Lancashire County Council's trading standards team is supporting a national campaign to make people aware of the dangers of loan sharks and highlight the support that is available.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team is running their national Stop Loan Sharks Week campaign until 2 October 2022.
The campaign aims to highlight the help available to those who have been targeted by loan sharks, as well as increase aware ness of this hidden crime.
A report published by the Centre for Social Justice estimated that 1.08 million people in the UK could be borrowing from an illegal money lender – more commonly known as a loan shark.
This figure has more than trebled since 2010. Loan sharks are criminals who lend money at extortionate rates of interest, threatening significant harm to borrowers if they do not pay.
These ruthless lenders use coercive con trol and psychological threats to keep vic tims trapped in an endless cycle of debt for years, often with devastating consequences.
This year’s campaign will focus on reach ing vulnerable people who may not realise they are being exploited by loan sharks, as well as raising awareness of the support available to those who have already come into contact with an illegal lender.
The #LetsTalkLoanSharks campaign aims to remove the shame and banish the stigma around illegal money lending by encourag ing conversations among families, friends, neighbours, customers, colleagues and communities.
It also encourages frontline profession als to have a loan shark conversation with every client they see during the week, whether or not each person they see is showing signs of borrowing from a loan shark. People who have borrowed from loan sharks often keep this information to themselves, but by asking a few simple questions, professionals can help someone feel supported enough to disclose their situ ation so they can get the help they need.
County Councillor Michael Green, cabi
net member for health and wellbeing, said: “With the rise in the cost of living, many people are unfortunately going through difficult and worrying times right now.
“My advice to people is this, however bad your financial situation is, borrowing money from an illegal moneylender is not the answer. Loan sharks mercilessly prey on the most vulnerable people in our society and will use deceptive tactics to trap them in a cycle of debt and fear.
“We must break the silence around illegal moneylending. If you have had to borrow money from a loan shark, you shouldn’t in any way feel embarrassed or ashamed. "The safety of our communities depends on
victims coming forward and reporting loan sharks to the authorities."
New figures released by the IMLT show that over one-third (35%) of victims had sought debt advice but were reluctant to re port the loan shark to their support worker due to fear of reprisals from the lender.
County Councillor Green added: “We will continue to work closely with the Eng land Illegal Money Lending Team to raise awareness and give information to all those affected by illegal lending.
“We will encourage front-line workers to spot the signs of people who may be bor rowing money from a loan shark to offer them support and advice."
Michael Halliday, 67, groped and kissed his victim on numerous occasions, with the abuse starting when she under the age of 12.
Despite living in fear of Halliday the victim
bravely set up a secret camera to catch him in the act of abusing her.
The victim then informed school about Halliday, who reported the matter to police.
The Preston Child Exploitation Team then launched an investigation into Halliday and he was subsequently convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and two counts of sex ual activity with a child under 16.
At Preston Crown Court earlier this month Halliday, of Springwood Drive, Chorley, was jailed and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. He was also made subject of indefinite Sexual Harm Preven
tion Order conditions for when he is released from custody.
DS Samantha Bartley, of the South Exploitation Team, said: “First and foremost I want to praise the victim for the incredi ble bravery she has shown throughout this process. I know Halliday’s offending has had a profound impact on her and I hope the fact he has been convicted for what he did to her will be of some comfort.
“Halliday is an opportun istic sexual predator who targeted his victim for his perverted sexual interests.
“I hope this case clearly demonstrates that the Preston Child Exploitation Team takes all reports of sexual assaults, groom ing and similar offences
against children extremely seriously and will act upon any information we receive.”
To report a crime email forcecon trolroom@lancashire.police.uk or call 101. In an emergency or a crime is in progress always call 999.
The winner of Lancashire's Book of the Year Award has been announced at a virtual presentation ceremony.
The award was won by Cynthia Murphy, youngadult thriller author, for her book Last One To Die.
The book tells the story of Niamh, an Irish-born 16-year-old arriving in London for the summer who discovers that girls are being attacked, and they look frighteningly similar to her. Can her new friends be trusted? Will she stay ahead of the attacker, or will she be next?
Winning author, Cynthia, said: "Thank you so much for voting Last One To Die to be Lancashire Book of The Year 2022. It means the absolute world.
“This one feels extra, extra special because I grew up in Bury and think of myself as a Lancashire lass.
"I'm just so proud that you liked my little weird book so much."
The Lancashire Book of the Year was the first regional book award for children when it was orig inally organised in 1987. It was won that year by Philip Pullman, who went on to great success with the His Dark Materials trilogy.
Now in its 37th year, it remains one of the few awards where young people are totally responsible for drawing up the shortlist and choosing the overall winner.
County Councillor Jayne Rear, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for education and skills, said: "Reading is a won derful pastime that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
"Lancashire's Book of the Year Award champions the books that strike a chord with our young people and is a fun and engaging way encourage more children to read for pleasure.
"It also helps us to achieve our goal of maintain the
high literacy levels we have in Lancashire, something we are fully committed to."
A total of 28 high schools from across the county took part in the judging process
A MAN who used the Covid pandemic as a smokescreen for transport ing drugs and cash in his Skelmersdale rental vans has been jailed for almost 20 years.
Lloyd Ellison (pictured) claimed the vans were being used to take vital goods around the country at a time when travel was banned as part of lock down rules.
But the vans in fact were carrying huge amounts of money and cocaine.
Lloyd Ellison (9/6/90) of Grape Lane, Croston, was jailed this week for 15 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and three years, to run consecutively, for money laundering.
His brother Connor Elli son (2/2/92), of Coniston
Avenue, Euxton, was jailed for four years in May after admitting money launder ing.
They were both arrest ed and charged after an investigation by Lancashire Constabulary. The conspir acy involved up to 160kg of cocaine with a estimated street value of more than ten million pounds.
Det Con Paul Gilfoyle said: “We welcome these significant sentences which reflect the gravity of the of fending and come as a result of some exceptional work by officers and staff to disrupt this criminal network and take drugs off our streets. We will continue to take the fight to criminals in order to protect our communities and make our streets safer.
“As always, we cannot
achieve any of this with out the support of our communities and I ask if you have any information regarding individuals who are involved in criminality to please contact Lanca shire Constabulary on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
this year, with representa tion from across the whole of Lancashire. All of the judges are Year 9 pupils. This year the young judges started with a long list of 91 young adult fiction books from which they shortlisted 12 titles. The library service worked with eBook partner BorrowBox to ensure that the judges had access to the shortlisted titles as eBooks as well as the physical copies in their schools. From those 12 titles the judges were then given the task of select
ing the winner, which was done via a confidential vote in September 2022.
County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "We're also proud that we're one of very few book awards that places the pupils at the heart of the awards process.
"It's fantastic to see so many young people engage with judging these awards, and I hope this experience only served to enhance their
love of reading.
"Thank you to everyone who took part this year and congratulations to this year's winner."
The Lancashire Book of the Year Award was sponsored by UCLan for the 22nd year.
Find out more about Lancashire County Council libraries and the Lancashire Book of the Year at https:// www.lancashire.gov.uk/ libraries-and-archives/ libraries/lancashires-bookof-the-year/
More than 60 motor ists, believed to have paid scammers to help avoid driving prosecu tions for road traffic offences, have been con victed at court following a crackdown by Lanca shire Police.
Dozens of people and businesses have been taken to court after trying to avoid prosecution by providing false details through Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) Farms.
Insp Oliver Jones, of Lancashire Police’s Safer Roads Unit, said: “We have targeted individuals using NIP Farms, where motorists use fake driver details when writing out traffic notices so they can avoid being penalised and even dodge disqualification. “We are warning all driv ers against trying to avoid justice by employing the services of a NIP Farm as we are committed to identifying and prosecuting those who try to cheat the system.
“Penalty points and a fine is an entry level prosecution.
More serious and persis tent offending can result in criminal charges and even imprisonment”.
More than 60 drivers and businesses were taken to court after it is believed they paid up to £600 each to the NIP Farms to avoid prose cution.
An operation was launched after it became apparent responses with fictitious driver names and repeat addresses, were being sent to police.
