Live Ribble Valley Issue 147 March/April 2024

LANCASHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE SUSTAINABLE LEGACY

BOWLAND’S DIAMOND YEAR EXPLORE & ENJOY

EXPANDING HORIZONS LEARN LAUGH LIVE A DOG NAMED DANDY NEW FOLKLORE SCULPTURE

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CONTENTS

12 SUSTAINABLE LEGACY

We talk to the team behind a small, artisan distillery that attributes its huge success to its sustainable, eco-friendly ethos and putting the community at its heart.

90 DIAMOND YEAR TO DISCOVER BOWLAND

To coincide with the Forest of Bowland’s 60th anniversary as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a new guide has been launched.

136 FOR COUNTY & COUNTRY

Carol Wilson meets professional cricketer Liberty Heap, who is travelling the world playing the sport she loves.

138 EVERY SENSE SERENADED

Award-winning chef Michael Wignall of the Angel at Hetton, gained a Michelin-star within a year of his arrival. Kate Bowyer finds out more.

170 WORLD CLASS

We discover one of the Ribble Valley’s best kept secrets, which is tucked away in the pretty village of Bolton-by-Bowland.

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: Kirsten Platt and Michael Porter

Editorial contributors: Paul Agnew, Gail Bailey, Lucy Bale, Kate Bowyer, Dan Hyams, Kate Hyde, Meena McDonald, Lauren Molyneux, Lynn Scholes, Simon Smith, Alan Veale, Carol Wilson, Jenni Walmsley, Robert Walmsley, Liz Walmsley and Tedd Walmsley

RIBBLE VALLEY OFFICE

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adventure of childhood

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Magazines

Editor

Well, it seems ages since the last issue of Live Ribble Valley and here we are with spring on the horizon and lots to look forward to. Longer days, lighter nights, sunshine and getting out in the garden – it’s a wonderful time of year!

In this issue we have a strong theme of sustainability running through and with it, we meet some fascinating people who are working hard to keep their business and lifestyle as environmentallyfriendly as possible.

A leader in this field is Mark Long and his team at Brindle Distillery, which makes the awardwinning Cuckoo Gin. The distillery is totally committed to artisanal craftsmanship which goes hand in hand with the team’s approach to sustainability. From using crystal clear water from the ancient artesian aquifer located on the farm, to an eco-friendly bio-mass boiler that heats the still and distillery, their environmentally-friendly ethos, like their gin, has won them much praise.

We meet a student who recently took part in the Gawthorpe Fashion Challenge, which this year centred on upcycling and sustainability. Finlay Maguire won the challenge with his innovative design using upcycled fabric and was praised for his character-driven pieces which ensured minimum impact on the environment.

In the Ribble Valley we have many and varied businesses which put sustainability at the forefront of what they do. Using materials and methods that won’t harm the environment, upcycling and recycling along with reducing waste, these people are leading the way and setting a great example to others.

Also in this issue, we talk to UK-renowned chef Michael Wignall, we meet Marjan Wouda, who has created a stunning two-metre high, stainless steel sculpture that is to be installed in Clitheroe, we discover world-class arts and culture in one of the Ribble Valley’s prettiest villages and exStonyhurst College student Liberty Heap, tells us all about her travels around the world playing professional cricket.

So, sit back and relax – we hope you enjoy this spring issue of Live Ribble Valley.

Jan Woolley Editor

SUSTAINABLE LEGACY

A small, artisan distillery attributes its huge success to its sustainable, eco-friendly ethos and putting the community at its heart

Aresounding success story when it comes to sustainability, Brindle Distillery was borne out of a family’s wish to use their farmland to create a legacy for future generations.

Having farmed for more than 100 years, the Singleton family decided to diversify back

in 2016 when, after a long day, they began chatting over a gin and tonic, as director Mark Long recalls: “My father-in-law was looking to make use of the land to create something more sustainable than farming, a business that would grow the local economy and drive tourism in Lancashire – something that would survive long after his time.”

Considering what the family had at their disposal on the farm, they began to develop the idea of setting up a distillery with a commitment to artisanal craftmanship: “We have an ancient artesian aquifer on the land that produces crystal clear spring water, which is perfect for

making spirits,” adds Mark.

After a year researching recipes, ingredients and equipment, Brindle Distillery launched their first Signature Cuckoo gin in 2017 –a huge success which is largely down to the eco-friendly methods of making the spirit: “The spring water is a key ingredient. When our gin comes off the still it is so strong it has to be diluted and that’s where the spring water comes in. It makes up 60 per cent of our gin and when people taste it they recognise what a clean flavour it brings to the product. The way we make our spirits and the natural sustainable ingredients we use all add to it.”

The spring water not only serves as a vital

component to the clean taste of the spirits made at the distillery – it also cools and heats the still, affectionately known as Maggie. A wood-burning, eco-friendly bio-mass boiler provides heat for the still’s water jacket, a major factor in creating a premium product.

The bio-mass boiler also heats the distillery too: “We use minimal electricity in the whole process of manufacturing,” adds Mark.

WE HAVE AN ANCIENT ARTESIAN AQUIFER ON THE LAND THAT PRODUCES CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRING WATER, WHICH GIVES OUR SPIRITS A REALLY CLEAN TASTE

World class botanicals are among the ingredients used and these are sourced from suppliers with the same ethical standards held by the team at Brindle Distillery: “We grow some of our own herbs – we grow the rosemary and thyme that goes into our Cuckoo Solace gin, plus we have honey on-site for our Sunshine gin.”

A collaboration with Simon and Kath Cordingley and the Bee Centre has resulted in the distillery having their own hive:

“We plant wildflowers on the farm which we also use in one of our gins and the honey produced by our bees means we don’t need to use any mass-produced syrups often found in other gins, which ensure Cuckoo is totally natural. Every ingredient contributes to the exceptional taste that sets our spirits apart.”

Reinforcing their commitment to sustainability, three years ago the team at the distillery sourced bespoke new bottles, beautifully etched and made from recycled glass in Yorkshire: “They are 70 per cent lighter than our previous bottles and Yorkshire was the nearest glassmaker that could make the bottles, which are now used across the range.”

The distillery also offers a ‘refill’ service giving customers the opportunity to bring their empty bottle back to be refilled on site with the customer getting a discount for re-using their bottle.

Alongside their award-winning Cuckoo Signature, Sunshine, Solace, Spiced and Supernova gins, the distillery also makes Spring, Supremo, Scrumpy and Seaside vodkas and Sundowner rum, which is aged in old bourbon whisky barrels.

“A few years ago the gin market was oversaturated but it’s beginning to level out and we hope that the cream will rise to the

top,” says Mark. “We have seen fantastic growth, which underpins what we are doing.”

Employing seven full-time, two part-time and 25 casual workers, the team takes great pride in their work and the ethos of the distillery: “Many of our casual staff are students and it’s great to see their confidence grow as they meet our customers.

WE HAVE BUILT A STRONG COMMUNITY AROUND THE DISTILLERY, WHICH IS LOVELY AS IT’S ALWAYS GOOD TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK

“We have built a strong community around the distillery, which is lovely as it’s always good to give something back.”

Building a community spirit has also revolved around various experiences including make your own gin workshops, gin tastings and cocktail masterclasses along with events featuring live music in the Cuckoo’s Nest bar as well as Nestival, the first of which was a huge success last year: “We kept the numbers low last year as it was our first but this year it will double. It’s a great community event featuring artisan food, a covered space and local artists performing.” n Nestival will be held from 2nd - 4th August.

brindledistillery.co.uk

JUST PEACHY!

Peach or ‘peach fuzz’ is the colour of the moment. Add to walls, furnishings, lighting and accessories for a delicate, on-trend vibe

SAKURA

HAND PAINTED LARGE FLORAL VASE £24.99

Loom Loft Barrow Brook Business Village Holly Road Barrow Clitheroe BB7 9FL 01200 404404 loomloft.co.uk

FLORA POP PEACH

CHARLIE OVEN IN GRAPEFRUIT/PEACH FUZZ £5250 charlieoven.com

STRALA PEACH TEA TOWEL BY ABIGAIL BORG £14 abigailborg.com

IN PEACH £79 PER ROLL ohpopsi.com

LARGE CLOSE-UP PEACH ROSE PRINT £13 inkanddrop.com

PEACH

INSPIRED BY NATURE

Sophie Allport is proud to announce the launch of her first capsule collection of paint colours made by bCorp certified COAT Paints

Launched last month, a carefully curated compilation of 12 paint shades has been custom-made specifically for home and lifestyle brand Sophie Allport. Each colour can be found in Sophie’s nature-inspired watercolour designs and features classic neutrals, delicate pastels and bold navy, red and khaki accents.

Founder and Creative Director, Sophie says: “As with our iconic designs, we wanted to produce a paint collection that would draw on the natural beauty of the great outdoors and help to bring the outside in. The result

is a palette that is a celebration of colour, inspired by nature. These shades will work in any home and are timeless in their longevity.”

Known for using the highest grade of ingredients to produce heavily pigmented shades, which offer excellent coverage and depth of colour, COAT Paints was an obvious partner:

“Not only is the quality exceptional, but we also felt there was a real synergy between us. Honesty, simplicity and doing our best for the environment are all central to both our core beliefs,” adds Sophie.

The entire Sophie Allport range is:

• Solvent-free and almost odourless, thanks to the low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content

• Water-based

• Certified child and pet safe (EN71-3)

• Vegan

• Each tin of paint is made to order and produced in the UK

As with COAT’s own range, the Sophie Allport collection also has 100 per cent accurate peel-and-stick swatches, which means less waste, less mess and the flexibility to try out colours on different walls.

HONESTY, SIMPLICITY AND DOING OUR BEST FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ARE ALL CENTRAL TO OUR CORE BELIEFS

The introduction of the paint collection follows on from the brand’s first furniture pieces launched last summer with more to follow this year with the addition of outdoor furniture.

Sophie continues: “We want to create a destination where customers can easily shop for every room in the home. Whether it be for the printed linens we’re well known for, timeless furniture that is built to last, or finding the perfect paint colour which ties the whole room together.

“We want to make turning your house into a home simple and effortless – a place to shop where you can trust that we’ve thought about how everything works together so that you don’t have to.” n

sophieallport.com

Margaret were present to mark the occasion,” says John.

Indeed, Crofts’ master mason spent 40 years on the site and drove the crane which laid the first foundation stone in the cathedral.

Both during and after the Second World War, Crofts were involved in a wide range of industrial re-construction work along with being engaged in opencast mining and the construction of wartime airfields: “The company, ever since its inception, has always been ready to adopt the very best in engineering techniques,” John adds.

Moving with design technology and development led to the company adding home improvements to their portfolio of work and specialising in windows, doors and conservatories. With rigid PVC window frames being introduced from the continent in the early 1970s this was the next natural way for the company to evolve: “It is diversification and readiness to adapt and respond that is very much central to our core business today,” explains John.

A TIME TO CELEBRATE

2024 is a year of celebration for Croft Conservatories. Gail Bailey chats to John and Alli Croft about building on the success of 150 years in business

Thomas Croft and Sons began in 1874 when founder Thomas completed his apprenticeship as a bricklayer and then began his own business from a terraced house in Canute Street, Preston: “My great-great-grandfather’s philosophy has been passed down through the generations and is simple,” explains John Croft. “To maintain the highest standards on every job he undertook, whether it was a large or small project. And this is something we absolutely maintain today.”

As the business developed both Thomas’ sons joined the company: “The first 50 years of the family business reflected the rapid growth of industry in the whole of the North West,” John adds. “Building cotton mills and engineering factories became a specialism of Thomas Croft and Sons, and their reputation grew – and with it much larger commissions.”

As there was more and more factories and mills there was also more chimneys, and their expertise in building tall chimney stacks became unrivalled – building 27 in Preston alone.

1934 saw Crofts commissioned to transform Blackburn Parish Church into a cathedral: “Having been interrupted by the war and some planning restrictions, the first of three phases was completed in 1965 and both the Archbishop of York and HRH Princess

John’s father David, who is about to turn 86 and having retired some time ago, still maintains a keen interest in the business and its continued success.

John says: “My dad qualified in Civil Engineering at the University of Liverpool, and I went on to attend the same university, graduating in Construction Management. And as we now have our son Sam join the business after studying Real Estate Management at Oxford Brooke University, it is very special

Photography: Kirsten Platt

to have fourth, fifth and sixth generations continuing the legacy set a century-and-a-half ago. Sam is instrumental in bringing fresh ideas and new thinking to Croft.”

The diversification has been further demonstrated recently with the introduction of Croft Pods in 2020: “The introduction of pods and garden buildings has been a great success story for the Croft business and is an expansion of our focus on eco-living and work and life changes,” explains John.

“The pods and garden rooms are used as home offices, home gyms, yoga studios, salons or simply as extra space to entertain family and friends.”

There continues to be a working pod on display at Holden Clough Nurseries, Boltonby-Bowland.

Johns’ wife Alli has joined the business more recently to complete the family unit and is already well known in the area having worked in the Ribble Valley for 35 years as a designer: “It’s lovely to be working so closely with John and Sam in the business with my focus on design and new products, and with the three of us all passionate about continuing the Croft family ethos of quality and customer care,” says Alli.

John, Alli and Sam now have plans underway as to how the business will celebrate this extra special year. Alli says: “We have lots of ideas on how we will mark our 150-year anniversary and will be celebrating with our customers, old and new.” n

MY GREAT-GREAT-GRANDFATHER’S PHILOSOPHY HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN THROUGH THE GENERATIONS AND IS SIMPLE – TO MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST STANDARDS ON EVERY JOB HE UNDERTOOK, WHETHER IT WAS A LARGE OR SMALL PROJECT. AND THIS IS SOMETHING WE ABSOLUTELY MAINTAIN TODAY

Croft Complete Homes Ltd

6 Pittman Court

Pittman Way, Preston PR2 9ZG 01772 703777

sales@croftconservatories.co.uk croftconservatories.co.uk

SAVVY STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Bring order to the chaos in a child’s bedroom with these handy hints on how to declutter

Many of us start spring with grand plans of decluttering our homes and getting rid of that just-incase junk once and for all. Few rooms are more susceptible to clutter than children’s rooms.

It can be difficult to find the time and energy for a sort-out, but here is a round-up of some of the best decluttering techniques and kids’ storage items that can help make this daunting task quicker and easier – and maybe even, dare we say it, fun! So, if you want to get your little one’s room organised this spring, here’s how to clear the clutter and create more space for you to have fun together.

GET THEM INVOLVED

The number one tip for organising your child’s room is to get them in on the challenge. If they need motivation, try turning decluttering into a game to get them interested, or create a rewards chart and offer rewards for tidying tasks completed. With limited time available to most parents, it can be helpful to have a plan to follow for your decluttering.

FIVE-MINUTE TIDYING SESSIONS

This technique is perfect for busy parents! Set a timer and get the kids involved, seeing who can pack away the most toys before the alarm goes off.

DECLUTTERING CHALLENGE

Simply find 12 things to throw out, 12 things to donate and 12 to put away. You can repeat the challenge as often as you like.

SIX-MONTH RULE

This is often considered a ‘kinder’ decluttering method, as you only need to get rid of anything you haven’t used for six months. In a child’s room, you can apply this to any toys they haven’t played with in the past half year or clothes that are now too small.

MAXIMISE STORAGE

A common challenge when organising a kid’s room is the lack of space. Maximising the often-overlooked areas can be a great way to use every inch of available space in their room.

For smaller bedrooms, choose a mid or high-sleeper bed that offers built-in storage underneath or room for you to add your own, such as a chest of drawers or toy boxes. No more floor space in your child’s room? Then it’s time to climb the walls! Wallmounted shelving is another clever way to create storage space in even the smallest of box rooms.

Shelves with hooks provide another place to hang coats and bulkier outerwear items, clearing space in your kid’s wardrobe for other clothes.

The experts at Cuckooland recommend investing in child-level bookcases, baskets and boxes with labels. This means you can designate a home for everything, and your little one can easily put their toys back in the right place by themselves (we can hope)! n

cuckooland.com

ECO-FRIENDLY & SUPER STYLISH

These beautiful outdoor accessories are made from recycled plastic making them water resistant and durable

Eco-conscious soft furnishing champions, Weaver Green, have introduced a range of new products that are perfect for outdoor living for the forthcoming spring and summer. These new ranges not only showcase incredible durability and style, but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. Made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, these innovative water-resistant, UV stable products set a new standard for environmentally responsible outdoor living.

CHAIR CUSHIONS

The new range of tie back seat pads are perfect for outdoor living due to their exceptional resistance to mould, making them the perfect choice for those seeking long-lasting, weatherresistant soft furnishings that maintain their beauty even in challenging outdoor conditions. Made entirely from recycled plastic bottles,

even the inner pad is water resistant and can be left outdoors for extended periods. Available in two designs. and priced at £40.

LYCIA OUTDOOR RUG RUNNERS

This stylish new range of runners are the perfect choice for outdoor terraces, balconies and garden patios. Also made from recycled

plastic these incredible, woven rugs have the feel and look of wool yet are water resistant, UV stable and machine washable. They are available in three colourful designs and measure 240cm x 70cm.

MADE ENTIRELY FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES, THESE INNOVATIVE WATER-RESISTANT, UV STABLE PRODUCTS SET A NEW STANDARD FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR LIVING

JAIPUR FERN AND ACORN SQUIDGY CUSHIONS

These fabulous new printed canvas style cushions are perfect for using both indoors and outside. Hand-woven in durable canvas weight fabric, they are also made entirely from recycled plastic, including the inner pad, these fabulous cushions are stain and water-resistant as well as being uninteresting to moths and insects. Available in two sizes and four colourways. n

Prices from £40

weavergreen.com

New Tempur Pro SmartCool range now on display with in store promotions

Sleep is as essential to our bodies as eating, drinking and breathing, and is vital for maintaining good mental and physical health.

Good sleep starts with a good bed. And our experienced sleep experts are dedicated to personally assisting you in finding your perfect bed. Our goal is to ensure that you experience improved, extended, and more restful sleep.

03333 055 885

Visit our showrooms at

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NEW STORE AND BISTRO

Featuring aesthetically-styled home accessories in an industrial setting, Loom Loft, which has a flagship store in Clitheroe, is opening another store

Loom Loft is delighted to share the exciting news of their upcoming fourth store and bistro opening in spring 2024. The store will be located at new 23,000 sq ft premises at Preston Docklands and will create 40 jobs.

Loom Loft is forging a reputation as an emerging name in the home decor industry with a reputation for aesthetically styled stores within an industrial setting.

As a privately funded, Lancashire familyowned business, Loom Loft established its presence with the opening of its flagship Clitheroe store and Loft Bistro in August 2019. Building on this success, a second store was introduced at The Mill Batley, West Yorkshire, in 2021 and a third at Astley Bridge, Bolton in August 2023.

The new location at Trident Park, Preston Docklands, will neighbour a new Aldi and Loom Loft is about to embark on an extensive internal fit out following the site and building development handed over by Marshall CDP.

Managing Director and Head Buyer, Boyd and Rachel Hargreaves explain: “The Preston site is a perfect fit for our business development in another great Lancashire location. We are

excited to showcase our unique style and look forward to recruiting and shaping a dynamic team.”

Operating from Junction 7 business park in Clayton-le-Moors, Loom Loft manages its main head office, warehousing and a 40,000 sq ft logistics hub. In its fourth year of operation, the company has grown to employ 80 staff across its various sites and is eagerly preparing to hire additional team members for the upcoming Preston store taking its total employees to 120.

WE ARE EXCITED TO SHOWCASE OUR UNIQUE STYLE AND LOOK FORWARD TO RECRUITING AND SHAPING A DYNAMIC TEAM

The new Preston store will also include its second Loft Bistro with a chic industrial feel that has proven to be a popular concept at its Clitheroe location. Featuring a diverse menu crafted by a talented culinary team, Loft Bistro is great for informal breakfasts, lunches, business meetings and meeting up with friends.

The new location will be a hub of

innovation and style, offering an extensive range of trend-setting, eclectic furniture and home accessories.

To support this exciting development

Loom Loft are actively seeking enthusiastic individuals to join its dynamic team, which will include a manager, store administrator, experienced sales executives, retail assistants, chefs and a front of house team along with kitchen porters and stock room supervisors.

Interested job candidates are invited to submit their CV along with a brief cover letter to: recruitment@loomloft.com

All job descriptions can be found at: loomloft.co.uk/vacancies.

The new store and bistro will be open seven days a week providing both customers and staff with a flexible and vibrant environment. n loomloft.com

HIGH-SPEC SPACE

A Ribble Valley couple are delighted with their new kitchen which is now a super high-spec space featuring beautiful touches of luxury

Having lived in their spacious, detached family home for more than two decades, Gary and Karen Farnsworth have constantly updated the property adding a new conservatory and extension at the rear in 2005.

More recently, they decided that it was time to update their kitchen and they decided to seek advice from the skilled team at Clearly Interiors.

WE ALSO LEFT ENOUGH WORKTOP SPACE ON THE ISLAND SO THAT FOOD CAN BE PREPARED WHILE FACING INTO THE ROOM RATHER THAN TOWARDS A WALL

Karen recalls: “We already knew the team at Clearly Interiors and we had every confidence in them. They organised everything from the building work to installing the units. It was a great experience right from the design stage through to completion.”

Former dental hygienist Karen and accountant Gary had a good idea of what

they wanted to achieve. Knocking down the walls to a downstairs cloakroom off the existing kitchen and demolishing a wall adjoining the rear extension, would create a large space giving them a blank canvas to design the kitchen of their dreams.

A garage at the front of the property that

homes

inside

had been previously used as a playroom, has also created space for a new downstairs cloakroom and utility off the kitchen.

Clearly Interiors’ lead designer on the project, Stuart Heyes, invited the couple

THEY ADDED TOUCHES OF LUXURY WITH AN INTEGRATED COFFEE MACHINE AND A TWO-ZONE WINE-CHILLER IN A SOCIABLE BAR AREA

into the showroom to decide the best configuration of the new space: “Karen and Gary wanted a stylish kitchen with lots of storage and some high spec features,” says Stuart, who produced detailed CAD drawings of the new kitchen.

Karen explains: “The only things we changed was a minor tweak to the breakfast bar. Other than that, it was perfect. I still have the CAD drawings and they look exactly as the kitchen does now.”

Stuart adds: “We put all the tall units with the ovens, fridge, freezer and larders on one side. We placed the hob in the island opposite the ovens, so all the cooking facilities were in one zone. We also left enough worktop space on the island so that food can be prepared while facing into the room rather than towards a wall.”

For their new kitchen, Gary and Karen selected true, handleless soft-close cabinets and spacious drawers from the Designline collection made by Clearly Interiors’ German partners Bauformat. The units – a mix of satin finish Griege and Elegant Brown wood décor – feature integrated LED light options as standard.

They selected Dekton Trillium industrial style work surfaces inspired by volcanic stone with intense grey and black touches –it is a surface that is most resistant to stains, abrasions, scratches and hot pans.

The appliances they chose were from the Siemens’ Studioline range and included three ovens including microwave and steam and a neat induction hob with integral extractor fan, which means there are no

unsightly extractors hanging from the ceiling. They added touches of luxury with a Quooker tap, an integrated coffee machine, large fridge and frost-free freezer, dishwasher and an integrated two-zone wine-chiller in a sociable bar area within the kitchen.

The Clearly Interiors team organised all the work that needed to be done – from the

initial building work, the plumbing and electrics. The company also supplied all the products and their professional team of tradespeople and installers completed the project to an exceptionally high standard and on schedule – all under the watchful eye of their project manager and company director.

“They literally organised and co-ordinated everything so disruption, and stress, was kept to a minimum. It was a seamless operation,” says Karen, who is a keen cook.

“We recently had 10 guests and it was wonderful – it was so easy as we had enough room for everyone to be together. It means I can be with guests while I cook and in summer we can open the doors to the outside patio area.

Unit 3, Holme Road, Burnley BB12 0BJ 01282 448800

clearlyinteriors.com

BUSY BEES…

A Clitheroe-based soft furnishing business is leading the way when it comes to sustainable practices and eco-friendly fabrics

The talented duo behind Bee Creative Designs are Sally Sutcliffe and Jane Staples both originally from Lincolnshire, but now firmly established in the Ribble Valley.

While forging a reputation for their exquisite, hand-made soft furnishings, Sally and Jane recycle and upcycle whenever the opportunity arises.

“A while back we were going through a green award checklist and we realised we were already doing everything on the list,” explains Sally.

“We recycle everything, all the small leftover fabric bits are put in specially made bags to be re-cycled and the cardboard tubes at the centre of the fabric rolls are given to gardeners to plant seeds in.”

Bee Creative Designs make cushions,

curtains and blinds – they also get involved in re-upholstery projects too, ideal for upcycling pieces of furniture: “Young people especially seem to like the fact that they can recycle a family heirloom, a sentimental piece that they love that can be restored to its former glory.”

THE CARDBOARD TUBES AT THE CENTRE OF THE FABRIC ROLLS ARE GIVEN TO GARDENERS TO PLANT SEEDS IN

A recent project saw Jane and Sally collaborating with furniture restorer Mel Shute, who helped breathe new life into an old armchair and another project saw Bee Creative transform a 1960’s-style chair.

“People love the ‘repair shop’ vibe,” adds Sally. “In their own way customers are trying to be eco-friendly, which is lovely.”

Both passionate about sewing, Sally and Jane are equally keen not to waste any fabric: “We are both good at measuring and pattern

matching so we never over-order and if there is any fabric left we will either make a cushion out of it or return it to the customer. If they are not a crafter and don’t want the fabric, then we gift it to local charities who get involved in crafting or to schools.”

Much of the fabric used by Bee Creative is eco-friendly and is Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certified or has the global Confidence in Textile certification. Both accreditations mean manufacturers use organic cotton and recycled polyester: “More and more fabric books are featuring these eco-friendly fabrics,” says Jane. “It has filtered down from the fashion industry to the home interiors industry.”

Jane and Sally are equally passionate about good design and meticulous attention to detail and when a project is complete, new curtains, cushions and blinds are either protected in compostable wrapping or the original wrapping that the fabric arrives in.

Each year they accept curtains and blinds that are no longer used and re-sell them to be recycled with the proceeds going to local charity Derian House.

“Since we started Bee Creative we have always been mindful of reducing waste, being environmentally friendly and recycling everything we can – we even compost our tea bags!” n

Bee Creative Designs

Unit 11, Hawthorne Business Park Lincoln Way, Clitheroe BB7 1QD 01200 871536 07740 507684

hello@beecreativedesigns.org beecreativedesigns.org

Bee Creative Designs

Bee Creative Home Designs

BEE CREATIVE DESIGNS

Bespoke soft furnishings direct from the makers

RENOVATION | RESTORATION | REUPHOLSTERY

Restoring a beautiful piece of furniture is a wonderfully sustainable way to refresh a living space. We design, cut and hand finish all our soft furnishings at our workshop in Clitheroe and we can source quality fabrics from a variety of suppliers locally or nationally including: Chatham Glyn, ILIV, Ian Mankin, Linwood, Prestigious Textiles, Sanderson, Swaffer and Warwick.

We can also supply bespoke cushions in contrasting or complementary fabrics and a wide range of sizes to complete the look.

Contact us via social media, call us on 01200 871536 or scan the QR code with your phone camera.

Pop into see us at our workshop on Hawthorne Business Park near Collins White Tiles and Leaping Lizards to discuss your specific requirements. beecreativehomedesign

TAKE A SEAT

Revolutionising outdoor seating, the team behind Ribble Valley Crafted have conquered the challenge of difficult spaces with groundbreaking design and meticulous making

Atalented Ribble Valley couple with years of experience in fabrication and design, have caught the attention of businesses seeking bespoke and beautiful outdoor seating solutions.

Founded by local couple, Mark Robinson and Louise Cunningham, Ribble Valley Crafted specialises in the design and making of commercial outdoor seating for pubs, bars, restaurants, holiday parks and leisure venues.

Mark, who is highly skilled in metal fabrication and design, and Louise, who has a fine arts degree with a passion for working with wood, are combining these materials to craft unique and innovative seating that effortlessly conquers the unique challenges of difficult spaces.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO DESIGNING AND BUILDING EXCEPTIONAL OUTDOOR SEATING THAT CHALLENGE CONVENTIONAL PUB AND GARDEN FURNITURE

“We are currently working on a large-scale project building banqueting benches for an incredibly sloped outdoor dining area,” says Mark.

“We work with the customer from design to installation and we are committed to putting an end to poor, uneven and inaccessible outdoor seating that we’ve all come across in outdoor drinking and dining areas!”

All the steel and wood furniture is

handcrafted in a lovingly restored old cotton mill in Sabden in the heart of the Ribble Valley by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team.

Perfect for pubs, businesses and domestic households wanting unique, all-weather seating, Ribble Valley Crafted offers a variety of luxurious finishes that are not only incredibly stylish but are built to withstand all the elements the northern weather throws at them!

“We have conducted extensive research into the design of our products to ensure it is the highest quality and the best commercial outdoor furniture available,” explains Louise.

Testament to their robust design and craftsmanship, Ribble Valley Crafted has gained official structural certification and is BS EN approved. The company also recently attended the Holiday Park and Innovation Show at the NEC where they received a fantastic response to their innovative products.

“We are committed to designing and building exceptional outdoor seating that challenges conventional pub and garden furniture,” agree Mark and Louise, who are currently expanding their skilled team, taking on two enthusiastic apprentices and two sales and marketing team members.

“We are really excited to work with some brilliant businesses in the area and we’re looking forward to our products becoming part of many luxury establishments that we have here in the Ribble Valley!” n

ribblevalleycrafted.co.uk

NO COMPROMISE

Choose the right range cooker to take you from dainty choux buns right through to a full roast dinner, with no drop in performance

When you choose the perfect range cooker the proof really will be in the pudding. Over time, myths around range cookers have built up that simply don’t apply to many of the models you can buy today.

Traditional range cookers have evolved to meet the demands of the modern kitchen. Make sure to do your research to find the one that’s perfect for you and your lifestyle.

Call in to chat with expert Nick Astley at Fuelmizas in Ribchester, your local Esse retailer, where there are Esse electric and woodburning options on display.

Did you know there are electric models available that can be programmed on a timer to run in sync with your family? You might opt to have it up to temperature ready for you coming in from work each evening, and for a porridge to start the day or a hot pot at weekends.

These are available without a flue, so you don’t even need a chimney! Chef Dominique Ashford at Dale House Kitchen and B&B in the Forest of Bowland constantly puts ESSE’s 1000 X electric range cooker through its paces without any drop in power and performance, and yet it uses minimal energy.

Modern range cookers offer more flexibility than ever before. Why not choose one with a dual hotplate? There is an earthy satisfaction

in using a traditional cast iron hob, sliding your saucepan across from the boiling point to find the perfect rolling simmer. Combine this with the most efficient hob technology available, an induction zone and you have two very different styles of cooking at your fingertips, simply choose the one to suit your mood – or your recipe!

If you’re looking for an electric model, ask

ESSE’S ELECTRIC RANGE COOKERS HEAT UP IN MINUTES, SO YOU DON’T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT TURNING THEM OFF WHEN THEY’RE NOT IN USE

Nick at Fuelmizas, how long it takes to heat up for cooking and what the typical running costs are.

ESSE’s electric range cookers heat up in minutes, so you don’t need to worry about turning them off when they’re not in use. They average around £1.40 per day to run. Not bad, to say the hustle and bustle of your home will centre around this cast iron range cooker for years to come!

Not all ovens are created equal – be sure to find out how they work. ESSE ovens, for example, benefit from unrivalled surround heat technology. This means that cakes and desserts will rise evenly without turning or switching shelves, and you can even cook bread or pastry placed directly on the bottom of the oven.

The possibilities are virtually endless. With the choice of electric or wood and on trend colour options, speak to Fuelmizas who are renowned for their expertise and faultless customer service. n

Fuelmizas

Bee Mill, Preston Road

Ribchester PR3 3XJ 01254 878368

sales@fuelmizas.com

fuelmizas.com

170 YEARS OF HOME COOKING

ESSE’s electric range cooker is the classic kitchen star – whatever the recipe and however many guests.

