Live Ribble Valley Issue 148 April/May 2024

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14 PALACES TO PRIVATE YACHTS

We meet the people behind luxury linen brand Peter Reed that supplies to Royal households, private super-yachts and film production sets.

112 BUSINESS HOUR

A multi-generational company that supplies Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop with branded glass milk bottles, Seaways Services is celebrating 50 years in business.

124 FOOTBALL FOCUS

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Joe Garner talks to Carol Wilson about his professional football career that has spanned almost two decades.

130 CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Gail Bailey meets Kirk Haworth, who has been crowned the 2024 Great British Menu champion, becoming the first ever plantbased winner.

154 BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE

An exhibition of paintings by Ribble Valley artist Kevan Thompson, based on historic commentaries from miners and their experiences, is set to open at the National Coal Mining Museum England.

Chairman: Simon Smith

Managing Director: Tedd Walmsley

Company Secretary: Elizabeth Walmsley

Editor: Jan Woolley

Graphic Designers: Nick Dittrich and Rob Walmsley

Operations Manager: Kate Hyde

Production Manager: James Britton

Sales Account Manager: Jane Hughes 07875 696 928

Photography: Peter Austin, Wayne Farrow, Roger Moore, Kirsten Platt and Suzanne Skeen

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

RIBBLE VALLEY OFFICE

Office 9 The Old Bakery, Green Street, Lytham FY8 5LG T: 01772 319 465

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Welcome to our April issue of Live Ribble Valley! It’s been a busy, but productive few weeks getting out and about, meeting lots of interesting people. Working on this issue, I’ve discovered a number of tucked-away businesses that I never knew existed – and talking to the people who run them has been absolutely fascinating! One business I visited was Peter Reed, which I had heard about, but I never realised that they export their beautiful linen all over the world. They supply all the royal households, private super-yachts, films sets and of course, Harrods are a stockist. The team at Peter Reed has also forged some fabulous collaborations with world-renowned designers too, who are keen to work with this amazing Lancashire company.

Also in this issue, we feature another business that is doing great things to fly the flag for Lancashire and the Ribble Valley – Seaways Services. Like many businesses, over the years Seaways has diversified and alongside the haulage side of the business, is a hugely successful glass-printing operation. Family run, this multi-generational company also has prestigious names knocking at its door. They supply Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop with milk bottles and have in the past supplied the likes of Bombay gin and Seven-Up. You can read all about Seaways in our regular Business Hour feature.

In our Food & Drink section we shine the spotlight on the recent winner of BBC’s Great British Menu, Kirk Haworth, who is the only plant-based chef to win the Champion of Champions title on the show. Another trailblazer from the Ribble Valley, he is set to re-launch his restaurant, Plates London, following refurbishment – and rumour has it, it’s already booked up months in advance.

In our sports pages we talk to ex-Blackburn Rover’s striker Joe Garner, in our travel pages we dive into cruising with expert Dan Hyman and in our Arts & Culture section we meet an artist whose work is featuring in an exhibition at the National Coal Mining Museum England next month.

We hope you enjoy this spring issue of Live Ribble Valley!

Jan Woolley Editor

PALACES TO PRIVATE YACHTS…

During the 19th century, Lancashire was at the epicentre of the industrial revolution in Britain with more than 2,500 cotton mills producing half of the world’s cotton. At the time, brothers Peter and William Reed, both weavers, saw the potential for bed linen and their weaving shed became the second largest in the world.

Fast forward to the 21st century and the working mills have disappeared but the Reed legacy lives on as a last bastion of Lancashire’s prestigious cotton heritage.

A name that is synonymous with high-end luxury, Peter Reed now supplies all the Royal households, Harrods and top-class hotels around the world, as Managing Director Sean Clayton, explains: “We deal with the housekeepers at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Sandringham and Kensington Palace. We also work with film production companies and have just delivered some bed linen for a

A business that supplies Buckingham Palace and Harrods with the world’s finest, luxury bed linen, is proud to be based in Lancashire

movie starring Brad Pitt and we supplied the linen for Downton Abbey.”

While Peter Reed is no longer in the weaving business, it continues to use the finest raw cotton from around the world including Giza, Supima and Sea Island cotton: “We use extra-long staple cotton, which can be spun finer to produce linen that has durability and longevity. The cotton is all sustainable and traceable and we always make sure we work with suppliers who have the same ethos.

WE ALSO WORK WITH FILM PRODUCTION COMPANIES AND HAVE JUST DELIVERED SOME BED LINEN FOR A MOVIE STARRING BRAD PITT AND WE SUPPLIED THE LINEN FOR DOWNTON ABBEY

“Our linen is woven in Italy as it is considerably wider, which is required for bed linen. We don’t really have the capacity to produce that here in the UK.

“Our suppliers totally understand the industry and the requirements of Peter Reed so we have complete continuity of quality. Our clients want the very best so to achieve that we have to use the very best cotton, the best weavers, cutters, sewers and embroiderers.”

The fact that the company no longer weaves has meant that the Peter Reed business strategy has radically changed to meet 21st century needs. Back in the late 1800s the mills were alive with the deafening clatter of looms.

Today the Peter Reed head office in Nelson is a hive of quiet activity. Daylight floods into the main cutting and embroidery room where a cutter spreads swathes of beautiful white cotton ready to be sized. In another area the gentle hum of a high-tech embroidery machine can be heard, sewing a precise baby-blue border on snow-white bed linen and in another part of the workroom are the finished products hanging crisp and pressed in all their embroidered glory, ready to be packaged in Peter Reed’s signature classic boxes and dispatched to companies and private individuals across the globe.

This is a business that has adapted to suit the luxury linen market in a world that is connected by technology. Peter Reed has a small team of 11, who can react swiftly and with agility to change, whether that’s meeting an individual client order or a replenishment order from Harrods: “We are not making a lot of product that isn’t sold, so we never discount. That might sound a bit bullish,

Photography: Nick Brundle / Shutterstock.com

but we say if you can’t afford Peter Reed then you can’t have it. Peter Reed is an aspirational brand and we like to keep it that way. We deal with high net-worth individuals, we put logos on the linen for their super-yachts – Peter Reed is at the highest end of the luxury-brand level.

“We have 20 days lead time up to shipping so that gives us a big advantage in the marketplace. Our minimum order is one so rather than order a container full, a business can buy one set of linen and photograph it for their brochure, which helps their cash flow,” says Sean, who gets involved in all aspects of the business, including collaborations with world-renowned designers and creatives including Giles Deacon and the late Alexander McQueen’s Sarabande Foundation: “A lot of these people approach us as a collaboration with Peter Reed represents luxury. We only work with British brands who are in the same arena – we have to be very choosy. But, so far

it has worked extremely well as it puts us in front of a different audience. The beauty for us is that we branch out with them to do something a bit more creative.”

With Giles Deacon Peter Reed collaborated to create table linen based on a Bronte novel, which was embroidered with quills. With luxury lifestyle brand House of Hackney, they based one of their designs on an iconic wallpaper: “We extracted part of the design and embroidered it onto white linen. There was so much colour! Initially the team in the workroom were a little unsure as to whether they could do it, so it challenged them. The end product was superb and the team was so proud to have been involved.”

As MD, Sean also gets involved in sales, brand awareness and product development. This year will see Peter Reed producing exclusive table linen and bath linen along with bath robes and candles.

He also travels the world meeting potential clients, which he finds one of the most enjoyable aspects of his work: “I recently travelled with numerous samples, to the Middle East. I told the client about our history and that we supplied Buckingham Palace and Harrods – he placed an order without even looking at the samples,” recalls Sean.

A CUSTOMER WENT TO HARRODS LOOKING FOR A SET OF PETER REED SEA ISLAND COTTON BED LINEN, WHICH IS OUR MOST EXPENSIVE AT £8,000. HE BOUGHT TWO SETS

“Another customer went to Harrods looking to buy a set of Peter Reed Sea Island cotton bed linen, which is our most expensive at £8,000. He bought two sets. That’s why we don’t discount – our product sells itself. When you buy Peter Reed you become a member of the club.” n

peterreed.com

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STYLISH ACCESSORIES

Add a touch of style to bathrooms and shower rooms with these practical accessories

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LARGE HORIZONTAL BATHROOM LIGHT WITH PINEAPPLE FINIALS £775 besselink.com

BELLA BATHROOM BIN WITH LID £110 twistedloom.co.uk

GREY MARBLE SOAP DISPENSER £4 bmstores.co.uk

SLIMLINE BATHROOM CABINET IN DARK OAK £277 blackbydesign.co.uk

Amuch-loved home needed modernising for a busy family who loved to eat together and to entertain family and friends. Using traditional methods of classical joinery and cabinet making, coupled with a deep understanding of proportions, the designs, cabinetry and fitting were taken on by designer Richard Mason and the team at The Secret Drawer.

The design ensured that original features were retained, such as the oak panelling, whilst the new cabinetry, handcrafted in The Secret Drawer workshop in Skipton, referenced the Arts and Crafts heritage of the family home. This included floor to ceiling oversized ‘cat’s paw’ oak dressers furniture, in keeping with the scale of the open-plan kitchen/living space.

Miele, Quooker, Fisher & Paykel, and Everhot were seamlessly embedded into the design.

Creating balance through symmetry is a fundamental design principle and creates a feeling of what is wonderfully elegant in a large space. Richard and his team created and used architectural focal points as the starting point. Working to a quad-symmetrical layout the three distinct spaces, (kitchen, living room and games room) were bound visually to the central axis of the kitchen island. This created a practical and gorgeous family entertaining space.

Est.1998

The first line (A) runs from the centre of the window and the window seat below and carries on down the centre line of the booth table.

stability and order, which is anchored by the centre line (C), which runs from the centre point of the booth table, perpendicular to lines (A) and (B), continues through the middle of the island and runs to the centre of the champagne sink.

Centre line (D) was created to give the breakfast bar and gin bar symmetry with the window into the utility room.

A chandelier adds to the grandeur of the space. The choice of stylised and bold graphics on the booth seating and chairs are a nod towards the sophisticated earthy tones for a William Morris style

The kitchen has cooking, dining, comfort and entertainment at its heart, with curved bar seating at one side of the central kitchen island, generous booth seating for 10 and a window seat.

Modern appliances from Sub-Zero,

A second line of symmetry (B) goes from the centre of the Georgian canopy through the middle of the sink and then through the centre line of the curved breakfast bar.

The symmetry used creates a sense of

For this project symmetry was key to creating an elegant, harmonious space, we had the opportunity to alter wall openings. However sometimes an existing room may not lend itself to these design principles. Then we deploy clever techniques to give the illusion of symmetry or simply have the confidence to go with an asymmetrical design if that’s what suits the space and fits the needs of the client.

The Art of Symmetry

“Symmetry creates a sense of stability

INSPIRED BY NATURE…

These elegant home accessories bring natural beauty into your living space

With summer just around the corner, the nature-inspired decor trend is a wonderful way to spruce up your home with collections of faux flowers and organicinspired home accessories. These pieces are designed to bring a touch of nature’s beauty into your living spaces, while also being easy to maintain and durable.

The birch leaf dish is a beautifully crafted piece that brings a classic touch to any decor. The finish and natural birch leaf shape make it a stunning centrepiece. It’s grey finish and natural shape make it a stunning centrepiece that complements the bright colours of the upcoming season.

Within La Residence Interiors’ latest collection is also a beautiful faux white orchid housed in a charming ceramic pot that adds elegance to any room and is just as realistic as the real deal or fresh bouquet of flowers picked from a summer garden.

Display treasured trinkets in the effortlessly beautiful gold mirrored tray with a delicate botanical pattern. The contemporary mirror complements the golden embellishments beautifully as a final touch to your interior. The mirror reflects sunlight streaming in through the windows, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

Gorgeous faux white protea flowers are the perfect addition to any home or office decor. Featuring creamy white petals and intricate details, they will take your decor to the next level. The realistic blooms and foliage look and feel just like the real thing and will last for years with no maintenance required.

Whether you’re looking for a unique centrepiece for your table or need to brighten up a dull corner of your living room, these flowers are the perfect choice. With their subtle beauty, they’ll bring a touch of sophistication and elegance to any space.

As summer approaches, there is no better time to introduce nature-inspired trends into your interior. La Residence Interiors offers a stunning collection that will bring the beauty of the natural world into your living spaces. n laresidence.com

FABULOUS FELINES

captivated hearts with his widely popular anthropomorphic cats, elevating their status from occasional mousers to the pets we love today. Author HG Wells once said: “He has made the cat his own. He invented a cat style, a cat society, a whole cat world. English cats that do not look and live like Louis Wain cats are ashamed of themselves.”

Cheshire & Wain is a British lifestyle brand specialising in luxury cat accessories for fabulous felines and for the home

First inspired by the arrival of Percy, a silver-spotted British shorthair cat in 2013, his owner Sonja Farrell began shopping for the necessary cat paraphernalia to welcome her new kitten. Finding herself disappointed by the aesthetic of what was available, Sonja founded Cheshire & Wain.

Back then leather collars with breakaway buckles for a cat’s safety didn’t exist, so that became Cheshire & Wain’s focus, designing one from scratch. Now more than 10 years later, luxury leather cat collars and art remain at the heart of Cheshire & Wain.

So, as nature starts to bloom, inject the bright floral beauty of spring into your home and into your cat’s pawdrobe with this British luxury cat accessories and lifestyle brand.

Cheshire & Wain’s colourful art collection pays homage to the work of eccentric British artist Louis Wain, which often depicted cats with vibrant floral backdrops. Brought to life on screen by Benedict Cumberbatch in The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021), Wain

There is a choice of two art prints, Cat With Her Kittens and Flower Cat, which fuse Wain’s famous wide-eyed pussycats with the themes of his lesser-known work featuring flowers and landscapes. Available in A4 and A3, the imagery is specially licensed to Cheshire & Wain, with each limited-edition print produced on museum-quality heavyweight Hahnemühle paper by a fine art printer in London.

Cheshire & Wain have also launched an exclusive collection of Louis Wain’s leather cat collars for both indoor and outdoor cats this spring. In Electric Blue, Chartreuse Green, Purrsimmon Orange or Pastel Mint, the collars are made from the finest Italian leather with a matte rubberised surface, contrasting soft suede lining for comfort with an optional bell. Handcrafted with love in England, the collars feature Cheshire & Wain’s signature breakaway safety catch and optional personalisation. They arrive beautifully presented in a special edition Louis Wain gift box. High society kitties can choose to elevate their colourful collar further with a matching or contrasting Gem Collar Charm. Set in sterling silver, gems include Aquamarine, Blood Orange, Chartreuse and Pink Sapphire. n

Collars: £55

Charms: £16

Prints: from £45

cheshireandwain.com

A MATTER OF TRUST…

A trusted and respected business that carries out domestic and commercial cleaning services, laundry and ironing, plus home help services, works throughout Lancashire providing invaluable support to their many clients

Suzanne Waring and her longestablished business the Helping Hands Group, are renowned for delivering the ultimate in customer service. Whether you’re looking for a one-off spring clean, regular cleaning or holiday-home cleaning, immaculate laundry care or simply shopping and companionship for an elderly person, the team at Helping Hands has trust at the heart of everything they do.

Helping Hands was founded by Suzanne 26 years ago and has forged a reputation for robust reliability in all areas.

“The business has grown organically over the years, which I am very proud of,” says Suzanne. “We have one business client who is the MD of a nationwide company. We were first asked to clean his business premises,

then his family home, then his holiday home, and then to care for an elderly parent, so it’s nice that Helping Hands has grown in that way. We have also grown through many positive recommendations.

“We are very proud to have the quality of clients that we have – the main outstanding feature of all of our clients is that they are tremendously loyal and supporting of me and my business. We service many types of clients and the team works in large businesses through to traditional family homes. Everyone receives the same standard of service and is valued,” says Suzanne.

“What we do is very much based on trust and what sets us apart is that we listen and are considerate – we focus on what our customers want as well as the practical elements of what needs doing.”

DOMESTIC LAUNDRY SERVICES

As Helping Hands has expanded, Suzanne and her team have moved to bigger premises –most recently they have moved to a purposedesigned space at Whitebirk where a new

laundry facility has been established along with an administration hub, which is a hive of activity.

“We have an extremely popular collection and delivery laundry service. All washing and ironing is done in the traditional way –we do everything by hand so if someone likes their shirts ironed a certain way, that’s the way it’s done. If they want us to hang them in the wardrobe or fold and store when we deliver it, then that’s what we do. Nothing is too much trouble.”

DOMESTIC CLEANING

Helping Hands has a vast array of clients whom they clean for and each enjoy the same immaculate customer experience. From making beds, emptying the dishwasher, cleaning the floors and taking the rubbish out, the team makes light work of all the jobs you ask them to do. At one client’s request they even prepare a platter of fresh fruit and place in the fridge ready for the family at the weekend. It’s the little touches that make a big difference!

COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY SERVICES

Helping Hands carries out laundry services for hotels and restaurants and even support them in the short or long term with housekeeping services: “We can fill in the gaps if they are short-staffed,” says Suzanne.

COMMERCIAL CLEANING

Suzanne and the team offer single or multi-site commercial cleaning services for businesses across Lancashire. While this can be more complex than residential cleaning, Helping Hands has stepped up to provide teams that can deal with security and the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of large commercial organisations.

“As with domestic cleaning we can do as much or as little as required. Similarly, we get recommendations from domestic and commercial clients, which leads to more business, which is wonderful for us.”

With a team of 40, work can begin as early as 4.30am for some of Helping Hands’ commercial clients, meaning everything is ship shape by the time they open for business.

WHAT THEY SAY…

“It was incredible to learn about Suzanne’s business, The Helping Hands Group, and how they truly care for their clients. Suzanne’s first value is ‘trust’ and that comes before any mention of housekeeping or cleaning. She employs and holds on to great team members, who care about the minor details, which are sometimes the most important to their customers. The range of services they offer is mind-blowing!”

#inspirationalwomen

HOME HELP

Helping Hands’ Home Help service has become increasingly popular. Not everyone has family to help them – if family members work full time or if they don’t have family to assist them in daily chores such as shopping, meal preparation, housework or even simple companionship, Helping Hands goes the extra mile to make life a little easier. They can support the client’s independence so they can remain living in their own home.

“With the home help side of the business, each client may present different challenges –they may be elderly, infirm, have dementia or simply need help in getting out and about. We can do that and it can make a huge difference to the client and to the family in terms of peace of mind.” n

Helping Hands Group Suite 101, Daisyfield Business Centre

Abbey Street, Blackburn BB1 3BL

01254 812144

thehelpinghandsgroup.co.uk

SHOWROOM OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO

...for 20 years we have been creating everything you need for a luxurious & practical bathroom. SHOWROOM OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO ARRANGE. We are adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Be inspired in our 3000 sq ft showroom. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm by appointment only.

Evening appointments are also available upon request.

Please call 01772 611622 or email

showroom@originalbathroomcompany.co.uk

MEET THE DESIGNER

For more than 16 years, Paula Baxter has been providing loyal customers with a one stop shop for all interior designs, furniture and styling needs. Pad Contemporary Living Ltd in Poulton provides the full customer service from idea to completion as Alma Stewart discovers. Photography: Michael Porter

With its bright orange logo, Pad certainly offers an intriguing welcome. The two-storey showroom is awash with sofas, chairs, artwork, fabric samples, lamps beds and wardrobes, in fact, everything you would need to dress your living room, dining room and bedroom. One thing you will always find here is a warm welcome from its owner.

Paula has been delighted to serve her many customers here since 2007 and the business has grown and ranges expanded ever since. But her current career in interiors started from a completely different industry, though a most useful one as it turns out. Paula said: “At school I was always good at the sciences so I thought I would go into a related career. When I was 14, I worked as a waitress to earn

some pocket money and I enjoyed interacting with the customers, often enjoying a bit of banter. One day a lunching lady asked me why I was working in a café and said I should work for her instead. Next thing I knew, I was working at Top Man part-time, which then turned to full-time and before long I had the position of the lady who asked me to work for her!”

BY KEEPING MY PRICES LOWER, MY CUSTOMERS KNOW THAT THEY ARE ALWAYS GETTING VALUE FOR MONEY

Men’s fashion became Paula’s focus: “I really enjoyed merchandising and advising customers how to put a complete look together – ties, shirt, waistcoat, trousers. It was exciting to let them try different looks and go home happy with their purchase, knowing they looked amazing in the clothes. To me a high standard of customer service is what it’s all about,” she said.

Paula went on to enjoy more senior positions at River Island and JJB before

becoming a retail training assessor for seven years, supporting all levels of study from Warehouse Level One qualifications right up to management training. “As a perfectionist, hard worker and high achiever, from a young age I knew I wanted to be my own boss so after leaving school I studied business and finance at Blackpool and Fylde College. This training, as well as working in large organisations, has helped Paula achieve her dream.

Paula went along to the UK’s furniture shows and realised she could create something special in Poulton. While setting up the business Paula had a conversation with the managing director of a local building firm. Months later she persuaded him to let her dress a show home on the new housing development in Thornton back in 2008. After achieving a great look, she worked alongside the MD for many years. One time Paula created a stunning show home in Scorton

when buyers saw it on the opening weekend, they bought it including all the furniture. She knew she was on the right path. And now they are happily married!

I CREATE MOOD BOARDS AND HAVE SAMPLES OF FABRICS AND CARPETS SO WE CAN CREATE THE PERFECT LOOK IN THE PERFECT COLOURS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ANY EXISTING DÉCOR

What makes Pad different from other retailers is the full service and the prices. Paula doesn’t create discount sales, preferring instead to sell items every time discounted below the recommended retail price. She explained: “There is nothing worse than say buying a sofa for Christmas only to find it £500 cheaper in January. By keeping prices lower, my customers know that they are always getting value for money. For example, I have a marbled tempered glass dining table that won’t scratch or stain for less than £300 with a large selection of chairs that will complement it. My most popular king size bed frame and mattress with gel top comes in at under £1500 with free delivery. I also have a range of stylish Nolte wardrobes and Nolte’s team will come and build the

wardrobes in a home.”

And what really stands out is Paula’s attention to detail and commitment to exceptional customer service rooted in years working in retail. With an army of tradespeople at her disposal, Paula can help her customer put together a whole room. She added: “I create mood boards in the showroom and have samples of fabrics and wallpaper so we can create the perfect look using colours to complement their existing décor. One customer asked how she could hide a fireplace without ripping it all out. I designed her a media wall to cover the fireplace and my lovely joiner installed it. They were over the moon.”

So if you are looking to upgrade, redesign or start from scratch, you won’t go wrong at Pad’s showroom, plus there’s plenty of space for parking at the front of the store.

Paula concluded: “I love to meet new people and I love to help wherever I can. My customers are fantastic and come back again and again, often with friends and family, because they know I will do my very best for them. I enjoy providing the right products at the right price with the right quality. I just love what I do!” n

Bespoke fitted bedrooms by Clearly Interiors.

At Clearly Interiors, we take the hard work out of renovating your home. Our showroom in Burnley showcases over 25 kitchen displays, over 60 bathrooms and 10 bedrooms for you to feast your eyes upon and get inspiration. We can kit you out using reputable brands like Bauformat, Blanco, Quooker, Neff, Siemens, Daval, Crosswater, and Vitra. Creating a state of the art design for any room is something we pride ourselves upon.

If you are looking for a new kitchen, bedroom, bathroom then there is no need to look further. At Clearly Interiors, we measure, design, quote and install. We can manage your project from start to finish. Contact us to see how we can make your dream project come to life with our FREE survey and design service.

As well as being beautiful, a bespoke fitted bedroom must be functional. Your fitted wardrobes must make the most of every single inch of space and be designed with storage front of mind. Fitted furniture like dressing tables or bedside units should be designed to be practical as well as beautiful. Be inspired by our new Daval displays.

SUMMER TABLESCAPES

This high summer capsule collection for the home is crafted with care from natural materials

Nkuku’s fresh and quietly elegant collection inspires the art of living well within the home.

Thoughtfully designed and curated, the collection evokes a sense of freshness, light and calm, infusing summer suppers with a touch of simple, understated style.

The effortless blend of natural textures and finishes, paired with the handcrafted elegance of clean cream ceramics featuring fluted details and hand-blown recycled glassware adorned with bursts of fresh sea tones in organic shapes, creates simple yet sophisticated tablescapes perfect for relaxed entertaining.

Enhance the setting with textured, handpatterned terracotta planters, adding rustic charm to outdoor seating spaces. Elevate your table setting by layering with table mats and coasters woven from water hyacinth, adding a touch of rustic charm.

TAJA GLASS

Within the collection is recycled Taja glassware that brings a soft palette of fresh aqua tones in gentle blues and greens to instantly freshen up a table setting. Coloured glass fragments are introduced to the clear

molten glass, creating a free-flowing design and unique finish that is also highly durable as the pattern is contained within the glass itself. The stylish, organic design, with its sturdy form and gentle uneven rim, heightens the individual beauty of each glass.

ARUVI TABLEWARE

Pressed and then hand-finished with gently scalloped edges that give it a uniquely tactile charm, the Aruvi tableware collection adds

a refined and elegant touch to table settings. Standing apart from other stoneware pieces thanks to its beautifully fluted form, the creamy, white reactive glaze develops a very subtle and delicate patina in the kiln that makes each piece pleasingly distinct.

LAM TABLE MATS

These simple yet stylish Lam table mats and coasters have an organic shape and use the variations in colour of the dried water hyacinth to create a simple block pattern and border. Water hyacinth is a river weed in Vietnam, where these mats are made, so the local weavers are making use of an unwelcome species in the ecosystem.

Amy McSorley, Product Development Director at nkuku, says of the new collection: “Summer is a wonderfully social season, filled with alfresco lunches and leisurely suppers shared with family and friends. Introducing a high summer capsule collection enables our customers to enhance their existing tableware collections, offering a range of stylish options for creating memorable tablescapes at home.” n

The nkuku capsule collection launches in May.

nkuku.com

spring. It has dark purple leaves and masses of pink blossom that fades to white and the foliage turns spectacular shades of orange in autumn.

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

• Sowing hardy annuals, herbs and wild flower seed outdoors – sowing seeds outdoors is an easy, inexpensive and fun way to grow new plants. It’s ideal for a wide range of hardy flowers and vegetables.

• Tying in climbing and rambling roses –rose pruning ensures that plants grow vigorously and flower well each year. Although often considered complicated, rose pruning is relatively easy.

• Repairing lawns – if your lawn is looking worn and patchy, now is the time to restore it by re-seeding or re-turfing affected areas and evening out small bumps or dips. n

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Spring has finally sprung! Grape hyacinths and primroses are helping to feed bees and other pollinators and borders are springing to life with nectar-rich plants and flowers

Now is the perfect time to get back into the garden and start getting ready for the summer months ahead.

As the soil starts to warm up all sorts of wildlife-friendly plants can be added to the garden to encourage pollinator insects –especially bees. With 25 species of bumblebees and more than 250 species of solitary bees, there are many that can be tempted into your garden if you choose plants carefully. Some of the best include herbs such as rosemary, borage and thyme, annuals like wallflowers, nigella and cosmos and perennials such as lavender, nepeta and dead nettles.