Insp Jones added: “To date, we have had 61 convictions for failing to provide driver details, which carries a mandatory six penalty point deduction and a fine in excess of £600.
“Eleven people have had their cases adjourned to consider disqualification, with one firm paying £1,000 in fines and costs. The aver age fine paid so far by each driver is more than £500.
“The use of so-called NIP Farms is a huge problem
nationally with the number of motorists trying to lie their way out of trouble in the thousands each year, and the money paid to these NIP Farms in the millions. This money all goes to fund criminality.
“The minority of motorists, who chose to lie and use a NIP farm, seem to think that the law doesn’t apply to them, and these offend ers are much more likely to have an accident. The whole reason behind the points system is to remove bad drivers from our roads making them a safer place for everybody else.
“Around 60 more people are awaiting their court hearings over the next few months, and this number is set to increase.”
Anyone with informa tion regarding the use or operation of NIP Farms in Lancashire or nationally is encouraged to report this to the police directly on 101 or via Crimestoppers anony mously by calling 0800 555 111.
Are you suffering with agonising knee, neck, shoulder or back pain which keeps coming back without any apparent cause?
The problem, surprisingly, might be caused by your feet!
Fortunately, there is a natural, drug-free pain relief solution which could be perfect for you – Orthotic shoe inserts!
Orthotic shoe inserts are used for a variety of reasons, but primarily, they are a device designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They simply fit into your shoes and allow for more normalized weight distribution throughout your body, significantly reduc ing your pain and discomfort and helping to prevent injuries.
If your feet are currently in an incorrect position this can cause muscle imbalances and overuse of muscles – commonly the knee, hips or lower back muscles, which then take the responsibility of helping to properly align your body.
There are lots of people who benefit from orthotic shoe inserts, such as people with:
• Plantar Fasciitis or other foot conditions
• Heel pain
• Flat feet
• High foot arches
• Arthritis
• Previous injuries to their lower legs
• Jobs that involve lots of walking, or standing
• Ankle, knee, hip, back or neck and shoulder pain
Orthotic shoe inserts can be pur chased “off the shelf” from lots of places; supermarkets, shoe retailers, or online. The problem with “off the shelf” orthotic inserts is that they are generic, and not customised to your foot structure, there fore they are very unlikely to provide the correct support you need. This can actually make the problem WORSE! The alternative is to get custom made orthotic shoe inserts, which we provide at T4 Physio. Our inserts are 100% bespoke, and built for your feet to ensure that your foot position and weight distribution is correct so the muscles which are currently causing you pain are in less demand.
If you are frustrated with long term aches and pains which are stopping you from doing the things you love call us at T4 Physio on 033017 59838 to arrange a FREE consultation and find out how our custom made Orthotic Insoles can help you. Come and see us at T4 Physio, 69 Bolton Road, Kearsley, BL4 8DB.
Three new schools are set to be built as part of a pro gramme to increase places for primary and secondary schoolchildren across Lan cashire.
The proposals are in response to new housing developments in parts of Preston and the Ribble Valley, which are leading to increasing demand for places.
The county council is proposing to begin public consultations giving people the opportunity to share their views.
The programme includes a new primary school for Goosnargh and Grimsargh with Longridge. This would provide an extra 210 places for children in Preston and the Ribble Valley.
There is a proposal to build a new primary school in Preston Rural North, which would also create 210 new places. Both these schools would open in 2025.
A new secondary school
is set to be built in Preston, providing an extra 600 plac es for children across the city from 2025.
The proposals for the news schools will be considered by Lancashire County Council's cabinet on Thurs day 6 October.
County Councillor Jayne Rear, cabinet member for education and skills, said: "We are proposing to build new schools in Preston and the Ribble Valley to meet in creasing demand for places.
"New housing means that many more families are moving into these areas. We are expanding existing schools to meet the de mands over the next few years, but many more places are needed from 2025. New schools are the only way we can provide these.
"It is crucial we give people the opportunity to share their views and the proposals will go out to public consultation if they are approved."
In addition to the news schools, the programme proposes to create more primary school places by modifying or extending existing schools in:
• Brierfield (Pendle)
• Kirkham (Fylde)
• Goosnargh and
Grimsargh with Longridge (Preston and Ribble Valley West)
• and Preston Rural North and West (Preston)
Additional secondary school places will be created by expansion of schools in:
• Burnley
• Chorley
• South Ribble
• Preston
• Ribble Valley East and West
• and Wyre
The county council will be consulting with communi ties and local stakeholders
on many of these propos als, in particular the new schools.
County Councillor Rear added: "These much-needed extra places are crucial in ensuring pupils have access to high quality schools now and in the years to come.
Lancashire County Coun cil has been recognised na tionally for its commitment to sustainable working prac tices and carbon reduction in maintaining the county's highways.
The council was awarded the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transpor tation (CIHT) prestigious Climate Action Award in recognition of their Highways Decarbonisa tion Strategy. The mission statement for the project is to achieve ‘Sustainability through Durability’, and part of this work is to use new lower carbon materials and techniques.
The news comes as in novative work on a lower carbon road resurfacing project in Skelmersdale has been completed. The project has included the use of an alternative Asphaltic Grout ed Macadam process for the first time on a Lancashire highway.
The Council’s highways service has been work
ing with contractor Miles Macadam to install the low carbon material to improve the road condition of Tan House Road roundabout, Skelmersdale.
This programme of resurfacing covers a total area of just under 3000m2 and was carried out using Miles Macadam’s ‘Mile pave’ Asphaltic Grouted Macadam. It uses slower mixing temperatures and a lower bitumen content than conventional asphalt surfacing materials and has an asphaltic grout applied over the asphalt to minimise aggregate loss and joint failures, which are two of the most commonly seen defects on highly stressed areas such as roundabouts.
County Councillor Charlie Edwards, Cabinet Member for Highways and Trans port at Lancashire County Council said:
“We know how impor tant it is for our roads to be well maintained and we do all we can to ensure that
good quality surfaces are in place for all road users. Our approach in the Highways Decarbonisation Strategy is unique because it focusses on all aspects of the delivery of the highway maintenance function.
"This includes how we procure goods and services, the depots we use and the vehicles we drive as well as looking at low carbon methods for maintaining our roads.
"The methodology we have used is easily replicated across the sector and we are committed to sharing best practice and engaging with other Highway Authorities and industry partners."
County Councillor Shaun Turner, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, added:
"I am delighted that we have been recognised for our pioneering low carbon work in highways, which is a key part of our plans to re duce carbon emissions and tackle climate change.
"We have ambitious targets for carbon reduction and this year in our carriageway capital programmes, we are predicted to save 332 tonnes of CO2 through using lower carbon processes.
“On the scheme in Skelm ersdale alone, we have saved 6 tonnes of bitumen and 6 tonnes of carbon by using
a material which should also increase durability and service life. Initiatives like this one allow us to continue with our important mainte nance programmes, whilst reducing the impact on the environment."
You can see a new video from the council explain ing the Asphaltic Grouted
Macadam process at https:// youtu.be/KHc-Sy6Yvj8
For more information about how the county coun cil maintain your roads, visit Lancashire.gov.uk/roads.
You can also complete the annual online highways sur vey here to tell the council what you think of how they maintain roads in your area
An innovative mental health care solution is being tested in some parts of Lan cashire and South Cumbria to empower older people with mental health needs to regain their independent and quality of life.
Mental health hospital patients who are ready for discharge, will be moved to and supported in a commu nity setting, where they will be assessed in a care home over a six-week period to understand what support they need in place in order to return home, or a longerterm care setting.
Currently patients are as sessed in hospital. This new approach frees up the hospi tal bed sooner and assesses the person in a more natural environment to identify what that person is capable of doing for themselves and what they really need.
This is a trailblazing part nership initiative between
the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), Lan cashire County Council and Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.
Patients benefit from extra support from mental health social workers, mental health nurses, a residential care team, and therapists such as occupational ther apists and physiotherapists depending on their need.