Independently controlled ovens incorporate unrivalled heat surround technology to ensure even better baking. The combination of an efficient induction hob with cast iron hotplate provides the convenience and flexibility demanded by the modern home.

QUIET LUXURY

A recent film is the inspiration behind a new ‘old money’ trend in the world of interior design

The rise of ‘old money’ interiors continues to flourish thanks to the movie Saltburn. Also called ‘quiet luxury’, this type of design refers to the sartorial preferences typically associated with the old money set and interior designers love this look for its timeless elegance, simplicity and neutral appeal.

Award-winning design studio, Black and Milk have recently been working on a variety of interiors that showcase this ‘stealth wealth’ style and a recent project, Talbot Residence, is a clear example of how to channel this trend.

An Edwardian home within Highgate, the project’s narrative is one of the most interesting in their portfolio.

Their main objective was to ensure that the Scottish family’s personality was infused throughout the property and tailored towards their lifestyle, most notably allowing the new design to work cohesively with the existing canvas.

Unique features of the property include:

The introduction of ‘his’ and ‘her’ sitting rooms

The moody blue hues of the gentleman’s lounge set as a perfect backdrop for evoking the grandeur of a cigar lounge, with more playful, expressive touches. On the other hand, the lady’s lounge is a serene oasis that provides the perfect hang-out for coffee dates and socials.

Country style kitchen

A bespoke kitchen, island and hidden breakfast area designed by Black and Milk incorporate richer materials to add a layer of warmth to the family’s open-plan dining area. To keep the design cohesive with the front of the house, traditional backsplash tiles were implemented to the modern design of the kitchen. An impressive gold leaf-based table anchors the centre of the dining area while a soft, napkin-like pendant sits above, softening the overall look and feel.

A cinema room

Hidden away within the lounge area, sits a cinema room. The walls are draped and upholstered in tartan fabric panelling to provide sound installation and pay heritage to the client’s Scottish roots. n blackandmilk.co.uk

MANGO WOOD ELEGANCE

Made in India, these beautiful bowls and trays are perfect as well as being practical

Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite design with the recently introduced latest collection from Bowl Sisters. The delightful Peacock Grey design has been created for their decorative bowls and trays, which are made from sustainable mango wood.

The print is inspired by nature and combines a traditional William Morris style design with a modern blue grey colour palette.

Made in India, the exquisitely printed

peacock designs are applied to the wood and sealed with a food safe enamel coating.

THE

DELIGHTFUL PEACOCK GREY

DESIGN HAS BEEN CREATED FOR THEIR DECORATIVE BOWLS AND TRAYS, WHICH ARE MADE FROM SUSTAINABLE MANGO WOOD

From statement bowls to matching salad servers, the mango wood bowls and trays look delightful and are perfect for al fresco dining. As practical as they are beautiful, the bowls are wipe clean with a wet cloth, but due to their sustainable nature, they are

not suitable for the dishwasher.

Bowl Sisters was founded by Lara Currie and her sister Sian. Both enjoy sharing the simple things in life – great food, fabulous company and the joy of shared moments around a table.

But, a joyous meal isn’t just about the food. Beautifully crafted tableware brings that extra special touch to any gathering. So, they have hand-picked these exquisite bowls and trays, that not only complement your culinary creations, but also add elegance and joy to your dining table.

Beautiful homewares curated with love and laughter! n

bowlsisters.co.uk

TOP CLASS SERVICE

Frazer Millar of Millars Grounds Maintenance Services chats to Gail Bailey about how he and his brother Arran combine their 20 years’ horticulture and landscaping knowledge to transform gardens across the Ribble Valley and beyond

Millars Grounds Maintenance is a real family affair run by brothers Frazer and Arran, with Frazer’s wife Vicky managing the office and their uncle Stuart also having recently joined the team: “We are all committed to providing a knowledgeable, efficient and reliable service,” Frazer says. “We’ve grown steadily over the years and it’s great to work as a family team!”

Based in Hoghton, Frazer began the business nearly a decade ago: “I completed my apprenticeship in ground maintenance at Myerscough College and then went on to get my HND before working for a number

of companies gaining valuable experience –and then taking a leap and embarking on my own,” he explains.

WE ARE ALL COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A KNOWLEDGEABLE, EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE SERVICE. WE’VE GROWN STEADILY OVER THE YEARS AND IT’S GREAT TO WORK AS A FAMILY TEAM

Working his way up to being a Contracts Manager, Frazer began to want more with

customer care being paramount to him:

“I took the plunge, bought my first van and started Millars Grounds Maintenance – and have never looked back!” Frazer adds.

Just six months after starting his business, Frazer was joined by his brother Arran, who also completed his training at college meaning both were City and Guilds NTCP qualified and worked together as the business grew and grew: “We offer a range of services including all aspects of ground maintenance, horticulture, landscaping and arboriculture services and we are accredited by the ‘Safe Contractor’ approval scheme which is an important accolade for us and one we’re really proud of.”

The Safe Contractor accreditation assures customers that a company meets all of the standards and regulations they require –giving clients complete peace of mind:

“Being part of this scheme demonstrates our commitment to health and safety, customer

care and sustainability and is recognition of our professionalism,” Frazer adds. The scheme means that the business is routinely checked – with no notice – to be certain they work safely at all times.

The company covers not only a range of services, but also a range of clients – from small domestic work to high end, large acreage, big-scale projects and corporate services: “Our equipment is state-of-the-art,” Frazer says. “Over the years ground maintenance equipment has got better and better and we update ours every two years to ensure we are able to offer a top-class service for all our customers.”

The equipment the team uses includes ride-on lawn mowers, self-propelled pedestrian Hayter mowers (with rollers to create stripes), cherry pickers, scissor lifts, chain saws, strimmers, hedge cutters and leaf blowers plus a host of other machines to meet every gardening and ground maintenance need. This all means that using Millars Grounds Maintenance ensures that your outside space will be perfectly pruned, weeded, with lawn stripes expertly defined and hedges shaped – along with

any tree felling, fencing and turfing needs skilfully managed.

“We have a keen eye for detail and carry out work to a high standard, including taking all waste away at the end of every job – something not all ground maintenance companies do,” adds Frazer.

And a host of satisfied customers happily affirm how satisfied they are, with one recently saying: “Amazing work done by Frazer, Arran and the team. They have done a great job – they always go above and beyond! Will definitely be in touch again. If you need any work doing don’t hesitate to get in touch with them.”

AMAZING WORK DONE

BY FRAZER, ARRAN AND THE TEAM. THEY HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB – THEY ALWAYS GO ABOVE AND BEYOND!

From Frazer starting Millars Grounds Maintenance with one van nearly 10 years ago they now have a fleet of five and a team of eight, and are confident in the highclass service they offer: “We know how busy people’s lives can be and are happy to offer quotes outside of our working hours,” Frazer adds. n

01254 852229

07903 197546

millarsgms@gmail.com

millarsgms.com

AFTERNOON TEA

With warmer weather on the horizon, what better way to enjoy the sunshine than an alfresco afternoon tea

The popularity of the afternoon tea experience is increasing year on year.

On Instagram, the #afternoontea tag has a whopping 7.1 million posts, in comparison to 6.2 million in 2023 so what better time to host an afternoon tea at home!

Stylist and blogger Rebecca Lovatt, AKA My English Country Cottage, shows how to create the perfect alfresco afternoon tea from her beautiful garden.

Featuring hand-drawn homeware by award-winning British designer Victoria Eggs, the decadent afternoon tea collection was inspired by Victoria’s love of this

quintessentially British ritual.

Made in the UK, the designs made in fine bone china, feature delicacies normally

THERE ARE FEW HOURS IN LIFE MORE AGREEABLE THAN THE HOUR DEDICATED TO THE CEREMONY KNOWN AS AFTERNOON TEA

Henry James

presented at afternoon high tea – macarons, scones and finger sandwiches, bowls of sugar cubes and teapots stand side by side

with strainers, cupcakes and forks with delicate flutes of champagne, filled with decadent bubbles.

The bone china ceramics are made of the finest Cornish clay, and the textiles are printed

THE TEXTILES ARE PRINTED ONTO UNBLEACHED 100 PER CENT COTTON USING PLANT DYES THAT ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

onto unbleached 100 per cent cotton using plant dyes that are environmentally friendly.

The collection includes mugs, tea cups and saucers, tea towels, baubles, aprons, a double oven glove, canvas bag, English breakfast tea, shortbread biscuits and coasters.

Victoria Eggs homeware is borne from great British moments – the nostalgic whiff of salt and vinegar-y chips at the seaside, quirky colloquialisms, our Royal family and London. The brand is as British as the cuppa and has dedicated a day to it! #teatuesday

Victoria says: “All my designs are snapshots of special moments in time that we should cherish forever and gift to those we love most.” n

myenglishcountrycottage.co.uk

THE PERFECT CHOICE…

Bannister Hall is a premier retailer of Millboard, a revolutionary decking that transforms outside spaces

Easter is typically the time that many of us start thinking about spending time in our gardens and outside space. Lighter evenings and longer, warmer days signal that spring is finally around the corner and is usually the incentive we need to embark on any landscaping works. Many of us spend far too much time ‘on’ our gardens rather than ‘in’ them so its vitally important that our outside space suits our own individual lifestyles. Any time outdoors and being at one with nature is good for our mental health and ideal for reinvigorating the senses when taking a break from working from home. So, irrespective of whether your outside space is in a rural or a more urban setting, having designated areas to be able to relax, read, eat and enjoy will no doubt be top of everyone’s ‘must-have’ list.

Bannister Hall Nursery & Landscaping Materials Centre is now a premier retailer of the revolutionary, virtually natural, wood

decking by Millboard, which offers the perfect solution for any commercial or residential outdoor project.

Operating for more than two decades, Bannister Hall is a family-run business, dedicated to environmentally ethical business practices and to providing a first-rate customer service. Eco-friendly and of exceptional quality, there is a natural synergy with the Millboard brand whose products align perfectly with this ethos, as Alan Lovell, MD at Bannister Hall Ltd, explains: “Millboard products are highly innovative and truly superior to other types of decking in terms of durability, variety and quality. The range will sit perfectly alongside our new Spanish porcelain tiles and natural stone paving ranges within our landscaping store. Millboard truly has the beauty of natural wood but without the maintenance downside.”

Bannister Hall grow, source and deliver the very best quality in hedging, specimen trees, shrubs and plants, all at a fraction of the cost of garden centre prices. As the North West’s premier single-source supplier of soft and hard landscaping materials, it is also

a source for porcelain and a wide range of natural stone paving. For Bannister Hall, becoming a Millboard retailer significantly enhances the company’s impressive qualityled, product portfolio.

SO WHY CHOOSE MILLBOARD?

• It’s resistant to algae, unlike wood, there is no protein content to assist algae growth within the boards.

• It’s also environmentally friendly as the base materials have low impact on global warming.

• Millboard is hygienic as it has a non-porous surface that is easy to clean for spills and deposits.

• It has UV and weathering stability and has been tested in most weathers and temperatures so remains UV stable.

• The boards are slip resistant with a high grip surface which is much safer than wood, especially in the wet.

• It’s lightweight making it easy to handle and install.

• Millboard is low maintenance and resists stains from food or drinks spills and algae growth.

It benefits from lost-head fixing – Durafix fixings are virtually hidden beneath the unique Lastane surface.

• Millboard is moulded from real oak – not extruded like most composites.

• It doesn’t warp or rot like real wood.

• It’s splinter free – no wood content means absolutely no splinters.

• Millboard has a low carbon footprint – it’s independently and UKAS accredited to the ISO 14064-1 Verified Carbon Footprint Assurance mark.

MILLBOARD PRODUCTS ARE HIGHLY INNOVATIVE AND TRULY SUPERIOR TO OTHER TYPES OF DECKING IN TERMS OF DURABILITY, VARIETY AND QUALITY

ONE MATERIAL MANY APPLICATIONS

Millboard cladding and decking is incredibly versatile not just from a design perspective but also in helping solve common landscaping problems.

Aesthetics – designers can use one material for a number of purposes which results in a unified look without the need to source alternative materials. Built-in seating, planters and even dining tables and pergolas are just a few examples of how Millboard can be used.

homes

Wet gardens have limitations in that other materials such as stone, concrete and natural wood can be become slippery when wet. Millboard products contain no wood and consequently isn’t susceptible to rotting or warping – it’s also highly slip resistant. Sloping gardens present specific design challenges, decking offers an easier and often, a more economical alternative to extensive groundworks and excavation.

SELECTION AND VISUALISATION

Choosing your Millboard decking is a significant decision and one that you will want to get right. At Bannister Hall, the team makes it easy with free samples sent to your home and a wide range of Millboard decking to view and choose in-store. Bannister Hall can also arrange ‘approved expert’ installation of all Millboard products. n

Contact the team today to discover more about Millboard decking and cladding.

Bannister Hall

Potter Lane, Higher Walton

Preston PR5 4EN

01772 877087

bannisterhall.com

In addition to stocking your garden with wildlife friendly plants, other top jobs for gardeners this month include:

• Pruning bush and climbing roses –remember to cut out dead or diseased stems and spindly or crossing stems, keep cuts to 5mm above a bud sloping downwards and cut to an outward-facing bud.

• Planting shallots, onion sets and early potatoes. Onions are such a versatile vegetable – they feature in so many recipes and growing your own means you’ll always have them to hand.

• Planting summer-flowering bulbs. Bulbs make a fine display planted in containers or borders, especially daffodils, snowdrops and tulips in spring. They are one of the easiest and most rewarding garden plants to grow. n

SPRING INTO SUMMER

This month brings some sunny days to tempt gardeners back outside and we have all been looking forward to spring

March is the month for sowing seeds and getting the garden ready for the summer months ahead.

It’s also the perfect time for a mini makeover project and creating a sunny wildflower border is something that even the most novice gardener can take on. Wildflowers are easy to grow and a sunny border will attract pollinators and birds. The smallest area can look attractive and benefit wildlife, so don’t overlook that tiny patch of lawn that is never used, or pots on the patio that could do with a new look.

Keep in mind that wildflowers do not like too rich a compost – they prefer poor soil with few nutrients. Make sure you read the seed packet to find out how much

seed to sow for the size of your plot and, as wildflower seeds can be on the small side, mix them with a bit of sand as it makes distributing them easier. Once scattered water gently and keep the soil damp until the seeds have germinated.

KEEP IN MIND THAT WILDFLOWERS DO NOT LIKE TOO RICH A COMPOST – THEY PREFER POOR SOIL

In the mix of wildflower seeds you select, think about including some poppy seeds. The California poppy is widely grown by wildlife gardeners for its ability to provide pollen for bees and hoverflies. It’s also perfect for including in a vegetable garden as a companion plant – especially for vulnerable varieties such as broad beans – because hoverflies love eating aphids. The bright orange flowers complement the rich variety of greens found in leafy crops and salad vegetables, but California poppies also come in pink, white and yellow.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY:

Spring usually arrives by mid-March and the frequent sunny days provide the opportunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks. It’s time to get busy preparing seed beds, sowing seed, cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up around the garden.

RHS

March is likely to have bright sun, gales, rain, hail, snow, ice and often all on the same day. But, whatever the weather, spring is here. It is a busy month. Winter work has to be urgently completed and spring work begun. There are seeds to be sown and seedlings pricked out, deciduous pruning and planting to be completed, borders to be dug and mulched, herbaceous plants to be lifted and divided.

Monty Don

Photography: Shuttersock.com/Peter Rhys Williams

LUXURY WINDOW TREATMENTS

Made to Measure Window Blinds, Shutters and Curtains.

We offer the largest range of fabrics, colours and styles.

SHUTTERS | BLINDS | CONCEALED BLINDS CURTAINS | MOTORISED | OUTSIDE SHADING

James Albert, 278 Fylde Road, Lancashire, Preston, PR2 2NJ

W: jamesalbert.co.uk

E: hello@jamesalbert.co.uk

T: 01772 823311

When you meet a new client what sort of things do you discuss with regards to the new interior?

We often joke it may feel like an interrogation! However, it is important for us to get to know our clients, to understand how the home needs to serve them and their family. We take time to listen to preferences, to learn about their journey, to visit the site and understand the architecture of the house. We ask detailed

DREAM DESIGN DELIVER

When it comes to interiors, Inside Studio has vast experience. From private homes to country barn conversions, Alisa Bowen and her team design and deliver dream home interiors

Alisa Bowen is the creative director of Inside Studio, offering a personal and professional interior design service carried out by a talented team delivering unique designs. Here Alisa explains why hiring an interior designer is so important when creating your dream home.

Alisa, can you tell us about some of your most recent projects and any exciting ones coming up in 2024?

We entered 2024 with some incredible, bespoke homes breaking ground, which we have been working on from the early days of conception. Considering every detail early on ensures homes are completely customised with no detail overlooked. Among other projects, we are working on renovations to a Grade II listed house and a Victorian property with a barn conversion, where we are gifted with beautiful original features.

If someone is thinking of bringing an interior designer on board at what stage in a renovation should this be?

If you are building a house or planning a renovation which involves extending or

altering the layout, we would recommend you consult an interior designer at an early stage when changes to walls, windows and plumbing are still possible. It’s also important that lighting is carefully considered with the

ULTIMATELY, WE ARE INSPIRED BY OUR CLIENTS, THEIR UNIQUENESS AND THEIR VISION

design and layout – it’s best for us to have designed the space in advance of first fix electrics. Once we design the space, we are able to cost which helps our clients to plan their budget. Doing this early in a project allows adequate time to make design decisions so that everything runs smoothly.

questions down to how many will sit at the Christmas dinner table – all this is important to allow us to design a practical, beautiful and timeless interior in which clients feel relaxed.

Where do you get inspiration from?

At times we seek inspiration actively, by taking time out of the office to visit showrooms and trade shows. Other times, inspiration hits us unexpectedly! Our ideas develop and grow as we work as a team and inspire each other. Ultimately, we are inspired by our clients, their uniqueness and their vision; combined with our creativity, expertise and wider knowledge beautiful results are achieved! Any particular interiors trends coming up in 2024?

We are so pleased to see this year that the ‘trends’ in fact align with our timeless design ethos. Interiors which are warm and inviting, soft yet balanced, textured, interesting and calm. Natural materials such as travertine have made a big come back, as well as woods such as walnut. n

Inside Studio

SPRING INTO ACTION

The Webster family at Mowerpower have more than 75 years’ experience and knowledge to support all your gardening equipment needs, writes Gail Bailey. Photography: Michael Porter

With spring just around the corner our thoughts begin to drift to longer days and time spent entertaining friends and family in the garden: “We specialise in horticulture and arboriculture equipment, supplies and service,” says David Webster of Mowerpower. “Ensuring that your mower and equipment is maintained and in working order in time for spring, means you are ready to go as soon as the grass is ready to grow!”

Employing a team of mechanics across their two, state-of-the-art workshops Mowerpower serves both professional and domestic customers: “We offer a full range of garden equipment and tools along with a vast stock of spare parts,” says David. “We are also an

approved servicing agent for many of the leading manufacturers.

Some of those manufacturers include EGO whose Power Plus battery-operated products

ENSURING THAT YOUR MOWER AND EQUIPMENT IS MAINTAINED AND IN WORKING ORDER IN TIME FOR SPRING, MEANS YOU ARE READY TO GO AS SOON AS THE GRASS IS READY TO GROW!

have the benefit of one battery fitting multiple tools. David explains: “The EGO power battery has an innovative design to maximise cooling, which means it’s cleaner, quieter and safer for the environment, and as there are no emissions and less vibration it’s safer for the user too. An added bonus is that the batteries are interchangeable across the entire EGO cordless range – giving complete flexibility for every job, and as the batteries go up in size, so does the power capacity and run time.” Battery-powered, ride-on mowers such

as those made by EGO & Stiga, also mean no trips to the petrol station carrying heavy tanks of fuel – much kinder to your back, and also means more time to relax and admire your lawn!

With advancements in technology robotic mowers continue to gain in popularity and Mowerpower stocks a number of ranges including the popular Stiga: “The GPS navigation assists the robotic lawn mower and helps it cut the lawn evenly. It helps the machine find the most efficient way to cut

the grass to obtain optimum results, using the least energy possible,” explains David. “Due to their design and operating system, they are significantly quieter than petrol or electric lawnmowers. In fact, they are so quiet you’ll hardly notice them!”

For most people a key advantage of using a robotic lawnmower is the time it saves –you can be taking care of other things while it takes care of the lawn maintenance: “Mowing the lawn can be physically demanding,” adds David. “So, using a robotic machine helps many of our customers continue to care for their garden but also care for themselves.

WHETHER WE USE OUR GARDENS FOR AL FRESCO DINING, ENTERTAINING OR SIMPLY AS A SPACE TO RELAX AND UNWIND, UP TO DATE EQUIPMENT, EXPERTLY MAINTAINED, MAKES THE WORK EASIER

They regularly cut the grass, even while you are away, resulting in better turf health and a lush green lawn, making it harder for weeds to take. Perfect!”

In the last few years many of us have started to view our gardens and outside spaces as another room and keeping it neat, tidy and stylish is key for our enjoyment: “Whether we use our gardens for al fresco dining, entertaining or simply as a space to relax and unwind, up to date equipment, expertly maintained, makes the work easier,” adds David.

There is no greater endorsement for high quality work and customer service than customer recommendations and as one recent reviewer said: “A really helpful member of

staff was the difference between me making my purchase or not, very knowledgeable, extremely polite and not in any way pushy. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my gardening tools as Mowerpower have always given a first rate, personal service and have a huge range of tools and machinery to choose from.” n

Mowerpower

Garstang Road

Claughton-on-Brock

Preston PR3 0RB

01995 643999

sales@mowerpower.co.uk

mowerpower.co.uk

Great materials.

Great design.

Great for the planet too.

In need of some inspiration?

Take a look at our project pages on our website.

EASTBURN.CO.UK/PROJECTS

Planning your next project?

Let’s make it together.

Visit our mill. It’s much more than just a kitchen showroom. It’s full of stuff, full of ideas and inspiration. It’s our home six days a week.

Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Saturdays, 10am-3pm.

Unit 6 Eastburn Mills

Main Road, Keighley, BD20 7SJ

T: 01535 656297

E: mail@eastburn.co.uk

Bespoke cabinetry that lasts a long time not only means happy customers, but a happy planet too. Our sustainable ethos is simple; handmade cabinetry, made to any size, painted in any colour, and built to last. It has been the same since day one, almost 30 years ago. Our workshops are full of FSC certified European pine. It’s real wood, it smells great, and it’s especially great

for the environment. Our talented team of designers and craftsmen balance functional contemporary design with some good oldfashioned cabinet making. Designed to function well, to look beautiful and enjoyed for years, our handmade cabinetry will last a lifetime.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG...

In the Garden Room at Melt, discover lanterns, cushions and cosy throws to make your outside space inviting now that spring is here

Whatever our thoughts on the weather of late, spring is certainly on her way and it’s the perfect time to create a peaceful and relaxing outdoor space so you’re ready to embrace the sunshine when it arrives.

So, grab a cuppa, pull on the wellies and head outside to assess what needs tackling. Writing a list of jobs means nothing gets missed and you can approach tasks in the right order.

First, there will be the inevitable spring cleaning after months of rain. We prefer a good old fashioned power wash for any hard areas (so satisfying), and hot, soapy, water for garden furniture – both much kinder to tiny paws than harsh chemical cleaners. Cutting a new lawn edge and a light mow will bring your lawn back into shape then rake to remove moss and use a spring fertiliser to keep your grass growing strongly and deter weeds. Also, it’s a good time to prune and tie up climbers as it is easier to tell healthy stems from those that are older, or diseased, when the first growth appears.

And a word on tidying! Tempting as it is to remove leaf piles that have accumulated in wind pockets and corners – here is a plea for caution from Justine Whittaker of Fuzzy Peg Fostering our local hedgehog rescue: “Remember, our hedgehogs are still hibernating – and there are two vital things

you can do to help them. Before strimming, check undergrowth and leaf piles for sleeping hogs – it takes just 30 seconds to protect them from horrific injuries and a gentle prod with a broom handle is all it takes to see if you have a snoozing guest in your garden.

HEDGEHOG ALERT!

Hedgehogs out during daylight are either extremely hungry, or poorly, and will need food or help. If you need help or advice, contact Melt or message Fuzzy Peg Fostering.

Likewise, don’t be too quick to clear away leaf piles. They contain the bugs, worms and beetles that the hedgehogs feed on when they break their hibernation. In addition, some dry kitten biscuits (meat not fish) and clean water put out just before dusk could reward you with months of their antics through spring and summer evenings.”

So, now all is clean and tidy(ish!) accessories can make the world of difference! Cushions, cosy throws and ambience-enhancing lanterns and candles make you want to linger longer with that book and a brew. And choosing the right scented candles to complement the season (think Narcissuss, spring flowers and herbs) ensures an extra sensory hit of spring. They add light and spring freshness to even a dull day.

Now! Where did we put that book?

All items, and more, available from the Garden Room at Melt. n

Melt

Backridge Farm, Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200 443377

www.themeltco.com

Monday to Saturday: 10am-5pm

Sunday: 12noon-4.30pm

/meltcandles themeltco

@meltcandles

Top left: LANX women’s Hothersall 365 boot £225 Top Right LANX men’s Ribchester Dis-brown 365 boot £225 LANX Unit 29 Mitton Road Business Park Whalley BB7 9YE lanxshoes.com : Giordano linen look jacket £240 Cosgroves Whalley Clitheroe BB7 9SN 01254 823585 cosgrovesfashion.com

applique flower top £345 Riani navy trousers £239

Basil jacket in dusty olive

FYNCH HATTON PREMIUM

COTTON SHIRT £80

Cosgroves Rimington Nr Clitheroe BB7 4DS 01200 445711 cosgrovesfashion.com

NEW SEASON STYLE

These casual fashion accessories reflect the on-trend spring colours and new-season style

BUGATTI CASUAL SHOE

GREY £95

BARBOUR WASHED OVERSHIRT WASHED BLUE £89.95 Varey’s Town and Country 2 Market Place Clitheroe BB7 2DB 01200 423267 vareys.co.uk

LANX WOMEN’S HOWICH WHITE SNEAKER £180

LANX Unit 29 Mitton Road Business Park Whalley BB7 9YE lanxshoes.com

LANX MEN’S NAVY SUEDE BARLEY LACE-TO-TOE BOOT £290 lanxshoes.com

PILGRIM CHARM CURB

CHAIN BRACELET £24.99

Precious 33 King Street Whalley Clitheroe BB7 9SP 01254 822620 preciousatwhalley.co.uk

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

DIDRIKSONS WATERPROOF BASIL JACKET IN DUSTY OLIVE £179.99 vareys.co.uk

IN

cosgrovesfashion.com

NAYA STRIPE PRINT 100% COTTON SHIRT £117 cosgrovesfashion.com

BARBOUR BLAKEWOOD WAX JACKET £269 barbour.com

BARBOUR MACY KNIT ANTIQUE WHITE £79.95 vareys.co.uk

BARBOUR REFLECT TRAINER OFF WHITE £115.95 vareys.co.uk

STEP OUT IN COMFORT AND STYLE THIS SPRING

Struggling to find shoes that fit? Then book your appointment and visit fitright footwear, one of the UK’s number one specialist shoe shops.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Since 2016, customers have returned time and again to experience the unique, appointment only, personal shoe-fitting experience at fitright footwear. At fitright footwear we take away the stress of finding the correct footwear by measuring your feet and helping you find and choose shoes that fit and are comfortable.

Feet are hereditary and constantly change. As we get older, they generally get longer, flatter and wider and conditions such as bunions, hammer toes and arthritis can start to materialise. It makes sense therefore, that as they change, the footwear needs of our feet also change.

It is very common to discover that shoes we were wearing a year or two ago are suddenly not as comfortable as they were and begin to hurt our feet, often causing problems like corns, ingrowing toenails, hard skin and blisters that just won’t go away. These are all signs that our shoes are not fitting correctly. It’s very possible that they are no longer wide, deep or long enough and to persist in

wearing or buying shoes that are causing these issues will only result in further pain and more problems. If your feet are hurting, they are trying to tell you something.

As the weather improves and days start to become longer and lighter it encourages us to get out and about more often. Being active releases endorphins, which energise us and give us a feel-good factor which in turn improves our health and wellbeing. However, if our feet are painful, it stops us from moving as much as we want to or should do. Painful feet can also have a negative impact on other body parts such our knees, hips and back so it’s important that we wear footwear that fits correctly and is fit for purpose.

OUR RANGE OF SHOES, SANDALS AND TRAINERS COME IN A VARIETY OF STYLES, WIDTHS AND DEPTHS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

At fitright footwear we specialise in finding out what problems our customers are experiencing, advising what footwear would be right for them, and stocking footwear that can’t be found in high street shoe shops. So not only do we provide an in-depth measuring service and personally fit all our footwear, we also stock brands of shoes that are carefully chosen to benefit all different kinds of feet.

Our range of shoes, sandals and trainers come in a variety of styles, widths and depths

for men and women and are designed to fit even the most awkward of feet. Wearing the correct footwear makes a huge difference to how we feel. There is nothing better than wearing a pair of shoes so comfortable you forget they are on your feet.

Appointments only:

Available Wednesday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm

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

comfort.fit.style

_fitright

Tom and Stephen are thrilled to be re-introducing the Italian label Pal Zileri to Scruples’ spring/ summer collection. This is an informal, yet ultimately elegant collection of daywear and features two, beautifully crafted, signature bomber jackets in blue leather and orange suede.

Another name being introduced this season at Scruples 1984 is leading Italian denim brand Richard J Brown, renowned for their hand-stitched details and a touch of stretch to ensure the perfect fit.

RENOWNED FOR THEIR BESPOKE DETAILING, THIS SEASON’S TRAMAROSSA COLLECTION FEATURES ITALIAN SUPER-CAR BADGING

“We are one of the few stockists of Richard J Brown and they have been a best-seller for us. The latest collection sees a chino style with some pastel colours being introduced. They really are a premium product,” says Tom. Italian denim super-brand Tramarossa also features at Scruples – over the seasons this has become a long-standing favourite. Renowned for their bespoke detailing, this season’s

HERE COMES SUMMER…

Long-established luxury menswear business Scruples 1984 has taken delivery of its new spring/summer collections, so get set to be impressed! Photography: Kirsten Platt

Just back from a buying trip to Milan, Scruples 1984 store manager Tom Orrell and founder Stephen Collins are delighted to introduce the new spring and summer collections to clients, as Tom explains: “We began taking delivery earlier this year and we’re very excited about the whole collection.

“Brown and orange are the on-trend colours of the season, in varying shades – from beige and cream to a soft peachy-orange.”

collection features Italian super-car badging: “We have limited pieces from Tramarossa but they are really exciting!”

British brand Belstaff never disappoints and this season is no exception. With a collection featuring some fabulous spring and summer shades, the stand-out piece of the season is set to be the Castmaster Map parka: “We have a great Belstaff collection,” says Tom. “But the stand-out piece is definitely the map parka.”

Inspired by the open road, the parka in Shell and Dark Sandstone, is designed with utilitarian features and printed with Belstaff’s historical map motif, which depicts the area surrounding Stoke-on-Trent where the iconic label was founded back in 1924.

Fast forward 100 years and Belstaff has adapted to the 21st century eco-friendly ethos and is committed to protecting the environment, sourcing 80 per cent of its cotton in a more sustainable way by 2025.

BELSTAFF IS COMMITTED TO PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, SOURCING 80 PER CENT OF ITS COTTON IN A MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY

“We love what Belstaff are doing and have sourced a few limited pieces as opposed to more mainstream,” adds Tom.

Another great label that Scruples’ clients love is Paul and Shark, which has recently undergone a re-brand: “Paul and Shark are well known for their clean lines and the minimalist re-brand perfectly reflects this.”

