Live Ribble Valley Issue 140 April/May 2023

SPINNING A YARN DEBI LYONS

EPIC ADVENTURE WORLD RECORD BREAKER

SELLING THE OC POLLY BRINDLE

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

ARTISAN BAKER’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

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12 SELLING THE OC

Enjoying fame and fortune in the US, Barnoldswick-born Polly Brindle talks about her work on the latest Netflix blockbuster Selling the OC.

54 SAILING INTO SUMMER

Travel expert Charlotte Gili-Ross explains why cruising is as popular as ever – whether you’re seeking relaxation, excitement or adventure!

98 EASY WAY UP PENDLE

Mark Sutcliffe takes us on a seven-mile route avoiding the steep climbs associated with the more popular routes up Pendle and explores some of the myths and legends.

132 FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

A tiny artisan bakery is making a huge impact on the way we eat and the man behind this hidden gem is chef Mark Solomon.

150 CLOSE KNIT COMMUNITY

Photographer and former model Debi Lyons is using her creative talent to make unique bears and home accessories out of her own hand-dyed yarn which is produced from local fleece.

CAPABLE OF GREAT THINGS

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LIVE MAGAZINES

Chairman: Simon Smith

Managing Director: Tedd Walmsley

Company Secretary: Elizabeth Walmsley

Editor: Jan Woolley

Graphic Designers: Nick Dittrich and Rob Walmsley

Operations Manager: Kate Hyde

Production Manager: James Britton

Sales Account Manager: Jane Hughes 07875 696 928

Photography: Peter Austin, Roger Moore and Kirsten Platt

Editorial contributors: Paul Agnew, Gail Bailey, Kate Hyde, Meena McDonald, Catherine Robinson, Sarah Ulyatt, Jenni Walmsley, Robert Walmsley, Liz Walmsley and Tedd Walmsley

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We have a really interesting, mixed bag of successful people and powerful personalities in this April issue of Live Ribble Valley. They are predominantly women, which is probably only fair as our next magazine will be our popular men’s issue, focusing on fashion, fabulous cars, health, wealth and boys’ toys.

Back to this issue and this month we meet former international model Polly Brindle, who is currently finding fame and fortune in the US starring in the Netflix blockbuster Selling the OC – a hugely successful spin-off from Selling Sunset. After moving to America, Polly says she just wanted a normal, quiet life but it wasn’t to be. She is now part of the show’s real estate team selling super glamorous, multi-million dollar properties on the ocean front.

Photographer Debi Lyons, also a former model, who features on our front cover, discovered the Ribble Valley by chance when she and her husband, decided to move north to the Yorkshire Dales. As Debi says, they ‘drifted over the border’ and were captivated by the rural landscape here and they now live in a beautiful farmhouse in Chipping, where Debi has launched the Yarn Barn. It is here that she hand-dyes wool using fleece from local sheep and makes beautiful interior accessories and unique teddy bears.

We sail into summer in our fabulous fashion pages, which are introduced by travel expert Charlotte Gili-Ross, who reveals the hottest destinations to visit and the latest cruise liners to launch this year and we also meet an 81-year-old social media-savvy podcaster from Whalley, who has more than a thousand listeners from all over the world!

We hope you enjoy this issue of Live Ribble Valley.

Jan Woolley Editor

Live Ribble Valley Cover: Debi Lyons of the Yarn Barn, Chipping

HOT PROPERTY

Enjoying fame and fortune in the US, Polly Brindle talks about her work on Netflix’ real estate blockbuster, Selling the OC

When international model Polly Brindle decided to settle down and lead a ‘normal’ life, the last thing she expected was to become a star on Netflix’ latest global hit, Selling the OC. Polly is a member of the OC real estate team, dealing with multi-million dollar, ocean-front properties.

As a schoolgirl at Gisburn Road Primary and Fisher More High in Colne, Polly was a promising ballerina. But she got her first lucky break in modelling when she was just 15: “I was in a pub in Earby – dare I say it, underage drinking! I was approached by an associate of a Manchester model agency, who got me to go meet the agents the following day and they sent me home with a contract for my parents to sign.

“I was told that an agency in Paris was interested in representing me, but because

I didn’t have many photographs, I was sent to Athens for a few months to do lots of shoots so I could arrive in Paris with a portfolio of images. I started off pretty strong working for global brands such as Dior, Vo5, Hyundai, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar and Cosmopolitan.”

Over the following years, Barnoldswickborn Polly worked as a model throughout Europe, then she decided London was calling: “As an English girl I wanted to try the London market. I had never even visited London before, which is wild as at that point I had lived in Athens, Paris and Milan!”

Polly was represented by leading European agency Models 1 and moved to the capital when she was 21, staying for five years during which time she worked consistently: “I loved my time in London, my modelling career was going really well and I had an absolute blast!”

In 2010 Polly married and she and her

then husband decided to sell their property in London and move to Los Angeles: “We wanted to move to a warmer climate where I could still work as a model. We wanted to start the family we were planning to have, in a place with beaches, sun and sea – an outdoorsy lifestyle sounded idyllic to us.”

Getting representation from worldrenowned model agency, Ford, Polly’s career in the US was off to a great start and she quickly landed a huge, global TV commercial for Lancome fragrance: “That definitely helped us believe that our USA move was going to be successful. I was constantly in awe at the sun shining every day, living five minutes away from the beach.”

However, for Polly the dream soon became a nightmare, her marriage broke down and she put her modelling career on hold, during which time she took numerous jobs to make ends meet: “I worked at a start-up, I bartended and managed a restaurant, I was a waitress –I did whatever I could do to pay my rent and keep my head above water. Looking back, I was very much on autopilot and didn’t fully

realise the stress I was under.”

When the couple divorced, Polly says: “I regrouped and tried to work out what I wanted to do with my life.”

Deciding to give modelling another go, she quit her day job so she was available for castings and took on two evening jobs:

“Two months later the whole world shut down with the pandemic. I lost all my jobs overnight. I accepted defeat and decided to study for my real estate licence,” says Polly, whose father is an architect.

“I decided to have a ‘normal’ job and a ‘normal’ life.”

With the pandemic hitting LA badly in terms of crime rates and homelessness the city lost its appeal and Polly decided to move to Orange County: “I had a friend there and I felt it was a safer place to begin my new life studying for my new normal job – little did I know!”

Shortly after her move, Polly saw that

the Oppenheim Group, was opening a new office just five minutes from where she lived. Oppenheim is responsible for the global Netflix phenomenon Selling Sunset: “I had heard of the show and knew that the group deals with luxury real estate. I emailed explaining I was studying and wanted to be involved in the new office in any capacity available – maybe as an assistant or receptionist.”

Polly was stunned when broker Jason Oppenheim responded, explaining he was overseeing the construction of the new OC office and requested a meeting. Polly was then asked to a further interview along with another agent: “We both got offered positions at the OC office that evening over dinner.

“A few weeks later Jason explained Netflix were doing a second show Selling the OC and wanted to present me to production for them to audition me as a cast member and, the rest as they say, is history. The irony is not lost on me that this was meant to be my time, to have a normal job and a normal life – I tried!”

Working on the show has been a fantastic experience for Polly and her co-stars: “We absolutely rode off the back of Selling Sunset’s great success. We immediately gained a huge following and fan base off the notoriety that Selling Sunset’s LA office

I JUST SIGNED A NEW LISTING FOR $9M, SO I’M BUSY SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS TO LAUNCH THE PROPERTY

had built and I’m very grateful for them for paving the way.

“We are a different show though in terms of personalities, the fact Selling the OC has guys cast too is huge in terms of different dynamics for the viewers to enjoy and I may be biased, but Orange County is way more visually appealing with our stunning coastline!”

The show is unscripted and during filming, Polly has been known to have heated disagreements, with two of her colleagues: “Being unscripted, nothing you see has been learned or rehearsed. The viewers only get to see a tiny snippet of what gets filmed so certain things do get lost in the edit.”

Having always loved property, Polly puts her heart and soul into the show and as Seasons 2 and 3 will reveal, she is enjoying considerable success having almost $30m in active listings: “I’m very excited to show everyone what I have been up to.

“I’m having a lot of fun! It’s an exciting adventure and I don’t take myself too seriously. Never in a million years did I expect this to be my life. I just hope I do a good job of entertaining people.”

Still single, Polly says every day is different and even when she has a rare day off from filming, her time is spent ‘behind the scenes’ concentrating on the deals she has done on the show: “Today for example, I woke up at 7.30am and have been working from home on non-stop calls, Zooms and emails.

“I just signed a new listing for $9m last night, so I’m busy scheduling appointments, photographers and videographers and working out the logistics to launch this new property.

“I’m make-up free and haven’t even had chance to eat yet and it’s 5.41pm, so my ‘day off’ has been pretty hectic, except for the nice walk I did this morning with my dog, Moose, around the park.”

Having such a busy schedule means Polly doesn’t get to return to the UK to see friends and family, as often as she would like: “I frequently wish home was closer! When I am back, I’m always out on adventures and long walks. While the beach and sunshine in the US is pretty nice, nothing compares to a wet walk up the rambling hills around the valley!” n

WHILE THE BEACH AND SUNSHINE IN THE US IS PRETTY NICE, NOTHING COMPARES TO A WET WALK UP THE RAMBLING HILLS AROUND THE VALLEY!

A Matt Black Contemporary Kitchen

Wes and Zara wanted a shaker style kitchen but when they visited Kitchen Design Centre’s Failsworth showroom they fell in love with the modern displays. The black and graphite colours in one of the displays caught their eye in particular and from that point they decided to have a black modern kitchen.

They also visited two well-known high street kitchen retailers to compare prices and product but found Kitchen Design Centre to be competitive price wise and to have a far superior product. Neither of the other retailers could rival the black options Kitchen Design Centre offered, with Wes and Zara choosing a Black Matt UV Satin finish.

Neither company could match Kitchen Design Centre’s design skills either. They loved Paul’s attention to detail and the time he took to incorporate niche details such as the floating media wall, under cabinet lighting and other quirky details such as the contrasting wood textures throughout.

They love the way the kitchen has transformed their home. Wes explains that everyone’s reaction is the same, “as guests enter the kitchen they’re absolutely blown away and are literally lost for words. They can’t believe the transformation and how amazing it looks.” We love this space and spending time in it. At night it takes on a totally different look and feel thanks to Paul’s clever lighting scheme.

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

Designer Paul Harrington says, “It was a pleasure working with Wes and Zara to say they are a laid-back couple would be an understatement. This was great from my point of view as it gave me the opportunity to be quite brave with design and colour choice. Most customers would have reservations of using black and wouldn’t be ‘brave’ enough. But Wes and Zara put their faith in me and took the leap and it totally paid off.”

PERSONA BAMBOO MIRROR £189 cuckooland.com

SECRET DRAWER LUXURY BATHROOM £POA

Victoria & Albert Toulouse freestanding bath, Samuel Heath mixer taps in Fairfield, underfloor heating with Calcatta Viola marble tiles, floor to ceiling sash windows and handcrafted panelling finished in Farrow & Ball Brassica. The Secret Drawer The Old Chapel Sawley Street Skipton BD23 1SX secret-drawer.co.uk

EICHHOLTZ DEVON BATHROOM RACK £570 sweetpeaandwillow.com

REST & RELAXATION

Make your bathroom a haven of peace, quiet and pure luxury with these delightful and practical accessories

LAUFEN LUA BASIN WITH LANI FURNITURE £POA

MACERARI MARBLE BATHROOM BIN £75 sazy.com

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

CHARLOTTE STRIPED

TURKISH COTTON BATH TOWEL £16 sazy.com

CIRC SCULPTURAL WALL OR CEILING LUMINAIRE FROM £574 kok.lighting

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REFILLABLE BATHROOM BOTTLES £7.50 thewisteriastree.co.uk

EICHHOLTZ DEBONAIR LAMP £1120 sweetpeaandwillow.com

GREAT FAMILY BUSINESS

Great family business, with expert knowledge on the TV and Blue-ray we purchased. Good value and pricing was similar to the on-line retailers

PURCHASE FROM CLITHEROE STORE

Recently purchased a dimplex fire from the Clitheroe store. The whole experience was very satisfying, from the advice offered by Andy to the timely delivery of the fire. Good price obtained as well as extended

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Harry Garlick honoured a published price for our new TV and worked tirelessly to solve a tricky installation problem. The staff are extremely

Purchased a fridge/freezer before Christmas and today bought a small tv from Padiham store. On both occasions served by Riaz. What a lovely,

Traditional and modern bathrooms designed for you

Master Bathrooms

Full Bathrooms

Half Bathrooms

Split Bathrooms

Jack & Jill Bathrooms and many more.

Vario

Relaxing in warm, soft lighting or putting on make-up in day-bright light – the Flat LED wall mirror puts everything in the right light. Infinitely variable and dimmable at the press of a button.

collection of sawdust by a local farmer. The by-product from our Skipton workshop is used as bedding for local cattle and we use leftover scraps of wood to create the secret drawers and other leftover wood to heat the workshop during the winter months. We keep a tight

TRADITIONAL APPROACH TO MODERN DESIGN

hard as possible for the customer to find. We believe the record is three years! We imagine there will be plenty of secret drawers in the furniture in Buckingham Palace and wonder whether they have all been found over the years.

Apprenticeships – an alternative career as a skilled crafts person

King Charles III has a keen interest in architecture and, before he became king exerted significant influence on the built environment through campaigning, even building his own traditional towns, most notably Poundbury. With a classical aesthetic, the development has proved popular with residents and is beginning to win over its critics.

Time-honoured techniques

In the days before wall-safes and well-locked cupboards, people used to have secret compartments built into their furniture to hide their valuables. The Secret Drawer revived this tradition and even named their company after it. Our Skipton-based cabinet makers create the most ingenious and wellhidden secret drawers, aiming to make it as

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is ‘Skills for Life’ and that is something that is at the heart of what we do at The Secret Drawer. We are keeping the values and skills of the highest quality cabinet making alive through our apprenticeship scheme as well as providing an alternative career path. King Charles is known to value apprenticeships. When he took part in The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit, he told presenter Jay Blades, that ‘not everybody is designed for the academic’ as he praised apprenticeships that allow students to work with their hands.

The first climate king?

Our new king has always championed initiatives to engage businesses around conversations about sustainability and, most importantly, focusing on trying to find solutions that work. Sustainability has been a byword with The Secret Drawer from our earliest days – from using local FSC accredited suppliers to replacing sapele for mahogany. A more unusual step is the regular

control on materials and have now added an electric van to our fleet. We are also investing over £100k on a new, insulated roof, meeting the latest standards for energy conservation. Our furniture is designed to last a lifetime and beyond, the antiques of the future, where customers can be confident that the furniture can be repainted and refitted.

Locally sourced

We have always recognised the importance of supporting UK and local crafts. Our preferred specialist suppliers include Birmingham based manufacturers Armac Martin and Samuel Heath as well as a number of artisans including a glass blower in Pateley Bridge, an ornamental plasterer in Skipton, an upholsterer in Harrogate, a wood turner in Keighley, a veneerer in Bradford and even a wicker basket maker from Ulleskelf in Tadcaster. And, of course, all our furniture is designed and made in our workshop in Skipton, lovingly handmade in Yorkshire. n

Having been vocal in his support for classical buildings, the key thread connecting all of King Charles’ projects has remained a desire to promote traditional architecture

LUXURY BATHROOM

When Nick and Helen began work to extend the upstairs of their rustic farmhouse into the attached barn, a luxury master bathroom that made the most of the stunning views, was at the heart of their scheme. And at the top of their wish list? A copper and nickel freestanding bath.

Specialist in bespoke bathroom design and installation, Sophie and Abbie from Ribble Valley Bathrooms worked closely with the couple to design a luxurious bathroom retreat that perfectly complemented the traditional look and feel of their farmhouse –whilst creating a seamless flow of space between the bedroom and new bathroom and dressing room.

Sophie explained how the design came together: “The farmhouse and its surroundings had a huge influence on the bathroom design –it needed to feel authentic and in keeping with the traditional look and feel of the house, whilst still giving Nick and Helen that touch of luxury that they were looking for.

“Helen and Nick were really specific about their desire to install a statement copper and nickel bath that would look out over the spectacular views, so this was the centrepiece and starting point of the design.

“We opted for the gorgeous Hurlingham Copper Bulle bath, whilst Vado individual

brushed nickel brassware gave an industrial edge to the finish. A bespoke artisan vanity unit perfectly complemented the rustic look and feel of the building and this was teamed with the sleek Duravit XSquare basin.

“The ceiling was vaulted, showcasing the property’s beautiful beams so we had to be wary when it came to layout, especially the placing of the shower. We kept the original stone wall which made a beautiful feature.

“With the bath and rustic finishing touches taking centre stage, we kept the shower simple and sleek. A large walk-in design created a luxurious showering experience, and we sat a stone resin shower tray level deck with warm wood effect porcelain tiles. Our in-house installation team did a fabulous job of scribing these floor tiles around the exposed stone wall, with stunning craftmanship and attention to detail.

“Upping the luxury stakes further against the rural backdrop, we installed underfloor heating and a Zehnder Charleston Bar towel rail. A vintage, reclaimed cast iron radiator was a must-have finishing touch.

“Rather than being influenced by current trends or fads, the finished design reflects the clients’ individual tastes and needs, as well as the environment in which it is situated. We selected unique fixtures and finishes, such as the vintage, reclaimed cast-iron radiator and bespoke vanity unit, paired with the copper bath, and then incorporated practical elements, such as modern sanitaryware and brassware. The result was a cohesive and harmonious design that had individual flair.”

Homeowner Helen said: “Excellent service and imaginative design was delivered by Sophie. The whole experience with Ribble Valley Bathrooms was great. She listened and sourced the right products, and once put together by Sophie, the bathroom looks superb and makes the whole space truly fantastic. I would highly recommend them.” n

ribblevalleybathrooms.co.uk

Located in the beautiful Kelbrook countryside, this stunning farmhouse has a new luxury bathroom with a copper and nickel bath as a beautiful centrepiece

...for

Be inspired in our 3000 sq ft showroom. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm by appointment only. Evening appointments are also available upon request.

Please call 01772 611622 or email showroom@originalbathroomcompany.co.uk www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk

SO MUCH MORE!

With April showers comes some welcome spring sunshine and our thoughts turn to our gardens – planting for seasonal colour, cheerful tubs and getting our outdoor spaces smartened up ready for some summer relaxation.

At SO Plants there is everything you need to prepare your garden for the coming season.

First and foremost, this Ribble Valley-based country store specialises in hardy home-grown plants that are ultimately suitable for our northern climate. But SO Plants is also SO much more than that!

Set in a beautiful location, SO Plants can be found nestling within the Forshaw family’s dairy farm, farm shop and tearooms. It is a quiet haven for plant lovers, who will be greeted by Melly the Springador on their arrival.

Run by expert Michelle Unsworth, SO Plants opened in 2017 and since then the team has expanded and now has four qualified plant people, who are always on hand to give advice

and answer any questions.

There are unusual shrubs, trees, fruit seeds, a wonderful selection of herbs, alpines, spring bulbs and bedding plants alongside a beautiful collection of pots and containers. Michelle and the team re-fill customers’ hanging baskets each year and they also make up new, off-the-peg ones too. Whichever you choose, you can be assured of lasting colour in your garden right through to October and November.

as well as dog beds, treats and toys – many using recyclable materials that are compostable. Always well stocked, SO Plants has 70 different varieties of unusual trees, the nursery has a new delivery of beautiful David Austin roses and a huge array of fabulous Magnolias including the magical Genie – a deep purple repeating, tulip-type Magnolia that will provide a glorious display throughout the summer!

Check out the latest containers to be planted up in the polytunnel – in a few weeks’ time they will be a riot of red, white and blue –just in time for the Coronation celebrations!

Now is also the time of year to start thinking about planting grow your own fruit and veg too. Whether you’re planting from seed or buying in plants, Michelle and the team will be on-site to explain the best way to get the most out of your vegetable patch.

SO Plants also has a range of gardening equipment as well as an organic wool and comfrey-based peat-free compost, which is eco-friendly and sustainably made in Cumbria by Dalefoot.

As well as bird seed, SO Plants have this year introduced a new natural pet food range

With gifts galore, including delightful springtime crackers and candles by Gisela Graham, hand-made globe lights by local woodturner John Pickup and greetings cards featuring Ribble Valley rural scenes by Deborah Helen, SO Plants is a delightful not-to-be-missed springtime experience! n

SO Plants

Little Town Dairy, Farm Shop and Tearooms

Chipping Road, Longridge PR3 2TB 01772 784010

soplants.co.uk

A visit to SO Plants is always a delight and this year, the country garden store has a number of new additions to the extensive collections. Photography: Kirsten Platt

CHECK OUT THE LATEST CONTAINERS TO BE PLANTED UP – IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME, THEY WILL BE A RIOT OF RED, WHITE AND BLUE – JUST IN TIME FOR THE CORONATION CELEBRATIONS!

Proudly installing the UK’s rst

Composite decking display at Shackleton’s Home & Garden, Chatburn.

couldn’t find the right shade of blue. Chris found it for us,” recalls Jasmine.

The theme also extends to a hand-crafted, illuminated bespoke drinks cabinet in the dining space next to a gleaming grand piano, as well as into the boot room and utility where a special pen has been designed to give the family dog his own quiet space.

Matching panelling extends back into the hallway where there is an understairs wine cellar – a space that has been perfectly maximised to create a stunning feature:

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In the second part of our feature focusing on the transformation of a beautiful farmhouse, we take a look at how the kitchen, boot room, wine cellar and study took centre stage during this fabulous project.

With views over wild moorland, Maurice and Jasmine

Dewhurst’s lovely family home sits in the foothills of Pendle. The newly-built stone farmhouse is set within 38 acres and the kitchen has fast become the favourite room in the house.

It is a wonderful open plan space that beautifully blends classic with contemporary and thanks to the designers and craftsmen who created it, the kitchen is as aesthetically pleasing as it is practical.

The team at Dovetail have also put all their

experience, knowledge and skills into the space beyond the kitchen too – the adjoining dining area and drinks cabinet, a boot room and utility, a hallway featuring perfect panelling and an ingenious, illuminated understairs wine cellar.

“I rang Chris three weeks before Christmas asking if he could come up with a design –Maurice and I are both interested in wine and are keen to learn more about it,” says Jasmine.

As always Chris at Dovetail delivered – he produced a design that gave the Dewhursts a wine cellar with natural oak display boxes, backed by antique style mirrors and with a glass frontage – all illuminated to create a focal point within the grand entrance hallway with its huge chandelier.

So impressed with Dovetail’s work, Maurice and Jasmine commissioned Dovetail’s expert team to install classic panelling to the study, which is colour-drenched in a dark, dramatic matt black while a small TV room has been panelled and painted in a lighter gentler, heritage shade.

“We just kept asking Dovetail to come back and do more. We work so well together – we are all seeking the perfect end result and that’s what we have achieved!” n

Let’s first re-cap and go back to the kitchen –the cabinets have been hand-crafted in tulip wood and oak, painted in a soft Ammonite grey with worktops in Centuras grey granite from Brazil. The island unit is in Italian Navy – a paint shade personally sourced by Dovetail’s designer Chris Jardine.

“I had all these colours in my head but

Colne Road, Cowling, Keighley BD22 0NN 01535 637770

kitchensatdovetail.co.uk

Dovetail

Photography: Kirsten Platt

DOVETAIL’S EXPERT TEAM WERE COMMISSIONED TO INSTALL CLASSIC PANELLING TO THE STUDY, WHICH IS COLOUR-DRENCHED IN A DARK, DRAMATIC MATT BLACK

COLOUR DRENCH YOUR HOME

Heritage paint brand Farrow & Ball has once again delivered a ground-breaking new product, Dead Flat ®, a super-matt paint finish that colour drenches walls, ceilings, woodwork and radiators

This spring, paint and wallpaper maker Farrow & Ball has unveiled its most revolutionary finish to date – the all-new Dead Flat®

The latest, industry-leading innovation from this heritage brand is its most matt finish ever and multi-surface too, suitable for walls, woodwork and metal. The ultimate choice for colour drenching, the completely flat look surrounds spaces in richer, uninterrupted colour from ceiling

to skirting board and even over radiators. Charlotte Cosby, Creative Director at Farrow & Ball, comments: “Dead Flat® is a unique combination of truly fantastic features –it’s matt, durable and multi-surface. The super matt quality has the incredible effect of making our colours look even richer, especially the darker shades. We’re thrilled to launch this exciting new finish and I can’t wait to see it transform our customers’ homes all over the world.”

The new Dead Flat® formulation has been refined by the technical experts at Farrow & Ball in Dorset over the last five years. The ability to create such an incredibly matt and impressively durable product is thanks to a breakthrough ingredient, which is combined with a precise blend of other, quality paint ingredients to deliver the signature Farrow & Ball look with reimagined chemistry. Now scuff-resistant, washable and wipeable, Dead Flat® creates beautiful spaces that stay beautiful.

Dead Flat® boasts just a two per cent sheen, which dramatically minimises light bounce, so the eye only sees colour from every angle. Not only does this increase how rich the colour appears, but it also minimises imperfections. As Dead Flat® is multi-surface, you can seamlessly extend colour across your walls, ceiling, woodwork, less commonly used furniture and radiators with just one finish. Dead Flat® is a practical and aesthetic choice as it’s washable and wipeable. This durability makes it ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways and playrooms, and like all Farrow & Ball finishes, Dead Flat® is water based and low odour too.

Patrick O’Donnell, a colour expert and Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball, added: “Whether you want colour saturation in a space or just to create a seamless matt flow of finish through your home, Dead Flat® delivers all with its eminent practicality. You can create the illusion of more space in a bedroom through painted wardrobes to match the walls or hide utilitarian radiators in your chosen Dead Flat® colour, it’s a decorators dream.” n

farrow-ball.com

Local stockist: rockform.co.uk

Bespoke Croftsmanship...

home visit to ensure we fully capture your needs.

