Lancashire Now 210

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Issue. 210 - March/April 2022 0115 6972677 | www.wilcopmedia.co.uk | sales@wilcopmedia.co.uk

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Lancashire’s leaders stand in solidarity with Ukraine

Man Jailed For Murder of pensioner

SEE PAGE 11...

Easter Fun For Families

SEE PAGE 9 ...

SEE PAGES 14-25...

Page 2.

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Community Renewal projects on track to making a more productive and sustainable Lancashire

Work is well underway on nine projects that will each play their part in helping to 'level up' Lancashire, support recovery from Covid and kickstart progress towards a net zero carbon economy.

ed Grade II Listed former bank on Bacup’s high street transformed as a low carbon community space for co-working and residential accommodation.

The 'Decarbonising Rossendale' project will provide an opportunity for the community and businesses to underThe projects were funded as part of Lancashire's bid to stand and learn what the low the government's £220m UK carbon future will look like, driving local action towards Community Renewal Fund, net zero. which will support revenue Work is well underway on projects that will deliver by the project, which is being led June 2022.

by Valley Heritage, a not-forThe funding is intended to help ‘level up’ areas, including profit organisation that aims bring Rossendale's historic those places hardest hit by buildings back into use.

Covid-19, and support the Valley Heritage has been UK's path to net zero carbon awarded £261,849 towards emissions.

Lancashire County Council the scheme.

County Councillor Shaun led a local bidding and appraisal process before submit- Turner, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member ting a bid to government in the summer, which ultimately for environment and climate change, said: “The Decarsecured £3.4 million for bonising Rossendale project Lancashire. is a brilliant example of the One of the successful community coming together projects will see a neglect-

to preserve its past to create a better future.

“The climate change emergency affects us all and this is just the kind of commitment, innovation, and investment that is required to help further build on progress towards a net zero carbon economy.

“We all need to play our part if we have any chance of creating the cleaner, healthier, future for Lancashire, and projects like this are a big step in achieving that ultimate goal."

Another not-for-profit organisation to benefit from the fund is Procure Plus Holdings, which specialises in the procurement of goods and services for a wide range of social housing clients.

Procure Plus Holdings has been awarded £105,400 for the 'Building Lancashire' project, which aims to support people from across Lancashire into employment in the construction industry

and allied sectors. The money will be used to fund non-traditional construction roles not covered by other funding, including low/zero carbon, heating, electrical and support roles.

Burnley Borough Council has been awarded £994,083 for its Growth and Innovation Fund, which will distribute grants businesses to help them recover from the pandemic. The East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also been awarded £700,000 to provide business support for firms developing new low carbon technologies and to help develop training for non-traditional construction roles.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for economic development and growth, said: “The local economy been massively impacted by the pandemic, so it's important that we take every opportunity to increase investment in Lancashire and get back on track.

"This vital funding will help to speed the recovery of those places in Lancashire that have been most affected by the pandemic and support the wider goal of achieving a net zero carbon economy.

"By working together, the Community Renewal Fund will help deliver some extremely worthwhile projects that will help create a more productive and more sustainable Lancashire."

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Page 3.

Bid for Great British Railways headquarters to be in Preston A bid has been announced to bring the new headquarters of Great British Railways to Preston, which would bring wider benefits to Lancashire.

The bid is being led by Lancashire County Council.

A government competition is currently underway which asks councils to submit an expression of interest, before a shortlist is created later in the year.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, said: "We're bidding to bring this important new rail headquarters to Lancashire. If we're successful, the Great British Railways offices would bring significant numbers of jobs and economic growth as staff relocate with potential wider opportunities and benefits across Lancashire.

"Our bid builds on the work we're doing with Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire to create a regeneration framework for

the Station Quarter, which is a key area for development, as well as a transport gateway."

Great British Railways is a new public body which will own the infrastructure, with responsibilities for the running and planning of the rail network, in addition to the setting of fares and timetables.

The national headquarters is expected to be home primarily to corporate functions, a number of network-wide capabilities, and meeting and collaboration spaces that enable people from across the regions and industry to come together.

The successful town or city will work with the government to understand the requirements and work to agree a specific site.

Preston Railway Station is the main railway hub in Lancashire, with several lines providing direct connec-

tions across Lancashire from Blackpool to Colne and Carnforth to Chorley, as well as to key destinations including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and the midlands.

It will also be a main stop for HS2 services in the future which will see improved links across Great Britain.

Detailed work is currently underway to draft a Preston Station Quarter Regeneration Framework, which sets out

an ambition framework to guide the regeneration and redevelopment of this major city gateway.

The framework is being created in partnership between the county council, Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire.

As part of developing the bid, the county council are contacting key organisations and businesses to gain backing for the plans.

People can also give their backing direct by visiting www.lancashire.gov.uk/GBrailways More information about the national competition is available at https://gbrtt.com/hq

£1m for maternity improvements in Lancashire and South Cumbria Lancashire and South Cumbria Local Maternity and Newborn System (LMNS) has been awarded £1m of NHS funds to improve digital maternity services, helping to deliver a better experience for maternity service users and staff.

The money will fund a new electronic maternity record, joining up four hospital trusts, ensuring that women can access their own health records and information needed to make informed decisions.

The electronic maternity record will also allow maternity care providers access to accurate and

up-to-date records wherever a pregnant woman presents for care.

Coralie Rogers, Clinical Lead for Digital Maternity, Lancashire and South Cumbria LMNS said: “This funding will help improve digital equity throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria, increasing choice and giving women and families using our services a better experience. It is a great step forward that clinical staff will be able to access full electronic health records, complete with all essential information to ensure that care is safe and of the same high quality, regardless of where women

present for care.

“Digital tools are one of the ways we can improve safety, improve reporting, and share information with women and their families so they can feel more supported throughout their pregnancy and maternity journey.”

Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership is one of 128 successful bidders to the Digital Maternity Fund, which is given to NHS organisations across the country to improve

infrastructure, technology systems and connectivity.

Jules Gudgeon, National Digital Midwife Lead for Maternity – NHSEI said: “With this funding we are one step closer to interoperable record sharing, regardless of location or system used, for the benefit of women and pregnant people and the clinicians caring for them.”

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New mobile hub could be music to young people’s ears

Budding young musicians are set for 'a major' boost, with plans for a new mobile music hub being unveiled.

A mobile music hub would give young people from disadvantaged communities and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities the opportunity to develop their musical skills.

The hub would be a great space for teaching and performances, give young people the chance to try out a range of musical instruments and provide an interactive space for projects.

It would also stage performances and help promote Lancashire County Council's music service at festivals and other events.

A suitable vehicle has been identified and the council's cabinet will consider whether

to purchase it when it meets on Thursday 3 March.

County Councillor Alan Vincent, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, HR and property, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has made it very difficult for many young people to get involved with music over the last couple of years.

"Our music service has done a tremendous job offering online tuition and ensemble opportunities throughout lockdown, but people have still struggled to come together to rehearse or perform in bands and orchestras, making it difficult to take their musical skills to the next level.

"We want to inspire young people to re-ignite their passion for music or start learning a musical instrument and the mobile hub would be a key part of this."

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "Encouraging young people to get involved with music and other cultural activities is absolutely crucial.

"Music brings young people

together, supports their education and gives them new hobbies and interests. It's not only a vital part of their academic achievement, it's vital for their mental wellbeing too.

"A mobile music hub is a unique and innovative idea. It fits in with our priorities of caring for vulnerable people and contributing

to the Government's levelling up programme to spread opportunity more equally across the county.

"We have found a vehicle that we think would be suitable and cabinet will consider purchasing it at its next meeting."

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Pair jailed after Preston robberies Keith Smith (pictured, left), 35, of no fixed address and Leroy Allen (pictured, right), 35, of Sion Hill, Preston, were jailed at Preston Crown Court on Monday (February 28).

Police launched a major investigation following eight robberies at stores in the city in July and August last year.

Around 11pm on July 18, police were called to MegaSave on Blackpool Road, Ribbleton, after a report a man had entered the store with a hammer.

Around 10.55pm, a man, later identified as Allen, had entered the store to claim money on a scratch card.

As a staff member opened the till, a second man carrying a hammer entered the store, threatening the worker and demanding cash from the till. The offender, later identified as Smith, ripped the till out, with the pair making off

with around £800.

Allen was later arrested and charged with robbery.

Between July and August police were called to a further seven robbery offences – all involving Smith.

• On July 22 around 9.30am there was an attempted robbery at the Post Office in Longridge Road, Preston. Smith, carrying a knife, threatened staff and attempted to steal a cash box, before dropping it and making off from the scene.

• Eight days later, around 6.15am on July 30, two men robbed staff at knifepoint at the One Stop Store in Ribbleton Lane, Preston. Cigarettes, tobacco and money were stolen with a total value of £1,180.

• Around 6.50pm on July 31, police received a further report of robbery at Tesco Express in Longridge Road.

A man had entered the store

with scissors, threatening staff and stealing £140.

• On August 1, Smith entered Spar in Watling Street Road, Preston, carrying a knife. He stole cigarettes, alcohol and money.

• A day later, on August 2, the Tesco Express in Longridge Road was robbed again by two men at knifepoint. Around 6.45am cigarettes and money was stolen valuing £450.

• The same day, around 10.15pm, a newsagent in Meadow Lane was robbed.

Smith, carrying a hammer, threatened staff stealing cash from the till.

• The final offence was on August 3, with Smith attempting a robbery at the Quick Shop in Ribbleton Avenue. Smith was forced out of the store by staff, with officers attending the scene.