Renowned for exquisite tailoring, Canali has been making suits for decades, but this season at Scruples 1984 it is the jackets that are taking centre stage. They can be dressed up or dressed down, but it’s the cut and colours that make these pieces ultimately wearable. Expect to find jackets in raspberry, yellow, blue and a stunning purple check.

Scruples also have an exclusive collaboration with Loro Piana, which makes some of the world’s most luxurious fabrics. The brand has become a symbol of Italian excellence and the team at Scruples are delighted to be working alongside them.

With new seasonal shirts from Eton, sunglasses by Tom Ford and a collection of colourful ties and pocket handkerchiefs to accessorise, the summer is definitely looking bright at Scruples. n

Scruples 1984

85-87 Gisburn Road

Barrowford BB9 6DX

01282 695770

scruplesmenswear.co.uk

@scruplesmenswear

@scruplesmens

THE LARGEST STOCKIST OF QUALITY COUNTRY CLOTHING IN THE NORTH WEST

If you are looking for the very best in country wear, footwear, accessories and quality giftware then look no further than Vareys Town and Country

SUSTAINABLE FASHION IS A WINNER

The winner of the Gawthorpe Fashion Challenge has been praised for his innovative design using upcycled fabric, ensuring minimal environmental impact

Acreative student has combined his design skills with style and sustainability to win the Gawthorpe Fashion Challenge.

The competition saw teams create, photograph and present fashion concepts around a theme, which this year was upcycling and sustainability.

Finlay Maguire, 17, was recognised for his bold, character driven pieces which featured reused clothing to ensure minimum impact on the environment.

Finlay, whose winning design is pictured, describes his route into fashion as unconventional: “I’m a student of A Level Graphic Communication, Media and Product Design at Burnley College.

“I’ve always been into design and creating and I undertook a project to highlight funding in the NHS. As part of that I started creating merchandise, experimenting with screen printing and gradients.

“An opportunity to venture into fashion came when my tutor, having seen the work I’d created, suggested I take part in a fashion show which really intrigued me.

“I view all art as a form of expression and

think strong art carries a profound meaning. Themes of sustainability had already been part of my work for some time, using clothing from charity shops – which also provides a huge variety in the type and vibe of the garments you get to work with.”

I’M CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING A LIFESTYLE AND CLOTHING BRAND. I’M ENVISAGING A UNIQUE MARKETING STYLE WITH THE USE OF CHARACTERS TO MODEL THE CLOTHES IN A CINEMATIC UNIVERSE

The competition is an annual event organised by the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection, an internationally renowned collection of global textiles. It is a cultural development programme developing social spaces where people can express their own cultural identities and celebrate British Textile Biennial, a Pennine-based charity dedicated to creativity, innovation and

expression in textiles.

Amanda Odlin from UCLan is one of the people responsible for staging the competition.

She says the subject really resonated with the young designers: “Fast fashion is a significant issue when it comes to sustainability and we wanted to see how young people would go about promoting slow fashion and environmentally conscious design among their peers.

“The competition is also a hugely educational experience for the participants who get to work alongside mentors from textile backgrounds who are experts in their field, passing on so much valuable knowledge.

“We’ve seen really strong creative relationships develop over the course of the competition, even given its fast-paced nature. That’s exactly the experience we wanted to create.”

THEMES OF SUSTAINABILITY HAD ALREADY BEEN PART OF MY WORK FOR SOME TIME

Amanda says Finlay’s exceptional drive and dedication were just one part of the reason for his success: “His graphics skills are evident, but what really impressed us was his open-minded approach on how to translate those skills into creating incredible fashion that really stands out.

“You saw every side of his personality in his process and his designs. He has a quiet dedication while working, but then a vibrant, playful side emerges during photoshoots.

“He brought these together to create a comprehensive look, even working with very tricky materials at times. Whatever he chooses to do, he will do it brilliantly.”

Finlay is also looking to the future: “This win feels good in one sense as it’s nice to get recognition for your accomplishments, but I always know there’s room for improvement. I’m always trying to elevate my work.

“I’m currently in the process of developing a lifestyle and clothing brand. I’m envisaging a unique marketing style with the use of characters to model the clothes in a cinematic universe and comic strips for each item of clothing, adding extra layers of detail and interest.” n Burnley College has a wide range of courses for creative people and people who want to make a greener, cleaner future.

UPCIRCLE COTTON AND BAMBOO MAKEUP REMOVER PADS £9.99

Made from hemp and cotton, these pads represent a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to single-use makeup wipes. They are completely plastic free and can be used over and over again. They are also biodegradable, meaning zero waste. The packaging across the range is 99 per cent plastic-free. You can also return your empty packaging to be refilled at a discount! upcirclebeauty.com

BE KIND

Take care of yourself with these eco-friendly, sustainable products that feature gentle ingredients and recyclable packaging

NATURAL SPA FACTORY AB:SCENT FACE GIFT £80

Enjoy calm, radiant skin every day in three simple steps.

Designed for all skin types and concerns, this new unscented skincare range is perfect for those who are sensitive to fragrances and essential oils.

Face Gift includes: 50ml ab:scent 01 Cleanser, 50ml ab:scent 02 Polish, 50ml ab:scent 03 Moisturiser

The gift boxes are now ‘grown to order’ in the UK from mushroom mycelium, a natural alternative to fossil fuelproduced polymers. They are 100 per cent compostable and break down naturally so you can either drop into your green waste or plant in the garden!

The Spa Hotel Ribby Hall Village Ribby Road Wrea Green PR4 2PR 01772 671111 ribbyhall.co.uk

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

SALT + STEAM ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY’ SALT FACIAL STEAM FROM £6

The perfect addition to your nightime skincare routine. Full of natural goodness with a special blend of essential oils to help you drift off, this facial steam will send you to bed with glowing skin. All Salt + Steam products are packaged in glass jars with cork lids and biodegradable vegan stickers. They are delivered in a cardboard box, with jars safely wrapped in FSC-certified Geami paper ‘bubble wrap’ that can be recycled.

Melt Backridge Farm Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200 443377 themeltco.com

UPCIRCLE CLEANSING FACE MILK WITH OAT POWDER AND ALOE VERA £19.99

A gentle cleansing face milk made with oat powder upcycled from the food and drink industry, the creamy formula hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it buttery soft. upcirclebeauty.com

AKT DEODERANT BALM £21

HAIRSTORY NEW WASH AND SCALP BRUSH KIT £55

An enriched blend of premium, fragrant botanicals and Deo-Barrier Complex™ keep you feeling dry all day long. This vegan, cruelty free, aluminium salt free, moisturising formula absorbs instantly. No mess or stains and 100 per cent plastic free and recyclable. Subscription available from £17.85. Five fragrances to choose from. aktlondon.com

New Wash is a first-of-its kind, custom formula that cleans and conditions without harsh foams and damaging detergents found in traditional shampoos. Simplify your routine and replace both your shampoo and conditioner. The result? Your healthiest and happiest hair ever. Founded with the intention of being a more sustainable and mindful business, using nontoxic ingredients and refillable packaging, uk.hairstory.com

SPRING SKIN RENEWAL

As nature awakens a er the cold winter months, our desire for radiant skin blossoms too. With a legacy of 15 years dedicated to skin health and rejuvenation, Discover Laser in Burnley has a new treatment that promises to put a fresh glow on faces this spring.

PhilArt: Tailored regeneration

A sophisticated and innovative regeneration treatment, PhilArt is designed to enhance skin quality, elasticity and hydration. Suitable for face, eyes, neck, décolletage and hands, it’s an all-encompassing solution for achieving a youthful glow. It’s also a foundation therapy for more advanced rejuvenation treatments.

PhilArt: The science of polynucleotides

At the heart of PhilArt’s success is a unique injectable gel composed of longchain polynucleotides. These remarkable compounds hydrate the skin and neutralise free radicals, creating an ideal environment for collagen production by broblasts. In other words, PhilArt encourages skin regeneration by stimulating your body’s natural cell renewal processes.

PhilArt: A natural approach

PhilArt is committed to using natural ingredients. The polynucleotides used in PhilArt are derived from European freshwater sh that are speci cally intended for human consumption. Complete control over the production process and, more importantly, the safety and purity of the product are ensured.

PhilArt: Proven safety and efficacy

PhilArt has an exceptional safety and e cacy pro le. Extensive clinical data supports its use, with a proven track record of high tolerability

As spring unfolds, it’s the perfect time to revitalise your skin after the tolls of winter. Discover Laser Medical Skin Clinic introduces a new and innovative skincare treat that would make mother nature proud

INJECTABLE POLYNUCLEOTIDES

PhilArt benefits

• Increases collagen

• Increases fibroblasts

• Increases protein production

• Enhances tissue repair

• Regenerates damaged and ageing tissues

• Increases hydration

• Increases elasticity

• Reduces crepiness

and minimal risk of adverse events. PhilArt is backed by over 70 years of research, and more than 100 published studies.

PhilArt: The treatment Polynucleotides are injected into the upper layers of the skin using a micro-injection technique, taking around 30 minutes. There may be temporary redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site, which usually subside within a few days. With a course of treatment, results can been seen within a couple of weeks and last up to 12 months depending on skin type and age, and with a top up at six months.

Embrace the spirit of spring renewal and treat yourself to the gi of a PhilArt skin boost. 

To book your PhilArt Consultation call Discover Laser’s friendly team on 01282 420886

Find out more about treatment: www.discoverlaser.co.uk

CROW WOOD, ROYLE LANE, BURNLEY BB12 0RT

DO YOU WANT YOUR YOUTHFUL SKIN BACK?

Now you can get your youthful skin back with EMA’s leading non-invasive revolutionary treatments

EMA’s top three non-invasive treatments all achieve incredible, transformative, long-term results, which clients are raving about!

The newest technology and treatment

EMA has just launched is Fractional Radio Frequency (Fractional RF) and microneedling combined. It provides a new and improved way to build and develop collagen and provide

firmer, fuller and younger-looking skin. By penetrating deep beneath the skin’s subdermal layer, it stimulates collagen production at its roots for noticeably firmer, tighter and lifted skin. It effectively and quickly eliminates fine lines and wrinkles, also achieving more vibrant and smoother looking skin.

The next pioneering treatment is the non-surgical facelift and is one of the only non-invasive devices that increases muscle tone, resulting in a lift and smooths out wrinkles on the face to provide a facelift affect. It is the top treatment in the industry to lift the sag and droopiness caused by ageing and lifestyle. There is no downtime with this treatment and it provides long lasting results for up to three years.

The Plasma Pen works on tightening the skin’s elasticity and accurately smooths

out deep expression lines and wrinkles. It is extremely effective as it rebuilds and strengthens the skin’s fibroblasts and powerfully stimulates collagen and elastin production for a natural but transformative result.

Emma Pearce has continually exceeded her clients’ expectations by providing bespoke treatment plans and combining the technologies according to each client’s individual needs. She is effectively turning the skin clock back to a much more youthful you, with long-lasting results!

If you have any of the following concerns and you want to eliminate them safely whilst still looking like you, then please book your free consultation.

Here’s what clients have said about Emma’s treatments:

Emma is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after, experienced and highly-skilled aesthetic specialists in Lancashire. n Call Emma now on 01772 821600 to regain your youthful looks safely.

“I’ve had the non-surgical facelift and the new Fractional RF treatment and after only a few weeks post treatments I’m already over the moon with my results. My neck jowls and marionette lines were really getting me down, I hated looking at photos of myself and looking in the mirror. My saggy neck has tightened, my marionette lines almost gone and I have definition on my jawline and cheekbones. I feel like a new woman, so happy I have my confidence back. I’m so glad I found Emma.”

Debra C

“I’ve had my full face and neck treated with Plasma pen, Hyapen and the new facelift machine, the results are just remarkable. I’m 73 but look and feel 20 years younger. Even my doctor thought I wasn’t in the waiting room recently as he didn’t think for a minute I could be his next patient of 73 years old.”

Christine K

EMA Skin Aesthetics Ltd

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

info@emaskinaesthetics.co.uk emaskinaesthetics.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFERS!

NEWEST LEADING TECHNOLOGY – FRACTIONAL RF: Introductory one-time only offer – 30% off face or combined face and neck treatment. (Not to be missed! Saving you up to £225 per area) NON-SURGICAL FACELIFT: Last chance offer of 25% off a course of four treatments.

PLASMA PEN: £185 off each area. Areas start from £250. Offers end 31st March 2024

“I’m extremely delighted with the results. I’ve had both PlasmaPen and the 7D Ultrasound on my marionette lines and jowl area. I couldn’t be more pleased, so much so, I’ve now booked to have the neck lift.”

Denise M

“I had wrinkle-smoothing injections and fillers for 13 years, but didn’t like the results nor the long-term effects these treatments were having. A friend recommended Emma, and after having PlasmaPen and other treatments with Emma it’s the best run into a friend I have ever had!”

Linda S

Sagging jowls, turkey necks, marionette lines, smile and smokers’ lines around the lips, crow’s feet, puffy eyes, drooping eyelids, forehead lines, frown lines, cheek tension lines, chest lines and more.

FEELING GOOD…

Movement therapist, ballet, yoga and contemporary movement professional Suzanne Astley AISTD, Dip Arts, BA Hons, QTS, MA, explains how she can help people to feel good in mind and body. Photography: Kirsten Platt

Suzanne Astley of Mindful Movement works at the highest level – she has worked as a lecturer, as well as looking after the wellbeing of students and staff for the Royal Academy of Dance in London and globally.

She is a qualified Somatic movement therapist, experienced teacher and she recently held a highly acclaimed workshop on the menopause, extolling the benefits of nutrition and gentle weight-bearing exercise and the positive effects it has on health and wellbeing.

Having brought her unique professional skillset to the Ribble Valley, Suzanne works with those who may be new to therapeutic movement, yoga and dance, as well as those

who have extensive experience.

A major part of her work is helping clients’ physical and psychological wellbeing through a combination of movement, understanding and empathy: “Many people need help and understanding with issues such as back pain, depression, anxiety, stress and neurological conditions,” explains Suzanne, who offers one-to-one sessions, retreats and small group classes as well as helping clients online.

She recently worked online with a car accident victim who, at the start of his therapy, had severely limited movement. With Suzanne’s help, he became fully mobile: “If you can learn to move efficiently in your own

PRAISE FOR SUZANNE AND SOMATIC THERAPY

“The classes are the perfect way to de-stress after a long day at work, focusing on breathing techniques, mindful movement and core stability.”

“Sue’s clear passion for her work makes her adult contemporary ballet classes a joy for all ages and abilities. Her studio offers a sanctuary away from the rollercoaster of modern life.”

body it makes a huge difference,” she says.

“Sometimes an injury can be due to work or lifestyle and over time it can become an issue.”

As a Somatic movement therapist, Suzanne is a profound advocate and passionate believer, of the intrinsic value of movement in treating physical and psychological issues to vastly improve health and self-esteem.

SUZANNE RECENTLY LED A HIGHLY ACCLAIMED WORKSHOP ON THE MENOPAUSE EXTOLLING THE BENEFITS OF DIET AND GENTLE WEIGHTBEARING EXERCISE AND THE POSITIVE EFFECTS IT HAS ON WELLBEING

“As a therapist I am aware that psychological trauma can manifest itself physically. Somatic therapy can benefit everyone so I look at alignment and posture to help clients move with ease, enjoying the movement which, in turn, promotes a feeling of wellness.

“I provide a toolkit to support health and wellbeing with ideas for subtle lifestyle changes, incorporating movement and mindfulness into everyday life.” n

To find out more about Suzanne’s one-to-one sessions or classes, go to the Mindful Movement website. No experience is necessary.

Mindful Movement

Fuelmizas, Bee Mill, Preston Road

Ribchester PR3 3XJ 07738 405277

suzanneastley@hotmail.com

mindfulmovementbysue.co.uk

Buckshaw Hospital Open Day

Come along to our Open Day at Buckshaw Hospital, where you will get the chance to meet our consultants and take a tour of our facilities.

Venue: Buckshaw Hopsital, Matrix Industrial Park, Eaton Avenue, Buckshaw Village, PR7 7NA

Date: Saturday 13th April 2024 Time: 10am - 2pm

Please scan the above QR code to register your attendance or call 01257 237 013

CLOSER TO NATURE

Biomimetic materials that literally mimic nature, are revolutionising dentistry and here in the Ribble Valley, one forward-thinking practice is one of the leading pioneers of this technique

Always keeping ahead of the industry, leading private dental practice Renovo is one of the first practices in the UK that has fully adopted the very latest techniques that can successfully restore teeth by using materials that mimic nature and the natural tooth.

Biomimetic dentistry is revolutionising the way dentists can restore and repair teeth as

Dr Usman Riaz of Ribble Valley-based Renovo explains: “This is micro-invasive dentistry. We can preserve as much of the tooth structure as possible by using scientifically developed, bio-compatible metal-free materials that act, feel and look just like our natural teeth.”

AVOIDING ROOT CANALS

“Biomimetic dentistry can help reduce your need for root canal therapy by up to 90 per cent. With immediate dentin sealing and resin coating, biomimetic dentistry gives pulps a vital chance to heal, helping maintain their natural resilience and extend their life. This is at the forefront of our core values,” adds Dr Riaz.

These latest advances in dental technology are set to change the way we view restorative dentistry. For teeth that have been damaged, porcelain crowns and veneers have, in the past, been the solution. However, more recent developments in bonding technology and the bio-materials used, have given dentists a new alternative, usually with no tooth removal.

PREDICTABLE OUTCOMES AND PAIN-FREE LONGERLASTING TEETH

Biomimetic restorations treat the causes of symptoms (cracks or caries near the pulp) so they do not result in sensitivity or pain after restoration: “Biomimetic techniques also restore the tooth in a way that mimics a tooth’s natural structure, preventing cracks around the restoration. Finally, the advanced adhesive techniques used in a biomimetic restoration have been shown to keep a restoration bonded for over 20 years, and counting, so the days of crowns or fillings falling out can be a thing of the past!”

These restorative materials that mimic nature, are not only perfect for aesthetically restoring teeth but they also help preserve and strengthen the natural tooth structure.

SCIENCE-BACKED DENTAL TREATMENT

Biomimetic dentistry is more technique sensitive and requires more detailed steps than traditional restorative practices. With Renovo’s approach, the dentists and the whole clinical team understand the science, or what we call the ‘why’ behind each step in their biomimetic restoration. The systematic steps

take the guesswork out of treatment planning, leaving clinicians and patients feeling confident in every restoration.

IMPROVED AESTHETICS

“Biomimetic dentistry is general dentistry and can be applied to every case we see at Renovo. The concepts of conserving tooth structure, saving pulps and superior adhesion will serve as a more predictable foundation of our work,” explains Dr Riaz.

“We can change, reshape and enhance teeth with these new materials. The biomimetic materials are also reinforcing teeth – it is a totally different concept to what we have seen previously.”

Adopting the latest biomimetic philosophies and having all the specialist techniques and materials available to them, the dentists at Renovo are pioneering in

their unique approach.

“Specialist techniques are used in biomimetic dentistry and the whole team have had advanced training,” says Dr Riaz. “For us, using non-invasive techniques and preserving teeth has always been something

WE GET OPTIMAL RESULTS WITH ZERO TOOTH REMOVAL AND THAT’S WHY THE BIOMIMETIC APPROACH IS SO POPULAR

we routinely believe in and practice, so biomimetic dentistry sits really well with that belief.

“It’s the way dentistry should be done –to save and conserve teeth has always been our gold standard.”

ZERO TOOTH LOSS MAXIMUM AESTHETICS

For nervous patients the biomimetic approach revolutionises the way they view a dental appointment: “For those people, this is an amazing development as the approach is to conserve tooth tissue using minimally invasive techniques. No anaesthetic is needed as there is zero tooth removal.”

While biomimetic dentistry can help to naturally strengthen and restore damaged teeth, it is also perfect for cosmetic procedures: “From a cosmetic point of view we can improve without having to compromise, which is a very powerful concept.

“With the latest biomimetic materials, we get incredible results and in many cases, it is much quicker too, as it often involves just one visit to the dentist.

“These treatment concepts and philosophy are popular in the US and Europe, but it has taken time to develop in the UK. We have had to understand the materials and perfect new techniques so we can carry out dentistry at a different level.”

HEALTHIER TEETH HEALTHIER YOU

By removing all toxicity and inflammation from the mouth, biological dentistry helps restore vitality, balance and systemic health.

“What we put in our mouth and more importantly, the teeth themselves, has a crucial role to play in our overall health. Gut health begins in the mouth. It’s more than just a gateway – it’s a mirror reflecting our overall health.” n

Renovo Dental

Pendle House

Clitheroe Road

Chatburn BB7 4JY

01200 441000

hello@renovodental.co.uk

renovodental.co.uk

@renovodental

As a family business, founded by consultant Dr Grant McKeating and his wife Charlie, RejuvaMed offers a wide range of treatments to patients in the Ribble Valley, and far beyond, with feedback that is invariably five-star. The clinic’s vision is to bring a wide range of aesthetic, medical and surgical treatments to its patients, with the highest levels of quality and safety, giving a patient experience second to none.

Dr Grant has a background as a consultant in anaesthesia. His 11 years’ of experience as a specialist in medical aesthetics began as a hobby! But he now splits his time between the operating theatre and RejuvaMed. His main interest is full face rejuvenation or the ‘full liquid face lift’ for patients whose faces have sagged as they age.

Dr Grant is a specialist in medical weight loss treatments, and RejuvaMed’s CQC-registered weight loss centre offers medical assessment with prescription of medication to assist with weight loss. The 3D-Lipo, Forma and Morpheus8 systems freeze stubborn pockets of fat, reduce waist circumference and tighten loose skin.

Nurse Helen is also part of the team, with a particular interest in anti-wrinkle treatments and lip augmentation.

RejuvaMed’s aestheticians Rachael and Gemma carry out the incredible original Morpheus8 non-surgical facelift, in addition to miraDry permanent sweat reduction, for those with problem

LANCASHIRE’S LEADING PRIVATE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLINIC

RejuvaMed Health & Wellness has been based at its beautiful Holmes Mill location in Clitheroe for seven years. During that time, it has established itself as a centre of excellence for cosmetic and medical care

sweat in their armpits. Patients travel from all over the country for this life-changing treatment.

Skin rejuvenation is vital to freshen our looks. Medical grade ZO Skin Health products for home use forms a part of this, with the celebrity HydraFacial in-clinic adding to that new look. For those with deep lines, scarring or pigmentation, fractional CO 2

LINDA

laser gives amazing results with little downtime.

Dr Helen, RejuvaMed’s expert GP with an interest in women’s health, offers consultations for bioidentical HRT (BHRT) which is an individually tailored, more natural form of HRT used to treat symptoms of the menopause. She also treats women who have issues with stress incontinence with

our Vjuve laser system, which offers an alternative to surgery.

Mr Perricone, consultant vascular surgeon, heads up our varicose vein centre, the only private specialist vein centre in Lancashire and provides walk-in walk-out treatments for varicose veins under local anaesthesia.

Mr Patel, consultant oculoplastic surgeon, undertakes upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid lift) at RejuvaMed, again under a simple local anaesthetic. For those with lax or sagging upper eyelids, the only effective option is surgery. n

Visit rejuvamed.co.uk or call 01200 538668, for more information.

RejuvaMed Health & Wellness

Holmes Cottage, Woone Lane

Clitheroe BB7 1BG

01200 538668

rejuvamed.co.uk

An

hour, a day or an overnight stay

ribbyhall.co.uk/spa-breaks

RIBBY HALL VILLAG E

STOP THE CLOCK

Natalie Bowen, founder of Verto Aesthetics and Wellness has recently opened the doors of a new anti-ageing and wellness clinic at Stydd Gardens in Ribchester, writes Gail Bailey

“My clients are my advertisement and it is important for me to ensure they are equally provided with the same dedication, time and effort to ensure they are happy, comfortable and walk away feeling fabulous,” explains Natalie Bowen of Verto Aesthetics and Wellness.

An RGN, NIP and cosmetic practitioner, Natalie has been practicing aesthetics for both men and women since 2016 and uses only the highest quality treatments, protocols and products. She offers a range of non-surgical, anti-ageing treatments, including medical grade facials, injectables and market-leading technology.

“Having access to a combination of injectables and energy treatments such as radio frequency and microneedling means I can tailor the treatment to each individual client. I really love my clients looking and feeling their best, especially when they are asked by friends and family why they look so well.”

Natalie has introduced popular polynucleotide injections at Verto, the very latest in regenerative medicine. Using a product from Italian company Mastelli it improves the visible signs of ageing and slows

MY CLIENTS ARE MY ADVERTISEMENT AND IT IS IMPORTANT FOR ME TO ENSURE THEY ARE HAPPY, COMFORTABLE AND WALK AWAY FEELING FABULOUS

down this process in the skin. The source of the product is important and Mastelli, a family company, have many years’ experience and control the entire process to produce the polynucleotide to guarantee the treatment’s efficacy, quality and safety.

The treatment effects are reinforced

by Thermaderm clinical grade skincare: “I recommend Thermaderm before and after treatments for clients to protect and prolong their investment. The range had been created by a plastic surgeon to help restore mobility and function to patients with skin-grafts. I’ve tried others, but I always come back to Theraderm – I know this range is the very best product to enhance treatment results.”

Body treatments are also a feature at Verto and Natalie offers manual lymphatic drainage for overall wellness, and Columbian wood therapy to help improve blood circulation, skin texture and tone, to reduce areas of stubborn fat. Natalie also has a powerful, new revolutionary treatment for body shaping and muscle toning using high

intensity focused electro-magnetic technology, which is popular with numerous celebrities: “It’s a great treatment to tone problem areas, but also brilliant for those clients who struggle with exercise – I get some fantastic results!

“Looking your best helps you feel your best,” adds Natalie. “I am a true believer in being healthy on the inside and we have a range of wellness products and supplements at the clinic too.”

Accompanying Natalie at Verto is Sheena, an experienced nail technician. Sheena performs natural nail care, extensions and nail art and uses a fabulous vegan friendly and hema-free range.

The name Verto is Latin for ‘change’ and the clinic’s beautiful, dragonfly logo signifies transformation in life – perfectly reflecting Natalie’s clinic and professional practice. n

Verto Aesthetics and Wellness

Stydd Gardens, Stoneygate Lane Ribchester PR3 3YN 07479 981163

info@vertoaesthetics.co.uk

vertoaestheticsandwellness.co.uk

Nails by Sheena 07867 787370

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Photography: Kirsten Platt

REFORMER PILATES IN DOWNHAM

Nestled in the enchanting village of Downham, Three Breaths stands as a beacon of tranquillity and rejuvenation

Founded by Ainsley Harris, the boutique Three Breaths Reformer Pilates Studio has quickly become a sought-after venue for those seeking the ultimate whole-body workout and respite from the chaos of daily life.

The mission? To guide individuals towards relaxation, physical strength and overall wellbeing.

At the heart of Three Breaths lies the transformative Reformer Pilates class. Imagine a workout that combines the precision of weight training, the flexibility of yoga and the core-strengthening principles of Pilates. This whole-body burn, conducted in a fastpaced, energetic and remarkably enjoyable setting, has garnered acclaim from participants who marvel at how swiftly

time passes during these sessions and how they’ve never felt stronger.

Since opening its doors in September, Three Breaths has grown organically and has been consistently fully booked. However, exciting news awaits those eager to embark on their reformer journey – the studio is expanding with the addition of two more reformers in January, offering new clients the chance to secure a regular spot in their sought-after classes.

AFTER EIGHT WEEKS OF CLASSES, I’VE NEVER FELT STRONGER AND MY BACK PAIN HAS DISAPPEARED!

The feedback has been unanimous: “I can’t believe how fast the time went. It was intense, but so much fun.”

“After eight weeks of classes, I’ve never felt stronger and my back pain has disappeared!”

The studio itself is a testament to mindful design, boasting a calm and tranquil space

inspired by nature. Whichever way you gaze from your reformer, be prepared to be captivated by views of Downham village and the rolling countryside. With a spacious car park, the stress of rushing to a class is replaced with ease. For those looking to extend the post-workout glow, beautiful walking routes surround the studio and the village pub, the Assheton Arms, beckons for a welldeserved coffee or bite to eat.

Yoga enthusiasts will find solace in the main hall, where small class sizes ensure ample space to stretch and relax. The breathtaking views contribute to a connection with nature, a growing priority as we recognise the health benefits of being in natural surroundings. Each yoga class concludes with a serene savasana, accompanied by the therapeutic sounds of crystal bowls, providing a harmonious end to the session.

Beyond daily classes, Three Breaths elevates its offerings through transformative retreats. Co-founded by Ainsley Harris and lifelong friend Caroline Dakin, the Resilience Retreat hosts half-day and three-night retreats, providing a profound wellbeing boost. Notably, these retreats have gained popularity among organisations aiming to prioritise the wellness of their workforce. n

For those eager to explore the offerings at Three Breaths, more information can be found at threebreaths.co.uk or by calling 07758 938592. Follow their inspiring journey on Instagram @three_breaths and step into newfound strength, relaxation and wellness.

07758 938592

threebreaths.co.uk

@three_breaths

be washed, brushed, straightened, curled and styled as normal: “The system offers a variety of options of hair and pieces, and a choice of a lace or silk base,” says Cass. “The only difference between the two is that silk tends to be even more luxurious and comfortable as it closely mimics the natural skin on the scalp.”

Although the meshless system is the perfect solution for those suffering hair loss and thinning, it has further benefits too as it can also be used to apply hair extensions on clients with fine hair who might otherwise struggle having them applied – enabling them to have a full head of healthy, natural looking hair.

For any clients preferring a less permanent solution, Cass can also apply a topper – this is

LUXURY AND PRIVACY

Preston of The Volume Clinic has a wealth of experience in all hair care and design and specialises in providing solutions for those suffering hair loss problems, writes Gail Bailey

“Hair loss or thinning can be as a result of many different things,” explains Cass. “It could be due to frontal fibrosing alopecia, hormone treatments, the natural ageing process or even be hereditary – but whatever the cause it is extremely distressing and can have a huge negative impact on confidence.” It is important therefore to find the most suitable solution and Cass offers a personalised service in the privacy of her luxurious salon.

Clients at The Volume Clinic benefit from the very latest in hair loss treatment with Cass using a meshless system: “This system really is amazing and effective,” Cass says. “It looks and feels natural – like the client’s own hair, with no bulky mesh, no knotting, tangling or glue. It is much more comfortable

than mesh systems and even more secure.” Each system is made to order and totally bespoke right down to the density, the length and colour of the hair – the measurements are all done during the consultation.

Another key benefit that makes the meshless system so perfect is that it takes less time to apply, and with a longer time between salon visits – often up to 10 weeks – it is therefore cheaper than other methods too. Cass further explains: “Clients using the meshless system have been thrilled at how much longer the system lasts, along with the way it makes their hair look and feel. It means a lot to me to see the impact it has on the confidence and self-esteem of those suffering with hair loss.”

The meshless system creates a discreet and very real looking, and feeling, head of hair –and what is even more impressive is that it can

a fabulous option for creating an authentic look or disguising hair loss with very little maintenance needed: “Toppers can be a great accessory for those new to hair loss,” says Cass. “They are lightweight and excellent for adding volume on the crown. Hair toppers come in different styles and sizes, lengths and thicknesses and I work with each client to find one that is perfect for them.” n For further information, or to visit Cass in the privacy of her salon, call, email, or WhatsApp on the contact details below.

The Volume Clinic

Cass

DIAMOND YEAR TO DISCOVER BOWLAND

To coincide with the Forest of Bowland’s 60th anniversary as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a new guide has been launched

This year marks 60 years since the designation of the Forest of Bowland as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and coincides with celebrating its new name as a National Landscape, making this a fantastic year to explore and enjoy this beautiful area.

As the Forest of Bowland launches its 2024 Discover Bowland Guide, rural businesses in the area’s Sustainable Tourism Network are emphasising the year-round appeal of this natural landscape and are offering a warm welcome to everyone.

As well as giving practical advice and information on making the most of holidays and short breaks in the area, the Discover Bowland Guide also highlights the increasingly diverse tourism options in the amazing landscapes of the Forest of Bowland.

