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Pinfold Furness’ Free Magazine
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Issue 23
February 14
COMMUNITY
ADJECTIVE belonging to a place or small area
01229 463146
Bryan Redhead & Co. Ltd
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MARKET STREET BROUGHTON IN FURNESS CUMBRIA LA20 6HP
• As professional accountants we offer tax and accounting services that you would expect which run alongside many others.
• Please take time to review our services.
• If you require more information or would like to arrange a free consultation please contact us. We look forward to working with you.
Market Street, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria LA20 6HP T: 01229 716778 F: 01229 716931 Email: office@bryanredhead.co.uk
• Accountancy & bookkeeping • Taxation • Payroll • Company secretarial • Fee protection insurance • Business Start ups and advice • VAT • Limited Company Formations
www.bryanredhead.co.uk
Distributing 7000 copies a month The month of love is upon us, and we need a cheerful distraction after this relentless rain. If like me you are starting to feel the need to escape for some sunshine our travel counsellor is always available to take our desperate pleas to find sunshine and blue skies. On the positive side the snow drops are popping up and this can only mean we are heading in the right direction for spring. If you are in need of flowers for Valentines day or just to cheer up the house Brocklebanks Florist has opened up in Dalton. Spectrum Hair and Beauty is under new management and has lots of offers for Pinfold readers. Our very popular make over competition is on again this month and being the month of love we have included partners in this photoshoot, so all you couples that have just got engaged or are just madly in love this months competition is for you. For the more serious our legal expert takes a look at the effect love can have on legal matters. As always I would like to thank Lorraine Oates
Photography for the editors photograph and our lovely cover photograph.
Contents.. 4 Coro support group takes off 6 8
Love is in the air
Olympic style with Two by Two
10 Jess Gillam’s Jazzy line up
12 Spectrum Hair and Beauty
15 Lakes Legal Ltd Love and its effects 16 The winner of last months make-over photoshoot
18 Boogles and Bump, Christening/baby naming ceremony planning guide.
20 SSAFA Life long support for our forces and their families
22 Whats on in February? 24 Ask the Gaffer?
26 Brocklebanks Florist
30 The unsung heroes, Furness Fantastic volunteers
Sarah
07850308132 sarah@thepinfold.com www.thepinfold.com www.facebook.com/thepinfold @ ThePinfoldLocal on Twitter www.facebook.com/thepinfold
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CORO SUPPORT GROUP TAKES OFF
A committee of users and residents which has sprung up to support and improve the Coronation Hall, has struck a loud chord with Ulverstonians, and users from other towns. The Friends of Coronation Hall Association, following a Coffee Morning held in the Coro recently, now has over 300 members. The organising committee has a majority of representatives of user groups, plus two town councillors and several local residents. It plans to create groups of volunteers from its members to tackle tasks like marketing, advertising, helping with care-taking tasks at busy times and even front-of-house duties. The group is also considering developments for the future to increase usage and to help pay for "extras".
All this originates in SLDC's statement that, as owners of the Coro, they were no longer prepared to "subsidise" it. Ulverston Town Council is in negotiations about transfer of the Coro to Ulverston control, ultimately to some sort of Charitable Trust. However FOCHA is committed to working with whoever is running The Coro, for as long as it takes. The Coro is the centre of Ulverston's cultural life and the Association is determined to ensure that it gets better and better. All members will be invited to discuss developments at the AGM on 24th.March.
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Love is in the air…
…and you could be too if you fancy jetting off with your loved one for a special romantic treat. St.Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, so what better time to make the most of the weekend. Or if you’re like me, you could break with tradition and surprise the one you love with a treat on the Friday but travel a few days later and perhaps get an even better bargain! That way, you both have something to look forward to together – and no one gets in trouble for not packing the right things because your partner wasn’t sure where you were going! Perhaps you need some last minute inspiration?