One innovative part of the pilot is the use of digital technology experts as part of the team, who will work with residents to help them to gain confidence with today’s technology. Digital technologies, such as digital smart medicine cabinets to video conferencing, can help improve quality of life.
Councillor Graham Gooch, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for adult social care, said:
“This trailblazing project provides an innovative and ground-breaking approach that aligns with this vision, enabling people to maintain their dignity and retain their independence.
“We anticipate it will provide truly personalised care that meets need and is yet another example of how effective collaborative working can achieve better outcomes for Lancashire residents.”
Dr Gareth Thomas, Depu ty Chief medical officer and clinical lead for the project at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is an in novative and ground-break ing approach to provide holistic care closer to home, allowing people to maintain dignity, helping them reach their potential and retain independence.”
Fleur Carney, ICB Mental Health Director, said:
“This is a really exciting programme that is already gaining attention from other areas who are keen to follow our example. It would not be possible without the ex cellent partnership working of everyone involved.
“Our ambition in Lanca shire and South Cumbria is that mental health and well being is considered of equal
importance to physical health in all of our commu nities. When people require more support, they should be able to access an effective range of age-appropriate mental health services. This is one of many approaches we are taking to offer open parity of esteem for people with mental health needs to the intermediate care
system.”
The pilot will start in September making use of three care homes in East Lancashire, Preston and Morecambe Bay and will run until March 2023. The hope is to learn from the pilot before extending it to other areas.
Do you know a young person who has made a difference in their local community? Would you like to see them receive special recognition for doing some thing exceptional?
The search is now on to find the county’s most deserving youngsters for the 2023 Lancashire Young Citizen of the Year award –and we want you to help us find them.
If you know someone, aged 19 or under, who has done something selfless for another person, organisation or their local community, we want to hear from you.
Applications are now being accepted and can be submitted anytime up until 31st January 2023.
Winners and runners up will be selected by the High Sheriff and a panel of judges from the Lanca shire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), Lan cashire Constabulary and the University of Central Lancashire.
The winner will receive £500 along with a specially commissioned trophy and certificate from the High Sheriff and Chief Constable Chris Rowley. Two runners up will also receive £100 and a certificate.
Lancashire Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Chris Rowley, said: “It’s always a privilege to hear about so many inspiring young people who are doing ex
ceptional things to make a difference in their commu nities. Often, these young people don’t even recognize the huge positive impact that they are making. The Young Citizen Awards are a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate them, and I would urge anyone who knows a young person who has made an outstanding contribution to their community to submit a nomination.”
Professor Graham Bald win, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire, said: “the High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen Awards is a fantastic initiative, providing fitting recognition for the selfless, generous and sometimes heroic acts of the county’s young people. We have supported the Awards for several years and are proud to do so again, joining the High Sheriff and Lancashire Constabulary in celebrating these impressive youngsters
Martin Ainscough, High Sheriff of Lancashire, said “I am really looking forward to reading the nominations and the stories about how young people in Lancashire are taking responsibility for the welfare of others and proving themselves worthy of recognition. The Lanca shire Young Citizen of the Year Award is a wonderful opportunity to reward and appreciate the extraordinary work that so many young people do throughout the county to help others and reduce crime”
Approval of a parent or guardian is needed for the nomination, subsequent publicity and any future events involving the final ists.
Nomination forms can be completed online at https:// www.lanpac.co.uk/nomina tion/ For more information contact Al Yusuf or Eleanor Adshead from LANPAC on 01772 412796
Lancashire County Coun cil has joined forces with the police, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and waste services across the North West to raise awareness of the dangers of doing business with rogue traders.
During this recent day of action, Lancashire trading standards officers and other north west local authorities tackled rogue traders and raised awareness of the dangers linked to engaging with cold callers who knock on doors.
During the Trading Stand ards North West Rogue Trader Day, 427 vehicles were stopped and checked with 36 offences being iden tified between the police, DVSA, Waste Services and Trading Standards Services.
A further 233 businesses received advice on how to avoid doing business with rogue traders. Other activ ities included interviews
being carried out for ongo ing investigations, presenta tions to vulnerable groups and community awareness raising events.
Officers in Lancashire carried out vehicle checks in the Lancaster and More cambe area. They also visited traders working in Wyre focusing on areas where rogue traders have previously targeted vulnera ble residents.
Sixty-nine visits were made to trader merchants across the county advising on the problems caused by rogue traders and sharing information on Lancashire Trading Standards Service's Safe Trader Scheme.
Across Lancashire, over 50 vehicles were stopped and checked by police. DVSA partners found problems with 12 vehicles resulting in 8 prohibitions.
Thirty scam victims were visited and given advice and information about how
to protect themselves from scams; 80 Post Offices were provided with advice on money scams.
A total of 32 businesses were approached and ad vised about general selling practices and the law in relation to contracts for work made in the home. While most were found to be compliant, businesses were unaware of statutory cancellation notices that are required to be given to con sumers in a written format, requiring a 14-day cooling off period when agreeing, in their own home, for work to be carried out.
Lancashire Trading Stand ards also took this oppor tunity to reinforce previous messages to communities to use extreme caution when approached by cold callers offering to carry out house repairs or gardening work.
County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:
“Most of us have unfortu nately been ripped off at some point or other in our lives. It’s a horrible feeling.
“This is why it’s important to raise awareness of rogue traders, and how they op erate. Often, rogue traders will call, uninvited, offering to do the garden or some totally unnecessary repair, charging an exorbitant amount of money. They can be very persuasive, but peo ple should never do business on their doorsteps.
“Rogue traders, doorstep fraudsters and scammers prey on the most vulnerable in society. Working closely with the police and other agencies means that trading standards officers, along with colleagues from other partner agencies such as the police, can intervene sooner and safeguard potential victims.
County Councillor Green added: “Genuine traders don’t do business on the
doorstep. My strong advice to residents who open their door to someone offering to do some work on their house or in the garden, is to politely say no thank you.
“I would also advise people who are looking for a tradesperson to consult Lancashire’s Safe Trader Scheme. The scheme helps residents find reputable traders for property repairs, home improvements, gardening services, mobil ity aids and other services around the home.”
The message from trading
standards is to say no to cold callers. You can use Lancashire's Safe Trader Scheme to find details of reputable traders who have committed to treating customers honestly and fairly. Alternatively, you can enquire about details of traders on the scheme, by phoning 0303 333 1111.
If you suspect someone of being a rogue trader or find yourself accosted by uninvited doorstep sellers, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
The move comes as The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Liverpool (based in Liverpool Central Library) and the British Library announced the roll out of new local BIPCs across the Liverpool City Region to support future entrepre neurs.
The expansion builds on the proven track record of support delivered by BIPC Liverpool, which has helped thousands of people start or grow a small business since its inception six years ago.
Following a £13m gov
ernment funding pledge towards a major expansion of the British Library's BIPC network, more local libraries have been equipped with dedicated workspac es, business resources and expert support for aspiring business owners - with Newton-le-Willows now joining St Helens Library, based in the World of Glass Museum, which became a BIPC in 2021 and has assist ed more than 470 budding entrepreneurs to date.
As part of Newton-le-Wil lows Library's status as
a BIPIC - announced during National Libraries Week - there will also be a programme of events, workshops and one-to-one advice sessions delivered in collaboration with local business leaders, profes sional advisors, successful entrepreneurs, and com munity partners.
Speaking at a launch event, Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: "Libraries are a lot more
than just books - they're trusted, safe spaces that peo ple can rely on to study, find work, and now in this case - with expertise help - turn an idea into a successful business.
"We're lucky to have in place such a dedicated team of staff who are always willing to go the extra mile to help - and I'd encourage anyone who can make use of our new BIPC to pay us a visit and take the first step on an exciting new journey."
Councillor Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council's
Cabinet Member for Econ omy, Business and Skills, added: "BIPCs have proven to be a major success else where - including St Helens Library - so I'm delighted we've now got one here in Newton-le-Willows.
"The idea is to provide support to anyone with a business idea, regardless of their background, to help them thrive and make their dream become a reality.
"St Helens Borough is such a great place to invest, and we have ambitious plans to grow our business base
yet further, which will be assisted through initiatives like this."
