star guest has not been announced. Leyland will be turning their Christmas Lights a week later on Saturday 27th November by Alan Halsall who plays Coronation Street lothario Tyrone Dobbs. Lytham will also be turning their festive lights on, on Saturday 20th November at Clifton Square with the entertainment starting at 2pm.
GET YOUR GIFTS
The Hub at Buckshaw Village will be holding a Christmas Market on Sunday 5th December to get all your locally produced, handmade and unique gifts. In Chorley, the legendary Dave Haslam, yes that Dave Haslam, resident DJ at the Hacienda back in the day, will be hosting a meet and greet event and talk about his books, his life and times at the Hacienda and his current views on everything from politics to the house music scene. The event will take place at The Vaults Bar and Bistro on Thursday 2nd December at 7pm. The Lytham Heritage Centre will be having a Christmas Fayre Week from the 30th November to 5th December to buy original gifts by local artists and crafts people. If you’re a fan of Afternoon Tea, The Villa at Wrea Green will be serving up a festive variety right through December accompanied with Prosecco or Mulled Wine, at just £16.95 per person.
ON SCREEN
Anna Souroullas takes a look at the latest blockbusters, ready-to-stream films, cinema releases and DVDs
HYPNOTIC
Release Date: 27th October Director: Matt Angel, Suzanne Coote Starring: Kate Siegel, Jason O’Mara. Dule Hill, Lucie Guest, Jaime M Callica, Darien Martin and Luc Roderique Certificate: TBC
In this tense, psychological thriller, we follow a young woman who enlists the help of a renowned hypnotherapist. Seeking self-improvement, she sets out on an intense series of sessions. After only a handful, she discovers consequences she could never have expected – deadly consequences. n
DUNE
Release Date: 21st October Director: Denis Villeneuve Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Oscar Isaac, Javier Bardem and Stellan Skarsgård
Certificate: CINEMA
RELEASE
A new vision of Frank Herbert’s novel, this sci-fi film journeys into the distant future, where the human consciousness has been widened by a drug known as ‘spice’. When the house of Atreides is awarded the much-coveted stewardship of Arrakis, the planet where all the spice is harvested, we embark on an epic tale of betrayal, prophesy and revolution. n
FREE GUY
Release Date: 4th October Director: Shawn Levy Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Taika Waititi, Joe Keery and Lil Rel Howery
Certificate:
DVD
In this comedy, Guy, a bank teller in an open-world video game, discovers that he’s an NPC – a Non-Player Character. Having been in the background long enough, Guy decides he wants to become a hero and create his own story. With the world as he knows it threatened, will Guy step up and save the day before it’s too late? Or will he fade back into the background? n
WHY INVEST IN PRESTON?
Stuart Williams, of Thirlmere Deacon Property Investors, explains why Preston is at the very top of the list of the best places to live in the UK
The third largest city in the North West region of England and the largest city in Lancashire, Preston offers outstanding transport connections, a thriving higher education sector, a growing economy and is the subject of an extensive investment programme.
Though not as well-known as its neighbours Preston is set to follow in the footsteps of nearby investment hotspots Manchester and Liverpool – savvy investors have begun securing property in certain areas of the city in a bid to get ahead of the curve.
Though it might have been overlooked 10 or 20 years ago, the local government have made huge strides focusing on improving the city which has seen its economy take off. Having been voted the most improved city in Britain in 2018 by accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers the city is showing no signs of slowing down.
Preston is forward thinking and business friendly, the city has a unique charm and is incredibly proud of its industrial history. Young professionals are increasingly attracted to living in the city due to exciting job opportunities, high quality of life and a lower cost of living than other top cities around the UK.
Key employers include the university, the NHS and advanced technical manufacturing businesses such as BAE systems who have two sites locally. The type of businesses operating in the area and the jobs are attracting highly skilled workers to the city.
Preston enjoys a very high rate of employment which over the last few years has remained to be around 80 per cent, the UK average is around 75 per cent.
According to the Centre for Cities, Cities Outlook report for 2020, Preston continues to be in the top 10 cities with the highest employment rate when compared to cities across the rest of the UK and is the only city not within the southern area of the UK to feature in the top 10.
The high employment rate is a clear positive for investors due to the high proportion of prospective tenants in work.
According to Preston City Council, the city’s population is growing more rapidly than other cities. Between mid-2001 and mid-2017, Preston had an increase in the population of 8.4 per cent, which was greater than the overall North West region’s population growth at 7.2 per cent.