Following a short pursuit he was arrested on Blackpool

Road. He was charged with robbery offences.

Both men appeared at court and pleaded guilty.

Smith was jailed for 10 years and six months, with Allen given a three year and six month sentence.

Det Con Steve Rotherham, of Preston CID, said: “Smith’s offending was violent and prolific.

“He went on a robbery spree, targeting shops across

Preston. His offending left victims terrified and fearing who would be next.

“He used weapons including scissors, a hammer and knives, as well as targeting one shop twice in three days.

“Smith is clearly a dangerous offender and his sentence reflects the gravity of his actions.

“Allen, while limited to the one robbery, was heavily involved and I have no doubt

he could have committed further offences given the opportunity.

“Furthermore, I want to thank the teams who have worked across this investigation, including response policing, detectives and crime scene investigators. This team effort supported the prosecution and have taken two dangerous offenders off the streets for some time.”

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Fun day finds families for children across the region Children from across the North West, who are waiting to be adopted, and prospective adopters came together for a day of fun to help them find families.

The fun day, a Disney-themed event, saw 35 children and 46 sets of adopters dress up and enjoy activities such as crafts, soft play, racing cars, and even alpaca walking.

Everyone enjoyed the day, especially the live magic show from local entertainer Tricky Micky, the highlight of the event.

The children who took part in the fun day, some of which have additional needs, are slightly older or are part of sibling groups.

They are amongst those who have waited the longest to be adopted.

The aim of the day was to give adopters the opportunity to make connections with the children in a real-life, face-to-face, fun and safe way

so they can form bonds and memories with their potential future families.

Vicky Gent, chair of adoption Lancashire and Blackpool, said: “This fun day has been really special and it’s been great to work with our partner agencies to help achieve the very best outcomes for our children and adopters.

"We know that these events are really successful in giving families the opportunity to spend real, quality-time with children, even sometimes with children who they may not have considered previously with more traditional family finding methods; but by giving them the chance to get to know them and play with them, a magical connection can be formed.

"We really hope that we’ve made some forever families here that will give our children the love, security they need and nurture them to grow and develop into the

best little people they can be.”

The ground-breaking, collaborative event was the first of its kind with agencies from the ‘North-West Adoption Agencies Together’ consortium joining forces to host a fantastic day and most importantly find strong and lasting matches for children and adopters from across the region.

The event was funded by the Department for Education. Children and Families Minister, Will Quince, said: “Seeing Regional Adoption Agencies and their partners come together to energise the adoption system and seek opportunities to match children and their prospective families is exactly what our National Adoption Strategy is

all about.

"I’m pleased to see children in the North-West benefitting from these fun and creative tactics, and I encourage RAAs across the country to consider similar events.”

The success of the event will be determined in the coming months when links are officially approved but it is hoped many of the con-

nections made on the day will become happy and safe forever families.

Adoption agencies in the region are still looking for more families to come forward and consider adoption so if you live in Lancashire and Blackpool and would like to find out more, visit www. adoptionlancashireblackpool. org.uk

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Page 7.

‘TOTALLY TINA’ rocks into its 13th year coming to BLACKPOOL Opera House on Saturday 23rd April

Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s original, award-winning Tina Turner tribute …. aka Justine Riddoch and her talented cast.

When Tina burst onto the scene, she won the hearts of music fans from the outset, creating a fearsome reputation for her live performances – and those never-ending legs!

Early hits River Deep – Mountain High, Proud Mary and Nutbush City Limits were just a taste of what was to come. We Don’t Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It, I Don’t Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over propelled her to stadium concert stardom.

Supported by her super-talented band and dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine is the ULTIMATE Tina (a National Tribute Awards winner since 2013). She’s got the looks, she’s got the moves, she's got the legs, but most of all, she’s got THE voice.

Join an army of loyal fans for a truly authentic, funpacked musical spectacular!

Twelve years have passed since Totally TINA first sprang to life in the vibrant city of Liverpool, but a Lifetime Achievement Award and many other prestigious accolades along the way have earned Justine’s ‘Totally Tina’ a deserved top spot in the musical tribute world.

Justine admits she has been observing her beloved muse from the start; constantly honing her homage to the legend herself with passion and an unrivalled attention to detail, to deliver the most authentic recreation of the rock and roll Queen’s live performances.

The cast and crew of

Totally Tina are pulling out all the stops this year with the promise of a brand new, custom-made performances featuring a whole host of fresh ideas, coupled with the band’s now famous humour.

The Show is designed to make the audience feel that the legendary performer is right back in front of them, strutting her stuff on the most famous legs in show business!

This year’s production is a heady mix of nostalgia and surprise with all the favourite Tina Turner hits, her best duets, much-loved covers and the odd twist in the tale.

Jumping Jack Flash, Honky Tonky Woman, Get Back, It’s Only Rock and Roll and The Bitch is Back have been added to a set which includes Simply The Best, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits and Private Dancer to name a few.

All the songs are enhanced by the customary flourish of sparkling stiletto heels, flamboyant tail feathers, high energy dance routines and musical genius. There’s plenty of audience engagement and post-show ‘meet and greets’ too, making the Show more personal.

In fact, it’s probably the closest thing to a live Tina Turner concert!

Justine, a past winner of cult talent show, Stars In Their Eyes performing as Anastacia, is known in the business for her enthusiasm and drive, and has been singing professionally for 30 years. She is justifiably proud of her cast and crew who’ve played a huge part in helping her to create the longest running Tina Turner tribute.

She said: “I am thrilled by the success of this production – we have come so far!

Having been told on many occasions that I sounded

like Tina, I decided to take the plunge and then spent hours familiarising myself with her life story and scrutinising video footage to watch mannerisms and body movements.

We always add our own personality to the Show each year; the element of surprise keeps things fresh, but my ultimate aim is to remain faithful to a Tina Turner live concert paying tribute to her career, and bring the best version of this amazing woman; her voice, her passion and even her legs, to her many fans.

That’s why we love it when people tell us that they go away feeling as though they have seen the real thing.”

Totally Tina has been the ultimate Tina Turner tribute for the past nine years, from 2013 to 2019 winning Best Female Artist, Best Choreography, Best Sound & Lighting and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the NTMA, and in 2020 and 2021 winning Best Tribute at the NREA and NEA respectively.

The band have played to audiences all over the coun-

try and in Europe, and have country) the last few years. performed at the Cover FesJustine added: “We love tival in Davos, Switzerland what we do, and we’re lucky (Tina Turner’s new home enough to have an incredi-

bly loyal army of fans here and overseas. We look forward to meeting many more new fans this year.”

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Page 8.

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DRINKS: BRING OUT SOME LEICESTERSHIRE SPIRIT The county of Leicestershire has a lot going for it.

Amongst the many attractions, that residents, locals and visitors enjoy, are numerous wonderful delights of cuisines and beverages.

The county is renowned for producing food and drinks, a good number of which are award-winning. For this quest I searched for a well-established company that produces alcoholic beverages, covering a good range of flavours, with outstanding qualities, including aromas, tastes and presentations.

Sloeberry Spirits Ltd produces very impressive liqueurs. Bordering Leicestershire and Rutland, Sloeberry Spirits Ltd utilises the finest spirits to great advantage and, together with the additions of various fruits, creates finished products that are most excellent, having many ‘devotees’ to their brand. Following several months of natural infusion, this traditional method of production has the spirits and fruit flavours combining, producing liqueurs to an exceptional standard.

A good amount of fruit is picked by hand.

SLOE GIN (25% vol) is superb, with excellent flavour. If GIN & RASPBERRY (25% vol) is a favourite, then the production by Sloeberry Spirits Ltd will certainly not disappoint. Again, a good alcoholic content and with the flavour of raspberries coming through, perfectly.

If vodka is preferred, then VODKA & BLACKBERRY (25% vol) has that ‘dark fruit effect’, which is most pleasing, from first sight, through mouthfeel and palate sensation, to the finish. Other vodka pres-

entations include VODKA & STRAWBERRY and VODKA & BLACKCURRANT. WHISKY & WILD DAMSON (25% vol) is (in

my opinion) another superb production. Very popular with whisky lovers, this, again, has a great combination of alcoholic content and, with the wild damsons infused, makes for a splendid liqueur.

These are just a selection from the full range of liqueurs offered by Sloeberry Spirits Ltd. The liqueurs are available to order online and can also be located at numerous events, attended by the company, throughout the year, too. The website

has all details, plus stockists, etc. Additionally, worthwhile noting, are the current offers, such as free delivery on qualifying purchases.

Orders are processed and dispatched quickly and efficiently. Gift sets are available, too – Now, there’s a thought!

Sloeberry Spirits Ltd Tel: 01664 738 088 Northfield Farm E-mail: info@sloeberryspirits.co.uk Whissendine Lane www.sloeberryspirits.co.uk Cold Overton Leicestershire LE15 7QF

Written by Trevor Langley

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Page 9.

Lancashire’s leaders stand in solidarity with Ukraine Statement on behalf of Lancashire's council leaders As Lancashire’s 15 leaders, we stand united in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Like all right-thinking people across the world we want to see an end to this terrible war and the unimaginable suffering being inflicted on the Ukrainian population and urge the international community to support this aim.

Here in Lancashire we have always reached out to others in their time of need. As we await details of the Government’s resettlement scheme, we are working closely together and with our partners to ensure that we are ready to receive those who have been forced from Ukraine. They will receive a proper, dignified Lancashire welcome, as

the dispossessed have in the past.