At this time of year cherry trees – both fruiting and ornamental – produce spring blossom in abundance, which is much loved by bees. Although tree planting is usually done in late autumn, fruit trees can still be planted in the spring and container grown varieties at any time of the year. Cherry trees are easy to care for and come in all shapes and

WITH 25 SPECIES OF BUMBLEBEES AND MORE THAN 250 SPECIES OF SOLITARY BEES, THERE ARE MANY THAT CAN BE TEMPTED INTO YOUR GARDEN

sizes so there is a variety to suit every garden. Prunus ‘Pink Shell’, is a small, spreading ornamental cherry with delicate, cup-shaped pink flowers and pale green leaves that turn orange in autumn – it’s excellent for early pollinators. A popular cherry that is great for small gardens for both flowers and fruits, is Prunus avium ‘Regina’ – producing clouds of pure-white blossom in spring, followed by large dessert cherries with superb flavour in summer. The black cherry plum, Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’ is a beautiful, rounded tree and one of the first cherries to bloom in

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY:

By April, veg seed sowing and growing is really ramping up with every inch of greenhouse and windowsill space occupied with chitting potatoes and seedlings. Fruit is also one of the best things to plant in your garden now. Get them into the ground to establish them –anything from raspberries and strawberries, to blueberries.

Monty Don

Spring is finally in evidence as daffodils and flowering trees start to bloom. Expect the inevitable April showers this month but with sunny days too, when you can turn your attention to the lawn.

RHS

Photography: Shuttersock.com/Peter Rhys Williams

Creativity and artistry abounds at the Inn. The Cartford Gallery is a reflection of just that. We have many different collections of art and design, including pieces of furniture from our TOTI Home collection, all of which mirror the aesthetic and creative flare of the Inn. It also features stunning handmade jewellery created by Tanicia Hayton - amongst many other talented artists. You may just find yourself taking a piece of the Inn home.

Instagram: @cartfordinn @totihome1

www.thecartfordinn.co.uk

T: 01995

670166

E: office@thecartfordinn.co.uk

Cartford Lane, Little Eccleston, Lancashire, PR3 0YP

SPRING IN THE GARDEN

Spring has definitely arrived and April is the time to get out in the garden to add some colour and get everything in tip top shape.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

At So Plants Country Garden Store horticulturalist Michelle Unsworth and her specialist team are all set to re-plant your hanging baskets in lovely spring colours or the colour of your choice. They also have a stunning collection of expertly pre-planted baskets and pots that will brighten up your outdoor space through the spring and summer.

Call into the nursery and pick up a Plant of the Month leaflet – April’s plant of the month is Rhododendron / Azalea –wonderful flowering shrubs that put on a colourful display from spring through to early summer.

So Plants have been operating since 2012 and Michelle and her team have been growing ever since in the large outdoor space and polytunnels, where a huge selection of perennials are home-grown and set to bloom. There is a pretty collection of pansies and violas that produce an abundance of

colour at this time of year and will take you through the summer too.

New to So Plants this year is a stunning lemon-coloured lilac and if you’re a gardener who loves wisteria there is a fantastic selection that has been grown on and are full of buds, ready to bloom in abundance: “We have smaller wisteria and more established ones,” explains Michelle. “We also have standard wisteria and standard topiary that are both suitable for large pots, which make a stunning focal point in the garden.”

MICHELLE AND HER TEAM OF PLANT EXPERTS ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO ADVISE ON ANY QUERIES INCLUDING WHAT TO PLANT AND WHERE

With a full range of alpines and shrubs, So Plants, which is based in the grounds of Little Town Dairy and Farm Shop, is gearing up for the season when all gardens become a hive of activity.

Seeds are planted while herbs and vegetables begin to get established in raised beds and cottage gardens.

With an array of pots including frost-proof terracotta, stone and glazed ceramic, new to So Plants this year is a collection of super-sized lightweight pots with in-built castors so they can be easily re-positioned anywhere on patios,

decking or lawns.

Renowned for its collection of high-quality gardening equipment and gardening gifts, there are bird tables, garden benches and outdoor rocking chairs, compost that is mainly peatfree, tools and irrigation equipment.

In the pretty wooden cabins on site at So Plants, visitors will find a lovely collection of Scandi-style gifts, ornaments, candles and diffusers.

Call in to So Plants Country Garden Store soon to discover a wonderful world of plants and gifts in a lovely tranquil environment. Meet social media star Melly the resident Labrador along with Michelle and her team of plant experts, who are always happy to advise on any queries including what to plant and where. n

So Plants

Little Town Dairy & Farm Shop

Chipping Road, Thornley PR3 2TB

01772 784010

soplants.co.uk

EXPERTS IN HOME FURNISHING

Dalesbred has been delivering beautifully bespoke interiors across the Yorkshire Dales and beyond for more than 35 years and are proud to have worked on projects as diverse as a chateau to a camper van.

Photography: Gemma Suckley

The original business concept only came about as the result of a need for a total life rethink by husbandand-wife team Simon and Sally Robinson. Former nurse Sally had slowly become more disillusioned with her career in the NHS, while farm worker Simon had come to the realisation that owning his own farm was never likely to be a realistic option. Creative and practical by nature, Sally then opted to retrain as an upholsterer whilst Simon studied cabinet making, and so

the seeds of Dalesbred were sown. In fact, the name Dalesbred is a nod to Simon’s farming roots being a particular breed of Dales hill sheep.

Working originally from their home in the village of Austwick, a loyal following quickly built up in the local area for the quality of their soft furnishings and handmade cabinetry. As the business grew, so did their ambition and the recognition that this was a business with real potential to scale up. The former smithy adjoining their cottage became a showroom for the handmade furniture with workrooms to the rear and another upholsterer and cabinet maker joined the team to meet demand. Finally, when every available spare square inch was used up at their home premises additional workroom space was found in Settle to accommodate the cabinet making arm of the business. Sally and Simon have always been resolutely proud that their business is Yorkshire born and bred and would remain so.

SALLY AND SIMON HAVE ALWAYS BEEN RESOLUTELY PROUD THAT THEIR BUSINESS IS YORKSHIRE BORN AND BRED AND WOULD REMAIN SO

Fast forward to 2010 and the opportunity arose for the Robinsons to invest in the redevelopment of a stunning range of derelict barns just off the A65 at Settle. Working with a business partner, the barns were completely transformed to provide various units for retail use and an all-important new showroom

for Dalesbred. Having now developed way beyond the original concept of upholstery and cabinetry, Dalesbred now included fully staffed soft furnishings teams and an interior designer working on bespoke projects across the country. The Courtyard officially opened in May 2012 and quickly became a quality shopping destination, but the pinnacle was a visit from King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, on its fifth anniversary in 2017.

THE DALESBRED TEAM HAVE CALCULATED THAT BETWEEN THEM THEY HAVE MORE THAN 100 YEARS’ WORTH OF EXPERIENCE

The Courtyard was sold to investors in 2019 and sadly, lockdown took its toll on retail generally. In 2022 Dalesbred took the difficult decision to leave the Courtyard and set up a showroom in Settle alongside their workrooms. Ironically, the business had almost come full circle with the new premises being just 250 yards from their original cabinet making workrooms. One casualty of the development of Dalesbred was the cabinet making section. Sadly, the threat from cheap imported furniture and the increased costs of quality British timber meant that it was no longer viable.

Since 2019, Dalesbred has been working on research and development for its sister sofa company Slow, spurred on by a desire to encourage customers to make greener and more ethical choices in home furnishings. The Slow website (slowsofa.co.uk) launched in 2021 offering non-toxic, eco-friendly sustainable sofas hand built in the Yorkshire Dales to last a lifetime. As with everything

associated with Dalesbred it is possible for the customer to completely individually tailor their sofa choice – from filling to fabric –in a way that few other companies can offer… if you can dream it, they can make it.

The Dalesbred team have calculated that between them they have more than 100 years’ worth of experience in interiors, covering everything from upholstery and re-upholstery, bespoke soft furnishings, window dressings, paint and wallpaper combinations and interior design and just about any other topic you could think of in between. The team will be on hand in future issues as part of an ‘ask the experts’ feature to answer any of your questions related to your own home projects and to share their collective experience.

The showroom at The Sidings in Settle is open every weekday and weekends by appointment. With undoubtedly the largest selection of fabric and wallpaper books in the area, Little Greene paints, interior accessories and sofas on display, there should be something to inspire. If you require more help with your project, Dalesbred offer an interior design service and working with this small knowledgeable team will mean that you are always assured of personal attention from start to completion. n

Dalesbred

The Sidings, Cammock Lane Settle BD24 9RP

07923 447672

info@dalesbred.co.uk

dalesbred.co.uk

FIVE STAR REVIEWS

When Rakesh and Kam Chapanery’s family outgrew their old kitchen, they knew just who to turn to. Working their magic, Creative UPVC’s expert team created a comfortable, flexible space perfect for modern family life, that’s quickly become the heart of the home. Photography: Roger Moore

Updating an outdated kitchen can offer great opportunities to breathe new life into a space which no longer works as well as it could. But the dread of a looming project size, escalating budgets and upheaval, having understanding, expert professionals on your side is key to turning your dream into reality.

Luckily, Rakesh Chapanery knew just who to call. In 2011 Creative UPVC owner Stuart Hughes and the team had converted their garage into a study area and games room for the kids, with a bonus home office for Rakesh, and replaced the windows throughout.

“You might think that a company named Creative just does windows, doors and conservatories, but they do so much more,” says Rakesh. “We were so impressed by how Stuart project-managed everything from start to finish, including managing the associated trades and fittings. There was no stress for us, so when it came to the next big project last year, it was a no-brainer to call Stuart in again.

“Our separate kitchen and dining room were too small, tired and outdated,” recalls Rakesh. “Understanding exactly what we

wanted, Stuart came up with a fantastic extension and conversion plan. We trust Stuart so completely, that rather than try and live around the disruption, we moved out for the entire period, while he kept us fully updated.”

WE’D RECOMMEND CREATIVE TO ANYONE. WE ALWAYS WANTED THE KITCHEN TO BE THE HEART OF OUR HOME, AND NOW IT REALLY IS – IT’S WHERE EVERYONE WANTS TO BE

Rakesh’s wife Kam adds: “It felt like returning to a brand-new home. With the

children growing up, we simply needed more space. The kitchen is now twice the size, incorporating a spacious dining area and snug with sofa and TV. Now we enjoy relaxed family time together – the whole downstairs feels so much more modern and welcoming.” For over 20 years Creative have been delighting homeowners with high-quality windows and doors, conservatories, orangeries, conversions and extensions. A deserved reputation for first-class quality and reliability includes 100 per cent Consumer Protection Association customer feedback and countless five-star reviews.

Creative owner Stuart says: “I’m so proud of the reputation the Creative team has built for high-quality workmanship. Like Rakesh, we enjoy long-standing, working relationships with many of our customers, and lots of word-of-mouth recommendations. Many customers will happily offer inspection visits, so you can get a real-world feel for the quality, and a genuinely honest review of our work!”

Rakesh concludes: “We’d recommend Creative to anyone. We always wanted the kitchen to be the heart of our home, and now it really is – it’s where everyone wants to be.” n

Creative UPVC

15 Kingsbarn Close Fulwood, Preston PR2 9LZ 01772 701010 (9am-5pm)

info@creativeupvc.co.uk

creativeupvc.co.uk

INVEST IN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Garden landscaping can increase the value of your property more than an extension or a new kitchen

UK homeowners that have taken to improving their gardens have indeed invested wisely as they see their own property values increase greater than building an extension, or fitting a new kitchen, experts reveal.

According to the Post Office Money Survey, landscaping your garden could potentially increase the value of your property by a whopping 77 per cent. This means garden landscaping provides a greater return on investment than extending or adding a swimming pool.

The first study conducted six years ago, was based on the mid-range asking price of a three-bed semi-detached home across the UK. It found that properties with garden landscaping added the most value to a home. Garden landscaping was proven to be the most cost-effective form of home improvement when selling while providing the best return on investment (ROI) compared to other types

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR HOMEOWNERS TO KNOW THAT THE EFFORT THAT THEY INVEST INTO THEIR GARDENS NOT ONLY INCREASES THE KERB APPEAL OF THEIR PROPERTY BUT ALSO ADDS SIGNIFICANTLY TO ITS SALEABLE VALUE

of home improvement projects. A home improvement like a new kitchen was found to add a property value increase of only 25 per cent, while a building extension saw a 37 per cent increase and a low seven per cent increase after adding a wet room.

Marketing Manager, Trudi Lovell, of Bannister Hall Plants Nurseries and Landscaping Supplies in Higher Walton, explains: “Our consumer trends data supports that garden landscaping continues to be a significant growth area with homeowners, especially with the increase in property demand and the prolific housebuilding we have seen over the last few years. We have seen a sales surge in both natural stone and porcelain paving, as well as sales growth in other areas such as plants, turf, topsoil, aggregates and even in garden lighting products.”

Rachel Innes, Commercial Development Manager at Bannister Hall Nurseries and Landscaping Supplies adds: “I believe it is important for homeowners to know that the time, money and effort that they invest into their gardens not only increases the kerb appeal of their property but also adds significantly to its saleable value. Since the beginning of the year the North West has experienced high rainfall, but we have still seen a rise in both professional landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts visiting our landscaping materials store and plants nurseries, which I can only assume means that local homeowners have been actively rejuvenating their outdoor spaces come rain or shine.”

Other research supporting the financial rewards from improving your garden comes from Foxtons estate agents, which reveals that simply having a garden will generally increase a property’s value by 20 per cent. Moreover, 72 per cent of house buyers were prepared to pay more for a property with a garden, according to Foxtons.

Similarly, data by Rightmove revealed that access to a garden was a priority for over 60 per cent of buyers searching for a new home. On the other hand, the Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors found that 80 per cent of property professionals consider the demand for a garden will continue to increase.

Bannister Hall CEO, Jon C Hollywood says: “As the North West’s largest single source supplier of plants and landscaping materials, these research findings are clearly a win-win for landscaping suppliers, landscaping professionals and homeowners alike. Certainly, the recent increase in housebuilding across the North West region has resulted in Bannister Hall expanding upon its existing wide product range exponentially to meet the ever-increasing demand from property developers, trade landscapers, local authorities and green-fingered homeowners, particularly across the Ribble Valley, Blackburn, Preston, Manchester, and Fylde areas. In fact, in March,

AT BANNISTER HALL WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING HOMEOWNERS TO CREATE BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR SPACES

we were thrilled to win another commercial contract to supply plants and landscaping materials to one of the UK’s best-known major property developers who are actively building sites across the region.”

For over 20 years Bannister Hall Landscaping Supplies and Plant Nurseries based in Higher Walton, Preston, have grown to become the North West’s largest one-stop landscaping supplies centre and plants nursery offering over 40,000 varieties of plants, specimen trees, shrubs and perennials as well as paving, decorative aggregates, tools, turf, topsoil, timber and more. Open to both trade and retail customers, Bannister Hall continues to provide a first-rate customer service experience with expert product knowledge on hand from qualified horticulturalists to help homeowners create their beautiful outdoor spaces at the most competitive prices.

Jon adds: “Sourced from a variety of UK industries, the above research clearly indicates that many UK homeowners who have invested in landscaping garden improvements have benefitted from a quantifiable increase in the saleable value of their property.

At Bannister Hall we are passionate about helping homeowners to create beautiful outdoor spaces which they can enjoy for years to come. We are always pleased to connect our recommended professional landscaper customers with our retail customers to ensure great landscaping products meet with great garden designs.” n

Bannister Hall

Potter Lane, Higher Walton

Preston PR5 4EN

01772 877087

GET A BUZZ FROM A BEE BOX

Urbee has launched Bee Box, which is a fun and educational set for young children, to help them learn, create and grow for bees

Designed for kids who have a love of nature, Urbee’s Bee Box is bright and bold and aims to help them learn about pollinators.

Endorsed by Buglife the Invertebrate Conservation Trust, the box includes bee ID cards, information cards to help children learn about the different types of bees, activity cards, Seedballs®, a bee sketch book, colour-in bookmark, set of colouring pencils and a fun activity sheet to test all their buzzy knowledge.

“The Bee Box is a delightful gift to share with the children in your life as it is full of engaging information, puzzles and more to engage them with our precious pollinators. We need to save our bees but to do this we must first love them. The Bee Box is an ideal way to grow that love in future generations,” says Paul Hetherington of Buglife. There is a crowdfunder campaign to raise £5,000 in order to manufacture the Bee Box and promote it across social media channels.

Bee Box and its entire contents are proudly

made in Great Britain and everything is recyclable, and digitally printed onto carbon offset papers and boards that are 100 per cent recycled and printed with eco-friendly inks.

Bee Box aims to encourage children to step outside and look at bees, learn about their differences and to engage with their conservation by making things outside or growing plants.

All information in the Bee Box has been family ‘tried and tested’ by Urbee, which is a small family business and children have created their own top tips to help other kids succeed in the bee tasks.

Many of our wild bee populations are declining due to the loss of wildflower meadows and wild spaces, the growth of towns and cities and the increasing use of pesticides.

Two species of bumblebee became extinct during the last century so they need our help more than ever and by teaching our children to love and protect them, we can save them for future generations.

Bees are essential in the production of food through pollination. They are responsible for pollinating many of the crops that we eat, such as fruit plants and trees, vegetables, coffee and crops that we grow for multiple uses, like rapeseed – where the crop is grown to produce food, fuel, soap and lubricants.

Bees also play a huge part in supporting other wildlife, by promoting the growth of wildflowers and the animals and birds that find shelter and food within them. n

Bee Box: single box £25

Bee box: single box plus a one-year Buglife membership £35

urbee.co.uk

THE FUTURE IS GREEN

As we all aim to progress to a more carbon neutral environment North West ACG Renewables Ltd talk to Gail Bailey about their success so far and one of their most recent installations

The combination of the need for a sustainable future and the rising cost of gas and oil means many businesses are looking to renewable energy providers to support their long-term energy needs.

Operations Director at ACG Renewables, Gerry Rhodes explains: “We recognise the need for companies to change their energy source and as we specialise in Solar PV for commercial facilities, along with undertaking the supply of battery storage systems, EV chargers and wind turbine systems, we are perfectly placed to support this change.

“We have seen the benefits that the installation of renewable energy systems bring to businesses and many commercial organisations have realised the significant reduction in costs from installing Solar PV –and with the important addition of reducing their carbon footprint too,” adds Gerry.

Energy matters and with many satisfied customers already, one recent installation is at local holiday and wedding venue, Ribble Valley Holiday Homes: “We have fitted 54 kwp

of solar to the roof of the function venue which consisted of 108 500w solar panels,” explains Gerry. Impressively this equates to

7.89t of carbon saved a year (which is equivalent to 394 trees being planted per year) and a three-year return on investment.”

Homes says: “The team at ACG have provided high quality work and a great service for many years. We’ve recently invested heavily in our renewable infrastructure and ACG have been instrumental in this. Our largest properties as well as our new venue, each have photovoltaic system and EV chargers. Not only was our effort recognised by the 2023 Environmental Excellence Award from the RVTA, but it has also resulted in huge savings on energy costs.”

WE CAME UP WITH THE IDEA THAT FOR EVERY KWP OF SOLAR INSTALLED WE WILL PLANT A TREE

Helping businesses and homeowners to become more sustainable and carbon neutral is at the forefront of ACG Renewables’ ethos and as a company they are always looking to be different: “We wanted to offer a service that no one else currently does,” says Gerry. “So, we came up with the idea that for every kwp of solar installed we will plant a tree.”

Teaming up with Treeapp allows ACG to do this and to offer this unique service to their clients: “Our customers also have the option to personally go and plant the trees throughout various sites around the UK if they so wish, or we can leave it to the team at Treeapp and we then get regular updates and pictures.” n

Hannah Heppel from Ribble Valley Holiday

ELEVATING INDUSTRY STANDARDS…

Drone technology, attention to detail and competitive quotes, puts one Lancashire roofing company way ahead of the rest, writes Liz Walmsley

Finding the right roofing company can feel like a daunting prospect – with promises of quality and reliability amidst so many horror stories of flyby-night companies and rip-off merchants.

Having been caught out previously with hidden costs and unexpected expenses, I’m pretty ‘switched on’ when it comes to sourcing tradespeople.

Seeking recommendations, doing my ‘homework’, and getting a few quotes before deciding who to work with, can be time consuming but is of course just good practice when undertaking any home improvements or repairs.

We’ve recently had to have our roof replaced and having gone through my due diligence, I contacted a few contractors, one of

which was George Clarkson from Lancashire Roofing and Building, who subsequently came out to assess the work required.

One of the most innovative features of Lancashire Roofing’s service is their use of drone technology to provide a bird’s eye view of the roof in its current state, which given the location of our property would have been impossible to see from any other

THE LANCASHIRE ROOFING AND BUILDING TEAM TAKES IMMENSE PRIDE IN THEIR CRAFT, THESE ARE CLEARLY GUYS WHO LOVE THEIR WORK AND WITHOUT DOUBT, CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONALS

position other than from overhead. It was reassuring to see ‘real time’ exactly what remedial work would be necessary, without just taking someone’s word for this, and helpful when I received a comprehensive quote with a full description of the work to be carried out and breakdown of costs just a few days after George’s visit.

Unlike other companies I had contacted, their attention to detail and willingness to address all my queries instilled my confidence from the start. The quote was surprisingly competitive, but the fact that all the work was backed by a 25-year guarantee and 10-year insurance-back guarantee demonstrated their confidence in the durability and longevity of their craftsmanship.

Another plus for me was that the company is a member of NFRC (the largest and most reputable roofing trade association in the UK) giving peace of mind that this was a company with a proven track record of quality workmanship and quality products.

Having given the go ahead for the work to be carried out, we agreed a date for work to start and I was given an idea of how long it would take to complete the works. Once the scaffolding had been erected George and his highly skilled team arrived promptly on site and work commenced. Having removed all the original slates, it became apparent that the timber battens and membranes beneath had become rotten and would need replacing. Whilst this wouldn’t have been apparent on first inspection, the use of the drone footage

at this stage clearly illustrated what George had explained to me. A revised quote was produced, giving details of the additional work required which I was more than happy to approve.

It was evident that the whole Lancashire Roofing and Building team takes immense pride in their craft, these are clearly guys who love their work and without doubt, consummate professionals and a pleasure to have on site. From their competitive pricing, transparency and accountability, an unwavering commitment to excellence to their friendly and prompt service, they have set the bar high for other roofing companies. n

Testimonial supplied by Liz and Tedd Walmsley

Lancashire Roofing and Building Ltd

0800 246 1275 / 07927 279106

info@lancashireroofingandbuilding.com

lancashireroofingandbuilding.com

REFURBISHED SHOWROOM SHOWCASES STYLISH FLOORING

For the past 15 years, family owned The Flooring Centre has been providing top quality flooring to residential and commercial customers with a first-class service. Now they introduce a renovated showroom.

Photography: Michael Porter

Based in Bamber Bridge, The Flooring Centre is a true family business with mum and dad, Sue and Steve, son and daughter Michael and Michelle together with an experienced and passionate sales team and highly skilled fitters.

Spread across four units, there are a huge range of products in a wide variety of materials and manufacturers to suit any home and price point.

The warmest of welcomes Company director Michelle said: “From the moment you step into our showroom, you will be welcomed by one of our friendly faces, offered a cup of coffee and a tour of our products along with plenty of solid advice. We have design tables instore that are the perfect place to start. With your ideas and our expertise, together we will create something unique which fits perfectly with your requirements.”

TED TODD’S BRAND-NEW DISPLAY

HIGHLIGHTS THE FULL RANGE OF BEAUTIFUL WOOD FLOORS

Whether you are looking for a kitchen floor, bedroom carpet or complete house refurbishment, you will find something for all tastes and budgets.

Experience high end brands through technology

Customers can choose from laminates, vinyl, carpets and alternative natural floors, and two engineered wood brands from Woodpecker and Ted Todd whose brand-new display highlights the full range of beautiful wood floors. As an Amtico One Exclusive Retail Partner supplying the full Amtico range, customers can view different options of luxury vinyl tiles in their chosen rooms using the special visualiser.

Michelle continued: “The visualiser is a great way to see which design you prefer. During our free measuring service, a photo will be taken and uploaded to be viewed on the big screen in order for customers to select their perfect floor from hundreds of choices. Coupled with our design tables, customers can get a real sense of the products and designs and of course they can take away samples to try at home too.”

With a wide variety of luxury vinyl tiles that also includes ranges from Karndean and Invictus, you are sure to find your perfect new floor covering to complement your existing décor.

Ranges for all budgets

Visitors are guaranteed to find flooring at every price point. As well as an extensive range of made to order carpets, there is also a dedicated unit with a budget-friendly, wide selection of carpet remnants and rolls. As you would expect from a family run business, the team delivers fantastic customer service and aftercare. The free measuring service is available at evenings and weekends.

Installation excellence

Michelle added: “When it comes to installing your new floor, our team of expert fitters are

the best at what they do. The fitting team have all worked with the company for many years and are all fully accredited. The team manage the process from start to finish with a full

FROM THE MOMENT YOU STEP INTO OUR SHOWROOM, YOU WILL BE WELCOMED BY ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY FACES, OFFERED A CUP OF COFFEE AND A TOUR OF OUR PRODUCTS ALONG WITH PLENTY OF SOLID ADVICE

service – from clearing furniture to removing existing floors if needed through to hoovering, clearing up and removing all product waste. We also help customers in

extra ways by connecting them with other trusted trades people such as electricians, plumbers and joiners, to ensure a seamless renovation to any home. Our clients get the best results throughout and our attention to detail will exceed expectations.”

Plan your visit

With a spacious customer car park, disabled access, and interest free credit available, there are so many reasons to drop in to see how The Flooring Centre team can help enhance your home. n

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APRIL SHOWERS...

These must-have waterproof accessories will keep you snug and dry during the rainy season

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

NATIONAL TRUST WATERPROOF BACKED PICNIC RUG IN RAINBOW £45 shop.nationaltrust.org.uk

BARBOUR LAVENDER WATERPROOF JACKET LIGHT SAND £249 vareys.co.uk

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BAUME & MERCER RIVIERA 10717 FOR MEN £3750

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While April may be known for showers, it’s also a month when the sun starts to shine even though the temperatures remain slightly chilly, so a jacket or coat that looks casually stylish is an essential this season.

At Scruples 1984 menswear store the latest key pieces have arrived and to the delight of store manager Tom Orrell and founder Stephen Collins the collection is undeniably fabulous! “We are buying really prestigious worldrenowned labels and this latest collection perfectly reflects this,” says Tom.

HERNO

Lightweight jackets and coats from premium Italian giant Herno represent one of the largest collections of this brand that Scruples 1984 has had since the menswear store was founded. Featuring scooter jackets and oversized mackintosh coats in classic navy, Herno have also introduced a new colour, Tortoya, a distinctive taupe: “The oversize fit can be seen in pieces across all the main collections and it’s selling really well,” adds Tom.

MONTECORE

Scruples have just taken delivery of its second seasonal collection of Montecore, another premium Italian brand that features a lightweight ‘shacket’ – a single skin piece in high performance fabric: “This is a real stand-out piece,” says Tom. Also from Montecore is a double-breasted longline car coat in light grey: “This is a wonderful coat and it’s selling like hot cakes – a real hit!”

MACKAGE

Specialist outerwear brand Mackage is this season presenting a more sporty look with a

SPORTING THE VERY BEST…

Lightweight spring and summer outerwear along with eye-catching, colourful shirts from some of the best labels in the world, can be found at Scruples 1984. Photography: Kirsten Platt

reversible windproof shell – the jacket comes in solid cream on one side with a black and cream quirky print on the other. Whichever way you choose to wear it, it is a stunner! Also from Mackage is a hooded jacket with full zip, jersey arms and a quilted hood and front: “We love Mackage and so do our customers – they will certainly be impressed with the latest collection.”

BELSTAFF

Classic British brand Belstaff is celebrating 100 years and they have a new collection to mark this milestone. Also featuring reversible pieces, the new Belstaff Centenary four-pocket safari coat comes in black and camel while one of Belstaff’s signature jackets, the Trialmaster, has been re-worked for this season into a light grey performance piece made of water-resistant and breathable ripstop with a luminous bright-yellow lining.