“Bang & Olufsen’s current products are designed to be upgraded rather than having to be replaced, which is great for you and for environmental purposes.

“I’m so passionate about our products that I can’t wait to show them off. One of my absolute favourites at the moment is the Dolby Atmos Beosound Theatre soundbar which has amazing music and cinematic quality – especially when partnered with Beolab 28 loudspeakers, it’s the best there has ever been, in my opinion!”

John has many plans for Bang & Olufsen of Preston, he’s already launched a new YouTube Channel to showcase the wonderful world of all the products on offer: “I explain how the products work in a way I would want to hear with limited technical jargon,” adds John.

TIMELESS DANISH DESIGN WITH EXPERT AUDIO-VISUAL ADVICE

Established in 1959, Bernard Dickinson is a name synonymous with high-end audio-visual solutions from some of the world’s leading brands, including Bang & Olufsen, offering high-end speakers, televisions and luxury headphones. Sarah Ulyatt finds out more.

Photography: Roger Moore

With new Store Manager, John Williams, recently joining the team, Bernard Dickinson’s Fulwood showroom is home to Preston’s Bang & Olufsen dealership giving you the chance to experience and explore all the luxury products in action.

John, who has been with Bang & Olufsen since 2006, previously worked at stores in Nantwich, Chester and most recently in Manchester, so comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer you the best possible service.

John explains: “The timeless Danish design and exceptional craftmanship in Bang & Olufsen products create the most amazing sound and vision. Whether you’re after a simple pair of

Dedicated to customer service

JOHN HAS MANY PLANS FOR BANG & OLUFSEN OF PRESTON, HE’S ALREADY LAUNCHED A NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO SHOWCASE THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF ALL THE PRODUCTS

headphones or want to create a high-quality audio visual experience, I will offer you my advice and knowledge, and can go through your plans, initially in our showroom and then a

Customer care is at the heart of both Bang & Olufsen and Bernard Dickinson, John says: “In just a few months of working here, I can honestly say that Bernard Dickinson’s dedication to the customer is second to none and I’m proud to say that Bang & Olufsen is part of that – putting people first and going out of our way to help. Working together we can provide perfect connectivity for your home, from audio visual entertainment to lighting and shade, bringing together technology and interior design with seamless installations.” n

Bang & Olufsen at Bernard Dickinson

13 Beech Drive, Fulwood PR2 3NB 01772 862266

john.preston@bang-olufsen.co.uk

bernarddickinson.co.uk stores.bang-olufsen.com

B ang & Olufsen Preston

20%OFF LEICHTKITCHENS FORALIMITEDTIME

a lot to be acknowledged as highly reputable and trustworthy by our peers in the sector and we are incredibly proud of this” George adds.

“The roof is one of the first things prospective buyers will see before entering a property.

LEADERS IN THEIR TRADE

This means that not only does a new roof increase the value of a property, but also the kerb appeal.

Fully certified roofing company Lancashire Roofing and Building serves the entire Lancashire area. Company Director, George Clarkson, says: “We have a reputation for high-quality work and an unrivalled personal service, which we are incredibly proud of. Our team are fully qualified roofers who have over 20 years’ experience in the industry, we know what matters to our customers, we are competitive on pricing and we deliver the highest standards of quality workmanship.”

WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY…

“The team were conscientious and friendly, with great communication skills. George planned and discussed everything with me, including providing a written work schedule and estimate. The team were reliable, polite and hard working throughout. They arrived in uniform at 7.30 each day and before leaving left everything spotless.”

WE ONLY EMPLOY THE VERY BEST, HIGHLY SKILLED CRAFTSMEN WHO UNDERSTAND ALL ASPECTS OF EVERY PROJECT THEY WORK ON

All aspects of roofing and building services are offered, primarily to residential properties but also commercial projects too. The high standards are recognised not only by countless customer reviews but with a further accolade from the sector with Lancashire Roofing and Building holding the Confederation of Roofing Contractors accreditation: “It means

“A friend recommended Lancashire Roofing and Building, and I can now understand why! George and his team are extremely knowledgeable and professional, I felt at ease right from the get-go. They went above and beyond to get the job completed and we couldn’t be happier with the quality of work and finish. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for roofing or building work.”

“They have completed an excellent job and go above and beyond to provide a quality service. Would I recommend Lancashire Roofing and Building?

Absolutely – 100 per cent!”

“When you are working in a potentially dangerous environment it’s important each member of the team acts together as a strong unit and this underpins the culture of our company,” explains George. “That’s why we only employ the very best, highly skilled craftsmen who understand all aspects of every project they work on – and equally importantly, appreciate the time and effort that goes into producing a quality service.” n

Contact Lancashire Roofing and Building for further information or a free written quotation

Lancashire Roofing and Building Ltd 0800 246 1275

info@lancashireroofingandbuilding.com lancashireroofingandbuilding.com

Family run business, Lancashire Roofing and Building have a wealth of accolades and positive customer feedback, writes

Gail Bailey

WE HAVE A REPUTATION FOR HIGH-QUALITY WORK AND AN UNRIVALLED PERSONAL SERVICE WHICH WE ARE INCREDIBLY PROUD OF

A TOUCH OF SPARKLE

A new-look kitchen that includes practical pull-out drawers and larder units and sparkling granite worktops, has made life so much easier for a delighted couple from Clitheroe.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Aretired couple, who have travelled the world and lived in Spain for two decades settled in the Ribble Valley five years ago, buying a new-build home in the heart of Clitheroe.

By a stroke of luck, Howard Fairless and Linda Rennoldson, bought the former show home on a new development after a previous sale fell through, as Linda recalls: “We had just returned from Spain and being a showhouse, it was perfect for us as it came with all the furniture!”

The couple love their home but when Linda’s eyesight began to fail, she became concerned that the kitchen that was already in the property was not ideal: “I love cooking and have always enjoyed being in the kitchen,

but I couldn’t see what was in the cupboards –it was really impractical.”

Discussing how their kitchen could be improved, a Quooker boiling water tap was on their wish-list, along with easily accessible units and good lighting.

“I Googled Quooker and saw that Heart of your Home Kitchens in Waddington was a local stockist. We had also seen Katie Green and Heart of your Home in Live Ribble Valley magazine and knew she had a great reputation!” says Howard, a former bank manager.

Howard and Linda had a good idea of how they could open up their kitchen, partially knocking down a wall to lead into an existing, contemporary conservatory creating a spacious and practical new layout.

“Katie also came up with some really good solutions. If we suggested something that she didn’t think would work she would put forward

IF WE SUGGESTED SOMETHING THAT KATIE DIDN’T THINK WOULD WORK, SHE WOULD PUT FORWARD A WORKABLE ALTERNATIVE –SHE WAS GREAT!

a workable alternative – she was great!” adds Linda, who previously worked for John Lewis.

When work started on their kitchen, Howard and Linda couldn’t believe how considerate the installation team were from Heart of your Home Kitchens: “We really rate them highly. Nothing was too much trouble – they left everything clean and tidy at the end of the day and any old units and rubbish that had been removed from the old kitchen was taken away. It just disappeared! It was bliss – quite a difference having lived in Spain for so long!” joked Howard. “An awful lot of thought went into the whole project.”

Because of the pandemic backlog affecting appliance delivery, Katie installed a temporary oven for the couple until their new appliances arrived: “She really did go above and beyond. Katie project managed the whole thing and was so considerate.”

Today, Howard and Linda’s new kitchen is stunning – gone are the original high gloss units which have been replaced by classic, Shaker style cabinetry in rich Chalk Blue. Brushed stainless steel handles and granite worktops with a touch of sparkle add a glamorous touch. The practicality of the pull-out drawers and full-height pull-out larder units are the icing on the cake for Linda, who has once again started to enjoy cooking and entertaining: “Our new kitchen has made life so much easier.”

More ceiling lighting was added to give a brighter ambience, while knocking through to the airy conservatory has opened up the

whole living space. A small utility, that housed a washing machine has also been transformed, with matching units either side giving an integrated effect while above, there are Shaker-style cabinets and shelving to store Linda’s beloved cookery books.

New appliances include two Neff ovens, one of which has a practical ‘hide-and-slide’ door, a combination oven/microwave, a Neff hob, warming drawer and the Quooker boiling water tap that the couple have always wanted: “We love the Quooker!” agree Howard and Linda, who have already recommended Katie and Heart of your Home Kitchens to friends on the same housing development.

Commenting on the project, Katie adds: “It was a pleasure to work alongside Howard and Linda and I am thrilled that they are so delighted with their new Heart of your Home Kitchen.” n

Heart of your Home Kitchens Ltd.

Backridge Farm Business Centre Twitter Lane

Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200 444540

heartofyourhomekitchens.co.uk

OUR NEW KITCHEN HAS MADE LIFE SO MUCH EASIER

BE WATER WISE

The garden really comes alive in April and it can be a brilliant gardening month as the days get longer and the weather milder

In addition to dead-heading spring bulbs it’s time to get planting and some seeds can be sown directly into the ground now the soil is moist and warming up. April can be a wet month – as the saying goes, ‘April showers bring May flowers’ so it’s a good time to think about water supply and usage in your garden – not just from a sustainable and environmental perspective but also from a cost consideration as water meters become the norm.

So, a thrifty tip for the month is to conserve water and harvest the rain. Rainwater isn’t just free, it’s also better for your plants. If you have space and a downpipe from guttering then get a water butt. There are a number of schemes around the UK offering free or subsidised water butts so check with your local council first before you buy one. Alternatively, you could use an old dustbin with taps and converter kits readily available

from DIY retailers. Uncovered water butts will be a magnet for mosquito larvae, so make sure you keep you water supply covered. Finding creative ways to reuse water will really make a difference. In addition to using grey water from washing up or taking a bath or shower, you can collect and use cooking water. Simply remove whatever you were cooking, let the water cool to room temperature and then use it in the garden. It can also double up as a plant supplement as nutrients that leach during cooking from vegetables and eggs enhance the water.

CONSERVE WATER AND HARVEST THE RAIN. RAINWATER ISN’T JUST FREE, IT’S ALSO BETTER FOR YOUR PLANTS

When watering plants – especially in containers or around newly planted trees and shrubs – try to avoid any wastage by getting water right into the soil. An easy way to do this is to recycle a one-litre plastic bottle. Unscrew and discard the top, cut off the base of the bottle, and then push it lid end down into the soil. Once deep enough so

it doesn’t fall over, fill the bottle with water and it will drip water gradually where it is needed the most direct to the plant roots. As garden soil gets wetter and warmer, now is the ideal time to sow your favourite annual herbs for a summer supply says the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society). Sow seeds of parsley, basil and chives in seed trays or individual modules and place on a sunny windowsill. You can now start to sow coriander, dill and chervil direct into the ground and Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary or oregano can be planted outside this month in free-draining soil.

Rosemary is such a versatile herb providing evergreen interest all year round, fragrant leaves for use in cooking and nectar-rich flowers for bees in spring. It thrives in a sunny, sheltered spot in well-drained soil and also grows well in containers but may need to be potted on every couple of years. There are a number of different varieties to choose from including: Tuscan Blue one of the best for topiaries – with dense blue-green foliage, it is highly fragrant and grows four feet tall, Prostratus is great for planting in window boxes because it cascades down and Majorca Pink, which produces pink flowers in spring/summer and is highly aromatic. n

RHS GARDENER’S APRIL CHECKLIST

• Plant hardy container-grown trees and shrubs

• Prune hardy fuchsia back to healthy buds

• Sow sweet peas outside

• Prune winter stems such as cornus and salix

• Look out for pests on new shoots

• Sow hardy vegetables such as carrots and beetroot outside

• Plant out chitted potatoes

• Watch out for late frosts

• Check hedges and shrubs for birds’ nests before pruning

• Keep bird feeders clean to help prevent diseases spreading

An opportunity has arisen for the role of Editor for Live Preston & Fylde magazine. The right candidate will work on a freelance basis and will preferably have NCTJ qualifications and experience of working on newspapers or magazines.

You should also be happy to meet and liaise with our many and varied advertising clients, commission work to a small team of writers and work alongside our sales team.

ON THE MOVE

Always looking ahead, Whalley Home Improvements’ move to bigger premises heralds an exciting new chapter for this respected company

One of the Ribble Valley’s outstanding business successes continues to flourish with a move to bigger premises, which will feature a ‘showroom of the future’.

Award-winning Whalley Home Improvements remains on the smart, timber-clad Mitton Road Business Park, taking over a unit almost three times that of

their previous one to accommodate storage, loading, recycling and office space – along with a huge showroom that will represent a unique collaboration with other premium local businesses.

“We are a one-stop-shop for home improvements,” says Emma Hodgkinson, who with co-founder Graham Fielden set up the business four years ago.

Since then, Whalley Home Improvements has forged a reputation for its unrivalled workmanship and faultless customer service –having worked on extensions, replacement windows and doors, conservatories and orangeries throughout the region.

Working with world-class suppliers such as Rockdoor, Ultraframe, Affordable Window

Systems and Timberlook Flush Sash, Whalley Home Improvements have the very best products at their fingertips and a team of more than 20 in-house skilled craftsmen. Their reputation goes before them and the move to bigger premises will serve to enhance the services and products they are able offer.

With a full project management service, Emma and the team have over the years, forged alliances with other prestigious suppliers and these will be showcased alongside Whalley Home Improvements’ products in the new showroom.

WORKING ON A VARIETY OF PROJECTS, CUSTOMERS CAN BE ASSURED THAT THE TEAM ARE FAMILIAR AND KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT ALL THE PREMIUM PRODUCTS THEY WORK WITH

Emma explains: “For example, if someone wanted to have a bath or shower room in a new ground floor extension, we have a trusted supplier of sanitaryware and tiles plus a team of skilled plumbers, plasterers and electricians. Visitors to the showroom may like a certain floor tile from one room set – and they may see specialist lighting that they want in another room set.

“It’s going to be very much a first class ‘mix-and-match’ service with everything on hand so customers can see, feel and operate windows and doors, they can get the feel of a conservatory and see how it could fit into their lifestyle. If they have always dreamt of having a cosy log-burner in there, they can see how one would look. All the people who we are collaborating with operate with the same ethos as Whalley Home Improvements –that is to provide the best quality products and services.

“We have worked alongside these trusted providers for many years, so we know they have the skills to carry out any project.”

Having worked for Ultraframe, Emma is the first point of contact at Whalley Home Improvements. She has many years’ experience

Photography: Roger Moore

within the industry and sees projects through from initial concept right through to completion, visiting clients on-site to check that work is progressing as planned and on budget.

Producing CAD drawings for extensions and orangeries means clients can see which windows and doors will best suit the style of their new living space – and with the new showroom they will also be able to physically see them to visualise how they will look in situ.

Whalley Home Improvement have freedom and flexibility with their products as they aren’t tied to any one manufacturer, enabling them to procure the best quality product

for any given project. From aluminium, crittall-style windows and French doors, maintenance-free PVC or attractive sash windows for a heritage property, there is a huge choice.

extensions, replacing polycarbonate roofing on conservatories to installing a smart new secure Rockdoor – whatever the task, customers can always be assured that the team from Whalley Home Improvements are familiar and knowledgeable about all the premium products they work with.

The new showroom which will soon be underway, is expected to be completed by autumn and Emma and Graham are confident it will give their customers a ground-breaking solution to all their home improvement projects – no matter how large or small.

Working on a variety of projects, from prestigious listed buildings to small

In the meantime, Whalley Home Improvements continues to build on its reputation for delivering a first class, friendly service.

With no appointment needed, call into Whalley Home Improvement’s new unit to discuss any potential project and get advice from a member of the team. n

Whalley Home Improvements

Units 16-21, Mitton Road Business Park Mitton Road, Whalley BB7 9YE 01254 824179

www.whalleyhomeimprovements.co.uk FREE PARKING

EMMA AND GRAHAM ARE CONFIDENT THE NEW SHOWROOM WILL GIVE THEIR CUSTOMERS A GROUNDBREAKING SOLUTION TO ALL THEIR HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Photography: Roger Moore

FESTIVAL VIBES

It will soon be time to dust off the wellies, grab the sequins and prepare to venture outdoors. But for those less intrepid festivalgoers, here we look at top tips for creating your own main stage within the comfort of your home using the latest in surfaces and accessories.

CHILL OUT ZONE

For those that don’t want to conform to neutral palettes, an alternative mix of coloured layers

makes a refreshing alternative. Combine nature-inspired finishes and repeat pattern wallpapers for a welcoming bedroom that will put positivity into the start of every day.

CIRCUS FUN

From tots to teens, adding the fun factor while keeping a consistent style throughout the home can sound like a tall order. However, choosing light-coloured floors that deliver on style and durability makes creating family rooms and bedrooms a breeze.

GREEN FIELDS

Sustainable products are not new, but awareness and demand for ethical flooring and carpets remain a talking point within interior design. From cork floors to natural fibres, homeowners are rediscovering traditional finishes that bring a fresh and thoughtful design to modern interiors.

SUPPORTING ACT

Festivals are all about celebrating with colour. With a range of traditional Indian block patterns combined with bright, cheery palettes, the Huddle Collection is making it easy to update rooms through soft furnishings and artwork.

PLAYFUL NATURE

Part of experiencing the festival season is being outdoors and enjoying the connection with nature. Choosing materials that replicate the look and feel of natural materials and wood along with pairing with plants and organic accessories helps create that connection all year round. From soft sky blues, to earthy warm browns explore a calming colour palette for your flooring, inspired by the mid-summer tones of the festival period. n

From natural textures to wild and wonderful colour palettes, you can create a different vibe in each area of your home

Over the Fence Watching Mist Slowly Lift

TIME TO SPRING INTO GARDENING ACTION

As the days lengthen and the trees bud, we’re all getting back into our gardens, and local family business Mowerpower has the kit to make gardening easy, writes Catherine Robinson

Photography: Roger Moore

“The pandemic taught us to love our gardens,” says Lynn Webster of Mowerpower, the Claughton-on-Brock garden machinery business she runs with her husband and son: “The family business was started four generations ago in St Anne’s-onSea as J Webster and Son,” she explains. But it is more than the name and location

of this thriving business that have changed in the last 75 years. Now easily accessible just off the A6, Mowerpower stocks the latest in high-tech, 21st century garden machinery and prides itself on the combination of oldfashioned values and modern ideas made possible by its multi-generational staff.

ALL MOWERPOWER’S MECHANICS HAVE BEEN FACTORY TRAINED BY THE MANUFACTURERS AND ARE EXPERTS ON THE EQUIPMENT

“Not only have we learnt to love our gardens, many of us have learnt to love gardening too!” adds Lynn.

Since 2020, there has been increased footfall at the Claughton-on-Brock showroom and

now that the days are lengthening, our attention is turning to those springtime jobs: “This is when we should be trimming the hedges, before the birds have started to nest,” advises Lynn.

Flexible office hours mean that households who may once have employed a gardener now take pleasure in styling their own outdoor spaces: “We’ve all started to see our gardens as another room. We use them for summer entertaining and al fresco eating and whether you’re preparing your garden for a family barbecue, a lantern-lit party or an after-work sundowner, up to date equipment makes the work easier and helps you to take more pride in it.”

Mowerpower’s 2023 range of battery powered tools make the springtime jobs of mowing, scarifying and hedge-cutting far less labour intensive: “With no cords to worry about, and no need to store petrol, the job is also much safer,” Lynn explains. “A lot of people don’t realise that the modern E10 petrol has a short shelf life. If you store it in your mower between uses, it’s likely that the engine won’t fire the next time you want to use it. Our battery-operated mowers, hedge-cutters and scarifiers are also quieter and operate with less vibration, making them far more user-friendly and a lot less likely to upset the neighbours on a Sunday morning! Battery powered equipment is very sophisticated these days with longer running times and battery lives well in excess of 1000 recharges. There’s a wide range, so they’re suitable for all gardens. We even have an electric ride-on mower, so if you’re unsure which equipment is most suitable for your garden, just pop into our showroom for a chat.”

The Websters have an extensive knowledge of all the machinery they sell and pride themselves on their accurate and honest advice. Lynn points out: “In many big stores

the sales person is just selling you what’s in a box. Whereas, we know every item intimately and will be able to inform you of all its pros and cons.”

However, if your idea of happiness in the garden is lounging on a recliner rather than walking behind a mower, Mowerpower has the solution for you too as the company stocks a range of robotic mowers – the very latest by Stiga, don’t even need a perimeter wire: “They’re like a well-behaved pet!” Lynn chuckles. “They come out when you programme them to, mow your lawn then put themselves away when they’ve finished. Most of our customers find themselves giving them a name. In our family, we have Larry the Lawnmower.”

Larry the Lawnmower, like all the garden machinery sold by Mowerpower, is serviced at Mowerpower’s own facility. Lynn stresses the importance of maintaining all

garden machinery with regular servicing: “All Mowerpower’s technicians have been factory-trained by the manufacturers and are therefore experts on the equipment and you won’t be without your machine for very long. We like to uphold the old-fashioned traditions of excellent customer service.”

The beauty of a business run by different generations of the same family, is its ability to combine the old with the new, as Lynn puts it: “We can look forwards and backwards!” n

Mowerpower

Garstang Road, Claughton-on-Brock

Preston PR3 0RB

01995 643999

mowerpower.co.uk

BATTERY POWERED EQUIPMENT IS VERY SOPHISTICATED THESE DAYS WITH LONGER RUNNING TIMES

CRUISING IS BACK

themed cruise, a couple wanting to celebrate a milestone on an adult-only cruise or if you’re forever curious, seeking out an exciting expedition, or simply craving the ultimate luxury experience of taking in breath-taking locations – whatever your preference you can expect to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Travel expert Charlotte Gili-Ross explains why cruising is as popular as ever – whether you’re seeking relaxation, excitement or adventure!

Cruising is most definitely back and is again proving popular, time and again with repeat cruisers and those new to cruise. Cruising is one of the best ways to visit and explore a variety of destinations at a pace to suit, doing as much or as little as you like.

There are many new and enhanced itineraries, excursions and experiences to enjoy throughout the remainder of this year, 2024 and beyond, with a total of 14 new ships that will enter service this year alone*. With an abundance of cruise lines and ships to choose from, each varying in size and with their own personality, there really is a river, ocean or yacht cruise for everyone.

Whether you are a solo or single traveller preferring some ‘me-time’ or to make new friends along the way, a family looking for a

EASTERN CARIBBEAN

Experience a maiden voyage of the Eastern Caribbean setting sail from Fort Lauderdale in Florida, visiting St Maarten, with dozens of alluring beaches that ring the island where sunbathers bask and beachcombers stroll on the white sands, while divers and snorkellers explore the sunken shipwrecks and marine life

just offshore. Sailing onto St Thomas, while the beaches and ocean are beautiful, there is one thing that really sets it apart – shopping. This island is the most commercial of all the US Virgin Islands, then onto Puerto Plata, where you can you can paddle through a manatee reserve or zipline over treetops. Go for a swim at the awe-inspiring 27 Waterfalls complex or hike through the lush, protected jungle of El Choco National Park, enjoying the park’s two lagoons.

SOUTH AMERICA

Take an exclusive roundtrip voyage enjoying the absolute best of South America. Taking you around the coast of Latin America to 38 destinations in 18 countries. You’ll go deep inland and sail the Amazon River all the way to magical Manaus at the heart of the continent, you’ll visit the southern tip of the world at Ushuaia and you’ll mix it up with the locals at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival.

VENICE & NORTHERN ITALY

Uncover the enchanted beauty and breath-taking history of Venice and Northern Italy, with a Venetian river cruise, perfected by staying onboard a floating boutique hotel. Not only will you benefit from an enviable location in Venice, you’ll also find that your hotel transports you to hidden gems nearby. Explore the waterfront shops, colourful facades and peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Further south, discover Chioggia – a charming southern port loved by fishermen. And savour the spectacular wine and cuisines of this region every step of the way. n

*According to CLIA’s order book data, CLIA cruise line member vessels scheduled for delivery in 2023, launch dates subject to change

travelcounsellors.co.uk/charlotte.gili-ross

WHATEVER YOUR PREFERENCE YOU CAN EXPECT TO MAKE MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

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Luisa Cerano midi-dress with graphic print £539

APRIL SHOWERS

These water resistant and showerproof accessories will keep you warm and dry whatever the weather

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PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FEET THIS SPRING AND SUMMER

change. Each customer that steps through our door is searching for footwear they cannot find on the high street anymore, and more often than not, are currently wearing shoes

Photography:

Providing a unique, measuring and fitting service, by appointment only, fitright footwear are committed to getting their customers to think differently about footwear.

Our feet are constantly changing. It’s very unlikely your feet are the same now as they were five years ago.

that are not the right fit for their feet.

If your feet are hurting, they are trying to tell you something. The last thing you want is your feet stopping you from doing the things you want to do. Spring is here and summer is just around the corner and as the weather improves, no one wants to miss the opportunity of getting out and about and enjoying the longer, warmer days.

several different brands and styles of shoes to find the one that fits correctly, is the most comfortable and fit for purpose. There is no rush. Our appointment system is designed give our customers ample time to choose their footwear.

Customers benefit from our in-depth product knowledge, footwear advice and years of experience. Many return, time and time again, to experience the one-to-one personal service and care we provide and now they have found us, they are reluctant to shop anywhere else.

Healthy, comfortable feet equal a healthy body and mind. Correctly fitting footwear can transform your life and is an investment in your mental health and well-being. Your feet are important. Look after them. Visit fitright footwear for shoes that fit and put a smile on your feet. n

Appointments only: Wednesday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm

When feet change – becoming longer, flatter and wider, as we get older and developing hereditary foot conditions such as bunions or hammer toes, it’s time to have a rethink about the shoes you are wearing. Are they providing your feet with the comfort they deserve? Are they long enough for your feet? Wide enough? Deep enough? Are they too short? There are many things to think about to ensure your footwear is still fit for purpose and not making any problems you may be experiencing with your feet, worse.