Let us be clear - Lancashire stands ready, willing ,and able to play our part in the UK’s response to

the horrors that are taking place in Ukraine.

In the meantime, the main thing that Lancashire people can do to help is to make a donation

to the Disasters Emergency Appeal. Charities such as the Red Cross and Oxfam are on the borders and in Ukraine itself providing vital support

including food, first aid, shelter, and health care.

The Red Cross says that cash donations are by far the quickest, safest, and most direct way to help

people in a humanitarian crisis. It doesn't matter how much you can afford to give – every single penny makes a difference.

Page 10.

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JCB driver jailed for causing man’s death This is Dr Anthony Hindle – a beloved husband (he’s pictured here with wife of nearly 60 years Christine), brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

On Thursday, May 21st 2020 Anthony, a retired senior lecturer at Lancaster University went out for an afternoon ride on his Suzuki scooter in the Trough of Bowland.

He would sadly never make it home.

As Anthony rode along Hollins Lane a JCB

Telehandler driven by Joshua Whittaker pulled out from a construction site into the road.

Anthony’s motorcycle collided with the JCB’s steel bucket and he was thrown off the bike, across the carriageway and came to rest on the carriageway next to a white ford transit van.

The 79-year-old sadly died from his injuries at the scene despite the efforts of the emergency services.

Whittaker, now 24, was arrested and subsequently charged with Causing death by driving without due care / consideration while over specified limit - specified controlled drug. Tests showed cocaine in his system.

Whittaker, of Higher Lane, Scorton, pleaded guilty and was today jailed at Preston Crown Court for 42 months and disqualified from driving for five years.

Sgt Martin Wilcock, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This collision resulted in the death of a much-loved man and shows all too clearly the terrible consequences of driving any vehicle under influence of drink or drugs.

“Whittaker’s reckless actions on that fateful day has impacted on many lives – not only those who loved and cherished Dr Hindle but also on Whittaker himself and his family.

“My thoughts today are with Dr Hindle’s loved ones and all of those affected by this tragedy and I hope that today’s sentence will both give them some sense of comfort and serve as a warning to others of the dreadful consequences that can result from driving while impaired through drink or drugs.”

This sentence comes as

#OpVanquish continues to clamp down on dangerous or criminal use of the roads.

If you have any information about somebody driving dangerously, or using the roads for criminality, please let us know. Your intelligence helps us target criminals and make the roads safer for everyone.

To make a report call 101 or visit http://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk. #OpVanquish #MakingOurRoadsSafe

Joshua Whittaker

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Page 11.

Man jailed for murder of Accrington pensioner Bill Howard

A man has been jailed for life for the murder of pensioner Bill Howard in Accrington.

There was evidence Mr Howard (pictured, below everyday he would pick up a newspaper and sit on a wall John Swannack, 59, of St close to a church in AccringLeger Court, Accrington, ton) had been subjected to was told by Judge Robert a sustained attack before Altham at Preston Crown his death, including having Court he would have to accelerant poured on him. serve a minimum of 30 years A post-mortem examinauntil he is eligible to go tion established the cause of before the Parole Board. death to be fatal head and We were called to an chest injuries. address just before 2pm on Detectives launched a August 28, last year, to St murder inquiry and began James Street in Accrington piecing together Mr Howfollowing reports of a conard’s movements in the days cern for welfare. before his death, including Emergency services August 24 – the last time he attended and found Mr was seen alive.

Howard, 79, with serious CCTV enquiries captured head injuries and a number Swannack leaving Mr Howof stab wounds. He was ard’s property on August 24 sadly pronounced dead at – a time detectives believe the scene. the victim was deceased –

Bill Howard

with a black bin bag and a walking stick. He also used Mr Howard’s bank card later the same day.

Swannack would go on to use Mr Howard’s bank card on consecutive days until his arrest on August 29.

Further enquiries revealed Swannack used the card of a vulnerable housebound former neighbour to withdraw £500 on July 19. In total Swannack stole £2,360 from that man.

On August 16, Swannack was captured on CCTV withdrawing £350 from the account of another vulnerable man, who had both speech and mobility issues.

He also stole his wallet.

On January 12, Swannack pleaded guilty to murder, two thefts and three frauds.

DCI Allen Davies, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Swannack is a callous and manipulative individual who deliberately targeted elderly and vulnerable people so he could rip them off to fuel his expensive crack cocaine habit.

“Bill Howard couldn’t have been more different. He was a kind, quiet, unassuming man, who lived a simple life without bothering anybody.

I cannot and do not want to imagine what he went through in the final hours of his life at the wicked hands of Swannack.

“I welcome the sentence

Man dies after motorway collision A man has died and another has been injured in a collision on the M65 motorway this morning (Friday 11th March).

Police were called to the westbound carriageway of the M65, just before 5.30am, following a collision involving a black Hyundai i10, a white

Fiat Ducato van and a blue Ford Fiesta.

Police believe the Hyundai stopped in lane one and the driver got out, before both the vehicle and driver were struck by the Fiat van. A blue Ford then collided with the Hyundai.

The Hyundai driver, a 67-year-old man from Bury, died at the scene. His family have been

handed down by the Judge, which reflects the seriousness of Swannack’s offending and the danger he posed to the vulnerable people of Hyndburn. My thoughts do however remain with Bill’s family, particularly his brother, Jack.

“I would like to praise my colleagues for their hard work and dedication in this harrowing case. It was thanks to the high-quality investigation and the overwhelming evidence obtained that Swannack had little option but to fully admit to what he had done.”

Bill's brother, Jack Howard, said: “Bill and I grew up in a family of four brothers.

I was the eldest and Bill and I were always the closest through our childhood, this bond continued throughout our lives.

“Everyone who knew Bill knew what a kind and gentle man he was. I don’t think he had a bad bone in his body. He was never one for confirmation. Bill would not hurt a fly and I don’t think he had ever had a fight in his life. Bill has done mothing whatsoever to deserve what happened to him, he was just living a peaceful life and spent his days quietly going about his own business.

“Unfortunately, Bill never had it easy in his life, none of it was his fault. His wife died young and left Bill

John Swannack bringing up his sone, who was just an infant, on his own. Bill never remarried and worked hard to bring up his son alone. We tried to support him as best we could through these tough times.

“Sadly, Bill suffered another tragedy when his son passed away as a young adult. Bill, at this point, had moved to a nearby town, where he was living a simple life alone in his flat.

“Despite living miles apart, we kept in touch often. We would meet up twice in a week in town. Bill would be waiting for me sat on a bench. We would shake hands or bump fists and call

each other “Amigo” then head down the street to the pub. We would sit together on our own and just talk. We would chat about everything and discuss any worries we had. I never felt alone with my problems as I knew always talk to Bill. We never argued over anything, if I said I didn’t like someone on TV Bill would say he didn’t like it either. Those good times are gone for good now.”

A 55-year-old man from Accrington and a 56-yearold man, also arrested on suspicion of murder, have since been released no further action

informed and are being supported by specially

Investigation Unit said; “An investigation is

trained officers.

underway to establish what happened and my

The Fiat driver, a 30-year-old man from Darwen

thoughts are with all those involved in this tragic

and the Ford driver, a 77-year-old man, also from

incident.

Darwen, were treated for minor injuries.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the

Police and Highways Agency personnel were at the scene for several hours. The road has now reopened.

Sgt Marc Glass of Lancashire’s Serious Collision

incident or saw the stranded Hyundai to get in touch."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 0164 of March 11th.

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Ex-Premier League footballer opens up about problem gambling

Former Premier League footballer Clarke Carlisle has opened up about his relationship with gambling in a bid to help others deal with similar problems.

The 42-year-old is supporting the latest phase of Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership’s Let’s Keep Talking campaign which focuses on problem gambling.

Being a compulsive gambler can harm your health and relationships and leave you in serious debt.

The UK has one of the biggest gambling markets in the world. Problem gambling not only harms the individual, but their families, friends and wider society.

In 2018, 24.5 million people in England gambled (54% of the adult population, or 40% when you exclude the National Lottery).

The North West (4.4%) and North East (4.9%) had the highest prevalence of at-risk gamblers.

There is evidence that gambling can be successfully treated in the same way as

other addictions. However, if left untreated it can lead to suicide.

The former Blackpool, Burnley and Preston North End defender has spoken openly about his problem gambling, his battle with depression and previous suicide attempts: “Gambling’s always been my little secret and I don’t know why I coveted it so much. I’ve given up smoking and drinking in the past, but gambling was always the one that I kept.

“Gambling can very, very

quickly spiral and affect many different areas of your life. It’s a never-ending chase of wins and losses: it becomes incredibly draining.

“I’ve been actively suicidal on five occasions in my life, and on four of those occasions gambling was a huge factor that took me to those depths. It becomes all consuming, don’t let it get there.

“There might not always be a quick solution but there is always a solution, let’s break that cycle. Help is out there, please reach out.”

The past two years have been a very difficult time for a lot of people. It is more important than ever for people to reach out if they are struggling with their mental health.

Neil Smith, the Mental Health Multi-Agency Strategic Lead for the Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership, said: “Once again, we’re extremely grateful to Clarke for getting behind our campaign. We know his personal experiences will resonate with so many other people

– particularly young men.

“Nobody sets out to become a problem gambler, but as Clarke has said, we understand things can quickly spiral out of control for some people. We want people to know there is help out there and the sooner they reach out, the sooner they can start to turn things around.”

For help and support with problem gambling visit www.healthierlsc.co.uk/ gambling.