For more information, call Newton-le-Willows Library on 01744 677885 or email newtonlewilloslibrary@ sthelens.gov.uk
A depraved sexual predator who abused two children has been given a sentence totalling 20 years.
Damon Townsend, 35, raped his first vic tim when she was under the age of 10. That victim said she is now scared to be around boys and men.
Townsend sexually assaulted his second victim when she was also under the age of 10 and told her to keep it a secret and not to tell her parents what he had done.
While those offences were being inves tigated information came to light that Townsend might have pornographic images on his phone.
Townsend’s phone was seized and an ex amination discovered the device contained a number of indecent images of children and other prohibited images.
Townsend was subsequently charged with a number of sexual offences and remanded into custody.
Townsend, now of no fixed address but formerly of Cornflower Close, Chorley, pleaded guilty to possessing indecent imag es of children, however denied any offences relating to the victims of his sexual abuse.
Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, Townsend was found guilty of raping a child under 13 and indecently assaulting a
child under 13.
He was deemed to be a dangerous of fender and given an immediate custodial sentence of 16 years with a further four years extended licence.
Townsend will have to go before the Parole Board who will assess whether he remains a risk to the public. It will only be after that assessment that Townsend could be released.
He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and was made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Pre vention Order.
DC Louise Dutton, of South CID, said: “Townsend is a manipulative individu al with an abhorrent and warped sexual interest in children. Not only did he target his victims because of their vulnerability, he also forced them to re-live their harrowing ordeals by taking the case to trial.
“I am glad this dangerous sexual predator has now been given a substantial custodial sentence. The associated court orders will also mean Townsend will be monitored by the authorities once he is eventually released from the custodial element of his sentence.
“I want to place on record my admiration at the bravery displayed by both victims during the criminal justice process and be
yond. I know these offences have understandably had a significant and ongoing impact on them and I hope they can take some comfort in knowing that their abuser will be behind bars for some time.
“I hope the outcome of this case will encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward, knowing that they will be believed and we will do everything in our power to put the perpetra tors before the courts.”
If you or somebody you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, contact us online via https://doitonline. lancashire.police.uk/ or call 101. In an emergency or if a crime is in progress always call 999.
Four men have been charged by police in connec tion with disorder between Blackpool FC and Blackburn Rovers FC fans.
On August 31, both clubs played a league match in the EFL Championship at Bloomfield Road.
At half time, police re
ceived reports of disorder in an away area between the North Stand and East Stand.
It was alleged supporters, separated by a wooden fence, were throwing missiles.
Following CCTV enquiries, police identified a number of individuals in connection with the offences.
Four Blackpool FC sup
Police are appealing for witnesses and dashboard mounted camera footage after a man died following a collision in Garstang.
Around 4.30pm on July 8 a Nissan Note car, travelling northbound on Castle Lane, left the carriageway and col lided with a hedgerow.
The rear sear passenger, a 44-year-old man from Preston, suffered serious head and neck injuries. He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment but sadly died yesterday (Mon day, September 26).
The driver and front seat passenger suffered whiplash injuries.
Police are appealing for
information and urging any witnesses to come forward.
Sgt Helen Parkinson, of Lan cashire Police’s Tactical Op erations, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.
“While this collision did take place some time ago, we are keen to speak to any witnesses, or anyone with dashboard mounted camera footage, which may show what happened.
“Please come forward if you can help us.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or email 1747@lancashire. police.uk quoting log 0993 of July 8.
A MAN who stabbed another man in the neck and left him needing emergency surgery to save his life has today been jailed for life.
Lee Hart used a kitchen knife to carry out the appar ently motiveless attack in the kitchen of a flat in Burnley last December.
The victim managed to flee the address with a friend who flagged down a passing car and an ambulance was called.
The victim, in his 40s, had suffered a severed artery and a severed vein in his neck resulting in major blood loss. He only survived thanks to the quick actions of medical staff.
Hart fled the scene in Smith Street and went on the run. He was found and arrested in Oxford after a police manhunt.
He was charged with at tempted murder but pleaded guilty to Section 18 wound ing.
Hart, 39, of Smith Street, Burnley was sentenced at Preston Crown Court today (Wednesday, September 14th)
He was jailed for life and will serve a minimum term in prison of eight and a half years before he is considered for parole. He will be on licence for life.
Det Sgt Sarah Hargreaves, of East CID, said: “This was a completely unprovoked and extremely serious assault, and the victim could easily have died without emergen cy surgery.
“Lee Hart is clearly a very dangerous and unpredictable man and I welcome today’s sentence, which reflects the gravity of the offence.”
porters were later arrested and charged by police.
PC Stacey Hardy, of Blackpool Police, said: “We will not allow or tolerate any disorder at football matches in our county.
“Most match-going fans go to games to enjoy the game but, sadly, the behaviour of a few let the majority down.
“I must stress, while a
number of people have been arrested and charged, our en quiries around this investiga tion are very much ongoing. We believe other fans were linked to this disorder and we are working with Black pool FC to identify them.”
A Blackpool FC spokes person added: “Blackpool FC fully supports any action taken by police to prevent
disorder and ensure the safety of fans.
“The club will continue working with police and absolutely will not tolerate any violent behaviour from supporters.”
The following people have been charged with throwing a missile at an area adjacent to pitch and public order of fences. All are due to appear
at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on October 18.
• Donald Pollock, 31, of Mal vern Avenue, Blackpool.
• Jack Oldrid, 33, of Beattock Place, Bispham.
• Edward Burke, 27, of Lune Grove Blackpool.
• Christopher Jones, 21, of Chistlehurst Avenue, Black pool.
Tuesday 2 August began as any normal day for Maureen Davenport 32, manager of Cherry Pie coffee shop at Preston Markets. But by lunchtime Maureen was a hero.
As Maureen was clearing outside tables, she spotted regular customer, Susan Seaton, collapsed outside the main Market Hall.
Maureen quickly raised the alarm and administered CPR until help from an ambulance arrived. She saved Susan’s life.
The pair were reunited last week at Cherry Pie, as the Mayor of Preston, Council lor Neil Darby, presented Maureen with a huge bou quet of flowers to say thank you for her bravery, confi dence and quick thinking in such a challenging situation.
Maureen said: “When I reached her, Susan was breathing erratically. I phoned an ambulance and whilst I was on the phone, she stopped breathing. I
started chest compressions and continued for ten minutes until the ambulance arrived. The paramedics asked me to carry on whilst they set up their equipment. They then used a defibril lator which started Susan’s heart and they took her away to the hospital.
“I’m delighted that Susan is recovering and here today, I was able to act so decisive ly because I am fully trained in CPR. I would encourage everyone who can, to get themselves educated and trained in this life-saving skill as it really is a life or death decision to take action.“
Maureen, who is also a model and international pin up girl, and Susan were all smiles as they were reunit ed, and a bond has grown between them as they held hands and chatted as though they had known each other for years.
Susan, 75, from Longridge, told us what she remem
bers of the day. She said: “I remember deciding to walk back to the bus station and the next thing I knew, I was waking up in hospital.
“I am incredibly grateful to Maureen for what she has done. Also, I cannot thank the ambulance service and the NHS enough for everything they have done for me over the past few weeks. I couldn’t have asked for more, the care I received was excellent.”
Susan is recuperating well and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Neil Darby, said: “Maureen should be incredibly proud of herself for her courage and ability to make the right decision and act swiftly. No one knows how they will react in these situations until they arise and Maureen did an amazing job. She is a credit to Preston and to Preston Markets.”
With the evenings drawing in and the leaves starting to turn, the autumnal feeling
in the air signals that the Royal Welsh Winter Fair is just around the corner.
It won’t be long until the showground in Llanelwedd is once again bustling with
exhibitors, prize-winning livestock and Christmas shoppers. Preparations are well underway for the annual event taking place on Mon day 28th and Tuesday 29th November.
As one of the finest prime stock shows in Europe, the Winter Fair draws crowds from far and wide to enjoy two-days packed full of competitions, festivities, food and drink, and shopping. We were delighted to see its re turn in 2021 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and are looking forward to welcoming you back again this November for what is set to be another fantastic Winter Fair.