From year-round favourites like walking

and cycling, to exploring the night skies, food tourism and the therapeutic benefits of being in nature, the new guide is packed with useful tips and practical information.

FROM DARK SKY ADVENTURES AND SPRING MOORLAND SAFARIS, TO SUMMER DAYS

ENJOYING OUR ICONIC MEADOWS – THERE IS SOMETHING TO DISCOVER FOR EVERYONE

Forest of Bowland AONB sustainable tourism officer Hetty Byrne explains: “From a refreshing break at a rural inn with roaring log fires and fabulous local food to a funfilled family holiday or a short spring break as the countryside bursts back to life, the

Forest of Bowland is a genuine destination for all seasons.

“We’re also delighted to launch our 12 new Eco Escapes itineraries to enable ecoconscious visitors to refresh, recharge and revive with a sustainable short break in the area’s beautiful green spaces.”

The 116-page Discover guide also includes features the fantastic work of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Team. Find out about new peatland restoration practices, volunteer bumble bee helpers, nature recovery plans and new developments to accessing the countryside.

Why not join Festival Bowland and experience a whole variety of events throughout the seasons? From dark sky adventures and spring moorland safaris, to summer days enjoying our iconic meadows and autumn foraging and feasting – there is something to discover for everyone.

This year’s guide was launched at Wild Fox Distillery, Inglewhite and was attended by members of the Bowland Sustainable Tourism Business group, who enjoyed a

Photography: R Ince

morning of networking and finding out about more inclusive and accessible tourism.

Printed in a durable perfect-bound, pocket-friendly format, the guide will be widely available at tourist information centres, hospitality and accommodation providers and other outlets across the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

As an AONB the Forest of Bowland has been identified as an area of countryside that has been designated for conservation due to its significant landscape value.

THE GUIDE ALSO HIGHLIGHTS THE INCREASINGLY DIVERSE TOURISM OPTIONS IN THE AMAZING LANDSCAPES OF THE FOREST OF BOWLAND

The first AONB, designated in 1956, was the Gower Peninsula, and the last and most recent, designated in 1995, is the Tamar Valley AONB, which spans Devon and Cornwall.

Since 2000 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnerships have coordinated habitat restoration projects across many thousands of hectares, restored peatlands, provided free educational opportunities for many thousands of children of all ages and delivered many wellbeing programmes.

Other National Landscapes in the North of England include Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape, Howardian Hills National Landscape, Nidderdale, North Pennines, the Northumberland Coast and the Solway Coast. n

The new 2024 Discover Bowland Guide will also be available to download online at: forestofbowland.com

Photography: Stephen Adair

Photography: Bradley Hamer

Photography: John Eveson

James’ Places is an awardwinning collection of hospitality venues located across the Ribble Valley, the Lune Valley and the Yorkshire Dales.

Although no two places are alike, they share a passion for fabulous food, great service and a warm, friendly ambience.

Whatever the occasion we hope you’ll feel at home in one of our places.

Holmes Mill

The Royal Hotel

Arms

Shireburn Arms

GETTING BACK INTO THE SWING…

Super-friendly and with immaculately kept greens and fairways, Stonyhurst Park Golf Club represents great value too

Stonyhurst Park Golf Club has been described as a nine-hole gem in the heart of the Ribble Valley and that couldn’t be more true. It’s a pristine course, with fabulous views and lots of wildlife. It presents a perfect opportunity for those who are taking up golf, returning to the game, looking for a handicap or simply wanting to enjoy a relaxed couple of hours playing the sport they love.

For players, the Stonyhurst Park course represents a nine-hole challenge amidst peace and tranquillity. With greens and fairways kept in tip-top condition, it’s not an easy course but it’s certainly a friendly one and anyone who joins as a new member gets an exceptionally warm welcome.

“Whilst we are a small club, we offer many opportunities,” says former captain, Mark Shaw. “We have regular Sunday competitions with prizes and medals. There

are also strong, active Seniors and Ladies’ sections. In addition, we have reciprocal agreements with other courses across Lancashire and Yorkshire, giving members the chance to play at other clubs, which makes it very sociable.”

WE ARE THE BEST-VALUE NINE-HOLE COURSE IN LANCASHIRE. IT’S A LITTLE JEWEL OF A CLUB

With a small clubhouse incorporating a kitchen and changing facilities, ample parking next to the course (which overlooks the magnificent Stonyhurst College), the golf club comes alive at this time of year as the playing season gets underway.

At the course’s ‘barn hole’, players can often spot the barn owl that lives there. Deer can also be seen, along with hares and vividly coloured kingfishers. A round at Stonyhurst Park Golf Club is not just about the golf!

The history of the course dates back to the late 1800s when it was recorded: “A nine-hole course of some 2,500 yards was laid out in the old deer park.”

During WWII parts of the course were ploughed for home food production as part of the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign and the

course was also used by the military as a training ground for the local Home Guard.

As well as the club’s history, wildlife and wonderful views, there are other numerous benefits when one becomes a member of Stonyhurst Park – it is an unusually informal golf club, relaxed and extremely friendly. Across the board, from adults to juniors, membership is also great value too. “We are the best value nine-hole course in Lancashire,” says Mark, who has been a member for 25 years. “It’s a little jewel of a club.”

Visitors are also most welcome to play at SPGC. Simply go to the website and book online to enjoy extremely competitive visitor rates. n

Full seven-day membership for adults £450, young golfers (18-22) £190, juniors (13-18) £95, juniors (8-12) £60 and social members £10.

If you wish to discuss membership please contact Mark Shaw on 07860 210445 mark.a.shaw@btintertnet.com

Stonyhurst Park Golf Club

Stonyhurst

Hurst Green

Blackburn BB7 9QB 01254 826478

stonyhurstpark.co.uk

BICENTENARY CELEBRATION

An appeal has gone out to villagers to submit their personal memories and photographs of Mellor Brook Community Centre, to create a display to mark the building’s historic bicentenary

Acommunity centre at the heart of a Ribble Valley village is marking the building’s 200th anniversary in June with a summer celebration of art, music and memorabilia.

This year marks the bicentenary of Mellor Brook Community Centre which is located in what was originally a small chapel used by Protestant dissenters calling themselves the Independents – the forerunners of the modern United Reformed Church.

Rich in history, the building was first used in 1824 and over the years has served many purposes. Following its role as a chapel, the two-storey, stone-built building became a reading room, a school and it eventually evolved into a venue for a wide range of recreational activities delivered by a small team of volunteers.

Today the centre is a hive of activity and the Mellor Brook Community Centre Volunteer Management Group is planning a day of celebration on 22nd June when there will be visual displays, musical performances, a gallery themed on the building and a bar featuring an ale brewed especially for the bicentenary by Mellor Brook-based Thwaites.

Chairman of the Volunteer Management Group for the last four-and-a-half years

and a volunteer for the past two decades, Seamus Heffernan, explains: “Together we are spearheading a campaign to mark the building’s 200-year anniversary. We have formed a brainstorming committee to come up with some interesting and innovative ways to celebrate this milestone.

IT WOULD BE MARVELLOUS TO HAVE A WRITTEN LEGACY OF MEMORIES, SO WE ARE TRYING TO CREATE A DISPLAY AT THE CENTRE TO MARK THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY

“The level of support from the volunteers has been excellent and we have a number of ideas that we are currently working on.”

One of the ideas the committee has originated is to collate a gallery of memories of the centre over the years and an appeal has gone out to villagers and the wider community to submit photographs and written material about their memories of the building or any relevant memorabilia they may have from the past.

“It would be really good to have an artistic representation of the building’s 200-year history,” says Seamus, a musician, who lives in nearby Balderstone.

“We have a very strong sense of community in Mellor Brook and the surrounding villages so the bicentenary celebration is important.

“It would also be marvellous to have a written legacy of memories, so we are trying to collate a series of stories about events that have been held in the centre along with photographs for a publication to commemorate this anniversary and also to create a display at the centre over the celebratory weekend.”

It is hoped that the older generation within the community will have photographs or interesting anecdotes from the past about their involvement in the building, while the younger generation may have more recent

memories of the community centre.

Former committee member Pauline Bell remembers the building when it was used as an infant school: “I was a pupil there for a number of years up until it closed in 1964,” recalls Pauline, who took over from her father Ernest in helping run the community centre.

She also remembers how, two decades ago, the centre was in danger of closing down permanently. The committee was forced to issue an SOS urging villagers to attend a meeting to discuss the future of the building.

Happily, the ‘use it or lose it’ ultimatum provoked a robust response from the local community, and the centre soon became a hub for musical events as Seamus explains: “My first involvement in the centre was to organise a fund-raising concert back in 2004 involving an all-Australian billing. Intended

THE COAT OF ARMS OF EACH BENEFACTOR WAS PAINTED ON A WOOD OR CANVAS PANEL AND PLACED HIGH ON THE WALLS OF THE MAIN HALL

as a one-off, it was a sell-out and was the first of what became regular concerts in the 100-capacity hall featuring the best emerging talent from the burgeoning British folk scene.”

Along with Seamus, a good number of villagers got involved in the running of the community centre, which is now a thriving community hub where musical gatherings, art classes, film clubs, conferences and meetings take place. The revival of the centre over the years has gone hand in hand with a long-term programme of maintenance and building work – and it was during major work to open up the original full-height roof that a series of historic heraldic shields featuring coats of arms, was discovered.

Delving into the history of the community centre has revealed that the land was bought in 1823 when the foundation stone was laid for the building and the church opened its doors in 1824. The Church of England bought the building using money donated by nine local benefactors and the coat of arms of each benefactor was painted on a wood or canvas panel and placed at high level on the walls of the main hall. The panels remained visible up until 40 years ago when a false ceiling was installed.

The panels are an important part of the local heritage of Mellor Brook and have now been restored to their former glory by expert Peter Leyden and have been returned to their original location in the main hall.

They will be on display during the bicentenary celebrations along with other submitted photographs and memorabilia. n

If you have any cuttings, memories, diaries or personal memories of the centre please contact Seamus on 01254 812131 or email: seamus@mellorbrook.org or Julie Caton on 07542 909677 or email: julie-caton@btinternet.com

IN THE SADDLE

of Edith, Elsie, Harry, Arthur and Oliver had a wonderful time, finishing in seventh place on the day, and seventh overall in the League, where the results from all the competitions are considered. They are the perfect example of what hard work can do and have improved in both confidence and ability over the months. A few even managed a canter in this last competition!

Chipping Pony Club have had an action-packed start to the year, setting a positive tone for the coming months, writes Megan

Photography: Dobbin Photography

From training to competitions, Chipping Pony Club members have been able to try their hand at new things, while simultaneously honing their skills from last year too.

A key part of Pony Club is developing a ‘can-do’ attitude, so members braved the tumultuous weather to further their equestrian learning and have fun with friends along the way.

There is no better example of this than the successful rally at Osbaldeston Riding Centre, where riders were grouped based on ability and experience and given top-notch tuition on both flatwork and jumps. These rallies occur regularly over the year and are a great opportunity to build on previous tuition in a welcoming and encouraging environment. There is often a particular focus on how to tackle upcoming competitions, as well as preparation for the Pony Club Efficiency Tests, which are nationally recognised achievements for all levels of riders.

Chipping also stepped forward to host the Arena Eventing competition. This is a seasonal spin on the jumping segments of a full eventing competition – show jumping and cross country – where all of it is contained

Conlon

.

within one arena, with riders tackling a round of show jumps first, then continuing straight onto the tricky cross-country fences. This is a great opportunity for gaining confidence in this type of environment, before the better ground conditions in summer mean the cross-country fences are moved to a more open space. The competition was a success, with 120 entries from far and wide, even as far as Anglesey, Cheshire, Kendal and the Peak District!

Another big day of competing for Chipping was the very last Winter League Mounted Games competition. These competitions have been running throughout the colder months, and our members have improved massively over the course of the League, racing against the other clubs in the Area in a sport of skill and speed. Our Novice Junior team

Chipping also had a brand new Senior team (formerly the superstar Juniors) of Olivia, Maisie, Alice, Toby and Millie. They were all a little jittery to be competing against the other senior teams, some of whom have been highly successful in the past, but they held their own and finished fifth out of nine teams, doing Chipping proud. Mounted Games has always been very popular at Chipping Pony Club and it is lovely to see this new wave of riders continuing the club’s success in the discipline.

In the coming months, our competitions – and hopefully our successes – are sure to continue, with regular training sessions to keep improving what members have learnt in their time at Pony Club. The skills and friendships made in this club last a lifetime and the environment of team spirit is unmatched. Let’s hope the rest of the year continues as it has so far! n

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

RACING IN JERSEY!

INITIO is set to run in

opening fixture

at Les

the

Landes in May and it’s going to be great to see him in action, writes Jason Fildes

Iwas lucky enough to go racing in Jersey last year at Les Landes racecourse on the North West corner of the island. It’s a stunning setting on the coast with views across to Sark and Guernsey. The races are really a glorified point to point in the sun –they have a smart marquee for 500 people (who are the great and good of Jersey), everyone dresses up and it’s a proper party!

There are only nine race meetings a year, about every three weeks between the beginning of May and the end of September. The prize money is pretty modest (about £3k to the winner) and the standard of the horses racing reflects that.

Some UK trainers take horses and owners over to Jersey for specific races, but I think that the best way is to have a horse trained on the island by local trainer Alyson Malzard.

On Alyson’s advice we have bought INITIO, a four-year-old gelding rated 75 currently in training with Ed Bethell at Middleham.

THERE ARE EIGHT SHARES IN THE SYNDICATE AND IT’S GOING TO BE GREAT FUN GOING OVER TO JERSEY FOR A LONG WEEKEND

Ed is going to get him fit and probably give him a run on the all-weather here in the UK before sending him to Jersey at the beginning of April. Alyson will then get him ready to run in the opening fixture at Les Landes on Sunday 12th May.

INITIO will hopefully run on at least four or five of the race days before coming back to

Middleham in October.

There are eight shares in the syndicate to own him and I’m pleased to say that Tommo (Derek Thompson) who does the race-day hosting and commentary over there is taking a share in him!

It’s going to be great fun going over to Jersey for a long weekend (flights are very reasonable to St Helier) and to see our horse in action – a lovely thought on this cold March morning!

INITIO will run in races over six furlongs to one mile so there are plenty of opportunities for him during the season. He’ll then come back to Ed Bethell’s for a rest and we can go and see him run the occasional race here in the UK over the winter. n

Fildes Racing

07721 311778

fildesracing@gmail.com

The roads of the Ribble Valley are blighted with potholes and there is litter everywhere. What is being done to remedy this, asks Live Magazines’ Tedd Walmsley

It’s been nearly three months since our last deadline, with no magazine in February, so let’s start with a quick update. The fundraising at Waddow Hall continues to gather pace, but the clock is ticking if they are to get enough money to mount a serious bid.

The plan, I’m told, is to try and get involved and source much bigger potential donors – are you listening RVBC? Their aim is to build a new Waddow community and not resurrect the old one, the scope for our young people in the Ribble Valley and beyond is in our hands – please help if you can.

We finally have a date for work to start on the Mumbai streets of Clitheroe. May will see work commence on Castle Street and whilst I congratulate those whose perseverance has paid off, I can’t help but reflect on what might have been. The council’s prevarication meant a loss of match funding from LCC and has ended with us having a large patio rather than a full renovation such as can be seen in Padiham, Rawtenstall and Whalley.

Keeping on the theme of roads, I’ve recently had a lot of contact about the diabolical state of the roads in the Ribble Valley. There are potholes everywhere causing damage to cars and the potential to injure passers-by and cyclists. I want to make the distinction that the responsibility lies with LCC and not for once, with RVBC.

I’m sure the Ribble Valley isn’t the only area with problems in Lancashire, but I fear it might be a case of ‘he who shouts loudest’ – we have some very active county councillors who you should lobby about this.

The road signage across the valley is filthy and hardly in keeping with our rural status and similarly, the

amount of litter on the roadsides and verges is disgusting in places. Putting to one side the despicable behaviour of the culprits, who is responsible for keeping both these in good order? I applaud the volunteers I saw recently on the A59 doing their very best to maintain standards.

Sadly, the latest headcount of empty shops in Clitheroe is now more than 17. I’ve tried unsuccessfully to meet with those responsible at the council for the health of our high streets and the economic development team. There doesn’t appear to be a plan in place to turn this situation around, but what incentives are there to open a shop? Have we any grants available to encourage entrepreneurs to choose Clitheroe or are we going to continue with our ‘sales prevention’ approach to this historic market town? One new shining light I met recently was Anita from Apricot Meringue, who has taken on the role of President of the Chamber of Trade. She’s energetic and passionate about the town and I sincerely hope she can get support from both shopkeepers and councils to help fill the town with visitors and create a host of new events. We hope to interview Anita in the next issue of the magazine.

It’s general election year and it’s going to be a long and drawn-out campaign for what are now two constituencies that cover the Ribble Valley after the boundary changes. I met up recently with Nigel Evans in his new Longridge surgery and we have agreed to interview him in for the April magazine so he can map out the year ahead in Parliament and reflect on his 32 years as a local MP. If you have any questions you’d like us to ask him, feel free to contact me. If the current predictions via Electoral Calculus are to be believed, none of our local incumbent MPs can rest on their laurels –it’s going to be a big year in politics that’s for sure. As predicted, the hung council at RVBC have too many ‘chiefs’ with one leader and three other leaders of opposition parties. There also appears to be more plots than an Agatha Christie novel – all this culminates in very little being agreed with politics constantly in the way of sensible macro decision making. It’s so frustrating to talk to so many disheartened residents and businesses as this lack of initiative stalls our growth. Some examples are: How do you charge an electric car in Longridge? Have decisions been made on the improvements to Clitheroe Market after spending thousands of pounds on a report? What is the future of Roefield after yet another survey? It’s time to stop the rhetoric and be judged by your deeds. Make a difference and be kind to each other. 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

In late 2023 the Government introduced the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill to the House of Commons. The Bill promised to deliver on both the Government’s manifesto commitments with regards to unfair practices in leasehold property but also several of the recommendations made by the Law Commission in 2020. Much of what is proposed will make a real difference to those who own leasehold properties but one of the more contentious issues is that of ground rents.

As well as introducing the above Bill the Government also launched a consultation on five proposals which they believe may be the best way forward regarding ground rents that will benefit leaseholders. The five options were:

• Setting ground rents at a peppercorn.

• Putting in place a maximum financial value which ground rents could never exceed.

• Capping ground rents at a percentage of the property value.

• Limiting ground rent in existing leases to the original amount when the lease was granted.

THE LEASEHOLD CONUNDRUM –WILL 2024 BRING AN ANSWER?

By the end of this year we will have a much clearer picture of what the future of leasehold ownership looks like, writes property lawyer Stephen Warren of Forbes

• Freezing ground rent at current levels.

The consultation ran from 9th November 2023 to 17th January 2024 and we are currently waiting to see what the outcome of that consultation was. In particular, what option the Government intends to move forward with, if indeed it moves forward with any

SETTING EXISTING GROUND RENTS AT A PEPPERCORN WOULD, ON PAPER, APPEAR THE BEST OPTION FOR LEASEHOLDERS. AT WHAT COST THOUGH?

of them at all. This is a crucial junction in leasehold ownership and the outcome of this consultation has potentially widespread implications across the housing market and leaseholders and freeholders alike will be keenly interested in the outcome.

If you do have a vested interest in this issue (irrespective to which side of the coin you are on) and you have not already done so then it may be worth perusing the impact assessment the Government produced on

6th December 2023. Take the first of the above options as an example. Setting existing ground rents at a peppercorn would, on paper, appear the best option for leaseholders. At what cost though? Well, according to the impact assessment, freeholders could see a loss of income of £5.1 billion over a 10-year period through loss of ground rents and a loss of asset value estimated to be £27.3 billion. This is the balancing act the Government know they are facing. How do they introduce change that will make a difference to leaseholders but at a cost that is acceptable to the wider housing market.

We should find out what proposal is being taken forward soon, if any, and hopefully by the end of 2024 we will have a much clearer picture of what the future landscape of leasehold ownership looks like. For now, all that leaseholders, and freeholders alike, can do is wait and see what happens next. n

To speak to a Property Lawyer contact Stephen Warren on 0333 207 1130 or email: stephen.warren@forbessolicitors.co.uk

HISTORY OF A COUNTRY HOUSE…

A newly published book that has been 10 years in the making tracks the history of a prestigious Ribble Valley country house, its custodians and an impressive recent restoration

The research for his most recent book on Alston Hall took author Colin Dickinson more than a decade to complete.

It has been a fascinating journey for the former aircraft industry expert and college tutor, who explains: “For me, researching the book was an exciting adventure and an absolute privilege.”

When he began writing Lives of a Lancashire Mansion: Alston (new) Hall, Colin had a vision. While he wanted to bring the story of this grand hall up to

date, especially after the fire of 2017, which revealed so much about the history and architecture, most of all, in the spirit of Vita Sackville-West, Colin’s mission was to focus on those who have breathed life into the building for nearly 150 years.

RESEARCHING

THE BOOK WAS AN EXCITING ADVENTURE AND AN ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE

In 1941 in English Country Houses, Sackville-West was quoted: “Irrespective of

grandeur or modesty, (the country house) should agree with its landscape and suggest the life of its inhabitants past or present.”

In order to reflect this, in Colin’s book we learn about the architect of Alston Hall, Alfred Derbyshire. We see how his experiences and passions are reflected in the stained glass windows, the columns and the Gothic motifs that characterise Alston.

The first inhabitants at Alston Hall were the Mercers, the design and construction of the hall having been commissioned by John Mercer senior, a surveyor. In September 1875, a three-and-a-half-year-old John Mercer junior used a wooden mallet to tap the foundation stone of Alston (new) Hall.

And through the lives of the family, we gain insights into Victorian country life, the Catholics in Lancashire and we discover

how tragedy blighted the Mercer’s tenure.

Woven into the story are the lives of successive tenants, portraying their influence on the house, the lavish furnishings and furniture.

From entrepreneurs and bankrupts, canons and nuns to servants and their masters, a colourful parade of characters allows us a glimpse into the past that illuminates, entertains and enlivens.

As well as a story of the changing fortunes of one of the county’s most well-known halls, Lives of a Lancashire Mansion also tells us much about life in Lancashire over the last century and a half.

“The book goes into a great deal of detail. Everything about the hall has been included from the furnishings over the centuries to when it became a college of education, its closure in 2015, the fire in 2017 and its subsequent restoration.”

The last few years writing the book have been particularly interesting for Colin, who has been greatly helped by Salim Habib Patel and his father, the new owners who allowed him access before and after the restoration work. Photography by Malcolm Tranter also presents a unique and valuable pictorial record of the damage done by the fire but also of the hidden original features it revealed.

Colin says: “Salim has been so helpful –really excellent. The book would not have been as detailed as it is without his input so every credit to him. I am very grateful to the family.”

In the book’s acknowledgements, Colin recalls the ‘memorable’ day he was invited to visit the fully restored hall and its grounds. He says: “Clearly the work had been undertaken adopting the highest standards of workmanship using the best of materials.”

The 382-page book has been a labour of love for Colin who started his career in the aircraft industry working at Samlesbury and Wharton, before leaving in 1963 to enrol on a one-year technical teacher-training course in Bolton.

THE BOOK GOES INTO A GREAT DEAL OF DETAIL. EVERYTHING ABOUT THE HALL HAS BEEN INCLUDED FROM THE FURNISHINGS OVER THE CENTURIES TO WHEN IT BECAME A COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Subsequently becoming school-based, he taught physics, mathematics and technical drawing. In 1979 he graduated with an MSc from the University of Manchester’s Institute of Science and Technology.

On his retirement, from a long teaching career, he introduced and tutored courses in Victorian and Edwardian architecture as well as industrial archaeology for the Department of Continuing Education at Lancaster University, eventually presenting similar courses at Alston when it was a college. He wrote his first book Lancashire Under

Steam

the years, concentrating on the steam engines that drove them. He is currently writing a book on the water mills of Lancashire, which traces water mills back to medieval times and beyond. n

carnegiepublishing.com

in 1984 tracing Lancashire cotton mills across

Lives of a Lancashire Mansion: Alston (new) Hall by Colin Dickinson is available from Waterstones in Preston, Blackpool and Lancashire and also online. Priced at £25, it is also available direct from Carnegie Publishing with a 10% discount.

CHARITY FOCUS

Live Ribble Valley takes a look at ongoing fundraising projects that see thousands of pounds donated to good causes across the region

If you have any charity news please contact: jan.woolley@live-magazines.co.uk

JUST THE TONIC

Brindle Distillery was proud to be able to play an active role in their village community recently when it raised money for Brindle St James’ Church and Primary School. Around £10,000 was raised from the sale of tickets for the event, a live promise auction, a silent auction and a raffle along with the proceeds from the distillery’s limited-edition Water Street Gin and donations from Fratellis Pizza. One of the evening’s highlights was the live auction and live music from local artists Steve Walton and Liz Long. The distillery team have thanked everyone who donated along with the church team led by Julia Dixon and the Rev Jon Price along with the school PTFA, fronted by Nicki McGrath.

TRACTOR RUN

At the end of 2023 Clitheroe Young Farmers hosted their fifth Charity Tractor Run, raising funds for the UK Sepsis Trust and Clitheroe YFC. It was their biggest and best fundraiser with 150 tractors, including a mobile DJ – Disco Jackers, taking part in the event which took them around the Ribble Valley. Hundreds of people watched the event, which saw Santa ditch his reindeers for a herd of tractors and drivers dressing festively. Numerous businesses sponsored competitions for the event, including best decorated tractor and best dressed spectator. So far the event has raised over £5,000, with links to justgiving which can be found on Clitheroe Young Farmers’ Facebook page. The run started from the outskirts of Clitheroe then made its way around local villages, through Clitheroe town centre, to Sabden via Whalley and finally lit up the nick of Pendle Hill, which could be seen for miles!

RIBBLE RIDE

The Ribble Valley Ride is back with a prestigious new sponsor for 2024 offering all participants the chance to win a Ribble bike worth £3,000. This year’s ride takes place in June, with various route options. The last event raised £4,000 for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation and other local charities and thanks to the support of major new sponsor Ribble Cycles, organisers Accrington and Clitheroe Rotary Clubs are hoping to significantly increase the total raised this year by scaling up the event.

This year’s ride has also received generous backing from a number of local sponsors, including Heidelberg Materials (formerly Hanson Cement) and Rufus Carr. The event, which is non-competitive, enables cyclists to shorten or lengthen their ride, should they wish to do so.

Thanks to Ribble’s generous support, entry fees remain unchanged from last year, starting at just £20 for the 25-mile route and the organisers are offering a discounted ‘family’ ticket to encourage active families to take part together.

Event founder Bill Honeywell, from Clitheroe Rotary Club said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Ribble Cycles to increase the profile of this year’s ride and attract cyclists from further afield to experience the delights of this beautiful corner of rural Lancashire.” Entries will close on 6th June or whenever the 500 places have sold out. ribblevalleyride.org

FASHION SHOW & LUNCH

A Charity Lunch is set to be held on Thursday 23rd May at Ferrari’s Country Hotel, Chipping Road, Thornley. There will be stalls from 11.30am, while lunch will be served at 12.30pm with a choice of menu on the day. Lunch will be followed by a fashion show presented by Barbara’s of Standish. Tickets for the event are £29 and prior booking is essential. All proceeds will go to Cancer Help, which incorporates Vine House and Croston House.

To find out more, or to book tickets call: 07801 267367 / 01995 640185.

“Just want to thank Jane for raising such a great pup. Cooper our Toy Poodle is the best little dog ever – he is amazing with us and the children. He’s the most loving placid dog ever. I give five-stars!”

PERFECT PETS

Ribble Valley-based specialist dog and cat breeder Jane Greenwood is UK-renowned for producing first class pets

Animal lovers seeking a specialist breed of dog or cat may think they need to scour the UK to find their perfect pet, but here in the Ribble Valley we have a top licensed breeder right here on our doorstep.

Fir Trees Poodles and Paws produce ‘home-grown’ KC registered Toy Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and premium Poodle crosses including Cockapoos and Jackapoos. Poodles and Paws also specialise in breeding beautiful Ragdoll cats.

Licensed breeder Jane Greenwood, of Fir Trees Poodles and Paws, is respected throughout the UK and has 15 years’

experience in the breeding business. She is well known for producing ultimately wellnurtured pets that become an integral and important part of the family.

Jane specialises in all aspects of canine fertility and also offers micropchipping, ultrasound scans and in-house and mobile stud services.

Fir Trees Poodles and Paws’ farmhouse base is set in beautiful countryside with paddocks and views of Pendle Hill: “People often don’t know we’re here and while we supply across the UK, I love it when our puppies go to local homes!” says Jane. n

Spring at The Coniston

Fir Trees Poodles and Paws  Little Dudlands Farmhouse  Rimington Lane, Rimington BB7 4EA  07811 120455 firtreespoodlesandpaws.co.uk

An experience awaits for all; seasonal spa days, adventure nature trails, delicious food and children’s activities in our very own bell tents overlooking the lake. And there’s always something new to taste with our Spring menus, or why not try and buy at our Spring Market 7 April?

01756 748080 | info@theconistonhotel.com theconistonhotel.com

THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE

With cycling continuing to grow in popularity, an established charity ride centred around the Ribble Valley is the perfect opportunity to enjoy wonderful countryside and help raise funds. Kate Bowyer visits the team at Ribble Cycles, whose bikes, expertise and partnership are gearing up for the event

Founded in Preston in 1897, Ribble Cycles is one of the oldest cycling brands in the world. The combination of the very latest technology, paired with years’ of experience, enthusiasm and exemplary service, sets this company (like its bikes) firmly ahead of the pack.

Entering their flagship Clitheroe showroom, I’m met by Europe’s largest indoor 4K video

display, showcasing Ribble’s road, gravel, hybrid and electric bikes being put through their paces.

As customers try out the newest models, Ribble’s commercial director, David Stacey, reveals their involvement with the Ribble Valley Ride.

“Organised by Accrington and Clitheroe Rotary Clubs, it’s a fantastic event for all abilities, which takes in some sensational scenery through the heart of the Ribble Valley.

Now in its ninth year, the funds raised will go to Rosemere Cancer Foundation, which we are thrilled to be able to support.

“We’ve advised and supported many of our participating customers over the years, and I had a wonderful time taking part last year with my family. Seeing how much the organisers and volunteers put into the event, the joy that riders get from participating, and the real difference the funds raised can make, we decided to get involved to help publicise and scale up the event.”

Not only are Ribble Cycles major partners of this year’s ride, which takes place on

Sunday 9th June, all entrants will automatically qualify for a chance to win a prestige Ribble bike worth £3,000. Signing up at ribblevalleyride.org, riders choose from the easy 25-mile ‘Enthusiast’ ride through idyllic Ribble Valley scenery, the tough, hilly 50-mile ‘Expert’ route through the upper Ribble Valley into the Dales, or the 75-mile ‘Elite’ challenge winding through the undulating Bowland Fells.

Seeing me, a fair-weather pedaller pale a little at the prospect, David is quick to reassure: “Such a well-organised event will be enjoyable and inclusive for everyone, with a really fun, family friendly atmosphere. While no route will be completely flat, e-bikes are very welcome, all routes will be well signed and marshalled, with regular feed-stops and aid stations along the way.

“Chip timings and full classified results will be available to all – good news for competitive challengers.

“It really is great value for an event, charging from just £20 entry for the family-friendly ‘Enthusiast’ route, and there’s discounted ‘family’ tickets too.”

Ribble Cycles will be providing expert technical support along the routes, with riders enjoying superior refuelling at the regular food and hydration stops (included in the entry fees), thanks to homemade treats baked and served by Rotary Club volunteers.

Event founder Bill Honeywell, from Clitheroe Rotary Club said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Ribble to increase the profile of this year’s ride and attract cyclists from further afield to experience the delights of this beautiful corner of rural Lancashire.”