Another driver of the rental market is The University of Central Lancashire, one of the UK’s largest universities, which has a student body of around 33,000 along with thousands of teaching and administrative staff.
The university is continuing to grow with a £200 million transformation plan in place for the Preston Campus including several major projects including the Engineering Innovation Centre which is set to cement Lancashire’s position as a national centre of excellence for advanced engineering, manufacturing and aerospace.
With the investment into the city, top university and the huge appeal of the city generally, the population is set to increase further over the coming years pushing rental demand even higher. n
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PROPERTY SHOWCASE
A stunning selection of detached properties for sale across Preston and the Fylde
BENSON LANE CATFORTH, PRESTON
OFFERS OVER £975,000
SIMPLY STUNNING! Beautifully presented and recently built, this detached dream home offers 5 bedrooms and superb open-plan living, all set in fantastic gardens and grounds extending to 2 acres (0.81 hectares) or thereabouts. Set along a lovely rural lane, this home is well located to make the most of country life, yet has good access to the main road and motorway network, Preston and schools. abarnett.co.uk
28 STRICKLANDS LANE PENWORTHAM PR1 9XU
GUIDE PRICE £575,000
If you are looking for a substantial family home in Penwortham this beautifully presented detached property is definitely worth consideration. The property is in a sought-after location and is close to local amenities with good transport links. The spacious living accommodation is spread across two floors, with the ground floor comprising of: entrance hall, lounge, kitchen/dining area, snug, dining room, office, and downstairs w.c. To the first floor there are five bedrooms, two with en-suites, as well as a family bathroom. Externally, the property is set amongst mature gardens in a large private plot with a large driveway leading to a double garage. movingworks.co.uk
LOWOOD CHURCH ROAD, WARTON £745,000
Lowood is a very secluded detached dormer property standing in spacious grounds with a long private driveway. Situated in the heart of Warton on arguably one of the nicest residential roads leading from the centre with its two primary schools and shopping and community centre. Originally a true bungalow, Lowood has just undergone a full modernisation program with the addition of a first floor, providing stunning accommodation which includes a large open plan living/dining kitchen and four en-suite bedrooms. An internal and external viewing is strongly recommended to appreciate what this property has to offer which is a credit to the present owner. No onward chain. johnardern.com
BLUEBELL MEADOWS LADYBANK AVENUE, FULWOOD PR2 9UF
FROM £455,995
Anwyl Homes has saved the best to last with two fabulous four-bedroom detached Delamere style properties ready to move into at Bluebell Meadows. At the heart of the home is a combined kitchen, dining and family room, boasting an upgraded designer kitchen with Quartz worktop, 5-ring gas hob, cooker hood, double oven, integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher. The lounge is at the front with feature bay window, plus there’s a utility and cloakroom. Two of the four generously proportioned bedrooms have an en-suite to complement the family bathroom. The main bedroom includes a dressing room, while bedroom two enjoys fitted wardrobes. anwylhomes.co.uk/bluebell
of homes on the South Fyldeof homes on the South Fylde 01253 795555 johnardern.com 01253 795555 johnardern.com
37 Woodlands View, Ansdell37 Woodlands View, Ansdell £198,500£198,500 11 Rogerley Close, Lytham11 Rogerley Close, Lytham £325,000£325,000
Ground Floor ApartmentGround Floor Apartment Spacious LoungeSpacious Lounge Modern Fitted KitchenModern Fitted Kitchen Two Double BedroomsTwo Double Bedrooms En Suite Shower Room/WCEn Suite Shower Room/WC Bathroom/WCBathroom/WC Allocated Parking SpaceAllocated Parking Space Electric Heating & Double GlazingElectric Heating & Double Glazing Close to Local ShopsClose to Local Shops Leasehold & EPC Rating DLeasehold & EPC Rating D Study/Bedroom ThreeStudy/Bedroom Three Conservatory Leading offConservatory Leading off Modern Shower Room/WCModern Shower Room/WC South Facing Rear Garden & Garage South Facing Rear Garden & Garage Freehold & EPC Rating DFreehold & EPC Rating D