At fitright footwear we recognise that feet

We stock an extensive range of comfortable, stylish footwear for feet of all shapes and sizes, widths and depths. During your appointment we will measure your feet and advise on the type of footwear that will suit your feet best. You will be able to try

Fitright Footwear

32D King Street, Clitheroe BB7 2EP 01200 425399

clitheroe@fitrightfootwear.co.uk

3 Bower Road, Harrogate HG1 1BB 01423 561172

harrogate@fitrightfootwear.co.uk

fitrightfootwear.co.uk

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_fitright

Fitright footwear stock a fabulous range of footwear for men and women who want their footwear to fitright!

Kirsten Platt

CORRECTLY FITTING FOOTWEAR CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE AND IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR WELL-BEING

JO MALONE STAR MAGNOLIA HAIR MIST 30ML £40

A lightweight formula, giving hair a healthy shine. Made with natural argan oil and pro-vitamin B5. Leaves hair scented with the light floral notes of star magnolia. jomalone.com

ON THE GO

Check out these travel-size beauties that deliver big results

PHILIP KINGSLEY SMOOTH & SHINY JET SET £32

The perfect travel sized hair products to manage frizzy, wavy or curly hair. Includes 75ml elasticiser, 75ml re-moisturising shampoo and 75ml re-moisturising conditioner. philipkinglsey.co.uk

ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN ROSE CLEANSING BALM 20G £13

A nourishing cleansing balm infused with English rose oleo extract that easily dissolves makeup and daily grime for petal-soft skin. uk.elemis.com

EVE LOM TRAVEL ESSENTIALS SET £38

Stowaway sizes of the cult favourite, multi-tasking skin care products. Includes 20ml cleanser, 8ml moisture cream, 10ml mini essence and muslin cloth. harrods.com

VOCÁ MEDITERRANEAN MOON ROLLER BALL 10ML £36 voca.london

ULTRA VIOLETTE™ SUPREME SCREEN

SPF50+ HYDRATING SKINSCREEN™ 50ML £34

Protect, hydrate and prime with this moisturising facial lotion with high-factor sun protection. ultraviolette.co.uk

TAN-LUXE THE FACE MINI 10ML £15

These travel-sized illuminating tan drops are small enough to glow wherever you do! They will transform your favourite moisturiser, serum or oil into a self-tanner. tan-luxe.com

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

BENEFIT BADGAL BANG!

VOLUMIZING MASCARA

TRAVEL SIZE MINI £13.50

This full-blast volumising mascara creates massive volume without weighing down lashes and the full-size head in this mini version, means no compromising on the go. benefitcosmetics.com

ULTRASUN LIP PROTECTION SPF30 £8

Shield and protect lips from cracking and damage caused by UV rays in hot or cold temperatures. ultrasun.co.uk

15 YEARS CARING FOR SKIN

Doctor Miguel Montero founded Discover Laser Medical Skin Clinic with his wife and business partner Gill in 2008. From a team of three and their first clinic in Burnley centre, they are now 10-strong and enjoy views of Pendle Hill from their awardwinning clinic within Crow Wood Leisure in the Burnley countryside.

The Discover Laser team specialise in non-surgical and surgical treatments for dermatology, skin health and rejuvenation, using the safest and most effective lasers and world-class procedures. Between them, they have rejuvenated, repaired and restored the skin of over 9500 people.

Their combined expertise, the pristine clinical setting and friendly atmosphere keep patients coming back time and time again, for solutions to skin ageing and problem skin conditions.

‘Patients before profit’, as company values go, may be considered slightly too altruistic. But this deeply embedded mantra is the secret to Discover Laser’s success. It ensures every patient is respected, and their health and well-being remain a top priority, even if that means advising against treatment. This approach has stood them in good stead over the years, and they have an exemplary safety record to show for it.

“The past 15 years have flown,” says Doctor Montero. “Thinking back, it’s hard to take in how far we’ve come and how much we’ve achieved.”

“It started with me juggling my career as a GP and working in the clinic on evenings and weekends. As the business began to thrive, I decided in 2015 (the hardest decision of my career) to quit as a GP and focus on the clinic and skin health full time. Since then, we’ve gone from strength to strength.”

A TRUE FIVE-STAR SERVICE, FOR 100% CARE, ABSOLUTE PROFESSIONALISM AND FULL ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Clinic Director Gill told us, “It’s hasn’t all been plain sailing. We’ve weathered the storm of a global economic crisis just as we were about to move to bigger premises and the pandemic when we couldn’t operate our business for nine months, amongst other challenges outside our control.

“Every time, our team pulls together, our loyal patients stick by us and we come out the other side stronger than ever.”

Never one to sit on his laurels, Doctor Montero continues to research and trial the newest equipment and get the highest quality training for himself and his team in the latest

techniques. In 2020, he invited his friend and colleague Dr Arif Aslam, Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, to join the team and offer the gold-standard surgical technique for removing facial skin cancers.

Overall, the aim is to deliver the best treatment experience for patients and people travel from all over the UK and beyond to benefit. As one patient from Manchester commented: “A true five-star service, for 100% care, absolute professionalism and full attention to detail.”

This five-star review, like so many others the clinic has, is a sure sign that they have many more successful years ahead of them. n

To book a Skin Consultation - call Discover Laser’s friendly team on 01282 420886 to book an appointment.

To find out more about treatment visit: www.discoverlaser.co.uk

Celebrating 15 years in business, one doctor’s passion for lasers and his total dedication to improving people’s confidence and well-being, has led to thousands feeling better about their skin

CROW WOOD, ROYLE LANE BURNLEY BB12 0RT • 01282 420886

WELLBEING SUPPORT

Psychotherapist Kate Portman is behind MY-EMDR, a unique, on-line programme that supports wellbeing and mental health.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Aground-breaking, on-line programme to help overcome trauma and stress and support mental wellbeing has been launched by an experienced, Ribble Valleybased psychotherapist.

Kate Portman has worked in the area of mental health for 20 years and has been a psychotherapist in the NHS and within the private sector for 15 years.

During that time, she has seen a chronic need for support for those who need urgent help but aren’t able to access treatment.

“It is important that mental health issues are tackled swiftly, but there are long NHS waiting lists and private treatment isn’t affordable for many people,” says Kate.

“There is also the problem that many people don’t want to sit face to face with someone talking about their issues, they want a level of anonymity. That’s why I have developed MY-EMDR, which is unique in the fact that the user has self-administration and self-direction.”

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy used to help people recover from distressing events and associated difficulties, such as depression and anxiety, flashbacks, upsetting thoughts or difficulty sleeping that are activated by unprocessed experiences and memories. It is an evidence-based therapy recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

someone,” explains Kate, who is also keen to point out that she is always available should users need to speak directly to an expert.

“While the programme is self-directed on-line, there are real warm, caring and engaging people behind it and I think that’s important.

“If people find they are ‘stuck’ there is a chat facility on the website, so they are able to access one-to-one coaching and therapy support if necessary.”

MY-EMDR’s self-administration model, also enables users to customise their journey so they can fit it around work, childcare and other schedules, accessing help at any time of day or night by reading the directions or watching a supporting video. n

Kate adds: “EMDR is hugely helpful across a range of difficulties. With the MY-EMDR programme, we have adapted it to make it accessible and affordable.”

While similar on-line programmes exist in the US, MY-EMDR is unique to the UK. For Kate, MY-EMDR has very much been a joint project with partner Jonny Harrison, who designed the easy-to-navigate website.

“Users can choose the pace at which they work through difficulties, they have complete control over their recovery journey.

“It also takes away the stress of opening up about personal experiences in front of

If you would like to know more about MY-EMDR go to the website to see how it could help you

SPECIAL OFFER

10% discount code: RV10 myemdr.co.uk

myemdr.co.uk

WHILE THE PROGRAMME IS SELF-DIRECTED ON-LINE, THERE ARE REAL WARM, CARING AND ENGAGING PEOPLE BEHIND IT

GET YOUR YOUTHFUL LOOKS BACK SAFELY

Wanting your youthful looks back, doesn’t mean you have to undertake invasive treatments. With pioneering technology in highly experienced hands, it can be achieved safely whilst remaining ‘you’, advises aesthetics expert Emma Pearce

As many celebrities are now advocating, you can have safe, non-invasive treatments which allow you to retain your natural youthful looks.

One of the most sought-after, experienced aesthetic specialist in Lancashire, Emma Pearce, from EMA Skin Aesthetics Ltd, uses the most pioneering treatments and advanced technology.

Emma stresses the importance of being treated only by professionals who have the capability and expertise to treat people safely and effectively. Her aim is to achieve life-changing results with scientifically proven technology and with a client satisfaction score of 99.9 per cent positive feedback, you know you are in safe hands!

The PlasmaPen, Hyapen and all the extensive non-invasive treatments Emma offers, are all unquestionably natural alternatives for impeccable results, unlike

“I’ve had PlasmaPen on my lower face and neck followed by the Ultrasound 7D in the same areas and only half-way through my results, I’m thrilled. Emma’s professionalism, passion, patience and understanding throughout the treatment plan has been wonderful. I was nervous and anxious at the start but now I’m 100 per cent confident I’m in the best hands and grateful I found Emma. I’m in my 70s – I don’t feel it and now I don’t look it! I feel happy and confident.”

Joan F

many cheap quick-fix treatments that are too readily available.

and chest lines – and for those looking for a non-invasive volumiser, the Hyapen is ideal for a natural-looking alternative to injectable fillers.

To complement the PlasmaPen and Hyapen treatments, Emma recently invested in the highlyadvanced 7D Focused Ultrasound.

known for tightening skin with optimal results and is a painless replacement for surgical facelifts. It boosts collagen, giving a firmer and natural rejuvenating effect.

The PlasmaPen is perfect for tightening sagging jowls, turkey necks, marionette lines, smile and smokers’ lines, crow’s feet, puffy eyes, drooping eyelids

The Ultra 7D uses HighIntensity Focused Ultrasound and Micro-Macro Focused Ultrasound (MMFU) to deliver a non-invasive face, neck and body lifting treatment. It is best

SPRING OFFERS

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

PlasmaPen £175 off each area. Areas start from £250. Ultrasound 7D £185 off each area. Areas start from £300. 20% off each ml of Hyapen!

Offers end 17th May 2023

Complimentary consultations are available!

Emma is renowned for achieving results that clients have been absolutely delighted with: “You’re never too old to make an astounding improvement to your skin and self-confidence. And the best thing is, you can achieve this without surgery!” n

All AFTER images show results after 3 weeks, full results will be seen after 3 months

& Guy 86 Fishergate, Preston PR1 2NJ 01772 821600 07547 802062

info@emaskinaesthetics.co.uk

As we mature our faces change as skin loses its elasticity and our eyebrows become sparse and unruly. So how can we revitalise our looks by enhancing our brows so they still look natural?

Eyebrows frame the face, they are an important part to our overall look, but what happens when our brows naturally begin to thin and get more sparce? Just tinting them is no longer an option as this can end up staining the skin, while applying pencil or cosmetics can often be a difficult, time-consuming task.

FRAME YOUR FACE

popular and involves building a beautiful brow by the pixelation of tiny dots. The pigment is inserted into the skin much like a traditional tattoo for longer lasting results. It can be used on clients with most skin types and is ideal for people who want a more shaded, softer brow.

Helen’s clients also have the option of the combination brow, as she explains: “For those who can’t decide between microblading and ombre, this may be the preferred choice. It’s a combination between the two, hair strokes and

paler, they lose volume and elasticity and that all-important outer-edge definition. Lipstick doesn’t last and bleeds into the skin. We can apply pigment to create definition, shape and

Helen explains why microblading is the ideal treatment: “Microblading is a semi-permanent treatment that gently introduces pigment into the upper dermis to create tiny hair strokes that mimic the natural hair of the brow.

“Carried out professionally, it involves using a disposable hand tool with super fine needles. This treatment can be used to enhance faint eyebrows or to create a perfect fuller brow.”

All customers have an initial consultation to advise on the best brow look and a refresh is only needed every 12 to 18 months, which is the main reason many women love this treatment!

Helen also explains the ombre technique, which is also known as micropigmentation or permanent make-up: “It’s become really

powder fill for a really natural defined brow. No two clients will have the same brow shape and definition, but the combination technique is ideal, whatever brows you currently have, subject to consultation.”

Helen is an expert in the application of permanent make-up and has seen a rise in clients wanting to have semi-permanent eyeliner and lipliner but the new kid on the block is definitely the introduction of permanent lip blush: “Many women notice as they age that their lips can appear smaller and

FAVOURITE TREATMENTS

Eight-point facelift

Laser hair removal

Wrinkle relaxants

Skin peels

Dermal fillers

Skin boosters (Profhilo)

Radio frequency micro-needling

HIFU

Vitamin B/Biotin injections

Dermalux LED light therapy

Medik8 anti-ageing facials

to enhance the appearance of fullness. You can opt for soft and natural tones although we do have clients who choose more dramatic lip blush colours. The pigment can last up to four years and offers a more youthful, fresh appearance during that time.” n

Follow the beauty experts on Facebook or Instagram for beauty tips and latest offers!

Helen Coates Aesthetics

602 Burnley Road

Crawshawbooth BB4 8AJ

01706 216279

helencoatesbeauty.co.uk

@HelenCoatesAesthetics

@helencoatesaesthetics

As the years go by, our brows can become more sparse, thin and unruly but there is an answer, as beauty and aesthetics expert Helen Coates explains

LOVING THE SKIN YOU’RE IN...

Anti-ageing skincare, does it exist and does it work? Happily, the answer is yes, but time and again the science comes back to three, clinically proven, key ingredients – Vitamin C, sunscreen and Vitamin A

The truth behind whether a topical skin product works or not comes down to the ingredients it’s packed with, how that product is formulated and whether or not they contain high enough levels of the active key ingredients to be of any value to the skin.

The point of anti-ageing skincare is to make older, possibly damaged, skin behave in a younger and healthier way and this is how these three key ingredients do it.

NEXT IN YOUR ARSENAL IS SUNSCREEN:

SPF is the most powerful anti-ageing weapon there is – and it is clinically proven, so no argument there. Although if you are younger, you might argue that SPF belongs in the ‘prevention’ category. You also want to ensure that it is broad spectrum, environmentally clean and photostable. It doesn’t fix any damage that is already done –that’s the job of Vitamin A.

THE POWERHOUSE THAT IS VITAMIN A:

behave in a younger and healthier way – and so with continued use, you can expect your skin to be smoother brighter and firmer.

But choose your Vitamin A with care – and use it wisely! All Vitamin A products should be phased in over a period of four weeks.

Melt have partnered with Medik8, Nourish and Dr Haushka and are specialists in skincare which is scientifically proven to help ageing skin look younger.

More importantly, they can help guide you on the correct use and entry level for your skin type and age – and advise when to step up to the next level for continued improvement.

For a more in-depth telephone consultation, or to book an appointment to discuss this in person, please call 01200 443377. n Loyalty scheme with all Medik8 purchases, ask instore for details

Melt are also stockists of Powder, Chalk, niche perfumes, cashmere, jewellery and more Retail outlet, Chandlery and Reading Room open seven days a week. 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon-4.30pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays

FIRST UP IS VITAMIN C:

This is one of the most powerful vitamins for preventing the signs of ageing and reversing the signs of skin damage. It is an exceptional antioxidant which protects your skin throughout the day from free radical attack caused by pollutants and it also disrupts the formation of melanin, so helps prevent age spots and promotes even skin tone. It is essential for the formation of collagen –which in turn prevents lines and wrinkles. So, no Vitamin C – no collagen!

Hailed as the gold-standard in anti-ageing, Vitamin A (a retinoid) is one of the most well proven ingredients in skincare. It is the only other ingredient along with SPF that is legally allowed to claim to be anti-ageing.

As we age, loss of Vitamin A and collagen helps create those signs of ageing such as wrinkles and a dull complexion. But retinoids (Vitamin A) can help reverse this.

It rebuilds collagen, increases cell turnover, targets hyperpigmentation, tackles acne, refines skin texture, repairs sun damage, targets wrinkles – and is an all-round good egg. Essentially, it challenges ageing skin to

Melt Backridge Farm Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200 443377

themeltco.com

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themeltco

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RVBA Small Business Award 2018 Independent Retailer 2017

Artisan Business 2017

DELVING INTO THE PAST…

An 81-year-old social media-savvy podcaster has listeners from all over the world who are fascinated by her myth-busting research

Local historian Jean Lord has lived in various parts of the country. Originally from Farnworth, she spent many years living and working in Scotland but it was memories from her childhood that eventually brought her to the Ribble Valley.

“At weekends we used to come for days out to Downham, so I always dreamed of living over here,” says Jean, who at 81, has just launched a series of podcasts on the history of Whalley.

Jean who has three children, 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, recalls how family circumstances forced her

to move to Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbrightshire: “My husband Bill died when he was just 36. I was left on my own with three children, my son was offered a job at a textile factory in Scotland and they offered me a job too so off we went.”

The family spent many years there but when one of Jean’s daughters had to relocate to Lancashire, they decided it was the time for Jean to fulfil her dream and find a home in the Ribble Valley.

They originally found a house on Brockhall Village, but it was during a trip to America that Jean learnt about her current home on the recently-built Monks Cross development

in Whalley: “My daughter sent me a video of the house,” recalls Jean, who has been involved in Whalley in Bloom for almost two decades.

Living in Whalley meant Jean immersed herself within the community, she is Friend of Whalley Grammar School and with a small group of activists, was instrumental in getting it back up and running.

THERE ARE LOTS OF SURPRISES TOO. IN ONE HOUSE A STONE HEAD WAS FOUND DURING RENOVATIONS

While she has always been involved in local history – something she says she inherited from her late father – it was her involvement in the Grammar School that reignited her love of the past: “We decided to open up each room and theme them. There was a cricket room, an abbey room and I created a room of old photos of King Street and all the buildings from different periods of history.”

Doing extensive research, Jean continues

to update her ‘virtual tour’ of King Street each year: “The Whalley Arms used to be a farm,” says Jean, who also made a model of the street, based on an 1870 map.

Thanks to her daughter Kath, more recently Jean has transferred her skills to creating a historical podcast. Kath who is the voice behind voiceitpr.com does podcasts and public relations for businesses throughout the UK and it was her idea for Jean to launch her own podcast, which is produced by Kath.

“We were spending a weekend in the Lake District – Kath had work to do so I took some history research up with me too,” recalls Jean, who by this time had set up a Whalley History Group that hired a room at the Grammar School to research the town’s heritage.

“Kath looked at all the books I had and all

the research I was doing and suggested I put the information on a podcast. While I do a lot of research on the internet, I also go into historic records to verify facts as a lot of ‘word of mouth’ rumours turn out not to be true.

“I like that part of my work – it’s myth busting and very interesting!” says Jean who, to date, has more than 1000 people listening to her Whalley podcasts, the first of which focuses on Church Lane.

“There is history in every house on there. There are lots of surprises too. In one house a stone head was found during renovations. It is thought it originated from Whalley Abbey – the deeds of the house state that if the house is sold the head stays with the property.”

I FOUND LETTERS FROM THE MONKS AT WHALLEY ABBEY WRITTEN TO KING HENRY VI

Delving into records, Jean also discovered the myths surrounding a local ‘hermitage’ which was surrounded by scandal. A hermitage is where a person was made a ‘recluse’: “I spent a long time looking for information about this and found letters from the monks at Whalley Abbey written to King Henry VI in their bid to get the hermitage closed.

“The documents were written in old English and signed by various knights and dignitaries. The so-called ‘scandal’ involved a widow, who had three children. It turned out there wasn’t a scandal at all – she just didn’t have any standing within the community being a woman, on her own with children.”

Scripting the podcasts herself, Jean’s second is on King Street – but this has been split into two parts because of the huge amount of information she has gathered –whilst the third is on the Whalley Arches.

Being social media savvy, Jean is on Facebook and a series of other platforms, so her listeners are from all over the world: “I really love doing the podcasts. I have people listening in Australia, Canada and New Zealand – it’s really exciting!” n

To listen to Jean’s podcasts go to Spotify and Whalley Local History

Jean will be conducting a ‘walk and talk’ local history tour of Whalley on Sunday 7th May starting from Whalley bus station at 2pm as part of Whalley in Bloom

IN THE SADDLE

Chipping Pony Club members have been training hard for upcoming summer competitions in flatwork and show jumping, as well as spending time learning more about our equine friends, writes Megan Conlon

First and foremost, our mounted games team must be mentioned. We have reached the end of the Winter League competition where Chipping Pony Club members raced as fast as they could in a relay-race-type set up, negotiating obstacles as they go. After weekly training sessions throughout the winter, with the expertise of our experienced team trainers Oliver Conlon and Anne Williams, our team progressed with every competition and the hard work really paid off. Overall, our novice team came sixth in the league and our juniors came fifth! We are super proud of everyone, especially given the majority of our riders this time were brand new to the discipline and a lot of learning had to be done from scratch.

We also had an informative session at Oakhill Equine Vets, where members attended

a talk on Equine First Aid and were guided through some case studies. They then got to learn how to listen to a horse’s heart and practise with a real horse to apply their new knowledge. There was a tour of all the facilities including the operating room where members could see real horse X-rays

Members also held an Easter-themed badge day for our younger riders! Badge days give them the opportunity to learn a large variety of skills, and the badges earned can be proudly sewn onto the arms of their Pony Club jumper. This time, members earned badges in Feeding, Caring for a Pony in Summer and Winter, Field Safety and Perfect Paddock. As well as these badge days, there are some badges which members can do at home, such as the Pet Sense badge where you have to keep a diary record of a pet (not a horse) and keep track of their

and learn about horse’s teeth. Next, our members were introduced to Lilly, the lifesize plastic horse, and were able to practise bandaging a wound on a horse’s leg, an essential skill for any horse-owner as horse’s legs are one of the most delicate yet vital parts of the animal.

food, exercise and routine. Following these badges, we had a grooming kit race where members had to collect certain items from a bucket and then race back to their team. It was then time for an Easter egg hunt! Everyone left with smiles on their faces and badges as well as chocolate in their pockets.

Coming up next month, we will continue flatwork and show jumping training at Northcote Stud, a rally at Osbaldeston, as well as having a parents’ meeting online to discuss future events and activities.

Chipping Pony Club is always welcoming new members – feel free to get in touch if you’re interested! n

If you’d like to know more about Pony Club, and in particular Chipping Branch, please contact the District Commissioner Joanne Conlon 01200 445143 or email: chipping@pcuk.org

OUR MEMBERS WERE INTRODUCED TO LILLY, THE LIFE-SIZE PLASTIC HORSE

first runners in 2022 and he, like the filly, is out of a Galileo mare.

Her dam, Magic Nymph, was unraced but has already produced three winners, including Folkswood, by Exceed and Excel, who has won races in Britain, Australia and Dubai.

Our filly is unnamed but Charlie thinks she might be ready to make her racecourse debut within a few weeks, so we’ll have to get on with the naming soon!

FLYING UP THE GALLOPS…

Highclere’s Jason Fildes is keeping a close eye on a new chesnut filly training with Charlie Johnston at Middleham, where he recently saw her flying up the gallops

Iwas up in Middleham last week to see some of the new two-year-olds in training with Charlie Johnston at Kingsley Park stables. Luckily it was a bright, sunny morning so the horses looked at their best as they worked up the four-furlong, all-weather gallop.

I h ad principally gone to check out the progress of Highclere’s new colt, Aviemore, as well as our old stalwart, the recently retired Thunderous. What a wonderful horse he has been to us, winning over £200k in prize money in his 17 races and giving a huge amount of pleasure, especially when winning the Dante Stakes at York!

While it was brilliant to see these two, what really caught my eye was a flying chesnut filly coming up the gallops ahead of her companions. I asked Charlie about her and he said that they had recently bought her at the Tattersalls Yearling Sales. As she was only foaled on 25th April 2021, he hadn’t expected her to be as forward as she is and her recent gallops had taken them by

surprise. I was then amazed to find out that, as she was late in, she was still for sale, so I immediately asked them not to sell her to anyone else!

HER RECENT GALLOPS HAD TAKEN THEM BY SURPRISE. I WAS THEN AMAZED TO FIND OUT THAT SHE WAS STILL FOR SALE, SO I IMMEDIATELY ASKED THEM NOT TO SELL HER TO ANYONE ELSE!

Johnston Racing want to keep a leg in her so I’m planning to have eight shares at only £2500 per share, to own the other 75 per cent. She could be an absolute bargain if she continues to progress as she is! Training fees are likely to be approximately £300 per share, per month – but of course that doesn’t include any prize money should she be successful!

I’m hoping to arrange to go back up to Middleham to see her very soon, so anyone who might be interested in taking a share would be more than welcome to join and have a look at her in action before investing. Shares are obviously sold on a first come first served basis. n

Her sire is Harry Angel, a very speedy colt in his day, winner of the Mill Reef Stakes as a two-year-old, before going on to success in the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket and the Group 1 Haydock Park Sprint Cup.

Harry Angel is the sire of Marshman, the highest rated juvenile of any sire, having his

Highclere – Jason Fildes

01200 444622

07721 311778

jason@highclere.co.uk

highclereracing.co.uk

A FUN SUMMER OF EVENTS

The Ribble Valley is incredibly lucky to have the North of England’s premier equestrian venue right here on our doorstep, and for anyone who hasn’t experienced the thrill of this top-level sport it’s the perfect place for a fun afternoon: “We have a big event each month and from 31st May to 4th June we have our prestigious Young Horse Show,” says Millie Coultherd, Northcote Stud’s Events Co-ordinator.

The Young Horse Show at Northcote Stud is one of the biggest in the UK with 300 horses stabled on-site.

“The event is for up-and-coming young horses and is fantastic experience for them and their riders. The focus is on courses that are built purposely for the age of the horse, so it’s the ideal opportunity to develop a young horse’s skills,” Millie explains.

“There are some exciting new changes to how we are running our young horse classes this year. We have Big Star and Talent Seekers Qualifiers, a Clear Round Day Tuesday and the Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon, which has a height of 1.45 metres and an exciting first prize of £2k!”