Livestock schedules are available on our website and competition entries are now open. Exhibitors can enter competitions online via the RWAS website. Livestock entries close on the 19th of October, so if you haven’t yet entered then visit our website for more information.
This year’s Winter Fair will be officially opened on Monday 28th November at 10am. Following the official opening there will be pres entations of the John Gittins Memorial Award 2022, the RWAS Oxford Farming Con ference Bursary 2023 and the Nuffield Farming Scholarship 2022.
New to this year’s event is the Bacon, Burger and Sausage Competition which
will be judged by Men Behaving Badly and Bob the Builder star Neil Morrisey, along with Steve Morgan of Morgan Family Butchers and multi-award-winning writer and director, Phillip John from Cardiff. There will also be new cattle breed classes including the Aberdeen An gus and Shorthorn competi tions and a Steer and Heifer Section for each breed.
As well as livestock competitions, the Winter Fair hosts a huge variety of different classes and compe titions, including horses, the hound show, dressed poultry, butchery, meat hampers, cookery, produce and hand icraft, horticulture and floral art… there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
Along with all of the above, the Winter Fair offers shoppers the perfect op portunity to pick up some unique and original Christ mas gifts from the hundreds of tradestands across the showground during the two-day event. Visitors will be able to enjoy watching the live music and carol singers performing throughout the showground, and even have a chance to meet Father Christmas!
The renowned Food Hall attracts producers from all over Wales and further afield and is packed full of culinary delights, demon strations, perfect Christmas gifts and tempting tasters.
Come along, eat, drink and be merry!
Honorary Winter Fair Di rector, William Hanks said; ‘We are very much looking forward to welcoming visi tors to the showground for one of the largest events in the agricultural calendar. The Winter Fair celebrates Welsh produce and showcases some of the best prime stock in the UK. It also gets everyone in the festive spirit, with the vast array of tradestands, food and drink and enter tainment on offer.’
The Winter Fair will be opening its doors to the pub lic at 8am each morning and on Monday 28th, tradestands will be open throughout the evening for late night Christ mas shopping and the great firework display. What better way to kick off the Yuletide season than with a visit to the Winter Fair?
Tickets are £20 for adults, and £5 for children with discounted tickets for RWAS members. Member’s tickets must be purchased before the 14th November in order to redeem the discount. As a festive treat, we are offering a reduced £5 entry for adults and free entry for children after 5pm on Monday to be purchased at the gate only. Buy your tickets for the Winter Fair online now on our website. For more infor mation about the event visit www.rwas.wales/winter-fair/.
Well, the guests have been greeted, offered and enjoyed sherry or sparkling wine. The starters have gone ‘swimmingly – no prob lem. The main courses have been devoured with enthusiasm and ‘Compliments to Chef’
voiced by many, whilst imbibing the wines. So, now it comes to desserts and what dessert wine to choose, to accompany the (towards) end of meal experience. Many dessert wines pair wonderfully with numerous puddings.
I selected productions that have an ‘over all’ appeal, to pair with many desserts and puddings.
MORRISONS THE BEST Botrytis Semil lon (9.5% vol) is much loved. This Australi an, botrytised production, I found sweet and luscious. The bouquet is inviting, having overtones of summer fruits, such as apricot, plus some citrus notes and with honey connections, certainly. Many desserts pair very well with this wine, including one of my favourites, Lemon Tart, capturing the essence of a dessert experience, perfectly.
MORRISONS THE BEST Sau ternes (14% vol) is hugely popular, with the bouquet leading, enticing ly, to the mouth’s pleasures, which appreciates influences of lemon and orange. This French production accompanies Apple Tart, another favourite of mine, splendidly. Plus, being great with some savoury dishes, too.
MORRISONS THE BEST Pedro Ximénez (17% vol) is a sweet
sherry, produced in Spain, in partnership with Emilio Lustau. The grapes are dried slowly, in the sun, which results in a most wonderful experience, that is rich and intensely sweet, with the wine having also been aged in selected solera casks, before bottling. Possessing fig, raisin and dried sweet fruit notes, this long –established, sweet, syrup-like sherry, pairs amazingly with a vast amount of desserts, including Sticky Toffee Pud ding – fantastic! Also, some diners like it poured over ice cream (vanilla flavour, a favourite), which makes for a delicious combination. Seconds, anyone?
I located these dessert wines at a Morrisons store, in their ‘The Best’ range. Morrisons have grown, consist ently, since 1899. The very impressive wines/drinks sections have something for all tastes and palates. Their wine experts are passionate about sourcing wines of exceptional quality, includ ing a good number of award winners, globally. Very much worthwhile locating. www.morrisons.co.uk
Christmas is a magical time of year, and here at Windermere Marina Village, we think that there is nowhere better to spend it than the Lake District. While Windermere is beautiful all year round, there is something particularly special about the festive season.
Here are just a few of the reasons why you should stay in our luxury self-catering accommodation in the Lake District December around the festive season.
We’re dreaming of a white Christmas, and when you’re visiting Windermere, you’re likely to see some snow, even if it is from afar!
Windermere is surrounded by hills, crags, howes and fells, many of which will get a generous dusting of snow at this time of year, making for a fantastic view.
Lake Windermere is a great place to go to enjoy the festive views – just make sure to wrap up warm!
What can be better than relaxing on the sofa in a warm and cosy cottage in the winter? All of our apartments look out over the marina, giving you a great wintery view while you’re sat in the warmth of your luxury apartment or cottage.
Kitted out with everything you may need, you’ll feel right at home at Windermere Marina Village over the festive period.
If you’re hoping to enjoy Christmas with the whole family, we have apartments that sleep up to 10 people, so you can surround yourself with the ones you love.
about Windermere is the many fantastic pubs and restaurants in the area.
Of course, you can find delicious local food all year round, but at Christmas time, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of festive treats. Check out our recent blog about eating and drinking in Windermere for some ideas on where to visit, or simply go out and explore the town – you’re never far from a great eatery in Windermere!
If you’re hoping to get away from the hustle and bustle at Christmas time, you’ll be able to find a tranquil and relaxing setting in Windermere. Of course, you can head into the village to experience the excitement of Christmas, but Windermere and the Lake District also offer plenty of opportunities to get some peace and quiet. Whether you take a walk or a trip out onto the lake, you can find that tranquillity you’re looking for at Christmas.
#5 - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!
We’ve already mentioned the delicious delicacies you can enjoy in Windermere, but you’ll also find plenty of places to enjoy a little festive tipple! You can visit the onsite Boathouse Bar & Restaurant or explore the local area to find an
establishment that suits your mood. Christmas is a fabulous time to spend in Windermere, so why not make an early booking? If you would like to speak to a member of our team about our apartments or making a reservation, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 015394 46551 or by emailing info@wmv. co.uk and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Christmas at the Abbey means par ties and festivities right through to the New Year – including fabulous food with all the party trimmings, and entertainment. If you would like to reserve one of our func tion suites for exclusive use, please contact the hotel and we would be happy to do this (subject to availa bility).
With festive cheer and a warm welcome, Abbey House is the ideal place to spend the festive season whether you are planning to dance
the night away at one of our Christ mas parties, enjoying Christmas lunch with the family or bringing in the New Year in style, we have something for everyone.
Abbey House offers the essential Christmas Getaway break where you can escape from it all between Christmas and New year. With breaks including dinner, bed and breakfast, you can relax and unwind and let us pamper you before you return home refreshed and ready to bring in the New Year.
The magic of Christmas is heading to Chester as the city gears itself up for another spectacular Christmas lights switch-on and festive parade in just a few weeks time.
The date for this year’s events will be Thursday No vember 17 at 7pm, coinciding with the start of late night Christmas shopping in the city centre.
Organised by Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with CH1Ches terBID, last year’s acclaimed ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ themed parade makes a welcome return. Featuring a range of community groups and local artists, the parade starts from Princess Street before heading past the Town Hall towards St Werburgh Street, Chester Cathedral and down to Eastgate Street,
Bridge Street and around the city centre.