With entries open until Thursday 6th June, Jamie Burrow, Ribble’s head of design and development, shares some expert tips on preparation over the next two months: “Now the weather’s better, getting out on the road two or three times a week would be ideal,

THE RIBBLE VALLEY RIDE TAKES IN MUCH OF THE COUNTRYSIDE WHERE WE RESEARCH, DESIGN AND TEST OUR BIKES

especially if you’re considering the Expert or Elite routes. Ensure your bike’s in good shape, with a professional service – if that’s not your area of expertise, come and chat to us especially if it’s time for a new road, hybrid or e-bike.”

RIBBLE VALLEY RIDE

Sunday 9th June 2024

Choose your route:

‘Enthusiast’ ‘Expert’ ‘Elite’

Sign up: ribblevalleyride.org

And on the day? “You can get hot very quickly going uphill, and cold just as quickly in the wind or while stopped, so carry a few layers including a waterproof and suncream. Carrying a multi-tool and puncture repair kit or spare inner tube can get you back on the road quicker than waiting for assistance.

“Bring some food and drink in case you need it, but, unless you’re an experienced cyclist comfortable with refuelling on the go, take advantage of the feed stations for proper food en route and a chance to stretch out. It’ll be a really fun day, so enjoy it!”

Having spent the day watching customers being expertly measured for their bike, given good advice, test riding bikes, or selecting a custom colour and finish from Ribble’s exclusive colour wheel, I’m seriously considering giving this a go, starting my cycling journey with a Ribble bike.

“The Ribble Valley Ride takes in much of the countryside where we research, design and test our bikes and we are so blessed to have some of the best and most beautiful cycling landscapes in the country,” concludes David. “We just want to encourage people to come out in support of a great cause, and enjoy a fantastic and memorable day out.” n

Ribble Cycles

Barrow Brook Trade Park North Road, Barrow Clitheroe BB7 9BQ 01200 411581 ribblecycles.co.uk ribblevalleyride.org

BARBOUR BROXBURN SCARF PRIMROSE £39.95 vareys.co.uk

NAYA TOP £94 Cosgroves Rimington Nr Clitheroe BB7 4DS 01200 445711 cosgrovesfashion.com

MARY SHAW ‘A SPRING MORNING’ £455 Longridge Gallery 78 Berry Lane Longridge PR3 3WH 01772 782006 longridgegallery.co.uk

FABLE ENGLAND CATHERINE ROWE PET PORTRAITS MUSHROOM CREAM SQUARE SCARF £35 fableengland.com

MUM’S THE WORD...

SALT & STEAM QUEEN BODY SCRUB £15 themeltco.com

BARBOUR ISLA LEATHER CROSS BODY BAG £119 barbour.com

BARBOUR OLIVIA TOTE LIGHT SAND £59.95 Varey’s Town and Country 2 Market Place Clitheroe BB7 2DB 01200 423267 vareys.co.uk

Make Mother’s Day extra special this year with these luxurious gifts and practical accessories

FABLE ENGLAND CLAM SHELL AND PEARL SHORT NECKLACE £38 STUD EARINGS £33 fableengland.com

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

LANX WOMEN’S WHALLEY BROWN & KHAKI HIKER BOOTS £215 LANX Unit 29 Mitton Road Business Park Whalley BB7 9YE lanxshoes.com

PILGRIM CHARM HEART & CLOVER PENDANT £24.99 EACH

Precious 33 King Street Whalley Clitheroe BB7 9SP 01254 822620 preciousatwhalley.co.uk

SALT & STEAM MAMA TIME OIL £25

Specially formulated for mums-to-be, with lavender essential oil and a unique blend of deeply hydrating oils, this bath and bump oil melts into skin leaving you feeling chilled and pampered.

Melt Backridge Farm

Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200 443377 themeltco.com

FABLE ENGLAND TREE OF LIFE MONOCHROME PURSE, £25 fableengland.com

income knowing your property is being looked after.

For more information contact us: jenny@valleyhideaways.co.uk Facebook: @valleyhideaways

Registered and Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Dr Kim Whitaker has 20 plus years’ post qualification experience. Dr Kim is skilled in the assessment of children, young people, and adults.

Dr Kim specialises in comprehensive, evidence-based reports in the field of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

We also offer therapy for co-occurring and other metal health disorders, including Depression, Anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress.

The team includes a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist/Social Worker and a second Clinical Psychologist.

Assessment for ADHD can be in person or online and involves a structured clinical interview, observation and psychometric measures. ASD assessments require face to face assessment, which can be supplemented by online history taking.

For further information contact our dedicated team at: www.drkimwhitaker.com | 01772 952831 | admin@drkimwhitaker.com

As

LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS

As a travel counsellor, sustainability isn’t just a professional obligation, it’s a personal passion, writes Dan Hyams

Iactively discuss the importance of sustainable travel with my clients, driven by my deep understanding of the need to protect our planet. While selling travel may inherently have a negative impact, I believe that focusing on sustainable practices is key to mitigating this impact and ensuring a brighter future. Through education and conscious choices, we can pave the way for responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

TRENDS IN SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL:

Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences that minimise their environmental footprint and support local communities. Trends like slow travel, voluntourism and carbon-neutral initiatives are gaining momentum as travellers prioritise meaningful experiences over mass tourism.

SUSTAINABLE DESTINATIONS:

Several destinations are leading the charge in sustainable tourism. Countries like Costa Rica, Bhutan and New Zealand are renowned for their commitment to conservation, eco-tourism and sustainable development.

NEW PRACTICES:

Innovative practices are reshaping the travel landscape towards sustainability, from eco-lodges powered by renewable energy to

carbon-offsetting initiatives. Initiatives such as plastic-free policies, wildlife conservation projects and sustainable transportation options are becoming mainstream, fostering a more responsible approach to travel.

YOUR RIPPLE EFFECT:

Be mindful of your impact on the local destination, many tour operators now have policies to actively promote experiences which have less of a footprint and support local communities. Two industry-leading companies are G Adventures and expedition cruise company, Hurtigruten. G provide a ‘ripple score’ for all their experiences, which rates how much money remains in the local community. Hurtigruten, which banned non-essential single-use plastics before all others back in 2018, provides reusable water bottles to all guests saving thousands of bottles and they have a team of environmental ambassadors who talk enthusiastically about the climate to inspire guests.

TIPS FOR ECO-CONSCIOUS TRAVELLERS:

For travellers eager to minimise their environmental footprint, here are some essential tips:

• Choose eco-friendly accommodation,

certified by reputable organisations like Green Key or Rainforest Alliance.

• Support local communities by dining at locally-owned restaurants and purchasing souvenirs from local artisans.

• Opt for carbon-neutral transportation such as trains or buses whenever possible.

• Reduce waste by carrying a reusable water bottle, utensils and shopping bags.

• Engage in responsible wildlife tourism by choosing ethical sanctuaries, avoiding activities that exploit animals for entertainment.

• In addition to the above you can also offset your carbon footprint by participating in verified carbonoffsetting programmes.

Sustainable travel isn’t just a trend, it’s a mindset shift towards responsible stewardship of our planet’s resources. By making conscious choices during our travels, we can minimise our impact on the environment and contribute positively to the communities we visit. Let’s embark on a journey towards a greener, more sustainable future, one mindful trip at a time. n travelcounsellors.co.uk

Put a Spring in your step!

JOIN US THIS SPRING

Lighter evenings and warmer days mean that days out and breaks away are just round the corner!

Throughout April, May and June we have a variety of events and offers to tempt you; from family fun at our duck pin bowling alley to delicious new menus full of traditional British fayre and lots more in-between, there’s something for everyone!

Holmes Mill

Holmes Mill

LEARN, LAUGH, LIVE

From book clubs to ukulele groups, a worldwide organisation has grabbed the attention of millions of people, writes Alan Veale

On a Monday lunchtime in deepest Lancashire, Keith Hassall picks up his ukulele and strums a minor chord. He listens, smiling as seven more instruments produce a near identical sound. Much better than last time. He counts to three, and the room fills with a melody from others following his lead. Less than a mile away, three ladies walk into a pub, all clutching copies of the same book. They smile a greeting at the first arrival, Linda Campbell, who has yet another copy on the table in front of her. Just up the road at the library, a dozen Bridge players will soon be studying their cards in peaceful contemplation. By contrast back at the pub, the Book Club looks forward to an animated discussion, while Keith has put down his ukulele and is now serving tea and biscuits.

It all sounds very English, doesn’t it? But those seemingly random events are common

to all parts of the UK, and not dissimilar worldwide. The common factor here is that I’m describing activities pursued by members of the U3A, and specifically, those who reside in or near to Longridge in the Ribble Valley.

If you are not familiar with the term U3A, let me enlighten you – it’s a self-help organisation of like-minded people sharing knowledge, ideas and experiences. No matter where you live, there will be a group near you offering social interaction through a wide range of subjects.

In Longridge, chairperson Sally Maxwell tells me this branch has been active for 10 years, while it all started nationwide in 1982. There are now over 1,000 branches and nearly half a million members in the UK. The Ribble Valley also boasts groups in Clitheroe but regardless of where they live, everybody is welcome to attend at other places.

So, who qualifies for membership?

U3A is open to anyone no longer in full time employment. That means most are over 50, but there is no minimum age. And to explain that three-digit acronym, Sally translates it as You – in the Third Age! Broadly speaking, membership provides an opportunity to expand both your knowledge and horizons, once you’re finished with the rat race.

Logically speaking then, Third Age translates as the period after both education and employment. If you, like me, were discouraged from pursuing university on leaving school, then fear not. U3A is for everyone, regardless of background, educational achievement, race, religion or political persuasion.

Curiously, politics do come into it. Cuts to local authority budgets over the years have been largely responsible for the withdrawal of many community services. Funding has run out for some activities – walking groups being one example – and Sally cites the

Photography: Clitheroe U3A

Photography: Longridge U3A

Photography: Longridge U3A

Photography: Longridge U3A

situation she found at Longridge: “In the past there were adult education classes and social events. We had ballroom dancing upstairs at the Co-op. Local people raised money for the Social Club at the British Legion – but that’s all gone! No-one’s going to provide older people with healthy activities unless we do something for ourselves.”

Sally goes on to say that the U3A is not a group that constantly begs for financial hand-outs. There is a dynamic that demands resources that are usually found from within. Just like the principles of the worldwide web, each branch has access to national advisers and resource material to meet virtually every demand.

Today, U3A brings an opportunity for people with skillsets acquired over the years, to band together and share resources and ideas. Robert Swan’s background was in teaching. His subject was biology, but his passion was for history – and that has become one of the most popular groups at Longridge. Robert stepping up to take on

that simple idea means over 30 members now benefit monthly.

Flexibility seems to be their watchword. Not found a subject you want to dive into?

Okay, let’s start one! Too many people in the Book Club? No problem, let’s open another –Longridge has three, so far. And while we’re on the subject of ‘watchwords’, the U3A highlights three more: learn, laugh, live.

WHILE WE’RE ON THE SUBJECT OF ‘WATCHWORDS’, THE U3A HIGHLIGHTS THREE MORE: LEARN, LAUGH, LIVE

So,

who is the U3A for?

I’d suggest anyone who’s fed up with watching daytime telly, or desperate to avoid the hysteria of evening soap dramas. Perhaps we should be looking at the person who picked up this magazine in pursuit of something other than mediocrity. Does your Third Age need more fulfilment?

That was the situation for Eleanor Hick, who told me: “Having recently retired, I really missed the structure of work and my work colleagues. U3A Book Club and Food for Thought gave me new interests and new friends.”

Perhaps you’re like Eleanor? Maybe retirement, or even redundancy is on your horizon. Who wants to be that person collecting the gold watch and the handshake –and then sitting alone, waiting for a knock at the door, or the phone to ring?

If you are accustomed to being busy at work – but find yourself staring into a void because your job is no longer ‘relevant’, then why not follow the example of MunLing Shields? She explains: “I was so lonely and bored but discovering U3A Bridge and Circle Dancing has given me a new lease of life.”

Whatever life skills or experience you could bring to the party – and yes, U3A people like to party – be mindful of how a simple conversation can turn things around. n

Longridge U3A hold monthly meetings at the Civic Hall on the first Tuesday of every month at 1.45pm. Membership costs £20 per year from 1st April.

u3a.org.uk

u3asites.org.uk/longridge

Photography: Clitheroe U3A

Photography: Longridge U3A

FIVE-STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS!

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Everything Retreat was quite literally, everything we dreamed of with its luxury lodges set in the tranquil Ribble Valley countryside, writes

LMark Dixon

uxury can be an over-used word when it comes to selling a holiday or a short break. I’ve been to some places that have eulogised about their luxurious this or luxuriating that and they really haven’t delivered.

However, owner Louise Monk and her team at Everything Retreat, have developed something really special in the hills above the Ribble Valley which certainly befits the term. From the moment we were introduced to our unique lodge by the most welcoming GM Kelly, we realised that this luxury was more than a sales sizzle.

Once we got settled we wasted little time before trying out the top of the range ‘twin-turbo’ (as we christened ours) hot tub. With no children to interrupt proceedings (Everything Retreat is an adult only venue) we could take our time enjoying the finer

things in life.

The welcome drink had fizzed and so, post-plunge we sampled the locally distilled Everything Retreat gin (a collaboration with Preston-based Wild Fox) – all part of the generous welcome. Once we had showered –similarly high powered as the hot-tub jets –and changed, we headed to the resort’s Balance

Bar where we sampled some superb tapas –the meatballs and the chorizo particular favourites for this carnivore’s taste, courtesy of chef Simon, and we were well looked after by Louise and Mandy. There’s no stuck-up, five-star snobbery about this place, the luxury is served up with a smile and a good dollop of northern humour.

THERE IS SOMETHING POWERFULLY RESTFUL AND CONTEMPLATIVE ABOUT THE RETREAT, AWAY FROM THE STRESSES OF CORPORATE LIFE

After a restful night thanks to the oh so comfy mattress, complete with superb cotton sheets and dreamy pillows, we tucked into our breakfast box, which naturally, was full of healthy and yummy locally-sourced morning treats. Once replenished we headed out to make the most of what the Ribble Valley has to offer. After a bracing walk up and down Pendle Hill, where witches and folklore follow every step, we were spoilt for choice for a pub lunch – we settled on the Millstone at Mellor. And we were not disappointed. One of the great

things about the Retreat’s location is the sheer number of superb eating places from great pubs like The Millstone to a special Chinese at Yu and even the Michelin-starred offering at Northcote – all within a 10 minute drive.

We felt like a browse in the afternoon and again we could have driven in all directions and found a smart country town, which would serve our needs. Whalley provided just the right amount of shop action and after my wife had purchased a new pair of boots – from a shop with Whalley and Manchester addresses – we felt we had deserved afternoon tea and another go in the hot tub back at Everything.

POST-PLUNGE WE SAMPLED THE LOCALLY DISTILLED EVERYTHING RETREAT GIN –A COLLABORATION WITH WILD FOX – ALL PART OF THE GENEROUS WELCOME

There is something powerfully restful and contemplative about the Retreat, away from children and the stresses of corporate life, it makes the perfect place to recharge the batteries, both physically and mentally.

It was whilst walking her dog Archie in 2018 that Louise stood in one of the fields, and imagined stunning lodges nestled amongst the beautiful landscape looking out over the valley.

Fast forward six years and after all the design, planning and hard work through the construction period, she now looks around and sees 12 luxury cedar lodges, already weathering into the hillside.

Six of the lodges are individually themed with inspiration being taken from Louise’s favourite places around the world, these form the Unique Collection. The remaining six are designed to complement the beautiful surroundings in which they sit, creating the Signature Collection. We were lucky enough to stay in the Unique ‘Bothy’, Louise’s nod to the Highlands, which brings all the character of a traditional Scottish country lodge,

complete with tartan accessories and dark oak flooring. We took in the spectacular views from the full-length windows with the log burner glowing – though the underfloor heating made it already cosy.

We can’t wait to go back to try a different one next time, perhaps Skála – the Scandi lodge where you step into light, airy and relaxed minimalism. With crisp white walls, cosy blankets and neutral accessories, we’d relax in the understated open-plan living room, which encompasses pale parquet flooring and textured tiles and revel in the Scandinavian charm.

Our two-night stay was not enough, there is so much to do and see, both rural and urban, within a short drive of the Retreat, and as always just when we were feeling more rested and beginning to rejuvenate, we had to depart. Next time we will certainly look to do a Monday to Friday stint, giving us the excuse to bring our Labradoodle. Oh yes, in honour of Archie, all canine companions are most welcome.

But Louise is not stopping here with plans and planning applications in progress. One to create a wonderful space in the original farmhouse for groups of up to 12 and secondly to build a new room giving more space for yoga, pilates and corporate wellbeing sessions.

So, whether it’s a romantic stay for two (or three with dog) or as part of a larger group retreat, there really is luxury for everyone at Everything Retreat. n

EVERYTHING retreat

Everything Retreat

Primrose Hill, Primrose Lane, Mellor BB2 7EQ 01254 965095

hello@everything-retreat.com

everything-retreat.com

everythingretreat

RibbleValley

LET’S TAKE A WALK

Before he discovered the Lakeland Fells, a youthful Alfred Wainwright explored the hills and moors around his native Blackburn. According to Wainright, the reservoirs above Langho offered a glimpse of ‘Lakeland in Lancashire.’ This short linear railway walk skirts these reservoirs before descending over the ‘Nab’ into Whalley

WAINWRIGHT’S WHALLEY

Distance: 7.6km/4.7 miles

Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Terrain: Footpaths, quiet lanes and tracks with several stiles to negotiate Difficulty: Easy to moderate with some steep ascents and descents

Start: Catch the train to Langho from Clitheroe, Whalley or Blackburn. Trains run every hour from Clitheroe or Blackburn. Go to northernrailway.co.uk

1. From Langho station, cross the main road and head up Whinney Lane, taking the footpath that continues straight on when the road turns right. Climb through the woods alongside the little stream and over a couple of bridges and past a cottage. Go over the stile and join the road coming in from the right and continue up the lane to York village. At the crossroads, go straight on and when the road swings sharply left, continue straight over the stile and up the hill, reaching its crest and then heading downhill to the corner of the reservoir.

2. From the northern end of the dam, go through the gate and take the track left downhill to the base of the dam, through another gate to join the gravel track climbing back up to a farm track. Turn left, heading towards Pendle Hill. The track bends right through a gate and meets a minor road at a small car park. Turn left along the lane, following it past farm buildings and a whitewashed cottage to reach a stile on the left. Cross the stile and climb steeply, crossing a farm track and another stile to reach the top of a grassy incline.

3. The path becomes indistinct, but head for the right-hand corner of a conifer plantation where you will find a dilapidated stile. Follow the right-hand path through the woods, out into the field and across the ladder stile to join the lane heading right. The views open out on both sides as you continue past the farm to a junction.

4. Turn left at the junction, past the transmitter and downhill to a driveway marked with

a footpath sign. Walk up the driveway and follow the path to the right of the cottage over the stile and into the field beyond, following the line of a collapsed wall across the hillside. At the end of the wall, contour round to meet the farm track at the edge of woodland and take the track right.

5. Go over the cattle grid and a bridleway joins from the right. Take this path, as it switches back almost the way you came, offering great views of Whalley. Keep left when the track forks, continuing steeply downhill until the bridleway turns out onto a track which joins the main road just above the bridge.

6. Turn right over the bridge and into Whalley and look out for a footpath sign which takes you through a narrow mews and past the Abbey Corn Mill into a new housing development. Cross the courtyard and follow the path past the primary school, turning left when you hit the road to go past the abbey. Continue under the ancient gatehouse – the oldest remaining part of the abbey and follow The Sands round to the right and along Broad Lane to join Mitton Road just across from the station. Hop on board from Platform 1 and enjoy the ride across the iconic arches before hopping off five minutes later at Langho. n

Mark Sutcliffe is a former editor of Country Walking and a contributor to some of the UK’s leading outdoor magazines – including Countryfile and Trail. 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.

cicerone.co.uk/walking-in-lancashire

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

EDUCATION NEWS

GERMAN OPEN WINNER

Professional wrestler and Burnley College student Danoush Jowkar has continued his quest for world dominance recently winning the German Open. The 16-year-old is ranked 10th in the world and has just demonstrated what an unstoppable force he is in the week-long contest in Frankfurt. He already has an impressive record of success behind him having been British and English champion five times.

DODGEBALL CONTEST

Oakhill students participated in a Year 8 District Glow Dodgeball Competition recently – a contest based on honesty and respect with the winners being the best sports people. Both the boys and girls played brilliantly in their respective tournaments with both of the girls’ teams excelling in first and second place. Well done to all involved!

BURNLEY FC VISIT

Premier League football stars from Burnley FC recently took time out of their busy schedules to visit students at Nelson & Colne College. Working with BFC in the Community the players met with a number of students, shared personal experiences

and shed light on their various journeys to becoming top athletes. This exclusive interaction allowed the students to gain a deeper understanding of the commitment, resilience and sacrifices required to reach the top of their chosen profession.

STARS OF THE STAGE

After successfully auditioning, 46 of Westholme’s Performing Arts students from Years 8 to 13 travelled to Disneyland Paris to perform on the world’s most magical stage. Performing ‘From Now On’ and ‘Come Alive’ from The Greatest Showman and ‘One Short Day’ from the musical Wicked, the hours of rehearsals were all worth it. Students were lucky enough to take part in the ‘Time to Shine’ parade and held the prestigious spot of leading over 1,000 other young performers in a song and dance extravaganza.

SPORTING TRIUMPH

There’s been a mixture of sporting success to start 2024 at Stonyhurst. The U11 girls’ hockey team have hit a superb run of form prior to St Mary’s Hall hosting the Lancashire U11 tournament by winning the Budge Memorial Hockey Tournament, with a clean sweep of five victories, scoring 10 goals and conceding none. Equally as impressive were the U16 Rugby 7s squad who started off their season with an unbeaten victory at the Wirral Grammar Sevens and in the pool, Talula from St Mary’s Hall has become Lancashire champion in the 50m breaststroke from a field of 28 girls at the county championships.

FEEDING THE COMMUNITY

Along catering partners, Thomas Franks and their ‘Feeding Communities’ initiative, Westholme School was delighted to provide meals for a local charity as part of their ongoing commitment as an ecoschool, ensuring food does not go to waste. Over 50 students volunteered to package 250 portions of plant-based chilli con carne with rice using surplus ingredients, which were donated to Nightsafe, a charity that supports young homeless people. Westholme is always active in supporting the local community and promoting citizenship. This project will provide practical support to some of the most vulnerable in the area.

THEMIS INSPIRE & ACHIEVE

AWARDS 2024: A CELEBRATION OF TOP APPRENTICES AND EMPLOYERS

AWARDS 2024

The prestigious Themis Inspire and Achieve Awards 2024 celebrated the success, the passion and the innovation of Themis Apprentices and leading employers in Lancashire at the glittering ceremony held on 1 February.

Some 200 nominees, their family and friends, distinguished guests and proud employers heard from Ribble Valley entrepreneur Sarwat Jaleel, founder of Kushboo Soaps, an international brand of luxury, ethical soaps, and inspirational Themis Engineering Degree Apprentice Grace Francis.

Karen Buchanan, Chief Executive of Themis, Principal of Burnley College said:

“The Themis Inspire and Achieve Awards are a highlight in the Apprenticeship calendar and it was an honour to recognise those amazing Apprentices and Employers in the fabulous surroundings of Turf Moor.”

“Themis is proud of its track record in supporting the development of the very best Apprentices in the region – the Apprentices who go on to be a future boss and who make an incredible impact in the workplace.”

Does your young person want to follow in the footsteps of Themis’ award-winning Apprentices? Help them on their journey to become future boss: UK Apprenticeship Award Winner

STARS OF THE STAGE AT DISNEYLAND PARIS

Students from across Lancashire showed off their musical talents when Westholme School was invited to take part in the performance of a lifetime

Westholme School’s Performing Arts students took part in the performance of a lifetime on stage at Disneyland, Paris, where they showed off their musical talents.

After successfully auditioning for a coveted spot, 46 students from Years 8 to 13 travelled to Disneyland on the outskirts of Paris, France, to perform ‘From Now On’ and ‘Come Alive’ from The Greatest Showman and ‘One Short Day’ from the musical Wicked, plus ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’, a 1920’s dance number on the world-famous stage.

After their performance, the Westholme

students took part in the Time to Shine parade and held the prestigious spot of leading over 1,000 other young performers in a song and dance extravaganza, watched by thousands of Disneyland visitors. The students wore specially designed Mickey Mouse ears in purple and green, Westholme’s signature colours.

AFTER MONTHS OF PREPARATION AND DEDICATION, IT WAS A GREAT FEELING TO FINALLY PERFORM, AND SEE IT ALL COME TOGETHER SO PERFECTLY!

Maisie Banks from Darwen, who is currently in Year 12, was one of the lucky students to take part.

She said: “After months of preparation and dedication, it was a great feeling to finally

perform, and see it all come together so perfectly! Our hard work was recognised as we were asked to lead the parade amongst hundreds of others.

“Being amongst friends in the Disney atmosphere and enjoying fun time in the park was undoubtedly another highlight of this trip. Although we stayed there just a few days, the days were packed full of activities and it was an unforgettable experience.”

Each year Westholme School produces internal shows and concerts showcasing the talents of their students, as well as holding external concerts and events. The events are held in the prestigious Croston Theatre at the Meins Road School and have included many famous productions such as The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story and most recently Fame.

OUR HARD WORK WAS RECOGNISED AS WE WERE ASKED TO LEAD THE PARADE AMONGST HUNDREDS OF OTHERS

The Croston Theatre, a state-of-the-art facility which provides a real-life theatre experience, is the centre-piece for performing arts and acts as a focal point for rehearsals, as well as the live performances for concerts and productions at Westholme.

The Performing Arts faculty provides a holistic experience for all students offering music, music technology, drama and dance. Students are taught by highly skilled teachers in their discipline and are offered the opportunity to enhance and develop their creative knowledge and performance skills.

Staff are dedicated and go above and beyond to ensure students receive the highest quality of teaching and experiences, including West End workshops, international performance tours and regular theatre trips.

Technical workshops are also provided for students with a fantastic array of guest professionals in Dance, Drama and Music who come in to provide valuable training, experience and knowledge to each subject.

Hot off the heels of having won three National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) awards for Fame and Matilda JR, the school’s performing arts students are now busy with rehearsals for their next big performance – a production of Les Misérables at the Croston Theatre, taking place from 5th - 9th March this year.

Amy Holland, Director of Performing Arts at Westholme School, accompanied the students on the trip.

She said: “The students were both nervous and excited before they went on stage and as they took their spots, it was emotional to see how happy they looked after months of rehearsals for this moment. They made lifelong memories on stage at Disneyland and I felt very proud.

“Staff at Disneyland see thousands of schools and performers each year and they commented that our performance was special – so much so, they asked Westholme to lead the iconic pre-parade, which was such an honour. We would like to give a special thanks to our choreographers – our dance teacher, Mrs Karen Barber and parent and professional Rebecca Atkinson.”

After their performances, the Westholme students and staff had time to enjoy the

Disneyland park, rides and studios, rounding off a memorable trip of a lifetime.

Peter from Preston, is currently in Year 12 at Westholme School. He said: “It was a oncein-a-lifetime experience and I loved every second of it, especially leading the parade which was exhilarating and a real privilege.”

Charlotte from Chorley, also in Year 12, said the appearance was a memorable one.

She added: “Disney really was a once-in-alifetime experience, performing to so many on a professional level and getting to be a part of and lead the parade was something that I will never forget and always look back on with fond memories.” n

Westholme

Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road

Pleasington BB2 6QU 01254 506070

westholmeschool.com

MODERNISING FAITH FOR AN ENRICHED EDUCATION

A Jesuit education goes far beyond the school curriculum, teaching values to live by and encouraging pupils to become independent thinkers and global citizens who change the world for the better

Stonyhurst College is extremely proud of its Jesuit heritage that nurtures pupils to become ‘men and women for others’, to develop learning and leadership skills that will take them confidently into the wider world.

The Jesuit Profile also makes the College unique among other Catholic schools –beliefs are put into action by helping others and making the world a better place.

Catherine Crombie, the College’s Director of Christian Formation, explains: “We take pupils of all faiths and none – but all pupils have the same exceptional educational experience.

“A Jesuit education is entirely focused on human excellence in its simplest form. Academic excellence is a core part of this education, but it is very much about the person as a whole.”

Stonyhurst College is the oldest, continuously active Jesuit school in the world, with its origins dating back to the late 16th century,

and it is here that pupils are encouraged to think about the kind of person they want to become, not just their academic capabilities but what they are capable of as a person.

STONYHURST’S JESUIT VALUES TEACH STUDENTS TO ENDEAVOUR TO CHANGE THINGS FOR THE BETTER – TO IMPROVE LIVING AND LEARNING

Whatever career they choose and whatever they experience in life, Stonyhurst’s values encourage pupils to change things for the better – to improve living and learning is the DNA of a Jesuit education.

“This is woven into all aspects of school life,” explains Catherine. “The teachers here strive to understand how each individual learns best. They are interested in each pupil’s capabilities and how we can develop them. We make it our mission to find out what they want to achieve in the world.”

Alongside a first-class academic programme, the focus is very much on enrichment and giving pupils unique opportunities as Stonyhurst continues to excel in shaping individuals to be the best version of themselves, just as the school has been doing successfully for over 400 years: “We go beyond the curriculum in the hope that we spark a pupil’s love of a certain subject or activity.”

The College campus and the facilities available to pupils are vast – there are pitches for rugby, cricket and hockey, a nine-hole golf course, golf simulator and 25m swimming pool, along with netball courts and a full size indoor tennis dome.

Alongside the academic curriculum is also a far-reaching co-curricular programme to inspire pupils to try new experiences, such as altar serving, undertaking environmental projects, and all three Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for the Faith in Action social justice programme.

With pupils from all over the world, Stonyhurst is a multi-cultural community that provides its young people with many and varied opportunities to learn from each other: “We are very lucky to have an internationally diverse pupil body of over 26 different nationalities.”

A recent exchange trip with pupils visiting from a Jesuit school in Uruguay was a huge success: “The exchange was a unique experience for our pupils – they were living and breathing it. They were energised and inspired – a Jesuit education believes that the more direct experiences you have the more you will be inspired and that’s a big part of character formation.”

Within the College are the historic Stonyhurst Museum and Archives – the oldest and one of the largest collections of museum objects and priceless artefacts in the English-speaking world, including the Holy Thorn from Christ’s Crown of Thorns.

The objects and artefacts are frequently used as a backdrop for enrichment learning, where pupils can see, and be inspired by, significant historic items that often link into an academic subject.

WE TAKE PUPILS OF ALL FAITHS AND NONE – BUT ALL PUPILS HAVE THE SAME EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Catherine continues: “A Jesuit education helps pupils to not be limited by the curriculum. They become independent learners and are encouraged to discuss beyond the curriculum –a subject may throw up moral questions so they may veer off topic and teachers allow that. It’s flexible, adaptive and active and encourages a lifelong love of learning.”

While striving for greater knowledge to become the best they can be, the Jesuit profile encourages pupils to look outwards to observe social systems and communities so that they habitually strive to help others: “Social justice is a Jesuit pillar and Stonyhurst pupils, whether they have a faith or not, are called to give service to others.”

The College’s Arrupe Programme has recently seen pupils helping out within the local community, running a coffee stop, helping with a primary school reading programme and wheelchair dancing for youngsters with a high level of additional needs. The Higher Line (Sixth Form) pupils have also visited Lourdes to assist wheelchair-bound pilgrims. The school’s Campion Day sees pupils coming off timetable and embarking on charitable endeavours and discussing social justice issues, as well as attending Mass and enjoying Line (House) competitions: “Pupils have great fun, whether it’s participating in a colour run around the school grounds, or the lip sync battles between year groups that took place

in the evening this year. We come together to celebrate our school – it’s also about school pride and the Stonyhurst community spirit. “We are a global family,” adds Catherine. “According to the Jesuit Profile we show generosity, gratitude and compassion. While education is key, the greater part of what we do is to help young people reach their full potential.” Indeed, the College was rated Excellent in all areas in the most recent ISI report, with particular focus drawn to pupils living a life of purpose and achieving academic excellence alongside spiritual and

TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE VISIT SCAN THE QR CODE

emotional growth, while learning to embody the Stonyhurst school motto, ‘Quant je puis’ meaning ‘as much as I can’: “Pupils are encouraged to ask themselves, ‘What more can I do? How can I have a greater impact?’