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Easter Holidays in Lancashire Spring into Lancashire this Easter time.

Keeping the kids entertained this Easter couldn't be easier with the huge range of egg-citing, fun adventures and events taking place across Lancashire.

Whether it's egg rolling, chick holding or lamb feeding and chocolate egg hunting – we’ve got a host of Easter events and activities to keep the whole family busy.

If you are looking for an Easter Egg Hunt to take your little ones to, we have you covered.

Following are a few of the hunts that can be found within the great county of Lancashire.

Rufford Old Hall, National Trust 2-18th April 2022, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family.

The perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful garden and woodland of Rufford Old Hall. The price of the trail is £3 per child and includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end.

Cost: £3 per child, normal admission charges apply for non-National Trust members Easter Xplorer challenge, Brockholes Nature reserve

2nd – 13th April 2022 The Easter Xplorer challenge is run in association with British orienteering and there will be 2 challenges available. Challenge 1 will have Easter-themed images to spot on a route that is pram-friendly and challenge 2 will have slightly more challenging to find flower pictures on a route that is not suitable for pushchairs.

It is cheaper and recommended to book online in advance but you can choose which challenge you want on the day. Challenges can be purchased on the day subject to availability.

Each map pack contains – One map (either challenge 1 or 2), one answer sheet, a Brockholes Pencil and full instructions. On completion you will receive the answers, a certificate and a voucher to collect your Easter treat!

Cost: £3.50 online, £4 on the day. £5 all day parking applies.

Easter egg hunt, Woodland animal sanctury, Ormskirk Saturday 16th April 2022 Come along and follow the clues around our site, listen to the animals (they may give you a

clue!) and to find your chocolate treasure.

There will be refreshments so you can keep your energy up and plenty of stalls and games to keep you entertained too! Not to mention all the animals just waiting to say ‘hello’!

Easter Adventure Trail at Haigh Woodland Park The Easter Bunny needs your help! Meet Charlie the Chick; the Easter Bunny’s personal assistant and chief health and safety officer at the Easter Egg Factory. Charlie will take you on a journey around the woods to meet a number of interesting characters along the trail as you go on an adventure to solve the mystery of the broken machine.

There will be puzzles, plans and plenty of interaction as you make your way around the woods in search of information before making your way to the factory to meet the big Bunny himself.

The trail will start and end at the walled garden. They have aimed to make the trail as accessible as possible for prams and wheelchair users.

Haigh Woodland Park, School Lane, Wigan 15th – 18th April 2022 Cost: From £6 per child, £3 per child, various options for discounted family tickets for different family sizes.

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Things to do t

Whether you’re wanting to explore the great outdoors, jump into history or relax at the seaside, Lancashire has it all. These are some of the best Easter activities in Lancashire to help you make the most of the county.

Pendle Hill Pendle Hill is well known for its link to the witch trials of 1612. At 1,827 feet above

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

No list of things to do in Lancashire this Easter would be complete without a visit to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. This seaside resort is known for its amusement park which is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the UK. There are 125 rides and attractions, including the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land. Ride with your favourite characters like Spongebob, Dora and the Rugrats. If you dare, step onto one of the many roller coasters like the famous Big One and the Big Dipper. If you prefer something a little less hair-raising, there is also a huge range of entertaining shows and events for the whole family.

sea level, it rises above an ancient hunting ground and little villages which were once home to the Pendle Witches. The witches were executed on the surrounding moors after being found guilty of witchcraft at Lancaster Castle. Pendle Hill is also known for two other significant events in the 17th century – Richard Towneley’s barometer experiment and George Fox’s vision which led to the Quaker movement.

There are many ways to explore the area, including cycling and walking routes in the area, including the long distance Pendle Way. Lancaster Castle

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this Easter in Lancashire This medieval castle dates back 1,000 years and is chock full of fascinating history.

Aside from being a castle, it also served as Europe’s longest serving prison until 2011.

The castle is particularly notable for its courtrooms which have seen a multitude of notorious trials, including the famous Pendle Witches in 1612. Guided tours of the castle are available and will take you on a journey through crime and punishment, witchcraft, religious persecution and rehabilitation. Step into one of the cells, or stand in the dock and experience what it was like to be sworn in.

the collection of over 70 vases, jewels and mosaics, as well as impressive collection of 19th century oil paintings and watercol-

Haworth Art Gallery Haworth Art Gallery is the former retirement home of textile manufacturer William Howarth in 1909. It became an art gallery in 1921 and is notable for the largest collection of Tiffany glass outside of America.

There are four themed rooms in which to admire the glass. Highlights include

Sandcastle Waterpark Blackpool’s South Beach is home to Sandcastle Waterpark, the UK’s largest indoor waterpark. There are over 18 slides and attractions, including white knuckle rides for thrill seekers. Adults can relax and re energize in the Sea Breeze Spa which includes a sauna, steam room, aromatherapy room,

ours. There are some beautiful views from the garden and a cosy restaurant and tea room.

salt inhalation room and foot spa. Little ones will enjoy playing on the Carribean Storm Treehouse, an fun, interactive play area. The waterpark also has arcade games, bars and cafes.

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Easter at Barton Grange

We love Easter at Barton Grange! It heralds the start of springtime with daffodils everywhere and blossom appearing on the trees.

The Garden Centre is looking lovely and there’s a real feel good factor to the whole Easter weekend.

We’re closed on Easter Sunday, but for the rest of the long weekend we’re open as usual.

Whether you’re looking for plants, spring decor or Easter treats, we look forward to seeing you.

A HOST OF GOLDEN DAFFODILS

TRADITIONAL EASTER EATING

Our Farm Shop has all the goodies traditionally eaten over Easter – Simnel Cake, Apostle Cake, Hot Cross Buns – and lots of lovely roasting joints from the Honeywells counter, including locally reared spring lamb. easter-treats EASTER TREATS

more. You’ll find a great selection of Easter treats in our Farm Shop and our Toppings Treats sweet shop.

BLOSSOM AND BUNNIES If you’d like to bring a touch of Easter to your living space, then our home decor department has everything you need, with several new room displays bursting with ideas.

We have lots of events for children over the Easter holidays. Please visit our events pages for details by visiting

www.bartongrange.co.uk/events/

No flower sums up Easter better than the lovely Daffodil. We have pots of these cheerful flowers, and many more seasonal plants, to brighten up your garden for the long weekend.

Chocolate bunnies, lollipops, Easter eggs and

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Easter in Wales

Exciting Easter activities tunity to watch the Ardudwy wander off the main route for for children and families Knights in Harlech Castle, or some sandcastle building or Meet the Marchers at Tretow- rockpool dipping. in Wales

Here are just a few of the activities and events offering fun for all the family this Easter – featuring castles, attractions, coastlines, bright spring flowers and (of course) plenty of eggs.

Go on a historic hunt

Join an Easter Egg hunt at one of Wales’s spectacular Cadw properties. Sites like Laugharne Castle in Carmarthenshire, Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey and Conwy’s Plas Mawr will inspire both kids and adults – as well as providing plenty of hiding places for brightly coloured Easter treats.

er Court and Castle.

Manicured green lawn and grass with pink flowers, exterior of stone castle towers in the background.

Get outdoors

It’s not just in gardens where life bursts through in Easter. There’s a newness to everything. As the last traces of snow clear from the mountains, it’s as if winter has scrubbed them clean.

The cliffs and beaches of our coastline are fresh from the winter storms, a blank canvas waiting for a picture to be painted.

Exploring the Wales Coast Path Park life Little thrill-seekers can go to Zip World Fforest near Betws y Coed for some pulse-pounding Easter adventures. There are all kinds of attractions, from the UK’s only alpine coaster to the Treetop Quest’s bouncy nets and slides.

Trees company

Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire There are a number of other events, including the oppor-

Daffodils at Portmeirion Village, North Wales The trees are at their greenest, bird song is at its noisiest. The daffodils are in full blaze, the hedgerows and woodlands are enjoying a first flush of colour, and May’s wild garlic and bluebells are on their way. Even the cities are looking somehow shinier and more come-and-get-me. In short, it’s the perfect time get outside.

Best foot forward

Explore our brilliant walks and trails across Wales or discover the best spots to see spring wildlife.

If you’re looking for inspiration for outdoor adventures, why not take a stroll along a stretch of the Wales Coast Path? Winding its way for 870 miles around our entire shoreline, there are plenty of shorter, manageable sections perfect for little legs, plus numerous opportunities to

With its twisty Crocodile Maze, high-altitude TreeTop Towers, thrilling Green Dragon Coaster and Solar Splash (the UK’s only completely solar powered ride), Snowdonia’s Greenwood Forest Park is an action-packed day out for kids of all ages. There’s also special programme of fun holiday events, including magic shows, face painting and craft workshops.

There’s more holiday action at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo in Pembrokeshire.

As well as meeting amazing animals like Glyndwr, the first endangered black rhino to be born in Wales, young adventurers can enjoy fairground rides, adventure playgrounds, pirate-themed fun days and juggling workshops.

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Gower Christmas tree farm is holding an epic Easter egg hunt Gower Fresh Christmas Trees has announced it will hold an epic egg hunt this Easter.

Easter Eggstravaganza will transform the iconic farm into a seasonal day out destination complete with local traders, funfair and interactive characters.

Fun for all the family will be guaranteed through the event with age-graded trails to win chocolate prizes.

Once home to sheep and cattle, owner Rob Morgan wanted to carry on the family-run farm, of five generations, with a new direction in the shape of Christmas trees.

But now it's evolved even further to become a family destination throughout the year.