23 Fylde Road, Ansdell23 Fylde Road, Ansdell
£265,000£265,000
6 Glengarry, 32 East Beach, Lytham £439,9506 Glengarry, 32 East Beach, Lytham £439,950
Semi Detached Family HouseSemi Detached Family House Two Reception RoomsTwo Reception Rooms Kitchen & Utility PorchKitchen & Utility Porch Three BedroomsThree Bedrooms Bathroom/WC & Separate WCBathroom/WC & Separate WC Garden Front & Rear Off Road Parking Useful Garden Store No Onward Chain Leasehold & EPC Rating D Detached True Bungalow Reception Hall/Dining Room Lounge Open Plan Kitchen Two Bedrooms
Garden Front & Rear Off Road Parking Useful Garden Store No Onward Chain Leasehold & EPC Rating D Detached True Bungalow Reception Hall/Dining Room Lounge Open Plan Kitchen Two Bedrooms
2nd Floor Purpose Built Apartment Stunning Views of Lytham Green Lounge & Fitted Dining Kitchen Three Bedrooms En Suite Shower Room/WC
Bathroom/WC2nd Floor Purpose Built Apartment Stunning Views of Lytham Green Garage Lounge & Fitted Dining Kitchen Gas Central Heating & Double Glazing Three Bedrooms No Onward Chain En Suite Shower Room/WC Leasehold & EPC Rating C
Bathroom/WC Garage Gas Central Heating & Double Glazing No Onward Chain Leasehold & EPC Rating C
John Ardern & Company Ltd 6 Park Street Lytham Lancashire FY8 5LU John Ardern & Company Ltd 6 Park Street Lytham Lancashire FY8 5LU 01253 795555 johnardern.com 01253 795555 johnardern.com
4 bedroom homes available from £290,995
136.71 acres (55.32 ha) LAND AND BUILDINGS FOR SALE AS A WHOLE OR IN LOTS BY INFORMAL TENDER FINAL DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDER - 22 NOVEMBER 2021
AERIAL VIDEO TOUR
Please open your phone camera, scan the above QR code Aerial Video Tour and click the link to watch our video tour of the farm Please open your phone camera, scan the above QR code and click the link to watch our video tour of the farm
Brockhall Farm lies to the North and East of Brockhall Village in the Ribble Valley, within easy reach of the A59 and near to Whalley, Blackburn and Preston. The market town of Clitheroe is only eight miles away. There is a farmhouse and bungalow (NOT INCLUDED IN THE SALE), but the rest of the farmstead now enjoys planning consent for conversion to eight dwellings with garages and garden areas allocated to each unit. In addition to the farmstead / development site, there is also a total of approximately 135 acres (55ha) of land which is available for sale in lots or as a whole. This comprises 44.9 hectares of good grassland, 5.42 hectares of mixed deciduous woodland and approximately 5 hectares of river bed included in the sale. There is also just over a mile of single bank fishing rights that are available with Lot 6.
Lot One - The Farmstead Building Development 2.1 Acres (0.84ha)
Full details of the consent are available on the Ribble Valley Borough Council planning portal - Application number 3/2021/0311. Briefly the consent will create eight new dwellings with a total Gross Internal Floor Area of 1,602m2 (17,244 sq ft) plus garages, courtyard and garden areas.
Property One Single storey property - 199m2 / 2,142 Sq Ft Property Two Duplex property - 157m2 / 1,690 Sq Ft Property Three Duplex property - 157m2 / 1,690 Sq Ft Property Four Duplex property - 189m2 / 2,034 Sq Ft Property Five Single storey property - 119m2 / 1,281 Sq Ft Property Six Duplex property - 204m2 / 2,196 Sq Ft Property Seven Duplex property - 271m2 / 2,917 Sq Ft Property Eight Duplex property - 306m2 / 3,294 Sq Ft
The Land - Excluding The Farmstead
The holding comprises a total area of approximately 136.68 acres (55.31ha) and is all registered with the Rural Payments Agency. There are approximately 110.9 acres (44.9ha) of good grassland, 13.4 acres (5.42ha) of mixed deciduous woodland and approximately 12.44 acres (5 ha) of river bed included in the sale.
Lot Two Grassland - 18.79 acres (7.6ha) Lot Three Grassland - 4.95 acres (2ha) Lot Four Grassland - 11.33 acres (4.586ha) Lot Five Grassland - 34.35 acres (13.903ha) Lot Six Grassland, Woodland & Fishing Rights 52.36 acres (21.19ha) Lot Seven Grassland - 11.32 acres (4.58ha)
Athertons Whalley 53 King Street Whalley Lancashire BB7 9SP Tel: 01254 828810 Athertons Blackburn 67 Revidge Road Blackburn Lancashire BB2 6JH Tel: 01254 673897