“That’s what makes Stonyhurst so distinctive among Catholic schools. It’s about getting out into the world and making a difference.” n

Stonyhurst College

Clitheroe BB7 9PZ

01254 826345

stonyhurst.ac.uk

“We knew Jo-Anne as a friend and we always said she would be an amazing asset to any business and particularly an estate agency business, so when an opportunity arose to bring her on board, it was a very easy decision.”

Just two years later, the Old Post Office at Brownhill roundabout became available and this was the catalyst for a move away from the franchise. Subsequently, Stones Young was born.

Rachael Stones of Stones Young explains how and why the business has grown steadily since it was founded two decades ago

Having always had an interest in property, Rachael and Nigel Stones founded their estate agency back in 2004 under a previous franchise agreement.

Working with their friend Phil Young since that time, and starting initially with only a handful of properties, fast forward 20 years and today Stones Young now have around 200 properties on their books for sale and manage over 300 rental properties.

Having all come from professional backgrounds, Rachael in accountancy, Nigel

as an Independent Financial Adviser and Phil as an Independent Mortgage Adviser, over the years they have sought to bring a professional and service-driven approach to an often-beleaguered and maligned industry.

“As a business, customer service has been the most important thing to us,” says Rachael. “Looking back, it is easy to identify when things really started taking off.”

Just under 10 years ago Jo-Anne Blow, who had an extensive customer service background, joined the company as director with her main role being to manage the Blackburn office.

CUSTOMER SERVICE IS STONES YOUNG’ MANTRA

“Following our move the Stones Young re-brand radically transformed the business. The distinctive, eye-catching bright yellow and fresh-looking signs were only the start. We invested in the latest technology and selectively recruited additional team members to ensure that customer service was going to be our company’s main attribute.”

Social media became an important part of Stones Young’ marketing offering, something that wasn’t used by other agents at that time.

“Located at Brownhill roundabout, we started to attract property listings in Wilpshire,

Salesbury and Langho and also stretching into Billington and Whalley when news spread of our outstanding customer service,” adds Rachael.

As a result of attracting more properties in the Ribble Valley the next logical step was to open an office in Clitheroe. Waiting for the right location was paramount and eventually a prime spot, opposite Sainsburys on Moor Lane, was secured.

“We understand that each of our clients are usually selling their most valuable asset so they need to have trust and confidence in the people who are acting on their behalf to achieve the best possible price for their property.”

Stones Young’s mantra of providing exceptional customer continues to serve the company well. In 2017 Stones Young were listing an average of 13 properties a month and last year that had risen to an average of 35 per month.

Progressing the business further, two years ago Stones Young set up their Financial Services division dealing with mortgages, insurance, pensions, savings and investments as well as advising on inheritance tax, wills and Power of Attorney.

The majority of the team across the two offices either already have professional qualifications or are working towards them: “We are anticipating that the government will eventually introduce estate agency regulations, so we want to be ahead,” says Rachael, who concentrates on the finance and marketing side of the business.

THIS AWARD PLACED THEIR CLITHEROE AND BLACKBURN OFFICES IN THE UK’S TOP THREE PER CENT OF ESTATE AGENTS OUT OF OVER 15,000 COUNTRYWIDE

Since their inception, Stones Young have forged a reputation for supporting good causes within the communities they serve. They are enthusiastic sponsors of local sports clubs and community associations including cricket, golf, bowling, rugby, the Ribble Valley Music Festival to name only a few and have raised thousands of pounds for local charities including the East Lancs Hospice where they are regular supporters and sponsors. They are also headline sponsors

for the 2024 Ribble Valley Business Awards which are to be held this month.

Their professionalism as an estate and lettings agency has also been acknowledged in terms of numerous and repeated industry awards winning no less than 10 British Property Awards both locally and regionally. At the end of last year, they won gold at the Estate Agency Masters award ceremony in London. This award placed their Clitheroe and Blackburn offices in the UK’s top three per cent of estate agents out of over 15,000 countrywide, based on results, marketing and customer service.

So, what’s next for Stones Young? Simple was the reply: “Continuing to help people either selling or renting their property and continuing to deliver outstanding customer service.”

Not surprisingly, given all the above, I don’t think we would expect anything different. n

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

EASTER COMPETITION

Pendle Hill Properties have announced the return of their egg-stremely popular #ShopLocal Easter competition in Longridge for the third year running. In partnership with Longridge Town Council and Love Longridge, the initiative will encourage people to #ShopLocal in the town, as well as offering some Easter fun for local schoolchildren. The Easter egg colouring competition will see posters delivered

NEW RESTAURANT

A new development at Northcote is set to see a new gourmet restaurant within the extensive grounds. Planning permission has been granted for the project, as Manager Director Craig Bancroft explained: “We are delighted to be one step further towards our plan to build a signature restaurant at Northcote. It is something that we’ve always wanted to do, as it will allow us to offer two exceptional dining experiences. We are very excited because this is the beginning of a new chapter for Northcote.” The development will see the existing dining room become a brasserie and the new, modern development becoming a bespoke, signature restaurant. Both with their own identity, they will be overseen by Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen who will be designing all the menus.

to local primary schools, with children challenged to colour in their eggs, before handing them into participating shops. Each participating shop will have 20 eggs to giveaway while the winning design will win a giant Easter egg and bunny, courtesy of sponsors Pendle Hill Properties. To be considered, please send a Facebook message to: Pendle Hill Properties.

SUCCESS FOR SUE

Sue Singleton, Corporate Key Account Manager at Bowker BMW has become one of the first in the country to achieve a new BMW Corporate Certified and Business Sales Skills certificate. Sue is one of the first 23 corporate experts in the UK BMW network to achieve the certification, which focuses on improving the corporate customer buying experience across the BMW and MINI retailer network. Sue said: “The training covered many diverse areas of my corporate role. Everything from finance to the way electric vehicles are transforming the customer experience. I learned a lot. We always set ourselves high standards. However, achieving the latest certificate guarantees that Bowker corporate customers will receive the highest standard of service.”

NATIONAL ACCOLADE

Two Lancashire-based MINI Centres have won a national marketing award for the second time in just three years. The Bowker MINI centres in Blackburn and Preston beat off competition from more than 130 other UK centres to win the Marketing category at the MINI UK Retailer Awards. Bowker MINI group marketing manager Amy Lancaster-Hall said: “It’s a proud achievement to win the national marketing award – but to win it twice is special for the whole team. We have a small team compared with some larger dealer groups. But what we may lack in numbers, we make up for in hard work and creativity. This award is a credit to each and every one of them.” The four-strong marketing team at Bowker MINI includes Amy, marketing executives Jess O’Neill and Charlotte Brown and graphic designer Chloe Robinson.

TOP HONOUR

ALLI JOINS FAMILY BUSINESS

Ribble Valley-based garden and architectural designer, Alli Croft is making the move to join the fifth generation of the Croft family business. Specialising in garden planning, architectural and interior design, Alli will be bringing these skills to Croft Windows and Conservatories. Well-known for her signature illustrated drawings and plans, these will become a part of Croft’s heritage. With a design-led approach, Alli will bring a fresh perspective to creating the best environments for those looking to create beautiful spaces, be that a conservatory, orangery, garden room or pod. Alli says: “I am so excited to be working at Croft, alongside my husband John, and son Samuel who is the sixth generation to join. We have so many fresh ideas to build on our heritage and name and I am passionate to bring my approach to help customers receive something that they truly love.”

Louisa Scanlan of Clitheroe-based Collaborate Business Solutions was crowned Best Business Psychology Practitioner of the Year at the Association for Business Psychology (ABP) Awards, held at the prestigious Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Pauls. The ABP Awards are a celebration of excellence in the field of business psychology and Collaborate Business Solutions has emerged as the front-runner in this domain. The coveted award recognises the company’s outstanding contributions to applying psychological insights in ways that significantly enhance business performance and contribute to the wellbeing of employees. The judges commented: “Louisa’s innovative approach showcases her ability to think outside the box and enhance the traditional use of psychometric tools. She is a dedicated, innovative and highly influential figure.”

FIRST FOR PORSCHE

Porsche Centre Preston has announced the qualification of its first High Voltage Expert (HVE) technician, Ashley Coverdale. This achievement is a milestone development in the centre’s capability to service electric and hybrid vehicles. Ashley is one of fewer than 50 technicians in the country to complete the tests, theory and practicals. As a HVE, he can handle high-voltage systems in Porsche’s electric and hybrid models, including Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne. Jon Challis, Porsche Centre Preston Aftersales Manager, said: “Ashley knows that his knowledge will place Porsche Centre Preston in a great position to provide top-tier service for our owners. His expertise is not just beneficial for our centre, it’s essential for meeting the evolving needs of Porsche owners and the industry at large.”

HOLISTIC HEALTH CONCEPT

Per4m Health in Whalley has introduced a revolutionary health and wellbeing concept to the Ribble Valley. Founded by chartered physiotherapist Michael Murray as an expansion to MM Physiotherapy and his wife Victoria, a personal trainer, this premier fitness and movement venue is powered by a dedicated team of physiotherapists and personal trainers. The centre provides daily reformer classes for all skill levels, alongside a fully equipped gym, while on the first floor is a team of professional physiotherapists, offering on-the-spot expert advice. Michael and Victoria are thrilled to present this comprehensive service designed to support a healthy lifestyle for individuals of all ages. There are complimentary refreshments, shower facilities and relaxation areas, making it a haven for health and fitness enthusiasts.

TOURISM AWARDS

Two Ribble Valley restaurants were recently named among the winners at the Lancashire Tourism Awards. The Rum Fox at Grindleton won the New Tourism Business Award while La Locanda, Gisburn, took the Taste Lancashire Award. The 25 trophies for the awards night, held last month, were created by a group of talented second-year Craft Apprentices at the BAE Academy for Skills and Knowledge (ASK) at Salmesbury. The unique metal rose sculptures, made from brass and copper were created by the apprentices, as part of a project in addition to their course activities. Once qualified the apprentice team will use their skills in the machining, toolmaking and manufacturing divisions of BAE Systems.

measure a person’s motivation, he began a long and deep journey of discovery. Not only did he need to establish what are the common motivators but a way to determine the relative importance of them all and how we measure the level of motivation for each one.

He studied many theories and found that the most accurate measure was a tool based on three theories, Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs, the Pillars of Career and the Enneagram. Taking all these and creating the personal inventory gave us the Motivational Mapping tool, which was the world’s first tool to measure motivation. Up to this point in time, ‘motivation’ had been invisible – but not any longer.

When looking at a profile we can see exactly what motivators are important and how well they are being met. Motivational Mapping provides us with an enormous amount of knowledge, allowing us to communicate

MIND MATTERS

The psychology behind motivation can enable your team to reach their full potential, writes therapeutic coach Lynn Scholes

Motivation refers to the processes that drive our behaviour, directing us toward a particular goal or outcome. The psychology of motivation involves understanding why people are motivated to pursue certain goals and how this motivation can be influenced or enhanced.

There are several different theories of motivation that attempt to explain why people behave in certain ways. One of the most well-known theories is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which suggests that people are motivated by a series of needs, ranging from basic physiological needs like food and shelter, to more complex needs like self-actualisation and personal growth.

Additionally, there are other theories of motivation that emphasise different factors, such as cognitive factors like goal-setting and self-efficacy, or social factors like social support and reinforcement.

Overall, the psychology of motivation is a complex and multifaceted field and there are many different factors that can influence why people are motivated to pursue certain goals. Understanding these factors can help individuals and organisations create environments and systems that support and enhance motivation.

When James Sale began to research what needed to sit behind a tool that could accurately

better within our teams, how to understand and motivate our colleagues, how to retain our team – it is a key psychological component of creating high performing individuals and teams.

THE MAPPING TOOL MAKES THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE, ALLOWING US TO UNDERSTAND INDIVIDUALS AT A DEEPER LEVEL AND UNDERSTAND WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO SUPPORT THEM

The mapping tool makes the invisible visible, allowing us to understand individuals at a deeper level and understand what we need to do to support them and the wider team, to achieve their full potential. The payback for companies is not only in success and profit, but in having teams of highly motivated individuals who are happy and satisfied in their roles. n

Lynn Scholes is a writer, therapeutic coach, trainer and speaker working with individuals and companies

goals? Clients are not just numbers fed into an algorithm. We recognise each client is an individual. Our investment approach may be to use the very best technology and model portfolios but that means little to our clients. What we want to do is create a financial plan that helps our clients understand, get on track, stay on track and answer questions such as, can I secure the financial security I want for me and my family, will I be able to enjoy the fruits of my labour in retirement and how much will I need to do that? Our aim is to take the stress and complication from investing by providing a comprehensive service, which is centred on understanding your financial goals and needs.

The responsibilities of the ‘three Fs’ can be overwhelming at times. Having a financial plan, conceived with the client at its centre, can lift that anxiety and embed habits that will stand each client in good stead. These clients are serious about their financial future and this is where we can help. The Two10

MILESTONE FOR INVESTMENT COMPANY

Now serving more than 100 households, Two10 Investment Services makes family, future and freedom a priority for each of its clients

Longridge-based financial services business Two10 Investment Services is celebrating a significant milestone two years after its launch.

The business, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, now manages the investments of over 100 households, based in and around the Ribble Valley.

Based in the same offices as sister company Raymond James Ribble Valley, Two10 offers a compelling strategy for investment, suitable to three broad categories of investors. You could be a young professional just starting on your financial journey, a mid-lifer whose wealth is distributed across a range of investments or someone older who wants to protect their wealth in retirement and provide an income from it.

Founder of Two10 Investment Services, Wayne Hayhurst, explains: “We recognised a gap in the market for individuals who

would benefit from high quality investment management but without the need for a completely bespoke portfolio, like that offered by Raymond James Ribble Valley. Our lives are complicated, time-starved and ever-evolving. However, in speaking to potential clients, three priorities emerged: family, future and freedom.

IN SPEAKING TO POTENTIAL CLIENTS, THREE PRIORITIES EMERGED: FAMILY, FUTURE AND FREEDOM

People are driven to secure the best outcome for these three strands to their lives. Unfortunately, many people’s decisionmaking is driven by the information they have just consumed, the conversations they have just had or the social media post they have just been served. In a complex and changing world our clients find our personal and straightforward approach to investing refreshing. We plan to work with you over the long term and build a relationship of trust, where you can have confidence in the advice you receive.”

Wayne continues: “We want to understand our clients on a personal level – what is important to them, what are their financial

service is particularly appropriate to regular contributions being made towards a longterm goal.”

The Two10 client base is diverse with tradespeople, retailers, graphic designers, engineers and marketeers all benefitting from the Two10 approach to investing for their future. Age is no barrier with the advice always that the sooner you start your investment journey, the better.

With continuing geopolitical uncertainty, relatively high interest rates and a tricky housing market, planning your financial future is particularly important. Why not book a free initial consultation with the team at Two10 and see if its new investment approach could work for you? You have nothing to lose! n

“We find out who their target market is and how they want their company to be perceived, and create branded merchandise that reflects and achieves their goals.

“Our customers’ brands are at the heart of everything we do and we see ourselves as an extension of their marketing department.”

Working closely to develop a deeper understanding of what works for each individual company, Danielle and her creative team, ensure the promotional items they provide, deliver their clients’ objectives.

WE MEET OUR CLIENTS FACE TO FACE TO FIND OUT ABOUT THEM AND HOW WE CAN TAILOR BRANDED PRODUCTS TO SUIT THEIR BUSINESS

Love to Brand is often asked to supply merchandise to tie in with an event, exhibition or product launch – they supply a range of products from branded pens, mugs, water bottles, bags, folders lanyards and USB sticks –

RAISING YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE… A

Danielle Robinson of Clitheroebased Love to Brand explains how branded merchandise, specifically tailored to reflect your business, can help raise your profile and set you apart from the competition.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

leading UK supplier of promotional merchandise is celebrating 15 years in business.

Tucked away in Clitheroe is Love to Brand, a national supplier of branded products and corporate gifts that help businesses get noticed.

Having worked with some of the country’s best-known brands including PayPal and Franky & Bennies, closer to home Love to Brand also works alongside the likes of Burnley Football Club, Northcote, Bowker Motor Group and Preston College.

Love to Brand founder, Danielle Robinson, says: “We work with companies that are constantly looking for ways to promote their services and raise their brand awareness.

even branded deck chairs and teddy bears! If a company wants to brand something a little out of the ordinary, Love to Brand will rise to the challenge and source it!

“We work very closely with our clients. In this industry there are a lot of branding companies that operate solely online, but Love to Brand offers a personalised account manager service. We meet our clients face to face to find out about them and how we can tailor promotional products to suit their business.”

Some of the recent branded products supplied by Love to Brand have been chef bears for the Northcote Cookery school, co-branded nail files for a Ladies Day at Accrington Stanley FC and branded ‘trolley

coins’ so guests could gain access to facilities at a cashless, luxury leisure centre and spa.

They also supplied anniversary cooking aprons to leading UK kitchen gadget company, Thermomix, and Christmas jumpers, socks and Santa hats to TransPennine Express.

Always keeping ahead of the times, Danielle and her team keep an eye on current trends: “If something new comes to the market we make it our business to find out about it. One of the latest viral sensations we can supply and brand is the Stanley cup – it doesn’t take long for the latest products to be available in the promotional product industry.”

As time and technology moves forward, Love to Brand are constantly moving with it and over the past 15 years Danielle has seen substantial shifts in how businesses view branded items: “Promotional products can be one of the hardest working forms of advertising you can find, putting your name in front

of your client, all day, every day. The key to this is choosing the right product, and that’s where we come in.

“There has also been a big shift towards accessing customers who now work from home – so we are very conscious of this when sourcing items.

BRANDING IS A GREAT INDUSTRY TO BE IN AND IT KEEPS US BUSY AND ON OUR TOES ALL YEAR ROUND

“Branding is a great industry to be in and it keeps us busy just about all year round.”

January to March and September through to Christmas are exceptionally busy for Love to Brand as clients look to source merchandise for the exhibition season and upcoming events.

Working alongside Danielle are Jude

Glover and Rebecca Ainsworth and together, this small enthusiastic team have assembled an impressive portfolio of local and national clients.

They are proud to have excellent client retention, and have worked with many customers since day one of establishing, whilst also developing their client base predominantly through word of mouth and client referrals.

While Love to Brand works on a national level, they like to get involved with the local community supporting various events and good causes. They are proud to sponsor Clitheroe Wolves Football Club, Clitheroe Cricket Club and for the second year running, this year’s Clitheroe Beer Festival: “We like to not only remind people that we are here, but are also fortunate enough to be in a position to give back. We may be tucked away in Clitheroe but we do like to get out there and support grass roots causes.”

If you want to raise the profile of your business, or if you have an event, exhibition or product launch coming up, get in touch with Danielle and her team at Love to Brand. They would love to help! n

A WORLD OF POSSIBILITY

Mazda is a carmaker that’s making waves. From the agile Mazda2 to the range-topping CX-60 and electrifying MX-30, the brand’s line-up is not just a collection of vehicles; it’s a testament to innovation, performance and a commitment to propelling us toward the future of mobility.

Here at Perrys, we’re proud to represent this exciting line-up across the North West, with showrooms in Preston and Blackburn. But what makes Mazda the perfect partner for work and play? Let’s dive in!

SET YOUR LIFE IN MOTION

Modern, compact and agile by nature, the Mazda2 and Mazda2 Hybrid are more than at home in the city – and beyond! Compact, sporty and fun to drive with Kodo design and advanced SYACTIV Technology, the awardwinning Mazda2 delivers outstanding fuel efficiency while maintaining the smooth-sailing performance you’d expect

from a Mazda. The Mazda2 Hybrid combines the power of a petrol engine and the efficiency of a battery-powered electric motor. Together they form a powertrain that delivers a seamless driving experience – exciting, efficient and sustainable.

Looking for something larger? The Mazda SUV range delivers enhanced dynamics, beautiful styling and superior performance to boot. Explore the exquisitely designed Mazda CX-60 or, if you’re looking to go electric, look no further than the MX-30. Get behind the wheel to discover the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship and the simple beauty and elegance that are hallmarks of the Mazda brand.

What better way to experience the best landscapes the North West has to offer? From the meandering Ribble Valley roads to the rolling hills of the Lancashire Witches Driving Trail, the Mazda line-up will take it all in its stride.

KEEPING YOU IN THE DRIVING SEAT

At Perrys, we’ve been proudly serving customers since 1908 and have over 50 branches across the country, including our three dedicated Mazda locations in Lancashire. Come and explore our lineup of brand-new models now. But be quick, the Mazda2 finishes production at the end of 2024.

We understand that purchasing a car is more than a transaction – it’s a longterm relationship. We also know that maintaining your vehicle is a crucial part of your ownership experience. We offer servicing, repairs and parts, getting you back on the road faster.

Not only that, all of our locations are accredited Motability dealers. Our range includes NIL advance payment offers, which include a free home charger and £750 New Vehicle Payment.

Call us today to arrange a test drive!

THE MAZDA ELECTRIFIED SUV RANGE

CRAFTED IN JAPAN

Choose between the compact and stylish Mazda CX-30, the award-winning Mazda CX-5, the unique all-electric Mazda MX-30 or the range-topping Mazda CX-60. Every Mazda Electrified SUV features our distinctive Kodo design language, an immersive driving experience and quality Japanese craftsmanship throughout. Experience the Mazda Electrified SUV range for yourself at Perrys Mazda.

Models shown: Mazda CX-5 2.0 165ps 2WD Homura OTR from £36,145; model shown features Soul Red Crystal (£820). Mazda CX-60 327ps AWD Homura Auto, OTR from £48,170; model shown features optional Soul Red Crystal paint (£900). Mazda CX-30 186ps 2WD Exclusive-Line OTR from £31,105; model shown features Soul Red Crystal (£810). Mazda MX-30 145ps Exclusive-Line Auto OTR from £33,150; model shown features Ceramic White with Dark Grey side panels and black roof (£1,500). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, first registration fee, three-year or 60,000-mile warranty and three years’ European roadside assistance. Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of publishing.

READY FOR ADVENTURE…

From the outside the bigger and better MINI Countryman has a striking new identity. Inside there is a sense of less is more, but nothing is missing, writes, writes

Paul

Agnew.

Photography: Peter Austin

Attempting to improve a car of truly iconic status is, at the very least, a high-risk strategy. Surely safer to leave well alone – if it ain’t broken etc etc.

But MINI hasn’t earned its place at the motoring top table by playing things safe or standing still.

So they have taken the Countryman –a model that has served the brand so successfully – and made it better, much better.

And bigger, much bigger.

In fact, you have to give yourself a p-inch (for those still dealing in old money) when you first set eyes on it!

Hard to believe that the all-new MINI Countryman is only 13cm longer and 6cm taller than its predecessor, for this is a vehicle with a striking new identity and a real presence.

It owns the showroom in a way that is impossible to ignore, demanding attention and drawing you in for closer inspection. And when you do, expect to be blown away. There are no disappointments here. Still the same MINI Countryman in many ways, but so different in others. And so grown up.

Dominant and distinctive with chrome-free design elements, sleek and athletic elegance, but with the unmistakable MINI spirit. Robust and ready for adventure, count on its muscular SUV build whether on or off the beaten track.

No clutter or just-for-the-sake-of-it extras, just the handsome good looks, clean lines and striking appearance as before.

Inside there is definitely a sense of less is more, but nothing is missing.

A host of impressive features include a recycled fabric dashboard and a smaller (heated) steering wheel (to emphasise the go-kart feel) which is wrapped in attractive and sustainable Vescin upholstery, as are the ultra-comfortable seats.

Oh, and not forgetting the truly mind-

blowing OLED display.

This pizza size (240mm), one-of-a-kind, world-first, centre-piece is a genuine takeyour-breath-away stunner, not only looking great but housing everything you need to stay connected.

Serving as an instrument cluster as well as the infotainment and assistance hub, all features can be explored through this one focal point, via intuitive touch or voice control.

YOU CAN EVEN DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTO (PARTNER, PET, HOLIDAY SNAP OR WHATEVER) AS A PERSONAL SCREENSAVER AND ENJOY A BACK MASSAGE WHILE SETTING IT UP!

Let your mood transform the look and feel of the cockpit with a choice of eight MINI Experience Modes, each following its own individual creative design, ambient lighting and sound palette. You can even download your favourite photo (partner, pet, holiday snap or whatever) as a personal screensaver and enjoy a back massage while setting it up! A newly-designed toggle bar provides access to everything from parking brake and gears, to MINI Experience Modes, and much more, all within easy reach along with a host of multifunctional controls on the steering wheel.

Across the various models, much of it coming as ‘standard’, are the likes of LED headlights, auto air conditioning, cruise control, parking assistant, heated seats, cameras – including one inside, driver facing –head-up display, panoramic glass sunroof, wireless charging tray, roof rails and automatic tailgate, e-call and teleservices, Harmon Kardon sound system, electric seat adjustment with memory and MINI navigation.

Trust me that is just a brief overview of the selection of goodies provided, depending on the model you choose.

Talking of which – from the entry level ‘C’ (Classic) to the top-of-the-range ‘JCW’ (John Cooper Works), all are powered by lively petrol engines.

The 1.5 litre Classic comes with three cylinders, can zip from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and deliver 45.6mpg (combined).

The two-litre JCW comes with four cylinders, can fizz from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and deliver 36.2mpg (combined).

As for the drive? Every bit as good as you anticipate. Although bigger and carrying more of a punch, it remains a fun car, handles superbly, nippy around town and very comfortable on longer journeys.

Power, spontaneity and responsive steering make for an electrifying performance and, on the subject of electric, the new all-electric MINI Countryman is just around the corner.

Generous in size and highly versatile, there is ample room for five long-legged adults and up to 25 per cent more luggage space while ‘comfort access’ means you never need to go rustling to find your keys. This clever car automatically detects and verifies the key in pocket/bag and does the locking and unlocking without troubling you.

The all-new MINI Countryman is certainly a big deal, surely set to be one of the most sought-after cars of 2024.

As for demographic and identifying the perfect owner – well that’s a toughie. Hard to say who is best suited in terms of age, gender or need.

Oh, hang on, I’ve got it. Everyone. n

Bowker Blackburn MINI

Trident Way

Blackburn BB1 3NU 01254 274333

bowkerblackburnmini.co.uk

@BowkerMINI

@bowker_mini

@BowkerMINI

THIS PIZZA SIZE, ONE-OF-A-KIND, WORLD-FIRST, CENTRE-PIECE IS A GENUINE TAKE-YOUR-BREATH-AWAY STUNNER, NOT ONLY LOOKING GREAT BUT HOUSING EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO STAY CONNECTED

Be among the first.

DISCOVER THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC PORSCHE MACAN.

Ever the sports car of compact SUVs, the forthcoming all-electric Macan has harnessed its Porsche DNA to become even sportier and more efficient for everyday usability. Combining an imposing 639 PS with a powerful 100 kWh-battery it provides up to 367 miles of range*, and can be charged to 70% in 21 minutes**. Contact Porsche Centre Preston to learn more or register your interest for the launch.

Porsche Centre Preston

Centenary House

Watery Lane

Preston Lancashire, PR2 1QJ

01772 911 911

info@porschepreston.co.uk

www.porschepreston.co.uk

*Combined range (WLTP): 322 - 367 miles; electric range in urban areas (WLTP): 416 - 475 miles. Electrical consumption combined (model range): 20.7 - 18.8 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions combined (model range): 0 g/km. **Charging time for direct current (DC) with maximum charging power from 10% SoC to up to 80% SoC under optimal conditions (CCS fast charging station with > 320 kW, > 850 V, battery temperature 25°C and initial SoC 9%).

FOR COUNTY & COUNTRY

Professional cricketer Liberty

Heap is a former pupil of Stonyhurst College and is now travelling the world playing the sport she loves, writes Carol

Wilson

If someone had told a young Liberty Heap that she would grow up to become a professional cricketer she perhaps would not have believed them.

But the 20-year-old is living her dream, and thanks Stonyhurst College for the support

she received, allied to the progression of the women’s game over the last decade for making it all possible and putting her on a pathway to travel the world playing the game she loves for her county and country.

In the last couple of seasons, the Lancashire Thunder all-rounder has played in Dubai, South Africa, India and Oman and there are more overseas trips planned in preparation for the start of the 2024 campaign.

“We’ve got another pre-season tour coming up in a few weeks when we’re going to Dubai for a week and then on to Bangalore,” says Liberty, who made her England Under 19s debut in the ICC Under 19s Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. She was an ever-

present at the top of the batting order, scoring 149 runs en route to the final against India.

“We spent a month in total in South Africa and that was unbelievable. That’s been my favourite trip. At the end of last year I went to Oman on an England A training camp and that was an amazing experience too.

“That’s one of my favourite parts of the job, getting to go and explore other places and experience other cultures and food as well.

LAST YEAR

I WENT TO OMAN ON AN ENGLAND TRAINING CAMP AND THAT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE

“The important thing going somewhere new is making sure you’re respecting their culture and the way they go about their day to day life – we’d never want to go somewhere and be almost blind to that.”

But while the tourism element is a perk of the job, the main reason for such trips is to

enhance individual and team performance.

“Going out there in the heat and playing brings another element to the cricket, in terms of how you adapt to different conditions,” Liberty explains.

“Out of all the trips I’d probably say the U19s World Cup has been a highlight so far. Everything about it, even just down to the squad that was out there and the friends that I’ve made, I definitely made lifelong friends.

“The cricket was so enjoyable and it was also good to be involved in such a big event for women, but especially young ones.

“There are a lot more eyes on the professional women’s game, but that tournament managed to give younger players the chance to get used to a bit more spotlight and how they managed their performances under a bit more pressure.”

It was a special family occasion too as Liberty’s parents – mum Shelly and step-dad Ben, who captains Lancashire League side Lowerhouse, where Liberty cut her teeth in the men’s game – travelled out for the tournament.

OUT OF ALL THE TRIPS I’D PROBABLY SAY THE U19S WORLD CUP HAS BEEN A HIGHLIGHT SO FAR

“It’s one of the biggest tournaments I’ve played in so far, so the amount of travelling and stuff they’ve done over the years with me, they probably wanted to see that moment and it made it more special for me having them there as well,” says Liberty.

Liberty first picked up a cricket bat at the age of eight and has barely put it down since, but her dedication to the sport shows.

She was one of the top run-scorers in the country at regional and academy level for Thunder in recent seasons, with a number of half centuries to her name, leading to her progression to Thunder’s senior squad.

Her long-term goal is to play for England: “It’s definitely something I’m always trying to work towards. But I try not to fixate too much on that. They’re always looking at who’s the most in form at that point, who is best for us now? And that’s coming from a big group of talented players.”

She is determined to demonstrate her credentials at county level first and foremost.

“I’m hoping to make the starting XI. We’ve got a really competitive squad this year and I also think with the amount of fixtures we’ve got, it gives us room to try different squads and see what’s working. I want to have an impact with both the bat and the ball.”

Liberty is also aiming to give something back to Stonyhurst College: “I think I’m going back in to talk to some of the younger girls about cricket and perhaps doing some training with them,” says Liberty, who studied Technical Sport and Higher Level Business, and made history when she became the first female to captain the Stonyhurst cricket team.

“I had some really good staff helping me at Stonyhurst on both the cricket side and the education side as well, just making sure I was across everything.

“When I got into the Lancashire senior team it was obviously quite difficult to balance studying with all the training, but they were so good with me, helping me do that.