Chester Brass Band will lead the parade, performing a selection of festive favourites and Chester’s Christmas elves ChELFie and ELFie will be on-hand to help children spot Santa’s sleigh hiding on city rooftops throughout the event. The elves will also be handing out free holographic glass es that transform Chester’s Christmas lights into images of stars, elves, Santa and a Christmas surprise.
As part of the festive cel ebrations, a giant sparkling Christmas star known as the “CheSTAR” will be lit up for the very first time during the parade. The 25ft star will stand proudly in the grounds of Chester Cathedral on St Wer burgh Street and will feature almost 19,000 twinkling lights.
Cllr Louise Gittins, cabinet member for communities and wellbeing at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Chester city centre is a delightful setting to celebrate Christmas and we’re really looking forward to this year’s Christmas lights switch-on event. It’s always great to see residents and visitors come to gether to kick start the festive season and this year prom ises to be another wonderful Christmas in Chester.”
Julie Charlton, Marketing Manager at CH1ChesterBID, added: “We want to make Christmas a truly memorable experience for local residents and city visitors and we’ve worked hard to make sure there really is something for everyone at this year’s Christ mas light switch on event.
“The ‘Twelve Days of Christ
mas’ parade will be a fantastic spectacle and we really hope that people of all ages come along to celebrate the start
of the festive season in the city centre. With late night shopping also starting on the same night, it’s the perfect
opportunity for people to start their Christmas shopping, have some fun and really get into the Christmas spirit.”
Show how much you care this Christmas with an offbeat gift that shows you know them better than anyone else
Stuck for ideas when it comes to Christmas gifts this year? After all, you can only buy socks, chocolate or aftershave so many times before they become a bit samey. Even a small twist on a generic gift can show a loved one you care, and that you’ve put thought into choosing something that screams unique.
However, there are so many present options out there it can be difficult to know where to begin – from wacky food and drink gifts to novelty clothing (that you know they'll never wear). But do not fear – we have written this guide to cut through the noise. Whether you're looking for a present for a partner, friend or family member, our philosophy is the quirkier the better. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best unique gifts to
buy your loved ones for Christmas 2022. Best unusual Christmas gifts
connectivity is the best of both worlds. The OneStep+ allows you to connect to the Polaroid app and access extra effects and features so, no, it’s not quite as analogue as the original – but it looks just as cool.
could get messy.
For a gift that will outlast Christmas, consider buying a friend or family member a new hobby. For the creative minds in your life, this kit includes everything they need to get started with pottery – they'll be making plant pots, candle holders, coasters or mini-sculptures before you know it.
co-operatives and provide training for farmers living in poverty. A thoughtful gift that gives back.
Personalised Marmite
This game isn’t for the faint of heart. Though it’s described as a ‘card game’, that’s under-selling it. It’s a bonkers card game crossed with dodgeball in the form of squishy toy burritos. It’s stacks of fun, but beware: it
This stylish at-home set from London and Brighton’s leading karaoke bar would make the perfect gift for someone who likes to belt ballads like Beyoncé. That’s the Boxing Day entertainment sorted.
Part of a series of charity gift cards, this poverty-busting pig makes a donation to Oxfam in your loved one’s name, which enables the charity to set up farming
Personalised gifts always go down a treat with trickyto-buy-for friends and family. You really can find something for everyone, whether it’s personalised PG Tips tea or a monogrammed whiskey glass, but what’s not to love (or loathe, depending on which camp you’re in) about personalised marmite?
The School of Life Conversation Menus
The School of Life (cofounded by philosopher Alain de Botton) creates a range of thoughtful gifts, from charming children’s books to an ‘emotional first aid kit’.
We love this pack of Conversation Menus, which consists of curious, thoughtprovoking questions that promise to connect you to others and make every dinner party a delight.
If you count a ‘turophile’ (that’s a cheese enthusiast to you and I) among your nearest and dearest, this is a gift worth knowing about. The Big Cheese kit contains everything you need to create 10 different cheeses across 40 batches, including mozzarella, ricotta, mascarpone, halloumi, feta and paneer.
There are over 600 castles in Wales and it is said to have more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Here are the top 5 castles to visit in North Wales:
Built in the 1280 by Edward I, Caernarfon is the largest castle in the area and does not disappoint. Having included all the mod cons for its day like toilets, running water and glass in the windows, this vast building is spectatuclar. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less. Most castles are happy with round towers, not Caernarfon! Polygonal towers were the order of the day, with the Eagle Tower being the most impressive of these. You will also note the colour-coded stones carefully arranged in bands. The site of this great castle wasn’t
chosen by accident. It had previously been the location of a Norman motte and bailey castle and before that a Roman fort stood nearby. The lure of water and easy access to the sea made the banks of the River Seiont an ideal spot for Edward’s monster in masonry. Edward wasn’t one to miss an opportunity to tighten his grip even further on the native population. The birth of his son, the first English Prince of Wales, in the castle in 1284, was a perfect device to stamp his supremacy. In 1969, the investiture of the current Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Charles took place here.
Whilst you’re visiting this formidable fortress, don’t miss the opportunity to see the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which is housed in two of the castle’s towers.
Conwy Castle entrance is truly impressive with two fortified gateways and made up of eight enormous towers. The great hall, private chambers and kitchen can still be seen on visiting which gives you a real sense of what it would have been like back in the day.
Built for Edward I, by Master James of St George, the castle is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. In a word, exceptional. You can’t fault it, from the grandeur of its high towers and curtain walls to its excellent state of preservation. An estimated £15,000 was spent building the castle, the largest sum Edward spent in such a short time on any of his Welsh castles between 1277 and 1307. Money well spent. Two barbicans (fortified gateways), eight massive towers and a great bow-shaped hall all sit within its distinctive elongated shape, due in part to the narrow rocky outcrop on which the castle stands. You won’t find Edward’s concentric ‘walls within walls’ here. They weren’t needed. The rock base was enough security in itself. Some say it is the most magnificent of Edward I’s Welsh fortresses. To get the full picture, head for the battlements. Breathtaking views across mountains and sea. If the outside impresses (and it will), wait until you go in. With an outer ward containing a great hall, chambers and kitchen, and a more secluded inner ward
with private chambers and a royal chapel, it is very easy to imagine how Conwy functioned when the royal entourage were in town.
Harlech castle is built on what is said to be the oldest rock in the world. It was impenatrable in its day due to its location. Originally it would have been white as it was painted in limestone. The new visitors centre is a wealth of further infomation.‘Men of Harlech.’ The nation’s unofficial anthem, loved by rugby fans and regimental bands alike, is said to describe the siege which took place here during the War of the Roses, wherein a handful of men held out against a besieging army of thousands. Edward’s tried and tested ‘walls within walls’ model was put together in super-fast time between 1283 and 1295 by an army of nearly a thousand skilled craftsmen and labourers.Edward liked to use only the best masons from Savoy and England’s finest carpenters and blacksmiths. At the time this was one of the cheapest of Edward’s castles. A snip at a mere £8,190.
The structure, overseen by Master of the
boat up to the moat. Seven hundred years later, the sea has receded and you could say the castle appears almost stranded, waiting for the tide to turn once more. The newly installed ‘floating’ bridge at Harlech Castle makes access to the castle truly available for all. The bridge connects the castle with the brand new visitor centre in the former Castle Hotel building.
Edward or ‘Longshanks’, on account of his extraordinary height, was forced to focus his attention elsewhere and the rest is, quite literally, history…
Technically perfect and constructed according to an ingenious ‘walls within walls’ plan, Beaumaris Castle was the 13thcentury hi-tech equivalent of a spaceship landing unceremoniously on Anglesey today.
King’s Works, James of St George, boasts two rings of walls and towers, with an immensely strong east gatehouse.
It was impregnable from almost every angle. Its secret weapon was a 200-foot (61m) long stairway which still leads from the castle to the cliff base. Access via the stairway to the sea and crucial supplies kept the castle’s besieged inhabitants fed and watered. When it was first built, a channel would have connected the castle and the sea. You could have sailed a
This was the last of Edward I’s castles and he unfortunatly never saw it complete. It is said to be one of the most beautiful of his castles. In terms of design and finish, the castle was super high-tech for its time with the ‘walls within walls’ features. Dare we say it, an absolute cracker of a castle with classic proportions and perfect symmetry. The last hurrah of Edward I’s massive building programme in north Wales… just a shame he never got round to finishing it!