“Belstaff have really made an impact on us with their latest Centenary line. We are big fans of the brand,” says Tom.

PAUL & SHARK

The ever-popular Paul & Shark have new lightweight navy bomber jackets in their collection and all the usual, ultimately stylish

pieces for which they are renowned. Call into Scruples to take a look and see this impressive line-up from Paul & Shark.

TOM FORD & DITA

With summer on the horizon, we can’t ignore Scruples’ fabulous collection of Tom Ford sunglasses – plus a brand new range Dita – all handmade in Japan: “This is a really prestigious label and we are very lucky to have this opportunity to stock Dita. It’s a luxury brand that goes well with Scruples’ ethos to source the best pieces that the fashion world has to offer,” concludes Tom. n

Scruples 1984

85-87 Gisburn Road, Barrowford BB9 6DX

01282 695770

scruplesmenswear.co.uk

PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FEET

Visit one of the UK’s top specialist, retail shoe shops and find comfortable footwear that fits.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Treat your feet and get them ready for spring and summer by booking yourself a unique, one-to-one appointment with one of the friendly and professionally-trained shoe fitters at fitright footwear.

We have measured and fitted hundreds of feet and helped customers – both men and women, find and select fabulous shoes that fit.

Our feet are as individual as we are and are all shapes and sizes, so our appointments are tailored to meet the needs of each customer that walks through our door. We can look after feet that have bunions, Morton’s neuroma, hammer toes, arthritis and plantar fasciitis as well as many other foot problems you may be experiencing. We have a superb selection of footwear that offers a variety of brands, styles and a range of sizes, widths and depths. We can also help those customers who are struggling to find shoes that fit orthotics.

The more we know about your feet, prior to your visit the better as this helps us to select shoes that we think will fit you best,

are fit for purpose and help relieve any problems you have. So, when you ring to book your appointment be prepared to answer a few questions about your feet!

We are highly recommended by podiatrists, physiotherapists, chiropodists and hospitals because we are so successful at helping customers to find comfortable shoes that fit and because many of us are guilty of wearing shoes that just do not fit properly.

WALKING HELPS OUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING, IT LIFTS OUR MOOD TO GET OUT AND ABOUT AND THE BEST THING IS IT’S FREE!

This is simply because our feet have changed but we have not changed our footwear to accommodate this. We persist in wearing shoes that are not deep enough, not wide enough or not long enough.

Here at fitright footwear our aim is to fit you with shoes so comfortable you can forget they are on your feet. If we walk better, we live better. Life is too short to wear uncomfortable shoes. Walking helps our physical and mental well-being, it lifts our mood to get out and about and the best thing is it’s free! Our customers return time and again to

purchase footwear from us. After benefitting from our in-depth knowledge, footwear advice and years of experience they are reluctant to shop anywhere else.

Fitright footwear – more than just a shoe shop – we are dedicated to helping you think differently about footwear.

Book your appointment now. If you love your feet, be kind to them, don’t neglect them. Visit fitright footwear to make sure you have footwear that fits – your feet will thank you for it. n

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

SUSTAINABLE FASHION, ETHICAL STYLE

In this latest fashion column, fashion historian Scott William Schiavone explores the history of sustainability through a fashion lens

Sustainability has become something of a buzz word and in recent years, the fashion industry has undergone a transformative shift towards reflecting a growing awareness of environmental and social issues.

The history of sustainable fashion however, spans back hundreds of years. While the 18th and 19th centuries are not typically associated with the contemporary sustainability movement, there were aspects of resourcefulness and environmental awareness during these periods that can be viewed as early precursors to sustainable practices.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, clothing and textiles were valuable commodities and individuals would repair, alter and repurpose garments to extend their lifespan. During this time, clothing was predominantly handmade

by skilled artisans and local seamstresses. Communities often had their own textile and garment industries, fostering a more sustainable, self-sufficient approach.

COMMUNITIES OFTEN

HAD THEIR OWN TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES, FOSTERING A MORE SUSTAINABLE, SELF-SUFFICIENT APPROACH

In the collection at the Harris, we have an amazing 18th century gown made from the finest Spitalfields silk. The fabric of the dress is brocaded silk and woven with sprigs of tulips, narcissi, gilly flowers and cornflowers. The cloth dates to the 1740s but the style and cut of the dress is typical of the 1760s. Because of the expensive nature of cloth, it was

very common for dresses to be unpicked and re-sewn into new styles as fashions changed.

Until the 20th century, fabrics were primarily sourced from natural fibres like cotton, wool and linen. The use of natural fibres aligned with sustainability principles, as these materials were biodegradable and had a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives that became widely used during the 20th century.

While the terminology and explicit focus on sustainability were not prevalent during these historical periods, there were elements of conscientious living and resourcefulness that share common ground with contemporary sustainable practices.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS GAINED POPULARITY OFFERING DESIGNERS MORE CHOICES TO CREATE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE COLLECTIONS

The early 20th century witnessed a variety of sustainable practices driven by necessity, particularly during times of war and economic hardship. The two World Wars had a profound impact on fashion and consumption as rationing systems that restricted the use of certain materials, including silk and wool, were implemented. As a response, individuals became adept at making do with what they had. One notable example of resourcefulness during this time was the repurposing of parachute silk for wedding dresses. The UK Government also promoted a ‘Make Do and Mend’ campaign which encouraged people to repair and repurpose clothing rather than discarding and buying new.

This resourcefulness laid a foundation for later sustainability movements by demonstrating the importance of conscious consumption and waste reduction. The 21st century brought significant advancements in technology, providing the fashion industry with innovative solutions to minimise its environmental footprint. Sustainable materials gained popularity

offering designers more choices to create environmentally responsible collections.

As we move forward, sustainable fashion continues to evolve. Circular fashion, second-hand markets and clothing upcycling contribute to a more circular economy, minimising the environmental impact of fast fashion.

From its early roots in environmental consciousness to the contemporary focus

on ethical practices and circular economy, the fashion industry has come a long way. As consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability, the future holds the promise of a fashion industry that values both style and ethical responsibility, reflecting a positive and necessary evolution in our global approach to fashion. n

Image Credits

Scott William Schiavone is a fashion historian and Curator of Decorative Art at The Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston. Scott has worked with fashion and textile collections in museums across the UK. Scott has his own YouTube channel, Fashion &… and is an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society.

@scottschiavonefashioncurator

Right page, centre left: Spitalfields silk dress, 1740s-1760s, from the collection at The Harris. Photo by Simon Critchley.

Right page, centre right: ‘Make do and Mend’ Cover of a British WW2 leaflet, Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo.

THE LARGEST STOCKIST OF QUALITY COUNTRY CLOTHING IN THE NORTH WEST

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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

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CHANEL LES BEIGES WATER

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ESPA DEEPLY NOURISHING

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A rich hydrating body cream for smooth, supple skin, this contains ylang ylang to delicately fragrance while mulberry and bearberry revives.

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MAC STUDIO

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A water-based foundation that immediately hydrates skin, while providing sheer coverage and a satin finish. maccosmetics.co.uk

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Brighten and moisturise the delicate skin around the eyes with this vitamin rich eye gel, which is blended with rosehip seed oil, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.

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This eye cream is powered by padina pavonica for hydration, hawthorn and Arabian jasmine flower essence to visibly reduce dark circles, upcycled elderflower extract for undereye puffiness and Japanese artemisia capillaris to help restore radiance and luminosity.

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ESPA HYDRATING FLORAL SPA-FRESH MIST £22

A hydrating toner enriched with essential oils and flower water to refresh and comfort skin.

Spa Space Gilpin Hotel and Lake House gilpin.co.uk

MILK MAKEUP HYDRO GRIP PRIMER £35

Enriched with niacinamide and aloe water, this adds additional moisture that helps to leave the skin ready for makeup. spacenk.com/uk

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

• Facial flushing

• Persistent redness on cheeks, nose, chin or forehead

• Acne-type symptoms

• Broken veins

BANISH THE BLUSH

Reclaim skin confidence and clarity with Discover Laser’s ground-breaking approach to managing Rosacea symptomslearn how their innovative treatments offer hope and relief for this common yet often misunderstood condition

Principal Practitioner at Discover Laser, Dr Miguel Montero, deeply understands Rosacea’s challenges, having personally experienced their impact for most of his life.

Rosacea typically begins as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. A blood vessel disorder of the face, it usually affects women and men after turning 30. Over time, redness often becomes ruddier and more persistent and blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, pustules often develop and skin may swell and thicken in severe cases.

Despite studying medicine, Dr. Montero didn’t fully understand his condition until 2007, when he attended a lecture by the acclaimed Dr. Peter Crouch, who introduced him to the possibility of treating Rosacea with lasers. This revelation sparked Dr Montero’s passion to offer similar treatments to others, recognising the significant impact of Rosacea on confidence and quality of life.

Over the past 15 years, Dr. Montero has been at the forefront of advancements in Rosacea treatment. He offers a combination of lasers, skincare and sometimes medication to control the condition for months at a time.

While there is no cure for Rosacea, these treatments have been life-changing for many patients who travel from all over the UK and beyond to his clinic to seek his expertise.

His patients are delighted with the results, as one commented: “As a long-term sufferer of Rosacea, I have been delighted with the huge improvement.

“There has a been a significant reduction in flushing episodes - virtually to zero. Skin breakouts similarly are rare and by no means as distressing as they were before. Changes to my skin tone and appearance are definitely noticeable and have been commented on by family, friends and work colleagues.

“I had resigned myself to living with the condition before Miguel was recommended to me, and did not expect the vast improvements that he has managed to achieve in relatively few sessions.”

Given the potential progression of symptoms from mild to moderate to severe, early diagnosis and treatment is advised. Dr Montero encourages anyone experiencing signs of Rosacea to consult with a knowledgeable medical practitioner or dermatologist.

To book your ROSACEA CONSULTATION with Dr Montero, call Discover Laser’s team on 01282 420886

What causes Rosacea?

The exact cause is unknown. Blood vessels change, becoming leaky and over-responsive to stimuli such as sun exposure, heat, stress, anxiety, caffeine and alcohol.

Who is affected?

Rosacea affects about one in 10 people, usually between 30-60. Women are more affected, but in men it can be more severe. Can it be cured?

There is no permanent cure but laser treatments significantly reduce symptoms.

AS A LONG TERM SUFFERER OF ROSACEA, I HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED WITH THE HUGE IMPROVEMENT ~

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interconnected, and that negative patterns of thinking can contribute to psychological distress. It focuses on identifying and challenging these patterns to promote change.

• PCC, on the other hand, is based on humanistic psychology principles, emphasising the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship. It believes that individuals have the capacity for self-awareness and selfdirection, and the role of the therapist is to facilitate this process.

FOCUS AND GOALS:

• CBT aims to alleviate symptoms by targeting specific problematic thoughts and behaviours. It focuses on changing cognitive distortions and maladaptive

therapy sessions continuing for as long as the client finds them beneficial. It allows for a more flexible and organic exploration of the client’s inner world and personal growth journey.

APPLICABILITY:

• CBT has been extensively researched and shown to be effective for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD.

• PCC is not as protocol-driven and may be more suitable for individuals seeking personal development, self-exploration, or those who prefer a less structured therapeutic approach.

In summary, while both CBT and PCC aim to promote psychological wellbeing, they differ in their theoretical foundations, techniques and approach.

MIND MATTERS

To talk or not to talk, that is the question. There are different levels of talking therapy, all very different in their approach, writes therapeutic coach Lynn Scholes

Talking therapies, counselling and psychotherapy have become more and more mainstream over the past few years. The challenges faced by us all on a day to day basis, create an unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety, so we need to find a safe space in which to offload. That space offers an opportunity to unpick what often feels like a tsunami of issues and get a better perspective on what we need to do to help ourselves.

There are different models of talking therapy, the most popular ones in counselling are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Person Centred Counselling (PCC). It saddens me enormously when people explain that they have had counselling in the past and it didn’t work. There can be a number of reasons why this may be the case, but so often it is because the model on offer is not a fit for them.

CBT and PCC each have distinct theoretical underpinnings and methodologies. Here are the key differences between them:

• CBT is grounded in the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are

behaviours through techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioural experiments and exposure therapy.

• PCC prioritises personal growth and self-actualisation, with the goal of helping clients develop a greater sense of self-acceptance, self-understanding and authenticity. It focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions and experiences without judgment.

ROLE OF THE THERAPIST:

• In CBT, the therapist takes on an active, directive role, providing structured interventions and teaching clients practical skills to manage their symptoms. The therapeutic relationship is important but tends to be more focused on collaboration and problem-solving.

• In PCC, the therapist adopts a more non-directive approach, allowing clients to lead the sessions and determine the direction of their own exploration. The therapist serves as a facilitator, offering empathy, support and reflection to help clients gain insight into their experiences.

TIME FRAME:

• CBT is often more structured and timelimited, typically consisting of a set number of sessions focused on achieving specific treatment goals within a relatively short period.

• PCC tends to be more open-ended, with

The choice between them depends on the client’s preferences, treatment goals and the nature of their presenting concerns. I had one client who founded the experience of Person Centred Counselling caused her stress and anxiety. She worried all week about what she was going to speak about. We took a CBT approach and she thrived and succeeded in reaching her therapy goals. As a therapist I see strengths and weaknesses in both forms of therapy and therefore offer a multi-model approach aligned to the client sitting in front of me.

If you are one of those for whom therapy hasn’t worked in the past ask yourself three questions:

• Were you ready to make the journey and address the issues?

• Did you ‘connect’ with the therapist and feel total trust in them?

Based on the above, was the model of therapy right for you?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’ and you still have stress or anxiety or psychological issues that affect your everyday life, please consider another course of talking therapy, with the right therapist and the right form of therapy. n

Lynn Scholes is a writer, therapeutic coach, trainer and speaker working with individuals and companies.

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

Fractional Radio Frequency and Microneedling combined (Fractional RF) provides a new and improved way to build and develop collagen and provide firmer, fuller and youngerlooking skin. It stimulates collagen production at its roots for noticeably firmer, tighter and lifted skin and quickly eliminates fine lines and wrinkles, achieving vibrant and smoother looking skin.

DO YOU WANT YOUR YOUTHFUL SKIN BACK?

Now you can have youthful skin with EMA’s top three non-invasive revolutionary treatments, which achieve transformative long-term results, writes Meena McDonald

The Non-Surgical Face Lift 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 face lift affect. It is the top treatment to lift the sag and droopiness caused by ageing and lifestyle. There is no down time and the results last up to two years.

WHAT THEY SAY…

“I’ve had the non-surgical face lift and the new Fractional RF treatment and after only a few weeks post treatments I’m already over the moon with my results. 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.”

Debra C

“I’ve had my full face and neck treated with Plasma pen, Hyapen and the new face lift machine and the results are just remarkable. I’m 73 but look and feel 20 years younger.”

Christine K

The Plasma Pen works on tightening the skin’s elasticity and accurately smooths out deep expression lines and wrinkles. It rebuilds and strengthens the skins fibroblasts and powerfully

stimulates collagen and elastin production for a natural but transformative result.

These three treatments turn the skin clock back to a much more youthful you, with long lasting results for everything from sagging jowls, turkey necks,

SPECIAL OFFERS!

NEWEST LEADING TECHNOLOGY – FRACTIONAL RF: Introductory one-time only offer – 30% off face or combined face and neck treatment.

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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 15th May 2024

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

As one of the most sought after, experienced and highly skilled aesthetic specialists in Lancashire, Emma Pearce continually exceeded her clients’ expectations by providing bespoke treatment plans. n

Call Emma now on 01772 821600.

EMA Skin Aesthetics Ltd

Upstairs at Toni & Guy

86 Fishergate, Preston PR1 2NJ

01772 821600

07547 802062

info@emaskinaesthetics.co.uk

emaskinaesthetics.co.uk

PRIVATE DERMATOLOGY COMES TO CLITHEROE!

Dr Grant McKeating explains RejuvaMed’s dermatology service, which offers quick diagnosis and timely treatment

RejuvaMed is delighted to announce that we now offer private dermatology services with Dr Ahsan Raza. Many of you may know Dr Raza, as he is a GP partner in a local practice and is also a GPwSI (GP with special interest) in dermatology. He now leads the community dermatology team and is an expert on all things ‘skin’!

The NHS is under severe pressure at the moment, and it can take considerable time to be seen by a dermatologist. Many issues are considered to be ‘cosmetic’ and will not qualify for NHS treatment.

If you have a skin lesion, mole, lump or bump that you’d like to have evaluated by an

expert, Dr Raza can see you quickly, look at the lesion with a dermatoscope if required and plan any further treatment for you. We can arrange for skin lesions to be removed quickly and safely, under local anaesthetic, in our minor surgery operating room. These will be sent to be checked by a pathologist, with results available in seven days or so, for your peace of mind.

If you have a problem with a chronic skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis or acne, or if you have developed a new skin problem, and would like prompt diagnosis, Dr Raza can help. n

If you’d like to see Dr Raza, consultation costs from just £85.

Call the clinic on 01200 538668, e-mail: info@rejuvamed.co.uk, or book online at: rejuvamed.co.uk or by scanning the QR code.

DO YOU HAVE FACIAL THREAD VEINS?

Thread veins can be troublesome and unsightly but the latest state-of-the-art technology can help remove them

Dr Grant, RejuvaMed’s Medical Director and Nurse Helen, both specialise in safe and effective removal of facial thread veins using ThermaVein. With Dr Grant’s 24 years of experience as a hospital consultant and over a decade in aesthetic medicine, combined with Nurse Helen’s many years in aesthetic practice, patients are assured of receiving the highest standards of care at our CQC regulated clinic.

Thread veins are most commonly seen on or around the nose, on the cheeks and on the chin, and many patients tell us that the first thing they see when they look at themselves in a mirror is ‘those dreadful veins!’ But the good news is that thread veins can be easily treated.

ThermaVein offers a safer alternative to IPL or laser treatments and features

state-of-the-art technology to ensure precision and low risk. It uses a microburst of heat to seal off the affected veins via a tiny needle placed directly on top of each vein, significantly reducing the possibility of skin damage or pigmentation issues associated with other vein removal methods. Results are immediate and multiple repeat treatments are not required.

The first step is a consultation with either Dr Grant or Nurse Helen, who will examine your skin and discuss the best treatment options with you. n

Call the clinic on 01200 538668, e-mail: info@rejuvamed.co.uk, or book online at: rejuvamed.co.uk or by scanning the QR code.

RejuvaMed

Holmes Cottage Woone Lane

Clitheroe BB7 1BG 01200 538668

info@rejuvamed.co.uk

rejuvamed.co.uk

LOVING THE SKIN YOU’RE IN...

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

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

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

FIRST UP IS VITAMIN C:

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

NEXT IN YOUR ARSENAL IS SUNSCREEN:

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

THE POWERHOUSE THAT IS VITAMIN A:

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

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

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

Essentially, it challenges ageing skin to behave in a younger and healthier way – and so with continued use, you can expect your

skin to be smoother brighter and firmer.

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

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

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

Retail outlet, Chandlery and Reading Room open seven days a week. 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon-4.30pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays

INVITATION

Book an appointment for a skincare consultation at melt – this is free, informative and there is absolutely no obligation to purchase. However, if you do, you will receive 15% discount off any Medik8 or Dr. Hauschka products bought on the day. Melt also run a loyalty scheme for both brands which is explained at the time of your appointment.

Melt

Backridge Farm

Waddington BB7 3LQ

01200 443377

themeltco.com

AI – TRANSFORMING THE WE WAY WE HEAR…

Hearing has never sounded so good with artificial intelligence technology featured in Starkey’s Genesis AI. Specialist Nish Vasant explains how it works. Photography: Roger Moore

Always keeping well ahead of the industry, hearing specialist Nish Vasant last year attended a product launch for a revolutionary new hearing aid from global manufacturer Starkey, which is set to become a world leader in terms of transforming the way we listen and hear.

Nish, who constantly researches products in order to find the best solutions for his patients, was mightily impressed with the new Starkey Genesis AI hearing aid.

Excited to be able to offer his patients this ground-breaking, new hearing aid, Nish says: “Essentially the process encourages the brain to do the work by using advanced artificial intelligence.”

THE

SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY WORKS SO QUICKLY THAT IT ADAPTS BEFORE WE CAN, MAKING OVER 80 MILLION ADJUSTMENTS PER HOUR

One of the best hearing solutions to be developed, Starkey’s latest offering uses artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic the way the brain works.

Anything but ordinary, the new Starkey Genesis AI represents one of the biggest leaps forward in hearing technology. The technology is so smart it thinks like we do.

“Hearing loss might start in the ears, but it also happens in the brain,” says Nish.

Genesis AI hearing aids mimic our cerebral cortex, processing sounds the way a normal auditory system does, filling in the gaps produced from years of hearing loss.

The design is discreet and ergonomic, resting snugly behind the ear, making it barely noticeable to others.

Genesis AI features all-day rechargeability so you can confidently wear them all day long with a nightime charge. They are also durable and water resistant – made to withstand sweat, dirt, dust and drops so if you lead an active life, they offer the perfect solution.

THE RESULT IS A MUCH CLEARER, MORE DISTINCT AND TRUE-TO-LIFE SOUND QUALITY THAN EVER BEFORE

Nish adds: “The latest technology in Starkey’s Genesis AI hearing aid is designed to help wearers reduce the effort it takes to listen and hear, distinguishing words more intuitively.”

The hearing aids also offer versatile connectivity and with the easy-to-use My Starkey app they deliver even more benefits. n

To find out more about the ground-breaking technology from Starkey and the Genesis AI hearing aid, contact Nish and the team at Fresh Hearing.

The sophisticated technology works so quickly that it adapts before we can, making over 80 million adjustments per hour, automatically, without you needing to do a thing.

The result is a much clearer, more distinct and true-to-life sound quality than ever before.

Easy on the ears, Genesis AI hearing aids have been completely redesigned to deliver superior sound, comfort and durability.

Fresh Hearing

65 Lower Deardengate, Haslingden BB4 5SN 01706 215479 freshhearing.co.uk

NOT SURE IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT HEARING AIDS

BOOK IN FOR A HEARING AID CONSULTATION

If you are considering hearing aids or already have a set and are looking and getting new ones we have the perfect solution for you. There are many different styles and types of hearing aids available. Which one is best suited for you depends on 3 different factors, the severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, and the type of hearing aid you would like.

Without performing a full hearing test and analysing your lifestyle it is very difficult to asses which hearing aid is right for you. As part of the hearing aid consultation, you will be fitted with a pair of hearing monitors which you will need to wear for 1-2 weeks. These monitors will gather some key information regarding your lifestyle. From this information we can accurately tell which type of hearing aid will be best suited to you. At your follow up a week later we will analyse all the results and make recommendations as to which hearing aid style and level of technology would be best suited to you.

HEARING CONSULTATION

We start by understanding your hearing needs.

HEARING MONITORS

You’ll be fitted with hearing monitors to assess your lifestyle over a 1-2 week period.

OUR ANALYSIS

Together we’ll analyse the data recieved from your Hearing Monitors

YOUR RECOMMENDATION

We start by understanding your hearing needs.

BOOSTING BUSINESS

Campaigning for a brighter future for Clitheroe, Anita Orchard the new president of the Chamber of Trade sets out her plans

The new president of Clitheroe Chamber of Trade (CoT) Anita Orchard has set out how she hopes to improve the town, increase footfall and boost trade for business owners.

As a business owner herself (Anita runs the renowned Apricot Meringue café) she knows all too well the benefits of being part of the CoT: “When you own a business you can often feel like you’re on your own with no-one to talk to if things aren’t going to plan. But if you’re a member of the Chamber of Trade you know you’re part of a team of people who totally understand.”

Clitheroe CoT is made up of a network of businesses that promotes the interests of its 60 members and the local business community.

It is designed to help businesses both small and large to succeed by providing support, amplifying their voices and giving them the opportunity to drive change.

“We help businesses connect and we believe our relationships lead us to achieve goals that we probably wouldn’t achieve alone,” says Anita.

“I intend to make contact with businesses

in Clitheroe and on the outskirts to speak to them to tell them how they can get involved in the Chamber and what it can do for them. The more members we have the stronger we are as a group.”

Anita, who has already forged collaborations with Clitheroe Town Team, the Town Council and Ribble Vally Borough Council, adds: “We are all hoping to work together to see what we can do for the town and the businesses within it. We are definitely not political, but we are very much a part of both councils and together, we can deliver events for the benefit of the town and its traders,” says Anita, who adds that the number of empty shops in Clitheroe is not as worrying as some may think.

“RVBC plans to do a High Street Health Check, but historically the rise in the number of empty shops is cyclical. At the moment there are around 13 ‘to let’ signs but many of the properties are owned by the same people and they have been on a 10-year lease.

“The number has prompted us as a Chamber to look at how we can attract new business to the town, but it’s not as worrying when you know the background.”

Other issues that have prompted complaints, including the town’s pavements that are in need or urgent repair, are being confronted: “With regards to the pavements we have assured businesses that this will be short term pain for long term gain.”

Work will start on 15th April with the top end of Castle Street being closed off and Lancashire County Council, which is doing

Photography: Michael J P / Shutterstock.com

the repairs, have assured the Chamber that the road will be open by 31st July in time for Clitheroe’s Food Festival.

The work will see a wider pedestrian area, the street slightly narrower in parts, with disabled parking areas, a safe crossing and benches installed.

“Plans can be seen online,” says Anita, who is originally from the North West, but was raised in Buckinghamshire.

She moved back north 12 years ago: “I just love the Ribble Valley and in Clitheroe we have an amazing town! It has everything –a castle, lovely shops and marvellous people. As a nation I think we are very much developing a café culture and I think Clitheroe is the perfect location for this. I am of the opinion that whichever cafes, bars and restaurants come to Clitheroe – as well as other new businesses – we have to ensure that the quality is good to attract locals and visitors.”

Other areas that Anita will be exploring as president of the Chamber is ideas for improving Clitheroe market: “I am a big fan of the market – as a café owner I buy a lot of my produce there as it’s such good quality. Clitheroe market as a whole is a member of

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

3rd – 5th May

4th & 5th May

9th – 11th May

the CoT and for a number of years traders have been campaigning for an upgrade.

“Some of the filming for the Take That movie took place in the market area and it looked amazing. It had been especially cleaned up and looked lovely – really vibrant. As a Chamber we would like to find out what the traders really want to see going forward. It just needs to be enhanced in my opinion –it doesn’t need anything drastic. It’s such a fabulous facility, we don’t want to lose it as it’s a real asset to the town.”

Looking to the future Anita and the CoT hope to resurrect a number of successful events from the past plus originate new ones too: “I enjoy being a part of the Chamber of Trade, it gives me great satisfaction. You can’t just sit back and expect things to happen. I’d like to see occupied shops on a busy high street with something for everyone.” n

RIBBLE VALLEY JAZZ FESTIVAL

NORTH WEST CRYSTAL SPIRITUAL & WELLNESS FAIR

CLITHEROE BEER FESTIVAL

Throughout June PRIDE EVENTS

14th – 16th June

10th August

27th – 29th September

31st October

CONTEMPORARY ARTS FESTIVAL

CLITHEROE FOOD FESTIVAL

SCOOTER RALLY

HALLOWEEN (late night opening)

2nd & 3rd November WITCH THEMED EVENTS AND GHOST WALKS

10th November

30th November

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

Photography: Ian Reay / Shutterstock.com

CHIPPING IN BLOOM

A Ribble Valley village is celebrating after being selected as a finalist in a prestigious, national competition

The beautiful village of Chipping has reached the finals of the 2024 Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom competition. Chipping is one of eight finalists in the village category to be selected from across the UK.