From 28th July to 30th the Bronze and Silver Northern Qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show 2023 will also be taking place

at Northcote: “The Horse of the Year Show is one of the biggest events in the equestrian calendar,” says Millie. “And it is a privilege to hold some of the qualifying rounds here at our wonderful venue.”

and ice cream truck: “It really is the perfect day out,” says Millie. “It is an opportunity to relax with family and friends and watch top level sport at a local Ribble Valley venue.”

There are also opportunities to sponsor an event, or a category, or even to invest in a show jumping horse. With lots of benefits for both corporate and individual sponsors, including the opportunity to meet the winning athletes with presentation photographs.

These fabulous events at Northcote Stud are open to the public with free entry and an array of refreshments on the site: “We have the Bridle Café which has a focus on modern street food and the Saddle Lounge, which is a stylish, comfortable space to relax, with a wonderful view of the arena and a full-service bar. It is also available to hire for both corporate and family events,” explains Millie.

At the Young Horse Show there is the added bonus of a marquee with bar, a food vendor

Alongside offering top level sport on a national circuit, Northcote Stud also has a fabulous signature livery package which includes everything you could possibly want for both rider and horse and a range of training opportunities: “We offer training across all Olympic disciplines,” explains Millie. “We have world class facilities and a range of resident and visiting coaches. Northcote is an ideal place to prepare for competition or continue your horse’s education.” n

There is so much going on this summer at Northcote Stud with the main event, the Young Horse Show, at the end of May. Gail Bailey caught up with Millie Coultherd to find out more

STUD IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO RELAX WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND WATCH TOP LEVEL SPORT AT A LOCAL RIBBLE VALLEY VENUE

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Music in the Park 2023 is to be staged at Worden Park, Leyland, in May featuring the likes of Bananarama, Peter Andre, The South, Nik Kershaw and Bad Manners. The event will take place on Sunday 28th May, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Organised by UK Media and Events in partnership with South Ribble Borough Council, the inaugural Music in the Park was attended by more than 3,000 people and saw star names such as Tony Hadley, T’Pau, Go West and Heaven 17 entertain the crowds. At this year’s event there will be a bar and street food stalls, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, accessible to all ticket holders.

The 2023 Music In The Park has an even bigger line up featuring fantastic 80s and 90s chart topping tunes that will get everyone dancing and singing along in the beautiful setting of Worden Park.

Visitors will have access to:

• M ain stage area

• Bar areas

• Toilet facilities

• Food stalls

• P remium bar (for premium ticket holders)

• D isabled toilet facilities

No seating is provided at the event, but ticket holders are welcome to bring picnic blankets or folding chairs if weather conditions are fair. n

For more information and to purchase tickets for this fantastic event go to: musicinthepark.live

After a successful launch last year, there is set to be an even bigger and better Music in the Park this year with a fantastic line-up of live bands from the 80s and 90s

HOME TRUTHS

Iwas honoured to welcome the Speaker from Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk and six Ukraine MPs to the Carlton Club last month, to raise funds to support those suffering from the illegal invasion of their country by Russia.

He told me of the bravery of his people and their total defiance – a truly David and Goliath moment – and we all know how that ended. The one thing that he really enjoyed about being in London was not the sights or meeting people. His greatest joy was getting a little extra sleep in the capital before returning home to ensure his democratic Parliament is still functioning. I salute his Parliament and the courage of his people. I was also able to tell him that families in the Ribble Valley have opened their homes to Ukrainian families fleeing the war. I salute them too.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans meets visitors from Ukraine, attends the Olivier Awards and gets a glimpse of the historic courtyards and corridors once occupied by King Henry VIII

It was superb to go to the fantastic Mytton Fold Hotel where the Ribble Valley Business Awards were held. It is the small businesses who are the backbone of our community and they work long hours and are committed to our area. They also, between them, employ thousands of local people too, so in my book they are all winners. Talking of local business, I visited Ribble Valley’s newest addition to our legendary hospitality trade, the Rum Fox in Grindleton. On the site of the former Buck Inn, Bob Geldeard, the supremo head chef, and his enthusiastic team, have transformed this pub – it was an amazing experience!

It was good to welcome Ribble Valley Council Leader, Stephen Atkinson, to Westminster. We were able to discuss lots of issues vital to the Valley and in particular my request to the Levelling Up Minister, to get his department to look at a major project, which could have a huge impact on parts of the Forest of Bowland. I am delighted that they are looking in detail at this as it is only right that nothing happens which will lessen this area’s glorious contribution to rural England.

O ne task I’ve been given by the Speaker is to look at all the options for the restoration of our amazing iconic Parliament building, which

will be the home of UK democracy for centuries to come. One added bonus is I get is to see parts of the Palace that have been closed to MPs since 1992. I got goosebumps as I stepped into the courtyard of the cloisters, which at one stage had the likes of King Henry VIII walking its corridors.

It was a privilege to be at the Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall –the theatre is such a cultural magnet for millions of tourists around the world. They come to see evergreens like Les Miserables, but also new productions and revivals like the incredible Oklahoma! Young thespians fresh from drama school get to tread the boards of some of the world’s leading theatres and then go on to be household names, like Sir Derek Jacobi who received his lifetime achievement award. Finally, I asked Education Minister Nick Gibb to visit my office to show him artwork from Balderstone St Leonard’s school. ‘Stop the War in Ukraine’ was a constant theme. It is over 80 years since children of a similar age lost loved ones to war. We must all redouble our efforts to ensure that the message from the artwork, is heard loudly. I pray this war ends soon. n

MIND MATTERS

a financial planner and a non-financial life coach.

In today’s world, retirement comes to different people at very different ages and stages in life. Financial planning is seen as a given to ensure that you have financial security going forward.

WHAT EFFECT WILL THE LACK OF STRUCTURE HAVE ON YOU?

Here are some key areas of non-financial retirement planning:

• L ifestyle planning: Think about what you want your retirement to look like. Do you want to travel, volunteer, spend time with family, pursue hobbies or work part-time? Having a clear vision of your ideal retirement can help you make decisions about where to live, how to spend your time and what kind of social activities to pursue.

• Health and wellness: Prioritising your physical and mental health is crucial for a happy retirement. Consider incorporating regular exercise, healthy eating and stress-reducing activities into your retirement routine. Also, make sure to stay up-to-date with medical check-ups and preventive care.

• S ocial connections: Retirement can be isolating if you don’t have a strong social network. Make an effort to maintain relationships with friends and family, join social groups or clubs, and consider volunteering or taking part in community activities.

• Personal development: Retirement can be a time to explore new interests and hobbies or pursue further education. Consider taking classes, learning a new skill, or pursuing a creative passion.

Therapeutic coach Lynn Scholes looks beyond the money and advises on how to create a fulfilling lifestyle when we retire

Facing the future with excitement and not fear is the purpose of nonfinancial retirement planning and you can’t start soon enough. The moment retirement appears on your horizon is the moment you need to speak to both

However, what is often not identified as being a part of the planning process for retirement is the non-financial side of the biggest transition you will make in later life. Some are prepared and ready whilst others can be filled with dread and fear. Loss of identity, or a position or business you have worked so hard to build, can be really hard to deal with. The loss of the identity that a company or a position gives you, can lead to you questioning who are you without it? What effect will the lack of structure have for you and what impact will retiring have on your relationships. Non-financial planning can be just as important, if not more important than financial planning in ensuring a happy and fulfilling retirement. They both go hand in hand with regards your future happiness and a life of fulfilment.

• L egacy planning: Think about the legacy you want to leave behind. This could involve passing on your knowledge or skills to others, volunteering in your community or leaving a charitable bequest. Identifying the fears and limiting beliefs associated with retirement along with internal conflicts, prior to writing your retirement plan is an absolute must. Without it, the plan won’t be the best and is highly likely to be one you aren’t able to deliver.

Remember, retirement is a journey, not a destination. Non-financial planning can help you create a fulfilling retirement and make the most of this new chapter in your life. n

Lynn Scholes is a writer, therapeutic coach, trainer and speaker working with individuals and companies of all sizes in the field of life, career and business. She specialises in a number of key areas including motivation, mindset and retirement.

To find out more you can contact Lynn on 07753 579745 or go to: focus101.co.uk

MISS GREAT BRITAIN LANCASHIRE HEAT

Tickets for Miss Lancashire GB go on sale on 21st April on Eventbrite!

The event will be held at Stanley House Hotel and Spa in Mellor on 9th July.

Tickets include a sit-down buffet on round tables of 10. DressEd will be hosting a VIP after party – tickets on sale on the door. All proceeds go to Derian House Children’s Hospice.

discovered during her time in the United States: “I spotted them and knew we just had to have them at DressEd – they are fabulous!”

DressEd also stocks bridesmaids’ dresses from top designers including Dessy Group and Onlyway – a unique concept offering a createyour-own style dress in fabulous fabric that comes in 42 different shades.

YOUR TIME TO SHINE

Ribble Valley based DressEd was launched last year by Eddison Emam who has travelled the world competing in international beauty pageants. She is delighted to be the face behind the upcoming Miss Great Britain Finals Lancashire Heat, which will be held at Stanley House Hotel and Spa in Mellor on 9th July.

DressEd Boutique is unique in terms of the international labels that can be seen adorning the rails as well as Eddison’s extensive experience on the pageant circuit.

Stocking designer names that are celebrity favourites, DressEd is also the only UK stockist of Diverse Style heels in three shades of nude – a brand Eddison

“This a great idea!” says Eddison. “Bridesmaids come in all different shapes and sizes so it’s often really difficult to choose a dress that suits them all. Well, the Onlyway is the perfect answer!”

Each bridesmaid literally creates their own style in the same fabric –it can be off-the shoulder, with sleeves, cross-back, halter-neck –the fabric can be draped, twisted and tied to create an elegant gown of your choice – the possibilities are endless!

For any special occasion, call in at DressEd Boutique to meet Eddison and view the beautiful gowns on display. n

DressED Boutique Huntley’s Whalley Road

Samlesbury PR5 OUN 07393 719950

Sponsor of the official Miss Great Britain Lancashire Heat is the glamorous DressEd Boutique, which has become renowned for its fabulous prom, pageant and bridesmaid dresses

THE FABRIC CAN BE DRAPED, TWISTED AND TIED TO CREATE AN ELEGANT GOWN OF YOUR CHOICE –THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!

and historically, a barbecue, which is held on the Sunday.

This year all the regular exhibitors can be found as usual in the pub’s beer garden –there will be country crafts, a basket maker, clog makers and a wonderful Lancashire stick maker demonstrating alongside a potter and blacksmiths Bill Carter and Oscar Duck with their portable forge. Returning to the show

STEAM DISPLAY RETURNS

The founder and organiser of Slaidburn’s Steam and Vintage Vehicle Display, David McNamee, reveals what visitors can expect at this year’s event

Plans are well underway for this year’s Slaidburn Steam and Vintage Vehicle Display which, as always, will be held on land next to the Hark to Bounty in the heart of the village.

The 2023 steam extravaganza will be the 41st fair – over four decades the event has raised more than £93,000 for local good causes within the community, with last year’s

proceeds going to Slaidburn and Dunsop Bridge Primary Schools and to Slaidburn Archive, which put on a display of photographs and memorabilia covering the past 40 years of the fair.

“The archive display was terrific,” says David McNamee, the founder and organiser of the fair. “It brought back many happy memories.”

Back in 1980 David parked his steam engine outside the Hark to Bounty, which attracted a lot of attention. The following year he was joined by a fellow steam enthusiast and that was the start of what became an annual, much-loved event in the steam rally calendar. While admission to the fair is free, money is raised through honesty tubs, a hugely popular cake stall, raffle prizes, a tombola

once again will be clog and Morris dancing teams and, of course, not forgetting the engines – 10 full size and three or four miniature steam engines will arrive from locations throughout the North West.

All the money raised at this year’s steam fair will go towards the Hodder Valley Agricultural Show.

“As always we are very grateful to the Slaidburn Estate for letting us hold the show on their land and we look forward to seeing everyone in June for what is going to be another fantastic event,” concludes David. n

SLAIDBURN STEAM & VINTAGE VEHICLE DISPLAY

10th & 11th JUNE 2023

Hark to Bounty from 10.30am

Demonstrations, clog and Morris dancing and a BBQ on the Sunday

Happy & Glorious!

This momentous weekend will start on Friday 5th May with Adam Southworth bringing his amazing musical talent into the bar. Enjoy this whilst sipping our signature gin cocktails created from limited-edition, Coronation gin by Wild Fox distillery.

EVERYTHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO…

For the past two years, I have been manifesting my dream of building a luxury retreat that allows our guests a snapshot of the views from the heights of Mellor, our restaurants, villages and fabulous walks - but most importantly to breathe in the heritage we take for granted.

We have now been open for six months and have celebrated some real highlights this month that have included a visit from the Mayor and Mayoress as part of their tour of the area during National Tourism Week and a wonderful evening at the Ribble Valley Business Awards where we were thrilled to win the category for New Business. Over 400 local businesses entered and for me, it was a huge accolade to my team that work so hard on mine, and your behalf, to create something quite unique.

This month heralded the opening of our private bar and event space complete with its own kitchen. As guests of Everything Retreat you now have the facility to join us on arrival for drinks before being shown to your lodge –perhaps an apéritif before dinner? Or maybe you will just stay and chat with other guests whilst enjoying one of our fabulous cheese or charcuterie platters. Simon, our head

groundsman has a previous career as a chef and so has been recruited to produce the most lavish boards! Just imagine that after your time in your private hot tub on your deck, whilst listening to the wildlife around you – I can almost hear your stress levels dropping now!

Saturday from 1.30pm we will be hosting a garden party with large screen TV showing the Coronation with an appropriately regal afternoon tea, champagne and Pimms followed by a barbecue on the lawn in the evening. Whilst this is designed primarily for our guests to enjoy, we will also sell a limited number of tickets on a first come first served basis as a private event. Call 01254 965095 for availability and tickets.

We have also listened to your feedback and as a result we have released three of our signature lodges for a single night stay which are proving popular with those struggling with childcare but want that one night of freedom and those visiting to attend an event in the area and need just the one night away.

I have so much to tell you! But I only have space to say – whatever the reason that brings you here, we will do Everything to make it so very special. n

EVERYTHING retreat

Everything Retreat

Primrose Hill, Primrose Lane

Mellor BB2 7EQ

01254 965095

hello@everything-retreat.com

everything-retreat.com

everythingretreat

RibbleValley

A new event space, a glittering award and a royal celebration are all in a day’s work for Louise Monk at Everything Retreat in Mellor

New at Holden Clough is a selection of pots – joining the classic Pots and Pithoi collection are planters from around the world including Hungarian galvanised vintage-style planters.

SETTING THE SCENE

Discover blooms, butterflies and bees, beautiful collections of vintage planters, homeware and gardening gifts, all at Holden Clough

Spring is in the air and at Holden Clough Nurseries visitors will delight in the sweet scent of herbs and cottage garden borders as the season unfolds.

There is so much to see and do at this time of year when gardeners start to plan their planting for the months ahead.

It’s the season that sets the scene – gardeners may want to enhance what they already have or totally reconsider the flow of their outside space. Whatever your vision is, take a trip to Holden Clough where the beautifully curated beds will provide inspiration for all types of gardens.

Meander through this rural idyll to see flowers, plants, shrubs and herbs that are grouped by association and colour making it easier to choose.

In the Frameyard is a new cottage-garden style border planted up against a random stone wall while in the Greenhouse evergreens and topiary abound.

Nursery owner, award-winning John Foley, offers a free-of-charge Border Design Service –he will happily meet visitors to discuss and assist in drawing planting layouts for borders, taking into account the aspect of your garden,

flowering times, structure and style along with planting combinations. With consecutive gold medals nationally for Holden Clough’s exhibits of homegrown hardy plants, John understands that planting is all about choosing the right plant and finding the right place.

As always in the Glasshouse is a magical selection of beautiful homeware, throws, scented candles and furniture sourced from Europe. Pop into the Reading Room Kitchen for a delicious bite to eat before resuming your journey through this peaceful haven that is set to feature a series of seasonal artisan markets and workshops.

New collections are arriving daily so call in to the picturesque Holden Clough to appreciate all that this fabulous nursery has to offer! n

WORKSHOPS AT HOLDEN CLOUGH

PAMPER SPA

28th April – 10.30am, £60

Create your own Pamper Spa in this three-hour workshop with Rachael from Wharfedale Soaps.

ARM KNITTING

29th April & 27th May – 10.30am, £95

Fancy having a go at the on-trend skill of arm knitting with Allybobsknits?

'All Things Garden Since 1927'

WILLOW OBELISKS AND PLANT SUPPORTS

23rd June – £60 half day/£115 full day A Pip Cottage workshop, learn how to weave an obelisk or plant support for your garden.

All plants at Holden Clough are hardy and especially reared to withstand our chilly, wet weather. At the moment, visitors will find beautiful Auricula among the blooms along with sturdy Alpines.

SPRING ARTISAN MARKETS

Radish 22nd & 23rd April

Rhubarb 13th & 14th May

Gooseberry 10th & 11th June holdenclough.com

For more information on all workshops and how to book go to: holdencloughnursery.com

Holden Clough Nurseries

Holden, Bolton-by-Bowland, Clitheroe BB7 4PF 01200 447615 holdenclough.com

Open 7 days a week 9am till 5pm

Ihope everyone has enjoyed a happy Easter – it’s been a busy one for my team at Live Ribble Valley with a rare deadline clashing with the holiday. A big thanks to them all for getting this issue over the line and into your hands.

A quick recap - as we hoped the ‘HARP’ project is now with the Secretary of State for consideration and action. I do, however, remain deeply concerned about the potential outcome and the impact this might have on the Ribble Valley.

The Mumbai streets of Clitheroe look like they have finally been given the green light for the match funding between LCC and RVBC. With a proposed start date in 2024 and a huge hike in building costs I do fear we could end up with not much more than a large patio in the conservation area of the town.

Our RVBC planning department appear to be a bit gung-ho and living up to the reputation of being the Ribble Valley’s sales prevention team. Buoyed by their recent successes in Bristol in the case of the demolition of the Punch Bowl pub in Hurst Green, they appear to have been turbo-charged in challenging anything and everything connected to business. I urge Nicola Hopkins and her team to work closely and alongside businesses, who continue to invest and bring money into the local economy.

In the main, the emails, texts and phone calls I receive from writing this column are positive – however last month one of our readers took me to task on my frequent attacks on RVBC and its

leadership. None of my remarks are personal nor written with any agenda, apart from asking questions on behalf of residents or my business friends. My frustration is that I simply don’t get a reply – I find this both unprofessional and a little bit disrespectful. More than 30,000 of you could be reading this article and with local elections in three weeks’ time it seems strange for them not to want to engage with you.

Before ‘purdah’ (the enforced political silence before an election) I asked the council two things by email.

• Would the leader like to be interviewed postelection to talk through what could be a changed political complexion and set out the plans for the next couple of years – no reply.

• I asked them for their help and involvement in a planned feature on Clitheroe in our May issue to drive footfall to the high street – again – no response.

I’m not alone in this as there are countless people who still await recognition of their mails and this simply can’t be right or allowed to continue. I will continue to do my best to ask questions that need to be answered.

The local elections in early May are your opportunity to elect councillors who’ll represent your views and stand up for your concerns. Please don’t get me wrong, many of the councillors do just that and I count them as friends. Do you even know who your current councillors are? Or their opponents? I also hear that in certain wards the political parties can’t even find candidates to stand, which is a worrying trend for sure, and not helpful for democracy.

I’d hoped to update you on the food banks in Clitheroe and Longridge – this will now be in the May issue as we are hoping to announce some really positive developments. Until than I ask you to support Ruth Thompson and her team ribblevalley.foodbank.org.uk - I’m told toiletries are the number one priority just now.

Before my next column we will see our new King crowned and the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends and as always, I ask you to be kind to each other and where possible, to support your local economy. n

The views above are my own and I’d be delighted to get some replies to my questions and will report back on any progress and positive outcomes.

tedd.walmsley@live-magazines.co.uk

@TeddWalmsley

Live Magazines’ Tedd Walmsley pledges to continue asking questions on readers’ behalf - and seeks answers from RVBC

A HOME FROM HOME

If you’re looking for a holiday home that’s a little bit special in a perfect location, then look no further!

Nestled within the beautiful countryside of Ribby Hall Village, Reeds Bay offers uniquely designed holiday homes enjoying an exclusive lakeside setting. Boasting the highest specification available anywhere in the UK, each lodge is individually designed to offer the ultimate in style and luxury living.

As part of your purchase, when you buy a Reeds Bay lodge at Ribby Hall Village you will have exclusive discounts across the 5-star holiday village including the award-winning Health Club, restaurants, bars and The Spa Hotel.

What’s more, as your holiday home will be exactly as you left it you can arrive knowing that your holiday starts right from the moment you arrive. And with an onsite grounds team your surroundings and views will be maintained throughout the year.

Only a 15-minute walk away is the quintessential English Village of Wrea Green and further afield there is so much to explore including the restaurants, Cafe scene and beautiful beaches of Lytham St Annes, the shows and theme parks of Blackpool and the stunning rolling mountains of the Lake District.

And, because Reeds Bay is only minutes from the motorway network, escaping to your dream home couldn’t be easier!

EASY WAY UP PENDLE

Distance: 7.7 miles / 12.5km

Ascent: 340m / 1115ft

Time: 3hrs 30 minutes

Terrain: Rugged tracks and footpaths

Occasionally muddy under foot

Difficulty: Challenging – one steep climb – otherwise moderate gradients

Refreshments: T he Wellsprings Inn just below the Nick of Pendle or the White Hart in Sabden

Mark Sutcliffe takes us on a seven-mile route which avoids the long, steep climbs associated with the more popular routes up Pendle and explores some of the myths and legends of Lancashire’s most famous hill

START

Park in the lay-by above Sabden village and walk up the grassy path alongside the road to the cattle grid. From here head right on the broad track heading towards Churn Clough Reservoir.

After just over half a mile, beyond the fingerpost, keep left through the gate and start to climb steadily on a grassy path above the reservoir.

After another quarter of a mile, at the little clough, follow the path over the stream, then briefly left and back right. Continue climbing steadily for another 300 yards to another stream. Cross the stream and follow the rugged path, climbing steeply for 500 yards. This is the only really steep climb of the walk, so take your time.

The path skirts the western edge of the Deerstones, a quarry which, according to legend, is where the Devil scooped up the

stones which he hurled at Clitheroe Castle –scoring a direct hit which left a hole in the side of the castle keep.

At the top of the Deerstones, follow the path across the moorland to a wall and then through a kissing gate to follow the faint path north and join the track heading right along the ridge. Continue along the track to Ogden Clough then follow the path on the left side of the valley above the stream to the head of the clough. Cross the stream onto the summit plateau and follow the line of ‘paving slabs’ across the peat to the summit.

CROSS THE STREAM AND FOLLOW THE RUGGED PATH, CLIMBING STEEPLY FOR 500 YARDS. THIS IS THE ONLY REALLY STEEP CLIMB OF THE WALK

From the trigpoint head north to the kissing gate beside the shelter then veer left through the gate, heading west on the ‘ridge path’ over the peat. This section can get boggy after heavy rain, so tread with care. Continue over the wall along the edge of the plateau and past a shelter to a large memorial cairn.

Continue hugging the edge of the plateau for another half mile on a section of improved footpath to reach a tumbledown wall. Follow this wall left for just over quarter of a mile to

return to the footpath leading into Ogden Clough. Turn right, and keep right. Do not follow the path forking left into the clough.

DEERSTONES IS A QUARRY WHICH, ACCORDING TO LEGEND, IS WHERE THE DEVIL SCOOPED UP THE STONES WHICH HE HURLED AT CLITHEROE CASTLE

The right hand path climbs gently to the summit of Black Hill, where it broadens out into a wide track. Descend steadily for a mile across Apronful Hill (so named because the Devil dragged an ‘apronful’ of rocks to hurl at the castle from here) to reach the Nick of Pendle and then return with care alongside the road to the lay-by above Sabden. n

Explore a series of self-guided walking routes on and around Pendle via the Pendle Hill Landscape Project’s #SummitElse

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An experienced outdoor writer, Mark Sutcliffe is a former editor of Country Walking and Lakeland Walker magazines and an occasional contributor to some of the UK’s leading outdoor magazines – including Countryfile, TGO and Trail.

Born and bred in Clitheroe and attending Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Mark spent 25 years down south before returning to live in the Ribble Valley with his family. He is the author of the Cicerone Guide to Walking in Lancashire and he regularly leads walks in the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland. Mark has explored extensively in the UK and Europe on foot and has in-depth knowledge of the Forest of Bowland, where he spends much of his spare time hiking, bird watching and walking the hills with his two crazy hounds.

“Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to explore some of the most popular walking destinations in the UK,” says Mark. “The variety of walking on offer in Britain is right up there with some of the most amazing places on the planet.

“And while I love the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, on a bright spring day there’s nowhere I’d rather be than exploring one of those hidden gems in the Ribble Valley or heading into the more remote areas of the Forest of Bowland, where you can lose yourself among outstanding scenery without bumping into hordes of day-trippers and sightseers.”

Discover more of Mark’s Lancashire walks with a copy of the Cicerone Guide to ‘Walking in Lancashire’

Follow this link to buy the book direct from Cicerone: cicerone.co.uk/walking-in-lancashire

pendlehillproject.com/summit-else

RIDING AS ONE

Ribble Cycles has unveiled a new initiative and launched the Ribble Collective that takes sponsorship to a new level, writes Lucy

Newton

Celebrating their 125th anniversary this year, Ribble Cycles has launched an all-new ‘Ride as One’ initiative – the Ribble Collective. With a range of elite riders, Ribble is sponsoring and supporting a group of 17, who all have a passion for cycling.

What is the Ribble Collective?

With 125 years of supporting the cycling industry under its belt, Ribble Cycles wanted to do something that captures the essence of their brand and takes sponsorship to a new level. The Ribble Collective is a secondary sponsor model that is supporting a group of diverse, privateer riders. The Collective aims to help each individual achieve their own unique goals, whilst also feeling the benefit of being part of a team.