Equipped with the largest reindeer herd in Wales, the Christmas tree farm offers seasonal events with its pumpkin patch, lavender and sunflower fields and now an Easter egg trail.

The farm will host a fun fair and local stalls with produce Children will get "a taste of what the farm has to offer" with clues and an age-graded trail, meeting

characters along the way in the hope of completing their map and earning themselves a chocolate egg.

With children's entertainers, interactive characters from Alice In Wonder-

land, the Easter Bunny, a funfair and local craft stalls alongside side stalls - the event will provide a seasonal celebration for one week only, from Monday, April 11 to Monday, April

18 (Easter Monday).

Gower Trres Farm can be found at Poundffald Farm, Three Crosses, Swansea, SA4 3PB. www. gowerfreshchristmastrees.co.uk

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Easter holidays

Entertaining the children during the Easter break is not always the easiest thing to do. If you are at home this Easter, you may want some tips on things the children can do that will keep them occupied and having fun. Our ideas will not break the bank and are a great alternative for indoor fun especially if the weather is not in your favour.

Use up odd socks by making an Easter bunny sock puppet.

Use buttons or cut out pieces of paper or card for eyes and a nose and hey presto! You have all you need to create your own Easter bunny puppet show.

Make Easter cards. You can use scraps of paper, old birthday and Christmas cards, magazines etc.

Have an evening abroad!

Choose a country, say Italy for example.

Spend the afternoon making Italian flag placemats and table decorations. Look up on the internet how to say a few Italian words like hello, goodbye, please and thank you.

Get the kids involved making an Italian dinner like pizza or pasta and enjoy. There are so many countries to choose from it’s a great way to encourage the children to experiment with new foods and languages.

Make use of your local library. I t’s free to join and you can borrow multiple books at a time. For a small fee you can also borrow DVD’s and music CD’s.

Make a pasta picture.

A small pot of glue and a bag of dried pasta shapes can be bought very cheaply and can produce amazingly creative results.

Have a picnic.

Prepare your lunch, lay down a blanket and enjoy your day out. If it is raining or cold, you can have an indoor picnic instead!

Memory Minute Place ten small household items on a tray or table, cover with a tea-towel. For example, a button, keys, a cotton bud, a fork etc.

Show the items for about thirty seconds then re-cover. Each child has a minute to write

down as many items as they can.

Smaller children can reel them off and you can write them for them. The best memory wins.

Bat and Ball keepy-uppy Use a soft indoor friendly ball, sponge balls are ideal. Each child takes turns with the bat to see how many taps they can keep the ball in the air.

Precision Roll Find a long clear space on the floor.

Place a tin from the cupboard at one end of the room, kids at the other.

Each child has one chance to roll the ball as near to the tin as possible. Use a tape measure to record the distance for each child, closest wins.

Egg Collage give each child a piece of paper and draw a big egg shape outline on it.

With a pot of paste and scraps of material or ribbon they can make their own creative picture. For ribbon

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fun for families scraps raid your wardrobe and snip off all those ribbon hangers in the shoulders of tops and jumpers that often don’t seem to serve a purpose and usually end up getting in the way. Have a small prize for the best one or the best one in each age group so everyone gets to be a winner.

Mini egg challenge Make up a small race track or obstacle course on the floor or table. Give each child four chocolate mini eggs of the same colour and a straw. Let each one have a turn at blowing down the straw to guide each egg in turn to the end of the course. You could use your watch to time how long it takes for all their eggs to get “home”. To make it even more of a challenge you could tie their hands behind their backs with a scarf so they are not tempted to

use them to cheat.

Easter decorations Use paints or felt tips to decorate some eggs (you can use hard boiled or blow some if you prefer). To do these, make small holes each end and then blow the contents into a bowl - you can use this for scrambled eggs or omelettes for tea. As it’s a good idea to rinse the eggs out and leave them to dry you might like to do this the day before the planned activity. Keep the egg box to stand them in and it’s also useful to put them in when they are drying off after being decorated. Suggest faces with glasses, hair, beards, etc. or zig-zag patterns or just let the children’s imaginations run riot. When they’re done they can be used on a plate as a decoration - perhaps with a couple of chicks on top (these are really cheap to buy in card shops or similar or make your own with yellow wool) or you could get a small twiggy branch from the garden or elsewhere and stand it in a vase and hang your eggs on with cotton or ribbon.

Jokes

most children love telling jokes (often the same one over and over again, and it’s not always funny!) Sit down with them and think up words to do with Easter - eggs, bunnies, lambs, chicks, etc., - and see if they can make up jokes or rhymes.

Here’s a few to get you started: How does the Easter bunny stay fit? EGGS-ercise or HARE-robics!

Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke? It might crack up!

What kind of books do bunnies like? Ones with hoppy endings!

You might want to get baking, use this recipe below to make Easter nest cakes which are of course very yummy!

225g/8oz chocolate, broken into pieces 50g/2oz butter 2tbsp golden syrup 75g/3oz cornflakes or shredded wheat 36 mini chocolate eggs Line a twelve-hole cake tin with cake cases. Melt the chocolate pieces, butter and syrup in a glass bowl over a pan of simmering water Remove bowl from heat and stir in cornflakes or shredded wheat Divide between the cake cases Place three mini eggs on top of each cake and chill for one hour.

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LAKE DISTRICT WALKS The Lake District is one huge adventure playground, providing gentle countryside ambles and more serious high level challenges. Whichever path you take, you’ll have much more fun if you plan properly beforehand.

PLAY IT SAFE Decide your route carefully and make sure you have enough time to get back in daylight. Darkness can quickly descend, so it’s also a good idea to pack a torch, just in case. Before you leave, tell

someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

THINK OF OTHERS When planning your day, bear in mind your own capabilities and those of all the others in your group. During your work, be prepared to cut it short if conditions become too difficult or a member of your party begins to struggle.

WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR Take appropriate clothing,

equipment, food and drink and a first aid kit. Boots, warm, windproof, waterproof clothing, a hat and gloves and some spare warm clothes plus a rucksac are all essential.

Regardless of the season.

BEWARE THE WATER If you’re thinking of going for a paddle, be careful, many tarns and lakes shelve deeply, and the water’s chilly even in high summer.

FOLLOW THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE • Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs • Leave gates and property as you find them • Protect plants and animals,

and take your litter home.

• Keep dogs under close control • Consider other people CHECK THE WEATHER! The Lake District weather can change rapidly and conditions on the tops can be very different from those in the valleys. So check out the forecast in advance by calling the Lake District National Park Authority’s Weatherline service on 0844 846 2444 IN AN EMERGENCY Ring the police and give a description of the incident and it’s location. Keep injured or exhausted people safe and warm until help reaches you.

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STEEL FELL, CALF CRAG, GIBSON KNOTT AND HELM CRAG Route details Difficulty: Moderate (map & compass skills/remote/ indistinct paths) Time: 3 hour 59 mins Distance: 8. miles (14km) Ascent: 710 metres Dog issues: You may encounter cattle.

OS Explorer map OL7 The English Lakes South Eastern Area

Steel Fell and Helm Crag are two iconic fells overlooking Grasmere that guard either end of this walk.

Having climbed Steel Fell, the next 5.0km (3.1 miles) of undulating ridge doesn’t drop below 350m until the col of Bracken Hause just before the rather marvelous Helm Crag.

Whilst navigating this walk on a fine day is reasonably straight

forward, in mist and poor visibility it would be a very different proposition.

The ridges between Steel Fell and Calf Crag, and then to Helm Crag are at times wide and the path not always clearly defined.

Both are boggy, with many small knolls to skirt, and accurate map and compass work would be required.

The start point is Grasmere village where there are a number of pay and display car parks dotted throughout.

1. From the centre of Grasmere take the lane towards Allan Bank, just after the cattle grid bear right onto the new permissive path, go through the kissing gate to come out on Easedale

Road. This bypasses the narrow and twisty section of Easedale Road.

Cross Goody Bridge, and just afterwards turn right signposted to Thorny How. Continue to the end of the road and turn left. At Ghyll Foot Farm cross the stone bridge and bear left along the private road to Helmside.

There is a public footpath sign hiding on the wall beside the telegraph pole.

Follow the road to the cottages at the end and bear left to go through the gate with the small footpath marker. This is a National Trust area called Greenburn.

2. Bear right and climb along side the wall to your right. The path goes through a number of sheep pastures.

There is a gate or two, otherwise there are just open gaps in the wall.

The path is largely grass slopes, a little steep in

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places otherwise there are no difficulties.

Bear left at the first cairn which is adorned with bits of old metal fence post, to the summit cairn of Steel Fell just 70m (77 yards) on.

3. Continue over the summit and descend alongside the fence to your right. When the fence bears off right, you bear left and continue down towards the tarns.

The ground is very boggy, and probably so even in dry conditions. Here the path is indistinct, keep left and with Calf Crag in sight it is simply a case of finding the best route through the bog.

Climb to the rocky summit of Calf Crag.

4. Turn left from the summit cairn and drop down mainly grass through rocky crags.

Turn right to cross an area of peat hags above Pike of Carrs.

Continue on the path. Keep left. Beware of being drawn to the right down the fell side, remain on the ridge as best as possible. There are many small knolls on the ridge, the main path, such as it is, skirts some of them. A faint path can

be found going over the tops.

Gibson Knott appears at the point when you’ve probably had enough of little rocky knolls! It is reasonably distinct complete with a small cairn on a rocky platform.