The Ribble Valley village will welcome national judges in the summer and if they become category winner, they then compete to be named overall winner in what is the 60th anniversary year of the UK’s biggest community gardening competition.

Chair of Chipping in Bloom, Helen Lear, says the whole village is thrilled by the news: “We have about 15 regular In Bloom members but also many more volunteers, schools, churches and local businesses who help by looking after planted areas, putting out floral displays or helping on community action days. It’s truly a whole village effort and a great way to grow friendships!”

Chipping in Bloom involves people of all ages and backgrounds and it’s a way for

people to get involved in their community.

Helen adds: “Churches, local businesses and residents also use our annual planting theme for their own gardens or plant pots, and local school children are involved in our wildlife and wild flower projects.

WE’VE CHOSEN THE THEME OF FRIENDSHIP, TO HIGHLIGHT THE WAY IN WHICH COMMUNITY GARDENING CAN BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND ENRICH LIVES

“We plant in sympathy with local needs, conditions and climate – native wild-flowers, butterfly and bee-friendly plants, plus sensory

and edible plants in public spaces. We have installed bird boxes, mini-beast hotels and ladybird shelters around the village and take pride in the St Mary’s Community Wildlife Garden. We give nature a hand, and make the village look great at the same time.”

Villagers have also helped with plant sales, seed swaps, craft events and the Chipping in Bloom Group has entered local festivals and organised special planting events.

Kay Clark, RHS Community Development Manager, said: “While planting trends may change and environmental practices evolve, the belief that plants and communal green spaces are important for creating healthy and happy communities endures. Britain in Bloom groups across the UK work to enhance the local environment, share skills and knowledge, and create opportunities to improve local wellbeing.

“In this special anniversary year, we’ve chosen the theme of friendship, to highlight the way in which community gardening can bring people together and enrich lives.” n

chippinginbloom.co.uk

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TRACTOR PULLING EXTRAVAGANZA

Tractor drivers from all over Europe will be vying to pull the heaviest weight in an event which is billed as the world’s most powerful motorsport

Stars of the European circuit are making their way across the channel for this year’s Tractor Pulling BTPA Championships at Scorton Showground in Lancashire. The event is taking place over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th May.

Tractor pulling involves souped-up tractors vying to pull the heaviest weight the furthest down a 100m track. Drivers travel from far and wide to compete and win titles in the daredevil, high-octane events.

Among European guests are the ‘Hot Art’ pulling team from the Netherlands with a continental V12 1790 turbo charged tractor, the Ford Limited superstock, ‘Sonic’, from Switzerland as well as ‘Froggy’ – a John Deere limited superstock from France’s CDH pulling team. A number of other high-profile competitors are to be announced shortly.

IT’S PROVING A BIG DRAW FOR ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN MOTOR SPORT – BECAUSE IT’S ALL ABOUT POWERFUL ENGINES, UNRIVALLED DRIVING SKILLS AND DRAMA!

The event, which is live on a big screen, also features a fabulous display of around 150 custom trucks, a fairground and Saturday

night entertainment in the showground beer tent. New this year is an exclusive VIP marquee positioned for the best views of the action, where guests can enjoy a complimentary drink and meal, VIP bar and car parking.

Organiser, Daniel Whittingham, said:

“Since the huge success of our first event last year, we have invested further to improve the purpose-built pulling track, as well as general site facilities for the many campers we have visiting. It’s proving a big draw for anyone who is interested in motor sport –because it’s all about powerful engines, unrivalled driving skills and drama!”

The action starts at 2pm on Saturday and will last until at least 9pm. Sunday’s hours are noon to 6pm but on both days, gates open two hours before the competition starts.

Tickets can be bought at the showground gate for £17 for adults and £10 for children aged between 10 and 16 years. Younger children go free and there is free parking. Weekend camping is £50pp and VIP tickets are £65pp –both include entry. n

These and discounted tickets are also available via the event website at uktractorpull.co.uk.

FRESH, CLEAN AND PERFECTLY PRESSED

With extensive experience in the hospitality sector, Joseph Hook and his family have worked hard to build their commercial laundry company supporting businesses across Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria, writes Gail Bailey. Photography: Kirsten Platt

Founded in October 2019 RV Pure Clean had a difficult beginning having opened a business to support the hospitality sector just prior to Covid. However, since then Joseph Hook and his team have proved their worth and in a short time have increased the capacity in their brand-new purpose built 10,000 square ft unit. “It was a tough time to begin with,” says Joseph. “But we’ve come out the other side and have been able to increase our capacity 10 times over since commencing.”

The increase has allowed RV Pure Clean to build their customer base and focus even more on the quality of the service they provide: “Even though we have grown substantially from four to now over 25 staff, we are still very much a local, family business and providing a first-class service to our customers is our number one priority,” Joseph adds. The company has increased their washing

machine capacity and has also invested in a £200,000 industrial ironing line to ensure they can provide a quality product to an everexpanding customer base. Joseph will visit Spain and Belgium this year with the plan to import an additional ironing line and upgrade the washers and dryers, making their operation even more efficient and eco-friendly.

THE WHOLE TEAM HAVE THE SAME ETHOS –WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT ENSURING WE OFFER QUALITY AND RELIABILITY

RV Pure Clean have a growing list of prestigious customers such as the Inn at Whitewell, James’ Places and Crow Wood Hotel and Spa, along with venues further afield in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District.

“As a company we are flexible, approachable and accessible to all. The whole team have

the same ethos – we are passionate about ensuring we offer quality and reliability,” says Joseph, whose dad and sister also work alongside him in the business.

Paula Seddon, Executive Head Housekeeper at Crow Wood Hotel and Spa commented:

“We have been using RV Pure Clean for all our hotel linen since 2022 and it has been a revelation. The service offered has been second to none, anyone within the hospitality industry knows how difficult it is to find a reliable laundry with excellent standards and for us it’s only 20 minutes down the road. I would highly recommend.”

Having a keen eye for business, Joseph and his team will soon be launching another arm to the company, Holiday Rental Supplies. (holidayrentalsupplies.co.uk). “Whilst we cater for large hotels, we are now expanding our services for bed and breakfasts, holiday homes, Air BnBs and lodges,” he explains.

“This won’t only be our laundry service, but we will also be retailing commercial linen. We have many customers who struggle with finding the correct linen often purchasing from high street shops, which is expensive and falls short of the quality and longevity you would find in the hospitality sector – our new range will be perfect and cost effective for anyone in the holiday rental sector.

“We will also offer a range of products to support hospitality rental businesses including guest amenity packs, consumables and cleaning products – all with a focus on quality and accessibility.” n

BEATS PER MINUTE

Ribble Cycles talk to DJ Spoony, who has just taken delivery of a unique Special Edition Ultra SL R that has been customised to create the ultimate dream machine

Luxury heritage bicycle brand Ribble Cycles specialise in handcrafting signature style bikes and bespoke masterpieces. The most recent collaboration with DJ Spoony is rather special and more fitting in an art gallery hanging from a wall than out on the road.

The unique Special Edition Ultra SL R was hand delivered to his vinyl room shortly after DJ Spoony had fronted 30 Years of Garage set at this year’s MOBO Awards.

Ribble’s in-house experts meticulously masterminded a resplendent design scheme to

create the ultimate dream machine. Featuring a hand painted Gold Flame, Black and Gold paint finish, the design takes inspiration from DJ Spoony’s vinyl room. His own logo wraps around the bike’s forks and is engraved on the headset top cap. Handwritten lyrics from Princes Sign O’ The Time Album – Starfish and Coffee – his favourite songs are inscribed on the inside of the seat stay.

Spoony’s Ultra SL R is equipped with Shimano DuraAce Di2, Fizik Arione saddle and finished with a custom set of Mavic wheels.

Passionate about cycling, DJ Spoony originally got into the sport after sustaining an injury from running and has embraced the positive benefits that riding has on your physical and mental health. So much so, that Spoony is looking at creating an open-to-all cycling social ride with Ribble to promote well-being, health and happiness.

RIBBLE’S IN-HOUSE EXPERTS METICULOUSLY MASTERMINDED A RESPLENDENT DESIGN SCHEME TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE DREAM MACHINE

DJ Spoony (Johnathan Joseph) says: “Cycling is all about the social aspect for me and this bike will be a talking point. I love the idea that when I check my bike over before every ride, I’ll see the lyrics of a song that always puts a big smile on my face – it will help me get up the hills! I can’t wait to get this bike out onto the road as I know how fast they are and how stunning they look. But this bike takes it up a gear (no pun intended).”

To get you out on your bike, DJ Spoony has curated a Spoony X Ribble playlist which you can check out on Spotify. n

A FUN SUMMER OF EVENTS

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

The Ribble Valley is incredibly lucky to have the North of England’s premier equestrian venue right here on our doorstep, and for anyone who hasn’t experienced the thrill of this top-level sport it’s the perfect place for a fun afternoon: “We have three incredible events this year, with the next one being our prestigious Young Horse Show, from 29th May to 2nd June,” says Millie Coultherd, Northcote Stud’s Events Co-ordinator.

The Young Horse Show at Northcote Stud is one of the biggest in the UK with 200 horses stabled on-site, with another 100 travelling in daily.

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

“We have Big Star and Talent Seekers Qualifiers and the Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon, which has a height of 1.45 metres and an exciting first prize of £2k! On Sunday there will be the finals for the four, five, six and seven year olds.”

From 26th to 28th July the Bronze and Silver Northern Qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show 2024 will also be taking place

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

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

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

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

YOUNG HORSE SHOW

29th May to 2nd June

northcotestud.com

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

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

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

Northcote Stud

Northcote Road, Old Langho, Blackburn BB6 8BE

01254 790025

07774 968006

northcotestud.com

IN THE SADDLE

As always, Chipping Pony Club members have been keeping busy over the last month, both competing for the club and keeping up with their training, writes Megan Conlon

To kick off the month, our Senior Mounted Games team embarked on a journey to Cheshire Hunt South’s games competition. This was a brilliant way of practising for the upcoming Area Mounted Games competition in May. There have been many training sessions in the lead up to this, as well as the Winter League competitions which have just come to a close. It is always beneficial to get as much competition practice in as possible, as the competitive buzz of the other teams and the cheering crowds provide an entirely different environment for our brilliant ponies to race in compared to a training session.

Also representing our club, three of our members travelled to the Area Horse and Pony Care competition in South Lancashire. In this competition, members are asked to go into a number of different stables where they must complete a variety of tasks. These might include grooming a pony, identifying

different types of saddle, demonstrating how to dress a wound, or discussing what to feed horses and ponies based on their physiology and workload. It is a great way for our members to

demonstrate all their equine knowledge under the eyes of watchful examiners, competing against many other clubs in the area.

In preparing for this competition, members are taught how to do all things pony-care in a safe and correct way. This is invaluable for members of all ages, as it is important to know how to properly care for the animals who work so hard for us.

Another way this is taught is through achievement badges, which are particularly popular with our younger members – who wouldn’t want to be able to show off all your knowledge on your sleeves? This month we had a badge evening where members, under expert tuition, earned badges in a number of areas. Firstly, the equine behaviour badge was given to those who could accurately understand and interpret what a horse might be communicating with their body language. Then, members learnt about the basic needs of a pony in summer and winter, and how seasonal changes might affect how we care for a pony, before learning how to spot poisonous plants which might pose a danger to a pony in a field. They then learnt the proper names for horses’s colours and markings, followed by how to identify the points of the pony, which might be useful if they ever need to describe an injury to a vet.

To make all this possible, we often run fundraisers to raise money for the club, the money from which then goes back into the members. This month, we held a bingo fundraiser at Chipping Village Hall. This is always popular with locals and members alike, with great prizes to be won, from tea and biscuits to a roast beef hamper!

The Easter holidays, saw us holding an Easter egg hunt for the younger members (with some unavoidable tack cleaning too) as well as a rally for all ages where members prepare for their efficiency tests. These tests mark a person’s progress within the Pony Club, with the next one fast approaching at the end of April. Our members and their ponies continue to work hard in preparation for upcoming events and competitions. Roll on summer! 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

ALL ABOUT THE FILLIES!

Jason Fildes sums up which fillies we should be looking out for in the coming months

It’s a wonderful time of year in the racing world with the flat season ahead of us and the new two year olds beginning to learn how to race!

We seem to have concentrated on fillies this year with the following being our babies to look out for so far:

MUSIC HISTORY

Her sire is Ardad, a champion sprinter, and trainer Ed Bethell reports her to be ‘very fast!’ He plans to give her a debut run towards the end of April but at this moment the ultimate target is the Queen Mary Stakes over five furlongs at Royal Ascot in June. Let’s hope she’s good enough to get there.

CHEERLEADER

A lovely filly by Dandy Man, in training with Karl Burke at Spigot Lodge, Middleham. She’s probably not as forward as Music History, who is out and out speed over a minimum distance. Cheerleader may well step up to six furlongs in time but we should see her on a racecourse for the first time in April.

HELLO HOTTIE

Another filly at Ed Bethell’s, from a family

Ed knows well as she is by Territories, the sire of the stable’s first Group 1 winner, Regional. He will be making his seasonal debut at York at the Dante meeting and there are exciting reports about his half-sister Hello Hottie who we own in partnership with TV commentator and pundit, Derek ‘Tommo’ Thompson.

IT’S A WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR IN THE RACING WORLD WITH THE FLAT SEASON AHEAD OF US

AMALFINA

Bought at Tattersalls Book 1 sale by the bloodstock team who found Korker and Harvanna for us, Amalfina is a very different

type of filly to the other three. She is beautifully bred, her sire being Nathaniel and her dam is Nibbling, who herself is by Invincible Spirit. We have very high hopes for her but her pedigree suggests she will thrive over longer distances, so Karl Burke is taking his time with her and we probably won’t see her in action until later in the summer. By Galileo, Nathaniel was a brilliant winner of the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 12 furlongs and the Eclipse Stakes over 10 furlongs. We are hoping Amalfina will be even better as a three year old and beyond, like her superstar half-sister, Enable!

As well as our new fillies on the flat, we are also very excited about La Zoubida, a four year old mare who will be having a first run in a race in September. Trainer Nicky Richards, based in Greystoke, Cumbria, has given us very promising reports about her. She’ll be going novice hurdling later in the season and it will be fun to see her in a ‘bumper’ in the autumn. n

Fildes Racing 07721 311778

fildesracing@gmail.com

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO SEE AND ENJOY

The UK’s largest family-owned fine art auctioneers, Tennants of Leyburn, is offering its visitors a truly unique experience by showcasing beautiful, rare and valuable items before going under the hammer, writes Robert Kelly

For lovers of antiques and fine art, Tennants’ ever-changing free to enter galleries offer the chance to see unique, valuable and rare items and private collections, months ahead of sale. Many items on view have never been seen in public and have a rich and fascinating history. After sale, these items return to private hands, and as a result, Tennants is often described as something of an everchanging museum and then a saleroom.

Tennants has been established in Wensleydale for more than four generations and now holds more than 80 auctions every year, covering fine art and antiques and

specialist auctions such as jewellery, silver, wine and whisky, designer fashion, Mouseman furniture, books, stamps, textiles, coins and

WHEN THE GAVEL COMES DOWN AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE GARDEN ROOMS THEN PLAY HOST TO A LIVELY PROGRAMME OF CONCERTS, EXHIBITIONS AND TALKS FROM SOME OF THE UK’S BEST-KNOWN PERSONALITIES

more. And when the gavel comes down at the end of the day, The Garden Rooms then play host to a lively programme of concerts,

exhibitions and talks from some of the UK’s best-known personalities. When combined, there is always something to see and enjoy; there are now more than 250 events each year which attract more than 200,000 visitors.

The 27 specialist departments at Tennants offer an outstanding range and depth of expertise that, combined with the company’s strong traditional values and a personal approach, have won Tennants widespread respect in the international marketplace.

The friendly team of specialists offer a free, no-obligation valuation service for auction where anyone can make an appointment to have their items appraised, whether it be individual items, a private collection, or a whole estate. The company also provides professional valuations for probate, insurance, and family division.

Just like some of the items offered at auction, Tennants has a great story and history.

The business originated in Middleham, near Leyburn, where Edmund Tennant (born 1876) was a stonemason, grocer and agricultural merchant.

His son Edmund expanded the business into auctioneering and the younger Edmund’s

sons John and Rodney also became auctioneers. By 1988, the business focussed solely on fine art and antiques and has grown to become the dynamic and fast-moving business it is today.

Tennants prides itself on offering a warm and friendly welcome, for those new to auctions, or seasoned bidders to experience the buzz of a live auction. Visitors can retreat from the salerooms and unwind in the airy café or cosy bistro where breakfast, lunch and light refreshments are served seven days a week.

But when all the lots have gone under the hammer at the end of the day, that is not the end of the action at Tennants.

The Garden Rooms are a stunning state-ofthe-art extension to the salerooms and form one of the UK’s largest multi-purpose venues

dedicated to weddings, conferences, events and exhibitions.

Opened in 2015, The Garden Rooms stage a full annual programme of concerts, exhibitions and talks. Ben Fogle, Michael Portillo and the Halle Orchestra have all played to sell-out crowds and the upcoming programme includes Sir Trevor McDonald, Ross Kemp and The Cory Band, one of the world’s best known brass bands.

BY 1988, THE BUSINESS FOCUSSED SOLELY ON FINE ART AND ANTIQUES AND HAS GROWN TO BECOME THE DYNAMIC AND FAST-MOVING BUSINESS IT IS TODAY

Each year The Garden Rooms also host more than 150 weddings, private celebrations and balls. From small intimate parties of 10 to larger scale events for 600, the flexible spaces allow for unique, one-of-a-kind celebrations to be created, whatever the occasion.

The feel of Tennants is one of ‘friendly yet elegant sophistication’ where auctions combine with the arts and culture and

entertainment to offer something for everyone to see and enjoy.

With so many reasons to visit, make sure the trip is on your to do list soon. n

The Auction Centre Harmby Road

Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5SG tennants.co.uk

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

ST PATRICK’S DAY FUNDRAISER

Lancashire law firm Farleys has been holding its annual St Patrick’s Day fundraiser for more than 15 years. This year’s event saw more than 130 guests at the 1968 Lounge at Accrington Stanley Football Club. With all funds raised on the day to be donated to Cash for Kids Lancashire, guests were invited to enter the raffle or bid in the charity auction to win one of dozens of prizes donated by local businesses. These included concert and football tickets, signed sports memorabilia and vouchers for everything from local restaurants and wine bars to shops and hotels. Through the raffle and auction, £7,480 was raised and this will be topped up by the Farleys Foundation which will make an £8,700 donation to the charity.

YOUNG FARMERS

Clitheroe Young Farmers gathered at Foxfields Country Hotel to celebrate 80 years of the organisation, which is a youth charity for people aged from 10 to 26, living in rural areas, learning skills and having fun. There were 175 people at the event, including local MPs, with welcome drinks kindly sponsored by many Ribble Valley businesses. A three-course meal was followed by a series of speeches celebrating Clitheroe YFC presented by ex-chairmen, reflecting on the highlights of their time in office as well as recalling all the successful events – from the calf show to the Clitheroe Christmas tractor run. Over the last five years alone Clitheroe Young Farmers have raised over £20,000 for other charities. During the evening there was a presentation of awards to current members for their hard work over the last year, with trophies presented by the current club president.

GLITTERING BALL

Haydock Finance, specialists in supportive business finance, partnered with The Wish Centre as a headline sponsor for the ‘Wish Upon a Star’ fundraising ball held at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel which raised over £10,000 for the Blackburn-based charity, which helps and advises victims of domestic abuse.

The funds raised will play a vital role in providing support to over 3800 people each year, many of whom are often in crisis.

Rebekah Wilson of The Wish Centre said: “We are extremely thankful to Haydock Finance who do so much for our charity and the people we are supporting. Everyone had a wonderful time whilst raising funds that will  provide a lifeline to someone in need.”

“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

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

firtreespoodlesandpaws.co.uk

Creativity knows no bounds…

Artist Nick Dittrich creates original artworks using a variety of mediums (acrylic, charcoal, graphite, pastel and chalk) or anything else –object trouvé, bottle tops, purchase receipts and micro shredded banknotes.

To purchase, or to commission an artwork call: 01279 861863 / 07909 850462 email: endartistuk @ gmail.com

His latest collection are collages from recycled billboards and dry transfer lettering with original wording. He said about the artworks: “The large scale halftone printing, the torn forms, vivid colours and ripped edges are ideal to create purely abstract expressions, as opposed to the original advertising images.”

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

‘Pieces of my heart’ – 40x40cm Box Canvas ‘Fragments of memory’ – 40x40cm Box Canvas

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR

Now in its 42nd year, over which time it has raised £97,000, Slaidburn Steam and Vintage Vehicle Display is once again being organised by David McNamee and his small team of volunteers.

At a time when coal and insurance costs are forcing many steam engine rallies to fold, Slaidburn continues thanks to the generosity of the steam engine and land owners: “We are very fortunate in that we have the land behind the Hark to Bounty and the engine owners come out to the rally on their own goodwill,” says David, who as a mark of gratitude last year presented each engine

Slaidburn Steam and Vintage Vehicle Display is once again being held at the Hark to Bounty and this year’s event promises to bigger and better than ever

owner with a calendar featuring the rally.

“One of the biggest things we have to contend with is the cost of coal, it’s like black gold but we still provide it for the engine owners.”

This year there will be 12 full size traction engines and eight miniatures, a traditional fairground engine, swing boat rides and hook a duck, along with a host of rural crafts and attractions for all the family.

Crafts include clog-making, basket weaving, a working spinning wheel, a local blacksmith with his anvil and a potter. Other attractions include the popular team from Slaidburn Archive, a homemade cake stall and on Saturday evening the Coppersmiths will be entertaining in the pub. On Sunday the Malkin clog dancers will make an appearance at the barbecue, which is held undercover in one of two marquees.

Also on Sunday there will be vintage cars and tractors on display.

This year, all proceeds are going to Slaidburn Community Practice and Slaidburn Village Hall.

“There is a lovely atmosphere at the fair and one of the nicest compliments we have received was from an Australian guy who was in the UK for six months touring around all the steam events. He attended Slaidburn and said it was one of the friendliest he had been to,” says David, who is exhibiting his own 1910 Bamford Corn Grinder.

“It was used up until five years ago so that’s testament to the quality of manufacture.” n

Working in family law, I’m often asked to give a second opinion on the progress and likely outcome of a case. When I’m consulted by a client in that scenario, they are usually reflecting on their legal advice to date and facing some deep personal questions about where their life is headed and what the future may hold for them.

UNIQUE APPROACH

Elspeth Kinder of JMW Solicitors explains why it’s so important to get advice from a solicitor who understands you and your family, when seeking a divorce

One of the recurring themes I hear when speaking to people about their experiences is that they didn’t feel like their solicitor fully understood the issues for their family and the outcome the client wanted to achieve. Not feeling heard and understood must compound the sense of disempowerment at what will undoubtedly already be one of the most difficult times of their life.

IT’S MY BELIEF THAT DIVORCE, ALTHOUGH GUIDED AND ADVISED BY US, IS LED BY THE CLIENT

I don’t accept that the role of your legal team is simply to move your divorce from A to B. It’s certainly not why I became a family lawyer and I honestly don’t feel there’s a place for that approach in such a delicate area of law.

The reason I chose to work in this area, as opposed to say corporate law, is the heavy human element to it and the opportunity to help navigate a client through testing times. No two relationships are the same, so how

could the divorces be? They’re nuanced and what is important to one separating couple may be less of a priority to another.

It’s my belief that divorce, although guided and advised by us, is led by the client. They know best what is right for their family and crucially, they will also know what will be best in aiding their healing and family lawyers should put those things at the heart of their client care. Rushing them through the process, treating the divorce as a box ticking exercise, or worse, stoking flames between the divorcing couple in order to needlessly elongate the case and thereby prolonging the conflict and pain, are definite red flags. These should certainly serve as an opportunity to the client to consider whether they have the right representation. After all, every approach should be as unique as the circumstances.

Divorce can take a while to work things through and it can be an incredibly emotionally charged time in your life, so you’ll want to make sure that you have the right backing in your corner to support you and take care of you and to remain focused on what will be the best for you and your family. n

A regional behemoth, offering a first-class service. The quality of partners and of associates is unrivalled in the North-West. If in the North West, there can be no other port of call for anyone requiring the expertise of a solicitor in family law.”

LEGAL 500 2023

Why not join us on a walk?

We regularly like to walk and explore the area and invite professionals from our network such as financial advisors and child therapists. So if you would like the opportunity for some informal conversations and to ask some questions around family law, why not join us?

To register your interest, contact us at familyteam@jmw.co.uk. Alternatively, if you would like some confidential impartial advice call us on 0345 872 6666 or visit jmw.co.uk

in your corner

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE…

They say ‘home is where the heart is’ and that is certainly true for Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, writes Robert Kelly

As the sun splits through the sky, you can really appreciate Nigel Evans’ love for the Ribble Valley. At his charming cottage in the pretty village of Pendleton, sitting on a comfortable leather chair, the 66-year-old smiles as he takes me on a trip down memory lane, chatting about life as an MP.

Nigel was elected to the Ribble Valley in 1992 but 32-years later, he is still just as passionate about meeting constituents: “Thirty-two years has gone in a flash. The luckiest thing for me was to be selected for a seat in an area where I had no roots. I always joked that I will never forgive my mother for not getting on a train and coming

to Clitheroe straight away when she was expecting me!

“When I talk about home, it has to be the Ribble Valley. Coming back from London my heart sort of cheers up when I see Pendle Hill and I can get out into the countryside. I have just been to the Swan with Two Necks and we were reminiscing about various things from the past.

“But the thing that makes the Ribble Valley special is the people who live here as they have taken me to their hearts. I bump into people I know all the time – the sense of community is lovely.”

YOU MUST CHERISH DEMOCRACY AND I KNOW THAT THE BRITISH PUBLIC DO

Nigel has always taken pride in flying the flag for Lancashire. From litter-picking in the countryside to welcoming Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles to the Ribble Valley, he has always enjoyed a busy schedule when in his constituency. One of the highlights was welcoming the organiser of the Qatar World Cup, Hassan Al-Thawadi, who visited Clitheroe to look at grassroots football.

Among Nigel’s notable campaigning successes, he has been instrumental in

bringing the cyber security force to the North of England: “We are now going to have 3,500 incredibly well-paid jobs on the same campus as BAE Systems and that is going to be one of my enduring achievements.

“I am also absolutely delighted that Girlguiding UK reversed their decision to end Girlguiding in the British Overseas Territories. They made two announcements about a year ago – one was pulling out of the Overseas Territories and the other one was to close a number of their outdoor activity centres. There are five of them – one is in the Ribble Valley at Waddow Hall.

“The reversal of their overseas decision was a great victory for common sense. Now we are asking them to think again about the outdoor activity centres, where young girls from all over the UK, many from urban areas, come to the countryside and learn new skills.”

I FIND WHEN YOU HAVE STRESSFUL JOB, MUSIC IS A GREAT WAY TO RELAX

For the past year Nigel has also been working on a special project which will see restoration work carried out on the Parliament building, as he explains: “It is an iconic UNESCO heritage site and we want to ensure that it stays at the centre of democracy – we want it to be there for centuries to come.”

With a General Election on the cards, Nigel will be bidding to return to Westminster for the ninth time and as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, he has enjoyed the role of facilitating MPs to have their say: “It doesn’t matter which party they are affiliated to or where they come from, but they all want to do the best for their country.”

He believes politically this is an ‘incredibly uncertain’ time: “Anything could happen. This is what I love about democracy.”

With two-thirds of the world having elections this year, he adds: “When you look at Russia, it is on its knees and there are African states where democracy is struggling.