Neil Pinkawa, Head of Ribble Cycles’ Brand Marketing, explains: “The cycling landscape has changed and we wanted to do something a little bit different and shake it up a little bit.

“The Collective is bringing together multigender, multi-discipline individuals who craft their own calendar.

“We have taken the best bits of a team structure, in terms of supporting the rider with their

calendar, so they are not completely on their own. They also get the camaraderie of a team but without a formal team structure.”

Each rider will be a brand ambassador for Ribble Cycles, with new branding including a Ribble Cycles’ custom paint finish comprising of a subtle teal to a black odyssey fade, with teal decals and the all-new metallic abstract teal flicker design across the handlebars and fork. The Collective aims to inspire and promote cycling as an all-inclusive sport that can be rewarding for all.

Who are the riders?

The Ribble Collective consists of a range of riders with some based in Lancashire, from different age groups, genders and disciplines. Each rider aims to reach individual goals and promote Ribble Cycles, while inspiring others to enter the world of cycling.

Cameron Jeffers, a semi-professional road cyclist from Ecclestone, who has been working with Ribble Cycles for four years, explains what he is hoping to gain from the Collective: “Working in the cycling industry as a semiprofessional rider and also as a YouTube

content creator, Ribble Collective allows me a bit more flexibility to take charge of my own calendar. I can still race competitively as part of the Collective, however, I also have the time and flexibility to pursue some of my other projects.”

Ribble Valley-based Kathy Beresford, an employee of Ribble Cycles, who has been mountain biking for more than 15 years, is also part of the Collective. Kathy enjoys cycling alongside working full time and the Collective is supporting her in pursuing her own personal goals, at grassroots level.

we all have one thing in common and that is we love to ride our bikes!”

The Ribble Collective prides itself on supporting local riders within the county of Lancashire, however the Collective will see Ribble Cycles represented all over the world. With Dee having recently completed the South African ironman and the likes of Kathy and Cameron taking part in events ranging from a multi-day gravel event in Oregon USA to a triathlon in Ayia Napa, the Collective will see the new Ribble Cycles Collective go global.

WE MAY COMPETE IN DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES, BUT WE ALL HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON AND THAT IS WE LOVE TO RIDE OUR BIKES!

“I am in the over 40’s women’s category and I want to demonstrate that you can still enjoy riding, whether it be socially or competing. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to represent the Ribble Cycles brand that I work for. I am also proud to be an ambassador for the products that I help to develop, being part of something bigger and racing under the Collective banner.”

Dee Allen, another Ribble Cycles’ employee with a passion for triathlon, based in Leigh, is particularly excited about the team element of the Collective: “Triathlon can be a very lonely sport where you are mainly competing for yourself, so to be part of the Collective just adds that extra motivation to do the team proud and it’s also a great opportunity to learn from each individual within that team. We may compete in different disciplines, but

That’s not to say that we won’t be seeing the new Ribble Collective branding locally. With Cameron enjoying training in nearby Southport and Leyland and Kathy making the most of being able to train in the spectacularly hilly Ribble Valley, local residents can be sure to spot some of the new Collective riders training in their area. There is no doubt that this is an extremely exciting time for Ribble Cycles, both for the brand and also for the members of the Collective. The overriding sense of pride for all involved is evident, with the ultimate goal of the Ribble Collective being to support, advocate and inspire others to enter the world of cycling. n

THE RIDERS ALSO GET THE CAMARADERIE OF A TEAM BUT WITHOUT A FORMAL TEAM STRUCTURE

CONTINUING THE GOLD STANDARD SERVICE

Sarah Bentley Solicitors have recently become part of Waddington & Son (Solicitors) Ltd. Gail Bailey spoke with solicitor Eve Brelsford to learn more about the exciting new developments

“Our story began with our founder Sarah Bentley,” says Eve Br elsford . A former student at Burnley Girls High School, Sarah Bentley achieved a Law degree at Birmingham University before completing her professional qualifications at Chester Law College: “Sarah’s work covered the whole spectrum of law early in her career,” Eve explains. “She completed all types of conveyancing work, litigation including family law, criminal advocacy both prosecuting and defending and served as one of the first members of the then police duty solicitor rota.”

With over 30 years’ experience Sarah became a leading and well-respected matrimonial finance and child arrangements

specialist. Renowned for her rigorous yet fair approach, Sarah’s desire to concentrate in this area of law, along with a dedication to provide the highest standard of service led her to establish her own practice in 2017 when Sarah Bentley Solicitors was born.

Sarah led the business from the front until 2021, when she took a step back to enjoy her well-earned retirement. Wanting to ensure her good name and reputation was retained, Sarah actively sought out Waddington & Son (Solicitors) Ltd knowing the directors shared the same work ethic and excellent reputation within the legal community. That same year Waddington & Son (Solicitors) Ltd took over Sarah Bentley Solicitors making it a subsidiary company.

The team at Sarah Bentley Solicitors have

been trained to Sarah’s exacting standards to provide a practical, discreet and supportive service: “I was fortunate enough to be personally mentored by Sarah since 2015 –prior to the firm’s inception in 2017,” Eve adds.

The directors at Waddington & Son (Solicitors) Ltd, Colin Warner and Trish Hassell, are committed to maintaining the meticulous standards set by Sarah and delivering the same high level of service to clients – the firm and its team have continued to go from strength to strength.

They have provided a period of secondment to three trainee solicitors, delivering a hands-on learning experience in all areas of private family law – including divorce, matrimonial finance, cohabitation disputes, child arrangement difficulties and protective orders arising from domestic abuse.

Now further strengthening the fastexpanding team, Rosemary Williams, a solicitor with 24 years’ experience, has recently been appointed.

Rosemary started out in commercial law

with a leading city-style firm in Dublin. A corporate background prepared her to assist family law clients with business assets. When she re-qualified to practise in England and Wales, she joined leading Liverpool firm Cuff Roberts to practise in family law. She gained a passion to give child-contact with the non-residential parent a chance to work. There, she coordinated the setting up of several child-contact centres in Merseyside to facilitate families in re-establishing contact arrangements after court proceedings.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THE FOUNDATIONS SO FIRMLY LAID BY SARAH BENTLEY AND CARRY FORWARD THE SAME ETHOS OF DELIVERING A FIRST-CLASS SERVICE TO CLIENTS

In 2018 Rosemary began to focus entirely on family law under leading family solicitors in Manchester and Bury. Rosemary undertakes all aspects of family law work, with a keen interest in matrimonial finance cases involving commercial assets.

Qualified to practice collaborative law, she can conduct round table negotiations with legal advisors and other professionals – for example mediators, accountants, actuaries and independent financial advisers. Rosemary has also trained in conducting the ‘one lawyer, two clients’ model of working appropriate for family law cases where the couple are assessed as suitable for using one solicitor only.

“Having Rosemary join the team at Sarah Bentley Solicitors is very exciting,” says Eve. “The experience Rosemary brings with her is invaluable and I am certain that the expansion will allow us to not only maintain the gold standard service we offer to clients, but to exceed it – and to continue to grow and develop.”

Director Colin Warner adds: “We are really pleased to have the opportunity to be involved in this niche practice and we will continue to build on the foundations so firmly laid by Sarah Bentley to carry forward the same ethos of delivering a first-class service to clients.” n

Sarah Bentley Solicitors

1 Mead Way, Ribble Court

Padiham BB12 7NG

01282 792808

sarahbentleysolicitors.co.uk

At Create Hodder we’re passionate about supporting, promoting, educating and championing creative businesses in our rural community.

The Hodder Valley, made up of the small villages of Whitewell, Dunsop Bridge, Newton-in-Bowland, Slaidburn and Tosside, is just a short drive from Clitheroe, but unfortunately we have no access to public transport and it can be quite isolating.

We have a wide range of talented creators, artists and makers who are all at different stages in their business, who don’t necessarily have the same support that they may get in a town or city. Create Hodder wants to provide a support network within our rural community and showcase our members’ incredible talents and businesses.

Create Hodder’s ultimate goal is to bring people together, promote their business, provide a support network where they can utilise each others skills, guide each other when needed, open up our community by creating friendships and shout loud and proud about their business through our website and social networks.

Create Hodder now has 13 members with many more in the pipeline. When I started my art studio called Lorikeet Studios, creating artwork concentrating on landscapes and farming scenes, I didn’t have anyone I could approach if I had any questions about anything or brainstorm with, or even connect with, who was doing something similar to me in our community.

I began to notice that people I knew in the Hodder Valley, were starting to do craft stalls

CREATE HODDER

and I had no clue how talented they were! I had the idea that it would be wonderful if we had a platform that is free and inclusive, where we could promote the talent we have out here, support each other and hopefully open up ways for them to build their businesses. There are those who haven’t even started selling their products, but who need support and guidance in starting up a business. There are other members who have been selling their wares at local craft fairs but would like to take their business to the next level, while others are at the stage where they have been in business for years, but would like to have promotion and be a part of this network of creatives.

It’s so exciting to be a part of this wonderful, uplifting creative community and I hope it goes from strength to strength and encourage others to take that step and start a creative business. The Hodder Valley community is really getting involved in our project.

We were nominated for the Countryside Alliance Awards this year and we were lucky enough to be a Regional Finalist in the North

England Rural Enterprise category. We are looking at ways we can grow Create Hodder and provide more avenues to support and promote our local creative businesses.

The businesses involved in Create Hodder include artists, ceramicists, furniture makers and restorers, artisan food businesses, crafters, jewellery makers, candle and soap makers, Each one is unique and each one is proud to provide handmade, high quality items or services.

Dominique Ashford, owner of Dale House Kitchen, is a member and runs artisan food courses: “I got involved with Create Hodder because it brings businesses together to support each other and it makes them more visible to local people and tourists coming to the area.”

Justine Whitaker, is the owner of Bowland Pottery based in Slaidburn: “To feel a connection between like-minded artists and creative people, gives you that go-to place when you need it and Create Hodder does just that. The passion of where we live and how we integrate into our work in whatever medium, brings a sense of belonging.”

Mel Shutes runs Sgt Pepper’s Vintage, repairing, reimagining and redesigning furniture from all eras, and is based in Newton-in-Bowland: “Create Hodder not only provides a shop window but also a great networking community for artists and creatives in the area.” n

A new rural organisation has been formed, focusing on artisan creators and makers within the Hodder Valley, writes founder Karin Pinder

BEE CREATIVE DESIGNS

Bespoke soft furnishings direct from the makers

CURTAINS | ROMAN BLINDS | CUSHIONS | UPHOLSTERY

Beautiful bespoke blinds, curtains and cushions are more affordable than you might think when you go direct to the makers. We design and hand finish all our soft furnishings at our workshop in Clitheroe and we are happy to work with fabrics sourced direct by our clients.

We can also source quality fabrics from a variety of suppliers locally or nationally. Pop into see us at our workshop on Hawthorne Business Park near Collins White Tiles and Leaping Lizards to discuss your specific requirements or get in touch via email, social media or telephone.

Contact us via social media call us on 01200 871536 or simply scan the QR code. beecreativehomedesign beecreativeribblevalley beecreativedesigns.org

Iam excited to announce that we have decided to release three second-hand lodges for sale this spring. We rarely sell second-hand lodges but these are surrounded by other owners with westerly facing views. Amber and I have decided to create an exclusive owners-only private area of the park, which will look and feel different in time. The price range is from £150k to £200k. We also have a spectacular brand new show home available for sale, priced at £250k, which is currently on-site and ready to view. If you are interested in a private tour, please contact Charlie on charlie@gisburneparkestate.co.uk

Hindelinis Restaurant & Bar is thriving. We had our busiest day ever over the Easter weekend. On Saturday our resident DJ kicked off the opening of our outdoor garden area playing from 3pm to 9pm. The weather was kind and the naked tipi wrapped with fairy lights and the top hat tent looked magical. The plan is that we will have a DJ playing every Saturday (hopefully outside) through the

ESTATE LIFE

Gisburne Park Estate is owned and managed by Guy Hindley and his wife Amber, who are converting it into a thriving tourist destination

afternoon and evening. The Easter egg hunt was a sell-out and something we will look to build on for next year.

filming a TV show called Toy Hospital similar to the BBC’s Repair Shop and then soon after, the crew from Most Haunted

WE ALSO HAVE A SPECTACULAR BRAND NEW SHOW HOME AVAILABLE FOR SALE, PRICED AT £250K, WHICH IS CURRENTLY ON-SITE AND READY TO VIEW

We have recently renovated some of the vegetable gardens in the walled area of the mansion house and planted them up with a huge array of fruit and veg. All this organic produce will be making its way to Hindelinis, so this month we are excited to be able to serve genuine home-grown dishes. We are already enjoying using the endless supply of wild garlic. Also on the menu is Gisburne Park lamb and organic Sika venison.

Also at the manor house, we have a lot of exciting things happening. Right now, we are

are coming to film and explore the paranormal activity within the house. Alongside this, we will be organising a series of ghost hunts and a special ghost walk with the award-winning tour guide Simon Entwistle. All events will be available to view and book on our website.

Elsewhere on the estate, we are forever renovating properties. We are currently reflooring numerous lodges and two older houses are getting a facelift. At the same time, behind the scenes, a lot of work is going on regards a planning application for the mansion house. I will update everyone in more detail in next month’s issue or follow our Instagram @gisburneparkestate for all the latest news. n

Gisburne Park Estate Mill Lane

Gisburn BB7 4LP 01200 415300

gisburneparkestate.co.uk

@hindelinis @ribblesdalepark

@gisburneparkestate

to book!

CORONATION CELEBRATIONS

Garden games & activities

FAMILY FUN!

SATURDAY 6TH MAY

HOLMES MILL

Friday 5th - Sunday 7th May

WADDINGTON ARMS

Raise

LIVE MUSIC • OUTDOOR BARS

STONEBAKED PIZZA AT THE MILL

From 12pm, we’ll be showing the coronation on the big screen before serving afternoon tea fit for a king! Kids can enjoy garden games and royal activities alongside a delicious picnic.

AFTERNOON TEA £19.95

CHILDREN’S PICNIC £9.95

AFTERNOON TEA FOR 2 & A JUG OF PIMM’S

MORE INFORMATION

ON ALL

CHARITY FOCUS

Live Ribble Valley takes a look at the many and varied charity projects that are taking place in towns and villages across the region

LADIES’ DAY

Gainsborough Flooring were the proud sponsors of Ladies’ Day at  Preston Grasshoppers and the first team were thrilled to win against Tyndale 40-34. Gainsborough has had a close association with the rugby club for many years and their very own Eddy Brown still continues to play for the club. He played his first match in years on the day, alongside team members in the fifth division. The event raised £620 for St Catherine’s Hospice, who Gainsborough has supported for some time and where Managing Director Vicky Brown volunteers once a week. There were many raffle prizes won, kindly donated by Steve Ryding Hairdressers, the Beauty Rooms at Preston and SBCA chartered accountants. The team at Gainsborough has thanked all the ladies who supported the event and made the afternoon so much fun. Good luck to Hoppers who also won their next game 34 -7 against Harrogate!

CORONATION CONCERT

CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Marsden Building Society are delighted to announce the launch of their Charitable Foundation. Founded in 1860, the Marsden is the largest Lancashire-based building society, set up to support savers and borrowers whilst building something better for the community. The Charitable Foundation aims to support projects in Lancashire focusing on three key themes, financial wellbeing, societal inclusion and the environment. Their 2023 fund is now open with £30,000 to donate. The fund, managed by the Community Foundation for Lancashire, is open to applicants until Friday 12th May. Projects meeting at least one of the key themes can apply for a grant of up to £3,000.

7.30pm

Sat 22nd April 2023

Doors 7pm The Old School Rooms, Lowergate, Clitheroe BB7 1AD £10 pp and all proceeds go to the upkeep of the venue. Low cost pay bar. Bookings advised due to the popularity of this event and these can be made by calling 01254 384893 or email to info@ribblevalleymusic.co.uk

The story of boy, man and King with narrative of key events that moulded our monarch and a carefully selected programme of music performed by the uniformed BAND OF THE CHESHIRE CONSTABULARY all climaxing with popular flag waving prom favourites.

If you have any charity news please contact:

historic tours of the hall when visitors will be guided through the centuries with fascinating stories or let award-winning guide Simon Entwistle entertain the whole family with his spooky entertaining tales. Entry is completely free, but the hall does have a donation bucket – with every penny going to the upkeep of the building. For more details of the tours go to the website.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

WEDDING OPEN EVENING

22nd June 2023, 5pm – 7pm

Now we are into spring there’s lots to do at award-winning Samlesbury Hall. From a fun dog show, a celebratory afternoon tea or embark on one of the free tours of this fabulous historic building.

HERITAGE CAFÉ

In the stunning grounds of the hall is the fabulous Heritage Café which is open for delicious fresh breakfasts and afternoon tea, served Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy the best of Lancashire with a full English or indulge in pancakes, granola, porridge or jam and toast! Visitors can also enjoy afternoon tea featuring seasonal produce with a menu that changes weekly. You can even include an indulgent glass of fizz! Book in advance to be sure of a reservation! Private dining is also an option at the Heritage Café.

10TH ANNUAL FUN DOG SHOW

1st May 2023, 10am – 4pm

Bring your pooches, big or small, for the best fun dog show in Lancashire. From fancy dress, to the dog most like their owner, make no bones about it, this will be a fantastic day! To enter your dog on the day costs £5 per category – spectator entry is free! There are doggie related stalls and delicious food available at Dottie’s Wafflery and the wonderful Heritage Café. This is a not to be missed fun-filled, family event! All proceeds go to the Samlesbury Hall Charitable Trust. Please see the website for more details.

TERRIFIC TOURS

Embark on a spellbinding walk through Samlesbury Hall with resident wicked witch Janey, who will have you enthralled with haunting tales of the hall. There are also

Featuring first class suppliers, the Wedding Open Evening will give visitors a glimpse of the secret of Samlesbury Hall’s success as a wedding venue. Guests can chat to Samlesbury Hall’s wedding co-ordinators to learn more about the various spaces within the hall, catering options and guest accommodation. There are some last-minute offers too for 2023 and 2024 weddings dates –just ask! n

Samlesbury Hall

Preston New Road Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0UP 01254 812010

info@samlesburyhall.co.uk

samlesburyhalll.co.uk

a date and visit Samlesbury Hall to discover a beautiful, rural venue that is perfect for any event!

Photography: Tim Emmerton

Photography: Tim Emmerton

GO WITH YOUR HEART…

to create your own perfect day. You can even search by colour scheme or décor themes if you have specific ideas in mind already.

• P icture perfect – Your wedding images will also be around for a very long time. Make sure they are of a quality that you’ll be proud to share with friends and family forever. It’s also important that you have a good relationship with your photographer, they will be there at every special moment of the day, so it’s best to feel comfortable with them.

• Memories to last a lifetime – The day goes so quickly! You may have spent years planning every detail, so it’s wise to consider booking a videographer to re-live the whole day again and see the bits you may have missed in all the excitement.

• Personal to you – It’s your day and your way! Try to inject your personality into the day somehow. Do you want to theme the day with something that means something to both you and your partner? However, you want to personalise the day, try not to listen to too many opinions and go with your heart when making decisions.

• Choose the date wisely – Consider any popular events or holiday times that could affect your guests’ availability and maybe discuss it with close friends and family before securing the date. Once you have chosen your perfect date, consider sending ‘save the dates’ to all of your guests.

• S electing the ring – Your ring will be worn for the rest of your life! Make sure you are happy with your choice and feel proud to wear it. Consider whether you want something on trend that could date, or something timeless and classic. Your ring is going to last a lot longer than a cake or a centrepiece, so take your time deciding.

• R elax – A wedding should always be a happy occasion. You have your wedding organiser throughout the planning stage and right up until the big day – so whether it’s to help you decide on a colour scheme or to simply ‘listen’ they are there for you! Let them take away some of the pressure if needed.

• Make use of social media – Use Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook to get inspiration and ideas. Look at all those unique little details that you can really use to personalise the day. Create a mood board or an album and save ideas that you come across on each platform – you might want to take little ideas from a range of different images

• Savour the moment – Take time choosing your wedding menus. Your guests have taken time and effort to be with you, so it’s nice to give them a feast to remember! Likewise, you won’t be able to please everyone, so make sure you choose something you really want to enjoy, it’s your day after all! n

ribbyhall.co.uk

The wedding team at Ribby Hall offer their top tips when planning a perfect wedding day

“When it comes to big occasions, often people don’t know where to start. But they can sit down with us here and discuss their ideas and requirements,” says Laura, whose signature floristry style is beautifully informal, country flowers that reflect our rural surroundings here in the Ribble Valley. Whatever your floral requirements, The Flower Girls are here to help. They are also expert seasonal wreath-makers, in which they

A HIDDEN FLORAL GEM…

For striking wedding arrangements, a beautiful bouquet or natural, country flowers for any special occasion, talk to The Flower Girls’ friendly team in Whalley. Photography: Kirsten Platt

Tucked away down by the river just outside Whalley centre, is the countryside workshop of The Flower Girls.

Here you will find accomplished florist Laura Vickery who, along with her skilled team Rose and Rachael, can advise on any floral arrangement whether that’s for a wedding, special occasion, a simple ‘thankyou’ gift, sympathy tributes or flowers to brighten your home. Established wedding florists with hundreds of weddings under their belts since opening in 2018, they now have the facilities to offer the above alongside weddings. With a new website launching

the farm where she lives with her husband and three children. The tranquil location, at the foot of Whalley Nab, is a real bonus – it’s a pleasant, short drive past the pretty arched windows of the Marjorie, nestling next to the tumbling water and weir of the River Calder.

With ample parking directly outside, customers just need to pick up the phone to request flowers or to make an appointment for a consultation on events such as weddings. offer classes throughout the year so you can spruce up your floristry knowledge and learn a new skill under their expert guidance. The Flower Girls will be delighted to hear from you. Follow the team on social media and be inspired! n

imminently, you will have the option to order online for local delivery or collection, with the added bonus of the workshop being only a stones’ throw away from the farmhouse so you can collect anytime!

Laura, who trained at Myerscough College, has a neat purpose-built workshop next to

The Flower Girls Hole House Farm, Whalley BB7 9NY 07816 664951

flowergirlswhalley.co.uk

flowergirlswhalley

flowergirls_whalley

THE FLOWER GIRLS’ SIGNATURE STYLE IS BEAUTIFULLY INFORMAL, COUNTRY FLOWERS THAT REFLECT OUR RURAL SURROUNDINGS HERE IN THE RIBBLE VALLEY

Whether it’s our beautiful bandstand or stunning orangery, our experienced team are always on-hand to make your wedding day the most special and memorable. With views of our award-winning 23 acres of gardens, views of Longridge Fell and the Forest of Bowland, our venue offers a relaxing atmosphere and stress-free day.

Contact us to arrange your personal show around, or join us at our Open Day.

01995 61456

reception@gibbon-bridge.co.uk

Chipping nr Preston. Forest of Bowland, Lancashire PR3 2TQ

SATURDAY 1ST JULY 11AM - 2PM

Photography: Matt Herrington

proved particularly popular among clients as Pauline explains: “If clients have had a special outfit made or altered, any fabric can be incorporated into the hat so that everything is perfectly matched.

LOOKING AHEAD…

Welcome to Hatology, where stunning hats and fascinators are created to perfectly match a special-occasion outfit.

Photography: Roger Moore

International hat retailer, Hatology, is underpinned by a totally unique concept that allows clients to ‘bespoke’ a hat or fascinator to perfectly match their outfit. Whether that’s a classic hat, a fascinator or something in between, the talented lady behind

Hatology is Pauline Carr, who has trained with some of the UK’s leading milliners including Royal designer Justine Bradley-Hill and award-winning couture milliner Katie Vale.

Having spent more than two decades as an accountant, Pauline wanted to pursue a more creative career: “I wanted to learn something completely different,” she recalls.

“We also have sinamay in a variety of different colours as well as feathers and for a really glamorous look, crystals to add some sparkle.”

Based in the North West and retailing online, Hatology’s high quality occasion headwear includes formal wedding hats, hatinators and fascinators and Hatology is a stockist of leading designers including Max & Ellie, JBees, Failsworth, Maddox and Elegance.

Sparking her passion for the creative, Pauline secured a place training with Justine Bradley-Hill, who has designed hats for Zara Phillips – her signature style uses a ‘floating technique’ where no bands or wires are visible, so a percher or fascinator looks suspended.

Turning a hobby into a business, Pauline launched Hatology in 2020 with the aim of retailing ready-to-wear hats from some of the world’s best designers as well as ‘bespoking’ ready-to-wear with feathers, crystals or adding sinamay bows and trims in a shade that ties in with an outfit.

The bespoke service offered by Pauline has

When you buy from Hatology you are always assured of an unrivalled personal and friendly service as well as quick dispatch times. n

To see what Pauline and Hatology can do for you, take a look at the website or call Pauline, who will be delighted to offer her expert advice

WE CAN BESPOKE A HAT ADDING SINAMAY, FEATHERS OR CRYSTALS IN A COLOUR TO MATCH AN OUTFIT

EDUCATION NEWS

RECORD BREAKER

A talented young mathematician from Westholme School has recited Pi to an incredible 429 digits. On International Day of Mathematics and Mathematical Pi, Natalie Haydock smashed the school’s record, beating the nearest student by 179 places. Westholme School’s maths department ran a Pi recital competition where students were challenged to recite Pi to as many decimal places as possible, adjudicated by staff. This year the results were incredible, and Year 8 student Natalie became the new Westholme record holder.

COLLEGE FINALIST

NWAA TOUR

As a thank you for cycling 500 miles from Lands End to Lowestoft, and raising over £4000, the North West Air Ambulance Charity invited Oakhill young team members to their Blackpool base. The boys were treated to a tour of the helicopter and critical care paramedics showed them the equipment they carried and how the ambulance adapts to carry patients.