With finances stretched to the limit and the Scots now increasingly effective in their resistance to the English monarch, his vicelike grip on Wales was beginning to slip.
You can usually complain if a neighbour’s extension plans are a bit on the large side.
Seven centuries ago the problem was resolved rather differently. The population of Llanfaes was forcibly moved 12 miles (19km) away to Newborough to make way for Edward’s new castle.
This castle was built by Llywelyn the Great. The twin tower gate house would have been inimidating for visitors and due to its position, the castle was always in high demand and changed hands on a number of occassions. Steeped in lots of history, its a very interesting site to visit. What a picture, what a view! Perched on
a headland with the sea as its constant bedfellow. Its twin-towered gatehouse intimidates prospective attackers. So badly did the native Welsh princes and English monarchs want it, that it changed hands more often than a relay baton. Built originally by Llywelyn the Great, this very Welsh of princes included a very English style of gatehouse. Edward I’s forces took the castle some 50 years later, undertook their own improvements and remodelled a tower for stone-throwing engines. Not as much fun for those at the bottom as it sounds for those at the top!
Owain Glyn Dŵr sealed Criccieth’s fate when his troops captured and burnt the castle in the early years of the 15th century. This was to be the last major Welsh rebellion against the English. Criccieth Castle may also have given the name to the town rather than the other way round. Its suggested origins are ‘crug caeth’ – ‘crug’ (hill in Welsh), ‘caith’ (captives) – the name given to the jail on the hill, a function once held by the castle. Buy an ice-cream, there’s a lot of history to digest.
It’s easy to see why the World of James Herriot visitor attraction attracts visi tors from all over the world. There’s so much to see and do here… It’s not just for fans of the books!
The 1940s home and surgery
Stepping through the famous red door of 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk is to step inside the World of James Herriot, the fully-restored site of his original 1940s home and veterinary practice (known in his books as Skeldale House, Darrowby) set in the heart of stun ning Herriot Country.
The dining room and practice office
Explore this magical time-capsule, where the world’s most famous vet and one of the most popular writers of the twentieth century lived, worked and wrote his muchloved stories based on his experiences as a young veterinary surgeon working among the farming community of North Yorkshire. The home retains many of the original furnishings in the family rooms, frozen in time. The dining room doubled as the practice office, where farmers’ bills were typed up at the desk; the sitting room dis plays original books and family photos; the basement converted to an air raid shelter during the Second World War; the breakfast room favoured for its relative warmth and the reproduction of a typical farmhouse
kitchen.
There’s no telling children ‘don’t touch’ in this gallery! Designed to engage children, young and old, the pieces use fun and inter action to educate visitors about farm ani mals and how they interact with our lives.
Full of fascinating facts, the gallery gives visitors the opportunity to test their skills, knowledge and reflexes whilst learning how vets work with farmers to keep animals fit and well. Not just for children!
There is one installation that TV viewers particularly will recognise and that’s the ‘not to be missed’ opportunity to place your hand up a cow’s bottom! An essential skill that every vet has to learn, All Creatures
Great and Small actor Christopher Timothy famously did his part on several occasions, much to the amusement of the cast, crew and viewing public!
The World of James Herriot houses the largest collection of Herriot memorabilia in the world – from books, posters and letters to ornaments and collectables.
The Memorabilia Room is dedicated to displaying items that were instrumental in James Herriot’s writing career.
Take a close-up look behind the scenes of a reproduced set from the BBC series All Creatures Great and Small and experience the fascinating world of the TV studio and what was involved in the making of the TV program.
You can be the star of the show! Get in front of the camera and imagine yourself as Christopher Timothy playing James Herri ot, Robert Hardy as the eccentric Siegfried Farnon, Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon, or Carol Drinkwater and Lynda Bellingham who both played James’ wife Helen Herriot.
The series was a hugely popular show and had two runs from 1978 to 1980 (based directly on Alf’s books) and 1988 to 1990 (filmed with original scripts). The equip ment on display shows just how far technol ogy has moved on in TV and film, the huge cameras, endless cables, the intense heat from the lighting rigs all making life pretty uncomfortable for the actors involved.
Much of Alf Wight’s work took place in farms all over North Yorkshire. To the rear
of the house you will find the Foldyard and The Farrier exhibits, both with which Alf would have been very well-acquainted.
The Foldyard (described as an enclosure for sheep or cattle) houses a collection of primitive-looking hand tools in everyday use in farms before machinery appeared. In the hands of skilled workers, however, these tools were most effective. The Foldyard provides an authentic setting for visitors to watch an exclusive short film of Alf Wight, his family and friends and the cast of All Creatures Great and Small.
In the Farrier’s Workshop. the role of the farrier, which combines skills of both blacksmith and vet, is brought to life in this interesting exhibit. Before tractors and combine harvesters, farming relied on man ual labour and what limited mechanisation existed was driven by horses. Farriers were an integral support to this system until the inevitable march of progress.
World of James Herriot Ltd, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire,YO7 1PL
Tel: 01845 524234
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. It’s been designed to increase capacity by compacting its contents which can achieve up to an additional 40% per trailer.
The Roadeo Compact and Push Trailer is unique in its design because it doesn’t tip to empty it’s produce, instead it compacts and pushes its contents out. This
increases capacity through 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 stability with the very best of on-and-off road handling characteristics as demanded by today’s high-speed tractors. It is fitted with high specification axles and brakes to ensure that the trailer can stop safely in all conditions. ‘’Our Roadeo Compact and 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
Modern motorists need new and better road safety solu tions. 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 repre sents 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 ve hicles, 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 mi cro-prismatic method to
achieve high reflective perfor mance in all light conditions, tested at multiple angles. The lime-yellow and red chevron design is immediately recog nisable as a warning.
Importantly, the product’s design means that motorists can have full confidence in its effectiveness at any time be cause it doesn’t use electron ics that can degrade, and an energy source isn’t needed.
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 wellheeled 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 checkin 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.’
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 dresses and the menswear
Have all your beauty
treatments
Drink plenty of water and have some early nights Relax and enjoy this time –all your hard work is about to come to completion!
A potentially life-saving health check aimed at former smokers is coming to Burn ley after a successful rollout in other parts of Lancashire and South Cumbria.
From October 2022, current or former smokers aged between 55 and 74 will be invited to attend this free check, described as a free ‘MOT for your lungs’.
Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHC) are helping the NHS to spot lung cancer and other issues early when they are easier to treat.
The Lancashire and South Cumbria TLHC programme was launched in April 2021 in Blackburn with Darwen, before expanding to Black
pool and East Lancashire. More than 17,500 people have already benefited from this service, with some re ceiving life-saving treatment for conditions which may have otherwise gone undiag nosed.
The checks take place in two stages, with a 10-minute consultation with a trained healthcare professional fol lowed by a low dose CT scan for those identified of being at risk of lung cancer.
Dr Neil Smith, GP clinical lead for cancer in Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “I am pleased we will soon be inviting eligible people to take part in the Targeted Lung Health Checks pro
gramme in Burnley. Thou sands of people in other parts of Lancashire have been given valuable peace of mind by taking part in the pro gramme and where we have found potential health issues it is helping us to treat them sooner.
“Early diagnosis saves lives, so if you are contacted by a member of the team of fering you a lung health check, please take it.
“It is so important we do everything we can to look after our lungs and these sim ple check-ups are a brilliant way to make sure everything is ok. And if there is anything wrong, we are catching it at the earliest opportunity.”
While most people who take part receive a clean bill of health, a small minority require further treatment.
Cathie Bowker, aged 70, from Darwen, is currently on the mend following treat ment for lung cancer after being invited to a check. Cathie said: “I almost didn’t accept the invite at first because I stopped smoking over 20 years ago but I’m so glad I did. Based on my answers to their questions, I was recommended for a scan which found I had lung can cer. It came as a real shock as I had no symptoms. “Thankfully it was caught early, and I am now on the mend. I would recommend
anyone who is offered a lung health check to take it. It really can save lives.”