“You have to fight for democracy you cannot just lay back and do nothing as what you take for granted could disappear. You must cherish democracy, and I know that the British public do.

“With a new Parliament you must weigh everything up, most of it is ‘the economystupid’ as Ronald Reagan once said. But there are many other aspects such as what is right for the individual. People need to think about what is right for the future and what is right for the stability of the country.”

Aside from politics, Nigel has many hobbies and interests including cooking, space travel and music: “I do a great Hungarian goulash! And yes, space travel is of incredible interest to me – especially the moon landings and using the moon as a base for the discovery of Mars. There is no final frontier, everything is possible.

“I also love music – a bit of jazz is fantastic. I recently went to the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, and I saw Roger Daltrey, Robert Plant and Paul Weller but the icing on the cake was being invited on stage to meet Hans Zimmer. He, along with John Williams are some of the most amazing composers and musicians so, it was incredible to meet Hans.

I find when you have stressful job, music is a great way to relax.” n

EVENTS WITH ELEGANCE

Barton Manor Hotel and Spa have recently refurbished the Barton Suite and Clubhouse inviting guests to enjoy the beautiful, upgraded spaces in a variety of ways

On entering the Barton Suite, you are guaranteed to say “wow”.

The huge, classic room has been tastefully remodelled in subtle neutral tones which provide an excellent backdrop for any event theme colours and styles. Of course, it is a classic charm that fits perfectly with the Victorian red-brick exterior of the manor, perched gracefully within the beautifully landscaped gardens.

With a new luxury carpet, glamorous crystal chandeliers and stylish panelling, the Barton Suite can be used for a number of different events and functions and can be reconfigured different ways depending on client requirements. Seating a maximum of 200 for a banquet, 120 guests for a wedding breakfast and up to 270 for evening celebrations, this versatile space also offers a number of added extras. Choose an enchanting lit sparkle backdrop, white dance floor, chair covers, tasteful charivari chairs. With access to a full AV system, microphones, stage and fullsize laser projector screens, the possibilities are endless. And with the variety of

recommended external suppliers, your event can be completely bespoke to your individual requirements.

There are a number of packages available for your celebration that can include red

THIS IS A PERFECT PLACE FOR SMALLER GATHERINGS, WHETHER THAT BE FOR A BRIDAL PARTY, SPECIAL GET-TOGETHER OR CELEBRATION AND CAN BE BOOKED EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOUR GUEST PARTY

carpet arrival, arrival drinks, table linen/ napkins and room hire. The Barton Suite is perfect for large-scale gatherings such as weddings, black-tie events, school prom celebrations, celebrations of life and christenings which can be tailored to your exact requirements. Each of the 57 wellappointed bedrooms within the hotel blend tasteful décor with modern amenities and are perfectly convenient to enjoy following a late event evening. All hotel guests can make full use of the amazing on-site facilities.

The Clubhouse was originally known as The Lodge. This eight-bedroom, multi-purpose space sits separately from the main hotel but has all the modern charm you would expect from Barton Manor. The Clubhouse has been refurbished and extended to the highest of standards by Dovetail Joinery, Preston. With four tasteful bedrooms upstairs and four downstairs, this is a perfect place for smaller

Photography: Michael Porter

Photography: Michael Porter

gatherings, whether that be for a bridal party, special get-together or celebration and can be booked exclusively for your guest party. The ground floor clubroom offers the most versatile of spaces, with access to a private courtyard. The room can house a number of tables and chairs to become, for example, a meeting room or dining space or wedding prep room. In the warmer months the clubhouse would be a perfect indoor/outdoor gathering area for a special, private celebration. Although the building is separate from the main hotel, room service and access to the hotel’s facilities are still available. And what a host of luxurious facilities there are!

The spa and leisure facilities include a fully equipped gym and heated pool, an in-house spa with sauna and steam room and four luxurious treatment rooms – the

fourth, very newly renovated. The Walled Garden restaurant offers a host of locally sourced, fresh produce from talented head chef Tom Gardner and his team.

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to visit Barton Manor Spa and Hotel. Vistors are encouraged to drop in for a coffee or meet up with friends or work colleagues in the lobby. With free wi-fi, free car parking and great Starbucks coffee, why not have your next meeting there?

So, if you are planning an elegant celebration, you will find the perfect location at Barton Manor Hotel and Spa. n

WITH A NEW LUXURY CARPET, GLAMOROUS CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS AND STYLISH PANELLING, THE BARTON SUITE CAN BE USED FOR A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT EVENTS AND FUNCTIONS AND CAN BE RECONFIGURED DIFFERENT WAYS DEPENDING ON CLIENT REQUIREMENTS

Barton Manor Hotel & Spa

746-768 Garstang Road

Barton, Preston PR3 5AA

01772 862551

stay@bartonmanorhotel.co.uk

bartonmanorhotel.co.uk

BartonManorHotel

Photography: Michael Porter

DIVE INTO CRUISING

In the ever-evolving landscape of travel, cruising stands out as a beacon of exploration, luxury and adventure, writes Dan Hyams

As we set sail into 2024, the world of cruising unveils a tapestry of new trends, destinations and experiences that promise to captivate the hearts of avid travellers and wanderlust seekers. From immersive cultural encounters to sustainable voyages, let’s embark on a journey to discover the latest and most inspiring offerings in the realm of cruising.

EMBRACING IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES:

Cruise lines such as Seabourn excel in providing immersive experiences that allow passengers to deeply engage with the destinations they visit. Seabourn offers curated shore excursions, including culinary tours led by local chefs and interactive workshops with artisans, enabling travellers to delve into the heart and soul of each port of call.

REDEFINING LUXURY WITH WELLNESS:

Wellness has become a cornerstone of modern cruising, with luxury liners like Regent Seven Seas offering an array of rejuvenating experiences designed to nourish the body, mind and soul. Regent Seven Seas’ ‘Canyon Ranch SpaClub’ features a variety of holistic

treatments, while onboard fitness classes led by expert instructors ensure passengers can indulge in self-care while traversing the high seas.

SUSTAINABLE CRUISING:

In response to growing environmental concerns, cruise lines such as Hurtigruten are making significant strides towards sustainability. Hurtigruten has implemented eco-friendly technologies onboard its ships, including hybrid propulsion systems and sustainable sourcing of food, reducing the environmental footprint of each voyage.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH:

While classic cruise destinations continue to allure travellers, there is a rising demand for off-the-beaten-path experiences offered by companies like Uniworld. Uniworld’s itineraries include visits to the Indian waters of the Ganges and cruises through the ancient wonders of Egypt promising to ignite the spirit of exploration in every traveller.

TECH-DRIVEN INNOVATION:

Technology continues to revolutionise the cruising experience, with companies like Virgin Voyages leading the way. Virgin Voyages offers state-of-the-art entertainment systems and immersive experiences,

enhancing every aspect of the journey and ensuring passengers remain at the forefront of innovation while sailing the seas.

CULINARY EXCELLENCE AT SEA:

For food enthusiasts, cruising has become a gastronomic delight, with renowned chefs and culinary experts bringing their talents onboard with companies like Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity Cruises’ fleet offers farm-to-table cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients, immersive cooking demonstrations and tasting events, tantalising the taste buds of passengers with a world of flavours.

As we navigate the waters of 2024, the world of cruising continues to evolve, offering travellers a wealth of new trends, destinations and experiences to explore. Whether seeking cultural immersion, wellness retreats or sustainable adventures, there has never been a better time to set sail and discover the wonders that await on the open seas. So, pack your bags, embark on an unforgettable voyage, and let the magic of cruising transport you to new horizons. n

travelcounsellors.co.uk

Mytton Fold Hotel, located in the heart of the Ribble Valley is a wedding venue for all seasons and styles, with plush accommodation onsite for your guests. The Abbey and Ribble Suites offer the most elegant settings, and are completely versatile when it comes to your ‘I Do’.

Fall in love with 2025, with this brand new offer, available to use on all remaining January - March 2025 dates.* Tailor-made with you in mind, including 50-day guests, 80 evening guests, and a whole host of servies from full use of our bridal makeup room in preparation for your big day, to our House DJ, Wedding Stationery and much more.

Priced at just £5,970, fall in love with 2025 at Mytton Fold Hotel today. Enquire about our range of available packages at: weddings@myttonfold.co.uk Mytton

A collection of six Dream Venues across the Ribble Valley, Lune Valley & Yorkshire Dales.

WWW.DREAMVENUES.CO.UK

Say I do... TO YOUR DREAM VENUE

From a classic country inn and a simply astounding contemporary mill conversion to gorgeous stately homes and romantic manor houses, we have the perfect wedding venue to make your dream wedding day come to life. Our newest addition to the Dream Venues Collection, Wennington Hall in Lancaster, will be opening its doors in spring 2024.

You’re Invited to WENNINGTON HALL ‘THE BIG REVEAL’

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April 11am-4pm

Be one of the first to experience the magic of the latest jewel in the Dream Venues Collection crown.

Please see the website for full details and to pre-register.

NEW GENERATION…

Foxfields Country Hotel has a new owner, but it has still retained the unique family focus that delivers everything you could wish for, writes Carol Wilson

Couples looking to start a new life together need look no further than Foxfields – a country hotel that is embarking on its own new beginning.

David Haigh has kept the Billington venue in the family by becoming sole director following the decision of his parents, Charles and Jean, to sell their share of the business and retire after almost a decade in the Ribble Valley.

But while there has been a change of ownership, the focus for customers and guests will remain on family, particularly when it comes to weddings.

Couples have everything they could wish for at Foxfields – and more.

The outdoor space at the hotel – not least

the woodland – makes for some incredible wedding photographs along with stunning surrounding scenery. However, no matter how organised and efficient your wedding plans are, one thing you cannot book is the weather.

THE WEDDING IS ABOUT THE COUPLE AND WHAT THEY WANT. THEY BRING THEIR IDEAS TO ME AND WE FIGURE OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE IT WORK

There is a solution to that problem in the offing, with David planning to install a retractable glass roof to create a join across two parts of the hotel, among other ideas to put his own subtle stamp on things.

Attention to detail is key at Foxfields, and the flexibility it offers sets this hotel apart from other wedding venues in the area.

Light floods into the romantic ceremony room and adjoining dining area, which have been specifically decorated with neutral tones and furniture to allow couples the freedom

to explore any colour palette they desire.

The same approach applies to food and drink. From traditional to something that tantalises the tastebuds, nothing is beyond the realms of possibility, with David determined to deliver on each couples’ specific requests and requirements and bring that bespoke and personal touch.

“If a bride and groom come through the door and they want something completely off the wall, I will sort it out,” said David.

“There is nothing set in stone that you have to have your ceremony a certain way. Anything they want, it’s not an issue.

“And there is no set menu. The food is such an important part of any wedding day, so myself and the chef will make ourselves available to couples to discuss whatever it is they want.

“There is no typical wedding. There is a standard way that some couples go with a ceremony, followed by a wedding breakfast followed by a buffet in the evening. But if someone just wanted an absolute party, they can have a party. If they wanted fish and chips or they wanted burgers, have it, it’s not

Photography: The Frome Shoppe Photography: Suzanne Skeen

Photography: The Frome Shoppe

Photography: The Frome Shoppe

a problem. If they want street food, we can sort that out.

“The wedding is about the couple and what they want. They bring their ideas to me and we figure out how we can make it work.”

The contemporary Artisan restaurant and bar makes Foxfields the ideal venue to extend the celebrations to a two or three-night stay. Or more! With Clitheroe and Pendle Hill on the doorstep there is plenty to see and do before and beyond the big day, and the space and comfort on offer in the 44 en-suite rooms makes it a home from home, each with a luxurious separate bedroom and lounge area, which features a small dining table and chairs, sofas, a wall-mounted television and even a fireplace in the majority of rooms.

For the bride, of the hotel’s 28 suites the piece de resistance is one big enough to accommodate the bridal party, with extra single beds for a sleepover the night before the wedding, and enough space to get ready for the big day together and make it even more memorable.

While Foxfields Country Hotel is a dream wedding venue, business trips, coach parties, leisure stays, family and social occasions are all catered for here, with a health club and spa, indoor swimming pool, conference and banqueting rooms and the popular Artisan restaurant and bar, which features a private dining area that is perfect for starting wedding celebrations the night before, or celebrating other family occasions.

Family is at the heart of Foxfields. After all, it is a special place for the Haigh family themselves.

“My parents previously owned Sparth House in Clayton-le-Moors, but my dad actually helped to build Foxfields in 1970, so when it came up for sale it was like a sign. It was meant to be,” David explained.

“They’re enjoying their retirement now and I am looking to expand on what has already been achieved here and really enhance the wedding experience.

“It’s still a family run hotel, it’s just a new generation.” n

Foxfields Country Hotel

Whalley Road, Billington, Clitheroe BB7 9HY 01254 822556

foxfieldshotel.com

Foxfields Country Hotel

@foxfieldscountryhotel

I AM LOOKING TO EXPAND ON WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN ACHIEVED HERE AND REALLY ENHANCE THE WEDDING EXPERIENCE

Photography: Suzanne Skeen

Photography: The Frome Shoppe

Photography: The Frome Shoppe

EDUCATION NEWS

LES MISÉRABLES ON STAGE

After months of rehearsals, Westholme’s talented students brought the spectacular Les Misérables: School Edition to the Croston Theatre stage. Organised by Director of Performing Arts Mrs Holland and adapted from the original historical novel, it was five nights of pure magic, which included a matinee for visiting schools and a special reception for VIP guests. The live band in the orchestra pit, led by Director of Music Mr Holt, supported the cast brilliantly throughout.

STARS SHINE

In an electrifying performance that left attendees spellbound, students from Burnley College’s esteemed Creative Arts programmes showcased their exceptional talents at the prestigious Northern Power Women Awards 2024. The event, held at Manchester’s Central Convention Complex and which celebrates gender equality and honours trailblazers across a myriad of sectors, provided a perfect platform for the college’s burgeoning stars to shine. The group of talented dancers, actors and singers from Burnley College were selected to perform at this high-profile event, following an intense audition process that saw them compete against numerous other groups for the coveted spot.

SCHOOL FEES VOW

One of the UK’s oldest boarding schools has announced its decision not to increase its school fees should the Labour Party come into power later this year. If Labour wins the upcoming General Election, it intends to remove the VAT exemption on independent school fees. Giggleswick School, in Settle, North Yorkshire, is believed to be the first school in the north of England to announce its decision not to pass this cost onto families. Headmaster, Sam Hart, explained: “Considering the potential changes in the political landscape, we recognise the importance of doing everything within our power to shield our parents and pupils from significant increases in fees.”

TRIUMPHANT FAREWELL

In a match showcasing the pinnacle of youth rugby in the region, Stonyhurst College’s 1st XV team emerged victorious over Merchant Taylors’, Crosby, securing the U18 Lancashire Rugby Cup with a commanding 38-10 win. The victory was particularly special as it marked the end of Simon Charles’ remarkable 33-year tenure at Stonyhurst in which he has served as Director of Sport and 1st XV Ruby Coach, with his final 15-a-side fixture a doubly joyous occasion as it also took place on his birthday.

A LEVEL FAIR

Westholme was inundated with Year 10 and 11 families from across the region, eagerly engaging with Sixth Form teachers to hear about the outstanding A Level courses available and the wider opportunities and experiences that shape students into well-rounded, mature leaders. Year 11 students then proceeded to enjoy A Level taster lessons, demonstrating a commendable enthusiasm and excitement for their chosen subjects. As they prepare for their forthcoming GCSE examinations, these events have heightened the anticipation for students to take the next step forward in their education.

SKILLS DISPLAY

Nelson and Colne College students are celebrating top table results in the first ever Lancashire College Skills Competition. Students from a number of industry areas, across Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College, went head-to-head with other colleges from across the county to test their knowledge and technical skills in a number of scenarios. Held over two weeks, students were given the opportunity to showcase the excellent technical skills they have learnt across different specialisms.Students triumphed in the health and social care, foundations and digital sections and achieved silver in hair and beauty, sport and construction.

A UNIQUE WAY OF LEARNING AND INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS

From their formative years through to Higher Line (Sixth Form), pupils at Stonyhurst have access to a unique, historic collection to enrich their whole learning experience

Within the walls of Stonyhurst College is the oldest museum in the English-speaking world, housing an extraordinary collection of prestigious, historical items.

There are more than 35,000 artefacts and 75,000 books, including Shakespeare’s rare 400-year-old First Folio, a South American caiman (alligator) donated by 19th century naturalist Charles Waterton, and a Holy Thorn that is believed to be part of the actual crown placed on Christ’s head.

Pupils on the Stonyhurst campus have access to these artefacts to bring their academic learning to life. Even the youngest Pre-Prep pupils have their imaginations fired by dinosaur fossils that they can see and touch, giving them a memorable early start to their academic journey.

The recent appointment of a Museum Education Officer, as a brand-new post, has enhanced this irreplaceable resource asset.

Esther Rollinson, who was appointed in

September 2023, previously worked as a Museum Volunteer at Stonyhurst as part of her PhD. “Seeing and researching items from the museum makes learning interesting and engaging. It’s a wonderful facility to have,”

SEEING AND RESEARCHING ITEMS FROM THE MUSEUM MAKES LEARNING INTERESTING AND ENGAGING. IT’S A WONDERFUL FACILITY

says Esther, who works alongside Stonyhurst’s long-standing Curator Dr Jan Graffius.

Together, they put this unique resource at the heart of pupils’ education: “We have been doing this for many years, but even more so since the museum was restored,” says Jan. “Artefacts from our collections enrich pupils’ knowledge as they can see and touch important items from history as part of the academic curriculum. Our Young Curators Programme enables them to learn curatorial skills, such as how to handle artefacts, how to look after them, and also how to label them, which really makes them think about the narrative behind each item.”

The restoration of the Historic Libraries and the creation of a new, award-winning museum, which opened in 2017, has made a huge difference to pupils and teachers. Artefacts are researched and chosen to facilitate object-based learning within the Stonyhurst curriculum – creating a unique, inspirational educational experience for pupils, helping them to both understand and appreciate their history.

Pupils were recently shown an 18th century ship’s lantern that had been cleverly designed so a candle stays upright even in high seas and storms: “They were fascinated by being

able to hold the lantern and study it,” says Esther. “Many items like this are used as prompts for learning, which makes it so much more exciting for our pupils. The lantern was used in history and drama, as well as from an engineering perspective where pupils were encouraged to study the design and think about how it works.”

In the natural history collection is a 19th century seed from the Coco de Mer plant. Native to the south seas, it is the largest seed in the plant kingdom. “The seed looks like a modern sculpture and is becoming endangered,” continues Esther, “So this sparked a lesson focusing on conservation, the rain forests and the relationship between people and the environment.”

One of the major exhibitions held at Stonyhurst was the hugely successful Summer of Shakespeare, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the First Folio. This was open to the public during school holidays as well as visiting schools during term-time. “It was extremely enjoyable to put this exhibition together as

THIS IS A COLLECTION FOR EVERYONE AND CAN COMPLETELY TRANSFORM THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF MANY DIFFERENT SUBJECTS

I personally learnt so much,” says Jan, who chose relevant items from the museum to match with quotes from Shakespeare’s plays. “And I think it further emphasises the importance of Esther’s appointment in our ability to widen access to the museum and Historic Libraries for others. This is a collection for everyone and can completely transform their understanding of many different subjects.”

The College first started collecting objects in the late-16th century and one of the earliest items recorded was a cloth of gold and red velvet cope commissioned by Henry VII for Westminster Abbey in the late 15th century. The cope belongs to the British Jesuit Province and is on loan to Stonyhurst, where it is displayed as an illustration of the Jesuits’ long history as ‘keepers of Catholic memory’. In 2021, the cope was one of a number of items lent to an exhibition at Hampton Court Palace. Stonyhurst has also lent artefacts to the V&A and the Tower of London, as well as museums internationally in the US and Europe. Jan, who travels with the items to ensure their safety, explains: “The more people have access to these items, the more interest it generates. It is fascinating that

the artefacts cared for in the Stonyhurst collections are relevant to all levels of learning – from four-year-olds to research conducted by world-class academics.”

With a team of 26 volunteers, who carry out research and take guided tours, the Stonyhurst Museum and Historic Libraries have significantly boosted visitor numbers in recent years. “It’s not what we have, it’s why we have it and how we now use it,” concludes Jan. “Extraordinary objects have been donated over the years to be preserved, displayed and interpreted by each new generation as memorials to the past.”

This summer will give visitors a new chance to experience the Shakespeare Folio exhibition, through a fresh choice of artefacts linked to Shakespeare’s plays. This will be accompanied by an exploration of the issues surrounding the changing natural world, with much of this exhibition researched and curated by current Higher Line pupils. n

Stonyhurst College

Clitheroe BB7 9PZ

01254 826345

stonyhurst.ac.uk

LET YOUR CHILD BE SEEN, HEARD, AND UNDERSTOOD AT OAKHILL SCHOOL

At Oakhill every pupils’ uniqueness is celebrated and supported. We nurture individual talents - it’s not a one size fits all education.

Contact our Registrar Kay Aspinall on k.aspinall@oakhillschool.co.uk to arrange an individual tour. Scholarship and bursary awards also available.

Your place, your pace – Online Learning with Burnley College

START DATES EVERY MONTH

Principles of Dementia Care

Principles of the Prevention and Control of infection in Healthcare Settings

Learn at your own pace and in your own space and for many, courses are completely free*.

Our flexible approach to learning is perfect if you want to add to your existing skills to boost your career, looking to branch out into a brand-new career or learning for the love of it.

And because you’re learning with Burnley College, our expert Tutors are on hand to offer support when you need it. You can also attend support sessions on campus, surrounded by our exceptional facilities.

Understanding Nutrition and Health

HAVE A QUESTION?

Email online@burnley.ac.uk

Call: 01282 733001

VIEW ALL COURSES burnley.ac.uk/online-learning

A SHOWSTOPPER!

Westholme students took to the stage recently to present the much-loved musical Les Misérables

Over 2,000 guests were blown away by a showstopping performance of Les Misérables, performed by Westholme students.

The school has since been shortlisted for Best Production in the National School Theatre Awards with students Bill, Grace, Lily and Emilia nominated in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories.

Epic, grand and uplifting – the production ran across five nights and saw talented Performing Arts students take to the stage in Westholme’s very own state-of-the-art Croston Theatre.

Organised by Director of Performing Arts,

Mrs Holland and her team, Les Misérables School Edition was carefully created to retain the grandeur, raw emotion and impact of the critically acclaimed West End sensation.

EVERYONE WORKED TIRELESSLY TO BRING LES MISÉRABLES TO THE CROSTON THEATRE STAGE. IT WAS FIVE NIGHTS OF PURE MAGIC

The much-loved musical has been adapted from the original historical novel written by Victor Hugo in 1862.

Set in early 19th century France, the cast

played out Jean Valjean’s story to perfection, bringing his story of redemption to life.

Throughout the week audiences were wowed with the spectacular sets, characters and songs that were performed.

Visiting schools from the area were treated to an exclusive matinee performance. Needless to say guests were impressed by the level of talent that was on show – and it was a great opportunity for the cast to prepare for the main event in the evening.

Westholme School also held a special reception for VIP guests before the Thursday production, with delicious canapes and drinks laid out in the INSPIRED Sixth Form common room by catering partner Thomas Franks before guests were taken through to the theatre.

The live band in the orchestra pit, led by Director of Music Mr Holt, supported the cast brilliantly throughout – and it was great to see some Old Westholmians coming back to help out as well!

A school spokesperson said: “We wanted to congratulate once again our incredible casts,

orchestra, backstage crew and everyone behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to bring Les Misérables to the Croston Theatre stage. It was five nights of pure magic.

“The Performing Arts students rehearsed tirelessly, and we were so excited to see them shine on the Croston Theatre stage in one of the greatest musicals of all time!”

Westholme School offers unrivalled holistic excellence. The school strives for academic rigour as well as developing each individual and enabling them to pursue their full potential. n

To find out more about Westholme School visit: westholmeschool.com

6QU 01254 506070 westholmeschool.com

Westholme

Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road, Pleasington BB2

“At the time many farmers wanted the name of their farm on the bottles so my grandfather had a brainwave and decided to go into glass printing and delivering. It was a steep learning curve going from haulage to glass printing, but the two businesses fitted really well together.”

Seaways Services is a fine example of a business that, 50 years ago, took the opportunity to diversify and create a vibrant enterprise that now collaborates with world class manufacturers

Amulti-generational company that supplies Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop with branded glass milk bottles as well as world renowned drinks companies such as Whitley Neill, with printed gin bottles, is celebrating more than 50 years in business.

Seaways Services which recently won Family Business of the Year Award at the Lancashire Business View Red Rose Awards, started out in the 1970s with just four employees. It now has a team of more than 40 and they were thrilled to win the award: “We were absolutely delighted! It’s the first time we have entered any awards but we’ve been going for 50 years and we just thought we’d see what we could do. It’s something the family and the whole team have worked hard for,” says Amy Shaw, the third generation to work in Seaways.

Seaways Services originally started out as a haulage company transporting clay pipes and agricultural feeds from the docks, but by a twist of fate they diversified into glass printing.

SEAWAYS PRINTS

BOTTLES FOR THE LIKES OF WHITLEY NEILL GIN AND BRANDED ‘COW JUICE’

MILK BOTTLES FOR JEREMY CLARKSON’S FARM SHOP

Amy explains: “As a haulage company, back then Seaways delivered mostly to local farmers who were experiencing delays in milk bottle delivery. They asked Seaways if they could deliver them.

Founded by Amy’s grandparents Doug Cotterill and his wife Joyce in 1973, today the company is headed up by their children Jayne Fisher and Robert Cotterill who are Managing Directors, with the next generation, including Amy and her cousins, now getting involved in both the haulage and glass printing side of Seaways, which has an onsite garage to service the company’s wagon fleet.

Working alongside Amy is her sister-in-law to be, Sarah Lees, who takes care of marketing at Seaways: “From the early days of the business, Seaways has gradually and naturally evolved. As the glass printing production developed the haulage side has grown with it. We now print six million pint bottles a year, a million litre bottles and half a million 500ml bottles,” says Sarah.

“As a team we have grown along with the business,” adds Amy. “When Seaways first started printing milk bottles, they soon realised they could print on any glass bottle.”

From printing milk bottles Seaways soon began to diversify and over the years has printed bottles for Coca Cola, Seven-Up and Bombay gin. Fast forward to the 21st century and Seaways print bottles for the likes of Whitley Neill and Rare Bird gin, branded

Photography: Liz Henson Photography

‘Cow Juice’ milk bottles and artisan vodka bottles for Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop in Oxfordshire.

Also involved in the beauty and cosmetics industry, Seaways has recently produced some niche perfume bottles designed by Icelandic artist Andrea Maack.

“The Andrea Maack bottles went viral on American social media,” says Sarah. “Quite a few of our clients come to us for small orders – we can do that as our production is very specialised.”

Amy adds: “We source our glass from the UK and as a family, we are very proud to ‘back British’. As a close-knit team we know all the processes of the production side of the business and a lot of our customers say we are more like consultants rather than sales people as we nurture them through the whole process, from the shape of bottle, the type of glass and the printing.”

The glass bottles Seaways sources range from standard water bottles to gourmet food jars and decorative bottles for the spirits industry. The company also offers various

glass printing methods from traditional silk screen, to pad printing, foil stamping and transfers.