Burnley College is celebrating being a finalist in seven categories in the prestigious Educate North Awards 2023. The award categories are:

• FE College of the Year

• UK Apprenticeship Award – Themis at Burnley College

• Innovation Award – Esports

RUGBY DEBUT

A significant milestone in Stonyhurst’s already rich sporting history was reached when one of its pupils played for the U18 England women’s rugby team. Connie, in her final year at Stonyhurst College, was selected to play for the starting XV, and scored two tries, helping the team to reign victorious over Wales, with a final score of 48-5. Playing on the left wing, the sports star made her 15-a-side international debut, after playing for the England U18 7s team last summer. The 18-year-old is an outstanding all-round sportswoman. Alongside rugby, she represents Stonyhurst in hockey, netball, and cricket.

HISTORY DAY

Oakhill’s Year 7 enjoyed a fantastic interactive session at Clitheroe Castle run by Heritage Learning Lancashire investigating the story of 1066 and the weapons and tactics used in medieval battles. They were put through their paces as each pupil played a role as a Viking, Norman or Saxon and analysed the reasons for William’s victory at the Battle of Hastings. They enjoyed a session trying on different types of armour and took part in a treasure trail around the museum.

• Student Experience Award – Esports

• Music and Performing Arts Award

• Sustainable Green Initiative Award – Low Carbon Hub

• STEM Initiative Award

Principal Karen Buchanan said: “I’m proud of every tutor and member of staff who’ve made it possible for us to create these incredible experiences.”

SPECIALIST PROGRAMME

Award-winning Burnley strength and conditioning training facility Fitness

Evolution is to revolutionise the fitness industry as it launches a brand-new, specialist programme. Evolution X is a cutting-edge programme, which has been expertly designed for the ultimate fitness enthusiasts, combining weightlifting, gymnastics and cardio work. Manager Ashley Alderson, said: “This membership has been designed around athletes, building strength, endurance, improving body composition and introducing a level of bonding and competition which enhances any training regime.”

TENNIS CHAMPS

Stonyhurst’s senior tennis teams were named the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) North of England champions at a fiercely contested tournament following their victories in the knockout stages. Just four schools qualified from the North of England, including the whole of Scotland, for the championship, which took place at the Sunderland Tennis Centre. Stonyhurst was the only school to have both a boys and girls team qualify for the notable event, with both teams securing the North of England titles.

BURNLEY COLLEGE EXPANDS ONLINE LEARNING

There are even more opportunities to grow as Burnley College expands the range of pioneering Online Learning courses. The courses offer learners the opportunity to study at their own pace and in their own space with the number 1 college in England.*

Six new courses have just been added and are ideal if you have the passion to develop new skills for your career or family life.

There are start dates every month and for many people, the courses are fully-funded.

New Online Courses are:

• Principles of Business Administration

• Event Planning

• Equality and Diversity

• Digital Marketing

• Special Educational Needs and Disability

• Understanding Behaviour that Challenges

For a full list of courses and more information about funding go to BURNLEY.AC.UK/ONLINE LEARNING

MORE

*for all 16-18 qualification levels as shown in the latest Government achievement rate tables.

PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

Learning 21st Century Essential Skills (21CES) encourages young pupils at Westholme to develop leadership and confidence, writes

Meena McDonald

Just as Emily Singleton did in 1923 when she set about providing a unique educational experience for young children, 100 years on, Dr Richard Robson, the current Principal of Westholme is pioneering the future of education by empowering his pupils to succeed in all aspects of life from the minute they arrive in the newly built Prep at the age of four.

Dr Robson is passionate about providing a different education that inculcates 21st Century Essential Skills, called 21CES at Westholme, such as leadership, confidence, adaptability and communication.

These qualities are being incorporated within the innovative curriculum taught from the age of four right through to when students leave the INSPIRED Sixth Form to pursue their exciting ambitions.

What does EMPOWERED actually mean for Westholme pupils?

It effectively means a rewriting of the known rules for a primary school curriculum starting with the Prep Reception year so that every subject is enriched and brought to life, enabling the pupils to learn through their own experiences. This philosophy will teach essential skills such as creativity, independence and problem solving whilst the pupils learn the core subjects, but this front-loading of 21CES first, rather than knowledge, provides a foundation for life-long acquisition of knowledge with real purpose and enjoyment.

This bespoke philosophy delivers an educational and developmental experience that is distinctive, empowering pupils to discover who they are by cultivating entrepreneurialism, enterprise and real-life contextual understanding. Westholme Prep is more than just a school – it’s an education.

One such example is the Living History Museum project recently undertaken by Prep 6 pupils where they researched their chosen historic character and then created a monologue incorporating their own individuality. They then learnt the monologue off by heart, dressed up in character and presented this to parents, teachers and pupils

through an installation afternoon. Developing their research and organisational skills along with their knowledge and confidence, they were able to truly bring history learning to life.

Pupils also learn Maths through interaction with the school student-run shop, helping them understand money, working out profit and loss, as well as supply and demand, developing their analytical and communication skills as they encounter contextual Maths.

WE ACTIVELY PREPARE OUR YOUNGEST PUPILS TO BE RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS AND THINK LIKE INDEPENDENT LIFE-LONG LEARNERS, OPENING THEIR EYES TO A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES

The school places equal importance on all activities, subjects and experiences to enable Prep pupils to blossom. The essential skills are woven into the fabric of everyday experience both inside and outside the classroom, providing an innovative environment that develops confident, well-rounded, happy young people.

Dr Robson explains: “The purpose of providing such a new and unique educational provision is to encourage determination and independence whilst empowering our Prep pupils with an unquenchable thirst for learning that prepares them holistically for their life-long journey.

“Imbuing 21st Century Essential Skills from such a young age prepares pupils to manage obstacles and setbacks positively and prepare for the challenges ahead. Developing a strong work ethic and emotional intelligence form an essential part of the holistic curriculum alongside traditional subjects and activities.”

What can parents expect?

An education like no other! Empowered through their learning, the children are also introduced to skills from real life experiences within the stunning and nurturing surroundings of the Westholme environment. Pioneering the future of education, the school motto, Mens sana in corpore sano (A healthy mind in a healthy body) is something Westholme actively empowers their Prep pupils to live out every day.

From Scrabble to yoga, Art Club to Speech Club, Ultimate Frisbee to Pony Club and Construction Team, Westholme places an equal status on activities outside the academic classroom developing lasting memories.

Dr Robson concludes: “We actively prepare our youngest pupils to be responsible citizens

and think like independent life-long learners, opening their eyes to a world of possibilities.

Teaching the 21st Century Essential Skills prepares them for their future workplace, and we believe important seeds of aspirational ambition are sown from the age of four. For this reason, we embed opportunities for Prep pupils to make links between real-life situations and education.”

The innovation continues!

The innovating and inspiring thinking never stops at Westholme.

The school has commissioned a professional film crew to capture life at Prep. The film encapsulates the essence that given empowerment, Westholme pupils can achieve incredible things. The film will be launched in summer.

In addition, as the school’s communication promise focuses on developing close-knit

relationships to enable parents and pupils to become fully part of the Westholme family, it is developing its very own app! It will allow parents to have real time access to the school lives of their children enabling them to be involved in their creative, fun and truly inspirational learning activities.

DEVELOPING A STRONG WORK ETHIC AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE FORM AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE HOLISTIC CURRICULUM

Westholme is innovation at its best and needs to be seen to be believed! The energy at the school is palpable as is the warmth from the staff and pupils. n

If you would like to know more about the EMPOWERED vision for pupils aged four to 11 and the simply awe-inspiring opportunities at Westholme, please contact: registrar@westholmeschool.com

Westholme School

Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road

Pleasington BB2 6QU 01254 506070

westholmeschool.com

IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN

Imagine an education that would give your child a broad curriculum that promotes knowledge and confidence and a co-curricular timetable that develops life-skills and lifelong friendship. You would think any school would be hardpressed to deliver on all of those aspects. Well, think again. At Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall youngsters are given opportunities in abundance enabling them to experience all that the school has to offer in terms of academic development as well as cultural, artistic and sporting progression.

YEAR 5 – YEAR 8

If your child is approaching their final years at primary school, you may find that SATS loom large on the horizon – especially for teachers, who are under pressure to go through the assessment process to prove all pupils are at the expected standard. Pupils who are not already at that standard will quite understandably be prioritised, meaning more able pupils may not receive the attention and academic stretch and challenge they deserve.

Fr Christopher Cann, headteacher of Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, explains: “In state

primary schools the focus has to be on the pupils at risk of not achieving the expected SATS level. As a result, the capable pupils often become disillusioned and bored with school. For the talented ones there’s not enough time for sport, or the creative subjects of art, music and drama. This is not the case at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, where we deliberately offer a broad and balanced curriculum in Years 5 and 6 taught by subject specialists. For example, timetabled drama, swimming, dance, instrumental music, drama, French, Spanish, German and Latin are all part of our curriculum. We therefore see a good number of pupils joining us at this stage in their education.”

option, (Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall goes up to Year 8) to allow the children to make a much happier transition from junior to senior education.

Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall pupils begin their smooth journey from junior to senior education through Years 5 to 8, experiencing the distinctive year-group ‘playroom’ system in Lower Elements, Upper Elements, Figures and Rudiments: “It means the sudden and sometimes difficult move from junior to senior education is avoided and we can work with our colleagues in the College for the much happier transition at the end of Year 8. There is a set route allowing an intake from Year 5 upwards that enables pupils to be part of Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall and all that we have to offer in our distinctive curriculum,” explains Fr Christopher.

ENRICHED CURRICULUM

A move in Year 5 to Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall will enable your child to thrive in a highly creative learning environment that prolongs their childhood in the most positive sense. For children joining from the state sector, it provides a much cherished ‘middle school’

With a broad curriculum, pupils at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall benefit from ‘real-life’ experiences at a young age so they are able to see exactly what they are learning about, whether that’s a trip down to the River Hodder to learn about geographical river features, erosion and tributaries or a walk across to the Stonyhurst College campus to visit the magnificent historical museum and archives.

“Pupils followed up their visit to the River Hodder by designing and making boats in their Design and Technology lesson. It is a

Stonyhurst is the only school in the county to feature in Tatler’s Schools Guide, find out why…

far more imaginative way of learning and is very focused on key life skills – sadly in the state sector, given the constraints of a shortened day and a narrow prescribed curriculum, teachers so often do not have the time to do this,” adds Fr Christopher, who points out that prep pupils have access to Stonyhurst’s swimming pool, dance studio, Astro-turf, world-class tennis dome and professional on-site theatre, as well as specialist coaching.

“Our Year 6 pupils recently took part in a stage production of Matilda – it was like a little West End show! Those who weren’t in the cast had the opportunity to work alongside the lighting and tech team, so everyone was able to use their new skills and take part.”

LEARNING TOGETHER

As a leading independent school, Stonyhurst College and Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall has been educating girls alongside boys for more than two decades. At Stonyhurst parity is ensured across the board in terms of opportunities: “Girls’ sport is very robust at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall – there is a real girls’ sporting culture that has been developed over the years,” adds Fr Christopher, who explains that one of the schools Year 6 girls has recently been ranked in the UK’s tennis top 10. “The curriculum as a whole has developed and progressed through the years – it is very creative in terms of art and design, textiles and food technology. Year 4 have been making their own chocolate bars and cakes, designing the packaging and devising a marketing strategy.

“We work hard to ensure children are proud doing what they enjoy and developing their talents – it’s a very open culture that celebrates learning and success.”

BURSARIES

Stonyhurst has also increased its bursary provision for exceptionally talented over-11 pupils: “As an organisation this has really grown. It’s a big part of our school to give talented children the opportunity of a Stonyhurst education. It’s a life-changing

experience for gifted children, who have a pathway to support them.”

EXTENDED DAY & BOARDING

At Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall there is also an extended day – from 8am to 6pm – allowing for after school ‘studies’ (homework) to be completed as well as a packed programme of extra-curricular activities and evening meal included in the price. The extended day offers working parents great value, offering peace of mind and is fee inclusive.

THERE IS A SET ROUTE ALLOWING AN INTAKE FROM YEAR 5 UPWARDS THAT ENABLES PUPILS TO BE PART OF STONYHURST ST MARY’S HALL AND ALL THAT WE HAVE TO OFFER

As an international school Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall also offers full boarding and flexi-boarding facilities to pupils.

“We are in a beautiful part of the Ribble Valley with more than 400 years of tradition. We have children come here from all over the world, from Mexico, Madrid and Hong Kong, to name but a few. For local Lancashire children it’s an amazing opportunity to make new friends and learn about new cultures,” enthuses Fr Christopher, who explains that SMH pupils are part of a

REGISTER

9+ (Year 5) Entrance Exam

Saturday 13th May 2023

global ‘zoom generation’ that will learn and work globally.

“Having a dynamic, broad outlook has always been part of the Stonyhurst Jesuit tradition. For local Lancashire families Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall gives them the opportunity to send their child to a globally diverse school with a strong family identity.” n

VISIT

OPEN DOORS AT STONYHURST ST MARY’S HALL

Saturday 29th April 2023

smhadmissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk

01254 827073

stonyhurst.ac.uk

It’s 24 years since brothers Paul and David Shackleton bought their garden centre site at Chatburn. Then, it was a greenhouse and a shed on two acres and it employed just four workers. Jump forward almost a quarter of a century and Shackleton’s is a destination home and garden retail experience on a four-acre site. It now employs around 40 and the brothers have ambitious plans for its expansion: “It’s about never resting on our laurels,” David states. “We are always striving for that ever-elusive perfection.”

Paul references their simple hard work as another secret of their success: “Some people expect to see me in a suit and tie,” he says. “But David and I do a lot more than just go to meetings. I was unloading an artic’ at seven this morning. We don’t believe in asking anyone to do anything we wouldn’t do ourselves.”

The brothers clearly love the challenge and variety of the job: “It’s not all about the selling,” Paul explains. “We like meeting the drivers and going into the warehouse. We like learning about the products and being part of the day to day running of the place. David and his gifted team have transformed

the interior section into what it is now, making it an all-year-round department store.”

The brothers believe that their independent status is another factor in Shackleton’s success. David explains it clearly: “We’re able to listen to what our customers want and adapt our ever-expanding and evolving product range to suit their needs, unlike the multiples who have to cater for a broader spectrum of the British public.”

great shopping experience where there is no pressure to buy. People can browse for inspiration then maybe grab some lunch and have a catch up with friends.”

The brothers speak of their co-workers with admiration: “Our in-house team is great. They’re constantly changing the room settings to show the merchandise off and they’re knowledgeable about all the products we sell. Some team-members have worked here for years - they’ve met their life partners here.” Paul is complimentary about the company’s in-house web development, run by long-term team members, Tom and Nick.

Shackleton’s Home and Garden stocks high-end brands such as Tetrad, Alexander & James, Baker, Kettle, Vincent Sheppard and Carlton, to name just a few. Paul and David pride themselves on their quality products at competitive prices. They also strive for outstanding customer service right through selection, purchase, delivery and after care.

“Our customers are more than just customers, we regard them as our friends,” David explains. “So, we try to provide a

“During lockdown, customers wanted to keep on gardening, so we had to adapt quickly. One way was through the rapid growth of the on-line facility. Being a family business was an advantage then. We could form two family ‘bubbles,’ so if one ‘bubble’ went down, the other could keep Shackleton’s running. We were also able to receive goods into our warehouses when other companies couldn’t.”

Paul’s wife, Mel and David’s partner, Julie are both in managerial roles at Shackleton’s Home and Garden, and their sister, Kirsti has worked alongside her brothers since the very beginning and is now in the role of general manager. Sons, Ben and Alastair are also a key part of the team. “We never stand still,” Paul smiles. “And now we’re building for the next century.”

He is referring to the brothers’ recentlyapproved plans to extend the store by nearly 2,500 square metres on two additional acres. The new buildings, designed by Clitheroe architects Stanton Andrews, will be clad in natural stone and follow the contours of the hillside – Paul is enthusiastic: “We’ll have a bigger café and a new play area, and we’ll be able to carry more ranges. We’ll also have enough warehousing to run a ‘click and collect’ facility and of course, we’ll be creating employment.” n

Clitheroe Road

Chatburn BB7 4JY

shackletonsonline.co.uk

Shackletons Garden Centre

The Shackleton family tells of ambitious plans for its well-known Ribble Valley company. Photography: Kirsten Platt

DAVID AND I DO A LOT MORE THAN JUST GO TO MEETINGS. I WAS UNLOADING AN ARTIC’ AT SEVEN THIS MORNING

IT’S ABOUT NEVER RESTING ON OUR LAURELS –ALWAYS STRIVING FOR THAT EVER-ELUSIVE PERFECTION

BUSINESS MATTERS

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the thriving Ribble Valley, where business always matters

If you have any Business Matters news items contact: jan.woolley@live-magazines.co.uk

NEW PARTNER

Armitstead Barnett are delighted to announce that Simon Wells has been promoted to partner. Simon heads up the Ribble Valley office and has been one of the driving forces of the growth of Armitstead Barnett for a number of years. Partner Richard Furnival, says: “We are delighted to welcome Simon to the partnership to help us continue the growth of our company and this is recognition of Simon’s hard work and dedication. He is highly regarded by all of his clients for offering a high level of professional services across the rural property sector.”

BUSINESS PODCASTS

Award winning Lancashire businesswoman and original builder of Ribble FM, Kath Lord Green, is celebrating one year in her new business Voice It! which offers clients a full production service for podcasts, training and PR. The first year has been incredible says Kath: “I am a finalist in two awards and I was

LEGACY WOOD

The team at Booths have planted a legacy wood at Myerscough college to celebrate 175 years of retailing and pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy. The newly planted wood has 175 trees including English oak, dawn redwood, lime, birch and native cherries. A further 1750 native tree seedlings, called whips, of birch, oak, sycamore, hazel, guelder rose and bird cherry, were planted to create a unique woodland for generations to come.

AA ROSETTE

Fell Bistro in Longridge is celebrating after being awarded its first AA Rosette. The restaurant, which serves modern bistro dishes, has also entered the Michelin Guide. Fell is a joint venture between Matt Willdigg, chef director, Oli Martin, chef director and Alex Blamire, operations director. Oli said: “We are delighted to be added to the prestigious AA guide in such a short time after being included in the Michelin Guide, two of the best restaurant guides in the UK. The team keeps going from strength to strength and it’s only the start of our journey.”

CREATIVE AWARD

A Clitheroe business is celebrating winning its first award just three years after launching. Musique brings together an exclusive collection of live musicians to provide entertainment for weddings and corporate and private events. Musique’s managing director Jamie Turner who works alongside booking manager Arthur Phillips, took home the Creative Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, which took place at Mytton Fold Hotel. Jamie said: “We’re still in the early stages of our development as a business, and we have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline which will launch over the next six months, and help us diversify into new territories and markets.”

the media red carpet host at the Child of Britain Awards in June in London. I’ve trained over 50 individuals on how to podcast for their business. Everyone has a story to tell or something to say, and podcasts are growing and showing no sign of slowing.”

SOLAR PANELS

The Bowker BMW and MINI centres in Blackburn and Preston are leading the charge for the most environmentally-friendly business in Lancashire by installing 1600 new solar panels on its dealership roof. The move will allow the car centre to generate a quarter of its electricity needs from solar energy. It will also help reduce its carbon footprint by saving 130 tonnes of carbon emissions. Bowker is no stranger to green initiatives. The Blackburn dealership installed 210 solar panels in 2012, the first car dealership in Lancashire to embrace solar energy.

SPA SPACE

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has opened the doors of the new Spa Space at Gilpin Hotel, ensuring that both properties have their own spa offerings. The Spa Space has been specially created to ensure a calming and tranquil flow, creating a sensory journey with naturally scented and textured wall coverings, treatment rooms, natural stone in the steam and shower rooms and outside sit two hot tubs nestled in Garden Arwen.

Jeremy Hunt’s first budget was expected to be a straight-forward affair, but he surprised everyone by making major changes to pensions legislation. What opportunities do these changes offer pension savers and what actions should they consider?

The

changes: Contribution Levels

Standard Annual Allowance – the maximum a mount that can be put into a pension, with full tax relief at your highest rate, has been increased from £40,000 to £60,000 pa. With Corporation Tax increasing to 25% for 2023/24, pension contributions will prove more valuable for employers meeting the ‘wholly and exclusively’ requirements. Income above £125,140 will be taxed at 45%. Those with taxable income of up to £160,000 can now make pension contributions of £60,000 gross annually to restore their full personal allowance.

Tapered Annual Allowance (TAA) – the adjusted threshold income has increased from £240,000 to £260,000 pa with the maximum resulting contribution also increasing from £4,000 to £10,000 pa. The total income required, before the annual allowance is reduced to the lowest level, is now set to be £360,000.

Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) – people who have flexibly accessed their pensions were limited to maximum tax-relievable pension contributions of £4,000 pa. This has increased to £10,000.

Opportunities provided by the changes to contribution levels:

Companies now have a greater opportunity to exit money tax efficiently. ‘Wholly and exclusively’ contributions could obtain relief from Corporation Tax and avoid Employers’ NI contributions.

High earners, who had maximised pension contributions, should revisit their circumstances to see if further contributions are available.

RABBIT OUT OF THE HAT OR MAD AS A MARCH HARE?

Gary Ward, Chartered Financial Planner and Head of Branch Financial Planning at Raymond James Ribble Valley, guides us through the recent budget

Individuals with total income above £100,000 will now have greater opportunity to reclaim their Personal Allowance.

Individuals earning above £125,140 could consider making pension contributions, minimising or avoiding the 45% Additional Rate of Tax.

Individuals who have triggered the MPAA should review their circumstances and potentially make further contributions into their pensions.

The changes: Lifetime Allowance (LTA)

Probably the biggest surprise of the budget was the suspension (and in April 2024 the abolition) of the Lifetime Allowance. The LTA provides a maximum level of pension savings that can be accrued before HMRC starts to claw-back tax relief. Any existing LTA protections that a saver has obtained will still be valid, which could mean that a higher level of tax-free cash will still be available at retirement. Importantly, further pension accrual/contributions can be made in 2023/4 without risking losing existing pension protections.

One sting in the tail is that the maximum tax-free cash payable will be frozen at 25% of the current LTA ie. £268,275 indefinitely.

Opportunities provided by the removal of the LTA:

Individuals who have benefits in excess of the LTA and are about to crystalise those benefits, should consider deferring taking them until after 5th April 2023. The pension

still offers Inheritance Tax advantages.

Pension savers who stopped/reduced paying contributions, due to fears of exceeding the LTA, should review their circumstances to see if starting contributions is suitable. That the LTA will be abolished will benefit those who have already used up their LTA. Individuals may benefit from making further contributions.

Any pension savers who have moved their funds into lower risk investments, due to LTA concerns, should review this position.

Whether you are an existing Raymond James’ customer or not, please feel free to make an appointment to come and talk to us. Reviewing your financial plan to ensure it meets your lifestyle requirements is important, never more so than when the fiscal rules change. We can help you stay on course for the financial future you envisaged. n

Call us on 01772 780300 to book a consultation

With investing, your capital is at risk.

This information does not constitute investment advice and should not be used as the basis for any investment decision nor should it be treated as a personal recommendation and no action should be taken or refrained from being taken as a consequence without consulting a suitably qualified and regulated person.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning or tax planning. These contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

Raymond James, Ribble Valley

8 Berry Lane, Longridge

Preston PR3 3JA

01772 7803007

ribblevalley.raymondjames.uk.com

GET SET FOR ADVENTURE… Y

ou might say it’s all torque and you wouldn’t be far wrong – the MINI Electric really is something worth shouting about.

With roots in the past, this is not just an iconic car for the future, this is the fun car of the present.

It feels better than ever – with instant and impressive oomph – and it looks better than ever too. Sharper, sleeker, yet still faithful to its iconic style, this is a MINI of real character, complete with all the benefits of going electric.

Emitting zero emissions when driving, it offers the perfect combination of sustainable motoring, thrilling driving performance and unmistakable design.

The MINI Electric has reinvented urban life. But while your attention to this article is very much appreciated, no words can do it proper justice.

For that, my motoring friends, you really must go and see/feel/experience it for yourself.

And I’m not talking about a quick spin around the block. How about having use of a MINI

Electric for a full day?

That’s right, Bowker MINI is inviting you to take out a 24-hour test drive. Yes, you can take a MINI Electric home (and out and about) for an entire day just to see how it fits into your life!* And I guarantee you won’t want to hand the keys back.

and zero fuel costs to give you freedom to do more of what you love.

Among the ‘standard’ equipment highlights (exterior and interior) you’ll find: LED headlights, LED rear lights with Union Jack design, MINI e-badge, automatic dual zone air conditioning, design highlights in Energetic Yellow, digital cockpit display, multi-function controls for the steering wheel, passenger seat height adjustment, sport leather steering wheel and sports seats.

As for technology: acoustic pedestrian protection, automatic transmission, cruise control with brake function, electric parking brake, MINI driving modes, pre-conditioning, rain sensor and automatic headlight activation and two levels of power regeneration.

You’ll be carried away by the power (torque), not to mention the significant savings on energy costs and an eight-year battery warranty. From weekend adventures to daily commutes, with MINI Electric’s 145-mile range you can get where you need to go. Until the end of June 2023, Bowker have an amazing offer you won’t want to miss when ordering a new MINI Electric! Choose from either a free Pod Point home charger, or £750 towards your MINI Electric deposit**. The choice is yours! What’s more, you’ll enjoy low maintenance

On the infotainment front: DAB digital radio, eDrive services (ability to initiate charging, monitor charging status and locate public charging stations), media pack with 8.8” high-resolution centre display screen, Apple CarPlay®, Bluetooth® wireless technology hands free function with USB audio, ConnectedDrive services (including online search and weather information), intelligent emergency calling (E-call), MINI connected and remote services, MINI teleservices, navigation pack with navigation system and real time traffic information.