Sharon Matthews 01524 761480
I don’t just do holidays abroad, I can help you book a few nights in a hotel, or a holiday cottage to get away from it all, a day trip on the Orient Express – if it involves travel, it falls within my speciality and I would really be delighted to help.
for all your travel needs
Email: sharon.matthews@travelcounsellors.com
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The Personal touch And remember wherever you are, I am more than happy to assist with restaurant
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recommendations and reservations on your behalf. Perhaps it’s going to be an extra special occasion and you want to make sure the location is just right - whatever it may be that you don’t have the time to do, or wouldn’t be confident to research on your own, I’m here and will use my extensive contacts in the travel industry to make it easy for you. And for everyone else whose thoughts have already turned to their main holiday, you are not alone. There have been some long days in my busy travel office as I keep up with the demand from my customers and their friends and families. I am seeing more and more recommendations this month as new customers ask me to help with their holiday arrangements and I have already helped a number of them tick their first job of the year off the list – book this year’s holiday! They can now sit back and look forward to it, knowing their arrangements are in safe hands. I’ll keep in touch along the way with information to help them learn about their destination and be at the end of the phone throughout to answer that quick question – no calls centre, just me – someone who knows who’s calling and where they are going, because I make it my business to make it personal. If you’re thinking about your next holiday, summer or winter, I’d love to hear from you. Until next month, when the destination feature will be Morocco, I send you my very best wishes,
Body MOTS & Health Tests & Affordable Prices
Take charge of your own well being by taking an annual Body MOT.
We have packages to suit all clients and age groups. We want you to be healthier for longer.
Ring us on
08455 199 552 or visit our website at
www.c-ur-well.com for further details
Olympic Style
As the footage of the Winter Olympic Games from Sochi hits our screens this month there’s a chance we will all spring into action and choose to celebrate winter in a sporting fashion. In our enthusiasm we will obviously have to adjust our outfitting accordingly, and adopt a sporty casual style to match our mood.
Blow the cobwebs off those chunky ski style knits, pull out your moon boots and find your coolest shades…oh and make sure your jeans are suitable for the action!
At Two by Two in Ulverston we have jeans worthy of a gold medal by German jeans label MAC. Dream Jeans by MAC are not only fashionable and stylish, but they are super comfortable thanks to their stretch technology fit. Made from 65% cotton, 31% polyester, 4% spandex, and fitted with specially designed inside pockets and side seams, Dream jeans shape the stomach area to create a flattering silhouette.
Dream jeans live up to their name when it comes to wear and tear too and can be happily washed at 40 degrees over and over again. Their performance has been tried and tested and over time they maintain their amazing elasticity. With their winning formula of comfort and style, MAC’s Dream Jeans are the ultimate pair of jeans and make the perfect partner for all your adventures. 52 Market Street Ulverston LA12 7LS
T 01229 480703
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sarah@thepinfold.com
Jess Gillam’s
Jazzy line up
I am a 15 year old saxophone player from Ulverston in Cumbria and I love to organise and promote concerts with famous saxophonists as well as to play with them. This year, I have organised concerts with Snake Davis and the Suspicions in March as well as with Courtney Pine in May. After the raging success of his visit last year, Snake Davis returns to Ulverston with his storming 8 piece band who will belt out Northern Soul, Motown and Atlanta Classics. Snake is the most prolific session sax player of the last 25 years and you will have heard his soulful sax riffs on tracks by Amy Winehouse, Ray Charles, Kylie,Take That, James Brown, Lisa Stansfield, Eurhythmics, Paul McCartney, Lisa Stansfield and Calvin Harris to name but a few. Joined by his 8 - piece soul band, it is guaranteed that Snake will get you onto the dance floor! Saxophone legend Courtney Pine brings his new House of Legends tour to Ulverston, the Jazzwise Album of the year 2012. Courtney Pine has unbelievable international acclaim as a jazz saxophonist and is Britain's most famous saxophonist; he is at the forefront of the UK jazz scene, constantly pushing the boundaries and reinterpreting tradition. He will bring his amazing band to Ulverston, a feel good gig not to be missed.
Snake Davis & the Suspicions with guest Jess Gillam Saturday 1st March 2014 Coronation Hall Ulverston 01229 587140 www.corohall.co.uk www.snakedavis.co.uk Tickets: £15/£10
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Courtney Pine with guest Jess Gillam Friday 23rd May 2014 Coronation Hall Ulverston 01229 587140 www.corohall.co.uk www.courtneypine.co.uk
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We are excited to announce that Spectrum Hair and Beauty is now under new management! There are lots of new and exciting things to look forward to including.
New products, new treatments, freebies to be won every month, client surveys on what we’re doing. Hair & beauty tutorials to do from home and trials of our products before we stock them.
The salon itself will be undergoing a huge make over, completely changing the salons look and environment! There will be two new private beauty rooms upstairs for all relaxation treatments with sliding doors parting the room for those that like a bit of pampering together! Downstairs in the main hair salon we are having all new hair styling units installed, private wash basins so you can relax and experience the full benefits of just a hair wash. Upstairs you will find a comfortable lounge filled with sofas, arm chairs and a kitchen unit to help yourselves to complimentary refreshments.