5. Continue past the cairn, and drop down to the col with Helm Crag. Continue ahead and climb the zigzag path.

At the top bear left to the Howitzer. The true summit is the top of the rock, a good climb up.

Continue along the summit ridge to the Lion and Lamb 300m (330 yards) further along.

6. From the Lion and Lamb, continue south east, bear right on the path through High Raven Crag.

At the bottom on the small plateau bear right at the post, as the grass path straight ahead ends above crags.

Follow the signs and obvious landscaping to control erosion. Bear left to continue on the path.

At the wall turn right and descend with the wall on your left. Steep stone steps drop down remarkably quickly and easily.

At the bottom by a wall bear right, and then left into the lane.

At the junction of paths turn left signposted Grasmere.

Bear right through the gate and drop down to the road.

Turn left. Follow Easedale Road back to Grasmere village.

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Easter egg hunts at Acorn Bank Join us for an adventure in nature with our Easter egg hunt 2022 at Acorn Bank.

Discover a fami-

ly-friendly trail with fun activities for you to do along the way. Complete the trail, have fun and don't forget to pick up

your chocolate egg at the end.

Easter adventures in nature Our Easter trail runs

every day from Saturday 2 to Sunday 24 April (while stocks last), 10.30am5pm (last entry at 4pm).

Follow the trail around the garden noticing the sights and sounds of spring as you go. Find and complete the 10 nature-inspired activities that are hiding along the way. Once you reach the end, claim your Rainforest Alliance chocolate egg (or allergen free prize).

Trails are priced at £3 each and are in addition to our entry fee (free entry for National Trust members).

Before visiting, please check local and national government guidance on travelling.

Acorn Bank is set in the Eden Valley, with a delightful garden, and a thirteenth-century watermill driven by the Crowdundle Beck, is a red sandstone house which forms an attractive foil to the garden. Its core was built around 1600, but it was substantially renovated around 1745, with a grand stone staircase, over which is a stucco ceiling possibly by Joseph Rose the Elder. There is also an earlier painted ceiling in the Chapel Wing, and two panelled rooms upstairs in the seventeenth-century centre of the house. From 1600 to the 1930s it was the home of the Dalston/ Boazman family. The writer, Dorothy Una Radcliffe, Mrs McGregor Phillips, made improvements, before giving it the National Trust in 1950 and it has been tenanted ever since. It only has two portraits, and these are not indigenous to the property. you can find Acorn Bank at Temple Sowerby, near Penrith, Cumbria CA10 1SP.

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Yorkshire Air Museum

The Yorkshire Air Museum has burst back to life celebrating the wonder of Aviation, which we proudly proclaim as Yorkshire’s greatest invention! Did you know that the aeroplane was first invented in our own county?

Museum Director Barbara George explains: “Scarborough born nobleman George Cayley was so inspired by the passenger carrying hot air balloons of the Mongolfier brothers in France that he defined the principles for a ‘flying machine’ in 1799, designing the very first outline of a ‘conventional’ aeroplane with fixed wings, a ‘fuselage’ and using the acts of propulsion and lift as individual functions to make it fly.”

This ultimately led to the creation of his full-size glider which, in 1853, made the first man-carrying flight at his family home at Brompton by Sawdon.

The Museum is proud to display the unique replica of this amazing craft which now takes take centre place in our huge hangar, strikingly mounted on a plinth, along with other iconic Yorkshire designed aircraft, such as the Blackburn Buccaneer, the last of a long line of aircraft from

the company founded by Leeds born Robert Blackburn, and, of course, own unique WWII Halifax Mk. III bomber, “Friday the 13th”. This is so named after the most successful Halifax, flying from its Yorkshire base at RAF Lissett near Bridlington.

We know you will be inspired after visiting our wonderful museum, based on an original WWII Bomber Command base, with all the history and heritage of the period.

Enjoy discovering our amazing aircraft collection amongst our extensive, spacious grounds and take a stroll around our woodland nature area. Discover a tranquil, fragrant spot in our ‘Jardin des Papillons’ or Memorial Rose Gardens and enjoy a family picnic on our lawns.

Open Daily 10:00am to 17:00pm. (Winter 10:00am – 16:00pm) Admission: £12 Adults, £5 Child (4-17).

Family £30 (2A + up to 3 Children.)

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award.

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The best parks in Yorkshi Make the most of the warm weather this summer and head off on an outdoor adventure with the family.

Ideal for picnics, nature walks and soaking up some sun, these parks and gardens around Yorkshire offer a scenic spot to relax and unwind.

Bolton Abbey Estate The vast Cistercian ruins of Fountains Abbey provide an impressive backdrop for a picnic Visitors will be spoilt for choice with things to do at the popular Bolton Abbey Estate in Wharfedale.

Put your balance to the test crossing the 60 stepping stones, take a walk to see the Strid in the ancient

woodland, enjoy the scenery along the nature trails, or nestle down on the lawns in front of the magnificent 12th century ruins.

Visit: Bolton Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6AL – www. boltonabbey.com Golden Acre Park Golden Acre Park in north Leeds is popular for its circular lakeside walk and pretty gardens Hugely popular for its pretty gardens and circular lakeside walk, this north Leeds park stretches across 55 hectares, providing plenty of space to bask in the sunny weather.

There’s a huge amount of

space to set up a picnic, or you can head to the onsite cafe if you’d prefer.

Visit: Arthington Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 8BQ – www.leeds.gov.uk Oakwell Hall and Country Park The vast Oakwell Hall estate stretches across 110 acres with a network of footpaths and nature trails for visitors to explore Combine sightseeing with outdoor adventures at Oakwell Hall and Country Park, where you can take a tour of the bautiful Elizabethan manor house, which offers an intriguing insight into the late 17th century, before heading

off to explore the 110 acres of country park which surround it.

The vast estate is home to a network of footpaths and nature trails, where you can expect to find glorious scenery, flowers and wildlife along the way.

Visit: Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9LG – www.kirklees.gov.uk Manor Heath Park This nineteen acre park in Halfax is perfect for an active day outdoors, thanks to its many exciting on-site attractions.

Alongside woodland walks, a walled garden and wild flower area,

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ire to visit with the family children will love playing in the water park and sand pit, or spotting an array of exotic plants and creatures at The Jungle Experience, the park’s tropical on-site greenhouse.

There’s also plenty of spots to set up a picnic and if you’re feeling energetic, there is an outdoor gym where you can work up a sweat.

Visit: Halifax, HX3 0EB – www.visitcalderdale. com Valley Gardens These English Heritage grade II listed gardens in Harroage spread across 17 acres and feature an array of different areas giving visitors plenty to explore.

Have fun in the playground, skate park, boating pool and games areas, which include tennis, pitch and putt and crazy golf, take a dip in the paddling pool, or simply take some time out to wander the footpaths through the gardens.

Visit: Valley Drive, Harrogate, HG1 2SZ – www. harrogate.gov.uk Yorkshire Sculpture Park If you’re looking for a park that is a little more out of the ordinary, Yorkshire Sculpture Park won’t disappoint.

The magnificent open air gallery is home to around 80 sculptures and installations, offering a more unqiue way to appreciate some contemporary art by some of the world’s finest artists.

Visit: West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG – www.ysp.org.uk Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Tucked away in a secluded valley, visitors are guaranteed to be impressed by the vast Cistercian abbey ruins and Georgian water farden at this National Trust site in Ripon.

A medieval deer park, Elizabethan Hall and Gothic church are also on site to see, while the vast green lawns which lead down to the riverside provide a wonderful spot for a picnic.

Visit: Fountains Abbey And Studley Royal Estate, Ripon, HG4 3DY – www. nationaltrust.org.uk Roundhay Park A firm favourite spot to soak up some sun in Leeds, Roundhay Park stretches across 700 acres of pretty parkland, lakes and woodland, providing a picture-perfect location for leisurely picnic.

Youngsters are well catered for with two playgrounds on site, along with the popular Tropical World visitor attraction where a variety of exotic animals and plants can be seen.

Visit: Mansion Lane, Leeds, LS8 2HH – www. roundhaypark.org. uk Castle Howard This stunning 18th century historic house just outside of York stands within 1,000 acres of glorious landscape, with lakes, fountains, woodland, temples, rolling lawns, an ornamental garden and a children’s

playround just a few of the delights which await to be explored in the grounds.

Visit: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA – www. castlehoward.co.uk Greenhead Park Nestled just half a mile from Huddersfield town centre, Greenfield Park is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle, and enjoy some time outdoors.

Home to a skate park, tennis courts, play areas, paddling pool and ornamental lake, as well as a miniature steam railway, there’s a great variety of attractions to keep the whole family entertained.

And visitors can even enjoy horse and carriage rides on weekends.

Visit: Trinity Street, Huddersfield, HD1 4DT – www.kirklees.gov.uk

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Planning For Your Wedding Day 2022 As couples plan for their big day for 2022 now is the time to get into shape. and start organizing for what will be the best day of their lives. For the bride, you can’t start earlier enough.

You want to arrive at the alter looking vibrant with health and beauty, so what better excuse do you need to invest a little bit of time, money and energy in getting you there?

Whether it is planning a few pampering trips to some spas or joining a gym, not only can you trim your figure, you’ll do wonders for your complexion and overall energy levels.

Shopping for the wedding dress is probably the part of the wedding plans you are looking forward to more than

any other aspect. The majority of bridal gowns bought in the UK are classed as ‘off the peg.’

You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then delivered to the shop for alterations to fit your exact shape and size.

Don’t panic, there may be a huge amount to do but here is a handy checklist with some of the main points to take into consideration in the build up to the big day!