Welcome to the sharper, sleeker MINI Electric, with zero emissions and plenty of power, writes Paul Agnew. Photography: Peter Austin

THE MINI ELECTRIC ALSO BRINGS WITH IT A RAFT OF ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES

MINI Navigation remains a key feature and a fully-digital dashboard (still the famous circular shape) brings a futuristic feel to the cockpit. If you need helpful information when driving then here it is, just a finger tap away. And there are all the charging options you could possibly want for complete peace of mind. We all know that the MINI is a British icon. Its place – not only in motoring folklore but also in the hearts of our car-loving nation –is forever guaranteed.

But for all that enduring popularity over so many decades, the MINI has never been afraid of change or challenge or resisted the opportunity to gear up.

Hence the dawn of the fabulous MINI Electric. Every bit a MINI in terms of look, style and handling, the MINI Electric also brings with it a raft of economic and environmental advantages thanks to the ultra-efficient, fully-electric motor and a boot full of financial perks.

We mentioned zero fuel costs, but it’s well worth repeating, and for as little as £10 per month you can completely remove the uncertainty often associated with servicing costs. You will also receive added extras including fluid top- ups, one MOT, wash and vac every time, seasonal health checks and Sat Nav map updates.

The performance is outstanding – a maximum output of 184hp and a maximum torque

270 Nm means you can zip from 0-37 in under four seconds and from 0-62 in 7.3 seconds.

Heard enough, well what are you waiting for?

It’s time to join the MINI Electric revolution and to think that your 24-hour test drive is just an email or phone call away. n

* Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. **Terms and conditions apply. Visit mini.co.uk

Bowker Blackburn MINI

Trident Way, Blackburn BB1 3NU 01254 274333

bowkerblackburnmini.co.uk

@BowkerMINI

@BowkerMINI

@bowker_mini

I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT A QUICK SPIN AROUND THE BLOCK. HOW ABOUT HAVING USE OF A MINI ELECTRIC FOR A FULL DAY?

TOGETHER

PERFECTION

complete with different coloured stitching and maybe bespoke seat belts? Consider it done.

But that represents only the start of what is a fantasy journey towards car personalisation utopia.

Photography: Peter Austin

It’s the dream of every motorist. To own the perfect car. In short, to drive a Porsche. The brand is an icon, renowned across the globe for excellence, engineering, sporting style and performance.

But Porsche goes the extra mile by giving you, the customer, a chance to take the design of your car into your own hands.

That’s right – simply select the model, and then choose from hundreds of configuration options from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. You want a particular exterior paint colour –even if it means mixing one from scratch? No problem.

You prefer a certain material for the seats –

The possibilities are jaw-dropping. You can even have the door sill engraved with your name and in the type size and font of your choosing!

And, trust me, this is customisation at the very highest level.

Austrian-German automobile designer and entrepreneur Ferdinand Anton Ernst Porsche, known to his friends as Ferry, once said: “I couldn’t find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself.”

YOU CAN EVEN HAVE THE DOOR SILL ENGRAVED WITH YOUR NAME AND IN THE TYPE SIZE AND FONT OF YOUR CHOOSING!

As the man behind the famous brand, Ferry knew a thing or two about individualism. A dream-maker, with the goal of creating special vehicles, his mantra was to ‘build cars of quality than build cars for quantity’.

How delighted he would be to see his innovative approach to car construction continuing to this very day.

Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur allows customers to turn something already special into something extraordinary.

If you dream of creating and customising your perfect car, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is the ultimate dream-maker, writes Paul Agnew

I recently had the good fortune to spend some time in the Specification Lounge at Porsche Centre Preston, looking at and listening to precisely what’s available through Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.

Even for someone who has been around the block – at least twice – it was truly mesmerising, full of touch and feel and wonderment.

Sales Executive Sana Aslam explained: “This is all about aspirations with the single aim of makings dreams come to life. Customers are always intrigued and excited at just how much personalisation is possible.

“Porsche drivers are individualists and the many special equipment options available ex-factory, already mean that hardly any two Porsche cars are the same. However, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur takes things up another level completely, meaning customers can have their chosen vehicle individualised to a genuine one-of-a-kind.

ONE GENTLEMAN PRESENTED US WITH A MODEL OF A PORSCHE HE HAD TREASURED SINCE BEING A YOUNG BOY. HE WONDERED IF THE COLOUR COULD BE REPLICATED. HIS WISH WAS GRANTED

“For example, one gentleman presented us with a model of a Porsche he had treasured since being a young boy. He wondered if the colour could be replicated as his new car. His wish was granted and it was fabulous to be part of making that happen.”

Sana and her colleagues not only assist with information and materials, they can then assemble your car virtually and show it you on the large screen. You just sit back, sip a coffee and watch it all unfold.

In the highly unlikely event that you don’t find everything you desire in Preston, then you are welcome (appointment permitting) to take a trip to Porsche HQ in Stuttgart. There you can view even more options and also watch the craftsman at work in the factory. Oh, and feel free to take in the Porsche museum and a spot of lunch while you’re over there!

The 911 is the most popular car for personalisation with exterior paint colour possibly the biggest draw, along with putting the iconic Porsche crest on the head rest, console, gear selector or whatever else takes your fancy.

With ‘Individual Colour’ and ‘Paint to Sample’ options, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur significantly extends the range of exterior colours for all model lines, enabling people

to ‘underline their own personality and lifestyle even more visibly.’

Orders can be taken from a customer’s own colour sample, basically your car can match your favourite tie or scarf!

Porsche say that this sort of something extraordinary doesn’t just happen somehow, somewhere, it happens at a very particular place. Hand-crafted, with experience, passion and through the inspiration of customers.

Their skill and workmanship, your ideas and signature.

Together, Porsche perfection. n

Porsche Centre Preston Watery Lane

Preston PR2 1QJ 01772 911911

porschepreston.co.uk

@PorscheCentrePreston

@Porsche_Preston

@Porsche_Preston

ON TARGET…

“To date I have achieved 24 national, 90 regional and 159 county records in the sport.”

Sixteen-year-old schoolgirl Evie Finnegan, who first tried her hand at archery at the age of 10, during a holiday camp, is now at the top of the sport, regularly representing Lancashire at both senior and junior levels, as well as for England juniors.

Evie recalls: “Back in 2017 I successfully completed an archery GB beginners course and joined a club in Manchester, Assheton Bowmen. Today I’m a member of the Bowmen of Pendle & Samlesbury archery club, where I train and receive coaching.

Evie, who is the current County, Regional and National Junior Ladies’ Individual Champion both for both indoor and outdoor archery, had been searching for funding and sponsorship opportunities to help with the costs towards competing in the sport at such a high level, when she came across Dan’s Trust on Facebook.

The rest, as they say is history. As the country’s current top Under 18’s Ladies Target Archer, Evie is the latest teen to have been

A talented 16-year-old is the current top junior female archer in Great Britain and she is aiming to compete in the 2024 European Indoor Archery Championships in Croatia

awarded funding from the Lancashire-based charity.

And now with a £1,000 Dan’s Trust Make A Difference donation to help fund her sporting progress, Evie is looking ahead to an even more successful year.

She said: “I was so excited and grateful to find out that I’d been chosen as a Make A Difference Award Winner. It’s come at such an opportune time as I need to buy a new bow, arrows and further equipment, which is really important as I move up to the under 18’s category.

“The money will help me to achieve my dream of competing in the European Indoor Archery Championships in Croatia next year, where I hope to represent Team GB.”

For the forthcoming 2023 season Evie, whose current archery equipment is second hand, has moved up to the Under 18’s age group, which means that she will be competing at longer distances.

Alongside Evie, Ribble Valley-based Dan’s Trust, which was founded in 2012 following the sudden death of local sporting enthusiast Daniel Bagshaw, will also be funding another 10 teens across Lancashire throughout March and April, taking their 2023 donations so far, to £20,000.

Dan’s Trust was founded by Peter and Shelagh Bagshaw of Clitheroe, together with their sons Ian and Gary after the death of their son and brother, Dan, who was just 27 when he died on the finish line of an ITU Olympic distance triathlon in Hong Kong after suffering from a sudden and unexplained arrhythmia. Dan was a cycling enthusiast and extremely talented and athletic young lawyer.

Evie continued: “If I’m to reach my goal and achieve qualifying GB scores during 2023, my current bow and arrows desperately need replacing with a more powerful carbon-alloy bow and matched carbon arrows.

“So, the funding will go a long way to purchasing this new equipment – putting me on an ‘equipment-par’ with my fellow competitors as I move further into the more senior groups.”

Ian Bagshaw, co-founder and trustee of Dan’s Trust, commented: “Over the last 10 years we have funded teens participating in a diverse range of sports, dance and theatrical endeavours, but a female archer is definitely a first for us!

“We’re so excited to be able to help Evie on her journey towards the European Indoor Archery Championships and we’re hopeful that her enthusiasm for the sport will encourage other local youngsters to try their hand at archery too.”

THIS WILL HELP ME TO ACHIEVE MY DREAM OF COMPETING IN THE EUROPEAN INDOOR ARCHERY CHAMPIONSHIPS IN CROATIA NEXT YEAR, WHERE I HOPE TO REPRESENT TEAM GB

As well as its successful awards programme, Dan’s Trust promotes and funds research into the early diagnosis of cardiac risk in the young, as well as the improvement of treatment methods for sudden cardiac arrest at Sheffield University and Imperial College London.

danstrust.org.uk

danstrustcharity

dans_trust_charity

I’M A MEMBER OF THE BOWMEN OF PENDLE & SAMLESBURY ARCHERY CLUB, WHERE I TRAIN AND RECEIVE COACHING

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

A tiny artisan bakery is making a huge impact on the way we eat and the man behind this hidden gem is chef Mark Solomon.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Accomplished baker and chef Mark Solomon, whose grandparents fled Russia in the late 1800s, has found that his ancestry has played a huge part in his successful career.

“My grandparents arrived in the UK in 1894 – they lived in Manchester and had eight children. One of them was my father,” says Mark, who now has his own awardwinning bakery that still uses original family recipes brought from Russia.

“Back then when they arrived in this country, there was no Russian black bread or Polish rye, so my grandmother made her own and she passed that skill on to her children. I remember seeing the girls mixing a gloopy dough in a bucket – it smelled awful! I later learnt it was

the ‘starter’ for a delicious sourdough. I was fascinated by it.”

From well over 100 original authentic family recipes, Mark creates delicious bread and cake in his tiny bakery in Whalley Road,

people know how to make it – you might find it in the West End of London – and now in Clitheroe!”

Over the years Mark has learnt his skills as a chef in France and the Middle East and in 2012 he arrived in the Ribble Valley.

“I have always worked for myself. I’ve had restaurants and takeaways but I have always wanted a bakery.”

He spotted his current premises in 2019 and work began to transform them, with original plans for a restaurant: “It wasn’t the best of times. Covid struck and that really focused the mind – instead of a restaurant I decided to set up a bakery – as a supplier we were then allowed to open.”

Clitheroe, including black bread, rye and as a Saturday morning treat for customers, a plaited Russian babka – a delicious chocolate orange sweet, bread pastry.

“It looks amazing,” says Mark. “Not many

And so, Mark’s Artisan Bakery was launched – not in the best of times, but by staying true to his roots, the bakery took off: “Once I had the concept in my mind I knew exactly where I was going – I went back at least 80 years and with the original recipes, I began sourcing all the fresh ingredients.”

Mark sourced top quality meat and firstclass vegetables for delicious pies as well as

I THINK WE’RE THE FIRST LICENSED BAKERY IN THE UK DOING WHAT WE’RE DOING!

premium ingredients for bread and pastries: “But, when I came to costing it, I thought, ‘People aren’t going to pay that much for a loaf of fresh bread!’ But I just went ahead and did it. From the moment I opened the door people came in and once they had tried my bread, taken it home, given it to their children, they kept coming back. They loved it!

“It was also a time when people realised they wanted to eat better food, give better food to their kids, some of whom have never eaten real bread without any chemicals.

“We gain a lot of traction from that and it engenders a real buzz!”

Since then word about the bakery continues to spread, the menu has grown and Mark’s social media presence has rocketed, with a little help from his friends and customers: “Customers post pictures of our bread and pies on Facebook and Instagram – plus they can find out what’s on the menu too,” explains Mark, who was recently encouraged by his customers to enter the British Pie Awards, with a new black pudding and smoked bacon pie he had just developed.

Encouraged by his six-strong bakery team along with numerous social media posts, Mark agreed to enter: “We had to send the pie in a special box, so it arrived in perfect condition,” he says.

“I had forgotten all about it until they got in touch!”

The pie won Bronze at the British Awards –testament to Mark’s diligent baking skills combined with his well-defined taste combinations: “When I first thought of combining black pudding and smoked bacon I thought it would be a great combination but in practice, they are two very strong flavours and it didn’t really work.”

Undeterred, Mark continued experimenting adding strong English mustard, beef stock and herbs: “After adding those, I thought, this is going to be a winner – never even thinking

about entering for an award!”

The first day after the award announcement, the bakery went into overdrive, as Mark recalls: “I made three batches of the black pudding and bacon pie – a total of 130 pies and we sold every one that day.”

Also a musician and songwriter, Mark is keen to develop the bakery as the response

has been so positive: “I love it that people are so enthusiastic about what we do and the concept of eating fresh and eating better.”

With further plans, Mark reveals the bakery is soon to open in the evening with a menu featuring gourmet burgers – each named after famous musicians and songs –and customers will also have their pick of premium beers and an exclusive selection of wines: “I think we’re the first licensed bakery in the UK doing what we’re doing. We’ve got some really exciting times ahead!” n

Watch out for more details on social media:

marksartisanbakeryandpies

marksartisanbakeryandpies

I LOVE IT THAT PEOPLE ARE SO ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT WHAT WE DO AND THE CONCEPT OF EATING BETTER

A TRIUMPH

Catherine Podevyn visits the newly opened Rum Fox at Grindleton to discover a refined gastro-pub serving sublime, exquisitely presented food

It’s great to see the pub finally open again in Grindleton, but I wasn’t prepared for the spectacular renovation walking through the shiny new front door of The Rum Fox. Apart from opening an outstanding new restaurant, the owner/chef Bob Geldeard has retained a sizeable pub area with a stylish and contemporary make-over, a welcome revival for villagers and visitors after years of closure.

The transformation of the pub and large extension reveals clever and thoughtful ‘zoning’ comprising four areas, each with a distinct style and decor. Beyond the bar is a casual dining area with comfy seating and state-of-the-art sliding roof for summer dining with fabulous views of Pendle Hill. The Scandi-style main restaurant gives diners a view of the busy chefs at work, and finally ‘The Den’ offers a formal, exquisitely furnished setting for private dining for parties of 10, perfect for special celebrations.

Bob has a well-earned reputation as one of the best chefs in the area and his new venture

is a triumph. The weekly changing menu reveals the skill, delicacy and originality of his cooking. His home-made black pudding starter is a winner, the guinea fowl the best I’ve tasted anywhere and the puddings sublime. After only a few weeks of opening, bookings are flooding in as word gets around. n

Open all day – Wednesday to Sunday

Food served – Wednesday to Saturday 12noon - 2pm, 5.30pm - 8.30pm

Sundays 12noon - 4.30pm

THE HOME-MADE BLACK PUDDING STARTER IS A WINNER, THE GUINEA FOWL THE BEST I’VE TASTED ANYWHERE

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Curate your own menu at The Three Fishes this spring with an array of delicious courses on the seasonal a la carte menu, celebrating the best of sustainable, farm-to-fork dining in the Ribble Valley

The ever-changing menus at The Three Fishes reflect the moods of the seasons, so expect to find the latest produce, hand-picked from the restaurant’s own garden, by Chef Patron Nigel Haworth and his team.

Dishes may include the garden-grown butternut squash ravioli or locally-foraged soup, followed by venison and tamarind, or cod loin in mussel sauce, rounded off with Bramley apple crumble soufflé, or Yorkshire rhubarb – one, two or three courses, the choice is yours.

Mid-week, there’s also the option to experience the four-course seasonal set menu, showcasing the best of locally grown and sourced produce, much of which is picked just yards away from the restaurant in the one-acre vegetable garden. Nigel is known for his ‘food with roots’ cooking style and his reimagined restaurant

will take you on a special, culinary journey of exceptional food and perfectly paired wines. With delicious plant-based options alongside every choice menu and seasonal menu, there’s an option for every dietary preference.

SAMPLE APRIL CHOICE MENU

Cheese rolls and whey butter

TO BEGIN

FORAGERS SOUP £12

Inglewhite goat’s cheese potato cakes

HEBREDIAN SCALLOPS £19

Seaweed, trout caviar, dashi – upgrade to Daurenki caviar £10

BUTTERNUT SQUASH £14

Open ravioli, confit butternut, pumpkin seeds, butternut puree, garden shoots

BLACK PÉRIGORD TRUFFLE £18/£36

Risotto, wild garlic pesto

CUMBRAE OYSTERS £22.50

Shallot house dressing, wholemeal sourdough bread, whey butter

MAINS

VENISON AND TAMARIND £39

Butternut squash and salsify

COD LOIN £30

Mussel sauce, buttered greens, baby leeks, samphire

MARKET CATCH MP

Best in the market today, simply grilled or pan fried, spring onions, pink fur apple potatoes, mussel sauce

DEXTER BEEF FOR TWO £95

10-week aged ribeye, Béarnaise sauce, roasting juices, roast baby onion, triple cooked chips

DESSERTS

BRAMLEY APPLE CRUMBLE £15

Soufflé, Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese ice-cream, apple compote

YORKSHIRE RHUBARB £14

Iced custard, rhubarb, granita, jelly, toffees, maltose wafers

CHEESE £16

Selection of British and Irish cheeses from The Courtyard Dairy

PLANT BASED MENU ALSO AVAILABLE

As only the freshest seasonal ingredients are used, menus are subject to change

For special occasions and larger group gatherings, the private dining room at The Three Fishes is the perfect setting to enjoy the best dishes of the season in an intimate setting.

Celebrated chefs and foodie experts from around the world grace The Three Fishes kitchen throughout the year, joining Nigel and the team to create truly memorable dining experiences. Coming up this month, TV’s Alysia Vasey, The Yorkshire Forager, will join Nigel for an evening of locally foraged dishes, blending their signature culinary styles together. n

The Three Fishes Mitton Road, Mitton, Clitheroe BB7 9PQ 01254 826666 reservations@thethreefishes.co.uk thethreefishes.co.uk

thethreefishesmitton

thethreefishesmitton

3fishesmitton

BRAND NEW SPA SPACE AT GILPIN HOTEL ENJOY SPA & SPICE!

Escape to the brand new Gilpin Spa Space for a few hours of love, laughter and tranquil bliss in the Lakes, away from the noise of the world. Relax into the morning with a couples’ treatment at our new Spa Space at Gilpin Hotel, followed by a chilled glass of Champagne in the outdoor cedarwood hot tub, with gorgeous views of the fells... And to finish? A fabulous lunch in Gilpin Spice.

£290 FOR TWO PEOPLE, INCLUDING ALL OF THE ABOVE (£70 ALLOCATION FOR LUNCH AT GILPIN SPICE) ALSO AVAILABLE AS GIFT VOUCHERS THEGILPIN.CO.UK/GIFTS.

MICHELIN STAR JOY

Under the guidance of new executive chef Ollie Bridgwater, SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel near Windermere, has retained its coveted Michelin star.

To the delight of the team and Gilpin’s owners, Zoë and Barney Cunliffe, the announcement was made at the Michelin Ceremony Great Britain & Ireland 2023, which recently took place at Silverstone Circuit, bringing together top chefs from the length and breadth of the UK.

Ollie joined Gilpin from Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, possibly the most innovative and successful restaurant in the UK’s history, which next year is due to celebrate an astonishing quarter of a century of three Michelin stars.

Bringing new techniques, skills, creativity

and imagination honed in one of the most competitive, demanding and pressurised roles in the industry, Ollie’s appointment is a real coup for the Lake District’s burgeoning fine dining scene. Prior to joining the team at Gilpin, Ollie was with Heston for almost a decade as his sous chef at The Fat Duck, including working in Australia when they moved the entire restaurant to Melbourne for seven months.

Ollie says: “There’s a lot of history at Gilpin, it’s a very special place, so it’s a big responsibility as we reshape SOURCE in the coming months and years. I love making the most of special ingredients that aren’t around all the time, starting with one beautiful local ingredient and using great skills and techniques to make the best of it. Our menus at SOURCE focus on incredible local produce, seasonality, sustainability and precision – the detail really matters.”

Describing his joy at achieving the accolade, he said: “For any chef, earning a Michelin star is the ultimate recognition. It’s what we’re all striving to achieve throughout our careers,

Having worked as Heston Blumenthal’s sous chef at The Fat Duck for more than a decade, Ollie Bridgwater is now leading the team at SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel

OLLIE JOINED GILPIN FROM HESTON BLUMENTHAL’S THE FAT DUCK IN BRAY, BERKSHIRE, POSSIBLY THE MOST INNOVATIVE AND SUCCESSFUL RESTAURANT IN THE UK’S HISTORY

so for the team and I to have retained one star at SOURCE under the new name is just fantastic. A huge thanks to the SOURCE team both in the kitchen and out front, this gives us a real boost and reassures us that we’re on the right track. We now have an unbelievably strong foundation to build upon.”

Owner, Barney Cunliffe added: “Zoë and I are so delighted for Ollie, his team in SOURCE, and for Team Gilpin. Ollie is an incredible talent, and a perfect fit with our philosophy.

With intense technical skills from nearly a decade at The Fat Duck, he also, having visited the area for many years, has a huge love and respect for our Lake District produce. Ollie’s dishes are beautifully executed, as if they are as Mother Nature intended – on her best day, with each ingredient important and perfectly balanced with each other.

“We already had a vision to create the most delicious, sustainable and ethical dishes working alongside our incredible local farmers and producers. Within our nose to tail culinary philosophy, our soon to be opened butchery with in-house butcher, enables us to work with and buy direct from neighbouring farms that are practising the most ethical and sustainable husbandry and also producing the most delicious meat. Our in-house vertical farm meanwhile allows us to grow produce on site, with maximum, unique flavours, incredible

freshness and sustainability. Along with our other two restaurants Gilpin Spice and Knipe Grill at Gilpin Lake House, at SOURCE we will be re-examining every element of our offering with sustainability, ethical sourcing and nose to tail philosophy at its heart.

achievement with enormous pride,” concludes Barney who, with Zoë, joined his parents at Gilpin in 2001.

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House was originally built as a private house in 1901. John’s grandmother bought Gilpin Lodge in 1919, just four years after Beatrix Potter made nearby Hill Top her home, and she also bought Knipe Tarn, then a simple fishing lodge which is now Gilpin Lake House.

“It is all about the sourcing, which is why we are so delighted to call the restaurant SOURCE. I knowmum and dad (John and Chris Cunliffe) who we lost so recently, will be looking down on Ollie and the teams’

Sold out of the family as a private house in 1968, by the time Chris and John bought it back in 1987, Gilpin Lodge had been converted into a humble bed and breakfast. Having run hotels around the world, from New York to Cyprus, Jamaica and London, Chris and John decided to move back to the Lakes and begin the transformation of the house into a luxurious hotel.

Six generations of Cunliffes have been associated with the two estates – today Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is one of England’s finest modern country house hotels, a haven of calm and style, a year-round retreat with just 39 rooms and suites. It is renowned for extraordinary service, exquisite décor and stunning culinary experiences. n

thegilpin.co.uk

OUR MENUS AT SOURCE FOCUS ON INCREDIBLE LOCAL PRODUCE, SEASONALITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND PRECISION – THE DETAIL REALLY MATTERS

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

A five-day challenge to completely refurbish the Black Bull, looked like mission impossible. But this epic turnaround was accomplished in style, writes Tedd Walmsley. Photography: Roger Moore

My latest visit to the Black Bull was a couple of days after their very own ‘Challenge Anneka’ refurbishment was completed. For those old enough to remember, Anneka Rice would take on what appeared to be a ridiculous challenge over three or four days to completely rebuild or renovate a project.

Our own ‘Challenge Becky’ looked an impossible task. In just five days, the team was asked to complete a full re-floor, re-paint of the entire pub, re-upholster the furniture, strip back and re-paint the bar – and so much more! Like Anneka, Becky sought help from tradespeople, her loyal and committed staff and anyone on hand to help complete the mission. Work started after an incredibly busy Sunday service and the pub re-opened in all its glory the following Friday – the results are truly stunning.

Whilst all of this was taking place, chef Callum was able to finish some tweaks and innovations to the Black Bull menu, from the pub classics, stylish seasonal specials and the increasingly popular grill menu. There has been the introduction of ever-changing seasonal specials which currently includes a selection of spicy moreish Asian starters and a main of light salmon en croute. The intention is to change the specials board frequently and to use a variety of in-season produce. As spring is here, an ever-improving salad bar and sharing/grazing boards will become popular. This range of choice and consistency of food and service make The Bull the number-one choice for both locals and customers from further afield.

Becky was delighted to report that the number of events taking place at The Bull continues to grow, their bespoke approach to celebrations, parties and wakes means it has become ‘the’ place to celebrate. Spanning the generations and creating something special is the mission of Becky and the team.

THE ‘CHALLENGE BECKY’ JUGGERNAUT WILL CONTINUE WITH A COMPLETE MAKEOVER OF THE OUTDOOR SPACE –READY FOR THE UP-TICK IN AL-FRESCO DINING

After the epic five-day turnaround of her beloved pub you’d think it was time to take a well-earned rest – not a chance! The ‘Challenge Becky’ juggernaut will continue with a complete makeover of the outdoor space –ready for the up-tick in al-fresco dining which we’ll look at in more depth in May. Until then please support the incredibly hard-working Becky and her fabulous team. n

The Black Bull Old Langho Road, Old Langho BB6 8AW 01254 248801

Scan for tickets!

GIN & jazz

The Bar & Grill at Holmes Mill opens for food & drink from Wednesday 3rd May.

£20 a ticket

FRIDAY 28TH, SATURDAY 29TH & SUNDAY 30TH APRIL

We are bringing back The Bar & Grill at Holmes Mill with a bang! On our opening weekend, to coincide with the renowned Ribble Valley Jazz & Blues Festival, we are hosting our very own Gin & Jazz Festival from 5pm until late on Friday 28th - Sunday 30th April.