“I used to have to take two or three afternoons off per week to go and train and they were really helpful. I will definitely always appreciate that.” n

EVERY SENSE SERENADED…

Attracting national acclaim, the Michelin-starred Angel at Hetton, offers sixteen newly-refurbished luxury bedrooms to make it even harder to leave. In the company of award-winning owner-chef Michael Wignall, Kate Bowyer discovers seasonal taste, comfort and style are top of the menu

Tempted by praise from far and wide, my rumbling tummy allowed brief pause to appreciate The Angel’s exterior, standing solid since the 15th century. With its beautifully repointed stone, mellow sandy mullioned windows and long, low outline, it snuggles comfortably into the heart of the village like a traditional farmhouse barn.

Stepping inside, the sleek interior is light and roomy, with elements of relaxed Scandinavian minimalism. Soft muted tones allow wooden craftsmanship to shine, from the beams and pillars of its rural Dales heritage, to sleek furniture crafted from the burred trunks of mature oaks.

Driving here means regretfully I’ve got to decline one of the Angel’s renowned cocktails or signature gin, created with as much attention and carefully sourced ingredients as the food. Instead, I try not to let the best homemade bread and butter I have ever tasted distract me, as I talk to owner and chef Michael Wignall about the latest step in The Angel’s journey.

I TRY NOT TO LET THE BEST HOMEMADE BREAD AND BUTTER I HAVE EVER TASTED DISTRACT ME, AS I TALK TO OWNER AND CHEF MICHAEL WIGNALL ABOUT THE LATEST STEP IN THE ANGEL’S JOURNEY

“We always felt The Angel could be something special,” begins Michael, referencing his wife Johanna, who manages the hospitality team and the couple’s two lively youngsters. “With my previous experience, we were able to hit the ground running in terms of quality food, provenance

and menus when we opened in 2018. A more gradual journey, expanding our original nine bedrooms into a range of unique luxury accommodation has been a labour of love that’s turned out better than we dreamed.”

Michael’s modestly stated ‘previous experience’ includes gaining his first Michelin Star at Bolton Abbey’s Devonshire Arms. Moving south, where he met Johanna, he gained a further two stars for Surrey’s The Latymer restaurant at Pennyhill Park and then Devon’s Gidleigh Park. When friends and business partners alerted them that The Angel was coming up for sale, its potential and the chance to move his family back to the countryside he loved, was too much for Michael to resist.

Despite the logistics of planning, renovation and relocating with a two-year old, The Angel gained its Michelin Star within a year, followed by four AA Rosettes and numerous top restaurant awards. Putting Covid well behind them, it was awarded the Best Restaurant with Rooms in England for 2022/23, and also boasts five AA Gold Stars for accommodation. Tearing myself away from grazing, I take a tour.

“We wanted to celebrate the building’s character and quirks,” points out Michael. “After the refurbishment, we have sixteen ensuite doubles, suites, and studios, every one different, offering something unique and secret-feeling for each guest.”

Try as I might, this makes it impossible to pick a favourite room, with features including roll top baths, underfloor heated showers, four poster beds, private sitting

rooms, or an outdoor terrace. Finished and furnished to the highest standard, nice touches include those little home comforts you don’t always find. With two specially designed fully accessible rooms, and dogs welcome in several rooms as well as the main bar, it’s perfect for romantic (or foodie) escapes, to bigger family get-togethers and celebrations.

THE ANGEL GAINED ITS MICHELIN STAR WITHIN A YEAR, FOLLOWED BY FOUR AA ROSETTES. IT WAS AWARDED THE BEST RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS IN ENGLAND, AND ALSO BOASTS FIVE AA GOLD STARS FOR ACCOMMODATION

“We’re lucky to have several associated buildings, much like a traditional Yorkshire farm,” adds Michael, leading me across the forecourt to Fell View Barn and Sycamore Bank Cottage, who between them house six suites and three luxury studios. Stunning views over nearby Rylstone Fell and beyond make it the perfect base for fell walkers, or those of us who simply prefer to drink it

all in. Now I’m really regretting my decision just to pay a day visit.

It’s definitely given me an appetite, which back in the restaurant is thoroughly indulged with barbequed French white asparagus, morels, local wild garlic, spring garlic and a buttery, asparagus sauce. It’s a great example of the seasonal focus Michael brings to every perfectly balanced menu.

“I love being able to do that,” he confirms. “As well as our a la carte and tasting menus, we’ve brought in a five-course seasonal lunch menu, which reflects the best produce picked and cooked at exactly the right time of year. It’s gone down exceptionally well – people really like discovering the extra provenance and variety, as well as taste. I’ve even been known to change it every day, when certain ingredients are at their very best!”

As I regretfully drive away, I try not to brood that I could right now be relaxing in a copper bath looking out over the fells and contemplating my dinner. Let alone Michael’s sumptuous five-course tasting breakfast, included for all overnight guests: conceivably the perfect way to start the day. n

The Angel Inn

Back Lane, Hetton, Skipton BD23 6LT 01756 730263

reservations@angelhetton.co.uk

angelhetton.co.uk

FESTIVAL-STYLE MOBILE BAR

Hugely exciting but tiny in stature, a little Piaggio Ape mobile bar is joining an Italian-style hospitality business that has great food and good times at its heart

An iconic Italian Piaggio Ape is the latest addition to Bowbearers Pizza and Mobile Bar business. They recently took delivery of the little three-wheeler and named the mobile bar ‘The Mini Buck’, which is set to take partying and private entertaining to a whole new level.

The people behind Bowbearers are brother and sister duo Roland Parker and Eleanor Thorpe, who says: “Our little Piaggio attracts

lots of attention. It’s such good fun and really puts a smile on your face! We absolutely love it and hope to share the joy with everyone else too.”

Loving everything Italian, Roland and Eleanor run their hospitality business from the family home on the historic Browsholme Hall estate, which holds weddings along with corporate and private events in the beautiful, stone-built Tithe Barn.

IT’S SUCH GOOD FUN AND REALLY PUTS A SMILE ON YOUR FACE! WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT AND HOPE TO SHARE THE JOY WITH EVERYONE ELSE TOO

Their pizzas, cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven at the Tithe Barn, have become legendary so complementing this with an Italian mobile drinks bar was a natural next-step.

The Bowbearers Mini Buck can be hired for any event either for weddings at Browsholme or for a private party, a function or event at a

venue of your choice.

If you fancy a summer celebration in your garden? No problem! As long as you are located within 40 miles, you can get the party started with this mini-bar, which will definitely be the star of the show – it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser!

There are various hire options to choose from, as Eleanor explains: “You can stock the bar yourself and we provide the staff to serve, or we can stock the bar with bottles, kegs, fizz and wine from our boutique vineyard supplier in Italy, which really fits well with what we are doing.

“You can also mix and match – there are a few packages to choose from including a hospitality package and a pay-as-you-go option. But, if you want something different, we’re really flexible – just let us know and we’ll see what we can do.”

The Mini Buck, which can be decorated in

bunting and lighting, can be transported to your venue of choice on the back of a trailer and disembarked to park in a suitable space –there is a minimum space-size required to stretch its doors and for people to circulate. Ideally, power will be available plus if it’s a private function and a licence is needed, Bowbearers will help with that too – just make sure you book the Mini Buck in plenty of time! n

Bowbearers Pizza and Mobile Bar

01254 827160

enquiries@bowbearers.com

bowbearers.com

@Bowbearers

@theminibuckandpizzacompany

@minibuckandpizzac

A la carte, sandwich and salad menus available all days, except Sunday

Lunch Time Treats Menu: Wednesday to Saturday 12 – 2pm

Tea Time Treats Menu: Wednesday to Friday 6-7pm • £18 2 courses and £22 3 courses

Sunday Lunch:12 noon – 6.30pm • £28 2 courses and £35 3 courses

FOOD SERVING HOURS

Monday to Tuesday CLOSED

Wednesday to Saturday 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 8:30pm

Sunday – 12 noon to 6:30pm

COME AND JOIN US...

Outdoor seating area for drinks and food. 11 beautiful bedrooms also available from £100 per night bed and breakfast.

Booking recommended 01200 443339

THE BEST OF THE SEASON

With it’s laid-back, country pub ambience, the Rum Fox is a fabulous place to dine and now that spring has arrived, there’s an array of delicious, new seasonal dishes

Making the most of an array of first-class local produce, talented chef patron Bob Geldeard has created some stunning new spring dishes at the Rum Fox in Grindleton.

Since the pub opened just over year ago, diners have enjoyed a constantly evolving menu that Bob adapts to the seasons – selecting the best produce: “I tend to decide what’s on the menu each week when I know what’s available,” says Bob, who uses produce from nearby Eaves Hall Farm in the neighbouring village of West Bradford.

In the coming weeks diners can expect to find delicious new-season lamb, pork and a first at the Rum Fox, goat: “We will be trying goat for the first time,” adds Bob, who has a special Good Friday menu lined up.

“There will be a selection of fish specials on Good Friday – with top quality fish sourced from Wellgate Fisheries in Clitheroe and on Easter Sunday there will be traditional roast spring lamb.”

The spring menu at the Rum Fox is set to be a real hit with diners, who enjoy the everchanging lunchtime and evening offering, with dishes that are expertly presented and totally delicious!

“Native lobster with wild garlic butter will be back on the menu in later spring,” adds Bob, who was delighted recently when

the Rum Fox took the Best New Tourism Business Award at the Lancashire Tourism Awards: “We were very happy to be named as a winner, especially when you consider who we were competing against. There were some really prestigious names there.”

VISITORS CAN EXPECT TO MEET A NEW ADDITION AT THE RUM FOX –OTTO, THE PUB’S ADORABLE BLACK LABRADOR

With roaring fires, the décor at the pub is classic and welcoming – the cosy bar and garden room with views of Pendle Hill, are relaxed and dog-friendly and visitors can expect to meet a new addition at the Rum Fox –Otto, the pub’s adorable black Labrador: “We are a dog-friendly pub and they are welcome in the bar and garden room and we also like to see walkers, who maybe out in the spring

sunshine and wanting a stop-off point for a drink and midweek lunch.”

With its fabulous restaurant, relaxed and informal bar, the Rum Fox also has The Den –a wonderful private space that seats up to 12 people, for gatherings with friends and family or for corporate meetings with the added use of a large wall- mounted screen. n

To find out more about this wonderful addition to the Ribble Valley dining scene go to the website.

The Rum Fox Sawley Road, Grindleton Clitheroe BB7 4QS 01200 871691

info@therumfox.co.uk

therumfox.co.uk

Open all day – Wednesday to Sunday

Food served – Wednesday to Saturday 12noon - 2pm, 5.30pm - 8.30pm – Sundays 12noon - 4.30pm

DELICIOUS NEW VENTURE

With a passion for sustainable, local organic produce, Doug Crampton, former head chef at James Martin Manchester, has developed a stunning menu for Eight at Gazegill, writes Simon Smith

Acold wet and windy evening took us to see some old friends at Gazegill Organic Farm. Normally we would visit to buy some of the amazing home-grown organic farm produce from the long-established farm shop. The visits are always exciting with rare-breed pigs suckling umpteen new piglets and newly born calves with big soft eyes staring at you, all very content in

this non-intensive, organic environment. The concept of sustainable farming in the ancient meadows of rural Lancashire is very close to the hearts of Ian and Emma. They never stand still and have long dreamed of a farm-to-plate offering at Gazegill. They have, with boundless vision, enthusiasm and incredibly hard work, realised something that for most of us would have been an impossible dream.

They have created an amazing octagonal restaurant from the most beautiful green oak with panoramic views of the Pennine countryside and situated right at the heart of Gazegill! The name Eight was born from the eight sides of the octagon, which undoubtedly added to the stress of building this amazing space. While the building was a challenge,

they also had to find a chef whose passion for the concept was as great as their own. A chance encounter with Doug Crampton, former head chef at James Martin in Manchester, resulted in a meeting of minds –to create sustainable, local organic food and a chef with all the skills to bring this to the table.

We arrived at Eight to try out some of Doug’s dishes – ‘A Taste of Gazegill’ – and introducing himself, Doug outlined the important principle that the menu is designed around the produce available and not what chef wants to cook, irrespective of its environmental costs.

FERMENTED POTATO FLATBREAD SERVED WITH RAW CULTURED BUTTER WAS FULL OF LUXURIOUS FLAVOURS AND TEXTURE!

We started the evening with a fermented potato flatbread served with organic raw cultured butter. It may not sound great but it was full of luxurious flavours and texture. Accompanying the flatbread was a plate of baby beetroot, each cooked in a different way, served with a raw milk curd, variegated kale and quince. This was a cornucopia of flavour and texture and was so pretty on the plate it was a shame to eat it! I normally dislike kale but I would go back to eat Doug’s version as it was divine!

Our final starter, forager chipolatas, featuring pork reared just minutes away and seasoned with foraged herbs from the surrounding countryside, brought back flavours from my childhood. I don’t know if that was intentional, but these succulent little sausages were irresistible.

A hill farm in Lancashire must be synonymous with lamb and a ‘Celebration of Gazegill Organic Lamb’ perfectly demonstrated the principle of wasting nothing. The haysmoked saddle was cooked to perfection, juicy and moist, with the delicate smokiness

complementing the wonderful taste of a lamb reared out on the hillside. Ian said he had made the hay the previous year and claimed that was the reason for the gorgeous flavour!

ACCOMPANYING THE LAMB WAS A TASTY, BLACK GARLIC KETCHUP, HOMEGROWN ARTICHOKE AND TO MY MIND A STAR DISH, LAMB FAT POTATO TERRINE

The confit shoulder had been incorporated into a donut bun – you have to try these as they were scrumptious, as were the faggot croquettes, which had been made using parts of the lamb which may otherwise get wasted. Eat them and you realise what we may have been missing! Accompanying the lamb, was a tasty black garlic ketchup, which perfectly complemented the dishes, home grown artichoke and to my mind, a star dish was

the lamb fat potato terrine – a wonderful flavour indeed.

For dessert a classic custard tart with rich, raw milk from the farm, home-made parkin and from just over the border, Yorkshireman Doug sneaked in new-season rhubarb with that unique, lovely tangy flavour.

Eight at Gazegill will open for brunch, lunch and dinner on 9th March and will evolve its menus and services. Based on our tasting experience, it will be one of the finest places to eat in the area – it was delicious and stunning. n

Eight at Gazegill

Gazegill Organics

Dancer Lane

Clitheroe BB7 4EE

01200 445519

eightatgazegill.co.uk

SPRINGTIME TREAT

Located in the heart of the Forest of Bowland, Gibbon Bridge is a relaxed rural haven with fabulous food and a tempting new spring menu

The idyllic retreat that is the Gibbon Bridge has a tranquil, laid-back vibe that invites visitors to drop in, enjoy a glass of fizz and nibbles in the cosy bar or a sandwich or sharing board on the terrace overlooking the beautiful grounds.

With amazing gardens as the backdrop, this delightful hotel and restaurant has launched a menu to celebrate the arrival of spring and all the wonderful, fresh local produce that goes with it. So, get set to enjoy some classic favourites, small plates to savour with drinks and dishes that feature produce from the hotel’s market garden.

The Gibbon Bridge is all about delicious food and wonderful, friendly service and with a plot to plate ethos, head chef Gary

Buxton is spoilt for choice when it comes to super-fresh local produce.

The on-site bakery remains an integral part of the hotel and its innovative menus, making all the bread, pastries and mouthwatering desserts including ice-cream, jams and chutneys.

VISITORS CAN ARRIVE AT ANY TIME AND ENJOY NIBBLES WITH DRINKS OR A DELICIOUS DISH FROM THE NEW AFTERNOON SPRING MENU. FOR WALKERS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS, THIS IS A RELAXED DINING EXPERIENCE

The menus are constantly reviewed in order to keep things vibrant and interesting and the spring menu is no exception.

On the great-value Afternoon Menu visitors can arrive at any time and enjoy nibbles including sticky chipolatas with a honey and oregano glaze and crisp haddock goujons, there are meat and seafood sharing boards

and a selection of sandwiches too.

Main courses at Gibbon Bridge include their legendary duck along with other local meat and tasty fish dishes and desserts on the menu are to die for! They include lemon meringue roulade with lemon meringue ice-cream, warm sunken chocolate cake and if you fancy something savoury a local Lancashire cheeseboard.

While favourite classics remain, the spring line-up sees a new approach, so whether you’re dining inside or out in one of the hidden, tucked-away spots in the garden, this is a relaxed dining experience with no rush to leave.

With forthcoming events planned, check the Gibbon Bridge website where you will find more details and special offers to stay.

And, as one of the region’s most prestigious wedding venues, Gibbon Bridge also offers bespoke packages – the team will be delighted to give you a tour of the hotel and grounds. n

Gibbon Bridge Hotel & Restaurant

Green Lane

Chipping, Preston PR3 2TQ

01995 61456

gibbon-bridge.co.uk

MAGICAL MINI BREAKS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

MAGICAL MINI BREAKS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

One of our favourite things that our guests say, is that when they think of Gilpin, they think of love and laughter – ours, and theirs, which is such a lovely compliment. At the heart of Gilpin is a passionate family and team, dedicated to creating lasting memories for our guests, who return time and again for romance, celebrations and escapes. For us, hospitality starts with a very warm welcome and ends with a friendly goodbye, with extraordinary service, exquisite décor, beautiful spa experiences, and stunning culinary experiences in our restaurants – the Michelin Starred SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel and the Michelin listed pan Asian Gilpin Spice.

One of our favourite things that our guests say, is that when they think of Gilpin, they think of love and laughter – ours, and theirs, which is such a lovely compliment. At the heart of Gilpin is a passionate family and team, dedicated to creating lasting memories for our guests, who return time and again for romance, celebrations and escapes. For us, hospitality starts with a very warm welcome and ends with a friendly goodbye, with extraordinary service, exquisite décor, beautiful spa experiences, and stunning culinary experiences in our restaurants – the Michelin Starred SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel and the Michelin listed pan Asian Gilpin Spice. CELEBRATE

MASTERING THE ART OF COFFEE

From planting a coffee tree to barista training, Blue Cherry Coffee’s journey to perfection ends in your cup.

Whether it’s an essential pick-me-up or an affordable indulgence, a great cup of coffee has the power to transform your day. Meet Chris Tattersall, the visionary behind Blue Cherry Coffee, who is dedicated to making the quest for the perfect cup more accessible throughout the region.

Blue Cherry Coffee specialises in providing everything necessary for a diverse range of businesses to establish and offer coffee services. This includes coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, farm shops, universities, leisure centres and offices.

Chris, the founder, transitioned from working as a barista during his university days to entering the world of wholesale and supply. He honed his expertise in roasting, blending and tasting high-quality specialty graded coffees. With three decades of experience, he understands the profound impact a great cup of coffee can have on your day.

Teaming up with his longtime friend

and business partner, Joseph Lanzante, Chris leveraged their skills, experience and connections to create a comprehensive trade supplier. Interestingly, their journey began over a cup of coffee!

“We cover everything related to coffee, from the machine to the bean,” explains Chris. “Once we understand the specifics of the operation’s type and size, we handle the entire setup process. Our machines come with a fully installed three-year parts and labour warranty. We don’t just supply coffee,

we also offer ancillary products such as cups, sugar and a variety of teas.”

From planting a coffee tree to the first crop, all the way to your cup, the journey takes six years. However, a barista can either perfect or ruin that process in just six seconds! Chris emphasises continuous support for customers through barista training to ensure the perfection of their coffee in every cup.

WE COVER EVERYTHING RELATED TO COFFEE, FROM THE MACHINE TO THE BEAN

When it comes to coffee, Blue Cherry Coffee specialises in 100 per cent Arabica specialty grade coffee sourced from four renowned coffee-growing regions worldwide. Chris insists on supplying it in compostable packaging, promoting minimal waste for maximum taste.

For a complimentary tasting demonstration, contact Chris to arrange a session. You can even challenge him to a blind tasting with your current coffee.

Now featured in restaurants and coffee shops, simply keep an eye out for the distinctive Blue Cherry sign. Here’s to raising a cup to that! n

Blue Cherry Coffee 07803 816138

chris@bluecherrycoffee.co.uk

bluecherrycoffee.co.uk

@bluecherrycoffee

Photography: Kirsten Platt

TOP FIFTY…

This year’s prestigious Estrella Damm list has seen a number of well known establishments gain extensive praise and recognition

The distinguished Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list is always eagerly anticipated by the hospitality industry and this year it included some notable destinations in the Ribble Valley and a little further afield.

The Parkers Arms, the Freemasons, the Angel at Hetton and White Swan at Fence were all placed in the top 30 while the Cartford Inn, the Coach & Horses at Boltonby-Bowland and the Three Fishes at Mitton were all mentioned.

The Parkers Arms at Newton-in-Bowland, which rose to the top of the list in 2023, was overtaken by the Unruly Pig in Suffolk, which took this year’s number one slot.

The Parkers, which took seventh slot this year, has maintained a position on the list for several years and in 2017 was awarded Highest Climber after shooting up 35 places from 48th to 13th. Then in 2020 it sprung into seventh place before climbing to fourth

2021.

THE FOOD HERE IS HONEST, PUTTING FLAVOUR AND EXPERIENCE ABOVE ALL ELSE, WHICH SHOULD ALWAYS BE THE CASE. THIS IS A TRUE GASTROPUB, TAKING PRIDE IN THE LOCAL PRODUCE

This year the judges said: “The food here is honest, putting flavour and experience above all else, which should always be the case. This is a true gastropub, taking pride in the local produce.”

The food at the Freemasons at Wiswell, which came ninth in this year’s list, was likened to the ‘experimental meeting traditional’ and the judges said of chef Steve Smith: “Smith fuses locally sourced ingredients and his love of the classics with wild, sharp world flavours. In the hands of a lesser chef it could so easily go wrong but Smith pulls it off with professionalism and gusto.”

Michelin-star chef Michael Wignall heads up the Angel at Hetton, which came 13th this year. Just over the border in Yorkshire, it has for many years been a popular destination for Ribble Valley foodies.

The Michelin-starred White Swan at Fence, was described as ‘a very special place indeed serving some of the very best food in the region’.

The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards are voted for by the hospitality industry meaning the highly acclaimed venues on the list have been recognised as being the best in the business by the most influential people.

As well as the core one to 50 list of the best pubs, a 51-100 list was introduced in 2019 which further highlights culinary excellence within the industry. n

top50gastropubs.com

in

In 2022 the pub sat in second place, climbing to the top spot in 2023.

BRINDLE DISTILLERY • HOLMES FARM • NR. CHORLEY

•

•

•

A TASTE OF ITALY

Calling all trade operators, distributors, retailers and food service companies! The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) will be at the International Food & Drink Event at the London’s ExCel centre this March and welcome you to go along

The International Food and Drink Event (IFE) is fast approaching at the ExCel centre and this year ITA will be showcasing an impressive line-up of 36 fantastic companies ready to shed light on the variety, heritage, quality and value of Italian agrifood products.

ITA is the governmental agency that supports the business development of our companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy. Using the most modern multi-channel promotion and communication tools, it acts to assert the excellence of ‘Made in Italy’ in the world.

Their London office operates across the UK and Republic of Ireland, organising and participating in numerous promotional initiatives for Italian SMEs such as The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, the ‘Real Italian Food and Wine’ exhibition, Plant-Based World Expo Europe, Imbibe, Borsa Vini Londra, Borsa Vini Dublino, and of course the IFE. The office is particularly committed to helping Italian companies by providing specific assistance through its Brexit helpdesk, fully cooperating with British institutions on Brexit-related issues.

ITA’s pavilion at this year’s IFE will take visitors across the whole country showcasing specialities from Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Umbria, Lazio down to Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Apulia, Basilicata and Sicily.

The products on display include classic Italian charcuterie, hard and soft cheeses, coffee beans, pods and capsules, pasta, rice, baked products and patisserie, gluten free dry products, sweet and savoury sauces, spreads and jams, olive oils, vinegars, condiments, preserves, canned products, ready-made and frozen meals, fresh produce, truffles and olives.

The appeal towards Made in Italy products is ever present in the UK and it’s an interest that goes beyond just London, which is renowned for love and appreciation for Italian products, dishes and beverages. The curiosity that Italian produce evokes is also enjoyed in other UK cities and regions where the desire to savour and gain

a deeper understanding about the culture and heritage of Italian food and drink is in demand.

ITA has a packed event line up for the rest of 2024 in the agrifood and beverage sectors. On the 30th April, they’ll be taking part in the ‘Real Italian Wine and Food’ with a cohort of companies from Confartigianato. The following month on the 1st and 2nd of July, they’re organising ‘Bar all’Italiana’ at the Imbibe exhibition, the leading event for the UK drinks industry.

FROM THE 25TH TO THE 27TH MARCH, ITA IS INVITING FOOD AND WINE BUSINESS OPERATORS TO THE INTERNATIONAL FOOD & DRINK EVENT AT THE EXCEL CENTRE IN LONDON AT STANDS 2011, 2031, 2051, 2071, 2081

One of the ITA’s yearlong projects and marketing campaigns will be in collaboration with the Italian sector association ‘Assica’ –the representative body of the Italian companies producing cured meats and products derived from other meat preparations. The aim is to develop the understanding, curiosity and demand of the UK market towards the highest quality Italian meatderived treats. Look out for promotional activities in Cardiff and Manchester. n While the countdown for the long-awaited International Food and Drink Event has well and truly begun, why not familiarise yourself with the 36 exhibitors in ITA’s pavilion, by emailing: londra@ice.it.

ife.co.uk

ice.it/en

DINING DALES IN THE

WE COOK – YOU CARVE

The Black Bull is introducing some new elements to its legendary dining experience and as always, they are innovative and done with enthusiasm and passion, writes Tedd Walmsley

My meeting with Becky and her team had to be postponed due to a last-minute lunch booking –for 75 people! Blackburn Rovers Football Club thought a bonding session meal was in order and gave Becky just 18 hours to create and execute a healthy menu, re-work the entire restaurant and have the right number of staff in place. “No problem,” was her reply to the organiser and this to me typifies the spirit, commitment and passion of the whole team, to get stuck in and make it happen.

February saw a fantastic midweek wedding at The Bull, which once again illustrated their innovation. They have scrapped the prescriptive style wedding packages and invite the wedding party to the pub for a one-to-one so the venue can be viewed and

arranged in a style to suit the couple. Their wedding dreams can be created in a bespoke style with just about anything possible with sufficient notice. There is a definite market for

THE BLACK BULL ‘PRIORITY CLUB’ REWARDS THE LOYALTY OF REGULAR DINERS WITH A RANGE OF DISCOUNTED FOOD

AND DRINK

this unique cosy pub-style occasion and the service and welcome will be second to none.

Looking at the images from that recent wedding, I’m sure the happy couple created a unique and unforgettable wedding day at the Bull. The pub is of course frequently

used for other events and celebrations and proving extremely popular – there’s a host of baby showers, anniversaries, birthdays and wakes already in the diary. I suggest you call to arrange an appointment to discuss your individual needs.

New for 2024 is the Black Bull ‘Priority Club’ which rewards the loyalty of so many regular diners with a range of discounted food and drink vouchers to make dining even more affordable. This is free membership and a really great idea! The vouchers are downloaded to your inbox by mail and refreshed every two months and unsurprisingly, I’ve already become a member – just visit the website to join!

One of the most successful days of the week is Sunday, where early booking is essential particularly for larger groups. Not content with serving some of the best roasts in the Ribble Valley they’ve recently introduced a new concept ‘we cook you carve’ – succulent beef, juicy mouth-watering chickens and slow cooked crispy pork belly is served with

the customary selection of classic vegetable accompaniments and of course, no roast dinner would be complete without the legendary Yorkshire puddings and gravy. They do of course still offer individual roast dinners and their Bull classics.

With Easter weekend just around the corner Becky is preparing for a busy weekend with Easter Sunday surely a highlight. Booking for this will be absolutely essential and on the website there is already a well thought through menu to pre-select to help you and the team through that day. The whole Easter weekend looks fantastic, and I’d urge you to check the website or social media for all the latest details. With summer on the horizon there will be plenty of fun events at the Bull –watch out for a Spritz Party on 8th June, which is also World Gin Day, a Caribbean Christmas will be held on the last weekend of July when schools finish for summer and on August Bank Holiday watch out for Bull Fest!

The Bull has a new head chef Nick Evans who’s joined the team with an impressive CV and vast experience. You can already see the creativity and flair on the plate of many of the new specials and he will oversee the development of a new menu whilst maintaining the Bull’s incredibly high standards.

There is no doubt in my mind that the hospitality sector is facing a tough challenge in 2024. However, the determination and innovation shown by the whole team at the Bull gives them a standout position in the Ribble Valley in an already very competitive market. With new additions to the already burgeoning food scene, it’s vitally important that our experience as consumers is first rate every time. The three main elements to me are, superb food, served with a smile and in an atmosphere that makes you feel welcome and not wanting to leave. In my view the Black Bull has this off to a tee! Let’s support these hardworking, charismatic people by visiting in the very near future. n

WEDDING DREAMS CAN BE CREATED IN A BESPOKE STYLE WITH JUST ABOUT ANYTHING POSSIBLE

Old Langho Road, Old Langho BB6 8AW 01254 248801

enquiries@theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk

Photography: Aimee Rose Weddings

The Black Bull

DATE WITH DESTINY

A chance meeting over a quiet pint, led to the perfect match between an award-winning chef and an award-winning gastropub. Kate Bowyer talks fate, destiny and delicious dining with Nick Evans, the new head chef at the Black Bull

Starting as a coaching inn in 1555, the handsome stone-built Black Bull in Old Langho, still offers irresistible temptations for the passing traveller and dedicated foodie alike.

One such foodie is chef Nick Evans, who has spent 30 years’ working between North Yorkshire and Lancashire, including five years living in neighbouring Salesbury, while head chef at Michelin-starred Northcote.

“Two years ago, I was having great fun taking a little gastropub in mid-Wales, near where I grew up, from nowhere to number 30 in the UK’s top gastropubs,” says Nick. “But myself and my wife, Charlotte, sorely missed the countryside, walks and our good friends up here.”

Moving back up north last December, Nick popped into ‘a nearby pub’ for a pint and became enchanted, by the Black Bull’s lovely, flagged floors, exposed stone walls and soaring original beams.

Nick, settles into a cosy booth next to a roaring fire and explains what happened next: “I bumped into Gordon Cartwight, whom

I’d worked with over many years in previous chapters, and who is now the Black Bull’s general manager. A couple of pints later, I’d been offered the job as head chef – total serendipity.”

WE ARE PUTTING THE BLACK BULL AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE RIBBLE VALLEY’S REPUTATION AS A DESTINATION FOR EXCEPTIONAL FOOD

It has also proved the perfect culinary match, with the Bull’s authentic pub classics, given a refreshing modern twist, garnering many loyal fans and awards, including Pub of the Year finalist at the 2023 Great British Pub Awards.

“My goal is to build on the Bull’s strengths –a great dining experience with a superb choice of locally sourced dishes, like our legendary Sunday sharing boards,” says Nick. “We are putting the Black Bull at the forefront of the Ribble Valley’s reputation as a destination for

exceptional food, service and atmosphere.”

Nick has even taken inspiration from his own unconventional, job interview: “As a firm believer in seasonality, I’m connecting with local suppliers, such as Giles Shaw at Wellgate Fisheries in Clitheroe. He popped in for Sunday lunch, and now he’s our fishmonger, buying the best fresh fish direct from the Fleetwood quayside for us. Fantastic!”

Surrounded by rolling hills, I can see why the Black Bull’s large garden terrace was the only Lancashire eatery to be named in OpenTable’s Top 100 best outdoor dining pubs 2023. With no need for pets to stay outside, the Bull is also enthusiastically dog-friendly, including an exclusive doggy menu, another enticement for Nick, Charlotte and their Labradoodle, Hamilton.

Not that I need further encouragement to return – there’s a roasted seabass fillet on the menu with my name on it. n

Old

enquiries@theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk

theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk

The Black Bull

Served

Victor Yu is an icon in the cookery world, his restaurant Yu was voted Best Chinese Restaurant in the World by none other than Gordon Ramsay! Victor honed his skills at first under his accomplished father, Charlie Yu, and then working alongside many other world-renowned chefs.