Looking to the future Seaways is also looking to invest in new technology, as Amy concludes: “We are always looking at different printing technologies and sustainable inks. We need to keep moving with the times.” n

Seaways Services has also been nominated as a finalist in the North West Family Business Awards, which will be held next month.

seaways-services.co.uk

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

RIBBLE VALLEY BUSINESS AWARDS

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Booths supermarket has won both Wine and Spirits Supermarket of the Year at the People’s Choice Wine Awards. The ethos of the awards is allowing consumers to vote for the brands they love. The independent family-owned retailer beat stiff competition from Aldi, Co-Op and Waitrose to win the top retailer awards. Victoria Anderson, Wine Buyer at Booths said: “I look for wines that offer both quality and provenance, but I also look for wines that are more adventurous enabling us to offer such a diverse range of both reliable favourites and something new to explore.” Pete Newton, Beer and Spirits Buyer at Booths said: “This is a win not only for our Booths team, but much credit is owed to our producers and distillers both locally and from further afield, making some exceptional and innovative spirits.”

The recent Ribble Valley Business Awards were attended by over 240 local business people. Sponsored by Stones Young, the Beacon Award for most inspiring entry across the competition was won by Tom’s Table in Clitheroe, which also won the Hospitality Business Award. Other winners on the evening, which was held at Mytton Fold, included: the White Hart, Sabden which was the Customer Friendly Business winner, the Swan with Two Necks was the Family Business winner, Micro Business winner was Ella Shaw’s Academy of Arts and Workforce Development winner was James Alpe Ltd. The Ribble Valley Business Awards celebrate the businesses and organisations that make the Ribble Valley such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. They reward success, hard-work, vision and innovation.

PIE SHOP IS A WINNER

NEW SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

A strategic corporate partnership with Porsche Centre Preston and a successful online crowdfunding campaign have combined to trigger the foundation of the Preston Symphony Orchestra. The official launch bridges a gap of over 50 years since the Lancashire city’s last orchestral ensemble disbanded in the 1960s. The new orchestra has already recruited over 40 classical musicians and has started rehearsing every week. Orchestra leaders hope to reveal the date for their inaugural concert which promises to be a significant addition to Preston’s cultural calendar, offering a new platform for Lancashire people to rediscover classical music. The collaboration with Porsche Centre Preston underlines the potential for corporate partnerships to foster cultural and artistic development. It also illustrates a successful model of mutual support between the arts and the business sector. Amy Lancaster-Hall, marketing manager at Porsche Centre Preston, said: “Supporting the arts is important to us. The orchestra represents innovation, excellence, and passion – values we share at Porsche.”

Mark’s Artisan Bakery & Pie Shop in Clitheroe, enjoyed success at the esteemed British Pie Awards with two bronze awards. Adding to its accolades, the bakery was recognised last year for its outstanding black pudding and smoked bacon pie. This year the bakery claimed bronze awards for its signature spicy chicken Balti pie and in the vegetarian category it won bronze for its delectable Bourekas pie. Bakery owner Mark Solomon, said: “This acknowledgment is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as our commitment to using the finest ingredients and traditional baking methods.”

NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Two10 Investment Services is delighted to be included in this year’s Top Rated Financial Advisers listings, verifying the company’s commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals

Longridge-based financial services company, Two10 Investment Services, has been included in VouchedFor’s 2024 list of Top Rated Financial Advisers. In its new listings, the criteria for being awarded the Top Rated Firm qualification was made even more stringent. Indeed, only 112 financial services companies in the UK made the grade and no other in the Ribble Valley.

VouchedFor is the UK’s foremost independent verifier of the quality of financial services businesses. It checks all professionals against stringent criteria and conducts more checks than any other UK verification site. VouchedFor quickly allows those seeking financial advice to see which professionals have helped people like you, and how they did it, so you’re left in little doubt who to contact.

All the companies which qualified as Top Rated demonstrated several key attributes:

1. A commitment to transparency by regularly inviting clients to leave reviews on VouchedFor. These reviews are then audited by VouchedFor itself, including a review of the firm’s entire client base to ensure that reviews had not been cherrypicked from favoured clients.

2. Firms proved their clients were engaged in the process by securing a high response to the review invitations.

3. Firms demonstrated a high level of client satisfaction with Two10 Investment Services scoring 4.7 out of a possible 5.

4. Firms also used VouchedFor’s enhanced client survey system to continually assess and improve the client experience and perform well against industry benchmarks in areas such as client advocacy and regulatory risk.

That Two10 Investment Services is recognised nationally in this category is

testament to sustained work undertaken by the Two10 team over the past 12 months.

Chief Operating Officer and Head of Branch Client Services, Sarah Carlin, explains: “Two10 Investment Services is a relatively new business. We have designed our processes using great technology supporting a client-centric ethos. The changing regulatory environment in which we operate, particularly the recent Consumer Duty, introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority, increases our need to communicate effectively with our clients at all points. We have enhanced the number of touch points with our clients and built a whole team approach to communications and processes.

“We have encouraged our clients to give us regular feedback on our performance and their experience with us and acted upon this feedback. Two10 has a high percentage of clients who describe themselves as passionate advocates for our business. This is unusual but incredibly motivating for the team. We are committed to continual improvement on behalf of our clients and there is a palpable sense of achievement among everyone involved at Two10. We are rightly proud to have achieved Top Rated status.”

Founder of Two10 Investment Services, Wayne Hayhurst, had this to say in response to this fabulous achievement for the Two10 team: “As the cost-of-living crisis continues and political uncertainty lies ahead, now is a smart time to take stock of your finances. That Two10 Investment Services has been able to demonstrate and have independently verified its commitment to helping its clients achieve their financial goals is a wonderful accolade. Our team is professionally trained and qualified to help people understand their needs. We work with clients to create a financial plan, which we continuously review, to ensure that our clients’ wealth and financial resilience are maximised.”

If you want to learn more about how Two10 works with its clients to develop their financial plan, please book a free initial consultation. A warm welcome awaits. n

A PERFECT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS

In a lovely rural loacation, Manor Court provides everything you need to run a successful company. From super-fast broadband to ample free parking, here Katie Bancroft answers your questions about this thriving business hub.

Why choose Manor Court for your corporate needs?

At Manor Court we take the hassle out of the everyday; meaning you can solely concentrate on the running of your business.

Do you have various office space options?

Overlooking the countryside in the heart of the Ribble Valley, Manor Court comprises of 41 individually designed office suites set across 2 beautifully restored stone buildings. Ranging from 234 to 1426 square foot.

The Courtyard boasts 13 self-contained offices, all of which have access to a quirky courtyard setting.

The Business Centre features 28 individual offices with shared facilities. Different configurations can be achieved as many of the offices can be joined to create larger spaces.

What facilities and services do you offer?

Offering a new dimension to your working day, we’ve left no stone unturned to provide an all-round service.

As a tenant at Manor Court, there are no restrictions as to when you can access your office. Each office has its own individual security system. There is super-fast broadband, free use of private meeting rooms, inhouse postal service, ample free parking. There is even an option to hire furniture if required.

Aside the everyday finer details, focus has gone into the wider running and ongoing improvements at Manor Court, including standby generators onsite, electricity rates at cost, direct phonelines available, maintained grounds and outdoor seating.

How flexible are your leases?

We’re keen to offer our tenants a competitively priced lease that offers a range of unique services.

We often find that clients and tenants will sway towards Manor Court for this very reason. It’s imperative to us that we not only offer a high-quality product but surround this with a range of reasons to choose us.

Can you tell me about your location?

Manor Court is nestled in the heart of the Ribble Valley, near to the historic village of Ribchester. Relaxed and rural but with great connections to many north-western motorway links. It is just 15 minutes’ drive from Junction 31 of the M6.

What About parking?

The office space includes a large free car park, with ample spaces available for both staff and visitors.

Manor Court Offices

Salesbury Hall Road

Ribchester, Preston PR3 3XR

www.manorcourtoffices.co.uk

Katie Bancroft

Tel: 01254 915668

WHAT THE BUSINESSES SAY...

We have been working from Manor Court for the last few years and have, in fact, just recently taken an additional office as our business continues to expand and grow. The buildings and surrounding area are beautiful and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Visitors are often surprised by just how nice our surroundings are. The peacefulness of the location creates a perfect relaxing environment for even the most stressful days.

What an amazing place to work from, there is everything the team and I could wish for in a working environment, the setting in the Ribble Valley is perfect, the views are stunning, The maintenance of the building, offices and communal areas is as good as you could wish for. The offices are easily accessed from the road networks, with plenty of car parking space for visitors. The meeting rooms are modern and smart, other colleagues and external stakeholders always comment on how impressed they are with the facilities when we have meetings here. Katie and team are always on hand to accommodate requests and couldn’t have done more to make us feel welcome. We have been here for 3 years, I have signed up to another 3 and hopefully another 3 after that.

Simon Small RSPCA

Christians have been at manor court for coming up to 4 years. We can honestly say it was the best decision we ever made moving to Manor Court. First and foremost the offices and facilities are amazing. The onsite team is absolutely brilliant and are always on hand should you need them for anything. On top of all that the surrounding area is beautiful. From the views to the outside lunch area everything is stunning. A number of our staff like to walk on their lunch and there is a woodland walk leading to the river just up the road. Everyone who visits us or indeed works here mentions what a lovely place this is and we couldn’t be happier.

Thomas Whitehead Christians Environmental Ltd

Another bonus of working at Manor Court is ample parking on-site, so visitors are never at liberty to find parking. There are also plenty of meeting rooms available via a simple and fair booking system.

Katie and the team are always on hand to help. Any maintenance issues are dealt with in a timely manner with minimal disruptions. Communication is always spot-on, and we are always given plenty of advanced notice for any work that may be carried out.

We would not hesitate to recommend Manor Court to any businesses looking to expand and/or relocate to the Ribble Valley.

Sarah Howard Green Shield Group

James Kidson, Winter & Kidson Multimedia “

A wonderful environment to work, excellent transport links to the Northwest and National Motorway network. The impressive rural surroundings encourage creativity and regular visits from our clients.

TOP SHOW

The Ineos Grenadier is a first-class vehicle that has super driveability and incredible performance, writes Paul Agnew.

Photography: Peter Austin

If you appreciate the finer things like designer clothes, smart watches or any items that exude excellence and are totally fit for purpose – if you are seeking a vehicle of status, one that combines sophistication, strength, simplicity and style – if you have got this far, then please, feel free to read on.

For INEOS has quite possibly, very probably, almost definitely produced something to tickle your good-taste buds.

The Grenadier is a car (loosely termed) for utilitarians, enthusiasts, urban explorers, weekenders and high achievers.

Essentially people like you – people who know the difference.

It’s a 4x4 that is practical day-to-day but more than capable of working outdoors. It’s a hobby horse for exploring, which values

high-quality and can provide perfect transport for the entire family during the week and a perfect companion for weekend adventures.

In a nutshell, it’s successful and driven. It’s not trying to be pristine, or fake or a poser, simply interested in top show.

The Grenadier is more a premier product, engineered to the highest specification, expert at working and doing, delivering experiences

and outcomes that will blow your mind.

It’s aimed at the professional consumer –now affectionately known known as the ‘prosumer’.

The Grenadier is available in Trailmaster or Fieldmaster editions, both of them workhorses producing optimum performance day-in-and-day-out, irrespective of weather or ground conditions.

And while offering off-road perfection and incredible performance over the toughest terrains, it also manages to be something of a funky machine with a lighter side.

YOU START UP THE ENGINE WITH A KEY, ONE OF SEVERAL THROWBACK FEATURES TO TIMES WHEN CARS WERE NOT OVER-COMPLEX

You certainly don’t have to be a landowner, builder, farmer or rural vet to appreciate its overall charm and appeal. The Grenadier is about super driveability on any road from town, to motorway to twisty mountain pass.

As great to drive on the road as it is off, this is a ready-for-anything, accept-any-challenge machine of incredible capability.

Under the supervision of super-rich chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe (motor enthusiast and experienced adventurer) INEOS has identified a gap in the market for a stripped back yet immensely attractive 4x4 – a head-turner, engineered for modern day compliance, reliability and fun.

At first glance it could appear to be something of a niche vehicle. It isn’t. Trust me, the buying market is much wider.

You start up the engine with a key, one of several throwback features to times when cars were not over-complex and unnecessarily crammed with zillions of might-use-mightnot-use gadgets.

THE GRENADIER IS ABOUT SUPER DRIVEABILITY ON ANY ROAD FROM TOWN, TO MOTORWAY TO TWISTY MOUNTAIN PASS

You actually press buttons and turn dials –there is even a manual handbrake – nothing is complicated, but that’s not to say this is old school, far from it.

All the necessary modernity is here with every detail to satisfy the demands of the urban sprawl – yes, don’t worry Apple CarPlay is right there – as is an automatic gearbox and a whole host of up-to-the-minute features.

You’ll find a refined interior with a spacious and light cabin and super supportive seats to ensure a smooth ride. It’s civilised on every journey with absolutely no need to trade onroad comfort for off-road capability.

Yes, it’s rugged and durable, and seriously capable, but there’s far more to it than meets the eye with a range of specifically-designed, warranty-backed and fully-tested accessories.

Take the rear 70/30 door, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, thanks to a foldable tailgate camp table specially designed to fit and taking up minimum space. No bouncing around off-road, just a handy food/drink preparation surface that’s rugged, rattle-free and ready-to-go.

There is a generous palette of traditional bodywork colours and interior styles to select from – even a high-vis wrap!

There’s plenty of choice and options – and when you need to make a move or move some stuff, then the willing Grenadier more than pulls its weight.

You can load it, tow it, drag it, recover it or strap it to the roof with a staggering 3.5 tonnes

The Grenadier is many things. Go along and experience it, for this, my ‘prosumer’ friends, is a genuine gear shift in modern motoring. n

Scan the QR code to book your test drive*

of towing capacity and up to 2,000 litres of loadspace.

Drive the Grenadier and expect to find an admiring audience whenever you rock up –a country show, race track, school gate or shopping centre.

For me, it is more than a vehicle for one purpose, more a versatile vehicle for multipurpose, easily capable of fitting in and significantly enhancing most lifestyles.

Bowker Ribble Valley Bay Horse Garage Longsight Road

Osbaldeston BB2 7HX

01254 769069

bowkermotorgroup.co.uk/ineos-grenadier

Bowker INEOS Grenadier

bowker_ineosgrenadier

PERFECT BALANCE

You’ll want for nothing with the new second-generation BMW X2, which is the perfect balance of luxury and performance, writes

Paul Agnew. Photography: Peter Austin

Imagine a catwalk for cars. An auditorium, full of glitz and glamour, excitement and panache, where confident models strut their stuff, where stunning looks and good body styling are paramount –where global manufacturers compete to be different, innovative, to stand out from the crowd.

Well, here is a genuine contender for best in show 2024 – the new BMW X2.

A real eye-catcher, it’s sporty and distinctive with a sleek coupe-like roof, quirky front kidney grille and a host of striking features.

In 2018, the BMW X2 introduced the concept of an SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) for the premium compact segment.

This forward-looking second generation – available in both petrol and all-electric –is significantly larger with a pronounced coupe silhouette that represents something of a development leap for the manufacturer.

But you never ever need to worry about BMW getting anything wrong and the progressive character of the new X2 is not only evident in the fully-electric BMW iX2 variant, but also in the large spread of systems enabling automated driving and parking and the amazing digital services laid on by the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9.

The worldwide launch got underway in March with the all-electric BMW iX2 xDrive30

offering high-voltage batteries and impressive eco-friendly statistics, along with a top speed of 112mph and acceleration of 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds.

Oh, and ‘up to 279 miles’ is the answer to the all-important ‘electric range’ question.

The dynamic BMW X2 M35i, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, comfortably provides 36mpg and happily sprints to 62mph in 5.4 seconds.

Visually, the new BMW X2 shows clear differentiation from the brand’s compact

Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the BMW X1. As such, it is instantly identifiable as a pure-bred Sports Activity Coupé some 194 millimetres longer, 21 millimetres wider and 64 millimetres higher than its predecessor.

Defining elements of the upright front end are striking LED headlights and an almost hexagonal kidney grille, which can be specified as an option with BMW iconic glow contour lighting. You can also opt for adaptive LED headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam.

M-specific design features such as the two pairs of exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron, give the BMW X2 M35i xDrive a particularly dynamic aura. An M Sport package is available for all other model variants.

Also on the options list is the M Sport package Pro, which adds extended M highgloss shadowline exterior trim, M lights shadowline, an M rear spoiler and an M Sport braking system with red-painted callipers.

Colour choice is wide with two solid and 11 metallic paint finishes, including the new Fire Red metallic variant.

The interior is ultra-modern with a selection of sporting touches. The slender instrument panel, housing the BMW curved display, is joined by a ‘floating’ armrest with integral control panel. In the front section of the centre console are two cup holders and a smartphone tray with indirect illumination and wireless charging.

A REAL EYE-CATCHER, IT’S SPORTY AND DISTINCTIVE WITH A SLEEK COUPE-LIKE ROOF, QUIRKY FRONT KIDNEY GRILLE AND A HOST OF STRIKING FEATURES

Newly developed seats are also offered in the Veganza perforated variant and Vernasca leather with attractive quilting as alternatives to the standard cloth upholstery. And if you want to further up the ante, then help yourself to sport seats, electric seat adjustment with memory function and lumbar support (with a massage thrown in).

But so much of what you get with the new BMW X2 falls under ‘standard’, including two-zone automatic climate control, the navigation system BMW Maps and a sport leather steering wheel, automatic tailgate operation, four USB-C ports and a 12V power socket in both the centre console and the boot.

Highlights among the tempting options are steering wheel heating, Harman Kardon sound system and panoramic glass sunroof with dark-tinted glass extending to the windscreen and the roof frame on either side.

Light alloy wheels of up to 21 inches provide an optimum blend of agility and ride comfort, and everyday safety is well covered with the latest version of front collision warning system, cruise control with brake function, speed limit info and lane departure warning. The parking assistant including reversing assist camera and reversing assistant, also forms part of the standard equipment roster.

BMW ‘Digital Premium’ means you can enjoy in-car use of all the apps available for music streaming, video streaming, news or gaming, on a subscription basis. Digital interfaces – incorporating a stylish dashboard and 10.7 inch central display – fluently combine to present all the information you need and

the driver-oriented display can be controlled via touch/voice.

Basically, you want for nothing and, even better news, it is here right now and available for test drive * and purchase.

Driving the BMW X2 is a pleasure, the perfect balance of luxury, performance and versatility. It looks great and is crammed with high-quality equipment, cutting-edge technology and ergonomic comfort.

Truly a stand-out car on any catwalk. n * Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

Bowker Blackburn

Trident Park, Trident Way

Blackburn BB1 3NU

01254 274444

bowkerblackburnbmw.co.uk

@BowkerBMW

@bmw_bowker

bowker-motor-group

A KARTING SENSATION!

Jayan Prakash is an eight-year-old kart racing sensation whose passion for speed and will to win have catapulted him into the UK karting spotlight

His recent triumphs on the track have not only captivated spectators but also caught the attention of Porsche Centre Preston. So much so that the prestige car retailer has agreed to an exciting new partnership that promises to elevate Jayan’s racing career to even greater heights.

Jayan’s journey from the streets of Cottam to karting glory began aged just five years-old at the local recreational karting track in Euxton. It wasn’t long before he displayed his special talent – he would regularly win when racing against much older children and adults.

In 2023, at the age of seven, Jayan took part in the Global Karting League UK, competing with more than 30 other young UK drivers. He enjoyed podium finishes in all ten rounds he participated in (he was the only driver to

achieve this). He showcased unparalleled skill and tenacity against seasoned competitors. Their age and experience were no problem for Jayan despite some of the other drivers being nearly two years older.

JAYAN’S JOURNEY FROM THE STREETS OF COTTAM TO KARTING GLORY

BEGAN AGED JUST FIVE YEARS-OLD AT THE LOCAL RECREATIONAL KARTING TRACK IN EUXTON

An end-of-season victory at Whilton Mill near Daventry clinched the UK Bambino National Championship Title. This feat is even more remarkable when you remember it was his first year of competitive karting.

To date, the Bolton School pupil has enjoyed 20 podium finishes in his karting career. This year, Jayan had the option to defend his Bambino class. Instead, he chose to compete in the Cadet Class (age 8-12),

where karts can hit speeds up to 60 mph. He has already enjoyed two Cadet Class podium finishes in January at circuits in Fulbeck in Lincolnshire and Rowrah in Cumbria.

The new partnership highlights Porsche Centre Preston’s commitment to supporting emerging talent in sport and marks another significant step in Jayan’s racing career.

The partnership is supportive in many ways and also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young athletes across the region. By investing in Jayan’s future, Porsche Centre Preston underscores its commitment to fostering talent and making a lasting impact within the community.

Tom Fox, managing director of Porsche Centre Preston, is excited to help nurture local talent and, perhaps, even inspire other young sportspeople in the local community.

WITH SUPPORTERS LIKE PORSCHE CENTRE PRESTON BY HIS SIDE, THE POSSIBILITIES ARE LIMITLESS

Tom said: “We partnered with Jayan because we saw a remarkable young talent whose dedication and passion for karting truly stand out. It’s not every day you encounter a young talent with such fearless determination and a clear love for motorsport. We’re excited to partner him on his journey and watch him develop.”

Indeed, Jayan and Porsche Centre Preston’s partnership goes beyond the partnership. It reflects a shared vision of excellence and camaraderie.

“Partnering with young sportspeople is tremendously important for local businesses,” added Tom. “We want to invest in the future of our youth and show them that hard work and dedication can be recognised and rewarded.”

Jayan’s hard work is already reaping the rewards. He has been snapped up by Ambition Motorsport as a team driver for the 2024 season. The team has a history of multiple championship wins. Jayan will compete as one of the youngest drivers in over 30 rounds, including Motorsport UK Club Rounds and National Championships: Cadet Kart Championship and the prestigious British Kart Championship.

Sandeep Prakash, Jayan’s father, is grateful for Porsche Centre Preston’s support at such an exciting time and emphasises the potential impact of the partnership on Jayan’s burgeoning career.

As Jayan embarks on the next chapter of his racing odyssey, his sights set firmly on

the next pulsating race, one thing remains abundantly clear: with supporters like Porsche Centre Preston by his side, the possibilities are limitless.

Sandeep said: “Porsche Centre Preston’s partnership is massively helpful in many ways and a significant vote of confidence in Jayan’s potential. We’re excited to see where this journey takes him.”

Of course, Jayan wouldn’t be the first young Go Kart champion to have ambitions to race at a higher level.

Did someone mention Lewis Hamilton?! Jayan has chosen to race with the number 44 (the same number as his Lewis Hamilton) on his kart, which also features the centre’s Porsche logo.

Sandeep adds: “Jayan loves Lewis Hamilton.

It would be fantastic to see him following in the footsteps of his idol. Lewis is not just a phenomenal racing driver – he shows us all where talent, dedication, and the right support can take you.

“But Jayan is on his own unique journey. What’s most important is that he continues to pursue his passion, enjoy the sport, and develop both his skills and character along the way. Whether he becomes the next Lewis Hamilton or the first Jayan Prakash, we’re all so proud of him and excited to see where it all leads.” n

You can follow Jayan Prakash’s karting journey on his Instagram: @jayansprakash

FOOTBALL FOCUS

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Joe Garner talks to Carol Wilson about his professional football career that has spanned almost two decades

Joe Garner has added a 12th football club to his football CV in a career that has taken him from Blackburn to Oldham via Carlisle, Nottingham, Glasgow and Ipswich and a few other places in between.

But regardless of where he has been, the striker has always called the Ribble Valley ‘home’.

And the playing fields of High Moor are where it all began.

“I started at Clitheroe Wolves as a young boy and ended up at Blackburn,” recalls Joe.

I WANT TO JUST PLAY AS LONG AS I’M ENJOYING IT AND MY BODY’S HOLDING UP AND AT THE MINUTE I FEEL FINE

“The set-up has always been really good. I don’t know how many teams they have now,

but it’s been going a long, long time.

“Two of my daughters play for them and my lad has played for Wolves all the way through, so I’ve always had a connection with Clitheroe Wolves.

“There’s been a lot of talent from around the Clitheroe and Ribble Valley area, like the Wharton brothers, Leighton Clarkson and David Dunn a few years ago to name a few.”

And he expects the conveyor belt of talent to continue, particularly with upgraded

facilities from when he first got involved with the club around three decades ago.

“The facilities at Clitheroe Wolves now are a lot better, they’ve got the 3G down at Edisford and the pitches up at High Moor are fantastic, which is good for the kids,” he explains.

“There’s a lot of talent there and a heck of a lot of kids. There are two or three teams in each age group for boys and girls and the girls’ football especially has come on. I think

there are three teams each year from Under 10s to Under 6s. It’s good to see the girls out there and the boys also have three or four teams each age group.”

Joe, who is married to Sophie and is dad to Maicey (18), Alfie (16), Hattie (10) and Reeva (6), is now juggling his own football career with helping to develop players for the future.

“I’ve helped coach the girls’ under 10s this year and they’re doing all right. It’s a fantastic set-up,” he said.

“But there’s no pressure on my own children to make a career in football. I just enjoy watching them play to be honest and as long as they’re enjoying playing that’s all that matters.”

And enjoyment is the main aim for Joe himself.

Turning 36 this month, he has had to contemplate life after playing professionally. But he is not ready for retirement yet: “I’ve thought about it and I’m going to do my coaching badges and see how I get on,” he says.

“It’s something I’ve enjoyed doing. But I’m putting all my efforts into playing at the minute and I’ll work it out once I’ve finished.

“I want to just play as long as I’m enjoying it and my body’s holding up, and at the minute I feel fine.

“I train every day, don’t really have many days off and I’m still feeling fit and healthy, so as long as that continues then I’ll still be out there.”

In a career that has spanned almost two decades, Joe has celebrated two promotions via the play-offs, first with both boyhood

club Preston North End, and last season with Carlisle United.

He is hoping to complete a hat-trick with Oldham Athletic, who suffered the ignominy of becoming the first former Premier League team to be relegated from the Football League two years ago.

They are desperate to return. And Joe, who is a former pupil of Waddington Primary School and Ribblesdale High School, is determined to help them achieve it as quickly as possible.

I’VE HAD

TWO PROMOTIONS IN THE PLAY-OFFS AND A HAT-TRICK WOULD BE NICE TO ROUND IT OFF

“I’ve had two promotions in the play-offs and a hat-trick would be nice to round it off,” he adds.

“Hopefully we can get in there and go into the play-offs all guns blazing. It’s a great way to go up.

“The Preston promotion was very special. I used to go and watch Preston as a kid and had a season ticket, so to play there for so many years and get them promoted was a very special thing.

“And the Carlisle one was probably equally as special because they gave me my first chance when I was 17 to go up there and sign for them from Blackburn, so to get them promoted last year and play in both of the play-off games and the final was obviously special.

“Hopefully there is more to come.” n

ENJOY THE MOMENT

You can’t help but feel enveloped in the charm of Greendale Teahouse & Rooms from the minute you pull up to the car park and wander up the stepping stone path, writes Lucy Bale. Photography: Kirsten Platt

When I arrive at Greendale Teahouse I am instantly hit with the buzz of chit chat, and I see chef Michael Vanheste in the kitchen adding the finishing touches to what I later found out to be the signature Lancashire Croque. Although charming and quintessential, the menu and wine list immediately pay homage to Michael and Zoe’s impressive culinary backgrounds.

Born and bred in Belgium but with childhood memories of eating ice cream on the green in Downham, Michael Vanheste has gone full circle and now runs Greendale Teahouse & Rooms on Downham Road with his partner Zoe and their team Caroline and Neil. With stunning views spanning across the Ribble Valley and the caps of the Yorkshire Peaks, Greendale is the perfect spot to enjoy an exciting new menu.