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN SPONSORED BY
FURNESS ENTERPRISE
Furness Enterprise can help you start up in business
12 Val Robinson Contact
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01229 820611
vrobinson@furnessenterprise.co.uk
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Beauty
Hair
We are also giving
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any beauty treatments when you spend £30.00 or more Just bring this page of the Pinfold
Hannah & Natalie are now fully qualified hairdressers and are offering
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Time for men
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£50% off
when you get a haircut and finish Just bring this page of the Pinfold
Lots of freebies so keep an eye out, just like our Facebook page and keep a look out. Every one that likes our page will be entered into a MONTHLY raffle for money off vouchers, hair products, beauty products, treatments and more… now who doesn’t want that? There’s nothing to lose so like our page and be in for some pampering! For any queries or to make an appointment, please contact us on 01229 480660. We’re more than happy to hear from you Hope to see you soon xxx
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So far so good - but is it time for growth? FURNESS ENTERPRISE can help your business expand www.facebook.com/thepinfold
Furness Enterprise Limited Lindal Business Park London Road Lindal in Furness Cumbria LA12 0LD
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Lakes Legal Limited
Love and its effects…
As we approach one of the most romantic days of the year, that’s 14th February for those of you that forget Hannah Elizabeth Bell LLB Director these things, and Photo: Powder & Paint Photography judging by the number of engagements that keep appearing on my Facebook wall, I thought it was an ideal time to take a look at the effect love can have on legal matters.
They tell me that planning a wedding is all encompassing and by all accounts very stressful, so its not surprising that when people get married they don’t think about how their marriage will effect them legally. For example, most people don’t know that getting married can invalidate your will. This is particularly important to the older bride and groom who may have existing families that they think are taken care of under their pre-married wills. Unless your will specifically states that it is made in contemplation of your forthcoming nuptials it will become invalid following your big day.
If your will becomes invalid due to your marriage and you don’t prepare a suitable replacement, you would be deemed to have died intestate- or without a will. This means that your estate would be distributed in accordance with the current rules, which might not be what you had planned.
Similarly modern day marriage can be a complicated family affair- and I’m not talking about the seating arrangements. Planning for death is never easy but it is essential
particularly when two people come to marriage with complex family arrangementsperhaps with children from a previous relationship. Planning what happens with your assets when you die can save time, money and heartache as well as ensuring that your assets pass to the right people.
Love can strike us at any age and although most of us can think of a more romantic way of showing our nearest and dearest how we feel about them making a will can be one of the best ways of ensuring our loved ones are taken care of should the worst happen.
Lakes Legal Limited offers a comprehensive Fixed-Fee will writing service so you know exactly how much it is going to cost you from the very beginning; No hidden costs and No VAT! Single Wills £75.00 and Couples Wills £125.00
Why not call 01229 47 18 71 now for a one hour fee free consultation.
“Lakes Legal Limited; a professional service at an affordable price from the comfort of your own home”
Boogles and Bump 5 Brogden St, Ulverston
Christening/Naming Ceremony Planning Guide We have been busy in the shop lately helping families choose the perfect Christening outfit, dress or gown for their special day. With the Christening season just beginning for 2014, we have used our insight to put together a handy planning guide for this special occasion. 3-6 Months Before
• Choose your Godparents. They can be a great support and help you with extra organisation. We often meet Godparents in the shop to help give an opinion on different outfits.
• Venue. If your Christening is to be in church, meet with your vicar/priest/pastor to discuss dates and religious preparation. You may need to avoid times that would clash with the church calendar. You may find the vicar visits you in your home to go through the service with you. If yours is to be a naming ceremony, research venues and services that offer this and make sure you get recommendations.We recommend Inspirational Ceremonies who can be found on Facebook.