The reputation of Yu Copster Green is amazing and the food is truly sensational –all orchestrated by Victor.

The opportunity to have a chef of Victor’s status coming to your home to prepare a menu designed by him exclusively for you and your friends, or maybe even a corporate event seems almost unbelievable, but now it is possible! Victor and a small, specially selected team will come to your home and prepare a meal that is ultimately memorable!

We were delighted for Victor to host such an event in our home for 11 guests all excited to be in the presence of such a lovely, talented man. The process started with Victor checking the facilities available in our kitchen so he

TRULY SENSATIONAL

Simon Smith was delighted to experience renowned chef Victor Yu cook for him and his guests at home

could bring along any equipment he needed. We decided to let Victor make all the decisions for us as we wanted to have something special that perhaps we wouldn’t have had at Yu. As Victor pointed out when chatting to us, the choice is yours, it can be Chinese fine dining or, equally superb, your favourites from the restaurant – or mix and match.

Victor also enquired about allergies and our gluten-free guest was accommodated seamlessly.

ROYAL PEKING DUCK –A THINLY SLICED BREAST OF MAGICALLY SPICED TENDER DUCKLING, TOPPED WITH CAVIAR AND SERVED WITH HOISIN, CUCUMBER AND STEAMED PANCAKES

Victor’s team of four included the wonderful Alex a mixologist, who very attentively looked after our guests’ drinks and crafted us a delicious welcome drink based on Swedish vanilla vodka, Cointreau and fizz which was absolutely delightful.

Our amazing dinner started with traditional prawn crackers and delicious spring rolls, while we chatted in eager anticipation.

The starter, premium Orkney diver scallops were served simply, but perfectly with chilli and soy in a shell, sweet succulent and delicious.

From the menu we expected crispy duck,

but what we got was Royal Peking duck –a thinly sliced breast of magically spiced tender duckling, topped with caviar and served with hoisin, cucumber and steamed pancakes. This was an amazing dish, the caviar complementing the duck perfectly, a truly royal dish indeed!

A little rest followed with excited chatter among our guests, wines and water topped up discreetly by Alex – it really did feel very special.

A main course of the most tender fillet of beef, succulent and accompanied by Victor’s ‘master stock’ sauce, Shitake mushroom and egg fried rice, was simply perfection on a plate! Victor explained that the master stock is continually added to as time goes by to provide a continuity of complex and truly amazing flavours.

To round off a superb evening toffee apples and ice cream, perhaps not traditionally Chinese, but wow, they were gorgeous!

The team can cook for 10 to 12 people (minimum 10) and the deal includes a welcome drink, glassware, plates, napkins, chopsticks and menus and of course, the lovely staff and the enigmatic Victor Yu. A night we will remember for a long time –thank you guys. n

Yu Copster Green

500 Longsight Road, Copster Green BB1 9EU 01254 240665 yucopstergreen.co.uk

SEAFOOD

FILLET SEA BASS, GINGER, SPRING ONION £18.95

SALT & PEPPER CHILLI

CRISPY

HONEY

SALT

VEGETABLE

1/4 CRISPY DUCK, PANCAKES, CUCUMBER & HOI SIN SAUCE

CHARLIE

SPECIAL

SPECIAL

CHICKEN

CHICKEN

CHICKEN SWEET

CHICKEN

SATAY CHICKEN £11.95

CRISPY CHILLI CHICKEN £11.95

SALT & PEPPER CHICKEN £11.95

BEEF

FILLET BEEF CANTONESE £17.50

FILLET STEAK BLACKBEAN WITH MIXED PEPPERS £17.50

FILLET STEAK SATAY £17.50

CRISPY CHILLI STEAK £17.50

spots, mind. On the topic of giant puffball mushrooms, I asked: “Where do you even find these?” and she simply responded with a knowing smile. Some top chefs have tried to convince her to let them go out foraging together, even blindfolded! But she won’t be swayed – sustainability is key when it comes to foraging and you have to keep one eye on the future so we can continue to enjoy the fruits of nature’s larder.

OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE YORKSHIRE FORAGER, WHAT SHE DOESN’T KNOW ABOUT FUNGHI OR WHERE TO FIND THE BEST SWEET WOODRUFF ISN’T WORTH KNOWING

Back to her roots

Alysia’s foraging journey began when her grandad was a child in Poland, long before there were ‘how to’ guides. “He would have picked it up off his mum or his dad and so on and so on and it goes through history,”

FROM MUSHROOMS TO MICHELIN STAR MENUS

Writer Lucy Bale caught up with Yorkshire lass Alysia Vasey on all things foraging, TV appearances and rubbing shoulders with some of the best chefs in the country

Alysia told me her story of how she went from walking around the Yorkshire countryside as a child on the weekends foraging with her family, to building her reputation with restaurants across the UK and further afield. Otherwise known as The Yorkshire Forager, what she doesn’t know about funghi or where to find the best Sweet Woodruff isn’t worth knowing! Not that she’ll divulge her secret

she says. She reminisces of when her mum would drop her off at her nana’s on a Friday night and pick her back up on a Sunday, after spending a weekend on the Yorkshire Moors picking berries and mushrooms with her grandad. “I’ve got a picture, a really nice picture of me picking mushrooms with my brother when I was about, I don’t know, eight or nine, something like that,” she tells me.

“That’s who I was and who I became and it’s been a massive, massive journey. You have to live it. You have to absolutely live it.” For Alysia, foraging is much more than a passion, it’s a way of life and that is evident in the work she has gone on to achieve as a botanicals’ expert and renowned wild food consultant.

Making a proper go of it

So how did Alysia come to be the household name amongst chefs that she is today? “You know, where I’m at now you can’t really believe it sometimes,” she adds, “You don’t start off thinking about that. You knew from day one that you were never going to get rich picking weeds for a living, right?”

She tells me, that back in 2012: “I was on a nerdy mushroom website. You know, where people posted pictures of mushrooms and I posted a picture of some giant puffballs.”

Before she knew it, someone had called her asking for some giant puffballs and 500kg of wild garlic…to be available in three days’ time. “Then he asked me for another lot for Saturday and I thought: ‘I can make a living out of this.’”

AT FIRST SHE WAS THE ‘FORAGER LADY’ WHO ROCKED UP AT RESTAURANTS WITH A ‘BASKET OF WEEDS’, CONVINCING CHEFS WHY THEY SHOULD USE HER FRESHLY PICKED PRODUCE

Rather than supplying someone to schlep it down to Covent Garden, Alysia decided to do it herself much closer to home at Smithfield Market, in Manchester, as she recalls saying to herself: “I can actually do this.” It wasn’t an overnight success and it certainly wasn’t easy. She tells me: “I’d say probably one in five days, you might come across something that was worthwhile. It was hard work, you know, and you were stuck on barbed wire, you were nettled to death. Yeah, it was brutal. Sometimes when I look back, I think I must have been absolutely crazy, but I was just so into it.”

At first she was the ‘forager lady’ who rocked up at restaurants with a ‘basket of weeds’, convincing chefs why they should use her freshly picked produce. Over the years, the dynamic changed to chefs calling her up explaining who they were and why they wanted to work with her.

She remembers when Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens first called her: “Some chap calls me and he says: ‘Is there any chance that you could supply my new restaurant?’ I said: ‘Yes, what’s your email address?’ He says: ‘It’s Tom Aikens, that’s A-I-K…’” Her encyclopaedic knowledge and enthusiasm to educate has earnt her respect in top kitchens, which has led to her supporting Michelin starred chefs on the processes needed to incorporate wild food into their Michelin starred menus – and a resident slot with James Martin!

James Martin and more…

Now in her fifth year of appearances on ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning, she jokes: “I love him dearly but I say to him sometimes: ‘God I’d just like to get a week away from you!’” One minute she’s on the show with someone ‘mega famous’ and the next she’s back home, cooking tea and rooting round the fridge.

She praises James for his passion for food and the platform he has given her, opening doors to lots of other opportunities. Alysia already

has a book (The Yorkshire Forager) and a gin. Now on the way is a new cookbook and a social media channel with a fantastic company called Found. She tells me: “There’s a lot of other stuff coming up this year. It’s going to be a massive year for me.” Watch this space! It was impossible not to be blown away by Alysia’s knowledge. Every time she’s on James’ show she not only educates the viewers, but James himself. I asked Alysia for her top tips when it comes to foraging: “My top tips would always be: one – take antihistamines out with you. Two – go on a foraging course if you can and three – the most important thing is don’t try and make what you find fit what you want it to be.” So, make sure you buy a few books on what’s what if you fancy a Sunday day trip foraging in the moors! n

yorkshireforagers.co.uk

The Yorkshire Forager, A Wild Food Survival Journey, is published by Headline May.

DANDY’S STORY

Originally from the Netherlands, sculptor Marjan Wouda is behind a new work that is set to be installed in Clitheroe town centre.

The two-metre high, blackened stainless steel sculpture is of a large dog named Dandy – the ‘familiar’ spirit of James Device from Malkin Tower, Pendle.

Having lived in Lancashire since 2000, Marjan has always been fascinated by local folklore and the story of the Pendle witches: “We are all born storytellers. Through stories

we make sense of the world and we connect with others. For me, the best and by far most interesting story we have here in Lancashire is that of the Pendle witches.

“I approached this story from a new angle, by looking at the account given by James Device in which he speaks of a black dog named Dandy, that comes to him offering power when he felt he had none,” explains Marjan, who has exhibited her work around the world. From Hong Kong to New Zealand, to Europe, the Caribbean and the USA, it is spread far and wide and is well respected. Royal Academician, Sir Kyffin Williams, described Wouda as, ‘Someone whose work is indeed true sculpture.’

Closer to home we can discover her sculptures outside, back in the places where they most resonate, in the natural landscape, parks and towns. Her work serves as the most democratic of art forms – it is freely accessible to everyone in all seasons, all weathers and throughout the day.

Marjan has imagined Dandy as a strange and imposing creature. He peers round at us. Is he friend or foe? What is he looking at and what is his intent? Arresting and mysterious, he takes us to a world where people believed in familiar spirits.

THE SCULPTURE WILL PRESENT OUR TOWN AS A PLACE OF HISTORY, CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION

Residents and businesses throughout the Ribble Valley have been supporting a crowdfunding campaign at spacehive.com which also aims to attract significant backing from the Lancashire Culture & Sport Fund to secure the sculpture for the town, to fund an education pack for local schools and publicity material for tourists.

Booths supermarket has offered a great location for the sculpture and has set aside

A prestigious sculpture reflecting the region’s history and folklore is set to be installed in Clitheroe

Photography: Fish2Photography

£5,000 towards the installation.

Sir Edwin Booth says: “My family has a history in Lancashire stretching back over 200 years and we value the heritage of our county. It is our hope that the story of Dandy will provide interest and enjoyment to local families and visitors to Clitheroe.”

Lucy Greenhalgh, president of Clitheroe’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce, sees great potential for the high street to benefit economically from this piece of public art: “I believe that this will create a buzz, attract visitors and add to pride of place. We are so beautifully located here in this historic location in the shadow of Pendle Hill and we have every reason to be linked to this important story. The sculpture will present our town as a place of history, creativity and imagination.”

Clitheroe Town Council is also backing the project along with other local businesses including Houldsworth solicitors: “I am happy to say that we would love to back this project,

as it is going to be a wonderful centrepiece for not only Clitheroe, but for the Ribble Valley as a whole,” says John Houldsworth.

DANDY’S STORY ULTIMATELY BELONGS HERE IN VIEW OF PENDLE HILL. IT IS WHERE IT RESONATES MOST STRONGLY

Local storyteller Simon Entwistle welcomed the project: “This is, to my knowledge, the only public sculpture representing a familiar. The belief that ‘cunning folk’ were assisted

by a spiritual creature in the form of a man or an animal, is key to the Pendle witches story, and representing this in the form of a sculpture is a wholly original way of engaging people with it.”

Katherine Rodgers, Arts Development Officer for Ribble Valley Borough Council adds: “To have a new sculpture of this quality in Clitheroe town centre by a respected artist will be great. By investing in this cultural project, we will be able to enhance the future visitor experience of the town.”

Dandy, which is currently on view in Wyresdale Park in the Forest of Bowland, is expected to be installed and unveiled in Clitheroe in May. Marjan concludes: “Dandy’s story ultimately belongs here in view of Pendle Hill. It is where it resonates most strongly.” n

spacehive.com/clitheroestory

Photography: Fish2Photography

Photography: Fish2Photography

GOOD READ

Lauren Molyneux reviews a collection of short stories that work their magic on the reader

THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Jen Campbell

‘In the beginning there were several worlds. They were sewn together like the pages of a book you could walk through and each footstep took you through to another world.’

The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night is a collection of stories. Some are ghost stories, some are inventive retellings of haunting fairytales. Some deliver unexpected magic in the mundane, and some present a perfect world and then reveal it for what it is. Whichever story you choose to read, and in whichever order you read it, the one thing that all these stories promise in equal measure, is that you will be changed after you’ve been exposed to them.

From heart transplants that guarantee a person’s love, to coffin hotels where one can go and spend the night with Death, from colourful ghosts captured in jars and sold to the highest bidder, to 3am pillow conversations about life, the universe, beginnings and endings, The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night captures an array of fascinating fictional moments, spanning time, worlds and realities and sweeping through at pace to deliver something that is truly magical, intriguing and other-worldly. Spending time with this collection of stories is like looking at the world through a frosted pane of glass — the colours are vibrant and lively, but the image is slightly, wistfully distorted.

The collection’s title story is its greatest triumph. Profound in its mere 24 pages, it offers warmth, comfort, familiarity and reassurance while also playfully musing over philosophical challenges, tackling big concepts, little concepts and a whole conceptual arrangement in between. Dripping with emotion, it hits the heart and creates sparks in the imagination, resulting in a tear-jerking collection that is both entertaining and entirely unique.

Jen Campbell’s beautiful short stories offers all the lessons we can learn from myth and legend, modified, modernised and made ten times more impactful. In her expert retellings, the magic and draw of familiar fairytales mingles with the uncanny and macabre of the unknown, with each microcosm connected by the very act of storytelling. With death, sexuality, psychology, religion and representation as recurring themes throughout, natural and animal connections are explored as a form of rekindled witchcraft with her words, ultimately leaving readers reflecting on what it means to be a woman and what it means to be human. n

ANDREI PROTSOUK

Longridge Gallery is excited to be showcasing a number of original and signed limited edition pieces by Andrei Protsouk. Andrei is one of the world’s leading figurative artists.

Born in the Ukraine, Andrei studied a Masters in Fine Art at the Russian Repin Academy of Arts in St Petersburg. It was here that he became the protégé, and one of the last students, of Evsey Moiseenko, a world-renowned contemporary of Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso.

Originals by Andrei Protsouk are in high demand and commissions have been completed for Coca-Cola, George W Bush, Imperial Cosmetics and Johnnie Walker Expo, to name but a few. Original Paintings . Signed Limited Editions . Needleworks . Restoration . Art Framing . Shirt Framing . Canvas Stretching

01772 782006

78 Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston, PR3 3WH

www.longridgegallery.co.uk info@longridgegallery.co.uk

@longridgegall /Longridge-Gallery @longridgegallery

‘DALI AND GALA’

‘MASK OF VENICE’

‘LONDON ORCHESTRA SYMPHONY’

‘GELATO’

WORLD’S BEST!

Discover one of the Ribble Valley’s best kept secrets, which is tucked away in the pretty village of Bolton-by-Bowland

Almost every month of the year, on a Wednesday morning, visitors descend on the beautiful village of Bolton-by-Bowland, to listen to some of the world’s best speakers on the arts.

From architecture and sculpture to art and music, members can attend lectures presented by the experts, thanks to the Arts Society Ribble & Craven, which is part of the UK’s leading arts education charity.

Joanne Bosonnet, a member and volunteer with the society, explains: “We have access to lecturers who are all leading authorities in their chosen field. It is just amazing to think we have the world’s best speakers in the arts right here! We share a belief that the arts have the potential to enrich peoples’ lives, that is at the heart of everything the Arts Society does. It’s all about getting people together through a shared curiosity for the arts and

heritage. It’s a chance for people to get involved in something they love.”

The annual Arts Society programme offers monthly lectures, opportunities for volunteering, attending courses or embarking on educational, organised tours.

DIGITISING AND ARCHIVING PRESERVES OUR ARTS HERITAGE AND IS A BIG PART OF WHAT WE DO

The Arts Society is a long-established British body. In the UK alone there are 380 Arts Societies with 90,000 members, but it is also now a worldwide organisation. As a network, it shares knowledge locally, nationally and globally across 10 countries: “Not many people are even aware we exist –and we are on a mission to change this!” adds Joanne, whose curiosity was first piqued a number of years ago when she was invited to a lecture as a guest: “I enjoyed it so much and wanted to get involved.

“The lectures are always entertaining and they are all incredibly informative and interesting. The programme we choose is carefully curated and covers all aspects of

artistic endeavour and achievement. Our members enjoy the variety.”

As well as lectures the Arts Society organises days of special cultural interest –a recent one was on jewellery design with John Benjamin from the Antiques Roadshow – plus there are tours locally, nationally and sometimes internationally. Trips are diverse and have included the cathedrals of Liverpool and a Norwegian cruise!

There are also opportunities to engage in volunteering projects, to preserve our cultural heritage: “We have teams of volunteers focusing on work in the local community, there are many interesting ways for members to get involved by donating their time and interest in various projects. Training is provided and it is a very rewarding aspect of our society.”

Soon after becoming a member of Ribble and Craven Arts Society, Joanne embarked on one of the society’s volunteer embroidery projects to create intricate embroidered kneelers for Stonyhurst’s historic Sodality Chapel: “I thoroughly enjoyed the needlework project which was designed by Helen McCook who also worked on the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress. She painted the designs for the 12 long kneelers to fit the choir style pews. It was my first chance to get involved and it enabled me to get to know other members.”

Another recently completed project was a tapestry quartet, ‘Four Seasons in Ribble and Craven’, which will shortly go on public display.

Among the society’s heritage projects is the cleaning and restoration of books in the Stonyhurst College library and the digitising and archiving of records involving the photographer Edmundson Buck. Most of Buck’s photographs from the late

ALL THE LECTURERS HAVE SPENT THEIR CAREERS STUDYING CERTAIN AREAS OF THE ARTS IN-DEPTH. THEIR CREDENTIALS ARE INCREDIBLE

19th century and early 20th century offer a unique picture of life in the Ribble and Hodder Valleys. Teams of volunteers have verified their locations, produced explanatory commentaries on the images and compiled a wider database which can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

Another project has been the digitising of the diaries of James Hargreaves, a noted Blackburn businessman and philanthropist. His 25 diaries, until his death in 1918, offer a unique and invaluable insight into many aspects of life at this pivotal period.

“The society’s heritage projects are important as our history can easily just disappear. Digitising and archiving preserves our arts heritage for future generations,” explains Joanne.

The society’s arts volunteering work also supports local art across Ribble and Craven, funding arts projects in one or two schools as well as community workshops for adults.

A recent project part-funded by the society was at Whalley Primary School, which held an

arts week, culminating in an exhibition and a visit to Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.

This year’s lecture programme has included the Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale presented last month by expert Janusz Karczewski-Slowikowski, who explored the creative design talent and skilled craftsmanship of Chippendale – the worldrenowned 18th century cabinet maker.

On 8th May lecturer Sophie Matthews will present Music in Art exploring musical instruments featured in selected works of art and on 2nd June Scott Schiavone will present Worth and Winterhalter: The Mid-19th Century’s Master of Design and Craftsmanship. n

For more information about membership, volunteering and forthcoming events go to: ribblecraven.theartssociety.org or email: ribblecraven@theartssociety.org

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

With an outstanding reputation for crafting stunning homes that harmonise with the natural environment, Habitat Architects in Clitheroe is dedicated to building a better future.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Renowned for their commitment to creating aesthetically pleasing homes that also give back to the natural environment, Habitat Architects stands out in the industry. The duo behind this firm brings a wealth of multi-disciplinary expertise to their work, allowing them to approach design and construction with unparalleled knowledge and experience.

Ann Vanner and Roger Hines, both chartered architectural technologists, bring a unique blend of qualifications. Ann, also a chartered architect, and Roger, a landscape designer and former construction company owner, leverage their professional backgrounds to integrate architectural design seamlessly with meticulous construction detail.

Explaining the distinction between an architect and architectural technologist, Ann, a former architectural technology lecturer, elaborates: “They both perceive the spaces they create differently. Architects focus on

aesthetics, while architectural technologists define spaces with technical expertise, which is especially crucial in today’s era, which has become more complicated in recent years as more complex materials are developed.”

Habitat Architects specialises in challenging sites within their natural surroundings, utilising state-of-the-art technology. This allows them to offer clients and contractors virtual tours of the building before construction, enhancing their understanding of how the design integrates with the landscape. Through immersive VR experiences, clients can explore spatial relationships, lighting effects and material choices, empowering them to make informed decisions. This collaborative approach fosters better communication and leads to more successful project outcomes.

Sharing a commitment to creating regenerative habitats, Ann, a Living Future accreditation professional and Roger, with his background in landscape architecture,

bring a range of experiences to the table.

“Our designs prioritise functionality, ensuring they give back more to the landscape than they take, all while maintaining aesthetic appeal,” says Roger.

Sustainability or regenerative practices lie at the heart of the architectural philosophy at Habitat Architects. They recognise the importance of building in harmony with nature and strive to minimise the environmental impact of projects, from incorporating passive design strategies to integrating renewable energy systems. By reducing energy consumption, minimising waste and enhancing indoor environmental quality, Habitat Architects create buildings that promote the well-being of the occupants and the planet. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond individual projects to encompass a holistic approach to creating resilient, environmentally responsible communities.

WE CRAFT

VISUALLY STRIKING AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE BUILDINGS USING VIRTUAL REALITY, METICULOUS DETAILING AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

At Habitat Architects, this holistic approach integrates expertise in the natural environment, architectural and landscape design and construction. They strive to innovate while upholding sustainability and craftsmanship.

“We craft visually striking and environmentally responsible buildings using virtual reality, meticulous detailing and sustainable practices. We aim to inspire positive change in the built environment through collaboration and commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting impact for future generations.” n Habitat

50 Moor Lane, Clitheroe, BB7 1AJ 01200 408408

clitheroe@stonesyoung.co.uk

www.stonesyoung.co.uk

The Old Post Office, 740 Whalley New Rd, Blackburn, BB1 9BA 01254 682470 enquiries@stonesyoung.co.uk

Brooklyn Road, Clayton-le-Dale, BB1 9PP

Three storey detached property on enviable plot.

• Wonderful kitchen/diner/family room

• Five double bedrooms

• Stunning rear garden with countryside views

• Large garage & driveway parking

Ribchester Road, Wilpshire, BB1 9HU

Outstanding four bedroom detached home.

• Exceptional interior design

• Incredible kitchen, dining, living space

• Extensive driveway and double garage

• Expertly manicured gardens

Mellor Brow, Mellor, BB2 7PN

Outstanding semi-detached family home.

• Fully renovated in 2021

• Beautifully appointed kitchen & bathrooms

• Four stylish bedrooms

• South facing garden with rural view

Cliffe Park, Cliffe Lane, Great Harwood, BB6 7PQ £595,000

Superb 18th century detached home.

• Ceiling beams & character features throughout

• Unique basement used as a wine cellar

• Impressive games room/orangery

• Detached garage and separate workshop

Browgate, Sawley, BB7 4NB £579,950

Prestigious modern detached family home.

• Impressive lounge & cinema family room

• Four double bedrooms

• Two en-suite shower rooms

• Stunning private south-facing gardens

The Drive, Old Langho, BB6 8BJ £499,950

Distinctive three bedroom detached home.

• Enviable plot on Brockhall Village

• Three spacious reception rooms

• Driveway parking & double garage

• Generous gardens

for keeping cool. In winter, a Clearview wood burning stove inset in a beautiful Inglenook fireplace warms the room and underfloor heating is installed to the first and second floor.

On further exploration of the property is a cinema and music room. Perfect to sit back, relax and watch a film or listen to an album of choice on the linked Bang and Olufsen sound system, which runs throughout the house.

To the rear of the property is the sun lounge affording panoramic views over the south facing garden and due to its generous size, a beautiful formal dining area which has hosted many dinner parties and accommodated 22 people comfortably. Double doors open onto the extensive patio allowing the garden into the house and a beautiful water feature flows peacefully in the background.

A MAGNIFICENT HOME…

New to the market is Addison House, a stunning country home set in beautiful grounds

ADDISON HOUSE: £POA

Located in the heart of the Ribble Valley is the magnificent Addison House. Individually designed to the very highest specification and built using original Longridge sandstone, the property is a true credit to the vendors. In addition to the principal house there is an Airbnb with a floor to ceiling window offering panoramic views over the garden and open countryside beyond and a beautiful one-bedroom apartment. A timber-built Breeze House is perfect for al fresco dining in the summer and amazing in the cooler months with the addition of a wood burning stove – it is a focal point for friends and family.

The property has a bespoke German kitchen

designed by Young Designer of the Year

Jonathan Paul. Book-matched high gloss Macassar Ebony wall and base units provide a spectacular finish. Leading off the kitchen is a large preparation room with high gloss wall and base units, a large commercial walk-in fridge and two built in freezers. The spectacular kitchen benefits from the highest quality Gaggenau appliances.

This beautiful home exudes warmth and character throughout and the north-facing lounge is perfect in the summer months

master suite with its own hallway, spacious en-suite bathroom and bedroom. Three further double bedrooms with en-suites complete the first floor and the fifth bedroom is located on the second floor. The bathrooms feature push button controlled showers, Hansgrohe fittings, porcelain tiles and overhead rain showers.

In summary Addison House and all it has to offer, provides diversity for extended families, development potential with the correct permission and a fantastic location to live and run a business from. Viewing is by strict appointment. n

A home office with potential to be a sixth bedroom is located at the front of the house. Two ground floor cloakrooms and rear entrance with utility area complete the ground floor. The first floor provides a Dewhurst

AND SELLING YOUR HOME PLANNING PERMISSION

Renovations can be part and parcel of home ownership, but what happens when it comes to selling up? Graeme Booth, Associate Partner and Conveyancing Solicitor at Farleys explains

When selling a property, homeowners are asked to complete a Property Information Form (TA6) which provides crucial information about the property covering a vast array of areas from property boundaries to any works that have been carried out that would require planning permission and/or Building Regulations approval.

If you’ve completed any work which required planning permission or compliance with Building Regulations, these should be detailed on the TA6 and you should try to provide the relevant documentation to your conveyancer at the earliest opportunity so as not to slow the process down. If you have carried out works for which planning permission or building regulation approval should have been obtained but was not, it is important you are honest on the TA6 to avoid legal action from the buyer

further down the line if they discover you’ve withheld information.

In instances where planning permission has been granted but you cannot locate the decision notice, most councils now make such documents available to download through their website. Not all councils have records of Building Regulation completion certification on their websites so duplicates can be a little bit more difficult to obtain.

YOU SHOULD ENSURE WHEN HAVING SUCH WORKS CARRIED OUT THAT THE CONTRACTOR IS REGISTERED

For certain works covered by Building Regulations though, certificates may be issued by Competent Person Schemes instead of local authorities, such as in the case of gas, oil, electrical and solid fuel burner installations, and window/door replacement. You should ensure when having such works carried out that the contractor is registered with a scheme and, upon completion of the work, they make the necessary submission to that scheme to issue a Building Regulations compliance certificate.

The first port of call if you do not know if the relevant documentation was issued should be the contractors who completed the work. If the contractors have gone out of business, you aren’t able to access the information by any other means, or if you know the work was completed without planning permission/

Building Regulation certification, your conveyancer will likely offer an indemnity insurance policy to the buyer’s conveyancers to cover any financial losses the buyer may incur in the future in the event the lack of planning permission or Building Regulation certification results in enforcement action by the local authority. This will of course come at a cost, so if you are in the midst of renovations, it’s always worth planning ahead and ensuring the contractors issue you with the necessary documentation.

One important point to bear in mind in relation to indemnity insurance is that if you have any doubts about whether planning permission or Building Regulations approval should have been obtained for works completed at the property, you should not approach the local authority as this could alert them to the absence of the relevant permission or approval, making it significantly harder to obtain indemnity insurance cover.

Another thing to consider when selling your property is whether you have planning permission in place which you never got around to completing. For example, if you have permission in place for a loft conversion or the building of an extension, this could add value to your property and provide a more attractive prospect for a buyer so be sure to mention it to your agent when you are discussing listing the property. n

Whether you are buying, selling, or remortgaging a property, Farleys’ conveyancing specialists are on hand to help. Get in touch on 01254 368040, email: info@farleys.com, or visit our website for more information: farleys.com.

Northcote Park, Langho Asking Price £1,150,000

Barn Croft, Hoghton Offers Over £730,000

With modern family living in mind, the layout of this four-bedroom home is traditional with a contemporary edge. Includes off-road parking and garaging.

* LAST PLOT * The Farnley - an impressive six-bedroom home located on this exclusive development, built by local developers Pringle Homes in the Ribble Valley.

This three-storey home meets all the needs of modern family life. It has a double-gabled frontage and full height window above the porch allowing maximum daylight onto the landing. It also includes a cinema room on the second floor.

*READY TO MOVE IN* One of the last properties on this exclusive development built by Lanley Homes in the sought-after village of Hoghton.

Gib Lane, Hoghton OIRO £999,950

A beautiful, stone-built former farmhouse with welcoming accommodation and 3.38 acres of land.

This four-bedroom property with stunning living kitchen and plenty of reception space has been extended and improved by the vendors to create a lovely home in a peaceful location.

Fleet St Lane, Ribchester OIRO £1,250,000

Packed with character and features, this superb and substantial period property has been lovingly renovated and sits in a prestigious location in Hoghton.

With four reception rooms, extensive gated gardens and a 1.1 acre plot, don’t forget to check out one of the five bedrooms that sits in the converted water tower!

HERITAGE & REIMAGINING HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Chartered RIBA architect, associate and Conservation Registrant Robyn Pilling, talks about specialising in heritage and conservation at ZMA

Whilst you may know that ZMA specialise in sensitive sites, you may not realise that all of those schemes have heritage implications. Even many of our new-build schemes are within settings of heritage assets and whilst a building may not be listed or within a Conservation Area, it may still be considered a Non-Designated Heritage Asset, or be linked to the history of the area and considered to be important. Heritage schemes can include work to, or work within the setting of Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Buildings of Townscape Merit, Non-Designated Heritage Assets or Scheduled Listed Monuments.

Building on our experience of working on a variety of heritage schemes, we are now on the RIBA Conservation Register, and proud to embrace the history of the sites and buildings we work on.

Some of our heritage projects have included listed barn conversions, medieval farm transformations, Non-Designated Heritage Asset farmsteads and farmhouses, mill conversions, a new-build eco-home within the Conservation Area and projects within the setting of Scheduled Listed Monuments.

WORKING ON HERITAGE SCHEMES IS EXTREMELY REWARDING WHEN YOU ARE ABLE TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO A DERELICT BUILDING

At ZMA we all share a passion for conservation architecture and reimagining existing buildings, ensuring the history of the building is maintained and respected.

During our initial work stage, we undertake historic research to understand what constitutes the ‘original building’, the key characteristics, and the various stages of development over time. This research then informs the design

providing detailed justification at the planning stage and communicated through our heritage statements.

It is also important to be aware ‘heritage’ doesn’t automatically mean traditional –while it is important to celebrate and enhance the history and character of a building, modern interventions to old buildings can be proposed which allows the old and new elements to remain legible. Working on heritage schemes is extremely rewarding when you are able to breathe new life into a derelict building and safeguard the building for the next generation. If you love heritage schemes as much as we do and have a scheme that requires a re-design, new use or conversion, then contact us with your project address and a brief description of what you want to achieve – and we will take it from there! n

Zara Moon Architects

The Barn at Fieldings Farm

Whalley Banks, Whalley BB7 9JL 01200 403840

zaramoonarchitects.co.uk