With over 50 gins from around the world to enjoy, along with live jazz and a delicious small plates menu it’s set to be a fantastic weekend. Tickets are £20 per person and include 3 gin tokens and a branded festival gin balloon glass.

Please be advised that any allergens and intolerances should be reported to Yu Express before placing an order. Customers should be aware that although all due care is taken, there is a risk of allergen ingredients still being present.

flavours unique – every flavour matters and if you close your eyes when eating you should be able to taste each one.”

Ensuring nothing is wasted is also important in the dishes at Northcote: “Our ethos is about how we use every part of an ingredient – for example with mutton we use the fillet to make a mousse, the belly to make bacon, we cure the fat and use the bones to make stock and then a consommé. It is a joy to

EXPERIENCE THE BEST

Northcote is now open again seven days a week. Gail Bailey meets Managing Director Craig Bancroft and Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen to find out more

Northcote is happy to announce they are back open seven days a week: “We have been incredibly busy since the pandemic,” explains Craig Bancroft: “No-one knew what life would be like post Covid and we have taken our time to train the team and slowly build confidence. Our clients, both personal and business, have been asking us to re-open seven days so that’s exactly what we’ve done. We feel we have the rhythm back into the hotel and it’s perfect!”

Holding their Michelin star for the 27th year, Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen is incredibly proud that this has been under her own name since 2018: “It gives me huge satisfaction that we offer such a unique food experience here at Northcote, and especially as we ensure this is accessible for all.”

Craig adds: “Lunch at Northcote is a lovely entry point to Michelin-star dining, and what is particularly special for us is that we now see the children and grandchildren of our customers coming here to dine.”

The menus at Northcote change regularly, determined by availability: “Food is at its absolute best when it’s in season and is

crucial to what we offer. We work closely with local suppliers to have ingredients at their finest point.”

Such offerings at the moment include asparagus and rhubarb which are starting to appear, along with light birds such as chicken and quail: “Wild garlic is in abundance at the moment – you can smell it before you see it on riverbanks and in woodlands,” Lisa adds.

be able to do, and to discover new techniques, flavours and processes,” Lisa says.

Craig and Lisa are both keen to pull from traditional dishes for the menu: “Flavours evoke nostalgic memories,” says Craig. “Be that a roast beef dinner or a butter pie.” Lisa adds: “We refine a dish to make it lighter, but we don’t spare anything on the taste. We eat with our eyes, but we need to pack a punch with the flavour!”

Food brings people together and the passion and enthusiasm for food, wine and service is evident from speaking to Craig and Lisa. Expert knowledge, creativity, science and craft all feed into Northcote, and the reason they retain their Michelin star status is clear for all to see. n

Lisa’s Gourmet Menu continually evolves dependent on seasonality: “We work on the flavour profile of a dish and spend time researching what works,” she explains. “We choose the main ingredients and make these

OUR CLIENTS, BOTH PERSONAL AND BUSINESS, HAVE BEEN ASKING US TO RE-OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK SO THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT WE’VE DONE

CLASSIC CHARM MEETS CONTEMPORARY CHIC

Catherine Robinson learns how a much-loved Ribble Valley hostelry has risen from the ashes. Photography: Kirsten Platt

The moment the door opens, I feel welcomed by the Three Millstones. Its traditional flagged floor is complemented by stylish chairs, upholstered in fashionable fabrics – a log fire is crackling in the grate and the aroma of lunchtime service hangs tantalisingly in the air. The quaint Grade II listed building is at once homely and sophisticated. Immediately, I’m offered a coffee and shown to a highly polished table in a cosy alcove.

By the time chef patron Matthew Frost greets me with a broad smile, his front-of-house manager has already given him a glowing reference: “It’s a passion with Matthew,” she says, full of admiration. “He lives and breathes this place and it shows.” She confesses that she often brings her own family to eat at the Three Millstones, even on her days off: “I know the food will be excellent and it’s consistent, because Matthew is our only chef!”

Matthew Frost has both in abundance.

Matthew served his time as a chef in several local restaurants, before fulfilling his dream of owning and running his own: “My aim is to provide affordable gourmet food,” he says and the menu bears that out. Matthew changes the dishes frequently to make the most of seasonal produce, but he always retains a few favourites. He sources locally wherever he can and he likes to know the provenance of his produce: “The pork and the beef are often literally from farms up the road,” he says. In keeping with the ambience of the Three Millstones, its menu is an appealing mixture of the traditional and the innovative.

In his 15 years as proprietor, Matthew has invested substantially in improving the Three Millstones – but on one fateful day last summer, it could easily have ended in disaster: “We were off to Alton Towers on a rare family day out when I got a phone call. By the time I’d reached the Three Millstones, there were five or six fire engines already there, blue lights flashing.”

the area, and Matthew is now philosophical about the experience: “The main thing is, no one was hurt, and in some ways, I’m a different person since the fire. It’s made me a bit more cautious. People were very kind to us at the time and I’m grateful for that.”

With Matthew at the helm, the Three Millstones was up and running within twenty-four hours.

“Not just the chef!” Matthew laughs. “I’m the IT technician, the accountant – you name it! Whatever needs doing, I do it. I never think of it as a job, it’s more like a fifth child!” says Matthew, who lives nearby with his wife and four children. He confides that providing the best for them is partly what drives him: “I give it one hundred per cent. It’s just who I am. Hard work trumps talent every time, in my view,” he says, although it is clear that

The restaurant’s popular outdoor pizza kitchen was ablaze. Matthew takes out an iPad and shows a dramatic video of the flames licking 30 feet in the air only a few yards from the beautiful listed building that has been his life, livelihood and his dream fulfilled. He stares at the video for a few seconds. “I don’t suppose we’ll ever know what started it.”

Thankfully, the fire never reached the main building, which is one of the oldest in

The hotel/restaurant has risen like a phoenix from the ashes and the site of the former pizza stove is now occupied by a charming architect-designed lodge, which hosts five of the Three Millstones’ 10 bedrooms. In keeping with the character of this chic hotel/restaurant, the brand-new stone-built lodge sits sympathetically alongside the original, ancient building. Its sophisticated rooms are all stylishly furnished and no expense has been spared on the beds, the bedding and the spacious en-suite bathrooms.

“I just like making people happy,” Matthew smiles. “That’s what this business is all about.” n

The Three Millstones

Waddington Road

West Bradford, Clitheroe BB7 4SX 01200 443339

3millstones.co.uk

MY AIM IS TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE GOURMET FOOD

THE PORK AND THE BEEF ARE OFTEN LITERALLY FROM FARMS UP THE ROAD

GOOD READ

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

THE WHITE TIGER Aravind Adiga

Balram Halwai grows up in the darkness of rural India – a place where water buffaloes are the lifeblood of the family, everything is shared, people grow up either to farm, pull rickshaws, serve or make tea and the river somehow manages to represent both life and death simultaneously.

Balram is the White Tiger – gifted in school but forced to abandon his education in order to provide for his family, he is sentenced to live his life in servant’s captivity.

As the story begins, we meet him after he’s managed to escape this cage, now labelling himself as a philosopher, entrepreneur and murderer, as he shares with us the events that have led to his complete reversal of fortune.

Told through the unflinching prose of our narrator, The White Tiger shares with us a confronting image of modern-day India without the romanticised, westernised filter.

Combining political commentary with all the elements you might expect from a standard coming-of-age tale, framed by the brutal backdrop of cosmopolitan versus rural India, on every page our narrator shares his sharp and satirical thinking on some of modern life’s biggest issues - including money, class, religion, gender politics, education, nationalism and identity – through his sustained direct address to a Chinese General.

Presenting us with an honest and authentic (though fundamentally flawed) protagonist, the novel plays out as an exploration of the scope of unreliability in narrative voices and an examination of what it means to be a moral character. With questionable, yet arguably admirable, choices made in every key step of Balram’s turbulent life journey, what The White Tiger delivers is the most unexpected coming-of-age story – one in which our narrator seems at once to disconnect and reconnect with his conscience, to lose and reclaim his sense of identity.

Cleverly balancing conceptual binaries throughout, The White Tiger pitches rich against poor, educated against uneducated, family against the individual, religion against self-belief and honour and duty against self-fulfilment, to create a story that’s rich, deep and complex, and yet remains incredibly simple. It’s rags-to-riches with a twist, and it’s a read I would highly recommend. n

Lauren

DOUG HYDE ART & SOUL

Doug Hyde returns this April with a new range of limited edition signed prints and sculptures.

Doug has combined his iconic style with some classic images.

Please call into the gallery on Berry Lane or contact the gallery for more details.

Stolen Love Spread The Love

Talk of The Town

You Rock My World

CLOSE KNIT COMMUNITY

Photographer and former model

Debi Lyons is using her creative talent to make unique bears and home accessories out of her own hand-dyed yarn which is produced from local fleece

Happily grazing in a field at the front of Debi Lyons’ country home are four rare-breed Ouessant sheep and on a farm nearby, up until recently was a flock of New Zealand Romney, which produced the bulk of the wool Debi makes into beautiful, hand-dyed yarn.

Having always been creative, Debi originally chose to use the wool to create hand-made bears – each with their own individual characters and names. But to understand her story, we have to wind the clock back more than half a century when, as a child, Debi lived in Australia: “My parents were ‘£10 poms’,” says Debi, citing the colloquial term Australians used to describe British

people, who migrated there after the Second World War.

She was just five years old when her parents separated – when her mum left, she

gave Debi a teddy bear and on returning to the UK with her father, Debi led a nomadic existence attending no less than 16 different schools.

“The teddy bear always gave me the connection to my mum,” recalls Debi, who went on to make a huge success of her life, living and working in Surrey, where she met her husband David.

“Four years ago David was retiring and we wanted to move to the country. We initially started looking for a place in the Yorkshire Dales, and at one point we drifted over the border into the Ribble Valley. Thank goodness we did – we were captivated!”

DEBI HAND DYES

THE

WOOL IN COLOURS THAT REFLECT THE RIBBLE VALLEY LANDSCAPE IN A SOFT PALETTE OF HEATHER, MOSS GREEN AND EARTHY BROWN

While the proposed move to a lovely farmhouse just outside Chipping, was exciting, it sparked a restlessness in Debi, who woke one morning needing closure on her traumatic childhood. Tracking down a relative, she decided to make contact in order to find out where her mum was buried: “I was stunned when he said, ‘Debi, your mum’s still alive and in Australia.’”

It was arranged that her mum would call her on the phone: “My heart was racing when the phone rang. I picked up and a frail voice just said, ‘I love you Debi’. How do you get through 53 years in a phone call?”

In 2020 Debi flew to spend some time with her mum – but was forced to return after just six days due to the pandemic. Her mum sadly passed away just weeks later: “No-one knew what was about to happen to the world. I knew mum wasn’t in good health, so before I went I knitted her a teddy bear because I new how much comfort and healing I got from the bear she gave me. It got me through tough times and when I gave mum the bear she said I should make more of them.”

Debi took her mum’s advice – but to make each bear more individual she decided to get her own fleece to make knitting yarn: “I was buying in wool but when I looked around, I thought, ‘This is ridiculous, I am surrounded by sheep!’”

Supporting a local farmer, she originally bought 100 fleeces: “But then I didn’t know what to do with them! I Googled it and found the first thing I needed to do was ‘skirting’ –getting all the natural ‘debris’ out of the fleece. It’s not a pleasant job! But there I was in the summer of 2021, sitting in the garden with my rubber gloves on skirting 100 fleeces.”

Debi then got a spinner in Halifax to make the wool into fibre but, when she collected it, she realised that to successfully hand knit

the yarn it would have to be stronger: “It was a steep learning curve! I needed to get it into a skein (a loosely coiled length) of raw white

yarn. I hand washed it with a wool softener and dried it outside in the sunshine. It became strong and bouncy – perfect!”

Having set up the Yarn Barn, Debi handdyed the wool in colours that reflected the Ribble Valley landscape that surrounds her home: “I wanted to achieve a soft palette of heather, moss green, earthy browns and stone.”

Then came the knitting. Debi started making her bears and posting photographs of them on Facebook with a short backstory about her life: “All the bears I made sold and the requests just keep on coming! Some of the bears are ‘healing’ bears made to offer comfort,” says Debi, who makes each bear unique.

She also hand-knits beautiful cushion covers, throws and woollen sweaters: “I get a real kick out of everything I make as it’s authentic and every stitch is done with love. It’s very organic and it’s all local to the Ribble Valley,” says Debi, who has sent her bears all over the world: “I’m known as the bear lady at Longridge Post Office!

“I am having such a lot of fun here. I love country life and everyone is so supportive. Being given that bear, all those years ago, has had an amazing ripple effect – everything I make is made with love and joy.” n

I LOVE COUNTRY LIFE AND EVERYONE IS SO SUPPORTIVE. BEING GIVEN THAT BEAR, ALL THOSE YEARS AGO, HAS HAD AN AMAZING RIPPLE EFFECT

Michel Delacroix, Eugène Galien-Laloue, Constantin Kluge, Marcel Dyf, Jules René Hervé, Antoine Blanchard, Claude Venard and Maurice Empi.

Valuable Telecoms Mast Site and Land

Cuttock Clough Farm, Slaidburn Road Waddington BB7 3JJ

A total of 191.66 acres (77.56 ha) of land and a stone built out barn FOR SALE IN LOTS BY FORMAL TENDER

The land all lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty over Waddington Fell and offers a great opportunity to purchase a large parcel of environmentally important land that could be enhanced in terms of agricultural or sporting potential, tree planting or other mixed regenerative management systems for good countryside stewardship and/or carbon sequestration.

This is a large parcel of land all registered with the Rural Payments Agency, the vast majority of which comprises fabulous heather moorland and upland grassland. Also included is an out barn with 27.25 acres included within its curtilage, two existing clay shoot grounds and a commercial telecom’s mast currently earning a substantial rental income, let on a long term lease to the Lancashire Police Authority. There are also some small areas of land surrounding the hamlet of Cuttock Clough.

The property has been split into lots and is all available by Formal Tender.

Lot One - 112.12 acres (45.37 ha) land incorporating an existing clay shoot

(Currently held on an annual licence)

Lot Two - 27.25 acres (11.02 ha) land incorporating a stone built barn, stream and grassland with access from the main road

Lot Three - 55.94 acres (22.63 ha) land incorporating an existing clay shoot

(Currently held on an annual licence)

Lot Four - Valuable telecoms mast site extending to 0.12 acres - subject to a long term lease currently producing an annual rental income of over £26,500

Lot Five - 0.59 acres access road & curtilage land around Cuttock Clough & Bartledale Barn

Lot Six - Access road and land adjacent to Cuttock Clough House

Lot Seven - Access road and land adjacent to Cuttock Clough House

In addition, there are further sporting rights, mines and mineral rights available on adjacent land (in addition to Lots 1 - 7) that will be included with Lot 1. john@athertons-uk.com

Athertons Blackburn67 Revidge Road

Whether you are looking for advice on mortgages, insurance and protection, saving and investments, pensions, inheritance tax or estate planning one of Stones Young team will be able to help.

Whether you are looking for advice on mortgages, insurance and protection, saving and investments, pensions, inheritance tax or estate planning one of Stones Young team will be able to help.

They are committed to providing the best possible service to their clients and their advisers offer personalised advice that is tailored to their needs.   Their team have also been running clinics for the staff and students at Burnley College together with other

They are committed to providing the best possible service to their clients and their advisers offer personalised advice that is tailored to their needs.   Their team have also been running clinics for the staff and students at Burnley College together with other

local businesses in Blackburn and the Ribble Valley, where they have been on hand to answer questions and discussed all financial matters. For a free initial consultation or to enquire about them hosting a clinic at your workplace then please do not hesitate to contact the team on 01200 408408 or 01254 682470

local businesses in Blackburn and the Ribble Valley, where they have been on hand to answer questions and discussed all financial matters. For a free initial consultation or to enquire about them hosting a clinic at your workplace then please do not hesitate to contact the team on 01200 408408 or 01254 682470

‘As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments’.

‘As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments’.

With a team boasting decades of experience in the financial industry you can be assured that you are in safe hands with Stones Young Financial Services.

With a team boasting decades of experience in

financial industry you can be assured that you are in safe hands with Stones Young Financial Services.

Offers in the Region: £895,000

A highly attractive, detached, character property with spacious accommodation.

Set in a large plot, extending to 6.67 acres OTA the five-bedroom property is set back from Nabs Head Lane and is in a fantastic location for those looking for good links to the main road network and excellent schools.

Wilpshire, Blackburn

Offers in the Region: £850,000

This superb, detached farmhouse is conveniently located within the Ribble Valley catchment area and with fantastic access to transport and road networks.

With four bedrooms and with excellent living accommodation to include a fabulous open plan kitchendiner, this lifestyle property includes extensive gardens and a 1.5 acre paddock with stable for one horse.

Samlesbury, Blackburn

Langho, Blackburn

Asking Price: £960,000

A beautifully crafted new-build home on prestigious Northcote Park is now released and due for completion Q4, 2023.

This ‘Bingham’ model provides contemporary living at its best, with full-height glazing to the rear of both gables and a stunning, open plan kitchen-diner. For those looking into single-storey living this property layout includes a vast master suite on the ground floor.

Waddington

Offers in the Region: £699,950

A modern, family four-bedroom home with well-planned accommodation for growing or multi-generational families.

Located in the highly sought-after village of Waddington, this detached property sits on the periphery of the village set back from the road, with views over open countryside.

A superb, family property located in a quiet semi-rural location on the outskirts of Barnoldswick with long distance rural views. Extensively restored and modernised, this property is a beautifully appointed home briefly comprising entrance hall, two spacious reception rooms, superb dining kitchen open to dining area and additional lounge area. Large utility room and ground floor WC. On the first floor there is a master bedroom with en suite shower room and dressing area, three further double bedrooms and house bathroom. On the second floor are two double bedrooms and one shared bathroom. Above the triple garage is a superb office suitable for alternative uses such as annexe accommodation if required. Outside benefits from extensive mature and private gardens to the front and rear with spacious terrace enjoying views over the surrounding countryside. This extensive property is beautifully presented and inspection is necessary to fully appreciate what is on offer. EPC - F

A superb four-bedroom detached Grade II period cottage style property located in Worston village in the heart of the Ribble Valley. Occupying a convenient yet quiet location, perfect for commuting and with all local amenities easily on hand, Crow Hill Cottage is a beautiful property suitable for families or couples. With an edge of village location, the house has been substantially renovated and improved to preserve the original character and charm of this historic property. There is an abundance of exceptional period features as well as fixtures and fittings with beautiful décor throughout. The house is set within private mature gardens and grounds with superb rural views looking towards Pendle Hill. In addition, there is ample parking and an integral double garage. Inspection advised. EPC – Exempt

RAYGILL, BROGDEN LANE, BARNOLDSWICK, BB18 5XE £1,375,000

CROW HILL COTTAGE, WORSTON, CLITHEROE, BB7 1QA £1,150,000

A stunning and fully modernised three/four-bedroom semi-detached bungalow on the outskirts of Chipping village in the heart of the Ribble Valley. Casavetro occupies a superb elevated position within walking distance of all local amenities and has far reaching rural views across the valley. This property has been substantially improved and modernised to provide superb contemporary living accommodation with a ‘wow’ factor. The accommodation comprises a beautifully finished open plan living, kitchen, dining space at ground floor level with two separate reception rooms/bedrooms as well as a ground floor bathroom. On the first floor are two further bedrooms, the master with an en suite and dressing area. Outside the garden is landscaped to a high standard and inspection is necessary to fully appreciate this property. EPC – F

Cottage Barn is located in a central position in the beautiful and popular village of Newton-in- Bowland. The village is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from Clitheroe centre and is in the heart of the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This modern and flexible property has a blend of accommodation with three bedrooms in the main house and a separate fully fitted one-bedroom annex named The Perches, above the garage/workshop with proven income. Beneath The Perches is a substantial workshop space as well as a large room ideal for a home business or office. This is the perfect lifestyle property for those seeking a rural environment with income potential and a work from home opportunity. The property is within catchment for Clitheroe schools and has access to the impressive list of amenities the town has to offer. Early inspection is recommended. EPC - C

CASAVETRO, GARSTANG ROAD, CHIPPING, PRESTON, PR3 2QH OIEO £500,000

THE COTTAGE BARN, NEWTON-IN-BOWLAND, CLITHEROE, BB7 3DY £720,000

Central Beach Lytham

A prestigious location on Lytham Central Beach, this spectacular penthouse apartment is presented to the highest of standards with breath taking views.

SALE ENQUIRIES

01200 422824

Lynwood Close, Whalley

OFFERS OVER £308,000

AN IMPECCABLY PRESENTED TOWNHOUSE SITUATED ON THE SOUGHT AFTER CALDERSTONES ESTATE

Commanding an enviable position on a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of the popular Calderstones development close to the heart of Whalley, this impeccably presented three bedroom townhouse is perfectly suited for a professional couple or small family looking for their dream family home ready to move straight into! Finished throughout with neutral, contemporary decor, the property is beautifully presented and filled with an abundance of natural light and benefits from a low maintenance garden and two allocated parking spaces.

For further information or to arrange an accompanied viewing, please call our Clitheroe Team at your earliest convenience.

Viewings: 01200 422824

Hammond Drive, Read Offers Over £750,000

A SUPERB FOUR BEDROOM, SEMI-DETACHED PERIOD HOME IN AN ENVIABLE LOCATION

Commanding an enviable plot in a prestigious leafy location on the desirable Hammond Drive, this spacious, four-bedroom, semidetached home offers a range of versatile living solutions to suit an outdoor-loving family looking for their dream forever home. Formerly two cottages built in 1835. Complete with a luscious woodland, Indian stone paved patio and vegetable garden.

Back Stopper Lane, Rimington

A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED THREEBEDROOM HOME IN THE HEART OF A HIGHLY DESIRABLE RIBBLE VALLEY VILLAGE

Overbrook is a charming three-bedroom home in the picturesque Ribble Valley village of Rimington. Presented to an immaculate standard with a gorgeous flair for chic interior style, the property is perfectly suited for a small/growing family looking for a semi-rural property that is ready to move straight into.

A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED THREEBEDROOM HOME WITH OFF-ROAD PARKING - 75% SHARED OWNERSHIP

Nestled on a popular and family friendly development on the outskirts of Clitheroe, yet still conveniently located for accessing local amenities, prestigious schools and major commuter routes, this threebedroom, home is being welcomed to the property market ideally suited for a small family or first time buyer.

Rogersfield, Langho

Guardians Close, Clitheroe ASKING PRICE £350,000 ASKING PRICE £450,000 ASKING PRICE £187,500

A STUNNING DETACHED FAMILY HOME WITH A GORGEOUS KITCHEN AND SPACIOUS GARDEN

Commanding an enviable position in the popular Rogersfield area of Langho, with wonderful views across the neighbouring fields and a stunning kitchen/dining extension, this four bedroom, detached family home is being welcomed to the property market.

STUDIO LIFE

local authorities, from Full applications to Householder, Variation of Condition applications to Outline and Conditions discharge applications. One of the most common questions people ask is how long does planning take to make decisions at the moment? I would say that Pendle and Ribble Valley are providing decisions within their eight to 12 week decision period, whilst Rossendale, Burnley and West Lancashire are still experiencing delays. Generally, pre-applications are severely delayed across all local authorities.

a historic home extension in Read and we have been working on a new-build, eco-home in Edenfield.

While March marked International Women’s Day, every day is IWD at ZMA with our strong female-led team! We celebrated the occasion by visiting one of our favourite restaurants, The Three Fishes, for a guaranteed culinary masterpiece.

Carrying on the theme of celebration, we are delighted to announce Robyn has been promoted to Associate Architect. Robyn is highly knowledgeable in all RIBA work stages and is instrumental in the delivery of every ZMA project, from showcasing designs via 3D walk-throughs to technical drawing and administering building contracts.

Construction is nearing completion on a number of our projects ready for summer handovers, we have won a variety of exciting appointments –and we have some promotion news!

Work has been progressing well at our Woodland House project, our site in Roughlee and at our contemporary hillside house in Whalley Banks.

We have been working on the tender stages for several of our schemes, to get projects booked in with our client’s chosen contractors as soon as possible. Some of our tenders include a super home in Middop and a bespoke house transformation and extension on Brockhall Village.

As usual, planning has been a key theme in the last few months. We have submitted 10 planning applications across seven different

In February, we attended a neighbourhood consultation at Sawley Village Hall to present one of our projects to members of the community prior to us submitting planning. We received very positive feedback and support from the residents, so it’s fingers crossed now for a positive result in planning.

In other planning news, we have obtained approval for a beautiful, new-build equestrian property, located adjacent to a Grade II Listed building, surrounded by open countryside and views of Pendle Hill.

In design news, we have just presented a concept design for a unique farmhouse and barn conversion in Blacko, we have designed

We are still on the look-out for driven individuals to join our team – so if you are looking for a new opportunity and want to work on bespoke designs within a supportive team environment, then get in touch.

Ready to start your own project journey? Visit our website and tell us what you want to achieve, we will then book your free consultation and take it from there. n

For regular behind the scenes updates or on-site progress, visit our Instagram: @zaramoonarchitects

Zara Moon Architects

We transform sites, buildings, and lives. Unit 37, Mitton Road Business Park Mitton Road, Whalley BB7 9YE 01200 403840

enquiries@zaramoonarchitects.co.uk zaramoonarchitects.co.uk

As we progress into the second quarter of 2023, spring has arrived and ZMA have had a very busy start to the year, writes Zara Moon

Reception Places Available

A love of learning that lasts a lifetime

Oakhill Preparatory School is a friendly, family oriented primary school for children aged 4-11 years. With small class sizes, exceptional teaching and excellent pastoral care, Oakhill Preparatory School provides a secure environment where every child is known and encouraged to develop their strengths, social skills and the ability to pursue, with confidence, the next stage of life.

Bursaries are available at all levels. 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

Bursting with colour