• Organise the cake. You may be lucky enough to have an excellent cake maker in the family or as a friend, but if not make sure you book your cake maker in advance as their diaries often get booked up for weddings and other events. Wedding fairs are excellent sources of information and you can often sample the cake and see examples! • Reception. Decide on the celebration you will have afterwards – marquee in the garden, buffet at the local pub, entertainment, hotel.Whatever you decide check the date will be available for your ceremony. During the summer months
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venues will often be booked in advance for weddings. 1-3 Months Before
• Invitations. Draw up a list of who you would like to attend and send invitations out in good time. Guests who are travelling may need to book accommodation in advance. There is a lovely array of invitations available, or perhaps you can make your own. • Outfit. You may have a family heirloom that has been lying in the loft. Now is the time to recover it, air it out and send to the dry cleaners if necessary. You may decide to have an outfit made. At Boogles and Bump we have a huge array of designs and accessories to suit most budgets.They can be viewed in our shop, with many more styles available from the website. Some of our designs are handmade to order. If you decide on this you need to leave 3-4 weeks before the Christening. We offer a full measuring and fitting guide for this. This is a brief guide to organising your special day. For a more definitive guide with recommendations please see our website www.booglesandbump.co.uk
Boogles and Bump
Your Local, Professional, Cleaning Service
01229 584891 07966 028404
enquiries@js-cleaning.co.uk www.js-cleaning.co.uk
JS Cleaning Services
Ellerswell, Neville St, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 0BJ
HAPPY HOUNDZ BOARDING KENNELS & PET SERVICES
We are an exclusive friendly “doggy holiday home” – No sitting around in kennels here!
Tel: 0 1 5 3 9 5 3 0 0 8 4 Mobile: 0 7 8 4 7 9 7 0 9 0 6
Email: happyhoundz@hotmail.co.uk www.happyhoundzlakedistrict.co.uk
Childrens Boutique
Visit us at our shop and see our Offers 5 Brogden St, Ulverston LA12 7AH
01229 588570
or shop from our website
www.booglesandbump.co.uk www.facebook.com/thepinfold
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WHAT IS SSAFA?
assist with clearing debts. Our aim is to help people to help themselves by relieving their need as quickly The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Airmen and Families as we can. Association – Forces Help, now known as SSAFA, is the oldest national welfare charity for the forces. DO YOU NEED OUR HELP OR We provide a wide variety of assistance to both the ADVICE? serving and ex-service communities, especially If you need help or advice and are a serving or families.We’ve been doing it since 1885 - and we’re ex-Service person, or are a partner or a dependant still doing it today! of one, please get in touch with us. Our aim is to do whatever is possible to relieve the Even if you are the dependant of an eligible person need and distress amongst those eligible for our who is deceased or your relationship with an help. We do this for as long as is necessary. In eligible person has ended, we can often still help Cumbria we achieve this through a network of ask us. You can contact us directly by phoning, the volunteers working in each local authority area – number is on the back of this leaflet. If there is no Allerdale, Barrow and South Lakeland, Carlisle, reply please leave a message, including your name Copeland and Eden. and phone number.We will get back to you as soon Nationally SSAFA helped over 40,000 people raising as we can. You can also contact us through email, over £16M last year. In the country there are over our website, Facebook or through our Central 7,500 volunteers; we have just 30 here in Cumbria. Office.
HOW DOES SSAFA OPERATE? COULD YOU HELP SSAFA? When we hear about someone who might need us we ask a caseworker or trained volunteer, to visit the person in their home to assess the situation. We do this in strict confidence ensuring the individual retains their dignity. The caseworker and the client jointly will decide what is required; the caseworker then takes the necessary action to relieve the problem. If financial help is needed, we will approach the relevant service charity and many other organisations for funding to meet the need. Often we can work together with statutory bodies to ensure that all entitlements are being received. We can assist in many different situations, providing aid by acquiring disability aids, household items and even clothing for the individual or their family.We can advise and refer people to expert organisations and can often
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In the last 5 years SSAFA Cumbria has helped over 1350 individuals and families by raising more than £1M on their behalf. However, there is much more to be done to enable us to help all those who actually need our help.
YOU CAN HELP US IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT WAYS
If you know of someone who might be eligible for our assistance, then please pass on this leaflet to them and encourage them to contact us. SSAFA Cumbria needs more people to help us reach all those who are eligible and need us. You could help by becoming a friend or member of SSAFA. We need volunteers to raise awareness of who we
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are and what we do. We need help in running the branch administration; we need volunteers to train as caseworkers. Many of our volunteers get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that they have really helped and changed lives. Where necessary our members receive professional training and are always paid ‘out of pocket’ expenses. We can discuss how you can best help us when you volunteer. Some people may prefer to help us by making a donation, leaving a legacy or by joining our lottery. No matter how you decide to help us every donation to SSAFA Cumbria helps us to help others in the County. We rely upon public donations and are always very grateful for any donation, large or small. Please contact us for more details.