Lung cancer rarely presents any symptoms in its early stages, making it much more difficult to detect and treat effectively, and the pro gramme is designed to check those most at risk earlier.
The Targeted Lung Health Check programme is cur rently available in 43 areas of the UK and estimates that it will diagnose around 9,000
early-stage cancers, offering the opportunity for earlier interventions, including curative surgery, which will save lives. Stop smoking advice will also be offered to support current smokers. The programme is due to be rolled across East Lancashire over the next 2 years. More information on the Targeted Lung Health Check pro gramme is available at: www.lungcheckslsc.co.uk
If you are looking to add value to your house, why not try out some home improvement upgrades?
Here are two 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.
Burnley Football Club cel ebrate Black History Month this October...
Throughout the course of the month, we will be recog nising former Black Burnley players and their legacy and achievements at the Club.
We will also be talking to current players to find out about their sporting heroes and footballers that inspired them to play the beautiful game.
‘Eli-Eli-Eli’ often rever berated around the terraces of Turf Moor during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s to personify a player who deservingly merited the ac colade of a ‘Clarets Legend’.
The Bradford-born mid fielder/forward started his footballing career at Elland Road in 1983. He later had spells with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Cambridge United, Crewe Alexandra, York City and Bury before joining the Clarets in the summer of 1989.
Frank Casper captured the signature of the nomadic Yorkshire man and gave
him his first senior start at home to Rochdale in the old Fourth Division.
Eli was a very versatile player who adapted well during his first season at Turf Moor, playing in var ious positions throughout the season.
His first goal for the Clar ets came in a replayed FA Cup tie against Scunthorpe United as the Clarets were held by the ‘Iron’ at Turf Moor.
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Six days later he netted a brace of goals in the second round replay, as the Clarets swept aside the Lincolnshire based club, 5-0.
The following year, Eli made several substitute appearances during the first half of the season prior to being drafted into the team after injuries to John Francis and Ron Futcher.
Casper’s decision to play Eli as a centre-forward soon reaped benefits, with the versatile Yorkshire man net ting in wins against Stock port County and Walsall.
A rich vine of form to wards the latter part of the 1990/91 season witnessed Eli netting six goals in four league games, propelling the Clarets into the play-off zone.
Ater the disappointment of losing to Torquay United in the play-off semi-finals, Eli was soon back at his best. In September 1991 he netted his first and only sen ior hat-trick for the Clarets in a 3-0 win against Ches terfield at Turf Moor.
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Eli’s rich vein of form continued and it was during a FA Cup tie against Second Division Derby County that many will still remember him. A flatfooted Peter Shil
ton could only watch as Eli’s powerful header beat the former England internation al goalkeeper to gain a reply at the Baseball Ground.
The Clarets succumbed to the Rams in the replay, how ever, with the effervescent Eli leading the way, Burnley continued on their crusade in clinching the Fourth Division title.
Unfortunately he missed the last five games of the 1991/92 Championship win ning season after a career changing injury, sadly he retired at the age of 27.
Only recently, he attend ed a charity function in support of former Burnley player Lenny Johnrose and amazing thirty years later, ‘Eli-Eli-Eli’ reverberated around a packed 110 Club on Yorkshire Street.
Eli was also involved in the release of the 2022/23 Burnley FC home kit. He
Ian Evatt has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One September manager of the month award after overseeing a 100 per cent record last month.
Wanderers collected a maximum nine points from their three League One games to earn Evatt a place on the September shortlist alongside Plymouth Argyle boss Steven Schumacher, Barnsley’s Michael Duff and Steve Cotterill of Shrews bury Town.
Evatt’s men recorded home wins over Charlton Athletic and Peterborough
United either side of an away victory at MK Dons –conceding just one goal in the process – to lift them selves into the top six.
The winner of the Sep tember award will be announced on Friday
morning, with the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel comprising former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson, Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.
Preston North End Academy player Charlie Whalley and his mum Michelle have launched a new book, ‘Charlie’s Story’, to share his ex perience of living with a burn injury, which he sustained at home in his kitchen at just 15 months old.
The book, launching ahead of National Burn Awareness Day next Wednesday 12th October, has been written, designed and produced by Michelle and Charlie to raise awareness of the everyday dangers at home that can lead to a child being burned or scalded, resulting in lifelong issues, and to inspire other burn survivors and their families.
A love of football has played a pivotal role in Charlie’s recovery, with the 14-year-old now represent ing Preston North End’s Academy at U14 level, train ing and playing every week.
Preston North End Com munity and Education Trust [PNECET] is supporting the launch of ‘Charlie’s Story’ with a programme of activ ities leading up to the home fixture against Stoke City on Saturday 15th October, which will be dedicated to Charlie’s Story and fundrais ing for the Children’s Burns Trust.
The first team squad will be involved in social media based educational content which will be shared ahead of the game, focused around key messaging of how burn and scald injuries can be avoided in the kitchen through preventative meas ures.
Further educational events will be taking place across the Trust’s provision during the week leading up to the
PNECET Chief Executive Tom Drake said: "We are pleased to see the publica tion of 'Charlie's Story' come to fruition with the launch of his and his mum Mi chelle's book.
"Charlie's story raises awareness about the per tinent issue of children's burns injuries, both with how to deal with them from an individual's and family's perspective, and preventa tive measures.
“It is also inspiring to see the individual experiences of Charlie shared within the book and how he has de veloped as a talented young footballer in the Preston North End Academy.
"At PNECET, we want to help as many people as pos sible to achieve their goals, regardless of their individ ual circumstances or any
health-related inequalities they may face. We're confi dent that sharing Charlie's Story across our community provision will be a fantastic educational resource that will inspire many to pursue their individual goals."
Preston North End Acade my Manager Nick Harrison added: “Everyone at the Preston North End Acad emy is incredibly proud of Charlie for the bravery and courage he has shown to share his story, which we are confident will carry a vital and inspiring message for other children and their families who have experi enced a burns injury.
Charlie was 15 months old when a pan of boiling water spilt in his kitchen. He sustained burns to ten per cent of his body. Burns to his right shoulder, right upper arm and right side of the body were full thickness
in depth, requiring skin graft surgery. He sustained further burns down his right arm, right hand and neck, which healed spontaneously.
Charlie then spent three weeks on the burns unit at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital after the accident, attending the burns outpatient depart ment, a 200-mile round trip to Manchester for the family each time. His treatment continued for many years, with the launch of ‘Charlie’s Story’ now documenting his journey and childhood.
Charlie’s mum Michelle said: “Charlie loves life and is living it to the full. He is scarred for life, but he is not ashamed of his scar and is happy and confident to tell his story.
“I hope that by sharing our story we can maybe prevent an accident happening in another home. We are forev
er grateful to the incredible skill and kindness shown to us by the NHS staff at both Furness General Hospital and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Exclusive data from the International Burn Injury Database (iBID), shows that in 2021 more than 3500 babies and children experi enced severe burn or scald injuries at home in their own kitchen and were ad mitted to a Specialist Burns Unit. This figure doesn’t include the thousands seen in A&E departments.
The Children’s Burns Trust and British Burn Associ ation, have released this exclusive insight leading up to National Burns Aware ness Day 2022 (Wednesday 12th October) to raise awareness of the devastating number of children that are, on a daily basis, affected by life-altering burn and
scald injuries, as a result of accidents that take place in the kitchen.
Ken Dunn, Consultant Burn and Plastic Surgeon (retired) and Trustee of The Children’s Burns Trust:
"The number of babies and children sustaining burns and scalds each and every day is alarming. The ma jority of accidents happen in the home, and this year’s National Burn Awareness Day is drawing attention to the fact that the kitchen presents a number of very real dangers.
“By raising awareness of the different risks to chil dren that can happen in the kitchen, particularly in the process of food preparation where we see the vast ma jority of accidents happen ing, we can help to reduce the number of devastating injuries that take place each year."