12 months before…

Choose a wedding date Decide on a budget Make a list of guests and decide on numbers Book your Church/Ceremony location. Book your reception venue/caterers. Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best

Man. Start looking for The Dress!. Choose and book your photographer 8 months before…

Choose bridesmaids’ dresses Book entertainment Choose and order your wedding cake Make an appointment with your chosen florist 6 months before...

Give Notice of Marriage Purchase or hire menswear Select your wedding rings 4 months before...

Send out your wedding invitations Arrange fittings for the wedding dress and menswear 1 month before...

Arrange a final fitting of your wedding dress your bridesmaids, ushers and best man. Enjoy your hen and stag parties!

2 weeks before...

Confirm the date and time of the rehearsal to the relevant people 1 week before...

Arrange to collect your

wedding dress, bridesmaids Relax and enjoy this time – dresses and the menswear all your hard work is about to Have all your beauty come to completion! treatments Drink plenty of water and have some early nights

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How To Get An Upgrade On Your Honeymoon!

Getting married isn’t just about going on honeymoon, but it sure is an exciting plus to the whole shebang! But how do you go about milking the special occasion for all its worth? Everyone loves an upgrade and if you can’t get one when you’re going on your honeymoon then when can you? It’s the perfect opportunity to be pampered and spoiled, especially after all the stress of the wedding planning is over.

Calling first class!

There are so many moments where you might be able to wangle an upgrade when you go on honeymoon. The first is the flight. This is a lot easier to accomplish if you haven’t booked a package deal through a high street travel agency. If you’ve booked flights and accommodation separately then turning up at the airport in your finest clobber, rather

than like a scruff bag (albeit a very comfy one), is a great way to find yourself boosted up to First or Business class.

This is an important fact to consider as the area you want to be moved into is usually full of very well-heeled people. The next step is to arrive at the airport early.

This gives you the best opportunity of nabbing any last-minute upgrades.

Don’t forget to check again when you reach the gate in case an upgrade has become available since you checked-in. Another hot tip for making it more likely to receive an upgrade is to fly on a Saturday as this is when business travellers are usually at home, meaning you have less competition.

Tell the world you’re here for your honeymoon Once you’ve made it to your honeymoon destination the next step towards

getting an upgrade is to tell everyone that you’re on your honeymoon! It’s important to do this at the right time though. Telling businesses that you’re going on your honeymoon when you make the booking tends to hike the prices up. So, you’re better off waiting until you hit the runway to mention that you’re newly-weds on honeymoon. If you’re staying in a hotel then mention at check-in that you’re on your honeymoon and ask if there are any honeymoon suites available for you to upgrade to or if there is anything they can do for you to help make your honeymoon more memorable.

Then as you go about making your precious memories whilst you are away, you need to keep speaking up.

Tell everyone you meet that you’re there on your honeymoon. You never know,

it might lead to a couple of free glasses of champagne over dinner at any of the restaurants you might visit!

The same can be said for any activities, excursions or day trips that you intend to do whilst you’re away.

Live like an A-lister Of course, before you even get to this stage you need to decide on where to go!

If you’re at a loss for ideas, other than knowing that you want the A-list treatment, then take a leaf out of @

RocknRollBride’s book. She says that ‘If you’re looking to really go all out on your honeymoon, to have a once in a lifetime experience and to truly live it up like a rock star, then the Maldives has to be top of your list.’

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Road safety innovation for motorists

Modern motorists need new and better road safety solutions. The Be-Seen Screen is designed as a fast and highly effective warning signal for broken down vehicles on busy roads.

Placing the traditional warning triangle 45 metres along the carriageway represents a risk in itself. The BeSeen Screen is a bright and reflective alternative warning sign that can be in place in moments.

By pressing the powerful suction pads to the rear windscreen or boot you can clearly and securely display the distinctive chevrons and ‘broken down’ message. This can provide the vital extra seconds of awareness that prevent accidents.

The Be-Seen Screen is the brainchild of entrepreneur, Richard Edwards, and is endorsed by a former Senior

Policing Area Commander of Thames Valley Police, who knows that the dangers and deaths on our roads need to be radically reduced.

The product has taken three years to perfect and has been extensively tested on a range of vehicles, both indoors and outdoors, at the Millbrook Vehicle Proving Ground in Bedford.

The banner has the same reflectivity as emergency vehicles, day or night, to make other motorists aware of your stranded vehicle. It is suitable for use on cars, vans,

caravans, and HGVs. The Screen uses a micro-prismatic method to achieve high reflective performance in all light conditions, tested at multiple angles. The lime-yellow and red chevron design is immediately recognisable as a warning.

Importantly, the product’s design means that motorists can have full confidence in its effectiveness at any time because it doesn’t use electronics that can degrade, and an energy source isn’t needed.

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Ktwo’s Roadeo

Compact And Push Trailer

Ktwo, one of the biggest British manufacturers of farming machinery, has manufactured the Roadeo Compact and Push Trailer which is being hailed the next generation of trailer.

compaction and reduces costs by increasing the volume each trailer can take by up to 40%.

The Roadeo Compact and Push Trailer’s success is also based on its safety and reliability.

The chassis and running gear have been designed to provide maximum It’s been designed to stability with the very increase capacity by best of on-and-off road compacting its contents which can achieve up to an handling characteristics additional 40% per trailer. as demanded by today’s The Roadeo Compact and high-speed tractors.

It is fitted with high Push Trailer is unique specification axles and in its design because brakes to ensure that the it doesn’t tip to empty trailer can stop safely it’s produce, instead it in all conditions. ‘’Our compacts and pushes Roadeo Compact and its contents out. This increases capacity through Push Trailers are already

being used by farmers and contractors in the UK and worldwide.’’

Explains Robbie Polson, Ktwo Managing Director. ‘’We regularly get praise for their time and cost saving benefits to farming. The increased capacity and emptying speeds reduce fleet running costs dramatically.’’

The traditional tipping trailer is likely to be replaced by the safer and cost saving pusher design in the future.

For more information on Ktwo and The Roadeo Compact and Push Trailer, visit: www.ktwo. co.uk

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Albion Mill Extra Care Housing Opens in Blackburn The former Albion Mill in Ewood, Blackburn has completed redevelopment work and is now ready as a brandnew care facility. The new housing is open to adults in the Blackburn with Darwen area with an assessed need for care and support, including people with disabilities and health conditions.

with restaurant/café, lounge, hairdressers and salon along with landscaped gardens and views over the canal. The scheme will focus on supporting individuals to access the community, and residents will be encouraged to attend activities and social gatherings onsite taking account of cultural and religious beliefs.

Dr Mark Dziobon, Medical Director at NHS Blackburn with Darwen and East LancaThis extra care facility shire Clinical Commissioning comprises of one-bedroom Groups, said: and two-bedroom quality “Albion Mill is a perfect exapartments built to a high ample of integration – health standard, available to rent and social care working side and suitable for couples or by side to make a difference individuals. Trained and to the lives of our residents. dedicated staff will be avail- This state-of-the art facility able onsite to give residents will ensure people can live inthe support they need, when dependently and comfortably they need it. The site also but with the added peace of features a community hub

mind of having the right care around them when needed.”

Sayyed Osman, Director of Adult Services, Health and Strategic Commissioning at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I am so excited that this fantastic new facility is now open. Our Council and its partners have worked incredibly hard to bring such high - quality schemes to the borough. This brings a massive benefit for our residents who need support.

Even in such testing times, all partners continued to work hard to deliver the project and now that its open, people will see what a wonderful facility it is.”

Mustafa Desai, Executive Member Adult Social Care & Prevention at Blackburn with

HEAD OF MAINTENANCE AT BRAYWOOD GARDENS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

The team at Braywood Gardens has celebrated their Head of Maintenance, George, for a very impressive 20 years of service.

The 18th of February

marked George’s 20th year at

the time to find George, express their thanks and congratulations and then enjoyed presenting him with his homemade cake.

the home – to the day – and

Lydia Morris,

everyone at Braywood Gar-

Customer Rela-

dens enjoyed celebrating with tions Manager at Braywood GarGeorge. The team all signed a card and brought him his favourite treats, including chocolate and peanut butter.

The Head Chef at the home baked a brilliant cake and everyone popped party pop-

dens commented: “It’s so great to be able to celebrate George. He has

of the Braywood Gardens’

Family – he knows this place

going.

like the back of his hand. He

dens longest standing staff

does more than just maintenance – all the residents and

member, and such a big mile- families know him, and he is a very valued member of the stone was certainly worth celebrating. Throughout the day, team members all took

the Runwood Homes Group

embody. Celebrating one been with Braywood Gardens another’s milestones, accomfor 20 years and is a huge part plishments and successes is

pers to get the celebrations George is Braywood Gar-

reflect the wider values that

team.”

Braywood Garden’s celebrations for George perfectly

an integral part of Runwood Homes and helps to create a strong team, built upon solid relationships and connections. This in turn, creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, benefiting not only staff, but residents too.

Darwen Council added: ‘’ We as a Council are proud to be a part of this ground - breaking new facility at Albion Mill. The all-round care and support that will be available is life changing and we are excited to see the benefits these services will have

to the lives of residents across the borough.’’

The new care facility, will provide 109 beds, including 50 extra care apartments, 31 en-suite rooms for intermediate care, 24 dementia apartments and four rehabilitation apartments.

Care will be tailored to individual needs such as personal care and taking medicines.