Working in Cumbria • Our aim is to do whatever is possible to relieve the need and distress amongst those eligible for our help • We provide a wide variety of assistance to both the serving and ex-service communities, especially families • Nationally SSAFA helped over 40,000 people raising over £16M last year • In the country there are over 7500 volunteers and we have just 30 here in Cumbria • Our aim is to help people to help themselves by relieving their need as quickly as we can • In the last 5 years SSAFA Cumbria has helped over 1350 individuals and families by raising more than £1M on their behalf
For more information about SSAFA Cumbria and how we can help you and your family, please contact us:
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SSAFA CUMBRIA BRANCH Tel: 01524 782 418
Email: ssafabranchsec@btinternet.com or abhoskins13@btinternet.com FACEBOOK: ssafacumbria Web site: www.ssafacumbria.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 210760 Est. 1885 Registered Charity (Scotland) No. SC038056
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WHATS
GOING ON IN
FEBRUARY?
1-14 February SOUTH LAKES WILDLIFE PARK, minimum of £1 donation (Higher donations gladly received) for entry to South Lakes Wildlife park,
6th February SLIDE & SUPPER EVENT "SEA TALES FROM THE HEBRIDES" with Chris Loynes 7pm. This will be an evening of images and tales that capture some of the variety of wildlife and culture as well as the kayaking and sailing adventures to be had in the North West of ScotlandGalapagos Islands. This gives you a chance to enjoy interesting speakers, good food and great company. The cost of £10 includesa hot supper after the talk + tea and coffee. The bar will be open and booking is essential (01229 581666) Other Slide & supper events on throughout the month check our website for further details. www.ford-park.org.uk 7th February BNI VISITORS DAY 7.00 am. If you would like to network with a group of businesses serious about doing business, this is the opportunity for you. for further information email vrobinson@furnessenterprise.co.uk
13th February ULVERSTON COUNTRY MARKET RE-OPENS 9.15-11.45am in the Coronation Hall – just in time to buy a special gift for your Valentine!
New season marmalade and preserves, eggs, delicious home baking and exquisitely hand crafted items such as jewellery, knitting and crochet, greetings cards, handbags, cane/rush seating and framed photo prints. Did you know that birds choose their mates on 14th February? Get a bird nesting box here! We will be happy to reserve orders for any item and can make up presentation boxes for that special occasion gift. The Marketeers look forward to welcoming regular and new customers every Thursday morning. Entry is FREE! “ 14th February- VALENTINES DAY
15 February DALTON CREATIVE MARKETS , Dalton Community Centre (Drill Hall) Nelson St car park. For more information contact Alan Jackson 07879 646 881or email: alan@mmxevents.com.
19th February FAMILY ACTIVITY 2pm to 4pm at Ford Park
20th February SLIDE & SUPPER EVENT "SAVING DARWIN'S FINCHES" with Jane Harris and Ceri Hutton 7pm An account of Ceri and Jane's time as part of a research expedition to the Galapagos Islands. This gives you a chance to enjoy interesting speakers, good food and great company. The cost of £10 includesa hot supper after the talk + tea and coffee. The bar will be open and booking is essential (01229 581666) 27th February BREAD MAKING BY HAND-COOKERY DEMONSTRATION 6.30pm Ring 581666 to book The Coach House Cafe and Bistro
1st March SNAKE DAVIS & THE SUSPICIONS WITH GUEST JESS GILLAM Coronation Hall Ulverston 01229 587140 www.corohall.co.uk www.snakedavis.co.uk Tickets: £15/£10
CRAFT CLUB, GLEASTON VILLAGE HALL Every Tuesday except 2nd of the Month, 7.00 – 9.00 pm, £2 per session. Do you have any interest in Crafts such as Felting/Spinning/Knitting/Rag Rugging/Flower Arranging/Sugar Craft/Card Making/Patchwork to name a few. Or do you have a craft that you could share with us? If I haven’t mentioned something you have an interest in, then don’t let it put you off coming along, as I am always keen to learn something new. Tel 869968 E-mail – barbara.birch@hotmail.co.uk BUTTERFLY CRAFT STUDIO, 169 Rawlinson Street : Droppin' Stitches Social Craft Group.
IT’S FREE TO PLACE YOUR EVENT ON THIS PAGE just email your events to sarah@thepinfold.com
Brocklebanks Florist
Brocklebanks florist has officially opened in Dalton town center, within Brocklebanks well established fruit and veg shop.
Flowers at Brocklebanks are always fresh and guaranteed to last a long time. From traditional bouquets to modern style bouquets we cater to suit all. Valentines is just around the corner, so treat that special someone to great value, high quality flowers!