Some of you may know Michael from his days at Northcote’s cookery school or prior to that Betty’s Tea Rooms. Before I dived into their menu, I wanted to learn more about Michael’s background and what led him to swap the finesse of fine dining for the nostalgic pleasure of a good old English breakfast – or Bowland breakfast in Greendale’s case!

IT WAS HIS DESIRE FOR DISHES FROM HIS HOMELAND THAT FORCED HIS HAND TO GIVE CHEFFING A SHOT

I was surprised to learn that when Michael left Belgium for the UK, he couldn’t really cook at all! It was his desire for dishes from his homeland that forced his hand to give cheffing a shot and subsequently led to a stint in London learning his trade followed by some well-known names in the north.

After leaving Northcote, Michael helped set up and run The Gaddum in the Lake District and reminisces about how he got the job: “It was a good opportunity, but they must’ve thought, this guy, this weird Belgian, there’s something about him.”

And, they must’ve been right as Michael and Zoe went on to win Best Afternoon Tea in the Lake District for two years running. Then came a season in Greece, a global pandemic and everything in between – then the opportunity to reimagine Greendale.

Greendale is steeped in history and has always had a hospitality function since it was built in the 1880’s as a temperance bar known for good lodges, fabulous food and Sunday dances. The team has certainly ticked two of those boxes since they settled in June last year – I wonder if they will bring the Sunday dances back?

Michael talked me through their all-day brunch menu with passion: “It’s all about the quality. No fancy fermentations but brilliant traditional British food with a twist.”

As we sit surrounded by freshly-baked bread cooling, it was no surprise to learn that everything is homemade from their mayonnaise to their brioche. The bacon and sausages for their well-loved breakfast are sourced from Roy Porter’s in Chatburn and the yoghurt served with homemade granola

is from a dairy farm in Gisburn. I polished off a coronation chicken sandwich, all made from scratch of course, and it certainly delivered with the perfect balance of zing and spice!

The menu ticks all the boxes whether you’re after a classic breakfast, a lunchtime sarnie or fancy calling in for a cream tea. Zoe’s scones, cakes and sweet treats are enough to turn even the most stalwart savoury enthusiast. A trained chocolatier, Zoe’s handcrafted artisanal chocolates are also on offer for the perfect gift – if they survive the car journey or walk home!

GREENDALE IS STEEPED IN HISTORY AND HAS ALWAYS HAD A HOSPITALITY FUNCTION SINCE IT WAS BUILT IN THE 1880’S

As if the seasonal menu and specials board weren’t impressive enough, the ethos of quality and craftsmanship runs through to their drinks menu. The coffee from the aptly named Heavenly Coffee Company comes with a homemade biscuit and the tea from Quinteassential, was fit for the Queen herself!

If you wanted to indulge further, there is Zoe’s gourmet single-origin hot chocolate. I was also impressed with the carefully curated wine list! Greendale is a crowd pleaser no matter what your taste or cravings and the stunning views are the cherry on top!

If you wanted to submerge yourself in the quiet and calm of the Ribble Valley countryside for a night or two, there are four wonderfully

appointed bedrooms with views of either Downham Hall gardens or the Forest of Bowland – I call that a win-win! After some brunch and a walk around the Forest of Bowland and dinner in the local area, you’ll welcome the peacefulness the rooms offer.

The team at Greendale have created something very special and their passion for high quality, local ingredients and down-right good food is clear. Michael told me: “We do everything to create a little moment.” And I definitely felt that the minute I walked through their doors! n

SEASONAL DINING AT

After celebrating their recent success in the Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropub Awards the Coach and Horses launch new Spring Tasting and A La Carte menus with optional accompanying wine flights featuring recommendations from Milestone Wines.

Please see our website for further details and prices of these events.

ENGLISH WINE AND PRODUCE TASTING EVENING

Thursday 23rd May

Our launch event starts right here at home where you can experience some of England’s finest produce and a growing home-grown wine market with some fantastic examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Danbury Ridge, grown on the chalk and limestone rich soils of the Southeast. £75 pp plus optional wine flight £45 pp

COMING SOON

VEGETARIAN TASTING EVENING

Thursday 20th June

A tasting evening and menu designed to reflect a recent growth in the shift towards vegetable and plant based cuisine and also for those who simply want to experience a different kind of tasting menu which celebrates the very best of seasonal produce.

SUMMER BBQ WITH SOUS VIDE TOOLS

Friday 23rd August

Join us as we welcome back Sous Vide Tools for our annual summer barbeque to kick off the August bank holiday weekend right with an evening on our terrace or in the restaurant if the weather lets us down again.

FISH AND SEAFOOD TASTING EVENING

Thursday 18th July

Following on the from the success of our first ever tasting event, our fish and seafood tasting evening returns for a second year. An evening to celebrate the harvest of the sea, sourced from local suppliers, simply prepared and beautifully presented.

LOCAL GAME TASTING EVENING

Thursday 17th October

What better way to showcase the very best local produce with provenance a dedicated game tasting menu – a speciality of our Head Chef, Ian Moss. An absolute ‘must’ for our carnivorous diners!

LANCASHIRE PRODUCE TASTING EVENING

Wednesday 27th November

Celebrate Lancashire day with our special tasting menu and discover some of what the county has to offer. Produce sourced direct from the producers right here on our doorsteps.

Please see our website for further details and prices of these events

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

The latest series of the BBC’s Great British Menu competitive cooking show ended last month with Ribble Valley-born chef Kirk Haworth being crowned the ultimate winner with the first ever completely plant-based dish. Inspired by his own very personal journey in food, and driven by his determination to regain his

health, Kirk leads his kitchen with passion and a vision for a more balanced food landscape.

Kirk is the son of renowned local chef Nigel Haworth, owner of The Three Fishes at Mitton and formerly of Northcote, who himself served the main course at ‘the banquet’ in 2009’s Great British Menu – and who has also returned as a judge on more than one occasion.

Having trained and completed a four-year apprenticeship with his dad at Northcote, Kirk moved to London to work with Phil Howard at The Square before going on to work with a number of top chefs in Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe. When he was diagnosed with Lyme Disease however, in 2016, Kirk needed to rethink his health, and his lifestyle, culminating in converting to a completely plant-based diet: “After discovering that removing meat, gluten, refined sugar and dairy from my diet improved my symptoms, I began to explore innovative ways to cook with new ingredients,” explains Kirk.

THIS HAS SHOWCASED THE JOURNEY I HAVE BEEN ON OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS WITH MY HEALTH AND MY VISION IN HOW I NOW COOK

Kirk won North West Young Chef of the Year aged 17 but the Great British Menu was the main competition he had ever wanted to win: “I had competed three years ago in the regional heats, but didn’t make it to the final,” he says. “But you learn from your mistakes and at that time I didn’t fully understand how to cope with the pressure of TV. Cooking in a competition puts you under pressure as does being on TV – but doing both at the same time was very new to me and this time around I managed to harness that adrenalin and use it to my advantage.”

Kirk’s winning dessert dish ‘A Taste of Unity’ featured flavours to represent each of the five continents represented in the Olympic ring logo. It consisted of sour cherries from Europe set inside a sponge ring, with a cacao gateau with cherry gel, vanilla caramel sauce and Australian toasted macadamias. It was topped with Asian coconut blossom ice-cream and presented under cloches made by Haworth’s sister, Keeley, who is a partner in his London restaurant.

Practice also makes perfect and Kirk made his dish every single day leading up to the competition: “I knew that this is what I needed to do to be able to be my absolute best on the day – and it worked!” he says.

The grand final was a banquet held at the

Kirk Haworth has been crowned the 2024 Great British Menu champion, becoming the first ever plant-based winner, writes Gail Bailey

British Ambassador’s residence in Paris to wish Team GB good luck. Chefs, Olympians and Paralympians who attended the banquet, voted for the final winner.

Receiving some of the highest praise from the judges, Kirk was thrilled to be crowned the overall winner. Olympian Jess Ennis-Hill said: “The caramel sauce, I can’t tell you how amazing it was. I’m so impressed by this.”

Chef Michael O’Hare, who judged Haworth’s heat, said: “It’s exactly as I remember, but even better. I’m so, so pleased for him. He’s absolutely smashed it.” And Paralympian Ellie Simmonds commented: “To think that’s all vegan as well, it’s just incredible.”

“To get a dish to the banquet has meant the world to me. It has showcased the journey I have been on over the last seven years with my health and my vision in how I now cook.

This was the only competition I really wanted to win so this means so much,” says Kirk. Kirk’s distinctive perspective goes beyond the food in the kitchen and he also nurtures a thoughtful working environment

THE GREAT BRITISH MENU WAS THE ONLY COMPETITION I REALLY WANTED TO WIN SO THIS MEANS SO MUCH

for his team that focuses on balance and wellbeing: “We have an ethos to concentrate on sustainability for both the planet and for people,” he says. “It’s about creating a world that is sustainable for everyone to flourish together.”

His London restaurant Plates was borne

from his lifelong fascination with food, a deep appreciation of nature, flavour and a passion for sustainable craft. Along with his sister Keeley they co-founded the restaurant creating something new in hospitality that shows a wider audience how versatile food can be, both on and off the plate: “It has been our mission to connect people globally back to nature through the power of food.”

Plates is currently undergoing a refurbishment and will be re-opening in Shoreditch on the 3rd July: “My focus now is on the new restaurant and making it the best it can be,” says Kirk – and his winning dish will of course be on the opening menu! n

020 7096 1307

info@plates-london.com plates-london.com

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Go to the website to see the full range of Perfect Italian dishes and order online.

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Chef’s Table

Unveiling the Culinary Magic: The Chef’s Table Experience

Imagine front-row seats to the heart of culinary artistry. Engage with the head chef as they guide you through the evening. Relaxing in the comfort of your private table.

This is more than just a meal; it’s an unforgettable culinary experience.

THE BISTRO EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT…

With a menu that blends Lancashire’s finest produce with timeless French cuisine, award-winning bistro Toms Table is renowned for its impeccable food and service. Photography: Suzanne Skeen

Nestled in a quiet courtyard in Clitheroe, Toms Table is the bistro everyone is talking about. Owners Tom and Kate Drinkall are passionate about local Lancashire produce, reducing food miles and serving up mouth-watering dishes that keep guests returning time after time.

Building on their award-winning à la carte dining with Sunday lunches and light lunch options, Toms Table also has a new arm to the business that offers bespoke event catering for every occasion.

Gin-cured salmon followed by treacle-glazed sirloin and duck-fat potatoes, with Belgian chocolate mousse for dessert – this isn’t your average Sunday lunch, it’s sumptuous, indulgent and plated to perfection.

“Every dish is created, sourced and prepared fresh by our chefs,” says Kate, whose husband Tom’s culinary prowess shines through in every bite. “Tom experiments with his flavours until he gets it absolutely perfect. With every dish, each ingredient gets the same love and attention!”

The menu is a blend of Lancashire’s finest offerings and the timeless elegance of French cuisine – testament to Tom’s commitment to both tradition and innovation.

After opening Toms Table in 2020, the bistro has been honoured with ‘Star in

GIN-CURED SALMON FOLLOWED BY TREACLEGLAZED SIRLOIN AND DUCKFAT POTATOES, WITH BELGIAN CHOCOLATE MOUSSE FOR DESSERT – IT’S SUMPTUOUS, INDULGENT AND PLATED TO PERFECTION

Tourism Award’, ‘Best Medium Business’ ‘Best Restaurant’ and most recently at the 2024 Ribble Valley Business Awards ‘Best Hospitality Business’ and the prestigious ‘Beacon Award’ for Most Inspiring Entry.

When I visited Toms Table it was buzzing with lunchtime diners, thanks to its central, yet quiet location: “Whether you’re grabbing some lunch while out shopping or indulging in our à la carte menu, we’ve got you covered,” says Kate.

Regretfully finishing my sirloin and eyeing up the ginger parkin with rhubarb before deciding on the chocolate mousse, Kate fills me in on their newest venture ‘Toms Table Weddings and Events’.

“From smaller dinner parties in your home to large weddings and celebrations in local venues, we’ll bring the same level of exceptional quality dining, great produce and impeccable service to you,” says Kate.

With Tom and Kate at the helm, one thing’s for sure – of that, I have no doubt. n

Toms Table Bistro

Ground Floor, Lee Carter House Lowergate, Clitheroe BB7 1AD 01200 422392

reservations@tomstable.co.uk tomstable.co.uk

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

Come and join us...

Outdoor seating area for drinks and food. 11 beautiful bedrooms also available from £100 per night bed and breakfast.

FOOD SERVING HOURS: Monday to Tuesday: CLOSED

Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 8:30pm • Sunday:12pm to 6:30pm

Booking recommended call: 01200 443339

THE PERFECT PLACE TO CELEBRATE

The Rum Fox in Grindleton has very quickly become a favourite place to dine for many – and now there is the chance to host your party or event there too! Gail Bailey chatted to chef patron Bob Geldeard to find out more

The Rum Fox in Grindleton has gained a host of regular diners since opening its doors in March last year: “The aim has always been to provide the finest food and drink with an emphasis on the seasonal, the local and the surprising,” says chef Bob Geldeard.

The stylish and cosy surroundings allow customers to dine in the restaurant, bar, private dining room or the wonderful garden room with an amazing louvred retractable roof – perfect to enjoy the summer sun. The pub really is the ideal place to relax, unwind and sample some of the sensational spring and summer menus Bob has created: “We change our dishes weekly dependent upon ingredients,” he explains.

Adding to the success Bob and the team have now introduced the opportunity for customers to host their celebrations at The Rum Fox and it couldn’t be a more perfect spot to raise a glass with family and friends: “We have customers taking over the whole

pub for an evening or day celebration,” says Bob. “Or for smaller events we have our beautiful private dining space that seats 10 guests or the garden room where we can host up to 30.”

WE HAVE CUSTOMERS TAKING OVER THE WHOLE PUB FOR AN EVENING OR DAY CELEBRATION. OR FOR SMALLER EVENTS WE HAVE OUR BEAUTIFUL PRIVATE DINING SPACE OR THE GARDEN ROOM

Big birthdays, weddings and christenings are just some of the celebrations that people are hosting at The Rum Fox: “We can create a bespoke menu so guests can indulge in a thoughtfully curated array of delicious dishes – using seasonal produce tailored to suit the event,” Bob explains. Up to 70 people can be catered for in the

whole pub, and events already held have included live music or a DJ. The relaxed and stylish surroundings combined with the culinary delights created by Bob really do make The Rum Fox the ideal place to enjoy a special day with special people.

Bob and his team have left no stone unturned in creating a dining experience that is truly unforgettable and as we head into spring there are plenty of wonderful dishes on offer along with the popular two or three-course set lunch menu being extended into an early tea-time treat. Bob says: “We have introduced this popular offer for those who want to come along between 5pm and 6.30pm – perfect for unwinding after work or at the end of a busy day.”

It’s no wonder that The Rum Fox is quickly becoming the go-to spot for those who enjoy fabulous food in fabulous surroundings. n

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 & Thursday: 12noon-2pm, 5pm-8pm

Friday & Saturday: 12noon-2pm, 5pm-8.30pm

Sunday: 12noon-4.30pm

#LOVEANDLAUGHTER

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.

PRIDE & PASSION ON A PLATE

The Black Bull at Old Langho is emerging as a superhero that goes from strength to strength, taking the dining experience to new heights, writes

Tedd Walmsley. Photography: Wayne Farrow

Not all superheroes wear capes or so the saying goes. This month I managed to catch up with our own ‘superwoman’ Becky Govier at her beloved Black Bull. I was trying to understand how she is to split her time between her pub and being the saviour of the Edisford Bridge.

A last-minute SOS call from the brewery meant that Becky and Jamie were thrust into the spotlight to save the Edisford from immediate closure. My colleague Kate has interviewed Becky and you can read all about this new venture on the following two pages.

The most important thing was to allay fears that Becky was spreading herself too thinly but she reassures me she will be firmly ‘in situ’ at the Bull whilst overseeing the creation of a quite different offering over in Clitheroe. It will no doubt be successful with the Bull as its benchmark.

How can she do this? The team at the Bull go from strength to strength notably in the kitchen with new head chef Nick Evans providing the experience, creativity and stability that has elevated many of the dishes to a whole new level. His challenge is to keep many of the pub classics and sharing boards that have given the pub such a fine reputation whilst taking the dining experience to new heights. Central to this is both Becky and Nick’s passion for sourcing local quality ingredients – Nick has the

THE PLATES ARE VISUALLY STUNNING AND JUST AS IMPORTANTLY, DELICIOUS TO EAT, THERE IS SO MUCH PRIDE AND PASSION

authority to review, change and work with new suppliers with no compromise. This will result in his brigade having the very best food available and those new dishes very much meeting the approval of so many returning customers. The plates are visually stunning and just as importantly, delicious to eat, there is so much pride and passion on the plate.

As we know, whilst the food remains central to any dining experience, service can also make or break our enjoyment so the importance of a strong team cannot

be overstated. Becky leads from the front and simply wants everyone to have the very best time. She is surrounding herself with a formidable team whose combined commitment, teamwork, collaboration and camaraderie is self-evident. It is very much the backbone of Becky’s ethos and the cornerstone of their success.

The Bull specialises in private dining and bespoke celebration events – the tailored menus and personalised service are sure to create unforgettable memories for its recipients. March has seen a variety of anniversary dinners, milestone birthday celebrations the odd corporate event and of course the very best send-off for a loved one.

As we move forward towards spring I noticed the incredible outdoor space looks next to be spruced up ahead of those long sunny evenings and lazy afternoons spent under the ‘sail’ or in the delightful garden. There will no doubt, be plans afoot to create al fresco at the Bull – I hope by the time our next magazine comes out we can talk more to Becky about these plans.

There is no doubt the hospitality sector is facing some challenges – some will buckle under the pressure but not the Black Bull which no doubt will be one of those heroes that go from strength to strength. Keep an eye on the frequently updated social media posts that keep us all up to date with what’s new and happening in the next few weeks.

Please support Becky and her team I’m sure you’ll not be disappointed. n

01254 248801

enquiries@theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk

theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk

TO THE RESCUE…

With 10 pubs closing each week through 2023, the traditional country pub remains under serious threat. Rebecca Govier, new manager of the Edisford Bridge Country Pub, just outside Clitheroe, tells Kate Bowyer the story behind the saving of a Ribble Valley jewel.

Photography: Wayne Farrow

Imagine you hear of a local pub facing closure. Even though you’re already running your own successful gastropub, you can’t resist the plea. The meeting with the brewery goes well, but there’s a catch. The pub is closing tonight – if you want to save it, you have to continue trading tomorrow. You gulp and shake their hand.

Rebecca Govier – “everyone calls me Becky” – relates the story, shaking her head:

“I can’t quite believe it myself. And the best bit – this was all four days before Mothering Sunday!”

Nestling in the heart of the Ribble Valley, it’s clear to see why Becky pulled out all the stops to save the Edisford Bridge. The 18th century, Grade II-listed inn’s stone mullioned windows gaze out over its namesake, the medieval nine-span Edisford Bridge, constructed in 1339.

Still an important connection to Clitheroe, people come from near and far to splash, play, picnic, walk, cycle and stay at the established beauty spot. But, however smitten, Becky already had her hands full, running the popular Black Bull at Old Langho.

MAKE NO MISTAKE, I’LL BE SPLITTING MY TIME BETWEEN BOTH PUBS, AND REMAINING FRONT OF HOUSE, WHERE I LOVE TO BE

“I just couldn’t let them shut the door on the pub and all it stands for – its history, community and future,” she explains. “And once you’ve made the decision, you just crack on, don’t you?”

I’m already understanding how Becky’s infectious enthusiasm convinced staff from

the Black Bull to head to the Edisford Bridge that very night, instead of home to bed. All night, they cleaned, restocked and learned the quirks of the 300-year-old building. As promised, the pub reopened next day for lunchtime drinks.

“It meant a bit of a skeleton service, but people were really understanding,” says Becky. “Honouring the imminent Mother’s Day bookings we’d inherited became our goal, even if it meant cancelling my own!”

Within two days, food was back on the menu, followed by the installation of a complete, new kitchen and chefs. As soon as the doors closed every night, the sanding, painting and decorating continued. New curtains and upholstery enhance the warm, cosy traditional pub feel and the floors are the next thing to be worked on.

Becky adds: “Understandably, some people were a bit wary at the sudden change, as they perceived it. Now, they understand we were doing everything simply to save the pub, by making it viable and attractive, not coming in and trying to turn it into something it’s not.

“We’re retaining and honouring the Edisford Bridge’s genuine country pub character and history, from the welcoming smile and warm atmosphere that greets you at the door, to the décor, cask ales and menu. It’s definitely a children, wet dogs and muddy wellies welcome – a roaring log-fire pub, perfectly placed for people staying at local campsites, too.”

The menu is indeed a haven of pub staples and signature specials including doorstop sandwiches, fish and chips, toppling burgers, seasonal roasts and warming puddings. All, like my delicious Lancashire cheese and onion pie, are made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients - Becky’s Black Bull contacts and experience, clearly paying dividends. However, she’s not abandoning one for the other.

“Absolutely not,” she confirms. “This was never about moving on from the Black Bull, it was about saving the Edisford Bridge. Over the five years that we’ve turned the Black Bull into a real destination, we’ve built a fantastic team, exactly what we’re already building here.

At that first meeting, there were people with families and mortgages hearing for the first time that their jobs could literally be gone.

“I’ve got great managers at each pub –this will really give both teams the chance to grow into their roles. Make no mistake, I’ll be splitting my time between both pubs, and remaining front of house, where I love to be, as much as possible – they’re only seven miles apart!”

WITH A LOCATION THIS BEAUTIFUL, YOU WANT PEOPLE TO ENJOY BEING OUTSIDE WHEN THEY CAN, SO WE’LL BE REGENERATING THE OUTDOOR SPACE READY FOR THE SUMMER

Looking around the snug, lively pub, it’s hard to believe that just one month ago, the doors might have closed, never to reopen. So, talking of ridiculous workloads, what’s next on Becky’s ‘to do’ list?

“With a location this beautiful, you want people to enjoy being outside when they can, so we’ll be regenerating the outdoor space ready for the summer. There’s also some gorgeous original rooms upstairs, so down the line we’ll be fitting them out for accommodation.”

Somehow, I can’t imagine Becky lounging in the pub garden with a glass of prosecco for more than a minute: “You’re right,” she smiles. “But I am about to enjoy my postponed Mother’s Day!” n

01200 422637

Georgonzola

The perfect spot for a casual lunchtime wine (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?) and a carefully curated cheeseboard –either tell George what you’d like from his selection of British cheeses or let him pick for you. If that’s not your thing, try a freshly made toastie on locally made artisan bread with George’s homemade sauerkraut, washed down with their own blend of coffee from the Exchange Coffee Company! I brought a bottle of Pet Nat and some goat cheese home with me, neither of which survived the evening!

The Old Station Cafe

This one is for the train enthusiasts, located in what was once Longridge train station! A dog friendly cafe makes it a great place to call in for a tasty treat for both you and your furry friend. I thought I’d give the coffee a rest and had a delicious strawberry milkshake with an almond slice –a strange combo but the heart wants what the heart wants. I will definitely be back to try one of their lunchtime salads!

CAFÉ CULTURE

Lucy Bale discovers some hidden gems in the Ribble Valley

Breda Murphy

I never thought I’d use the words ‘gorgeous’ and ‘business park’ in the same sentence, but here goes! Breda Murphy’s new premises is nestled in the gorgeous new Mitton Road business park, a slice of Ribble Valley community. I found it hard to choose from their selection of bakes but settled on the most perfect piece of Tunisian orange cake. Whilst you’re in there, have a look at their delicious range of ready meals. The ideal solution for a tasty tea after a busy day, I should look to stock up!

Delicious Deli & Cafe

A great pit stop just off the A59 if you’re nipping between counties! Plenty of homemade cakes and pastries to choose from as well as some local deli delights to take home. I couldn’t resist their selection of quiches - again, something I never thought I would say - and ended up with two doorstep wedges - chicken and chorizo and blue cheese, bacon and leek. If I could marry a quiche, the chicken and chorizo would be my soulmate.

Studio Bakery

You know you’re in for a treat when you walk in and you’re greeted with the aptly labelled ‘naughty fridge’! I spent the best part of 30 minutes perusing their selection of home baked sweet treats, trying to justify why I just HAD to try every one! In the end I whittled it down to a slice of carrot cake, a Biscoff wheelie biscuit, some millionaire’s shortbread and some tiffin – on reflection, I probably need to work on my selfcontrol. Their pick’n’mix selection of bitesized treats probably would’ve been better for me to get my sweet fix in moderation!

The Chocolate Works

A well-established ‘chocolate and coffee’ cafe in the centre of Clitheroe, their hot chocolates made from half a bar of chocolate and milk reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s river, are not to be missed. Their homemade chocolates make the perfect gift for a loved one or just for yourself! I couldn’t resist taking some chocolates home to share with my granny – creme brulee was a joint favourite!

SMALL EATS

PRAWN CRACKERS

CRISPY DUCK ROLLS

SALT & PEPPER MUSHROOMS

PRAWN TOAST & SEAWEED

CRISPY KING PRAWN WONTON

HONEY COATED SPICY CHICKEN IN BAMBOO

SALT & PEPPER CHILLI SQUID

VEGETABLE SPRING ROLL

SALT & PEPPER TOFU

SALT & PEPPER RIBS

SWEET STICKY CANTONESE RIBS

PORK WAR TIP GYOZA

VEGETABLE GYOZA

1/4 CRISPY DUCK, PANCAKES, CUCUMBER & HOI SIN SAUCE

CHARLIE YU CLASSICS

CHICKEN CHOW MEIN

CHICKEN CURRY

KING PRAWN CURRY

SPECIAL FRIED RICE

SPECIAL CHOW MEIN

CHICKEN FRIED RICE

CHICKEN & CHAR SUI VERMICELLI

CHICKEN

SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN

CHICKEN BLACKBEAN

SATAY CHICKEN

CRISPY CHILLI CHICKEN

SALT & PEPPER CHICKEN

BEEF

FILLET BEEF CANTONESE

FILLET STEAK BLACKBEAN WITH MIXED PEPPERS

FILLET STEAK SATAY

CRISPY CHILLI STEAK

SEAFOOD

FILLET SEA BASS, GINGER, SPRING ONION

SALT & PEPPER CHILLI

KING PRAWNS

SALT & PEPPER CHILLI SCALLOPS, OYSTER MUSHROOMS

STIR FRY KING PRAWN, PAK CHOI

PORK

SWEET & SOUR PORK

STIR FRY CHAR SUI PORK

BLACKBEAN WITH MIXED PEPPERS

CHAR SUI PINEAPPLE

VEGAN

SEASONAL VEGETABLE CURRY

STIR FRY GREENS

SPRING ONION, GINGER & CHILLI

SINGAPORE VEGAN VERMICELLI

RICE / NOODLES / SIDES

EGG FRIED RICE

STEAMED RICE

PINEAPPLE EGG FRIED RICE

SOFT NOODLES

CRISPY NOODLES

SALT & PEPPER CHIPS

£18.95

£17.50

£16.95

£17.50

£11.50

£11.50

£11.50

£10.50

£8.95

£10.50

£4.95

£4.50

£6.95

£6.50

£5.95

£5.95

SINGING FOR HAPPINESS

A band vocalist has set up a group that sings songs that bring them joy, laughter and friendship

Talented vocalist Amanda Wrigley, the singer with Ribble Valley-based band the Lost Goats Club, is renowned for her distinctive style and her on-stage presence and enthusiasm.

Wearing her signature top hat, her exuberant performances and interaction with her audience has made her a popular performer on the region’s music scene, having previously headlined at the Burnley Blues Festival.