If you're interested in applying for Albion Mill, please call 01254 666572 or email Quality.Assurance@ blackburn.gov.uk

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The Salon at Maxy Farm leads the way with their own health champions!

Staff at The Salon at Maxy Farm have become the first health and beauty business in Lancashire to train as ‘Workplace Health Champions’, thanks to the ESF-funded training on offer from Business Health Matters.

Steenbergen, said: “As soon as I heard about the training, I wanted to offer it to our staff so that we could get a better idea of how to look after ourselves physically and mentally, both in and out of 8 employees from across the business recently completed a work. The courses Level 2 qualification to learn are the first of their kind in Lancashire more about the key factors so we were really for living a healthier life, keen to sign up and both inside and outside of become the first the workplace. Staff covered in our industry to modules on nutrition, physhave our very own ical activity and considerations around mental health in Workplace Health Champions!” the 1-day course, equipping them with the skills they need “The multiple lockdowns over the last to improve their own health 2 years have hit our and inspire colleagues to do industry really hard the same. and we had definitely Salon Manager, Daniella

noticed an increase in issues, particularly around mental health. As a result, we felt really passionate about supporting our staff with some tools and knowledge on how to work on these areas. The day with the team from Business Health Matters was really well-structured and informative, with a lot of discussion and team work that helped us understand how we can apply what we were learning to our workplace.”

The training focuses on simple and manageable ways to improve health and wellbeing within work so that staff can feel empowered to take control of their own wellbeing, whilst signposting their colleagues to support that can help them make healthier choices. Businesses can select a Level 2 (1-day) or Level 3 (3-day) option and both routes are free to employed staff working within Lancashire-based SMEs.

According to research carried out by Talentlms*, 91% of companies say that upskilling opportunities in work have made their staff more productive. 80% of staff also reported that upskilling opportunities boosted their confidence. As a result, businesses benefit from greater performance and resilience during challenging times.

Eden Walmsley, a Beauty Therapist at the salon, explained: “The training has already made such a difference to my work. I speak to clients all day every day and they can often talk to me about a range of things. I’ve felt a lot more confident discussing issues around mental health since the training and within the team. We’ve started to make plans to include more physical activity in our weeks including walking, yoga and even Zumba!”

Daniella added: “I genuinely think that this training

should be made compulsory for employers across the county. Offering opportunities like this will not only help people become healthier but also shows employees that you care about them as a whole person, not just as employees. From the feedback we have had from staff following the training, I can already see how excited they are to put their learning in to practice!”

Lancashire-based SMEs are invited to take advantage of this free training, which is delivered by a range of local delivery partners across the county. To learn more about the Workplace Health Champion Training on offer from Business Health Matters and check the eligibility criteria, please click here: https://bit. ly/35WBtHI * https://www.talentlms. com/blog/reskilling-upskilling-training-statistics/

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Five Home Improvement Upgrades That Add Value

If you are looking to add value to your house, why not try out some home improvement upgrades?

Here are five home improvement upgrades that add value…

It can be super exciting to embark on home improvement projects, but it’s even better when the upgrades you opt for add value to your home.

It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that some improvements might be worthwhile to you personally, they may not increase the value of the house to others. In this article, we’ll sum up our top five ways to add value to your home through improvements which you — and future buyers — will benefit from. Here are the top home improvement upgrades that add value…

1. Add insulation In addition to increasing the value of your home, installing energy-saving insulation will also reduce your energy bills as well as

ensure you’re minimising your carbon footprint. If you opt to insulate your loft or basement, this is a job that you can easily do yourself with a little bit of time and patience, but if you’re insulating your walls then we recommend you hire a professional to do it right.

Another method of insulation is double glazing — double glaze your windows to further lock in warmth and add value to your home.

2. Upgrade your heating system Next on our list of home improvement upgrades that add value is to upgrade your heating system.

Adding or upgrading your heating system is a failsafe way to add value to your home. You can do this with a few options, such as replacing windows (or add double glazing if possible, as mentioned in tip #1), seal any drafts around doors and windows or replace a boiler.

If your existing boiler is due an upgrade and has passed the point of repair, then it’s a

worthwhile investment to get a new boiler installed in your home.

3. Improve your plumbing Don’t fancy rattling pipes, cold showers and burst pipes? We didn’t think so.

Upgrading your plumbing system not only adds value to your home, but also ensures consistent water pressure and temperature and reduces any stressful situations with leaking or flooding. Pressurised plumbing systems are an extremely popular option as they eliminate the need for a header tank and therefore gives you more space.

4. Be more energy efficient There’s a number of ways to be more energy efficient and consequently add value to your home, such as updating your lighting to LED bulbs. LED is extremely energy efficient and uses less heat and electricity for the same light output. If you have a larger budget and are looking for something a little bit substantial, then adding solar panels and turning the sun’s light into free energy at home is a fantastic investment.

5. Upgrade your kitchen The kitchen is often considered as ‘the heart of the home’ — and spending a little time and money upgrading it can do wonders to the added value. From installing energyefficient appliances to simply giving it a

fresh look with a lick of paint, there’s a range of improvements you can make depending on your budget and time.

These are some top home improvement upgrades that add value to your home.

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BURNLEY TO BELFAST - CHARITY CYCLE Charity ride to raise funds for Burnley in the Community and Alzheimer’s Society

McIlroy lived with dementia in his later life before his passing in 2018, as have several other Clarets ex-players.

Gwilym and Michael want Burnley FC in the Comto raise awareness of the munity staff members, disease by taking on the cycle Gwilym Jones (Primary challenge, while raising monand Secondary Schools ey for the Alzheimer’s Society Engagement Manager) and and BFCitC’s own communiMichael Colquhoun (Head ty programme, the Dementia of Community Welfare and Café, which offers a safe and Inclusion) will once again take on another charity cycle, welcoming space for those this time from Turf Moor to living with dementia.

Burnley FC have supported Glentoran FC in Belfast, to raise money for the Alzheim- Alzheimer’s Society throughout this season and are er’s Society and Burnley FC in the Community (BFCitC) backing the charity’s Sport United Against Dementia in May 2022. campaign, which is bringing Burnley legend Jimmy

the sporting world together to create real and lasting change for people affected by dementia.

The campaign seeks to increase awareness of dementia and what support is available, help make sports dementia friendly, so people with dementia can continue to enjoy watching sports in their local communities, and fund research to better understand the connections between sport and dementia.

Support so far has included Burnley FC making a donation for each sale of their third kit launched in September last year, and

the charity’s logo was also displayed on the front of their first-team playing kit for their Carabao Cup match against Rochdale.

McIlroy started his career with Glentoran Football Club and this will be the destination for the cycle, where the pair will link up with Glentoran Club staff upon arrival at The Oval.

In May 2021, both Gwilym and Michael cycled from Turf Moor to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, raising over £2,000 in the process for three different charities, a fantastic effort.

And they are set to get back on the saddle and do it all again for a great cause!

The cycle is approximately 270 miles and will

take around three days to complete. The route will take them through Wales, Republic of Ireland and into Northern Ireland.

Training is well underway for Gwilym and Michael to make sure they’re ready to take on this huge challenge, so please show your support and donate!

Tara Edwards, Alzheimer’s Society Lancashire Area Manager said: “We are in awe of supporters like Gwilym and Michael whose brilliant fundraising efforts enable us to reach more people through our vital support services.

“It will be such an achievement completing their challenge of cycling from Burnley FC’s ground to Glentoran

FC’s ground in Belfast.

“We’re also really proud to be working with Burnley FC on our Sports United Against Dementia Campaign.

“The Club has already been doing some incredible work to support people living with dementia in the local community and we hope to see more Clubs follow in Burnley’s footsteps to help ensure no one faces dementia alone.

“Our Alzheimer’s Society support services have been used over six million times since March 2020. But thanks to the efforts of fundraisers like Gwilym and Michael we can be a lifeline to the 900,000 people across the UK living with dementia, 17,000 of which are in Lancashire.”

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Luke Wood extends Lancashire stay until 2024

Luke Wood has signed a new contract with Lancashire Cricket until the end of the 2024 season.

the Bob Willis Trophy.

26-year-old Wood has since established himself as a regular fixture in Lancashire’s red and white ball The bowling all-rounder squads; bowling regular hostile left-arm fast spells joined Lancashire ahead and making useful contriof the 2020 season on a butions with bat. three-year contract from Wood has featured in 21 Nottinghamshire and made his First-Class debut T20 matches since arrivfor the Club at Durham in ing at the Club – taking

20 wickets – whilst he has also taken 21 First-Class wickets in 12 appearances.

Last season, Wood also struck his maiden FirstClass century for the Red Rose away at Kent as he and Danny Lamb set a new county record eight wicket partnership of 187.

In the 2021 Vitality Blast, Wood claimed

career best T20 bowling figures of four for 20 against Roses rivals Yorkshire Vikings - to help set up a victory which took Lancashire Lightning into the quarter-final stages.

Speaking after signing a contract to remain at Emirates Old Trafford for at least the next three seasons, Luke Wood said:

“I came here at the end of 2019 looking to get myself into the side and playing regularly, so to be able to commit for another three years is great.

“We have a great bunch of lads here; I feel as though I am fully integrated into the team now and it has been good to make a number of contributions

over the last couple of seasons.

“The Club came close bringing silverware back to Emirates Old Trafford last summer and we have all been working hard during the winter – and out here in Dubai on pre-season – to try and go that one step further in 2022.”

Each Edition of the Lancashire Now has an estimated readership of 50,000 from print and online. Published by Wilcop Media Ltd, 92L Rolleston Dr, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7JP.