Aimee the florist at Brocklebanks has been working with the business for two years. Since joining Brocklebanks the demand for flowers has grown a great deal. Are you getting married soon or have a funeral to arrange, at Brocklebanks florist we cater for all occasions. Whether you want table decorations, center pieces, sprays or buttonholes come to Brocklebanks and talk to Aimee to arrange exactly what you need.
Here at brocklebanks we understand that loved ones sadly pass away, we lovingly make decorations for next to headstones like flower posy's and ornaments
We don’t just do flowers we also sell balloons for parties, birthdays and christenings. We also sell household decorations to give your house that warm home sweet home feeling, why not treat your home this valentines day with our wooden love heart decorations.
So get yourself to Brocklebanks where we can make all your occasions special whatever they may be.
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The Craft Studio Glass Works and Yeats Byre Gallery
Bowstead Gates, Newland, Ulverston. Tel:
01229 582634
New Classes for February
Fused Glass for Beginners, Wire wrapping with Dawn McMullen. Creative Paper Making with Amanda Godden. Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Weekend classes available. Ring for details 01229 582634
Yeats Byre Gallery Artist of the Month
Allan Wright, Beautiful Photographs of our Lakeland fells and Mountains. 01229 582634
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@ThePinfoldLocal on twitter
House of Cars CAR BODY SHOP
North Lonsdale Rd Ulverston Cumbria LA12 9DJ
Complete Restorations Car Repair Classic & Antique Specialist Interior & Wheel Repair
Shop: 01229 587128 Petey: 07546 393451
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The Unsung Heroes ,
Furness’ Fantastic Volunteers
Returning to work at Ford Park after Christmas and New Year it was wonderful to see the familiar faces of our team of dedicated, enthusiastic and talented volunteers chomping at the bit and seemingly revved up for the year ahead. Seeing the volunteers at the start of an unchartered year made me reflect on how much Ford Park as a registered charity relies on its volunteer programme in order to provide a high quality community amenity and how knowing the “big mixed bag of folk” have surfaced again like the perennial snow drops in the park, fills me with a sense of hope that we can aspire to and achieve even greater things in 2014.
“After suffering a head injury at work I was medically retired from my job as a Team Leader at BAE Systems in Barrow and after initial treatment began the long process of getting well again. I became isolated suffering from anxiety and lack of confidence; it was my therapist who suggested I should volunteer at Ford Park. .Volunteering at Ford Park has brought me back from the brink, over the last 12 months I have become stronger and see myself starting to lead people again supporting some of the more vulnerable volunteers, taking people under my wing to make sure they make the most of t h e opportunities here. Never in a million years did I think I would be working in a community garden , everyone gets on and we all love it Mark Purdy volunteer Ford Park Ulverston and surrounding areas have a hidden army of dedicated volunteers who make a tangible impact on the quality of life for visitors and locals alike: planning festivals, maintaining our parks, amenities, and heritage sites, supporting the elderly, disadvantaged or those with life limiting conditions. Sarah is a volunteer at St Mary’s Hospice, she started with us whilst looking to undertake some voluntary
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work to use towards her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Sarah had a relative whom had used the hospice services, which she states “gave her a personal understanding of the importance of hospices and the huge positive impact they have when people are very ill, so was very keen to help out our local hospice - St Mary’s”. When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering with St Mary’s Hospice, Sarah adds “when I feel I’ve managed to brighten someone’s day even if it’s just a little, particularly if that person is a patient or visiting a loved one staying in the hospice. It’s also been great meeting and getting to know all my lovely co-workers in the café”
Volunteering is not just about giving; the personal benefits for volunteers can be immense, learning new skills , gaining experience and qualifications, building friendships , maintaining a positive life/work balance, and gaining new perspectives on life .
When I was made redundant I made a big decision to move to the Lake District in search of a simpler way of life. The first time I visited Swarthmoor Hall I was captivated by the peace and tranquillity of the wonderful Elizabethan house and gardens, once home to the founders of the Quaker movement back in the 17th century. In my role as Volunteer Coordinator I meet Volunteers and visitors from far afield who come to the Hall both to work and to enjoy the peace and hospitality that makes time spent here so rewarding Christine Lim volunteer manager Swarthmoor Hall. Whatever your age availability and skill set there is a volunteering opportunity out there to suit you. Why not make a significant difference to someone else’s life in 2014 as well as enriching your own? Alison Alger CEO Ford Park
For volunteering opportunities at Ford Park please contact Kim Farr 01229 588164 or a range of volunteering opportunities please contact Cumbria CVS 01768 800350 also www.ford-park.org.uk www.facebook.com/thepinfold
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