Amanda who is a professional builder, is also a keen community fund-raiser and to support this, she has recently set up a singing group, the Big VS (Valley Singers): “I recently went to a birthday party in a country house and during the evening, they said, ‘Come on Mandy let’s have a singalong. So, I said I would teach them to sing. I have never had any formal training but I taught them how to sing together and enjoy it. They loved it – it was brilliant as they really bonded over singing so that got me thinking about setting up a singing group.”

Within a short space of time Amanda had posted her idea on Wilpshire and Langho Facebook: “I didn’t want it to be a choir and I didn’t want the group to appeal to ‘good’

singers – I just wanted people to get joy from singing and the response I got was amazing!”

Wilpshire Methodist Church on Ribchester Road offered Amanda a meeting space for the singers: “The people at the church were lovely. They offered lots of helpful advice and I really took everything on board.”

When the singers met for the first time, Amanda admits: “I didn’t really know what to do with them, I was just blagging it, but it turned out to be such good fun and that’s what matters. All I want is to bring like-minded people together to sing the songs they enjoy.

“This has been a learning curve for me too as I have researched and learnt how to teach singers. The most important thing when singing is learning how to breathe and to make them believe in themselves.

“Members of the group don’t have to be the best singers – the prerequisite for joining is the desire to have a good time and make friends,” adds Amanda, who gives the group homework in order improve their voice and gain confidence. “I tell them to go home practice, to put their phones on record and process it.”

ALL I WANT IS TO BRING LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE TOGETHER TO SING THE SONGS THEY LOVE

To date the singers have sung in public a number of times raising money for the East Lancashire Hospice singing Christmas songs last year in local pubs and they are now learning popular songs from the stage and screen including favourites from Les

Miserables and the Lion King: “As a group they are very grounded people and they are gaining confidence and becoming more theatrical all the time. This is all about communicating with people, having the right mindset and it’s changing people’s lives.”

Living in Langho, Amanda began her career as a holiday rep working across Europe and America.

AMANDA HAS SUNG IN VARIOUS BANDS INCLUDING DOROTHY AND THE TINMEN AND DARK HORSE AND MORE RECENTLY HAS FORGED A REPUTATION WITH THE LOST GOATS

A stage singer from her early 20s, Amanda has sung in various bands including Dorothy and the Tinmen and Dark horse and more recently has forged a reputation with the Lost Goats, which she co-founded with Tony Woods.

Her lively and loud performances have proved a hit with her audiences, as she explains: “While the band is small, I have a big personality and I’m a bit ‘gobby’! I dress up, I love to perform and I also like to interact with the audience. I have made a lot of very good friends through singing.

“We play any style of music – from Janice Joplin to Ed Sheeran. The audience loves it as it’s so much fun,” enthuses Amanda, who changed careers 25 years ago initially training to become a plasterer and moving on to become a builder: “People are still surprised by the idea of a female builder, which is unbelievable in this day and age.

“For every five job applications I receive, they are nearly all from boys. Someone has to inspire young girls and engage with them to convince them they have the capacity to do it. Society doesn’t give girls enough support to get involved in the construction trade. The people involved say they are taking steps to do this but in my opinion it’s all talk and no action.”

Recently having one of her apprentices win Plasterer of the Year Award, Amanda adds: “The awards ceremony audience was predominantly men and while it was fantastic for him to win, it was even better that his boss was a woman!” n

If you are interested in joining the Big VS, which meets on Monday evenings at 7.30pm, contact Amanda on 07854 538141.

GOOD READ

Lauren Molyneux reviews a previously unpublished novella that has an everlasting impact on the reader

THE INSEPARABLES

Simone de Beauvoir

‘Nothing so interesting had ever happened to me. It suddenly seemed as if nothing had ever happened to me at all.’

Sylvie is a bright young girl, and like most bright young girls, she finds herself uninterested in the other children in her class, and in the sisters who she suspects, aren’t really teaching her anything. Spending her days in relative solitude (albeit obedient to the will of her teachers and church) and her evenings at peace with a book in her hand and the sound of her father reading aloud to her mother in the kitchen downstairs, she thrives in her own company and relishes the simple things: ink on paper, the smell of freshly-baked bread, her wanderings through chestnut groves and the beauty of the silver-leafed poplars.

Then Andrée joins her school, and Sylvie is immediately fascinated. Andrée may be small for her age, but her confidence and sense of self, Sylvie soon realises, are well established. She marvels at Andrée’s refreshing intellect and her ability to make the everyday remarkable in her philosophical musings, whilst the genuinely remarkable, in turn, becomes almost nondescript: ‘I’m nine,’ she reports. ‘If I look younger it’s because I got burned alive and didn’t grow much after that.’ As the bond between the two girls strengthens, Sylvie can’t help but be caught between her admiration for her friend, and the jealousy she feels whenever Andrée expresses the slightest bit of interest in anyone else. Soon, the silver-leafed poplars and chestnut groves are no longer places for aimless wanderings – rather, they’re the site of solitudinous reflection, the tapestry from which Sylvie plucks beautiful scenic threads to weave into poetry and pour into what can only be described as love letters to her friend.

As the girls grow, each maintains a constant presence in the other’s life, though our narrator is regularly tormented by the idea that Andrée isn’t quite as dependent on their friendship as she herself is. Whilst the girls retain an element of their wild characters and do all they can to delay their responsibilities, soon the mark of high society bears heavy on Andrée, and she finds herself buried under requirements and expectations that make no exception for love.

Simone de Beauvoir’s The Inseparables was never published in her lifetime, yet the manuscript was found intact amongst her things. It is the novella, and story, that haunted her throughout her life – part-fiction, mostly memoir, it’s one of the many attempts she made at capturing the spirit and marvel that was her best friend and first love, Elisabeth (Zaza) Lacoin. Those familiar with de Beauvoir’s other works and her relationship with Zaza, will recognise key moments and empathise with the inevitability of tragedy that introduces itself from the earliest page, keeping her powerless to the force that, ultimately, claims her friend.

With de Beauvoir’s signature prose resonating throughout, The Inseparables is a story of true friendship, with musings on religion, responsibility, morality and platonic love. The life of de Beauvoir’s greatest love is captured in its pages, beautifully and painfully, leaving an impact on the reader that will undoubtedly be everlasting. n

In this new collection of limited editions, Doug revisits the themes that have made him beloved to collectors across the world; themes of friendship, love and the unbreakable bonds that bring great joy to our lives, whether they be with family, friends or your favourite pet.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this collection will be donated to Choose Love charity, which provides humanitarian support on a global scale.

To view the new collection please call into the Gallery or visit our website and take the time to show someone special that they mean the world to you. Original

‘LOVE U’

‘LOVE U TOO’

‘LOVE AND LAUGHTER’

‘LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND’

‘JIGSAW’

‘ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE’

DELIGHT FOR AUTHOR ANN

Inspired

‘Only When the Moon is Big’ revolves around Jonas Bailey, a tenant farmer on the East Lancashire moors at a time during the 19th century, when the Water Board was buying land to build reservoirs in order to supply the burgeoning mill towns.

Fgetting the meaning across,” recalls Ann, who began writing when she was no longer able to sew: “My hands literally gave up on me and eventually I couldn’t sew, but I could still write.”

When Ann completed ‘Only When the Moon is Big’, her circle of friends and family were largely unaware of her writing: “While not many people knew I had written it, I told a close friend about it. She is a big reader and while she doesn’t read the classics, she loves all the popular authors of the day.

by a tale from family history, Only When the Moon is Big, is a story of sorrow, joy, hardship and love IT WAS NOT ALWAYS EASY WRITING DOWN PHRASES CONVEYING A LANCASHIRE ACCENT. IT WAS A BIT TRICKY WITH THE SPELLING AND GETTING THE MEANING ACROSS

ormer dressmaker Ann Kenyon has recently had her first novel published at the age of 74. A delighted Ann, who lives in the Ribble Valley, has had extensive positive feedback on ‘Only When the Moon is Big’, which is published by Olympia: “I was thrilled when Olympia came back to me to say they wanted to publish!” says Ann, who first began writing the book 10 years ago.

“It came to a bit of a standstill, but I recently went back to it as I don’t like things half done.”

THEY TOLD ME TO EXPECT A WAIT OF AT LEAST SIX WEEKS BEFORE THEY CAME BACK TO ME WITH A DECISION. BUT THEY ACCEPTED IT STRAIGHT AWAY!

The inspiration behind the book initially came from Ann’s grandmother: “I was told my great grandmother had died at the age of 29 leaving six children behind. I was also told that she died by accident – she was assaulted when someone mistook her for someone else. While it gave me the idea to write the book, all the characters within it are totally fictitious.

“The book is based around the reservoirs on the Yorkshire-Lancashire moors, which can be quite bleak and dramatic at times but it is can also be very beautiful.”

All is fine until the son of Jonas’s landlord takes a liking to Jonas’s beautiful, youngest daughter – which sparks trouble. The novel is described as a story of ‘sorrow, joy and hardship but through it all, great love’.

Ann, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and was confined to a wheelchair for a time while writing the book, explains: “While I was in a wheelchair, I could still write so that helped me. In the room where I do my writing is a window overlooking Parlick Fell, so I could interpret what I could see into the book.”

While Ann found writing relatively easy, when it came to the end of the novel, she was perplexed: “My husband asked me how I kept coming up with the words, but I found it was relatively easy to get started and create the characters.

“People fascinate me and I have met a lot of people during my time. You observe them and they all have certain mannerisms and ways, so I really enjoyed that side of writing the book.

“It was the ending that was difficult, but I managed it.”

Many of Ann’s characters within the book have strong Lancashire accents and the phraseology reflects this, as she explains: “I still know a lot of people with Lancashire accents. My husband is from farming stock so he comes out with some really strange sayings sometimes!

“I must admit it was not always easy writing down phrases conveying a Lancashire accent. It was a bit tricky with the spelling and

“She asked me if she could read my manuscript – I was very nervous! Within days she came back to me saying she was part way through it and was really enjoying it. A few days later she got in touch to say she had finished it and it was one of the best books she had read! She kept pestering me to try to get it published.”

Ann eventually submitted her book to Olympia Publishers: “They take manuscripts directly from writers and when I sent mine they told me to expect a wait of at least six weeks before they came back to me with a decision. But they accepted it straight away!”

Ann was then guided through the publishing process: “Olympia were absolutely marvellous. They gave me a choice of three covers and after one was digitally re-modelled, I accepted it. I have really enjoyed the whole process. Olympia accept very few manuscripts so I consider myself to be very lucky.” n

‘Only When the Moon is Big’ is available from Amazon, Waterstones and other good booksellers £10.99

WEEKEND OF

JAZZ & BLUES

The Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Festival is now well into its second decade of providing a wide variety of great music and this year’s line-up is the best yet

With an ambitious blend of programming choices, musical diversity and a warm welcome, the Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Festival offers a privileged experience to musicians and music lovers.

With over 50 free gigs and six ticketed events at 22 different venues around Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley, there are too many great artists do justice to them all! The festival organisers are thrilled to have James’ Places as headline sponsor. Their support, along with that of the Arts Council England and Clitheroe Town Council, has enabled organisers to make this the biggest and most exciting festival to date.

James’ Places MD Mike Auld says: “James’ Places, as a local company is deeply rooted in the Ribble Valley community, and is proud to support the Ribble Valley Jazz & Blues Festival. Our commitment to the local area extends beyond providing exceptional hospitality experiences – it encompasses fostering a vibrant cultural scene. By backing this event, we aim to celebrate the rich musical heritage of our region while promoting tourism and supporting local businesses. Throughout the weekend, a number of our venues will serve as hubs of activity, hosting a variety of events to complement the festival’s offerings. From intimate jazz performances to lively blues sessions, we’re excited to showcase talented musicians and create unforgettable experiences for both locals and visitors. James’ Places recognises the importance of investing in our community’s cultural fabric, and we are honoured to play a part in the success of this great event.”

To find out all about the individual gigs go to the festival Facebook page and website rvjazzfestival.co.uk. In fact, there are lots of ways that you can get full details about the festival this year – first of all check out the website where there is a downloadable brochure and a simple to print pocket guide.

A brand new feature of this year’s festival will be the community hub at St. Mary’s Centre, Church Street, Clitheroe BB7 2DG. It will be open throughout the festival for you to pick up guides, ask directions to venues and generally chat about the festival – it would be great if people could pop in and tell the organisers what they think of the programme and the organisation.

Even better, get on down to Clitheroe on the first May Bank Holiday and feel the vibe for yourself. The first gig is at 6.30pm on Friday 3rd May and the festival runs through to Monday 6th May.

A NUMBER OF OUR VENUES WILL SERVE AS HUBS OF ACTIVITY, HOSTING A VARIETY OF EVENTS TO COMPLEMENT

THE FESTIVAL’S OFFERINGS, FROM INTIMATE JAZZ PERFORMANCES TO LIVELY BLUES SESSIONS

The team who have put so much work into organising this event promises there is something for everyone – from wonderful concerts with exceptional comfort and acoustics to street and community music. Clitheroe will be alive and pulsating. It’s difficult to describe it in words, you need to experience it. See you there! n

May Bank Holiday

The first gig is at 6.30pm on Friday 3rd May and the festival runs through to Monday 6th May

rvjazzfestival.co.uk

GET SET FOR A WINNING PERFORMANCE

Young performers from Ella Shaw’s Academy of Arts are currently rehearsing for their next stage production, Fame Jr at the Grand in Clitheroe

The hugely successful Ribble Valleybased Ella Shaw’s Academy of Arts (ESAA) is set to present Fame Jr on stage at the Grand Clitheroe. It will be another series of memorable performances from the talented team at the ‘dream, believe, achieve’ academy, which has doubled in size since singer songwriter Ella founded the dancing, singing and acting school, following her success on TV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

To meet demand Ella is rolling out more classes to accommodate an ever-growing waiting list – the new mid-week classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, will run alongside the Saturday classes that have put ESAA firmly on the map in terms of encouraging youngsters to gain confidence through the performing arts.

Last year’s production of Sister Act Jr drew

comparisons to West End hits and received a standing ovation on the opening night. Fame Jr, which stars performers aged from four to 18, sees the characters find their true artistic voice and learn how to collaborate and work hard. “It’s very much a reflection of ESAA,” says Ella. “Our students are aspirational and many go on to study the performing arts at college and pursue it as a career.”

FAME JR

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT DEAL FOR LIVE MAGAZINES READERS!

This year’s production is sponsored by the Northern Dough Co co-founder Amy Cheadle says: “Our children have attended the academy’s brilliant classes every Saturday for almost 18 months, and absolutely love them, so when Ella offered us the opportunity to support it, we jumped at the chance. We can’t wait to see the show!”

TO MEET DEMAND ELLA IS ROLLING OUT MID-WEEK CLASSES TO ACCOMMODATE AN EVER-GROWING WAITING LIST

With the rising success of ESAA, Ella has also begun to form collaborations with local schools – she has a partnership with Ribblesdale in Clitheroe, which has integrated performing arts into the school timetable: “It’s a really successful collaboration, which I am hoping to roll out to other schools,” says Ella. n

Three performances from Friday 28th to Saturday 29th June. Go the grandvenue.co.uk select four tickets and enter the code: ESAA grandvenue.co.uk ellashaw.co.uk

BRINGING THE

PAST TO LIFE…

An exhibition of paintings based on historic commentaries from miners and their experiences, is set to open at the National Coal Mining Museum England

Ribble Valley-based artist Kevan Thompson has secured a prestigious exhibition at the National Coal Mining Museum (NCMM) England, which is based at the former site of the Caphouse Colliery in Wakefield.

In what is the 40th anniversary year of the 1984 controversial miners’ strike, the exhibition titled The Past is Gone But it is Not Lost, is set to open this month and features a collection of Kevan’s work that he created after listening to recorded accounts from miners: “As the son of a miner I witnessed first-hand the industrial actions of the 70s and 80s, walked the road from home to the pit head, seeing them emerge black from the hole, watched injured miners carried from the pit head, picked coal from the slag heaps in the dead of night and witnessed the factions developing between family and friends,” recalls Kevan. “I never became a miner but hold in adoration those who went down into the depths of an

underground world, risking their lives for their families.”

The exhibition is the culmination of a project developed in collaboration with the NCMM, which houses the De Re Metallica, a book written more than 450 years ago describing working methods in metal mining –it is the oldest artefact in the museum. The NCMM also has a collection of oral histories, which Kevan was allowed access to. These gave him a unique insight into the lives of the miners’ and gave him inspiration for many of the paintings: “Discovering that the museum had an oral histories collection was a lightbulb moment for me,” says Kevan.

ONE PAINTING, DOWN BELOW INTO THE DARK, TAKES A PERSPECTIVE FROM ABOVE AND FOCUSES ON THE MINERS’ HARD HATS AS THEY TRAVEL DOWN IN THE CAGE INTO THE DEPTHS

“I spent several hours over a number of days at the museum listening to their stories and their accounts of various events. I started to gather information about what roles they played, there are various accounts of disasters, rescues and injuries. I have found some of the stories amusing, shocking and sometimes disturbing.”

Kevan also found that the accounts sparked memories from his childhood: “I have found myself recalling memories I once thought lost, re-connecting with the past to help preserve the underground existence of the miners.”

Many of the stories from the oral histories collection give vivid accounts of various disasters: “That got my attention. They ranged from the ridiculous to the horrific – there is one account of a mine inexplicably flooding and the rescue team could only get down in a rubber dinghy. They eventually had to abandon the operation.”

Each of the 22 paintings in the exhibition features accompanying sketches and written accounts from the oral histories collection. Each painting is worked in oil, pastel or charcoal: “While charcoal is a medium that perfectly fits the subject, it also works well aesthetically,” says Kevan, who first approached the NCMM back in 2022.

“I had previously done a painting of three exhausted miners – it was a large painting and I didn’t know what to do with it. I asked the museum if they wanted it. They said no, but six months later they contacted me asking

if I would like to exhibit my work.

“I went over to Wakefield to meet with the museum staff, and it was then I found out about the oral histories collection. The museum arranged for me to have access to the histories and provided a small selection of typed transcripts so I could contextualise events in even more detail.”

One painting, Down Below Into the Dark, takes a perspective from above and focuses on the miners’ hard hats as they travel down in the cage into the depths: “That was inspired by a commentary from one miner who said he never saw the sun. It was overpowering.

I also learnt that the cage travelled 40ft per second, which must have been pretty frightening.”

A number of the paintings are from Kevan’s personal memories: “During the strike of ’72 I remember having to go up to the nightshift picket line. The miners were all sitting around a blazing brazier to keep warm, which inspired the painting Nightshift.”

THERE IS ONE ACCOUNT OF A MINE INEXPLICABLY FLOODING AND THE RESCUE TEAM COULD ONLY GET DOWN IN A RUBBER DINGHY. THEY EVENTUALLY HAD TO ABANDON THE OPERATION

For Kevan, creating and preparing the paintings for the exhibition has been a huge, but enjoyable feat: “I have loved it and what’s more the people at NCMM like what they have seen so far. They are pleased that the oral histories collection has been used in a way which they had not previously been used.

“Through listening to them, I have sought to keep memories alive, to help relocate hidden histories and make them visible and ultimately to ensure they are … ‘not lost to us.’” n

Lane

Guide Price £750,000

Hoghton, Preston

Asking Price £595,000

A smallholding with huge potential set in a rural Ribble Valley spot of 11 acres (OTA). Comprising of character ¾ bedroom, double fronted stone farmhouse with traditional stone barn attached, additional stone barn and a further range of traditional and more modern former agricultural buildings. Of interest to a variety of purchasers.

A charming, spacious Edwardian property with a wealth of accommodation and good mixture of modern and original features throughout.

Benefiting from four reception rooms and four double bedrooms, this home is on the ever-popular Gregson Lane, with well-maintained gardens to the front and rear which enjoy the sun all day long.

Ends, Bolton by Bowland

Whalley Old Rd, Billington

Asking Price

Bowland Gate Lane, West Bradford

OIRO

A Ribble Valley smallholding set in a superb position with elevated, panoramic views over Whalley arches and the surrounding valley.

The property comprises of an attractive stone-built, three-bedroom character dwelling and includes two workshops/outbuildings providing storage or garaging space, an ‘L’ shaped stable block and a grassland paddock, all set in 3.63 acres OTA.

THE VIEWS! An excellent, detached farmhouse on the edge of West Bradford village and situated within a small working farm.

With a wealth of living space to include five bedrooms, the property also benefits from a generous lawned garden, a large attached workshop/garage and a right of way to park numerous cars. There is some upgrading needed offering huge potential for any buyer to put their own stamp on the property.

£650,000

£525,000

PASSIVHAUS PROJECT

Based in Clitheroe, Habitat Architects are spearheading a Passivhaus project characterised by meticulous attention to energy-efficient design principles

Renowned for seamlessly integrating homes with their natural surroundings, Habitat Architects prioritises both functionality and aesthetics in its projects.

Lead designer Roger Hines and business partner Ann Vanner adopt a pioneering approach to merging energy efficiency with cutting-edge technology in their architectural endeavours. Their philosophy centres on prioritising intricate detailing from a project’s inception, ensuring that sustainability, insulation and ventilation components are seamlessly integrated into the design process from the outset.

“Detail comes first at Habitat Architects,”

asserts Ann. “Right from the initial planning stages, we emphasise the importance of meticulous planning, construction and material selection to create environmentally conscious homes.”

Drawing from Roger’s extensive background in construction, the team approaches each project with a keen focus on technical intricacies from the outset.

Habitat Architects is currently undertaking a Passivhaus project – the construction of a four-bedroom multigenerational home on the site of a former quarry. Despite the challenges posed by the site, Habitat Architects have obtained

planning permission. The forthcoming stages include laying foundations and assembling the timber Passivhaus frame, manufactured locally in Nelson.

“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” emphasises Roger. “By sourcing materials locally and manufacturing the frame nearby, we significantly reduce the carbon footprint, aligning seamlessly with our regenerative and sustainable ethos.”

Moreover, Habitat Architects prioritises sourcing additional materials, such as stone and roofing elements, from local suppliers to minimise environmental impact. Sourcing the materials locally also ensures that the property blends into its natural setting, coexisting harmoniously with the landscape using vernacular materials.

BY SOURCING MATERIALS LOCALLY AND MANUFACTURING THE FRAME NEARBY, WE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT, ALIGNING SEAMLESSLY WITH OUR REGENERATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE ETHOS

The single-story design was granted planning consent based on its ability to achieve a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain to ensure that the building contributes positively to the environment. Roger elaborates on Habitat Architects’ commitment to this aspect, highlighting the integration of flora and fauna, including wildflower lawns and native trees, to enhance ecological diversity, which was over 100 per cent on this project.

In summary, Habitat Architects’ Passivhaus project exemplifies their unwavering dedication to sustainable design practices, meticulous attention to detail and harmonious integration with the natural environment, setting a new standard for environmentally-conscious architecture. n

Habitat Architects

Studio 2, Primrose Studios

Clitheroe BB7 1DR 01200 420866 07950 754564

info@habitat-architects.co.uk

habitat-architects.co.uk

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Times are evolving, and so are we.

Gavin Hilton, Director from established estate agent Hilton & Horsfall, offers insights and news from the property market on both sides of Pendle Hill.

An encouraging start to 2024

We love helping people move in this beautiful part of the world that we’re lucky enough to call home. Whether you are new to the area or buying your next home in a new location in Burnley, Pendle & The Ribble Valley, we’re here to help.

Contrary to some media headlines, we have seen a very strong and busy first quarter to the 2024 property market. Activity levels are high from both sellers and buyers, and the lettings market has remained at positive levels - strong indicators that there is renewed confidence in the property market.

Mortgage rates are starting to come down with further reductions anticipated as we head towards the summer. This will further increase interest and activity from home buyers. With the lighter evenings and longer days, now is an ideal time to take stunning photographs if you’re thinking of putting your house on the market.

Step change in technology

As a forward-thinking local estate agent, we never stand still. Always looking to the future to discover ways to improve and elevate the services we provide to home movers, landlords and property developers so that your property journey becomes even more successful, convenient and efficient.

With that in mind, we’re excited to launch our brand new website, designed and built to make your online property experience smooth and efficient. On our fresh new site, you can discover local information such as amenities, schools and broadband speed when you’re searching for your next home. It’s easy to book viewings and valuations anytime, anywhere and you’ll find useful information about the moving process on here too. Take a look!

Hilton & Horsfall Prestige

We’re also very proud to introduce Hilton & Horsfall Prestige, our exclusive new brand catering to premium properties in Burnley, Pendle, The Ribble Valley and beyond. With a focus on pristine presentation, powerful exposure and professional solutions, we’re taking luxury real estate to new heights. Whether you’re selling a historic mansion with panoramic views or a contemporary masterpiece nestled in the countryside, Hilton & Horsfall Prestige offers that extra touch of sophistication to showcase your property in its best light. With striking new For Sale boards and carefully tailored marketing solutions, we’ll make sure that your premium home catches the attention of the most discerning buyers.

To discuss your home moving plans this spring, or discover more about our new Hilton & Horsfall Prestige offering, please get in touch with our team in Barrowford or Clitheroe or by visiting our website.

framework is concealed within the stonework –and the space also includes a long slot rooflight, creating additional natural light to the centre. Oversized floor tiles continue through to the external terrace, blending indoor and outdoor living, and the corner window directs the outward views to the bottom of the garden and fields beyond.

Our involvement included the design, planning and building regulations stages and the construction stage was project managed by the client. We worked collaboratively throughout with the client and were on-hand during the construction stage when needed.

Here’s what the client says: “It really has been a pleasure to work with Zara Moon Architects on the recent changes we have made to our

PERFECTLY BLENDING RURAL AND CONTEMPORARY LIVING

A contemporary extension has created a beautiful open plan kitchen and living space for a delighted Whalley family

Stoops Farm is located in the Whalley Green Belt, within the Whalley Banks hamlet. The property is a traditional rural home surrounded by open countryside and our clients wanted to create a primary living space which maximised natural light and views of their garden.

Clients often approach us with a list of problems they need solving with their home and improvements they wish to make, not necessarily with a solution – and that is where we come in. By understanding how you want to live and use a space, we work together with you to find a solution which works for your specific needs.

Our clients had lived in their home for the last 20 plus years and while the house was finished to a high standard, there was no open plan kitchen, dining, living space. This meant

they didn’t have a large enough space for all the family to enjoy together. The benefit of having an open plan kitchen, dining, living space is great for entertaining, but is also perfect for everyday family life. While someone is preparing food, children can be working on homework and someone else can be watching TV. It becomes the heart of the home.

The property also had small windows and patio doors facing the garden, which made the internal spaces feel dark while visually restricting the view of their outstanding garden. The porch entrance, whilst quaint and picturesque, was very small with no storage space.

The design solution included a single-storey, wrap-around extension to both the front and rear, creating an impressive contemporary entrance porch with oversized front door, hidden coat and boot storage and a contemporary open plan kitchen, dining, living space with three-metre high by six-metre wide large, glazed sliding doors and a feature corner window overlooking the garden. The glazing has a frameless effect – the

home. From initially tasking them to work on a number of new concepts, we were amazed at the designs presented to us. Working with a demanding brief and a limited area to create our dream concept, they managed to create different options for the space in-keeping with our property style. The process of planning also went a lot smoother than we anticipated due to the professional guidance from Zara.

What a difference it has made to our family life. The new open space has created a whole new way of living and given us an area we can, as a family, all enjoy together. The design has also given us the added luxury to connect the indoor and outdoor space perfectly. We really couldn’t have asked for a more beautifully designed space to add to our home!” n

Zara Moon Architects

The Barn at Fieldings Farm Whalley Banks, Whalley BB7 9JL 01200 403840

zaramoonarchitects.co.uk